How Much Is Virginia Car Insurance?

Affordable Car Insurance in Virginia

Before, it was possible for Virginia drivers to pay a fee so they would not have to buy auto insurance. However, as of July 2024, this option is no longer available and all drivers in Virginia must be insured. Getting the right coverage levels requires knowing your state’s minimum insurance requirements, understanding optional coverages, and knowing where to save money without compromising your security.

The good news is that Virginia has some of the lowest average premiums in the U.S. The better news is that SmartFinanacial's carrier-neutral information helps you efficiently hone in on the perfect auto insurance policy for your needs at lower-than-average rates—all for free!

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Virginia

Virginia drivers are required to carry liability insurance to pay for damages and injuries inflicted on someone else in an auto accident.

$30,000

Bodily injury coverage per person

Maximum payment for serious injury or death to a single person

$60,000

Bodily injury coverage per accident

Maximum payment for serious injury or death to more than one person

$20,000

Property damage per accident

Maximum payment for all damaged property in an accident caused by you

Keep in mind that the above liability requirements will increase to $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 starting in 2025. In addition, auto policies will automatically include uninsured motorist insurance in the same amounts of however much liability insurance you buy. It is possible to reject this coverage but you must do so in writing.

Because Virginia is an at-fault state, your liability insurance pays only if you (or the driver of your car) were at fault in an accident. Otherwise, you may file a claim through your carrier or the at-fault party's carrier, and you may file a personal injury lawsuit.

Virginia has a competitive rating law, which means different insurance companies charge different rates for the same coverage. Choosing your insurance provider involves more than just price, though. You need to look for quality coverage, a variety of discounts, positive customer satisfaction scores, and a good claims history.

Also, higher-than-minimum coverage is a smart investment in financial protection against serious accidents, when minimum limits may not be enough. Adding optional coverages to your policy is another way to get a greater return out of your insurance, as there are many things that standard liability coverage doesn't pay for.

Optional Coverage in Virginia

• Collision
• Comprehensive
• New Car Replacement
• Loss of Use
• Travel Expenses
• Towing and Labor
• Rental Reimbursement
• Accidental Death
• Auto Disability
• Gap Coverage
• Accident Forgiveness
• Custom Equipment
• Medical Payments

If you cause a motor vehicle accident in Virginia, you may be held responsible for any losses experienced by others involved in the crash. If you're unable to pay for the property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident, a lawsuit may be filed against you. The financial consequences of this scenario can be devastating.

Plus, the more you own, the greater your loss may be; your home, savings, future wages, and other assets may be taken to cover your debt. Carrying adequate liability insurance protects you from this fate. The more you have to protect, the more insurance you should carry.

Virginia Car Safety

You can't control the actions of other drivers, or the conditions you experience on the road. Because of this, it makes sense to carry as much auto insurance as you can afford, even if you don't think you'll need it.

For example, some leading causes of motor vehicle crashes in Virginia are speeding, distracted driving, and poor road conditions. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol also contributes to many crashes, but these rates are on the decline in Virginia. Let's look at some important safety statistics for the state below.

Find more motor vehicle safety data for Virginia in the 2019 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts (PDF).

Car Safety for Virginia Kids

Virginia mandates that all children ride in a child restraint device until their 8th birthday. There is no weight or height requirement; the law is based solely on age. Child safety seats must be approved by the Department of Transportation and used properly according to manufacturer directions. This law applies to anyone who provides transportation for children.

It's worth noting, though, that it's much safer to make sure a kid can be properly secured with the vehicle's seat belts before discontinuing the use of an appropriately rated booster seat. Usually, this happens at 4′ 9" tall, when the child can sit up straight with the lap belt going over the upper thighs and the shoulder belt crossing the shoulder and chest.

For safety reasons, rear-facing car seats should always be placed in the back seat of the car. If the vehicle does not have a back seat, the car seat may be placed in the front only if there is no airbag or if the airbag is deactivated. Children should ride rear-facing until they reach 1 year of age or exceed the weight limits specified by the safety seat's manufacturer.

Children 8 through 17 years must be properly belted in the vehicle's safety belt unless they are riding in taxicabs, limousines, or school buses. Virginia law states that children are not allowed to ride unrestrained in the rear cargo area of vehicles.

In Virginia (and every other state), children left unattended in vehicles are at considerable risk of injury. Even when the outside temperatures are in the 70s, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels within a matter of minutes. Even lower temperatures pose risks if the vehicle is parked in the sunlight. Children may suffer heatstroke, brain damage, and death because their bodies heat up three or more times faster than adult bodies. Pets are similarly in danger.

In Virginia, children 7 years old and under should not be left alone for any period of time, including in vehicles. If it is found that the environment poses a danger or the caretaker would be unable to intervene in the event of accident or injury, charges can be filed against the responsible adult.

Virginia offers civil immunity for rendering emergency care and forcible entry into a vehicle to remove a minor at risk of serious bodily injury or death provided the person doing so has attempted to contact an emergency responder or called 911 prior to entry.

