Auto insurance for high risk drivers in Washington, D.C.
If you have caused a crash, filed an insurance claim, or received a citation for a serious violation, you might be a good candidate for high-risk auto insurance. Car insurance for high-risk drivers is typically costly, but the degree of extra cost you receive may depend on your auto insurance company, your driving record, and the state in which you live.
Auto insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Washington, D.C. — contents:
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Auto insurance after an at-fault crash in Washington, D.C.
If you are deemed responsible for causing an auto accident, expect your car insurance costs to go up. In Washington, D.C., the typical insurance premium following an at-fault accident is $1,969, versus the national average of $2,012.
A major incident like an at-fault crash can stay on your insurance record for as long as three years.
WASHINGTON, D.C. AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS AFTER AN AT-FAULT ACCIDENT
| Location | With At-Fault Accident — Annual Rate | No At-Fault Accident — Annual Rate | Yearly Rate Increase |
| Washington, D.C. | $1,969 | $1,464 | $505 |
| National Average | $2,012 | $1,397 | $615 |
The cheapest auto insurance company following an at-fault crash in Washington, D.C. is State Farm. State Farm’s usual rate increase after a crash is $254, resulting in a premium 13 percent less expensive than the average among all companies. If you’ve caused an accident in Washington, D.C., avoid Allstate, which sits at the pricier end of the spectrum.
AUTO INSURANCE RATES AFTER AN AT-FAULT COLLISION IN WASHINGTON, D.C. — CHEAP COMPANIES
| Insurance Company | Annual Premium After an At-Fault Crash |
| State Farm | $1,715 |
| GEICO | $1,859 |
| Progressive | $2,681 |
| Allstate | $3,385 |
By how much does a speeding ticket raise car insurance rates in Washington, D.C.?
One of the violations that earns drivers the "high-risk" tag is speeding. In Washington, D.C., car insurance premiums rise by $287 per year following a speeding ticket, up to an average annual rate of $1,751.
WASHINGTON, D.C. AUTO INSURANCE PRICES AFTER A SPEEDING TICKET
| Location | With a Speeding Ticket — Annual Rate | No Speeding Ticket — Annual Rate | Yearly Rate Increase |
| Washington, D.C. | $1,751 | $1,464 | $287 |
| National Average | $1,727 | $1,397 | $330 |
The best way to get cheap car insurance after getting a ticket for speeding is to shop around and weigh your options. The most affordable car insurance after a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C. is available via USAA. USAA’s average premium after a citation is $669 less than the state average. If you are ticketed for speeding in Washington, D.C., Allstate is worth avoiding.
AUTO INSURANCE RATES AFTER A SPEEDING VIOLATION IN WASHINGTON, D.C. — CHEAPEST COMPANIES
| Insurance Company | Annual Rate After a Speeding Citation |
| USAA | $1,082 |
| GEICO | $1,385 |
| State Farm | $1,578 |
| Progressive | $2,352 |
| Allstate | $2,827 |
How does a ticket for distracted driving impact car insurance rates in Washington, D.C.?
If you earn a distracted driving citation, your car insurance won't be cheap. In Washington, D.C., auto insurance rates typically increase by $47 per year. That comes out to a 3% increase from the average annual premium in Washington, D.C., and 73% less than the national average cost of car insurance with a ticket for distracted driving.
WASHINGTON, D.C. AUTO INSURANCE PRICES AFTER A DISTRACTED DRIVING CITATION
| Location | With Distracted Driving — Annual Rate | No Distracted Driving — Annual Rate | Annual Rate Increase |
| Washington, D.C. | $1,511 | $1,464 | $47 |
| National Average | $1,570 | $1,397 | $173 |
The best way to find affordable car insurance after a distracted driving citation is to compare options from a variety of companies. The least expensive auto insurance company after a distracted driving ticket in Washington, D.C. is GEICO, with a typical rate of just $862 per year, 43% less than the average distracted driving insurance premium among top insurers.
AUTO INSURANCE RATES AFTER DISTRACTED DRIVING IN WASHINGTON, D.C. — CHEAPEST CARRIERS
| Insurance Company | Annual Rate After Distracted Driving |
| GEICO | $862 |
| USAA | $1,028 |
| State Farm | $1,442 |
| Progressive | $1,852 |
| GEICO | $2,093 |
How does a citation for racing impact Washington, D.C., car insurance rates?
