Driving without insurance is not only risky but also illegal in Washington, DC. Strict laws require drivers to carry auto insurance even to own a vehicle. Here, we discuss why. Car insurance in DC acts as a safety net in the event of accidents. Not only does it protect you against liability should you cause an accident, but it also protects you in case another driver who injures you either does not have coverage or lacks sufficient coverage. Before discussing the insurance requirements in effect in Washington, DC, and the penalties for noncompliance, we discuss the rationale behind why the legislature enacted this law in the first place. These laws are written so people are protected.
Suppose you get into a friend’s car. Your friend is driving to a restaurant for you to get something to eat. Tragically, another driver is texting and driving and sideswipes you. Your car flips over, and you sustain severe injuries. The other driver who was texting and driving never purchased car insurance. They understood there are criminal fines but decided it is worth paying a fine as it is less expensive than auto insurance. Unfortunately, your friend could barely afford his new car. He also opted not to purchase car insurance. As such, you are left on your own to pay your medical bills. But now you cannot work for months, so your job lets you go. Your health insurance covers some but certainly not all of your bills. Your life will never be the same.
That is the sad reality when car insurance is unavailable in an auto accident. As DC car accident lawyers, we observe this scenario far too frequently.
What Are DC’s Car Insurance Requirements?
When a police officer pulls you over, you must display your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Focusing on proof of insurance, if you cannot display proof of insurance, you may be subject to a civil fine. For so long as your vehicle is registered, you must have insurance. Even if you have no intention to operate the vehicle, you must maintain insurance until you return vehicle tags and registration to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Below is a chart showing the minimum limits you must maintain on your vehicle registered in Washington, DC.
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 |
| Third Party Liability | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident |
| Uninsured Motorist Property Damage | $5,000 subject to $200 deductible |
This chart shows you must have at least $10,000 in property damage coverage. Additionally, you must have $25,000 in third-party liability per person and $50,000 per accident. Additionally, you must maintain equal coverage for an uninsured motorist bodily injury claim. This protects you in case you are injured, and the adverse driver is uninsured, despite being illegal.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in DC
There are civil penalties for driving without insurance in DC. Washington, DC, and the Department of Motor Vehicles try to stay on top of this as much as possible. One way they do this is by requiring insurance companies to communicate with them. Insurance companies are required to notify the DC DMV of any insurance cancellations or terminations. Fines for driving without insurance vary, increasing over time. Simply having an uninsured vehicle can fine you anywhere from $150 to $2,500. If you are caught driving uninsured, you can be fined $500, with the amount increasing 50% for every subsequent offense. Your license can also be suspended for up to 60 days for noncompliance with D.C.’s. insurance laws.
Consequences of Being in an Accident Without Insurance
If you are in an auto accident without insurance, you could potentially face several negative consequences. These consequences can be legal or financial. We discuss each in turn.
Legal Consequences
The legal consequences can also be financial. However, these payments are owed to the District of Columbia, not another driver. As discussed, your fines may range from $150 to $2,500. Moreover, your license may be suspended if you continue without insurance for long enough and refuse to pay your fines. Keep in mind that these penalties may make it more difficult to obtain insurance in the future.
Financial Consequences
While the legal consequences can be severe, financial consequences tend to be even worse. If you are in an accident with no insurance and you are at fault, you may be personally liable for $100,000s. Moreover, you will be responsible for expensing your own defense counsel. Accidents happen. One accident should not cause you to lose your livelihood. Of course, it is no better for the other driver. However, the best we can do is mitigate each party’s negative consequences as much as possible. We do this by maintaining an active car insurance policy for each vehicle. Additionally, if the other driver does not have insurance, you do not want to be left paying thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you comply with DC law and maintain insurance, this is an avoidable financial consequence.
How to Obtain Car Insurance in DC
We have hit on why having car insurance is critical in Washington, DC. Not only is it legally required, but it protects you and your loved ones should you be in a car accident. You can obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies online or by contacting an agent to get started. Comparing rates and coverage options is critical to finding an affordable plan that meets both the legal requirements and your personal needs. Additionally, you may be eligible for discounts based on several factors. For example, you will probably receive a lower rate if you have not been in any auto accidents that are your fault.
Additionally, if you are a young driver and still in school, some insurers like State Farm will review your report card and provide a lower rate if you qualify based on your grades. Many insurers also provide discounts if you receive insurance from the same company for different parts of your life, such as home insurance.
Once you select a provider, you simply submit your basic information to finalize the policy, including your driver’s license, vehicle details, and payment information. Ensure your insurance meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of DC law.
Steps to Take If You Are in an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
- Safety first. If your accident occurs in the middle of the road, it may be best to pull off to the side of the road before exiting your vehicle. This minimizes the chance that another driver will strike your vehicle.
- Call the police. The police can assist you in documenting the scene and gathering evidence. They are instrumental if you must immediately go to the hospital via ambulance.
- Document the scene and gather evidence. Speak to the adverse driver and obtain their information, such as name, address, and insurance information. Take photos of your vehicle and any other vehicles involved in the accident. Also, take pictures of anything else you deem relevant, such as a stop sign the other driver ran through.
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Seek medical attention if you still need to do so.
- Consult with an attorney.
Contact an attorney at Gelb & Gelb. Our lawyers have practiced personal injury law in Washington, DC, for over 70 years.
Call today for a free case consultation at (202) 331-7227.
