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Search by Quote ID → Search by Date of BirthVirginia Car Insurance
In Virginia, you never know what the road might bring. Whether it’s driving in a busy commute through Richmond or a surprise snowstorm in the Blue Ridge, staying prepared is essential. That’s why having the right car insurance is so important — it’s there to protect you, your passengers, and your car from the unexpected. Plus, Virginia requires drivers to have coverage, so you’re meeting state laws while staying prepared. If you’re looking for reliable coverage that won’t break the bank, Mercury has affordable options to fit your budget and lifestyle so you can drive with confidence.
Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements
To keep Virginia drivers safe, the state mandates certain levels of auto insurance coverage for all registered vehicles. Policies effective on or after Jan. 1, 2025, must carry the following:
- Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident. If you’re at fault in an accident that injures someone else, this coverage helps pay for their medical expenses.
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident. This coverage helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing someone else’s property if you’re at fault in an accident.
Beyond the required coverage, you also have the option to add extra layers of protection to give you more peace of mind on the road. These optional auto insurance coverages include:
- Collision protection: This covers damage to your own vehicle if you’re in an accident, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: This protects against non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This helps cover expenses if you’re hit by a driver without enough insurance.
- Medical payments coverage: This assists with medical costs for you and your passengers after an accident, no matter who’s at fault.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): offers coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.
What is Full Coverage Car Insurance in Virginia?
Full coverage auto insurance usually means going beyond the minimum requirements and adding comprehensive and collision coverage. With full coverage, you’re protected against damages to others and your own vehicle from incidents like weather, theft, or accidents.
Virginia-Specific Car Insurance Laws
Virginia has a few specific car insurance rules to help protect you and keep the roads safe for everyone. Here’s a quick look at some of the main ones that might affect you:
Virginia Is an At-Fault State
Virginia operates as an "at-fault" state, meaning that if you’re involved in an accident, the driver found responsible for causing it will cover the damages. If you’re at fault, your liability insurance steps in to cover injuries and property damage caused to others.
SR-22 Requirements
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that some Virginia drivers may be required to file with the DMV. If you’ve had serious violations, like a DUI or driving without insurance, the DMV might require this form, which your insurer files on your behalf to confirm you have the necessary liability coverage. You’ll generally need to keep the SR-22 on file for three years, and it can come with added fees.
Optional Towing and Labor Coverage
While not mandatory, towing and labor coverage can be a helpful addition to your policy if you’d like to be prepared for breakdowns, flat tires, or other roadside issues.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Virginia?
According to Bankrate, the average cost of car insurance in Virginia is $2,098 per year for full coverage and $702 per year for minimum coverage. However, the exact amount for you can depend on factors such as location, age, and driving history.
Get Car Insurance Savings & Discounts in Virginia
Mercury makes it easy to save big on car insurance with our wide range of discounts, which include:
- Multi-Car Discount: Have more than one vehicle on your policy? You could save up to 16% by insuring multiple cars with us.
- 3-Year Accident-Free Discount: If you’ve gone three years without a violation or accident, you can earn a 5% discount.
- Paid in Full Discount: If you pay your policy upfront, you can get 14% off your premium.
- Automatic Payment Discount: Set up automatic payments through your checking or savings account and enjoy a 4% discount.
- Electric Vehicle Discount: Electric vehicle owners can earn a 5% discount.
- Good Payer Discount: If you have avoided late or non-sufficient funds charges for the past 35 months, you could qualify for a 5% discount.
- Multi-Policy Discount: Bundle your auto policy with home or renters insurance and save up to 14%.
These are just a few ways you can save. Contact a local agent to see if you qualify for other discounts.
How to Get Car Insurance in Virginia
Ready to get started with reliable, cheap car insurance? Contact a local Mercury agent to discuss your options and get a personalized quote. You can also start a quote online or call us at (800) 657-3542.
Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Virginia
Here’s a look at some of the main things that affect what you’ll pay for car insurance in Virginia:
- Driving record: Insurers view past incidents as indicators of risk. Drivers with a clean record generally pay less, while those with traffic violations or accidents may see higher rates.
- Vehicle types: Generally, newer cars with advanced safety features can lead to lower premiums since they’re considered less risky to insure. However, luxury models or sports cars might come with higher rates because they’re often more expensive to repair or replace.
- Location: Drivers in urban areas like Richmond or Virginia Beach might pay more than those in rural areas due to higher traffic levels and accident risks in cities.
