The Complete Guide to Virginia Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Old Dominion and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things VA car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Virginia?
Car insurance in Virginia averages $169/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $182 |
| Chesapeake | $180 |
| Arlington | $181 |
| Richmond | $187 |
| Norfolk | $199 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so low in Virginia?
Virginia drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
10.5% of drivers in Virginia are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, lowering costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 12,842 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in VA, down 15% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
VA has a relatively low FEMA disaster rating of 54, with the highest risks of hurricane and inland flooding, driving up comprehensive coverage costs.
What car insurance do I need in Virginia?
All Virginia drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Virginia drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $50,000 (per person) $100,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Uninsured/underinsured Motorist Property Damage | $10,000 | Car damage caused by drivers with no insurance OR not enough insurance | Bodily injuries, may be limited by state rules, may have deductibles |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $50,000 (per person) $100,000 (per accident) | Your injuries caused by drivers with no insurance OR not enough insurance | Car damage, amounts above your limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Virginia?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Virginia drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Virginia?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from Blue Ridge trail running
How much car insurance do I need in Virginia?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Virginia labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodbridge | $71 | $104 | $160 | $71 |
| Virginia Beach | $72 | $87 | $149 | $72 |
| Chesapeake | $72 | $87 | $149 | $72 |
| Ashburn | $71 | $104 | $160 | $71 |
| Annandale | $71 | $104 | $160 | $71 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Virginia?
Virginia takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$600 noncompliance fee plus $145 reinstatement fee to get your license back.
Suspension
License and license plates suspended until you prove insurance and pay fees.
Jail time
Virginia treats this as a Class 3 misdemeanor but focuses on administrative penalties.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Virginia?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Virginia?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Virginia car insurance FAQs
Is Virginia a no-fault state?
No, Virginia isn’t a no-fault state. Virginia operates under at-fault insurance — you can be held financially responsible for damages you cause. Virginia also lets drivers legally drive uninsured by paying an uninsured motorist fee.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Virginia?
No, Virginia doesn’t require insurance to register a car if you pay the state’s uninsured motor vehicle fee. This fee lets you legally register and drive without insurance. However, uninsured drivers are still fully responsible for any damages they cause — many drivers choose insurance despite the option.
What are the top risks for driving in Virginia?
Virginia experiences heavy traffic with aggressive driving behaviors and excessive speeding. Metro areas see congestion-related crashes, while rain and snow create additional hazardous conditions. Rural roads can be particularly dangerous during nighttime hours.
How long do I have to report an accident in Virginia?
Virginia requires accidents involving injury, death, or property damage to be reported immediately to law enforcement. Police usually handle the official report. You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Failure to report may result in penalties.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Virginia?
In Virginia, control your speed in congested areas. Don’t get aggressive and stay alert in traffic. Slow down during rain or winter weather. Watch for wildlife on rural roads after dark.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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