Virginia car insurance
Drive the roads of Virginia with the affordable car insurance protection you deserve. Learn more about what’s required for Virginia car insurance including ways you can save.
Get a Virginia car insurance quoteVirginia drivers save 12% when you quote online!
If you’re a Virginia resident in search of car insurance, you’ve come to the right place. Starting your Elephant Insurance quote online will earn you a healthy discount right away. We know choosing coverage can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Our Quote Wizard makes finding the coverages you need easy, and a licensed agent is available should you want to talk through your policy. Get a Virginia car insurance quote online today.
Virginia car insurance requirements
Drivers are required to have a minimum 30/60/20 liability limits on their car insurance in Virginia. Liability coverage is a third-party coverage which provides bodily injury or property damage cover for the other party involved in the accident, not the insured. The minimum limits required in Virginia are:
$30,000
limit for bodily injury liability coverage per person
$60,000
limit for bodily injury liability coverage per accident
$20,000
limit for property damage liability coverage per accident
In addition, Virginia law requires the following minimum amount of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) are first-party coverages, meaning that the payout is for the insured drivers on the policy, not the third party. This additional coverage helps protect you against uninsured drivers and those who have insurance but not enough to cover damages. The minimum limits required in Virginia are:
- $30,000 limit for uninsured/underinsured bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $60,000 limit for uninsured/underinsured bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $20,000 limit for uninsured/underinsured property damage liability coverage per accident
Liability coverages
Liability coverage covers other people (not you) for their injuries and property damage if you cause an accident. Even though it doesn’t cover your injuries or damaged property, liability coverage does help to protect you from being on the hook financially if you cause an accident. Learn more about the differences between liability and what is meant by full coverage.
Also, you may want to consider buying more than the minimum liability coverage. The minimum liability limits might be too low if you cause a multi-vehicle accident or the other driver’s car is totaled. If you don’t have enough liability coverage to pay for the damages and injuries you cause, you might have to pay the rest out of your own pocket.
Virginia law also requires insurers to provide policyholders with “increased” underinsured motorist coverage to help pay for accidents caused by drivers without enough liability coverage. The “increased” option provides coverage that helps pay any damages owed to an insured in addition to bodily injury or property damage. Policyholders may also choose “basic” underinsured motorist coverage instead. The “basic” option will provide coverage that pays any damages owed to an insured after any credit of the bodily injury or property damage coverage applicable to the insured’s damages. Policyholders who elect to have “basic” coverage will need to opt-out of the “increased” coverage by filling out a waiver. The “basic” coverage option may also be referred to as “alternative” coverage.
Additional coverage options available for car insurance in Virginia
Take advantage of more auto insurance coverage options available in Virginia including:
Protect your car with comprehensive and collision coverage
Comprehensive and collision coverages help pay to repair or replace your car if it is damaged, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive coverage can help cover the value of your vehicle if it’s stolen as well as cover expenses like broken door locks and smashed windows. Collision insurance coverage help pay to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object, such as a fence or a tree. When you set up your policy, you set a deductible which is an amount you pay out of pocket and your insurance company pays for the remaining damage up to the limits you select.
MedPay or medical expense benefit (MEB)
MedPay (or MEB) helps pay the cost of necessary medical care resulting from injuries you and your passengers receive as a result of an auto accident and applies regardless of who caused the accident.
Coverage is also provided to the insured and resident relatives if they are riding in someone else’s car at the time of the accident or if they are struck as a pedestrian.
Income loss
Separate from medical expense benefits, Virginia also offers income loss benefits. This coverage helps to reimburse the insured for income lost as a result of an injury from a vehicle accident.
Rental reimbursement
Rental reimbursement can pay for your rental car if you aren’t able to drive your car for more than 24 hours because of a loss covered by comprehensive or collision coverage.
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance coverage saves you from being stranded on the side of the road when something goes wrong with your car. If purchased, roadside assistance is available for use when your car is disabled due to a covered emergency, such as:
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown
- Battery failure
- Insufficient supply of fuel, oil, water, etc.
