Virginia auto insurance laws are a little complicated. So it's especially important for Virginia drivers to understand the coverage they pay for.
This guide:
• Explains Virginia car insurance regulations and requirements
• Describes how Virginia auto insurance rates are decided
• Shows you how you can save money by comparing multiple quotes
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Virginia auto insurance laws
Virginia is considered a tort state, which means that drivers bear financial responsibility for any damage and injury they cause in an accident. Most drivers fulfill this responsibility by purchasing Virginia auto insurance. A standard policy has several parts.
Liability insurance helps cover the cost of injury and damage you cause to others, and it's required by law. Virginia auto liability minimums are 25/50/20. (That's $25,000 per person for injuries you cause to the other party, up to $50,000 for all, and $20,000 for damage you cause to the other party's property.).
Virginia auto insurance laws also require that drivers purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. These policies will help pay the cost of your expenses should you be in an accident with a driver with inadequate liability insurance. The required minimums are also 25/50/20 ($25,000 per person injured, up to $50,000 total, and $20,000 in property damage).
In addition to these required policies, Virginia drivers may choose to purchase coverage for some "first party benefits". These include compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and funeral expenses. These benefits are optional, but apply to every accident regardless of fault.
Virginia auto insurance companies will also offer optional policies such as collision and comprehensive coverages.
Sidebar If you are a Virginia resident, you may be able to save on your premium by visiting Electric Insurance. Their policies are available only to those drivers whose credit and driving records could be described as being at least good.
For better or for worse, the price of Virginia auto insurance is decided by the behavior of the state's drivers as a whole. Virginia auto insurance companies take the cost of providing insurance for Virginia drivers (this includes settlements and legal fees) and divide it up among the drivers.
But these costs aren't spread around evenly. Instead, the percentage you pay is decided by things like your driving record, your age, where you live, and the kind of car you drive.
Of course, not all insurance companies compute their figures in the same manner. This means that they will charge different rates on the same driver.
What this means for you as a driver, is that you need to shop the different rates (and they'll be very different!) for the best deal. It's the fastest easiest way to save on an Virginia auto insurance policy.
Where you can get Virginia auto insurance quotes
The following web sites will help you find Virginia car insurance quotes: (these links will open in a new window)
• ComparisonMarket is the best online insurance shopping service, and it is the place where most likely to save up to $400.
• Netquote is very helpful if you want a local agent to contact you.
• Geico - a great service, especially for those who can't get insured elsewhere. Be sure to complete the entire quote form!
• Get a quote using your ZIP Code, Find local and national insurers who offer discounts in your area:
To speed things up, you might wish to have some information required for an online quote ready before you begin.
More VA car insurance advice and help
If you want more help designing your VA auto insurance policy, read our guide to setting safe and reasonable car insurance coverage levels. It contains loads of money-saving tips, too.
To find out more about VA auto insurance laws and regulations, visit the state's official website of the Virginia Bureau of Insurance.
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