VIRGINIA CAR INSURANCE: Coverage, Cost & Requirements

It is illegal for a driver in Virginia to drive without at least the state-mandated minimum liability insurance. You’ll need to present your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance if you get into an accident or the police pull you over. That is why this article serves as a guide to everything you need to know about car insurance in Virginia: coverage, the requirements, quotes, and the best companies you can get it from. Let’s dive in!

Car Insurance in Virginia

Car insurance in Virginia is a form of liability coverage that safeguards policyholders financially in the event of a car crash. Insurance often covers repairs to the vehicle, damage to third-party property, and medical bills for anyone in the car. Prices and coverage options for car insurance in Virginia vary widely based on factors including the type of vehicle insured and the policyholder’s driving record. Liability insurance is required by law in the vast majority of American states.

Car Insurance Minimum Coverage Requirements in Virginia

Thinking about car insurance requirements in Virginia? Check this out! People who don’t want to pay the $500 Uninsured Motor car fee must have at least the following types of car insurance:

Liability insurance for bodily injuries

The following bodily injury liability coverage is required for drivers:

$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident

Liability coverage for property damage

If you live in Virginia, the law requires you to carry property damage liability insurance with a minimum of $20,000 in coverage in case you cause damage to someone else’s car or property.

Virginia Car Insurance Laws

Here are a few fundamental Virginia car insurance laws that every driver has to be aware of:

#1. Virginia is an at-fault state

In at-fault states such as Virginia, the driver deemed to be at fault for an accident bears the financial responsibility for covering both their own and the other driver’s medical costs. It’s always a good idea to acquire greater liability coverage than the minimum required by state law because this can be expensive.

#2. Virginian penalties for driving without insurance

In Virginia, driving a car without insurance is permitted, but those who intend to do so have to pay a $500 annual Uninsured Motor car cost, which expires with the registration of the vehicle. Drivers who fail to comply with this and operate a car without insurance risk having their license and registration revoked.

Drivers must pay a $600 noncompliance fine, submit an SR-22 certificate to the DMV for three years, and pay a reinstatement fee in order to have these things reinstated.

Best Car Insurance Companies in Virginia

It is very important to get reviews of the car insurance companies around you. You also need to check out the quotes from all the available car insurance companies in Virginia to get the one that suits your budget. The following are the best car insurance companies in Virginia:

#1. USAA

USAA is the least expensive option and has the greatest customer satisfaction rating among Virginia insurance companies. Despite its great grades across the board, its policies are restricted to active and retired military personnel and their families. If you qualify, USAA will provide you with most types of common insurance as well as some specialized options.

#2. Erie

All Virginia drivers can get coverage from Erie Insurance, the second-cheapest option after USAA. Erie has numerous coverage choices and specialized coverages and has received good customer satisfaction ratings as a result. It also provides accidental injury protection for pets up to $500 per pet and replacement of lost or stolen personal items.

#3. State Farm

Car insurance for young drivers in Virginia costs an average of $3,092 per year. Despite having a higher price tag than some of its rivals on our list in Virginia, State Farm has an excellent customer satisfaction record. Also, it provides plans and savings intended especially for novice drivers.

#4. Nationwide

In Virginia, Nationwide offers some of the priciest coverage. Annually, the lowest coverage fee is $398 and the maximum cost is $1,039. Nationwide offers a variety of policy options, including gap and rental car insurance, as well as some fantastic loyalty benefits like fender bender forgiveness and key fob replacement, even if it could be more expensive than some of the other companies on our list.

#5. GEICO

Berkshire Hathaway owns the immensely successful car insurance company GEICO. Originally founded to serve civilian and military government employees in the United States, the organization changed its name to Government Employees Insurance in 1998. In Virginia, drivers with tickets or accidents on their records can find some of the most affordable monthly premium pricing at GEICO.

#6. Progressive

High-risk drivers in Virginia will probably spend an average of $1,729 for complete coverage, although they pay less than in other regions of the nation. If you have a conviction for DUI, speeding tickets, or any other high-risk offense, Progressive may be able to help you save money. They may also assist you in filing the necessary SR22 documents with the relevant state agency.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Virginia

You should consider yourself fortunate if you drive in Virginia because the cost of auto insurance there is typically far lower than the national average. Our research shows that a married 35-year-old in Virginia with a spotless driving record and excellent credit pays an average of $1,142 annually, or $95. When compared to the national average of $1,730 per year, a savings of $144 per month is achieved.

Similarly, for good drivers 35 years of age, the state average for minimal coverage is approximately $490 each year, or $41 per month. Compared to the national average of $635 per year or $53 per month, this is almost 23% less expensive.

Remember that middle-aged drivers with clean driving records and decent credit can get the best prices. Because these things make you a high-risk driver, you will pay higher rates if you have a bad credit score or marks from a DUI, speeding ticket, or at-fault accident on your record.

How to Find Affordable Car Insurance in Virginia

Try the following advice if you’re trying to find the cheapest car insurance in Virginia:

#1. Compare prices

The application weighting of drivers varies slightly across car insurers. The only way to determine which service gives you the greatest cost is to compare rates from several different suppliers.

#2. Seize every discount you can

Each car provider offers its own set of discounts to policyholders who meet certain criteria and want to save money. Enrolling in certain discount programs, such as those that place a small device in your car to monitor your driving, may allow you to get a lower price.

#3. Increase the deductible

Monthly premiums for car insurance are often cheaper with a higher deductible. You can always put money aside in an emergency fund to cover your deductible if you’re worried about having to pay a large amount out of pocket in the event of an accident.

