Car Insurance in Virginia
Virginia now requires 50/100/25 in liability coverage, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at 50/100. Virginia also eliminated the old option to pay an uninsured-motor-vehicle fee instead of buying insurance — all drivers must now carry coverage.
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Virginia at a glance
Data as of 2023Average cost
$1,114/yr
≈ $93/mo
vs U.S. average
-13%
below the national avg of $1,282/yr
Required minimums
50/100/25
BI / BI per accident / PD ($K)
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
Virginia now requires 50/100/25 in liability coverage, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at 50/100. Virginia also eliminated the old option to pay an uninsured-motor-vehicle fee instead of buying insurance — all drivers must now carry coverage.
As an at-fault state, the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the damages. Comparing quotes is the simplest way to meet Virginia’s higher limits affordably.
Virginia minimum car insurance requirements
Virginia requires $50,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at 50/100. These limits are higher than they used to be, so comparing carriers helps keep the cost down.
Virginia raised its minimums to 50/100/25 (up from 30/60/20) and now requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at 50/100. The old uninsured-motor-vehicle fee option has been eliminated.
How much does car insurance cost in Virginia?
The average driver in Virginia pays $1,114 per year for auto insurance — that's 13% below the U.S. national average of $1,282/yr. Lower-than-average rates often reflect lower traffic density, fewer claims per insured vehicle, or less stringent coverage requirements.
Virginia vs the national average
13% below the national average of $1,282/yr.
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
How Virginia premiums have changed since 2019
Auto insurance costs in Virginia have risen 30% over the past five years. The 2022–2023 jump mirrors a national trend: rising repair costs (vehicle complexity and parts inflation), more frequent severe accidents, and higher litigation costs pushed premiums up faster than overall inflation.
5-year trend: Virginia vs national average
Virginia is up 30% from $859 in 2019 to $1,114 in 2023.
Source: NAIC Auto Insurance Database Report (2022/2023), Table 4 — Average Expenditure.
Types of car insurance coverage
A Virginia policy is built from a few core coverages. Liability is required; the rest are optional but often worth it.
| Coverage | What it covers | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Injuries and property damage you cause to others | Required (state minimum) |
| Collision | Repairs to your own car after a crash | Optional* |
| Comprehensive | Theft, fire, weather, vandalism, animal strikes | Optional* |
| Uninsured motorist | Your costs if the at-fault driver has no insurance | Varies by state |
*Collision and comprehensive are usually required by your lender if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Driving without car insurance in Virginia
Driving uninsured in Virginia can be costly. Penalties typically include fines, suspension of your license and registration, and reinstatement fees. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you can also be held personally responsible for the other party's injuries and damage. You may also be required to file an SR-22 certificate to reinstate your license.
How to find cheaper car insurance in Virginia
Rates for the same driver can vary widely between insurers in Virginia, so comparing several quotes is the most effective way to save. A few other ways to lower your premium:
- Raise your deductible if you can cover it in a claim
- Ask about every discount you qualify for
- Keep a clean driving record and good credit (where the state allows it as a rating factor)
- Reconsider collision and comprehensive on an older vehicle
For more, see our guides on how to lower your premium and what affects your rate.
Coverage requirements last verified May 28, 2026. Always confirm current minimums with your state’s Department of Insurance.
Virginia car insurance FAQs
Common questions about auto insurance in Virginia
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