bestauto insuranceDistrict Of ColumbiaThe Best Car Insurance in District Of Columbia for 2023
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Ensure you're getting the best rate. Review quotes from a top insurance company.
GEICO also offers some of the best car insurance in the District of Columbia per MoneyGeek’s analysis, but the ideal provider depends on your specific needs. MoneyGeek also graded the best insurers for customer service, budget and more.
MoneyGeek has also evaluated the cheapest car insurance policies in the District of Columbia, regardless of service quality.
bestauto insuranceDistrict Of ColumbiaThe Best Car Insurance in District Of Columbia
Best Overall - GEICO
Best for Customer Service - GEICO
Best on a Budget - GEICO
Best for Poor Driving Record - GEICO
Best for Military - USAA
Best for Young Drivers - GEICO
Best for New Cars - Allstate
Best for Low-Mileage Drivers - Nationwide
Best Car Insurance Companies in District Of Columbia: Overall
MoneyGeek scored the best car insurance companies in the District of Columbia on the basis of user satisfaction, claims ratings and average cost.
Given these factors, we found that the best insurers in D.C. were:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 4.5 out of 5
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 3.7 out of 5
USAA is not included in this analysis. Only former and current military members qualify for its policies. With a score of 4.9 out of 5, it is the best choice for military families and veterans in the District of Columbia.
The Top 5 Car Insurance Companies in District Of Columbia
1
GEICO
Score:4.5
At $606, GEICO ranks first for affordability and user satisfaction. It is tied in the first place for stability and claims. This insurer also offers roadside assistance.
More About GEICO
GEICO delivers roadside assistance covering the cost of flat tires, towing, jump starts and lockout services. It also offers accident forgiveness coverage. With this coverage, your first at-fault accident will not affect your insurance premium. You can purchase accident forgiveness or earn it if you're over 21 and have been accident-free for at least five years.
Read MoneyGeek's GEICO auto Insurance Review2
State Farm
Score:3.7
State Farm ranked second in affordability, with an annual average cost of $1,161. The provider tied for first place for stability and claims, along with ranking second for user satisfaction. State Farm provides rideshare insurance.
More About State Farm
State Farm's rideshare insurance covers medical, emergency roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement for drivers working for ridesharing companies. This insurance extends all coverage from your auto policy when the app is on and you're available for hire.
Read MoneyGeek's State Farm auto Insurance Review3
Progressive
Score:3.2
At an average cost of $1,362 per year, Progressive ranked third for affordability and tied for first place for claims. This provider tied for second in stability and third for user satisfaction. Progressive also provides custom parts coverage.
More About Progressive
Progressive's custom parts coverage can repair or replace items that you add to your car, like a stereo, navigation system, custom wheels or a paint job. If it wasn't installed by the original manufacturer, it's considered an after-market accessory that you'll want to insure. This coverage usually has a $5,000 limit.
Read MoneyGeek's Progressive auto Insurance Review4
Allstate
Score:3
With an average cost of $1,476 per year, Allstate ranks fourth in affordability. It tied at second place for stability and claims, along with a third place ranking for user satisfaction. The insurer provides coverage for custom parts, portable electronics and media.
More About Allstate
Allstate covers damages to custom parts and equipment, such as special carpeting, height-extending roofs and decals. It also provides coverage for portable electronics and media, which applies to property owned by the insured person or a resident relative for items in or upon the insured vehicle at the time of loss.
Read MoneyGeek's Allstate auto Insurance Review5
Nationwide
Score:2.7
Nationwide offers car insurance at an average rate of $1,790 per year and ranks fifth for affordability. It tied for first place for claims and ranked second for stability. Nationwide tied in third place for user satisfaction and also offers a total loss deductible waiver.
More About Nationwide
Nationwide's total loss deductible waiver pays the deductible for your comprehensive or collision insurance. This provider also offers identity theft coverage. If you or anyone in your household are a victim of identity theft or fraud, this coverage pays up to $25,000 for expenses.
Read MoneyGeek's Nationwide auto Insurance ReviewHOW WE DETERMINED THE BEST INSURANCE IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
MoneyGeek analyzed full-coverage policy quotes from multiple insurers for a sample driver to determine the best full-coverage car insurance in the District of Columbia. Average rates in the state vary significantly, depending on your profile.
MoneyGeek collected claims ratings and user satisfaction scores from J. D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Our methodology page provides more details on policies, sample drivers and assumptions.
