Virginia Auto Insurance Guide
Taking a trip to Shenandoah for a weekend of outdoor activities?
Or heading out to Colonial Williamsburg for a day of exploring? No matter where you’re driving in Virginia, ensure you’re protected on the road with the right car insurance.
Amica offers customized Virginia car insurance quotes that allow you to tailor your coverage with comprehensive protection backed by personalized service. Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to protecting yourself and your family on the road. Instead, take the time to get a customized quote that meets your unique coverage needs.
This guide explains Virginia car insurance requirements, liability limits, optional protections, rate factors and common questions.
What auto insurance is required in Virginia?
Virginia has changed its rules in recent years, and today drivers generally need to show financial responsibility by carrying auto insurance. Virginia is an at-fault state. In general, the person who causes the accident is financially responsible for the resulting bodily injury and property damage costs.
Virginia drivers must carry liability coverage.
Virginia minimum liability coverage limits
| Coverage type | Minimum limit in Virginia | What it helps cover |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $50,000 per person/ $100,000 per accident | Injuries to one person after an at-fault accident/ Total injury costs for multiple people in one accident |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident | Damage you cause to another person’s vehicle or other property |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury | $50,000 per person/ $100,000 per accident | Your injuries if an at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance/ Total bodily injury protection for one accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver |
| Uninsured motorist property damage | $25,000 per accident | Damage to your vehicle caused by an uninsured driver or certain hit-and-run situations |
These are the minimum requirements for car insurance in Virginia. They satisfy state law, but they may not go very far after a major accident involving bodily injuries, multiple vehicles or expensive property damage.
Many drivers choose higher limits for added financial protection. For a broader overview, learn about our car insurance and explore your coverage.
Additional coverages to consider
The state minimum only addresses part of the risk you face as a driver. Many Virginia drivers also consider optional coverages that may help with repairs to their own vehicle, medical bills or temporary transportation after a covered claim.
| Coverage | Required in Virginia? | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Collision coverage | No | May help repair your car after a covered crash, regardless of fault |
| Comprehensive coverage | No | May help with covered non-collision losses like theft, vandalism or falling objects |
| Medical payments coverage | No | May help pay medical expenses for you and your passengers after a covered accident |
| Rental reimbursement | No | May help with temporary transportation costs while your vehicle is being repaired as a result of a covered loss |
| Auto loan/lease coverage | No | May help if you owe more on your vehicle than it’s worth after a covered total loss |
| Full auto glass coverage | No | May help with covered windshield or other glass repair and replacement |
If you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender may require certain physical damage coverages.
What affects car insurance rates in Virginia?
There are several factors, including your own driving profile and the area where you live.
- Driving history: A clean record may help you qualify for lower rates than a record with accidents or moving violations.
- Coverage limits and deductibles: The amount of protection you choose affects your premium. Higher limits and lower deductibles often cost more.
- Vehicle type: Your car’s value, repair costs, safety features and theft risk may influence pricing.
- Location and claims trends: Traffic density, weather, local claim patterns and repair costs in your area can all play a role.
Virginia drivers may also face very different road conditions depending on where they travel. Coastal rain, urban congestion, rural roads and winter weather in higher elevations can all shape how useful optional coverages may seem.
As with most states, the average cost of car insurance in Virginia can change over time for reasons both within and outside your control.
Save more with discounts
Amica offers several discounts that may help eligible Virginia drivers save on auto insurance.1
- Family-related discounts: Young driver training and good student discounts may be available for qualifying households.
- Driving-related discounts: Accident-free history and approved defensive driver training may help some drivers lower costs.
- Vehicle equipment discounts: Anti-theft features, passive restraints and certain safety systems may qualify.
- Payment-related discounts: AutoPay, paperless billing and paying in full may also help eligible policyholders save.
Explore Amica’s discounts for opportunities tied to coverage choices and policy setup.
Bundling may also be worth exploring.
Driving facts to keep in mind
- Two states, one street – depending on what side of the street you’re driving on, you can be in a different state. The Virginia and Tennessee state line runs down the middle of State Street in Bristol, Virginia.2
- The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) is the world’s largest tunnel-bridge complex. While it can make your commute quicker, keep an eye on the weather. If there’s inclement weather, some cars may not be able to cross.2
- In Virginia, it’s considered reckless driving if your speed is 20 mph above the posted speed limit.3
How to get auto insurance in Virginia
If you’re ready to compare options, here’s a simple way to get started:
Review your coverage needs: Start with Virginia’s required limits, then think about whether you want higher liability limits or optional protections for your vehicle and passengers.
Look for savings opportunities: Eligible discounts, bundling options and payment choices may all affect your premium.
Get a quote: You can get a quote online or call 800-242-6422 to speak with a representative.
Taking a little extra time to compare limits, deductibles and optional coverages can help you build a Virginia car insurance policy that best matches your life.
Get an auto insurance quote today
FAQs about car insurance in Virginia
No. Virginia is an at-fault state. The person who causes an accident is generally responsible for the resulting bodily injury and property damage costs.
It depends on your location, driving record, vehicle, annual mileage and chosen coverages. Your own quote may differ a lot from a statewide average.
Virginia drivers generally need liability coverage of $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage, along with uninsured motorist coverage at the same basic limits.
That depends on your income, assets, vehicle value and tolerance for out-of-pocket risk. Many drivers consider higher liability limits and optional coverages for broader protection than the state minimum provides.
Discounts not available in all states and may vary.
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Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.
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