Optional Car Insurance Coverage in Virginia

Virginia mandates minimum liability as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, as we have already learned. Although it is a minimally advised need, you are still free to add more coverage to your policy in order to improve your level of protection. The following are a few of the most popular additional coverages:

#1. Gap Insurance

The term “lease/vehicle loan payoff coverage” describes this. This insurance aids in covering the shortfall between the amount you owe on your auto loan and the vehicle’s market value.

#2. Collision Coverage

When your car is not in an accident, this coverage pays for the costs of repairs. Natural disasters, theft, and vandalism are a few instances where comp coverage will come into play.

#3. Comprehensive Coverage

This aids in covering damage from collisions with other vehicles, trees, structures, etc.

#4. Coverage for Reimbursement of Rental Car

Rental car reimbursement will pay for the cost of a rental automobile if your car is not usable for any reason.

#5. Coverage for Medical Payments

In the event of an automobile accident, this kind of insurance assists in covering your medical costs.

#6. Coverage for Roadside Assistance

This coverage assists in paying for any problems that may arise while you’re driving, such as flat tires, towing, and dead battery replacement.

Virginia Car Insurance Discounts

Look around to identify the businesses that have the best deals available for your circumstances. Many companies provide varying kinds and quantities of discounts. Here are a few instances of typical reductions for auto insurance.

#1. Discounts for Students and Teen Drivers

Finding reductions specifically for students and teenagers on your auto insurance coverage can be quite beneficial. Businesses reward students with strong marks (often a B average or higher) and those who attend classes without driving. To assist in lowering the cost of insurance for a young driver, you can also obtain adolescent or new driver discounts.

#2. Safe Driver Rebates

If it has been a few years since you were in an at-fault accident, several companies give discounts for cautious driving. Each firm has a different requirement for the duration of a clean driving record.

#3. Bundling Rebates

Bundling numerous policies or vehicles together is another popular strategy to receive reduced prices. These discounts are available from most auto insurance providers. All you need to do is do your homework and feel at ease using the same provider for several kinds of insurance.

Why It’s Critical to Abide by Virginia’s Car Insurance Regulations

As always, abide by the rules of your state. You’re setting yourself up for failure when you don’t have the necessary insurance. In addition to the financial deluge that may befall you in the event of a traffic infraction or vehicle accident, you run the chance of facing legal repercussions, such as having your license and registration revoked or having to obtain SR-22 insurance.

Will My Car Insurance Accompany My Car or me in Virginia?

In Virginia, car insurance will follow your car. Therefore, even if you weren’t driving, your insurance will still pay for any damages if someone else uses your car and gets into an accident. This covers uninsured/underinsured coverage, comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance.

Is Car Insurance Required in Virginia?

Virginia’s rules for car insurance are different from those of most other states. Although having auto insurance is advised, it’s not required. On the other hand, if you decide against having insurance, you will be responsible for paying the $500 UMV fee and any out-of-pocket expenses resulting from an accident.

Is Car Insurance Less Expensive in Virginia?

The price of car insurance in Virginia is comparable to that of other states in the union. It comes in at number 26 in terms of cost-effective liability coverage and number 10 in terms of cost-effective full comprehensive and collision coverage.

What Happens if Someone Hits Me While Driving Without Insurance?

What occurs when you get into an automobile accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance and it’s their fault? In Virginia, you can potentially be eligible for “uninsured motorist coverage” if your car insurance covers you while you drive. According to Virginia law, unless you specifically decline the policy, you automatically acquire uninsured motorist coverage when you get auto insurance. When an active auto insurance policy does not cover the person who caused the incident and your damages, uninsured motorist coverage, sometimes known as “UM coverage,” steps in to protect you. The limitations of bodily injury liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage are the same in Virginia. Even in the event of a catastrophic injury, if the person who caused your damages is uninsured and has no assets, the most you will probably ever be able to recover is $25,000 under Virginia law’s minimum coverage requirements.

Which Insurance Does Virginia Require?

Virginia lawfully requires liability insurance. Liability covers the costs of treating injured parties and their damaged property when you are at fault in an accident. In addition to paying for pain and suffering, this coverage can also reimburse lost wages.

How Long Can You Go Without Car Insurance in Virginia?

You can avoid paying the fines if you submit proof of liability insurance within 30 days. At the time of a traffic stop, law enforcement agents can also request evidence of insurance. Should you be unable to produce any documentation, you can face a Class 3 misdemeanor prosecution.

What Happens if I Get Hurt by Someone Whose Insurance is Insufficient to Compensate for My Loss?

If you are hurt by an at-fault driver who does not have enough insurance, you may also be protected by your own auto insurance policy. There is insurance coverage that will shield you in this kind of circumstance under Virginia law. “Underinsured motorist coverage” is the name of that insurance policy. Unless you actively decline it, underinsured motorist coverage, often known as “UIM coverage,” is a part of your policy if you have auto insurance. The purpose of UIM coverage is to shield you against those who might not have bought enough insurance to fully reimburse your claim. You will gain since you had higher insurance limits than the other driver in the crash.

Is PIP Insurance Required in Virginia?

MedPay is the name of Virginia’s personal injury protection (PIP) program. This insurance, which covers medical expenses for injuries received in an auto accident in which you are not at fault, is not required in Virginia.

Does Registering My Car in Virginia Require Insurance?

You must first make sure you have sufficient auto insurance before you can register your car in Virginia. The bill of sale for your car, the VIN inspection records, and the odometer disclosure form are additional requirements.

Final Thoughts

It is very important to get your car insurance as a driver in Virginia. You need to get your car covered in case of any type of accident. You should also think of getting cheap car insurance quotes for your car as a driver in Virginia so as to save up some money. I do hope this article helps you pick or get from the best cheap car insurance company that suits your needs in Virginia.