Compare the Best Insurance Options in District Of Columbia
Service quality, cost and financial stability are the most important factors that determine the best car insurance in the District of Columbia. Prospective purchasers should consider the combination of factors that meet their requirements and whether the insurer offers applicable coverage.
MoneyGeek allows you to compare the best insurers in the District of Columbia and provides in-depth reviews for each provider.
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Best Car Insurance in District Of Columbia for Customer Service
MoneyGeek also ranked the best insurance companies in the District of Columbia based only on claims ratings and user satisfaction.
The top two companies based only on these factors, without considering rates are:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 4.3 out of 5
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 4.3 out of 5
Best Car Insurance in District Of Columbia for Drivers on a Budget
Drivers looking for the cheapest car insurance in the District of Columbia that meets the state’s minimum requirements can rely on MoneyGeek’s analysis.
The top two car insurance companies based on these criteria are:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 4.5 out of 5
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 3.7 out of 5
These scores consider companies that balance affordability and customer service.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO
pros
An affordable annual minimum coverage rate of $352, on average
Provides discounts if you combine car insurance with condos, renters or mobile home insurance
Offers discounts for wearing a seat belt at all times in your vehicle or if you are an active or retired federal employee
MoneyGeek claims score of 4 out of 5
MoneyGeek cites a user satisfaction score of 4.5 out of 5
cons
Does not offer any discount on paperless billing
Does not offer lower rates for customers who pay premiums in full at the start of a term
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
GEICO policyholders can save on insurance premiums by insuring multiple cars and taking advantage of safe driving discounts.
Drivers can also receive discounts by taking defensive driving classes and installing anti-theft systems in their cars. GEICO values these safety and security measures.
Best Car Insurance in District Of Columbia for Poor Driving Records
MoneyGeek rated the best companies on the basis of insurance rates for a driver with an at-fault accident on their record, along with the provider's quality of service.
The best companies based on these criteria are:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 4.5 out of 5
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 4 out of 5
These ratings apply to options that balance affordability and the best customer service after an accident.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO
pros
The cost of a policy after an at-fault accident is $1,001 per year, on average
MoneyGeek claims rating of 4 out of 5
MoneyGeek user satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5
Provides roadside assistance, rental car reimbursements and accident forgiveness coverage
cons
Does not provide new car replacement or gap insurance coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
GEICO provides the best car insurance coverage in the District of Columbia for drivers with a poor record. This policy costs $1,001 per year, on average. GEICO received a claims score of 4 out of 5 and 4.5 out of 5 user satisfaction score.
GEICO offers the following coverage:
- Roadside Assistance: This coverage helps if you become stranded due to a problem with your vehicle.
- Rental Reimbursement: Drivers become reimbursed for transportation and car rental costs if their vehicles have not been in use for more than 24 hours.
- Accident Forgiveness: This coverage prevents your car insurance premiums from increasing due to an accident.
Best Car Insurance in District Of Columbia for a Military Background
According to MoneyGeek's analysis, USAA offers the best policies for military families and veterans in the District of Columbia.
USAA has a MoneyGeek score of 4.9 out of 5. This provider charges an average of $357 per year for a minimum car insurance policy and $953 per year, on average, for military drivers with an at-fault accident on their record.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: USAA
pros
An affordable average annual full-coverage policy of $672
Claims score of 5 out of 5
A 5 out of 5 user satisfaction score
Accident forgiveness coverage
Vehicle storage discount
cons
Only military families are eligible to be insured by USAA
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
USAA offers some of the best service and cheapest policies in the District of Columbia. The insurer maintains one of the best reputations in the country.
Some of the coverages and discounts offered by USAA include:
- Accident Forgiveness Coverage: Policyholders who remain accident-free for at least five years can receive this coverage. If you are involved in your first at-fault accident within this period, you will not be charged an additional premium on your car insurance.
- Roadside Assistance: This coverage pays for towing, unlocking your vehicle, jumpstarting your battery, changing a flat or delivering gasoline.
- Loyalty Discount: Stick with USAA for a designated period and save on insurance costs.
- Military Discount: Save on your comprehensive insurance premium when you garage your vehicle on base.
