Virginia (VA) auto insurance
Don't make the mistake of driving unprotected, as the financial ramifications can be devastating in the event of an accident.
In 2022 there were almost 8.7 million people living in Virginia. This makes the state's population the 12th largest in the country, and it is continuing to grow at around 3% per year. More people living in the state means more people driving, which leads to more road congestion and potentially more accidents. Virginia auto insurance can protect the growing population from potential financial hardship related to car wrecks.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reports that 161 individuals are injured in auto accidents every day in the state. In 2021, 967 fatalities occurred on roadways in Virginia, representing a 15% increase over 2020. 80% of all accidents in the state are related to distracted driving, including cell phone use, reading or attempting to reach an item while driving.
Virginia's historic scenery and natural beauty encourage people to get outdoors and utilize alternate forms of transportation, but mixing walkers and cyclists with cars and trucks on the roads is a recipe for disaster. In 2021, 130 pedestrians and 16 bicyclists died on the roads of Virginia. Moreover, 1686 pedestrians and 618 cyclists were injured in the state while walking or biking.
If you live in the state of Virginia, driving can be extremely hazardous and potentially expensive if you are not protected with a good insurance policy. VIU by HUB has the tools to help you compare Virginia auto insurance quotes and explore your coverage options to find the best policy for your needs.
Virginia has minimum auto insurance limits that a driver must have unless they can meet the Financial Responsibility Requirement for resources to cover damages that could result from an accident. Most drivers chose to buy auto insurance to meet this requirement. Virginia’s minimum Liability required limits are:
· $30,000 Bodily Injury per person ($50,000 beginning 1/1/2025).
· $60,000 Bodily Injury per accident ($100,000 beginning 1/1/25).
· $20,000 Property Damage ($25,000 beginning 1/1/25).
Virginia law requires you to purchase Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage for Bodily Injury Liability limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $20,000 Property Damage. This coverage pays for expenses when you are hit by an at-fault driver who either didn’t carry insurance (uninsured) or didn’t carry enough insurance to address all the medical bills or car repair costs (underinsured).
The average annual cost of auto insurance in Virginia is $1,075, much below the national average of $1,445.
Insurance companies use a variety of factors to calculate risk and set prices for their policies. The main components of the basic pricing formulas include the following:
• Credit history: Insurers may assume that a stronger credit score correlates with lower driving risk and less likelihood of filing trivial claims.
• Coverage selections: The more coverage options you choose for your policy, the higher your rate will be.
• Car details: Make, model, year, cost, safety features and vehicle ratings all play a role in the cost of your premiums.
• Demographics: Your age, gender and marital status are taken into consideration, with the youngest and oldest drivers paying more for their policies.
• Driving record: A clean driving record helps to keep the cost of insurance down, while violations can increase premiums significantly and even impact your ability to obtain insurance.
While Virginia auto insurance requirements specify 30/60/20 in minimum Liability Coverage, you should consider buying limits higher than these minimum limits for more protection. Here are some coverage options to consider:
• Collision Coverage: This coverage pays for the cost of your repairs to your vehicle if you are in an accident.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage pays for damages resulting from hazards other than vehicle collision, such as fire, floods, hail, animal collisions, theft and vandalism. If your car is leased or financed, you will probably be required to purchase Comprehensive and Collision Coverage.
• Medical Payments: This pays for some of the driver’s and any passengers’ medical expenses due to injuries sustained in an accident.
• Gap Insurance: If your car is financed and damages in an accident exceed the car's value, you may have a "gap" between what you will get from your insurance coverage and what you owe on the vehicle. Gap Insurance covers that amount so that you are not financially in the hole after an accident.
• Roadside Assistance: If your car is disabled for some reason, Roadside Assistance will pay for a jump-start, tow service, locksmith or repair of a flat tire.
• Rental Reimbursement: This policy addition will pay for a rental vehicle or other supplemental transportation if your car goes into the shop for a covered issue, like a collision.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