125,800

Number of reported motor vehicle crashes in 2015

20,768

Number of drivers convicted of DUI in 2015

753

Number of motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2015

Driving Green in Virginia

In addition to savings on your car insurance, choosing to go green in Virginia can mean big savings on your taxes. You may also qualify for other incentives. Of course, there's no greater benefit than helping to save the planet.

Emissions Test Exemptions

Certain parts of Northern Virginia require emissions testing, but the State offers exemptions for drivers of eco-friendly vehicles. If you drive one that uses compressed natural gas, solar energy, electricity, or liquefied gas, or if you drive a qualified hybrid, certain diesel-powered vehicles, or a motorcycle, you may be exempt from the emissions test required for vehicle registration. For more information, consult the Department of Motor Vehicles.

HOV Lane Access for Clean Fuel Autos

Drivers of qualified clean-fuel vehicles in Virginia may apply for a clean special fuel vehicle license plate through the state DMV. This license plate allows you to use certain high occupancy lanes, regardless of how many passengers you carry. To qualify, vehicles must run exclusively on one or more clean fuel types, such as compressed natural gas, ethane, methane, electricity, hydrogen, solar, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hythane, or hybrid gasoline/electric.

Federal and State Tax Incentives

Both the Federal government and the State offer tax breaks for alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). Virginia exempts alternative fuel from taxes when it's sold and delivered to a government entity or to a nonprofit charitable organization, or when it's produced for exclusive use in an agricultural operation. Federal tax credits may be available for drivers of electric cars, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, diesel, and other AFVs. For answers to questions on these tax incentives, please consult your tax professional or contact the Virginia Department of Taxation.

Virginia Car Insurance FAQ

Is my credit score a factor when obtaining car insurance in Virginia?

Yes, your credit score is a major factor when it comes to determining how much you pay for Virginia auto insurance. However, insurance companies cannot non-renew your policy based solely on your credit report.

Does Virginia offer a good-driver discount?

If you or a family member has caused a motor vehicle crash or been cited for a moving violation, you may need to pay more for your auto insurance. Alternatively, if you qualify as a good driver, insurance companies may reward you with a discount on your premium. In Virginia, auto insurance premium increases due to violations or accidents may be applied for 3 years. Ask about qualifying for a good driver discount. And, while you're talking to your agent, inquire about other discounts like:

• Accident-Free
• Anti-Lock Brake
• Anti-Theft Device
• New Car
• Passive Restraint
• Utility Discount
• Good Student
• Home Ownership
• Full Pay
• Multiple Car
• Multiple Policy
• Resident Student
• Vehicle Safety

Does Virginia allow the use of digital insurance cards?

Yes. Virginia motorists no longer have to worry about carrying paper or plastic ID cards in the glove compartment Proof of insurance can be shown digitally on a phone, tablet, or other mobile devices.

What happens if my coverage lapses?

If you own a vehicle in Virginia and fail to carry the minimum required insurance, you will have to pay a $600 fine, meet SR-22 filing requirements for three years and pay a reinstatement fee if your license is suspended. You will also face higher insurance premiums when you do buy coverage.

What are Virginia's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) percentage limits under the state's driving under the influence (DUI) laws?

It's against the law to drive in Virginia at the following BAC percentages:

• .08%+ at 21 years old or older
• .04%+ for commercial vehicle drivers
• .02%+ at under 21 years old

You can be convicted of driving under the influence in Virginia even if the amount of alcohol in your blood has not caused obvious impairment. Moreover, you can be convicted if your BAC is at or above 0.08% or you're impaired and just sitting in your vehicle with the key in the ignition. Your vehicle does not need to be moving and your ignition can be in the "off" position and you can still be found guilty.

What are the chemical test refusal penalties in Virginia?

If you're suspected of a DUI and refuse to submit to a chemical test in Virginia, the penalties may be harsh. Your refusal can be admitted as evidence at a criminal trial and constitutes grounds for revocation of your driver's license. The first refusal is a civil offense, but the second and subsequent refusals are criminal offenses with possible jail time.

What are the consequences of being convicted of a DUI?

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Virginia is a big mistake. Potential penalties for a first offense DUI in Virginia include fines, jail time, court costs, driver's license revocation, ignition interlock installation for restricted licenses, enrollment in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP), and DMV demerit points. High BACs or conviction of a DUI while transporting a minor result in mandatory jail time.

Does Virginia offer driver improvement courses to reduce my insurance premium?

Completion of a State-approved driver education course may qualify you for a reduced auto insurance premium. If you're a young or elderly driver, the savings may be greater. Ask your insurer for more information on taking a driver improvement course.

Is there any way I can reduce the cost of my Virginia car insurance?

Many insurance consumers fail to benefit from discounts simply because they never thought to ask their carrier about ways to save. You may be able to reduce your premium by installing or choosing a vehicle with automatic seat belts, airbags, and anti-theft devices. Maintaining a clean driving record and a satisfactory credit history are other things to focus on, and you can save big by choosing a higher deductible and by shopping around and comparing rates every time you renew your policy.

What is uninsured motorist coverage and is it required in Virginia?

Uninsured motorist insurance protects you if you're injured in an accident with a driver who does not have any insurance coverage, or if you collide with a hit-and-run driver. It is included with any auto policy you buy but it is possible to reject this coverage if you do not want it.