- Credit score: Drivers with higher credit scores typically enjoy lower premiums because insurers see them as lower risk.
- Age: Younger drivers, especially teens, usually pay higher premiums due to their lack of road experience, which makes them riskier to insure.
Top-Rated Car Insurance in Virginia
For over 60 years, Mercury Insurance has earned a strong reputation for delivering top-quality auto insurance, earning numerous accolades along the way. Forbes has repeatedly recognized Mercury as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Financial Companies, highlighting our commitment to financial integrity and customer care. In 2021, we were awarded Best Insurer for Overall Satisfaction in the Shopping Segment of the J.D. Power U.S. Digital Experience Study, and in 2022, Forbes again named us one of the Best Insurance Companies in America. Read about their experiences.
Drivers across Virginia value our reliable coverage and exceptional service. Here’s what some of them have to say about their experience with Mercury:
Great having Mercury
from Mercury Customer
Kev in Ruther Glen
Very good service.
Loved my experience
from Mercury Customer
NA in Hampton
Explained everything in full, been awhile since I had to do this, she gave me ease of mind. Thank you.
I will continue to use Mercury they have been very good
from Mercury Customer
Jay jay in Front Royal
Very helpful when I need them.
Mercury Insurance Coverage in Virginia
Here are the products Mercury offers to Virginia residents:
Learn More About Car Insurance
Check out our top blogs to learn more about auto insurance:
What’s the Difference Between At-Fault vs. No-Fault States?
Your Guide to Car Insurance Requirements State-by-State
What Do You Need to Know About Car Insurance After Marriage?
Car Insurance When Moving States: Steps to Ensure a Smooth TransitionVirginia Car Insurance FAQs
What is the average car insurance payment in Virginia?
According to Bankrate, the average cost of car insurance in Virginia is $2,098 per year for full coverage and $702 per year for minimum coverage.
What is the new law in Virginia about car insurance?
The state increased minimum liability requirements. Policies effective on or after Jan. 1, 2025, must carry the following:
- Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident.
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident.
Is auto insurance considered expensive in Virginia?
According to Bankrate, the average cost of full coverage ($2,098 per year) is less than the national average ($2,388 per year). However, the average cost of minimum coverage ($664) is slightly higher than the national average ($702 per year). Ultimately, whether auto insurance feels “expensive” depends on your specific situation.
Can I have out-of-state car insurance in Virginia?
No, you can’t have out-of-state car insurance if you live in Virginia.
How much car insurance do I need in Virginia?
In Virginia, you’re required to have minimum liability coverage. However, these are just the legal minimums. You might want additional coverage depending on your assets, driving habits, and the risks you’d like to cover.
Does insurance follow the car or the driver in Virginia?
In Virginia, auto insurance generally follows the car, not the driver. This means that if you allow someone else to drive your vehicle with your permission, your insurance policy would typically cover them in the event of an accident.
Is Virginia a no-fault car insurance state?
No, Virginia is not a no-fault car insurance state. Instead, it operates under an “at-fault” system. This means that in the event of an accident, the driver who’s found to be at fault is responsible for covering the damages.
What happens if you don't have car insurance in Virginia?
If you’re found without insurance, there are severe penalties, including:
- A $600 non-compliance fee
- Suspension of your driving and vehicle registration privileges
- The requirement to file an SR-22 (a form confirming financial responsibility) with the DMV for three years
- Possible reinstatement fees
Can I get car insurance in Virginia without a license?
It’s possible to get car insurance in Virginia without a driver’s license. For example, you might need insurance if someone else regularly drives your vehicle or if you’re keeping a vehicle in your name but have a designated driver. It’s best to speak directly with an insurance agent to see if they can accommodate your needs.
Do I need Virginia insurance to register a car?
Yes, you need car insurance to register a vehicle in Virginia.
How to lower my car insurance in Virginia?
You can lower your car insurance by comparing quotes, taking advantage of discounts, bundling your home and auto policies, and opting for a higher deductible.
Can you buy a car without insurance in Virginia?
You might be able to purchase a car in Virginia without car insurance, but you won’t be able to drive it since the state requires you to have auto insurance to register and legally drive your vehicle.
Does Virginia require uninsured motorist coverage?
No, Virginia doesn’t require uninsured motorist coverage.
Is there a grace period for car insurance in Virginia?
Virginia doesn’t offer a grace period for late payments. Your policy can be canceled immediately if a payment is even one day late.
What are helpful resources for Virginia drivers?
Here are some helpful resources for Virginia drivers: