What are D.C.'s minimum auto insurance limits?

Minimum liability is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 per accident for property damage (25/50/10). UM bodily injury minimums are 25/50; UM property damage is $5,000 with a $200 deductible.

Is personal injury protection (PIP) required in D.C.?

No. Insurers must offer PIP, but you may decline it. If you carry PIP and are injured, you must elect within 60 days whether to receive PIP benefits or pursue a fault-based claim.

Does D.C. require uninsured motorist coverage?

Yes. Uninsured motorist bodily injury (25/50) and property damage ($5,000 with a $200 deductible) are required under the Compulsory/No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act.

What happens if my D.C. auto insurance lapses?

Registration or reciprocity sticker may be suspended and fines may increase over time. You must return tags to DC DMV if coverage terminates while the vehicle remains registered.

Washington, D.C. Auto Insurance

D.C. requires 25/50/10 liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Summary of mandatory limits and where to learn more.

Overview

Washington, D.C. requires liability and uninsured motorist insurance on every registered vehicle under the Compulsory/No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act. DC DMV verifies continuous coverage.

This page is a brief state overview — not a full requirements guide. See our D.C. auto insurance requirements article for limits, PIP elections, penalties, and proof-of-insurance details.

Coverage Options to Consider

Required: Bodily injury and property damage liability (25/50/10), plus uninsured motorist bodily injury (25/50) and uninsured motorist property damage ($5,000 with a $200 deductible).

PIP: Optional — insurers must offer personal injury protection, but you may decline. If you carry PIP and are injured, D.C. law requires a 60-day election between PIP benefits and a fault-based lawsuit.

Common optional coverages: Collision, comprehensive, and higher liability limits. D.C. is often described as a choice no-fault jurisdiction.

State Requirements & Regulations

Minimum liability is 25/50/10. The $10,000 property damage limit is lower than neighboring states.

You must maintain coverage as long as your vehicle is registered. If insurance terminates, return tags to DC DMV — lapses may trigger fines and registration suspension.

Neighboring Maryland (30/60/15) and Virginia (50/100/25) set different minimums — your policy must meet D.C. rules where the vehicle is registered.

Factors That May Affect Your Premium

Insurers may consider driving record, age, vehicle type, garaging location, mileage, coverage limits, deductibles, PIP election, and credit-based insurance scores where permitted.

Urban traffic density and parking-related claims may affect premiums in the District.

See why car insurance rates may increase for common premium trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are D.C.'s minimum auto insurance limits?: Minimum liability is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 per accident for property damage (25/50/10). UM bodily injury minimums are 25/50; UM property damage is $5,000 with a $200 deductible.
Is personal injury protection (PIP) required in D.C.?: No. Insurers must offer PIP, but you may decline it. If you carry PIP and are injured, you must elect within 60 days whether to receive PIP benefits or pursue a fault-based claim.
Does D.C. require uninsured motorist coverage?: Yes. Uninsured motorist bodily injury (25/50) and property damage ($5,000 with a $200 deductible) are required under the Compulsory/No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act.
What happens if my D.C. auto insurance lapses?: Registration or reciprocity sticker may be suspended and fines may increase over time. You must return tags to DC DMV if coverage terminates while the vehicle remains registered.

Sources & References

DC DMV — Vehicle Insurance — District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles
Washington, D.C. Auto Insurance Requirements (full guide) — US Insurance Guide