Racing is considered a very serious violation. Car insurance carriers usually penalize racing citations severely — in fact, Washington, D.C. car insurance premiums increase by an average of $397 annually after a citation for racing. That represents a 27% increase on the average yearly auto insurance premium in the nation's capital.
| Location | With a Racing Citation — Annual Rate | No Racing Citation — Annual Rate | Yearly Rate Increase |
| Washington, D.C. | $1,861 | $1,464 | $397 |
| National Average | $2,397 | $1,397 | $1,000 |
If you've been ticketed for a racing offense, do your due diligence and seek out the cheapest rates. In D.C., look into rates from GEICO, offering prices 16 percent cheaper than the state average after a racing violation.
AUTO INSURANCE RATES AFTER RACING IN WASHINGTON, D.C. — CHEAPEST CARRIERS
| Company | Annual Rate With Racing |
| GEICO | $1,556 |
| State Farm | $1,578 |
| USAA | $1,732 |
| Allstate | $2,461 |
| Progressive | $2,701 |
How does a citation for reckless driving impact Washington, D.C. car insurance rates?
As one of the most serious driving infractions, reckless driving is a surefire way to face steep car insurance rates. Insurance companies raise premiums by $726 each year after a reckless driving citation. That's 50% more than than the average insurance rate in Washington, D.C., and 31% less than the national average penalty for reckless driving.
WASHINGTON, D.C. CAR INSURANCE RATES AFTER RECKLESS DRIVING
| Location | With Reckless Driving — Annual Rate | No Reckless Driving — Annual Rate | Annual Rate Increase |
| Washington, D.C. | $2,189 | $1,464 | $726 |
| National Average | $2,395 | $1,397 | $998 |
If you're found guilty of reckless driving, compare insurance companies to find the most affordable rate. In Washington, D.C., the cheapest insurer after a reckless driving offense is USAA.
CAR INSURANCE RATES AFTER A TICKET FOR RECKLESS DRIVING IN WASHINGTON, D.C. — CHEAP PROVIDERS
| Insurance Company | Annual Rate After Reckless Driving |
| USAA | $1,226 |
| State Farm | $1,578 |
| GEICO | $2,201 |
| Progressive | $2,701 |
| Allstate | $3,103 |
If you are seeking auto insurance as a high-risk driver, your best option is to shop around and find a policy that fits your needs.
Find an affordable policy online today.
Washington, D.C., driving laws
The traffic laws in Washington, D.C. are designed to protect both drivers and pedestrians alike. Failing to adhere to the maximum speed limits or indulging in reckless or distracted driving leads to serious penalties in Washington, D.C.
Speeding in Washington, D.C.
When are you speeding in Washington, D.C.?
You are speeding in Washington, D.C. if you exceed the following maximum speeds:
- 25 miles per hour on all streets and highways, unless otherwise stated
- 15 miles per hour in alleys
- 15 miles per hour on streets adjacent to school buildings and grounds, including during recess periods or when the children are arriving or leaving
- 15 miles per hour on streets adjacent to playgrounds
In addition, drivers must reduce their speed appropriately in the below instances:
- At railroad crossings
- At curves
- On narrow or winding roads
- In the presence of pedestrians
- When approaching hillcrests
- During extreme weather or road conditions
Furthermore, drivers are encouraged to use their common sense and drive at a speed that is reasonable given the current set of conditions, regardless of the posted speed limits.
Penalties for speeding in Washington, D.C.
Speeding in Washington, D.C. will subject offenders to a variety of fines and penalties based on the speed they are traveling in excess of a posted limit:
- $50 for speeding one to 10 miles per hour over the limit
- $100 and three points on your license for speeding 11 to 15 miles per hour over the limit
- $150 and four points on your license for speeding 16 to 20 miles per hour over the limit
- $200 and five points on your license for speeding 21 to 25 miles per hour over the limit
- $300 for speeding 26 or more miles per hour over the limit
The only way that you can reduce the number of points on your license in Washington, D.C. is through attending Online Traffic School.
