What is the minimum car insurance requirement in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia requires liability limits of at least 25/50/10. $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage.

Is District of Columbia an at-fault or no-fault state?

District of Columbia is an at-fault state for car insurance claims.

Field report · DC

Car insurance in District of Columbia

District of Columbia is an at-fault state with a minimum liability requirement of 25/50/10. Here's what that means, what it costs, and what to check before you buy.

Minimum coverage25/50/101

Fault systemAt-fault1

Uninsured motoristRequired1

RegulatorDC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV)

What the minimums actually mean

$25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage.

UM/UIM is required, but at 25/50/5 - note the property-damage figure ($5,000) is lower than the liability minimum's property-damage figure ($10,000). Higher optional limits up to 100/300/25 are available.

Estimated cost

$888 a year for minimum coverage, $2,873 for full coverage2

Average annual premiums in District of Columbia for a 40-year-old with a clean record and good credit, driving a 2023 Toyota Camry. Full coverage here means 100/300/50 liability plus collision and comprehensive.

Why this is an average, not a quote

Rates depend heavily on your driving record, exact ZIP code, vehicle, and the insurer's own pricing model — two neighbors can legally pay very different amounts for the same coverage. Use our cost calculator for a figure based on your own details, or get matched with carriers directly.

SR-22 & high-risk filings

Typically required after a DUI/DWI conviction, driving without insurance, or to reinstate a suspended/revoked license.

Local conditions worth knowing

DC's dense urban core brings heavy congestion and high pedestrian/cyclist exposure, along with elevated vehicle theft/vandalism rates, all pushing up claims costs.

Frequently asked

What is the minimum car insurance requirement in District of Columbia?: District of Columbia requires liability limits of at least 25/50/10. $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage.
Is District of Columbia an at-fault or no-fault state?: District of Columbia is an at-fault state for car insurance claims.
Do I need an SR-22 in District of Columbia?: Typically required after a DUI/DWI conviction, driving without insurance, or to reinstate a suspended/revoked license.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in District of Columbia?: UM/UIM is required, but at 25/50/5 - note the property-damage figure ($5,000) is lower than the liability minimum's property-damage figure ($10,000). Higher optional limits up to 100/300/25 are available.

Sources

MoneyGeek, Minimum car insurance requirements by state, October 1, 2026.
Bankrate, using Quadrant Information Services rates (November 2025), Average cost of car insurance, updated June 5, 2026.

Figures checked against these sources on October 2, 2026.

See what fits your situation in District of Columbia

Two minutes, no phone number required until the last step.

Start the match →