Washington, D.C. presents a dense urban driving environment with high insurance rates driven by traffic congestion, theft risk, and accident frequency. The district mandates minimum liability and uninsured motorist coverage. With limited parking, many residents rely on public transit, though car ownership remains significant.
District of Columbia Auto Insurance Facts
Drivers
- ~440,000–460,000 licensed drivers as of 2023.
- ~63% of households own at least one vehicle.
- Heavy concentration of vehicles in NW and NE quadrants.
- High rates of vehicle theft and vandalism.
- Uninsured driver rate ~16%.
Accidents
| Year |
Reported Crashes |
Injury Crashes |
Fatal Crashes |
| 2018
| ~25,200
| ~6,500
| 36
|
| 2019
| ~26,000
| ~6,700
| 37
|
| 2020
| ~21,300
| ~5,900
| 34
|
| 2021
| ~24,000
| ~6,300
| 40
|
| 2022
| ~25,800
| ~6,600
| 44
|
Laws & Regulations
- Fault-based (tort) system.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage required.
- Proof of insurance mandatory for registration.
