Car insurance in Virginia is not exactly cut and dry, it can be confusing to navigate the different options. BuyCarInsurance.com is here to make purchasing car insurance in Virginia as quick and easy as possible. We have put together this guide that lists the information you need to know so you can easily get the car insurance plan that fits your personal needs - at the lowest rate.

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Minimum Requirements

Virginia has requirements in place for car insurance. If you want to operate a vehicle you need to meet the minimum required car insurance. If you choose to pay an uninsured motor vehicle fee you will be exempt from having to meet the car insurance requirements for 12 months. We provided a list of the requirements here:

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Do I Need More Than The Minimum Coverage?

Given the option to drive without insurance in Virginia we suggest purchasing as much insurance as you can afford. Accidents are very expensive and can leave you paying out-of-pocket costs if you do not have policy limits to cover all the expenses associated with the accident. No one wants to pay car insurance premiums and then have to pay out-of-pocket too. 

Additional Coverages Available in Virginia 

Sometimes the minimum car insurance is not enough and you need more. There are many additional coverages you can add to your policy to achieve the coverage you need. Here is a list of additional coverages and hoe they will add protection to your policy:

• Collision Coverage- Collision insurance will cover repairs to your vehicle in an accident you are at fault for. 

• Comprehensive Coverage- Comprehensive insurance covers you for other situations than a car accident; if you hit an animal, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, or of your car is stolen. 

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists- Optional coverage that protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or too little insurance to cover the accident. 

• Medical Coverage- Optional coverage that will pay for medical bills when health insurance exceeds coverage amounts and covers medical expenses for you and your passengers. Do you walk or bike? This policy offers additional coverage if you are struck by a car in those instances. 

• Gap Insurance- Optional coverage that will pay if you don’t own your car outright and have an accident. Gap insurance will pay the difference between the cash value of your car and the current balance on your loan or lease. This policy is best for newer non-owned cars. 

• Personal Injury Protection- Depending on your state this type of insurance can be a requirement or an add on. Regardless of fault personal injury protection will cover medical expenses and loss of wages for you and your passengers (up to your limit). It also includes up to $5,000 for funeral expenses.

Virginia Teen Drivers

In Virginia, your teen will hit the milestone of driving at 15 1/2 years old. When this happens it is time to start looking into car insurance. It is normally cheaper to add a teen to your existing policy than it is for them to get their own insurance policy. The premiums will be higher for teen drivers because they lack experience. If you are wondering if there is a discount for teen drivers to try and help alleviate costs, there is. We encourage you to talk with your car insurance agent and see what options you qualify for. It is important to remember teen drivers are held to the same Virginia state minimum car insurance requirements that any adult is.

Multiple Drivers in Virginia 

If you have multiple drivers in your home you must tell your insurance company about it, even if they already have their own policy. By doing this your insurance agent can work with you to get a policy that will meet the needs of multiple drivers. This will also save you potential costly unforeseen issues in the future. 

If you do not want to list a driver on your policy you can always exclude them. By doing this your insurance company will no longer cover them if they are using your vehicle. Which means you should never let an excluded driver use your car, any instances would be an out-of-pocket expense for you. 

Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance 

The car insurance requirements in Virginia are unique. You have one of two options, you can adhere to the minimum required car insurance or pay an uninsured motor vehicle fee. If you do not meet either of these requirements you will be penalized. Here is a list of the penalties if you are not in compliance:

• You will pay a $500 fine.

• You will be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor for each offense. 

• You will lose your driving privileges and your registration plates will be suspended.

• You will be required to file an SR-22 certificate for three years.

• You will have to pay a $145 reinstatement fee 

Car Insurance Savings in Virginia

Virginia has many options for car insurance discounts available. It is always a good idea to ask your car insurance company for a full list of discounts available, this information will help you cut car insurance costs. Here are some common discounts in Virginia:

• Good Driver- Maintain a good driving record free of accidents, tickets, and any moving violations. 

• Multiple Policy- Most insurance companies will offer a discount for having multiple policies such as car insurance, renters insurance, homeowners insurance, or motorcycle insurance. 

• Good Student- If you are a student enrolled in high school or college curriculum and maintaining a B average most companies offer a discount.

Virginia Car Insurance Quotes 

BuyCarInsurance.com can help you get car insurance coverage that meets your needs and budget. We know shopping for car insurance can be time-consuming and even frustrating, so let us ease the burden. We will get you a quote from the top insurance providers in Virginia in an instant. Follow the three easy steps below to get a fast hassle-free quote now.