Full Coverage Auto Insurance In Virginia: What You Need To Know

As of 2024, the average cost of car insurance in Virginia is $2,027 per year, or $169 per month, for full coverage. This is significantly cheaper than the national average of $2,348. Full coverage car insurance includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Liability insurance covers the cost of the other party's injuries and repairs in the event of an accident where you are at fault. Collision insurance covers the cost of repairs to your car if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive insurance covers the cost of repairs to your car if it is damaged in a non-collision-related incident, such as theft, fire, or vandalism. In addition to these three types of coverage, full coverage car insurance in Virginia may also include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical expense coverage, and income loss benefits.

Minimum insurance requirements

As of July 1, 2024, all drivers in Virginia are required to carry a minimum auto insurance policy. The minimum amount of auto insurance coverage in Virginia is $25,000/$50,000/$20,000. In the event of a covered accident, your limits for bodily injury are $25,000 per person, with a total maximum of $50,000 per incident. It also covers up to $20,000 for damage to another person's property.

There are two types of liability coverage that your insurance policy must include: property damage and bodily injury. Property damage liability coverage covers the cost of repairing or replacing vehicles and other personal property damaged in an accident you caused. Bodily injury liability coverage covers medical expenses and related costs for other parties resulting from a collision for which you are found at fault.

In addition to liability coverage, Virginia also mandates uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This protects you in the event of an accident where the other party is at fault and either doesn't carry insurance or is underinsured. The minimum limits for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage are $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident.

Virginia also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist property damage insurance with a minimum limit of $20,000 per accident. This coverage helps pay for property damage to your vehicle that you are legally entitled to from another driver who is not insured or is underinsured.

It's important to note that these are the minimum insurance requirements in Virginia. You may want to consider purchasing additional coverage options, such as collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, to ensure you have adequate protection in the event of an accident.

Liability coverage

Bodily injury liability helps cover medical expenses for those involved in the accident, including emergency and ongoing medical expenses, loss of income, or funeral costs. It also covers the policyholder's legal fees if the accident results in a lawsuit.

Property damage liability helps cover the costs of repairing or replacing the vehicles of other drivers involved in the accident. It also covers the damage done to other forms of property by the policyholder's vehicle, such as fencing, mailboxes, or buildings.

In Virginia, the minimum liability insurance requirements are:

• Bodily injury liability coverage: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident
• Property damage liability coverage: $20,000 per accident
• Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident
• Uninsured motorist property damage insurance: $20,000 per accident

Failing to obtain liability coverage in Virginia could result in license suspension, fines, or jail time for repeat offenses.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

In Virginia, if you have more insurance than the person who hits you, you have underinsured motorist coverage. For example, if you are in a car accident where the other driver is at fault and has only the minimum liability auto insurance of $25,000/$50,000/$20,000, but you have insurance with higher limits, the at-fault driver's insurance will pay its minimum, and your insurance will cover the difference.

It's important to note that if you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your insurance company may try to reduce the compensation they pay you or reject your claim based on technicalities. Seeking legal assistance can help you file a strong claim and pursue the financial compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

Collision coverage

When deciding whether to add collision coverage to your policy, consider the value of your vehicle and your ability to pay for repairs or a replacement vehicle out of pocket. If your vehicle is brand new or worth a significant amount, collision coverage can help you cover the cost of expensive repairs or a replacement. On the other hand, if your vehicle is older and not worth much, collision coverage may not be worth the additional cost.

Comprehensive coverage

In Virginia, comprehensive coverage is not required by law. However, it is often a good idea to add this type of coverage to your policy for greater protection on the road. If you are leasing or financing a vehicle, most lenders will mandate that you carry comprehensive coverage, along with collision coverage. Additionally, if your vehicle has value, adding comprehensive coverage can be a wise decision.

The cost of comprehensive coverage in Virginia will depend on various factors, including your driving history, location, and the limits and coverages you select. It is worth noting that Virginia experiences some of the best-maintained roadways in the country, but that doesn't rule out the possibility of encountering a pothole or ice patch. Comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind and protect you financially in the event of unexpected incidents.

Frequently asked questions