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District of Columbia: rules and deadlines at a glance
Every 11 topic we track for District of Columbia on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how District of Columbia compares.
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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Uninsured drivers
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.
| Personal injury | 3 years |
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| Property damage | 3 years |
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| Minimum liability | $25,000 / $50,000 / $10,000 |
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| Fault system | At-fault (the driver who caused it pays) |
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| Shared-fault rule | Contributory negligence: any fault (even 1%) can bar recovery |
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| Acknowledge | No fixed number of days; must act with reasonable promptness |
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| Accept or deny | Reasonable time |
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| Pay | Not set by rule |
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| Dollar limit | $10,000 |
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| Filing fee | $5, $10 or $45 |
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| Lawyers | Required for corporate plaintiffs |
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| Total loss rule | 75% of actual cash value |
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| Rule | One-bite rule |
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| Details | One-bite rule, with many exceptions |
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| Rule | Contributory negligence (51% bar for pedestrians and cyclists) |
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| When you are barred | Barred at 1% fault; pedestrians and cyclists barred only at 51%+ |
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| Report required if | Death, injury, or over $250 damage |
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| Deadline | 5 days |
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| Handheld ban | Yes, all drivers (primary) |
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| Texting ban | Yes, primary |
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| Law type | Universal |
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| Who must wear one | All riders (universal law) |
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| Drivers uninsured | 23.1% |
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| UM/UIM coverage | Uninsured motorist required |
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