Liability Car Insurance in Virginia: Coverage Requirements and Options
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Virginia requires liability car insurance for all drivers. You must meet these requirements to drive legally or you'll face strict penalties. Our guide to liability car insurance in Virginia can help ensure that you meet the requirements and get the right coverage for your needs.
Introduction to Liability Car Insurance in Virginia
To register your vehicle in Virginia, you must provide proof of insurance that meets the state’s minimum insurance requirements. You also must carry this proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
Virginia insurance companies work with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to track insurance policies. Companies report new policies, lapses in coverage, cancellations, and other changes that affect the status of your coverage.
Virginia car insurance is required to drive legally in Virginia and to avoid penalties, such as fines, suspended registration, and reinstatement fees.
Virginia’s Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements
Virginia requires the following liability insurance for policies effective from Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2024:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability coverage for one person during an accident
- $60,000 bodily injury liability coverage for two or more people during an accident
- $20,000 property damage liability coverage per accident
However, the law changes for policies effective on or after Jan. 1, 2025. The new minimum coverage limits require:
- $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage for one person during an accident
- $100,000 bodily injury liability coverage for two or more people during an accident
- $25,000 property damage liability coverage per accident
Review the insurance requirements of your state:
How Liability Insurance Protects You Financially
A liability insurance policy covers other people’s expenses after an at-fault accident.
Bodily injury liability insurance covers other people’s medical expenses, as well as other costs related to their injuries. For example, it may also cover legal fees, lost income, or pain and suffering. If the person dies as a result of the accident, bodily injury liability will also cover funeral expenses.
Property damage liability covers other people’s property damage expenses. For example, it might cover repair costs for their vehicle or damages to other property like mailboxes, homes, signs, etc.
Increasing Your Liability Coverage for Greater Security
The minimum liability requirements allow you to drive legally. However, this may still not be enough to cover all expenses after an accident, so you’ll be left to cover the excess out of pocket. Increasing your liability limits can give you greater financial protection and put your mind at ease.
It may also be helpful to have other types of coverage that cover your expenses in a variety of instances. For example, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help cover your expenses if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance.
Lenders may also require collision or comprehensive coverage if you finance your vehicle. Collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive coverage pays for repairs after non-accident incidents, like theft, fire, or hitting an animal. You may want to consider these coverages even if they are not required.
Penalties for Driving Without Liability Insurance in Virginia
Virginia has strict penalties for drivers who are caught driving without insurance coverage. Penalties include the following:
- Suspension of driver’s license
- Suspension of license plates and vehicle registration
- A $600 fine that is deposited into the Uninsured Motorist Fund
- The requirement to provide an SR-22 form for three years
- A reinstatement fee for your license, license plates, and registration
During the three years, your insurance company is responsible for reporting lapses in coverage. If you cancel during this period, you may have to restart your suspension period.
Impact of Liability Coverage on Insurance Costs
Liability insurance is one of the most affordable types of coverage. When you buy a car insurance policy, it is highly likely to include liability coverage, because it is typically considered the most basic and essential type of coverage.
That said, liability coverage doesn’t allow for much customization of your insurance rates. For example, collision or comprehensive coverage allows you to customize your premiums by changing your deductible. With liability, the rates you’re given are what you’ll pay unless you can also qualify for discounts.
Additional Resources for Virginia Drivers
If you’re overwhelmed with Virginia auto insurance options and information, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources to learn more about your options.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles provides lots of information on its website for drivers to learn about insurance requirements, vehicle registration, driver’s licenses, and more. The Virginia Bureau of Insurance also provides a list of resources regarding car insurance for consumers to learn about their rights, the shopping process, and factors that affect insurance rates.
Find the Right Coverage: Compare Car Insurance Options Today
Insurance rates change often and depend on many factors. They can vary by ZIP code, driver profile, and vehicle details. The easiest way to find cheap liability car insurance in Virginia is to do some comparison shopping.
Online tools like EverQuote can help you compare custom policy options and rates from multiple providers all in one place. Get started today by entering your ZIP code to find the best policy for you.