High-Risk Car Insurance in Virginia

High-risk drivers in Virginia will find Auto-Owners and Farm Bureau tie as the most affordable options, offering competitive full coverage rates across all violation types.

For nationwide high-risk insurance options, see our guide to affordable high-risk car insurance in the U.S.

Virginia drivers with a DUI pay rates ranging from $77 per month with Farm Bureau for full coverage to as high as $529 from other insurers. A DUI ranks among the most serious violations and stays on your record for 11 years in Virginia, though most insurers consider it for three to five years when calculating premiums.

See our guide to car insurance after a DUI for tips on reducing your rates.

Virginia drivers with speeding tickets find rates ranging from $76 per month through Auto-Owners to as high as $235 for full coverage from other insurers. Your actual increase depends on how much you exceeded the speed limit and whether it's a first offense or a repeat violation. Speeding tickets remain on your driving record for three to five years in the state.

Virginia drivers with an at-fault accident pay rates ranging from $81 per month through Farm Bureau to as high as $283 for full coverage from other insurers. Companies increase premiums because at-fault accidents indicate you're more likely to file future claims, especially when the accident caused injuries or severe property damage. These accidents remain on your driving record for three to five years.

Auto-Owners offers Virginia's most affordable car insurance for drivers with distracted driving violations at $68 per month for full coverage, while other insurers charge up to $235. Virginia law prohibits handheld cellphone use while driving, and violations result in fines that impact your insurance rates. Though distracted driving citations are less severe than DUI or reckless driving offenses, they still raise your premiums.

At-fault accidents increase full coverage rates in Virginia by 49% ($48 per month), while a DUI raises costs by 89% ($86 monthly) compared to drivers with clean records. Motorists with violations pay more than those without infractions on their driving history. The table below compares average monthly costs for different violation types, and you can toggle between full coverage and minimum liability rates using the filter.

For clean-record rates, see our average cost of car insurance in Virginia guide.

High-risk drivers pay higher premiums, but shopping around helps you find affordable coverage despite violations. This guide covers what makes you high risk, how to locate competitive insurers and your options if carriers deny you.

For additional strategies to reduce your rates, see our guide to cheap car insurance after a bad driving record.

Insurance companies label you high risk when you have:

• DUI or DWI convictions
• Moving violations or at-fault accidents
• A suspended or revoked license
• Limited driving experience
• High-performance vehicles or racing history
• Poor credit or coverage gaps
• Lapses in previous insurance coverage

Drivers over 65 pay increased premiums.

Follow these strategies to secure affordable high-risk car insurance coverage in Virginia while protecting your budget.

Insurance companies in Virginia may reject your application if you're deemed too risky under the state's voluntary market system. Drivers denied by standard carriers can access required coverage through the Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan (VAIP), an assigned risk pool that equitably distributes applicants among licensed insurers. Virginia doesn't operate a state low-cost auto insurance program. Low-income drivers should compare quotes from multiple insurers to find affordable coverage that meets state requirements.

*VAIP is administered by AIPSO (Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office). Virginia drivers with valid licenses and registered vehicles can access VAIP through certified insurance agents or brokers statewide.

Virginia doesn't offer a low-cost auto insurance program for income-eligible drivers seeking affordable coverage. However, the Commonwealth operates the Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan (VAIP), which provides coverage to high-risk drivers who've been rejected by at least two standard insurers. This assigned risk plan ensures drivers can meet the state's mandatory insurance requirements when the voluntary market won't cover them.

Virginia doesn't offer a dedicated low-cost auto insurance program for income-eligible residents. Drivers seeking affordable coverage must shop in the voluntary market and compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rates. Those who can't secure coverage through standard carriers can access insurance through the Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan, the state's assigned risk pool.

Drivers with DUIs, suspended licenses, or reckless driving convictions must file SR-22 insurance, which serves as a certificate of financial responsibility with the state's DMV.

If you've been rejected by standard insurers because of DUIs, multiple violations or suspended licenses, Virginia's Automobile Insurance Plan provides access to required coverage. This assigned risk program serves high-risk drivers who can't get insurance through the voluntary market, ensuring you can meet the state's mandatory liability coverage requirements.

VAIP assigns drivers to participating insurance companies based on each insurer's proportional market share in Virginia. The program operates through industry participation requirements administered by state regulation.

Virginia's Automobile Insurance Plan (VAIP) serves as the state's safety net for high-risk drivers who've been rejected by standard insurers. This assigned risk mechanism requires all licensed insurance companies in the state to participate and accept drivers in proportion to their Virginia market share, ensuring the burden is distributed fairly across the industry.

Once you're assigned through VAIP, a participating insurer will provide you with the minimum liability coverage Virginia law requires. This system guarantees access to legally mandated insurance regardless of your driving history.

Virginia's assigned risk plan (VAIP) rates are 50% to 100% higher than comparable voluntary market policies for the same coverage. A driver with a clean record might pay $90 per month for state minimum liability, while VAIP coverage costs $135 to $180 monthly for identical protection. These higher premiums reflect the increased risk insurers take on when covering drivers with DUIs, multiple violations, or serious accidents.

The Virginia State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance regulates VAIP rates and program operations. The plan ensures even drivers rejected by standard carriers can access the liability coverage Virginia law requires, helping high-risk motorists drive legally throughout the state.

For Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan (VAIP):

1. Apply for coverage with at least two standard Virginia insurers and receive rejections from both companies.
2. Obtain written rejection letters or denial notices from each insurer you contacted.
3. Contact a licensed Virginia insurance agent who handles VAIP applications, as most applications go through agents rather than direct submission.
4. Submit your VAIP application along with the required rejection documentation to your agent.
5. Provide necessary information, including your driver's license, vehicle details and driving record.
6. Wait for assignment to a participating insurance company that will provide your coverage.
7. Pay your premium to the assigned carrier once you receive your policy assignment.

VAIP ensures Virginia drivers who can't get coverage in the standard market can still obtain the liability insurance state law requires.

Auto-Owners and Farm Bureau tie as Virginia's most affordable high-risk car insurance providers after analyzing rates from major insurers. Full coverage costs range from $68 monthly for drivers with distracted driving violations to $81 per month for those with at-fault accidents, depending on your specific violation and coverage needs.

Drivers rejected by multiple standard insurers can access required coverage through the Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan (VAIP), ensuring they meet the state's mandatory insurance requirements.

Once you've improved your driving record, keep comparing rates through our cheapest car insurance in Virginia guide to find better options for your updated profile.

We calculated average rates using full coverage policies with 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. State minimum rates were based on Virginia's mandatory 30/60/20 liability requirements.

All rate calculations use this standard profile:

• Driver aged 35
• Male
• Annual mileage of 12,000
• Good credit score
• One violation (DUI, speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or distracted driving)

We reviewed rates from major carriers by violation type to determine the most affordable options for high-risk drivers in Virginia. Filter options allow users to compare full coverage and state minimum coverage based on their needs.