- Flat tire
- Lock-out
- Entrapment in snow, mud, water, or sand
Personalize your car insurance policy with more protection
In addition to the coverages offered above, Elephant offers additional options to personalize your auto insurance in Virginia. A few of these include the following:
Upgraded accident forgiveness
Accident forgiveness is a policy feature where an accident waiver is automatically earned after a customer goes 3 consecutive years without having an accident on their policy. Instead of waiting 3 years for this waiver, you can purchase upgraded accident forgiveness that’ll starts with your policy.
Legal coverage
For as little as $5/month, you can have peace of mind that your legal needs will be handled by specialized attorneys for many of the complicated situations that life can throw at you with our Legal Resources Plan.
Diminishing deductible
Diminishing deductible, sometimes called a “disappearing” or a “vanishing” deductible, is a coverage feature that can be added onto a vehicle’s collision deductible to lower the out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident.
Factors that impact your car insurance rates in Virginia
Your Virginia car insurance rate is dependent on many variables. Here are a few factors that help determine your insurance rate:
Driving record
Frequent accidents, tickets, and insurance claims alert the insurance company that you are a high-risk driver, and your rate will likely be higher than a driver without these.
Vehicle usage
If you have a long commute, drive frequently, or use your vehicle for business, you will likely pay higher rates. If you work from home, park in a garage or covered carport, or don’t drive often, you could qualify for a rate reduction or additional discounts.
Type of vehicle
The type of vehicle you drive can impact your insurance rate. Cars that are older, smaller, have a lower safety rating, are more expensive to repair, or are considered luxury vehicles often require higher premiums. Learn more about how your vehicle impacts your rates.
Rate trends
Virginia car insurance rates may trend up or down. The premium you pay will depend on these overall rate trends.
Credit score
An article in 2022 reported that in Virginia, a driver with no credit may have a 97% higher premium on average than a driver with excellent credit. Credit scores may be used as a factor in setting car insurance premiums.
Virginia car insurance discounts
We know that every dollar counts these days, so Elephant offers a number of car insurance discounts to help you save money on your Virginia car insurance. Whether you have multiple vehicles, are working from home, or have a good student on your car insurance policy, we have a discount for you.
State discounts
Virginia drivers can take advantage of the many car insurance discounts offered by Elephant including:
You can also save 12% just by starting your Virginia auto insurance quote online!
See all auto insurance discounts.
Save on Virginia car insurance when you bundle!
Unlock even more savings when you bundle your insurance policies. Combine homeowners or renters insurance with your auto policy to keep money in your pocket with our multi-policy discount.
Car insurance information by major cities in Virginia:
Virginia car insurance & driving laws
Insurance companies in Virginia are required by law to provide fair, reasonable rates to all eligible drivers. There are some laws that impact qualifying for insurance and your rates.
SR-22, FR-44, or FR-46
If you’re found guilty of certain traffic offenses, such as driving under the influence or getting too many traffic violations, you may be required to file an SR-22, FR-44, or FR-46 form to reinstate or maintain your driving privileges. For more information, please visit our SR22 overview: What is an SR22 and how does it work?
Virginia distracted driving laws
One in seven crashes involves driver distraction according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Texting while driving is illegal in Virginia and violations may result in high fines. Drivers should also contact local municipalities to become familiar with any ordinances or local laws in effect. Visit your state’s government page for more information and read more about cell phones and safe driving.
Teen driving laws in Virginia
Learning to drive comes with a lot of responsibility, and there are restrictions in place for drivers under the age of 18. Check with your insurance company before your teen obtains a permit to learn more about adding them to your policy, and for more information on teen driving laws, visit the Virginia DMV.
Traffic offenses
If you receive a moving violation, DUI, license suspension, or revocation you will likely pay higher Virginia car insurance premiums.
Out of state violations
Most states share out-of-state violations with the driver’s home state. Once your insurance company is notified, they will determine whether the violation will impact your premium.
Virginia car insurance FAQs
The following questions are a few frequently asked about car insurance in Virginia.
What car insurance coverage is right for me?
