Best Car Insurance in Washington D.C. (2024 Service and Rates)


Updated: October 3, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Erie takes the top spot in MoneyGeek’s ranking of Washington, D.C. car insurers. It’s particularly a nice option for young adults, seniors as well as those who’ve had mistakes on the road. People who are either looking for minimum coverage or excellent customer service may look at Chubb. Those with new cars may consider Allstate. Military members are recommended to go for USAA.

MoneyGeek also evaluated the cheapest car insurance in Washington, D.C. for drivers who need to cut down costs significantly.

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2024

Best Car Insurance in Washington, D.C.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in Washington, D.C. based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.

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These recommendations were updated in April 2023 to reflect the best car insurance options in Washington, D.C. up to this month.

6,584Quotes Analyzed
 
8Companies Compared
 
13Zip Codes

Best Overall for Car Insurance in Washington, D.C.

MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best car insurance provider in Washington, D.C. The two leaders are:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($817 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($662 per year)

Erie's high ranking is attributed to its affordability and customer service. Those seeking cheap full coverage car insurance in Washington, D.C. can still secure a low rate by exploring the local market and comparing several providers.


1
ErieBest Overall
Score:93

4.6/5

Customer Satisfaction

4.5/5

Affordability

3.6/5

Claims Experience

2.5/5

Coverages

4/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Erie bested most of its competitors in affordability and customer satisfaction, with an annual premium costing around $817. Its personal property insurance is rarely offered by other companies.

More About Erie

Erie is one of the few providers that understands how much you value not only protecting your vehicle but also safeguarding the items stored inside. With its physical damage coverage, Erie reimburses up to $350 for items damaged inside your car, including clothing, luggage and personal belongings. This is incredibly important if you tend to store your belongings inside your car.

You can also add Glass Repair and Full Window Glass coverage to your policy. Both options waive your deductible, so you can rest easy knowing that the repair or replacement of your windshield will be taken care of. If your windshield needs to be replaced, the insurer will also cover the cost of new wiper blades.

2
GEICO
Score:87

3.8/5

Customer Satisfaction

3.7/5

Affordability

2.2/5

Claims Experience

2.5/5

Coverages

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

GEICO is the second-best car insurer in Washington, D.C., due to its affordability and fair customer satisfaction rating. Policies cost an average of $662 per year. The insurer also offers mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), which is rarely offered by other insurers.

More About GEICO

GEICO's MBI is available for new or leased cars that are less than 15 months old and have fewer than 15,000 miles. The policy covers all parts and systems on the vehicle, including electrical and electronic components. This can save you money on repairs and keep you from making unnecessary trips to the dealership for maintenance issues.

Roadside assistance, a common coverage, is also offered by GEICO. With this coverage, the cost of flat tires (not the tire itself, just the replacement service), towing services, jumpstarts and lockout services are covered.

How the Best Insurers in Washington, D.C. Rank: MoneyGeek Scores and Costs

Out of the seven insurance providers that we evaluated in Washington, D.C., Erie outperforms its rivals in terms of customer service and affordability. Erie’s annual premium for a full coverage policy costs an average of $817. GEICO is our runner-up choice, with policies costing an average of $662 per year — significantly less than that of its competitors. However, GEICO has a relatively low customer satisfaction score.

MoneyGeek only ranked insurers where data was available for all components (affordability, customer service, financial stability, etc.) of our scoring system.

USAAMoneyGeek Score (out of 100)93Annual Premium$784Satisfaction Score (out of 5)5.00Affordability Score (out of 5)4.47Claims Score (out of 5)2.50Coverages Score (out of 5)2.50Stability Score (out of 5)5.00
ErieMoneyGeek Score (out of 100)93Annual Premium$817Satisfaction Score (out of 5)4.58Affordability Score (out of 5)4.33Claims Score (out of 5)3.60Coverages Score (out of 5)2.50Stability Score (out of 5)4.00
GEICOMoneyGeek Score (out of 100)90Annual Premium$662Satisfaction Score (out of 5)3.59Affordability Score (out of 5)5.00Claims Score (out of 5)2.20Coverages Score (out of 5)2.50Stability Score (out of 5)5.00
ChubbMoneyGeek Score (out of 100)88Annual Premium$1,380Satisfaction Score (out of 5)4.71Affordability Score (out of 5)1.88Claims Score (out of 5)4.00Coverages Score (out of 5)2.50Stability Score (out of 5)5.00
State FarmMoneyGeek Score (out of 100)86Annual Premium$1,129Satisfaction Score (out of 5)4.10Affordability Score (out of 5)2.97Claims Score (out of 5)2.10Coverages Score (out of 5)2.50Stability Score (out of 5)5.00
ProgressiveMoneyGeek Score (out of 100)86Annual Premium$1,037Satisfaction Score (out of 5)3.34Affordability Score (out of 5)3.37Claims Score (out of 5)2.40Coverages Score (out of 5)3.75Stability Score (out of 5)4.00
AllstateMoneyGeek Score (out of 100)80Annual Premium$1,603Satisfaction Score (out of 5)3.53Affordability Score (out of 5)0.91Claims Score (out of 5)1.90Coverages Score (out of 5)3.75Stability Score (out of 5)4.00
NationwideMoneyGeek Score (out of 100)78Annual Premium$1,811Satisfaction Score (out of 5)3.44Affordability Score (out of 5)0.00Claims Score (out of 5)2.40Coverages Score (out of 5)3.75Stability Score (out of 5)4.00

Best Car Insurance in Washington, D.C. for Customer Service

Those who want excellent customer service, irrespective of cost, should look into Chubb. These car insurers offer the best customer service in Washington, D.C.:

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($1,380 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($817 per year)

Chubb has the highest ratings for customer service and claims management, but this comes at a cost — the insurer has one of the most expensive annual premiums.

Chubb

pros

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Has the highest customer satisfaction rating

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Has the highest claims management rating

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Offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage

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Has relatively high premiums at around $1,380 per year

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Doesn’t offer roadside assistance

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Has limited add-on coverage options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Chubb has high-quality services due to its superior claims process and expansive customer service team, offering 24/7 access to claims agents across 53 countries.

Drivers can purchase OEM coverage, which covers the cost to replace damaged parts with OEM parts. Furthermore, Chubb also offers other rare add-on coverages, like classic and collector car insurance and diminished value coverage. Class and collector car coverage insures your vintage vehicle, while diminished value coverage compensates you for the agreed-upon value of your car if it’s stolen or totaled.

With the insurer’s rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage, you can also rest easy knowing that you can receive a rental car similar to your own if yours is undergoing repairs. Chubb offers coverage limits of up to $5,000 with no per-day limit.

What Makes an Insurer the Best for Customer Service?

The best insurers for customer service go above and beyond in their customer interactions. Insurers that demonstrate quality customer service respond quickly to policyholders’ claims, questions and concerns. Chubb received the highest rating for customer service based on customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power and customer complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Although Chubb’s average annual premium cost is higher than GEICO’s, the cheapest insurer, you’ll receive better service.

Best Car Insurance in Washington, D.C. for Minimum Coverage

Chubb offers the best combination of customer service and affordability for minimum coverage insurance in Washington, D.C. Here are our top picks for policies that meet the state’s minimum car insurance requirements:

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($372 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($395 per year)

While Chubb may give you the cheapest minimum coverage in Washington, D.C., a minimum liability policy may not provide enough liability protection, and it won’t cover damages to your own vehicle.

Chubb

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Ranks the highest for affordability at around $372 per year

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Ranked the highest for claims management and customer satisfaction

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Has bundling, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft system discounts

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Doesn’t offer airbag, safe driving or multiple car discounts

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Has limited coverage options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Policyholders can reduce their already low premiums through the insurer’s discount opportunities. For example, bundling your home insurance and auto insurance policies with Chubb will lower your annual premium cost. If you have an anti-lock braking system installed in your car, you may also be eligible for another discount on your auto insurance. Chubb also provides a discount for completing a defensive driving or accident prevention course.

In addition, Chubb offers rare discounts, like the electronic tracking device discount. If you're willing to track your car with a GPS device that sends a signal to Chubb regarding your driving habits, you can receive a discounted premium. Having daytime running lights (DRL) installed on your car may also entitle you to a discount.

What Makes an Insurer the Best for Minimum Coverage?

Cost is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an insurance provider. While purchasing the cheapest insurance option is tempting, the best policy for minimum coverage will balance cost and customer service. Chubb offers the best minimum coverage car insurance policies in Washington, D.C., because it provides this balance — it's the most affordable and has the highest customer satisfaction ratings among insurance companies.

Best Car Insurance in Washington, D.C. for Young Adults

Erie provides the best car insurance in Washington, D.C., for young adults. Here’s a breakdown of our top picks:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($997 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($878 per year)

Erie has the second-best customer satisfaction rating and the highest rating for affordability. With GEICO, our runner-up choice, you’ll receive lower rates and inferior customer service.

While drivers in their 20s pay more than middle-aged drivers for car insurance, they pay less than teens. Consumers can search the market to save on insurance costs by looking for the cheapest car insurance for young drivers in Washington, D.C.

