What Type of Insurance Coverage is Required in Virginia: A Complete Guide
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All Virginia residents should know which type of insurance coverage is required in Virginia. If you plan to register and drive a vehicle, you will need proof of insurance that shows you meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.
Use our guide to Virginia car insurance to learn about the coverage requirements and optional types of coverage.
Introduction to Auto Insurance in Virginia
Virginia, like many other states, has minimum requirements for car insurance. All drivers who wish to register a vehicle must have a Virginia auto insurance policy that meets these requirements.
If you’re caught driving without proof of insurance, you could face penalties such as fines, a suspended driver’s license, suspended registration and license plates, and reinstatement fees.
Minimum Required Insurance Coverage in Virginia
What insurance is required in Virginia? Virginia’s minimum car insurance requirement is that all drivers carry liability insurance. This includes:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability for one person in an accident
- $60,000 bodily injury liability for two or more people in an accident
- $20,000 property damage liability per accident
However, Virginia car insurance laws are changing for policies effective on or after January 1, 2025. After this date, the minimum coverage requirements will increase to:
- $50,000 bodily injury liability for one person in an accident
- $100,000 bodily injury liability for two or more people in an accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Review the insurance requirements of your state:
Virginia’s Unique Uninsured Motorist Fee
One of Virginia’s most well-known and unique options allowed drivers to pay a $500 annual fee upon registration, so they did not have to carry insurance. The fee allowed them to bypass the legal requirements for Virginia car insurance, but it did not provide any coverage if they were in an accident.
However, in 2023 Virginia lawmakers passed SB 951, which removed the uninsured motorist fee option effective July 1, 2024. All drivers are now required to meet the insurance requirements. Note that some business owners still have the option to self-insure their vehicles.
Optional Virginia Car Insurance Coverages to Consider
Though Virginia only requires liability insurance, other types of coverage are available that can be beneficial after an accident.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps pay for your expenses after an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage will cover up to your limit after an accident with an uninsured driver, while underinsured motorist coverage pays the difference between the at-fault driver’s coverage limit and your total expenses.
Collision coverage is also helpful to cover damages to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive covers damages to your vehicle in other incidents, such as hitting an animal, theft, vandalism, falling objects, floods, and more. While Virginia doesn’t require these coverages, most lenders do.
Risks of Driving Without Full Coverage
Liability coverage will only cover other people’s expenses when you are at fault for an accident. Bodily injury liability will cover their medical expenses, while property damage liability covers damages to their vehicles or other personal property. However, it doesn’t cover your expenses.
A full-coverage car insurance policy typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages. Therefore, you’re covered in just about every situation. Without these types of coverage, you could be stuck paying for expensive medical bills and car repairs completely out of pocket.
Importance of Comparing Insurance Quotes
Every insurance carrier will have its own policies and methods for calculating car insurance rates. It will depend on many personal and external factors, such as:
- Age and gender – Younger drivers, especially young men, are more likely to have higher insurance rates.
- Marital status – Single policyholders may pay more than married individuals.
- Location – If you live in an area where accidents or crime are more common, you’ll pay more for insurance.
- Driving record – A history of tickets, accidents, or insurance claims will increase your rates.
- Vehicle information – More expensive cars mean more expensive insurance. However, advanced safety features can also decrease your rates.
Insurance providers may weigh these factors differently, which means you could pay less with one insurance company than you would another. One of the best ways to find cheap car insurance in Virginia is to compare quotes from multiple companies.
By comparing quotes, you can see the different types of coverage available to you and at what cost. Other considerations you may make include the company’s reputation, deductibles and coverage limits, or available discounts. This allows you to find the best policy for your unique financial situation.
Compare Auto Insurance Quotes Today!
Your insurance options and rates will vary by your location and vehicle. Using EverQuote's online comparison tool allows you to compare custom options. Get started today by entering your ZIP code and getting instant quotes from Virginia insurance companies.