Reckless driving in Washington, D.C.
What constitutes reckless driving in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C defines “reckless driving” as either of the following:
- “Driving carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of others”
- “Driving without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger a person or property”
Essentially, you can be convicted of reckless driving if you directly put people or property in danger.
You can also be convicted of what’s called “aggravated reckless driving” if you:
- Exceed the speed limit by 30 or more miles per hour
- Cause property damage in excess of $1,000
- Harm another person
Penalties for reckless driving in Washington, D.C.
The first conviction for reckless driving in Washington, D.C. results in:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Up to $500 in fines
- Six points on driver’s license
A second reckless driving offense within two years of a prior conviction in Washington, D.C., leads to:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Six points on driver’s license
A third or subsequent conviction for reckless driving in Washington, D.C., results in:
- Up to one year in jail
- Up to $2,500 in fines
- Six points on driver’s license
A driver’s first conviction for aggravated reckless driving in Washington, D.C. leads to:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- 12 points on driver’s license
A second or subsequent reckless driving conviction within a two-year period results in:
- Up to one year in jail
- Up to $2,500 in fines
- 12 points on driver’s license
Distracted driving in Washington, D.C.
What is distracted driving in Washington, D.C.?
In the District of Columbia, driving distractions are considered any activities that take your eyes away from the road, including:
- Eating or drinking
- Using a cell phone while driving
- Adjusting controls in the vehicle, like the radio or a navigational device
- Reading of any kind
- Talking to passengers
View texting and driving statistics.
Penalties for distracted driving in Washington, D.C.
If you’re found driving while distracted, law enforcement officers will give you a distracted driving ticket depending on the circumstances.
For instance:
- If you fail to stop at a stop sign, your fine will be $50
- If you fail to yield right-of-way, your fine will be $75
- If you pass a red light, your fine will be $150
If it’s a first-time offense and you can obtain a hands-free device before the penalties are applied, then your fine might be suspended.
Racing in Washington, D.C.
What is racing in Washington, D.C.?
Participating in vehicle races, speed exhibitions, speed contests, or drag races on any public road, street, or highway is illegal in Washington, D.C.
At-fault accidents in Washington, D.C.
What is an at-fault accident in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C has a no-fault system, which means that drivers should have insurance to cover their own injuries and damage rather than using insurance to pay out to the other person.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Washington, D.C, you should file a claim with your car insurance company under your own policy, as per the no-fault policy.
However, your accident might not fit within the confines of the no-fault system if the damages meet one or both of these instances:
- If your claim exceeds the limits of your personal injury protection policy (PIP)
- If your injuries include scarring, disfigurement, or impairment lasting 180+ days
In either case, you’re advised to seek legal advice to be told the best way to proceed.
In Washington, D.C., the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage is:
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person
- $10,000 for damage to property
Washington, D.C. drivers must also have uninsured motorist coverage in the amounts of:
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person
- $5,000 for damage to property
Penalties for at-fault accidents in Washington, D.C.
There are several penalties for driving without car insurance in Washington, D.C., including:
- Suspension of reciprocity sticker and registration tags
- A fine of $150 for the first 30 days and $7 for each additional uninsured day, up to a total of $2,500
- A fine of $30 for failing to produce proof of insurance when asked by a law enforcement officer
Sources and references:
- https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/speeding-laws-fines-and-safety-tips
- https://www.dmv.org/washington-dc/point-system.php
- https://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/washington-dc-reckless-laws-and-penalties.htm
- https://www.dmv.com/dc/district-of-columbia/distracted-driving-laws
- https://dubofflawgroup.com/practice-areas/car-accidents/washington-d-c-car-accidents-what-you-need-to-know/
- https://disb.dc.gov/page/what-know-about-your-insurance-after-car-accident
- https://www.good2go.com/car-insurance/state-coverage/washington-dc/
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Auto insurance for high risk drivers in Washington, D.C.
Have a specific question about high risk car insurance in Washington, D.C.? Ask one of our licensed agents!
Do parking tickets affect insurance?
How can I find the exact date of my speeding ticket?
Can a dismissed ticket affect my insurance?
How can I get cheaper insurance after a reckless driving charge?
About The Zebra
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- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.