Who needs car insurance in the District of Columbia and what does it cover?
In the District of Columbia, drivers must have auto insurance in order to drive legally. According to the Compulsory/No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act, anyone in DC who wants to register their car or get a reciprocity sticker must first have valid car insurance. Under DISB Rule 26-A500, required insurance coverage includes property damage liability, third party personal liability, and uninsured motorist protection. In the case of an at-fault accident, liability insurance covers the cost of damages to others and their property. Uninsured motorist protection covers the cost of any damages you suffer in an accident with a driver who does not have auto insurance. Each insurance company is also required to offer optional personal injury protection to consumers.
What happens if you don’t get car insurance?
If you choose to not get car insurance in the District of Columbia you will face the consequences of driving uninsured. According to the DC Department of Motor Vehicles, residents who do not maintain continuous insurance will have their registration tags and reciprocity sticker suspended. The longer they go without coverage the more they will have to pay in fines. Lapses in coverage lasting from one to 30 days will result in a $150 fine, and violators will be fined an additional $7 for each subsequent day they go without insurance, up to a maximum of $2,500. One important thing to keep in mind is that uninsured drivers are usually caught. DC law makes it mandatory for drivers to show law enforcement officers proof of insurance any time they are stopped by one. Also, it is mandatory for insurance companies to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles anytime a policy holder cancels or terminates their coverage.
How much coverage is required in the District of Columbia?
According to the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles, the following minimum coverage is required of those who drive in DC.
- Bodily injury or death per person: $25,000
- Bodily injury or death per accident: $50,000
- Injury or destruction of property of others in one accident: $10,000
- Uninsured motorist per person for injury: $25,000
- Uninsured motorist per accident for injury: $50,000
- Uninsured motorist per accident for property damage: $5,000
Basic driving laws to remember in the District of Columbia:
- To obtain a DC driver’s license, those over the age of 21 must complete an application and provide the necessary documents as well as pass an eye test, knowledge test, and skills road test. Those under the age of 21 are automatically enrolled in the Graduated Licensing Program where they must go through three phrases, including the supervised learner’s phrase, intermediate phrase, and full license. To learn more about obtaining a driver’s license in DC, see here.
- When driving in the District of Columbia, it is illegal to use cell phones or other types of electronic devices. The Distracted Driving Safety Act of 2004 was purposed to improve safety and reduce car crashes by eliminating the distraction of holding a cell phone while behind the wheel, although drivers can use a cell phone as long as they are also using a hands-free accessory.
- According to DC Code 50-1501, all motor vehicles that are driven in the District of Columbia must be registered with the Department of Transportation. For more information about vehicle registration in DC, see here.
Did you know…?
- According to the District Department of Transportation, DC is home to the most comprehensive seat belt law in the United States. Among other things, the law allows officers to pull a car over on the basis that either driver or passengers do not have on seat belts and holds drivers responsible for passengers’ observance of the law.
- To reduce drinking and driving, DC has the Washington Regional Alcohol Program that offers SoberRide, a free cab ride service for would-be intoxicated drivers. It is one of the most successful programs of its kind in the United States, providing over 52,000 safe rides home.
- The Metropolitan Police Department reports that around 18 vehicles are stolen every day in the District of Columbia. Stolen cars mean higher insurance premiums for everyone, so it’s important for DC residents to try to prevent auto theft.