The District of Columbia requires drivers to have a minimum of liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The policy must remain valid for the duration of the vehicle registration. Any lapse in coverage will result in a $150 fine for the first 30 days and seven dollars for every day following until the insurance is reinstated. Proof of insurance must also be supplied at the request of a Metropolitan Police Officer. In the event that a motorist can not show evidence of coverage, he or she will be penalized by a $30 fee. Valid insurance information presented to the officer should include the title of the insuring agency, name of the insured individual, period of coverage and policy number.

Liability Insurance Sums
Drivers must carry a liability policy to cover claims made by other parties after a collision. The District of Columbia mandates $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 per accident for property damage. Liability insurance will fund the victim’s medical costs, property damage and in some cases pain and suffering fees. Maintaining this auto insurance minimum protects the negligent driver’s assets.

Minimum Bodily Injury Plans
Bodily injury coverage in the District of Columbia is reflected as a $25,000/$50,000 quote on the policy. The $25,000 is the maximum amount any one individual can receive for injury costs. If more than one person is injured, the group will be provided with $50,000 without dispersing more than $25,000 per person. Fees accumulated for injuries can include hospital bills, funeral costs and a loss in wages.

Increased Coverage
Bodily injury coverage can be increased at the request of the insured individual. This option is another way to secure one’s assets and avoid high out of pocket fees. Raising the bodily injury sum will pay costs to the victim up to the maximum amount without a limit to the number of parties who can receive money. An increase in bodily injury coverage still provides funds to the other party for medical expenses and other associated assessments.

Minimum Property Damage Plans
The District of Columbia requires only a small sum for liability property damage coverage. This sum of $10,000 covers automobile repairs for the injured party. In the event that a motor vehicle is unable to be repaired, the negligent driver is responsible for a complete replacement. If the value of the vehicle exceeds $10,000, the faulty driver will still be responsible for any additional costs. This coverage will provide funds to any number of parties involved.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
Residents can purchase an increased property damage plan if they consider their motor vehicle to be of higher value than the minimum requirements for other drivers. Sadly, many motorists forgo insurance altogether but those who do carry policies can carry inadequate sums for the repair or replacement of some vehicles. Electing collision or comprehensive coverage will provide a driver with repair costs if he or she is responsible for an accident or if a vehicle becomes damaged while parked. Comprehensive coverage also protects vehicle owners from damage that occurs as a result of the elements. Hail or flooding can be a common occurrence in some locations so drivers should consider possible weather conditions.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is required to operate a motor vehicle in the District of Columbia. The bodily injury coverage under this plan provides $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for a driver either struck or responsible for an accident with another driver who is uninsured. The medical expenses accrued as a result of the accident will be covered up to the amount listed. The uninsured motorist coverage applies the same rules as the liability coverage. Each injured individual can receive no more than $25,000 and if more than one party is involved, the entire group will receive up to $50,000.

Uninsured property coverage has a minimum sum of $5,000 that is subject to a $200 deductible. This means that a maximum amount of $5,000 will be dispersed to a driver that is responsible for or is victim to an accident with an uninsured driver. In order to recover this amount or anything under, insured individuals are subject to a $200 deductible.