Virginia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)

Name: Virginia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)
Item: Virginia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)
Author: Mark Fitzpatrick

Virginia's minimum coverage liability limits are 25/50/20. The average cost of state minimum car insurance in Virginia is $556 annually, about $46 monthly.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Reviewed by Mark Friedlander

Edited by Myjel Guevarra

Updated: October 31, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Virginia requires drivers to maintain a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident and $20,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage must match these limits. As an at-fault state, Virginia holds the driver responsible for damages after an accident. Interestingly, car insurance is not mandatory if you pay the annual Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee, but it is highly advised for financial protection.

The monthly premium for Virginia's minimum coverage is about $46. If you're looking to explore these requirements more, check out MoneyGeek's guide on the minimum car insurance requirements. For budget-conscious Virginia residents, explore the cheapest car insurance in Virginia to ensure you're getting the best deal.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Virginia Minimum Coverage Requirements
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Virginia
Cheapest Companies in Virginia for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in Virginia
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Virginia
FAQ

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Virginia Bureau of Insurance to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Virginia drivers.

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Virginia as of November 2024.

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Virginia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Virginia, drivers are required to carry minimum auto insurance coverage to drive legally. These coverages are:

$25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
$50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
$20,000 for property damage liability per accident
$25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
$50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
$20,000 uninsured/underinsured property damage coverage

Virginia is an at-fault state, which influences car insurance premiums. In at-fault states, the driver responsible for the accident is liable for the damages. Insurance companies will assess the likelihood that a driver will be at fault in an accident when determining their premium.

DOES VIRGINIA REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE?

Virginia does not require drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance as part of the state minimum coverage. However, if you finance or lease a vehicle, the lender or leasing company will typically mandate both coverages to protect their investment in the car. This requirement ensures that repairing or replacing the vehicle in the event of an accident or other damages can be done without financial loss to the lender. Ultimately, in Virginia, collision and comprehensive insurance are essential for financed or leased vehicles and are recommended if you want comprehensive protection for your assets.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?

What Liability Insurance Covers	What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover
Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident	Your injuries
Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident	Damages to your car
Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy	Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal
	Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, unless additional coverage is purchased

This table reflects Virginia's state minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Your insurance policy's terms and conditions will determine the specific coverage details.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Virginia

While many factors are considered in the cost of minimum car insurance rates, age is the most common. In Virginia, drivers aged 22 to 29 pay the highest premiums because younger, less experienced drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.

The table below shows the average minimum coverage cost in Virginia per age group, highlighting annual and monthly premiums for each category.


22-29	$672	$56
30-59	$556	$46
60 +	$574	$48

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Virginia

These companies offer the most affordable options for minimum coverage car insurance:

Virginia Farm Bureau: $310 per year and $26 per month
American Family: $343 per year and $29 per month

Finding the most affordable auto insurance is important, but you should also ensure your policy meets your needs. Make sure you weigh all factors before choosing a policy. Explore the best car insurance in Virginia for more options.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:

Age Group:

Age Group:30-59


Virginia Farm Bureau	$310	$26
American Family	$343	$29
Travelers	$394	$33
Cincinnati Insurance	$416	$35
Mercury	$456	$38
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$463	$39
Erie	$482	$40
GEICO	$498	$41
State Farm	$537	$45
Nationwide	$646	$54
Allstate	$667	$56
Progressive	$682	$57
National General	$704	$59
Kemper	$1,184	$99

Optional Add-On Coverages in Virginia

In Virginia, available optional add-on coverages include comprehensive, collision, medical payments and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These options protect against various incidents, such as theft, accidents and injuries, regardless of fault. Understanding how much car insurance you need can ensure you're appropriately covered beyond the state minimum.