Erie

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Has affordable premiums at $997 per year

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Offers distant student, young safe driver and driver’s education discounts

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Has the highest rating for claims processing and the second-highest rating for customer satisfaction

cons

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Offers limited coverage options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Erie is our top car insurer for young adults in Washington, D.C., due to its high scores for affordability and customer satisfaction. The insurer also offers a variety of discounts specific to young drivers.

With this insurer, young adults have the opportunity to reduce their already low annual premium through the distant student, young safe driver and driver’s education discount.

The distant student discount reduces the cost of your annual premium if you don’t use your car while you’re in school and it’s stored at home. Young drivers under the age of 21 can receive a discount for completing an accredited driver’s education course. A discount opportunity rarely offered by other insurers is the young safe driver discount, which is available to unmarried drivers under the age of 21 who live with their parents.

The provider offers add-on coverage options, like new or better car replacement coverage, which can help safeguard your new vehicle against significant damages.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer the Best for Young Adults?

Young drivers will get the best insurance from companies that offer affordable rates, quality customer service and adequate coverage. Ideally, we recommend choosing a company that offers age-specific discounts, like the young safe driver discount.

Erie is our top choice due to its affordability, high customer satisfaction ratings and discount opportunities for young drivers. Compared to other insurers, like GEICO and Progressive, Erie is more well rounded.

Best Car Insurance in Washington, D.C. for Seniors

Erie is the best insurer in Washington, D.C., for senior drivers. The following are the top insurance providers in the area:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($827 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($715 per year)

One of Erie’s most impressive qualities is its near-perfect satisfaction and affordability score — it provides quality care to its policyholders while offering an affordable plan.

It is worth noting that drivers in their 60s may be charged similar rates as those in their 30s or 50s, with costs increasing as drivers approach their 70s. Drivers can save money by researching different providers to find the cheapest car insurance in Washington, D.C., for senior drivers.

Erie

pros

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Has above-average scores for claims management and customer satisfaction

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Offers roadside assistance

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Offers senior driver, safe driving and airbag discounts

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Has relatively few coverage options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Erie scored highest in customer satisfaction and affordability. In both categories, it received the second-best score, making it the overall best option for seniors.

When it comes to coverage options, the provider offers essentials that can protect seniors, like accident forgiveness and roadside assistance. With accident forgiveness, your premium won’t increase after your first at-fault accident. Roadside assistance coverage can also come in handy, especially if you need a flat tire change, gas delivery or lockout service.

Erie’s rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage also pay for the cost of your rental vehicle while yours is undergoing repairs. Furthermore, Erie offers a senior discount, which reduces the cost of auto insurance for the elderly and retired individuals.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer the Best for Seniors?

While senior citizens are safe drivers, they’re more likely to incur serious injuries if they get in an accident. Because of this, MoneyGeek recommends purchasing a full coverage policy from an insurer that offers personal injury protection (PIP). Erie is our top choice for seniors in Washington, D.C., because it offers affordable policies, provides quality customer service and has senior-specific discounts.

Best Car Insurance in Washington, D.C., for Drivers With Offenses

Erie is our top choice for drivers with violations (speeding tickets, DUIs, at-fault accidents). These are our top picks in this category:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($1,041 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($1,266 per year)

Erie has the highest affordability score and the second-highest customer satisfaction score among the insurers we evaluated.

Drivers with violations will pay more for insurance. In Washington, D.C., your premium will increase by an average of $126 for a speeding ticket, $356 for an at-fault accident and $514 for a DUI offense. Nevertheless, it’s still possible to find cheap car insurance in Washington, D.C., after an incident.

Erie

pros

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Has high ratings for affordability, with an average premium cost of $1,041 per year

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Has a high customer satisfaction rating and a relatively high claims management score

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Offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement, new car replacement, better car replacement and accident forgiveness coverage

cons

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Doesn’t offer roadside assistance

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Erie is the cheapest option for drivers with offenses. In addition to its affordable cost, the insurer also offers quality customer service and has a relatively high claims management score.

Erie's rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage covers the cost of a rental car if yours is undergoing repairs or totaled after an accident. The insurer also offers new car replacement coverage called Auto Security. With this coverage, if your new car is totaled, it will be replaced with the newest model year if you’ve had your vehicle for less than two years.

Furthermore, the insurer also offers accident forgiveness coverage, which benefits Erie policyholders who have been accident-free with the insurer for at least three years. If you qualify, your premium won’t increase after your first at-fault accident.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer the Best for Drivers With Offenses?

