Auto Insurance in District of Columbia (DC)

If You Are Paying More Than $1,701.26 on Auto Insurance in District of Columbia, You Are Paying Too Much.

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Auto Insurance Industry in District of Columbia

• An average consumer pays $2,329.00 on auto insurance
• 836 of every 100,000 vehicles are reported stolen every year
• Accident fatality rate of 0.8%
• Of all accidents: 42% are road-way accidents, 51% are intersection accidents, and 0% of all accidents involve at least 1 truck.

While the District of Columbia (D.C.) has the honor of being the capital of the United States, it also holds a recent dishonor of having the worst traffic in the Southeast region. Nevertheless, drivers can be prepared by demonstrating financial responsibility to cover expenses resulting from an accident.

District of Columbia’s Minimum Requirements on Auto Insurance

Just like it counterparts, the District of Columbia requires residents who drive to establish financial responsibility. The only acceptable proof of financial responsibility is having a valid auto liability insurance policy. Anyone who needs to register a vehicle in D.C. must have an insurance policy that covers damages resulting from an accident.

The insurance policy in D.C. requires coverage for damages that the insured may cause and damages in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist.

The insured’s liability coverage consists of:

• $25,000 for physical injury per person
• $50,000 for physical injury per accident
• $10,000 for property damage per accident

Even though the law requires D.C. drivers to carry auto liability insurance, some people choose to take chances. A contingency to help minimize costs, the city also requires insured drivers to purchase uninsured motorist insurance. Policy amounts for uninsured motorist coverage consists of:

• $25,000 for physical injury per person
• $50,000 for physical injury per accident
• $5,000 for property damage per accident; may include a $200 deductible

Drivers must show proof of insurance to a police officer during a traffic stop or accident. This law is enforced for every driver, even if the vehicle is registered elsewhere. Most insurance companies provide a card that lists your name, policy number, coverage dates and the name of the insurance company. Keep this card in your vehicle at all times.

Every D.C. driver could face penalties for failing to maintain financial responsibility. If you are unable to provide proof of insurance to a police officer, you will receive a $30 fine. Discontinuation or loss of auto liability insurance can result in a $150 fine. You have 30 days after the initial fine to show proof of insurance. Otherwise, charges will continue at $7 per day until you obtain coverage.

Consumer Car Licensing Information in the District of Columbia

Whether you are a new resident of the District of Columbia (D.C.), a first-time adult driver or a teenager, you will need to obtain a learner’s permit before receiving a regular Class D driver’s license. Foreign nationals with an out-of-country license must surrender it to the DMV before receiving a D.C. license.

There are also special licenses for taxi drivers and chauffeurs.

Since all drivers in D.C. must receive a learner’s permit, Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) test days are scheduled based on age groups. Additionally, the age group determines how long drivers must keep the permit before a permanent license is issued. To receive the permit, you will need to:

• Submit a driver’s license application
• Present proof of identity, residency and that you know how to drive
• Present your social security number
• Pass a vision exam and knowledge test
• Pay $20 learner permit fee and $10 for knowledge test

The knowledge test is available at each DMV office in touch screen and audio formats for applicants with special needs. The learner’s permit is valid for one year. Drivers under 21 will have to wait at least six months before taking the road test. Drivers over 21 can schedule an appointment to take the road test immediately after receiving a permit.

First-time drivers and new D.C. residents with an expired out-of-state license over 180 days must take the road test to receive a D.C. license. New D.C. residents with a current license from a different state are not required to take the road test.

Walk-ins are not allowed to take the road test. You will need to schedule an appointment. There is a $10 charge if you do not cancel the appointment within two business days. The fee for a Class D driver’s license is $44 and must be paid before the DMV issues the license.

Motorcycle Licensing Information in the District of Columbia

Licensing requirements to operate a motorcycle in D.C. involves receiving an endorsement on your Class D driver’s license. Residents must be 18 or older and pass an on-road test. You will not have to take the on-road test if you can prove that you passed a demonstration test in Virginia or Maryland.

Otherwise, you can visit a local DMV office to receive the motorcycle endorsement. Once there, you will need to complete the motorcycle endorsement application, show proof that you passed a motorcycle demonstration test and pay the $44 fee.

District of Columbia law requires every motorcycle driver to wear a helmet.

Commercial Vehicle Licensing Information in the District of Columbia

You can receive commercial driver’s license (CDL) from the DMV after passing tests and providing a medical certificate. Generally, D.C. CDL requirements are parallel to federal laws, which ensure that trucker drivers nationwide follows uniform security, safety and professional procedures.

Typically, you need a CDL learner’s permit before receiving the actual license. To receive the learner’s permit, you will need to:

• Visit the Southwest or Brentwood DMV office to take the knowledge tests based on the type of CDL endorsement you are seeking.
• Receive a physical examination from your doctor. He or she must complete the DOT medical form and certify your health status.
• Complete the driver’s license application available at the DMV office
• Pay the $39 learner’s permit fee

After receiving the permit, you must enroll in a commercial driving program. The next step is to schedule an appointment to take the road skills test. The application fee for a CDL is $117.

More Resources on Auto Insurance in District of Columbia

Department of Insurance

• http://disb.dc.gov/disr
• 810 First Street NE Suite 701 Washington, DC 20002
• Phone: (202) 727-8000
• Fax: (202) 535-1196