Driving in the nation’s capital comes with unique responsibilities. To register a vehicle or drive legally in Washington, D.C., residents must comply with strict insurance rules. This guide explains the car insurance requirements in Washington D.C. for 2025, including minimum coverage, optional protections, penalties, and recent updates.
Minimum Coverage in Washington D.C.
All drivers in Washington, D.C. must carry liability insurance to register a vehicle and operate it legally. The minimum required limits are:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $10,000 per accident
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage
These limits are referred to as 25/50/10 plus uninsured motorist coverage. Coverage must be maintained at all times to avoid penalties.
Optional Coverage to Consider in Washington D.C.
While liability and uninsured motorist coverage are mandatory, many drivers add these protections:
- Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your own vehicle from a crash, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision events like theft, fire, vandalism, or weather damage.
- Medical Payments (MedPay): Helps cover medical expenses for you and passengers, regardless of fault.
- Rental Reimbursement: Pays for a rental car while yours is being repaired after an accident.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Washington D.C.
Driving uninsured in D.C. carries steep consequences, including:
- Fines starting at $150 and increasing for each lapse
- Suspension of vehicle registration
- License suspension until proof of insurance is filed
- SR-22 (proof of future financial responsibility) filing requirement in some cases
Continuous coverage is required to avoid penalties and maintain driving privileges.
Proof of Insurance Rules in Washington D.C.
D.C. requires proof of insurance both at the time of vehicle registration and whenever requested by law enforcement. Acceptable proof includes:
- Insurance ID card issued by your provider
- Electronic proof of insurance on a mobile device
- Certificate of self-insurance (for qualified businesses or individuals)
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington D.C. Car Insurance
What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Washington D.C.?
D.C. requires 25/50/10 liability coverage plus uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50 for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage.
Is uninsured motorist coverage mandatory in Washington D.C.?
Yes. Unlike many states, Washington D.C. requires uninsured motorist coverage by law.
Do I need proof of insurance to register a vehicle in Washington D.C.?
Yes. Proof of insurance is required at registration and must be maintained at all times.
What are the penalties for driving uninsured in D.C.?
Penalties include fines starting at $150, registration suspension, and possible SR-22 filing requirements.
Can I use electronic proof of insurance in D.C.?
Yes. D.C. accepts electronic insurance cards presented on a smartphone or other device.