Best Car Insurance in District Of Columbia for Young Drivers and Students
Insurance providers consider young drivers to be riskier to cover and typically charge them higher premiums. For example, a 16-year-old purchasing their own policy in D.C. pays an average of $3,621, and a 25-year-old pays $1,413, on average. MoneyGeek graded the best insurance providers in the state based on the cost of insurance for young drivers and customer service. The top insurers based on these factors are:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 4.5 out of 5
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 3.6 out of 5
These scores balance affordability and strong customer service for students and young drivers.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO
pros
An average cost of insurance for young drivers of $1,684 per year
Offers a good student discount and a driver’s education course discount
Claims score of 4 out of 5
User satisfaction score of 4.5 out of 5
cons
Does not offer a distant student discount
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Adding young drivers to an existing policy can be expensive, but GEICO offers reasonable options and helpful customer service. Filing a claim can be stressful, but strong customer support can ease the process.
GEICO discounts benefit families with young drivers. The company offers a student discount for full-time enrollees with good grades. Individuals can also complete driver's education courses to receive discounts.
Best Car Insurance in District Of Columbia for Those With New Cars
MoneyGeek ranked the best insurance companies in the District of Columbia based on providers that offer new car replacement or better car replacement coverage.
New car replacement covers costs related to replacing your vehicle with a similar model and brand if it is damaged in a specific timeframe. Better car replacement coverage may help you receive a newer model of your damaged car. This is not part of your standard policy — you will need to pay more for replacement coverage.
The company with the highest rating in this category is Allstate, with a MoneyGeek score of 2.9 out of 5.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: Allstate
pros
Offers new car replacement coverage
cons
An annual average policy cost $1,476
Does not provide better car replacement coverage
MoneyGeek user satisfaction score of 3.5 out of 5
MoneyGeek claims score of 3.5 out of 5
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Allstate offers new car replacement coverage, making it a strong choice for young drivers. Your car begins to lose value as soon as it’s driven off the lot and, in the unfortunate event of an accident soon after you buy a car, this policy covers costs for purchasing a new car.
Per Allstate’s new car replacement coverage policy, if your car is two model years old or less, you will be eligible for a replacement of the car with a new model.
Best Car Insurance in District Of Columbia for Low-Mileage Drivers
Many insurance companies continue to offer pay-per-mile coverage, in which car insurance costs depend on the number of miles you drive. Nationwide SmartMiles is the best pay-per-mile program in the District of Columbia.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: Nationwide
pros
Nationwide SmartMiles provides affordable coverage for low-mileage drivers.
cons
If you drive regularly, this coverage might turn out to be more expensive than the regular car insurance policy.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Nationwide’s pay-per-mile program in the District of Columbia is the Nationwide SmartMiles. This includes a base rate and a variable rate, depending on how many miles you drive. This coverage includes an exception for road trips, in which only the first 250 miles count in a single day. Drivers can also earn up to 10% for safe driving habits.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in District Of Columbia in For You
If you are looking for the best car insurance in the District of Columbia, consider an insurer that provides a balance of service quality, price and financial stability.
MoneyGeek analyzed the best providers in D.C. based on these factors, but drivers should also take the time to compare them.
1
Research Customer Service Reputations in the District of Columbia
MoneyGeek evaluated car insurance quotes from multiple providers using a sample driver to determine the best insurers in the District of Columbia. You can also refer to J. D. Power’s satisfaction scores and the NAIC complaint ratios to find the provider that suits your requirements. Drivers should also visit D.C.'s auto insurance website for more information.
2
Compare Quotes for Yourself
MoneyGeek based its quotes on averages for sample drivers from multiple locations in the District of Columbia, but drivers should compare quotes from at least three insurers yourself to get a good idea of the cost of insurance.
3
Make Sure the Company Has Coverage You Want in the District of Columbia
Although several insurers advertise many coverages and discounts, there is a possibility that a specific coverage or discount is not available in your state. Confirm with your insurer whether they offer the coverage you require in the District of Columbia
4
Double-Check Financial Stability Ratings
It is very important to check the financial stability of an insurer before you buy a policy. Larger insurance companies are more stable and are therefore more likely to pay out on claims, whereas regional insurers in the District of Columbia may have lower financial stability and are less likely to process claims.
FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in District Of Columbia
The cost of car insurance in the District of Columbia depends on your individual characteristics. MoneyGeek answers some common questions for drivers looking to purchase coverage in Washington, D.C.
Methodology
MoneyGeek collected car insurance rates in the District of Columbia in partnership with Quadrant Information Services. We based these calculations on a sample driver profile and policies as described on MoneyGeek’s cost methodology page.
We derived customer satisfaction, financial strength and claims satisfaction scores from AM Best, J. D. Power and the NAIC. MoneyGeek collected its list of discounts and coverage from each insurer’s website.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
sources
- District of Columbia Auto Insurance. "The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles." Accessed September 28, 2021.