Auto insurance quotes for residents of Virginiashould provide not less than the following insurance coverage or financial responsibility in order to comply with the state’s legal requirements:
25/50/20 – This is shorthand for the liability policy limits required which means you need a minimum coverage of:
- $25,000 for death or injury to one person;
- $50,000 for death or injury to two or more people; and
- $20,000 for property damage to others
If you are on the road and may occasionally cross other states:the majority of auto insurance policies has a provision that will adjust your coverage from the minimums required in your state to the minimum insurance or proof of financial responsibility in another U.S. state. So you do not need to get a new insurance policy for each state you are driving through. However, if you buy a policy in a low limits state (like Virginia or Vermont) but live in a high limits state (like Wisconsin, Maine or Alaska – the three states with the highest legal limits), insurers will only write a policy where your car is principally garaged. So if your home is in Alaska, you should buy the minimum limits for Alaska. If you commute however, you might need to adjust you policy limits to fit the requirements in all relevant states. Check details with your agent if in doubt.
However, as for all US states Virginia’s required insurance limits are low, considering the average costs of repair and damages likely to occur in an accident. If you are in a serious collision and the damages you caused are greater than the coverage limits you purchased, you may be personally liable to pay for those damages that exceed your insurance coverage. Additional coverage is usually quite cheap to buy and can provide you with dramatically enhanced financial protection if you should ever be involved in a real incident.
Virginia Car Insurance Regulations and Laws
Virginia is a contributory negligence state. A contributory defense based on negligence applies to cases where a plaintiff or claimant “contributed” to his or her own harm through his or her own negligence. If it is found that the claimant was even 1% at fault, the claimant may be denied any compensation. For example, if you are a pedestrian crossing a street outside the crosswalk and a speeding driver hits you, you may be denied any compensation. Virginia is one of the few states that follow the contributory negligence standard.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
In Virginia, a first time offense of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is treated as a misdemeanor offense. If you are 21 years or older, if you have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of .08% or higher while driving, Virginia law presumes you are driving while intoxicated. If you are under 21, a lower BAC may apply to you.
1st DUI
If convicted, you may be sentenced for a maximum of up to 20 days in jail. A court fine of at least $250 and up to $1000 may be imposed. You will also be responsible for other court fees. Your license will be suspended for 1 year and you may be required to attend Alcohol Safety Action program. An ignition interlock device may be required after license reinstatement. SR-22 or FR-44 forms are required for DUIs in Virginia.
2nd DUI
If convicted, you may be sentenced for a minimum of 20 days to 1 year in jail. Fines may be imposed of at least $500 and up to $1000. Your license will be suspended for 3 years. You will be required to install an ignition interlock device for 3 years after your license revocation. An ignition interlock device is required after license reinstatement. SR-22 or FR-44 forms are required for DUIs in Virginia.
Virginia Information
Source of Ranking:
NAIC 2010 Market Share Information
Note: The List does not contain duplicates of associated or affiliated insurance companies
Government Websites
Top Ten Car Insurance Companies in Virginia
Please be aware that different ways of auto insurance company rankings may be used. Here are the top ten auto insurance companies rated by 2010 market share in the state:
- STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
- UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION
- NATIONWIDE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
- GEICO GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY
- ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY
- GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES INSURANCE COMPANY
- USAA CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
- PROGRESSIVE GULF INSURANCE COMPANY
- ERIE INSURANCE EXCHANGE
- VICTORIA FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY