Auto insurance rates and requirements vary widely from state to state. While Virginia residents pay lower than the national average for car insurance, there are a number of things you should be aware of when shopping around for Virginia insurance rates for your car. Not only will this help you save money on your rates, but it will also ensure you get the best coverage for your car.
Virginia Insurance Requirements
In Virginia, residents are required to have the following liability coverage:
- Bodily Injury–$25,000/50,000. This means that in the event of an at-fault accident, your insurance will cover the other vehicle's medical costs up to $25,000 per person or $50,000 for two or more people. It also covers legal expenses in the event that you are sued. However, these limits are relatively low, and many experts recommend you increase your limits.
- Property Liability–$50,000. This covers damage you might have caused to property, be it a fence, building, or other car.
Uninsured Motorist Fee
Interestingly enough, in Virginia residents can pay an uninsured motorist fee and legally register and operate a vehicle for a year even without proof of insurance. This fee runs around $500 each year. Virginia insurance rates for cars, however, are actually less than this if you plan on getting basic liability coverage.
If you are tempted to simply pay the uninsured motorist fee, keep in mind that even though you may be legally allowed to drive a car, you would still be legally liable for all damages you may cause, whether they are medical or property damage. With minimum liability coverage, you would only pay your deductible and the insurance would cover the rest.
Additional Coverage
Virginia insurance requirements for cars only cover damages to other vehicles, not your own. For that reason, it's a good idea to include the following additional coverage when getting quotes for Virginia insurance rates:
- Comprehensive. This type of coverage will cover costs of damage resulting from weather, flooding, or things like broken windshields. It also covers theft.
- Collision. If you cause an accident and you don't have your own collision coverage, you will have to fund your own repair costs, which can really add up.
- Uninsured/Underinsured. If you are hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your repair costs, this type of insurance will cover the costs to repair your vehicle.
Getting the Best Rates
One of the best ways to save money on your Virginia insurance rates is to shop around for the best rates. Using a comprehensive site like LocalInsurance.com is a great way to get insurance information, then find local rates and compare them. That way, you know you are getting the best deal on your Virginia insurance.