If you have a speeding ticket or other violation on your driving record, you could be facing steep insurance rates. However, a good insurance provider will offer relatively affordable rates and provide a variety of coverage options. Of the insurers we evaluated, Eerie was the most affordable and offered quality customer service. It also provided coverage options that may benefit drivers who have a history of violations, like new car replacement and accident forgiveness coverage.

Best Car Insurance in Washington, D.C., for Drivers With New Cars

Allstate is the best option for drivers of new cars in Washington, D.C. In this category, we evaluated insurers that offered new car replacement or better car replacement coverage and obtained quotes for a driver with a 2022 model.

Allstate received a MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100. The insurer has an average premium cost of $2,486 per year. It scored highest for customer service and affordability while offering new car replacement coverage. This coverage is important because it will replace your new vehicle with a comparable one if it’s totaled.

Allstate

pros

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Offers affordable premiums at around $2,486 per year

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Has a high score in customer satisfaction

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Offers a wide array of coverage options, including new car replacement coverage

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Has a low rating in claims management

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Allstate may not have the best record of paying out claims, but it's still one of the top car insurance companies in Washington, D.C. This is because they compensate for their subpar handling of claims by having affordable policies and providing quality customer satisfaction.

Unlike other insurers that hand you a check for the depreciated value of your car, Allstate provides you with a brand-new vehicle of the same make and model if yours is totaled in an accident. It should be noted that this coverage only applies to those whose cars are less than two model years old.

In addition to new car replacement coverage, the insurer also offers sound system coverage, which covers the cost of any damage to a sound system that’s permanently installed in your car.

Read MoneyGeek's Allstate Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer the Best for Drivers With New Cars?

If you have a new car, you’ll want to opt for an insurance company that offers new car replacement coverage for an affordable rate. In Washington, D.C., Allstate is the best insurer for drivers with new cars because it offers this coverage at a relatively affordable cost, while providing quality customer service.

Best Car Insurance in Washington, D.C. for Military Drivers

USAA is our first choice for drivers affiliated with the military in Washington, D.C. The insurer earned a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100. On average, its policies cost $784 per year, the second-cheapest rate in this category. USAA's policies and coverages are specifically designed to meet the needs of military personnel and their families.

USAA

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Has the second-cheapest premium at around $784 per year

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Has the highest customer satisfaction score

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Offers roadside assistance and accident forgiveness

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Has relatively low scores for claims management and coverage options

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Does not offer new car replacement or gap insurance

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

USAA is one of the most budget-friendly auto insurers in Washington, D.C. It has the highest customer satisfaction score, making it ideal for those who want to balance cost with customer service.

With USAA, policyholders can get accident forgiveness. If they get into an accident but have had a clean driving record for five years, their rate won’t increase. Furthermore, the lender also offers roadside assistance coverage, which covers the cost of towing, lockout and jumpstart services.

USAA's member-focused approach may be one of the main reasons that many people are drawn to it. For example, sticking with the insurer for a certain period of time will entitle you to a discount. Bundling your home and auto insurance could also reduce your premium costs.

Read MoneyGeek's USAA Auto Insurance Review

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Washington, D.C. for You

When it comes to finding the right car insurance, there are many factors to consider, like affordability, coverage options, financial stability and customer service reputation. While our review may identify some of the best auto insurers in Washington, D.C., you can find a reputable lender on your own by taking the following steps:

1
Research customer service reputations in Washington, D.C.

After analyzing data on multiple auto insurance providers in the state, MoneyGeek identified the best for different driver profiles. To research providers on your own, you can obtain information from the Department of Motor Vehicles in Washington, D.C. and J.D. Power.

2
Compare quotes

Auto insurance companies vary widely in terms of price and quality. MoneyGeek recommends comparing quotes from at least three providers to find the best option for you. The quotes included in this guide are based on general borrower profiles, so the rate you receive may be different.

3
Find the coverages you want in Washington, D.C.

Insurance companies can advertise coverages and discounts on their website without offering them nationwide. Because of this, it’s important to verify with the insurer that the coverages you want are available in your area. When confirming coverage availability, ensure you are talking to an official representative.

4
Check financial stability ratings

When you are buying a car insurance policy, always take the time to ask about the company's financial stability. This indicates if a company will be able to fulfill your claim. Most insurance companies are large, which makes them more able to fulfill claims. Well-established, large companies typically have a stronger history of financial stability, but regional companies may not.

FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Washington, D.C.

When looking for car insurance in Washington, D.C., your needs and preferences will determine the best lender for you. MoneyGeek answered commonly asked questions about car insurance below:

What is the best car insurance company in Washington, D.C.?
What is the best cheap car insurance company in Washington, D.C.?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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