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Like most things, Virginia car insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, but when you have the right tools, you can feel confident in the coverages you’ve selected. For more guidance, check out our Coverage Wizard or read more in-depth about the Virginia car insurance coverages Elephant offers. When you’re familiar with each of the coverage types and your state’s minimum requirements, you’re well on your way to finding the coverage that works best for you.
When and how can I change my Virginia car insurance policy?
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Changes to your Virginia car insurance can be made at any time during the life of the policy. Making changes to your policy should be easy and can be done by logging into your online account or using the Elephant mobile app.
What if I need to get my car repaired after an accident in Virginia?
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If you need to get your car repaired after an accident in Virginia, you have a few options:
File a claim with your insurance company: If the damaged vehicle is covered by your comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurance company can help pay for the repairs or in the event of a total loss, pay out the Actual Cash Value to your car.
File a claim with the other driver’s insurance company: If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company. You will need to provide them with proof of the accident, such as a police report and an estimate from a body shop. If the other driver’s insurance company agrees that they are at fault, they may pay for the repairs to your car.
Pay for the repairs yourself: If you do not have comprehensive or collision coverage, or if the other driver’s insurance company does not agree to pay for the repairs, you will need to pay for the repairs yourself. You can take your car to any body shop you choose, but you may want to get estimates from several shops before you decide.
What affects car insurance rates in Virginia?
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There are many factors that can affect car insurance rates in Virginia, including:
Your age: Younger drivers are typically considered to be more risky than older drivers, so they tend to pay higher rates.
Your driving history: A clean driving record will help you get lower rates. However, even a single at-fault accident can increase your rates.
The type of car you drive: The make and model of your car can also affect your rates. Cars that are more expensive to repair or that are more likely to be stolen typically have higher rates.
Your annual mileage: Drivers who drive more miles per year typically pay higher rates.
Your location: The city or town where you live can also affect your rates. Cities with higher rates of accidents or theft typically have higher rates.
To find out what coverage you need, check out our Coverage Wizard.
What are the requirements for auto insurance in Virginia?
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Virginia requires drivers to carry proof of car insurance in their vehicles at all times.
Virginia car insurance laws require drivers to have a minimum 30/60/20 liability limits on their car insurance coverage. Liability auto insurance is a type of car insurance that helps protect you financially if you are found at fault in an accident. It can help cover the cost of injuries to other people and damage to their property. Liability coverage is a third-party coverage, meaning that the payout is for the other party involved in the accident, not the insured.
Virginia minimum car insurance liability limits required are:
$30,000 limit for bodily injury liability coverage per person
$60,000 limit for bodily injury liability coverage per accident
$20,000 limit for property damage liability coverage per accident
In addition, Virginia law requires the following minimum amount of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) are first-party coverages, meaning that the payout is for the insured drivers on the policy, not the third party. This additional coverage protects you against uninsured drivers and those who have insurance but not enough to cover damages.
The minimum limits required in Virginia are:
$30,000 limit for bodily injury liability coverage per person
$60,000 limit for bodily injury liability coverage per accident
$20,000 limit for property damage liability coverage per accident
Virginia law also requires insurers to provide policyholders with “increased” underinsured motorist coverage to help pay for accidents caused by drivers without enough liability coverage. The “increased” option provides coverage that helps pay any damages owed to an insured in addition to bodily injury or property damage. Policyholders may also choose “basic” underinsured motorist coverage instead. The “basic” option will provide coverage that pays any damages owed to an insured after any credit of the bodily injury or property damage coverage applicable to the insured’s damages. Policyholders who elect to have “basic” coverage will need to opt-out of the “increased” coverage by filling out a waiver. The “basic” coverage option may also be referred to as “alternative” coverage.
What liability insurance is required in Virginia?
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Liability insurance helps protect you financially if you are found at fault in an accident. Liability coverage help pay to repair the other driver’s car if you caused the accident up to the limits you select; costs that exceed those limits are the responsibility of the driver. It can also help pay the other driver’s and his or her passenger’s medical bills and some other expenses. Virginia law requires you to have at least $30,000 of coverage for injuries per person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $20,000 of coverage for property damage. This is called 30/60/20 coverage.
