Cheap Car Insurance in Washington DC, District of Columbia

Want to know more about our capital and how you can get cheap car insurance? While, Home of the nation’s most patriotic monuments, the Smithsonian and the White House, the nation’s capital is made up of distinct neighborhoods, a diverse population and strong job market. Not part of any state, it was created as a federal district on approximately 68 square miles on the Potomac River.

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Driving conditions in Washington, D.C

The District of Columbia experiences heavy traffic, particularly during morning and evening rush hours. Largely due to congestion, the average commute time is between 32 and 34.3 minutes, depending on the study, more than 8 minutes longer than the national average. AlertDC is the official District of Columbia communications system for emergency alerts, notifications and traffic updates. The site can be found at hsema.dc.gov.page.alertdc.

Unique laws in Washington, D.C

Drivers in D.C. are often confused and frustrated at the district’s numerous parking resrictions. The most interested example is that residents who don’t pull far enough into their driveways – even if the back of the car easily clears the sidewalk – can be ticketed. The Department of Motor Vehicles does have an adjudication process for anyone who believes a parking ticket was issued in error. The department can be reached at 202-737-4404 or by email at [email protected]

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Washington, D.C. crime statistics

Washington D.C. has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the nation, according to the website neighborhoodscout, which annually analyzes FBI crime data. The vehicle theft rate in D.C. is 4.86 per 1,000 residents, compared to a 2.20 U.S. Average. What this means, according to the research website, is your chances of getting your car stolen in D.C. is one in 206. As far as overall property crimes, the chances of being a victim in D.C. are 1 in 21.

Washington, D.C. safety requirements

D.C. has one of the strongest, most comprehensive seat belt laws in the nation, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Unlike many states, District law allows police to stop a vehicle solely because its drivers and passengers are not properly buckled. Drivers are responsible for seat belt compliance for all passengers. DC law also requires children under 8 ride in an infant, toddler or booster seat. The Distracted Driving Safety Act of 2004 bans mobile phone use while driving unless the telephone or device is equipped with a hands-free device.

If you get ticketed for a moving violation ticket in Washington D.C., you might be eligible to attend a D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles-approved defensive driving course to have the points removed from your driving record. Online courses can be accessed 24-7, but you must get prior approval to take the course.

Washington D.C. impaired driving laws

According to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, a driver over 21 is charged with DWI if his or her blood alcohol concentration is .08 or higher. Convictions can be based on breath, blood or urine tests, without a field sobriety test. First-time offenders face up to 90 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. Their licenses can also be suspended for 6 months. The “lookback period,” or the time during which prior convictions affect sentencing, is 15 years. The Washington Regional Alcohol Program provides a season “SoberRide” program.