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


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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Virginia's minimum car insurance requirements are $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $20,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage matches these limits. Virginia operates under an at-fault system, meaning the driver found at fault for an accident is responsible for the damages. Motorists must carry minimum coverage insurance to drive legally in Virginia.

The monthly cost for Virginia's state minimum car insurance is notably affordable, with an average price of just $38. If you seek the most economical rates, researching the cheapest car insurance in Virginia could provide options that best suit your budget and coverage needs. Responsible drivers will find that maintaining minimum coverage is a legal mandate and a financial safeguard on Virginia roads.

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.

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

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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

The table below illustrates the average cost for minimum coverage car insurance in Virginia by age group, reflecting how insurance rates fluctuate with age. In Virginia, drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest premiums due to their relative inexperience on the road, which statistically correlates with a higher risk for accidents.

22-29Annual Premium$552Monthly Premium$46
30-59Annual Premium$455Monthly Premium$38
60 +Annual Premium$473Monthly Premium$39

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Virginia

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

  • American Family: $269 per year and $22 per month
  • Virginia Farm Bureau: $351 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
American FamilyAnnual Premium$269Monthly Premium$22
Virginia Farm BureauAnnual Premium$351Monthly Premium$29
MercuryAnnual Premium$362Monthly Premium$30
TravelersAnnual Premium$392Monthly Premium$33
ErieAnnual Premium$394Monthly Premium$33
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$401Monthly Premium$33
Cincinnati InsuranceAnnual Premium$464Monthly Premium$39
State FarmAnnual Premium$491Monthly Premium$41

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.

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 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 keeping driving privileges intact.

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.

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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 gets suspended, as you're 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 most 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?
Why does Virginia require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?
Do you need comprehensive insurance in Virginia?
What happens if you drive uninsured in Virginia?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick 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.