District of Columbia at a glance
| Bodily injury liability (per person) | $25,000 |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | Not required (may be optional) |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Required |
| USDOT number for intrastate commercial vehicles | Generally not required by the state |
| Interstate for-hire trucking | Federal minimums apply: $750,000+ for general freight in trucks 10,001+ lbs |
State minimums vs. what businesses actually carry
District of Columbia's minimum limits (25/50/10)are a legal floor for every registered vehicle. A single serious accident involving a work truck can exceed them many times over, and the business — not just the driver — can be sued for the difference. That's why contractors, delivery companies and trucking operations in District of Columbia typically carry a $1,000,000 combined single limit, and why most commercial contracts require it.
Trucking in District of Columbia
- Crossing state lines for hire? You need USDOT registration, MC operating authority, and a federal insurance filing (BMC-91X) — see the FMCSA requirement finder.
- Staying inside District of Columbia? District of Columbia generally does not require a USDOT number for purely intrastate carriers, but heavier trucks, passenger carriers and hazmat haulers may still face state permits and higher insurance limits. Check with the state's motor carrier office before you haul.
- Already have authority? Verify your filing with the DOT/MC insurance lookup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, plus $10,000 in property damage liability and uninsured motorist coverage.
Do commercial vehicles in District of Columbia need more than the state minimum?
Often, yes. Heavier trucks, for-hire carriers and passenger vehicles commonly face higher state or federal requirements, and most clients, brokers and lenders require $1,000,000 in liability regardless.
How much is commercial auto insurance in District of Columbia?
It depends heavily on vehicle type and use — from roughly $1,500 a year for a business pickup to well over $10,000 for a for-hire truck. Try our cost estimator for a planning range, or request quotes for real numbers.
State requirements summarized October 2026 for general information. Laws and thresholds change; confirm with the District of Columbia DMV or insurance department and a licensed agent.
Nearby in the list: Delaware · Florida · All states