Add-On Coverage	What It Covers	What It Doesn't Cover
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage	Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.	Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers, regardless of who's at fault.	Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.
Roadside Assistance	Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.	Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.
Gap Insurance	Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.	Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.
Rental Car Reimbursement	The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.	Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.
Collision Coverage	Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault.	Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters.
Comprehensive Coverage	Repairs to non-collision damages from events like theft, fire or hail.	Damages from a collision or personal injuries.
Towing and Labor Coverage	Towing and basic roadside assistance labor costs at the vehicle's breakdown site.	More extensive repairs needed at a garage.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage	Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems.	Original parts that came with your vehicle.
Accidental Death Coverage	Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident.	Non-accidental death or injuries.
Classic Car Insurance	Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars.	Regular use, like your daily commute.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Virginia

In Virginia, the cost of a ticket for driving without insurance depends on whether you've been caught without it before. Penalties for first-time offenders may include a fine and a requirement to file an SR-22 certificate (proof of financial responsibility) for a set period. Repeat offenders could incur heavier fines, longer SR-22 obligations and more severe repercussions.

Additional penalties for driving without minimum coverage auto insurance in Virginia include:

Vehicle registration suspension: Your right to have your vehicle registered can be revoked.
License suspension and a fee to get it back: Your driving license can be suspended, and you'll have to pay to have it reinstated.
Vehicle impoundment: Your car could be taken away, and you'll need to cover the related costs
SR-22 requirement: You might have to provide this certificate as proof of insurance for several years.
Jail time: In some cases, particularly if uninsured driving results in an accident, jail time of up to six months is possible.

Abiding by the law and maintaining minimum coverage auto insurance help you avoid these penalties and ensure you're protected on the road. Understanding and complying with Virginia's insurance requirements is essential to maintaining driving privileges.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

After a car insurance policy is canceled in Virginia, drivers should immediately seek a new policy to avoid driving uninsured, which is illegal. Contacting your previous insurance agent or shopping for a new policy may help you find coverage. The Virginia DMV will be notified of the cancellation. If a new policy isn't in place, you could face penalties such as fines or license suspension.

It's important to quickly secure a new policy to maintain legal driving status. Drivers in Virginia who have difficulty obtaining insurance can explore the Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan (VAIP), which ensures that all drivers have access to the minimum coverage required.

Drivers in Virginia need to have at least the state minimum auto insurance coverage. Finding alternative coverage immediately after a policy cancellation is crucial to avoid risks and penalties.

WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Virginia may have been canceled for several reasons:

Non-Payment: If you didn't pay your premiums on time, your insurer likely canceled the policy due to non-payment.
License Suspension: Your policy may be canceled if your driver's license is suspended, as you are not legally allowed to drive.
Fraud: Insurers will typically terminate your policy if you've provided false information or committed insurance fraud.
Claims History: A high number of claims can lead to a cancellation, as this increases the risk for the insurer.
Moving Out of State: If you've moved out of Virginia, your policy might be canceled since it no longer meets the minimum coverage required in your new state.

FAQ: Virginia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

We answer your pressing questions about Virginia's state minimum car insurance requirements. Here, you'll find detailed information to ensure you meet the legal coverage standards for driving in the Old Dominion.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Virginia?

In Virginia, minimum coverage car insurance includes bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, along with property damage liability of $20,000. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage matches those limits at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, plus $20,000 for property damage. This basic coverage aims to protect drivers financially in case of accidents where they're at fault or involved with uninsured motorists.

Why does Virginia require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Virginia requires minimum automobile liability coverage to ensure that you can cover costs associated with damages or injuries you may cause in a car accident. This financial responsibility helps protect you, other drivers and pedestrians from the potentially high expenses arising from crashes. By having minimum coverage, victims are more likely to receive compensation for their losses, providing a safety net for all parties involved on the road.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Virginia?

In Virginia, having comprehensive insurance is not mandated by state law. However, it is highly recommended for added financial protection. This optional coverage safeguards against non-collision-related damages to your vehicle, such as theft, vandalism or natural disasters. While the state requires minimum coverage for bodily injury and property damage, comprehensive insurance offers a layer of security for scenarios beyond traffic accidents.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Virginia?

Driving uninsured in Virginia exposes you to significant financial risks. You can face fines starting at $500 for the uninsured motor vehicle fee, license suspension and potential vehicle impoundment if caught. Additionally, in the event of an accident, you are personally responsible for property damage and medical expenses, which can be financially devastating. Maintaining at least the state minimum coverage is essential to protect against these consequences.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

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