Getting auto insurance in Washington, DC is the thing that everyone thinks they need, but really it is not. For a large part, that’s because Washington DC is one of the most densely populated cities in the country, and so everyone assumes that if you are living in DC you are going to need auto insurance. However, the truth is that you can shop around for affordable auto insurance in DC without having to drive through rush hour traffic or stand in line at the DMV. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Get a few different quotes. There are some great online resources to help you get quotes from several different insurance companies. You can request them through the internet, over the phone, or by mail. There are also Insureinfoq that will return your results in literally just a few minutes.

Compare your quotes. If you want to get a good deal on auto insurance in DC, you will undoubtedly want to get as many quotes as possible. The easiest way to do this is to go to an auto insurance comparison web site. These sites will return several different quotes, along with their prices.

Pick the best one. This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people pick the first one that comes along. It may sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people do this. The best choice will be one that covers you for your needs and isn’t too expensive. You don’t want to overpay, but you do want to make sure that you are protected. The best advice is to pick one that covers all of your bases.

Request proof of coverage. Every auto insurance company in DC requires you to provide proof of auto insurance coverage when you request a quote. Some do this through a form that is simply posted on their web site. Others require a call to your insurance agent’s office. Either way, it’s very important that you know that you are covered, before you give out any information. Getting this proof beforehand will save you a ton of hassle.

Look into multiple insurance offers. Auto insurance companies in DC also often offer different types of coverage. Find out what they have available, and compare the rates from one company to another. It’s often a great idea to go with one company if they offer more than one type of coverage.

Take some time to learn about the laws in your area. There is a lot of local government and industry information that is easily found online. Read up on your state’s regulations, and keep abreast of the news. This will help you find the best auto insurance in DC that you can.

You should always be aware of the most important fact when buying auto insurance in DC: read your policy! Be sure you understand what your coverage offers and what you will have to pay. If you have questions, ask as many questions as you need to until you’re comfortable with everything. Only then should you sign up for the policy.

Find out about any discounts you may qualify for. Ask about them before you buy coverage, or ask your agent. Many companies offer discounts for things like good grades, being married, being a home owner, etc.

Drive around town to look for the best deals. If you live in the nation’s capital, you’ll probably find the most choices of auto insurance in DC. The city itself has quite a few options for residents, even outside of Washington, D.C. In fact, many residents actually choose to get coverage from out of town providers because it’s the closest they can get to the capital.

Inquire about special coverage. Some auto insurance companies offer VIP protection. These policies are generally only available to new customers, but are ideal for business owners or those whose cars tend to carry a greater monetary value. VIP auto insurance policies typically include collision and comprehensive coverage, as well as personal injury protection. This is a good option if you drive frequently, or own expensive items.

Finally, be sure to find out what kind of deductible you will need to pay. Some policies have a high deductible, while others have a lower deductible. If you want the absolute cheapest coverage possible, go with the higher deductible. However, if you want the most coverage possible, stick with a lower deductible!