What is a “30/60/20” minimum auto policy?
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A 30/60/20 minimum auto insurance policy describes minimum liability limits Virginia requires drivers to carry. Liability insurance helps protect you financially if you are found at fault in an accident. It can help cover the cost of injuries to other people and damage to their property. Policy limits are the maximum amounts that an insurance company can pay out under each type of coverage. Virginia law requires you to have a minimum $30,000 of liability coverage for injuries per person, $60,000 per accident, and $20,000 of liability coverage for property damage.
What is considered “full coverage” car insurance in Virginia?
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When people talk about full coverage auto insurance, they’re usually referring to a car insurance policy that is a collection of coverages to protect the policyholder in various situations. It’s not an actual type of insurance and the term can vary in meaning. Typically, full coverage is liability (usually includes bodily injury and property damage) plus comprehensive and collision coverage. When you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender or leasing company may require you carry comprehensive and collision coverage. To find out what coverage you need, check out our Coverage Wizard.
Do you need car insurance to register a car in Virginia?
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Yes, to register your car in Virginia you will be required to show proof of minimum insurance requirements.
The documents you may need to register a car in Virginia include:
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of ownership (such as the title)
- Proof of vehicle safety inspection
- Proof of passing an emission inspection is required in some counties in Virginia.
- Completed application for Virginia title and/or registration.
- Registration fee
You can find more information about registering a car in Virginia at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage in Virginia?
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If you purchase car insurance in Virginia, you’ll need to include a minimum of $30,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person (up to $60,000 per accident), as well as $20,000 in uninsured motorist property damage insurance per accident.
Virginia is one of a few states that does not require car insurance. The Virginia uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee allows a vehicle owner to register an uninsured motor vehicle. At the time of registration, the motor vehicle owner must certify whether the vehicle is insured or uninsured.
If the vehicle is uninsured, the owner is required to pay to DMV an uninsured motor vehicle fee in addition to normal registration fees. Payment of this fee does not provide the motorist with any insurance coverage. If involved in an accident, the uninsured motorist remains personally liable.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Virginia?
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Vehicle owners who are uninsured or have not paid the Virginia uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee will have their driving and vehicle registration privileges suspended.
Why choose Elephant for your car insurance in Virginia?
Good memory. Great advice. Here at Elephant Insurance, our licensed insurance agents answer questions without the jargon and offer car insurance in Virginia tailored to you. Here are a few things we think set us apart from the competition.
Auto insurance at a fair price
Find the car insurance coverage you need to protect you and your car, discounts to save money, and add-on services like real-time roadside assistance to make life easier.
Tools to make car insurance simple
Manage your policy and file claims quickly and easily with our mobile app, online account access, claims photo app, and agent chat.
Learn more about our policy perks.
Flexible car insurance options
Flexible payment options and online tools. With flexible payment plans, multiple purchase options, convenient insurance claims filing and our highly reviewed mobile app, Elephant delivers protection with convenience.
Bundle insurance for more savings
For your convenience and extra savings, we partner with multiple providers to offer home, renters, condo, motorcycle, off-road vehicle, mobile homes and RV and umbrella insurance.
Learn more about bundling your policies.
Our customers give us high marks and we hope you will too.
We are proud that 9 out of 10 customers renew with us each term* and that our average Google rating is 4.7 stars as of 2023.
And we’re very proud to have been named a Forbes America’s Best Insurance Company 2023. Forbes partnered with Statista to survey over 15,000 U.S. customers of more than 3,300 U.S. insurance companies to create the rankings. Participants rated their insurance providers in terms of their overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend them to family and friends.
Superior car insurance claims experience
As of 2022, Elephant has earned a customer confidence score (Net Promoter Score) that is 32% higher than the industry average. Our claims team and repair network are there when you need them.
Start a claimLogin to track a claimClaims FAQs
*89% of customers stayed with Elephant at renewal in 2022.
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