Average Cost of Car Insurance in Virginia

Virginia has a relatively low rate of uninsured drivers compared to the national average, which helps keep overall insurance costs down because fewer claims go unpaid due to uninsured drivers. With the elimination of the uninsured motorist fee, Virginia expects even fewer uninsured drivers on the road, which should continue to benefit insured drivers through potentially lower premiums.

Virginia faces notable flood risk, with Hurricane Helene devastating Southwest Virginia in 2024, according to Virginia's Department of Conservation and Recreation. According to Virginia Mercury, nearly 7,000 Virginia properties had repeated flood damage claims over 10 years, with three-quarters of repetitive loss properties located in Hampton Roads. While comprehensive car insurance covers car flood damage, the frequency of severe weather events in coastal areas increases claim costs and affects insurance premiums statewide.

Like other states, Virginia faces increasing costs for car repairs and medical expenses. The state increased minimum liability requirements to account for inflation and rising accident costs. These economic factors contribute to higher insurance premiums as claims become more expensive to settle, affecting both property damage and bodily injury coverage costs.

Virginia drivers experienced changes to car insurance requirements in 2024 and 2025. The state eliminated its $500 uninsured motorist fee program as of July 1, 2024, making car insurance mandatory for all drivers. Additionally, minimum liability requirements increased from 30/60/20 to 50/100/25 for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025. These changes mean more Virginia drivers now carry insurance, but they also contribute to higher premiums as coverage requirements have increased.

Virginia benefits from relatively stable traffic patterns compared to high-growth states. The state has millions of licensed drivers with over 8 million registered cars. While urban areas like Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia see higher traffic density, the state lacks the extreme congestion found in other major metropolitan areas. This stability helps keep accident rates and insurance costs more predictable than in rapidly growing regions.

Motor vehicle thefts increased 21.9% in 2022 compared to 2021, with 14,185 vehicles reported stolen, according to Virginia State Police. And according to 13 News Now, Hampton Roads saw a 25% decrease in auto thefts from 2023 to 2024, suggesting improved theft prevention efforts. About 34% of stolen cars are taken from residences, which affects comprehensive coverage costs.

Virginia drivers face varying theft risks by region, with chances ranging from different levels in southeastern cities compared to the northwest. Coastal areas around Hampton Roads are more prone to hurricanes and flooding, while western parts face winter storm risks. This geographic variation means your location within Virginia impacts your insurance rates.

Virginia's new 50/100/25 minimum liability requirements will help drivers avoid going into debt after accidents, as inflation and economic factors have increased accident costs. While these higher requirements mean increased premiums for some drivers, they provide better financial protection and reduce the likelihood of inadequate coverage in serious accidents.

Virginia enhanced its uninsured motorist coverage laws in recent years, allowing drivers to collect the full amount of their policy without credits for the at-fault driver's liability coverage. This improvement provides better financial protection for Virginia drivers but may result in higher premiums as insurance companies adjust to the increased coverage benefits.