What is the minimum auto insurance required in Virginia?

As of January 1, 2025, Virginia requires: $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $20,000 property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at the same limits is also required. Driving uninsured is now illegal — the $500 fee option was eliminated in 2024.

How much does auto insurance cost in Virginia?

The average Virginia driver pays about $104/month for minimum liability coverage and $105–$125/month for full coverage. Rates vary significantly by city, ZIP code, driving history, and vehicle. Northern Virginia and Richmond tend to have higher rates than rural areas.

How can I lower my car insurance premium in Virginia?

Shop around annually — Virginia drivers save an average of $487/year by comparing quotes. Bundle policies (saves ~$247/year), increase your deductible, maintain a clean driving record, and ask about telematics discounts (Snapshot, DriveEasy) that can save up to 30%.

Does Virginia require uninsured motorist coverage?

Yes. Virginia requires uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage at the same limits as your bodily injury liability — $30,000/$60,000. With approximately 11% of Virginia drivers uninsured (Insurance Research Council 2023), this protection is critical.

Which city in Virginia has the cheapest auto insurance?

Among Virginia's major cities, Virginia Beach tends to have the lowest rates at around $105/month. Arlington (Northern Virginia) is typically the most expensive at $125/month due to higher traffic density and proximity to Washington D.C.

What changed with Virginia auto insurance laws in 2025?

Effective January 1, 2025, Virginia increased its minimum liability limits from $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 to $30,000/$60,000/$20,000. The uninsured motor vehicle fee option that let drivers pay $500 instead of carrying insurance was also eliminated in 2024.

Virginia Auto Insurance Guide

Understanding Virginia's Coverage Requirements

Virginia has specific laws regarding auto insurance that every driver must follow. As of January 1, 2025, all drivers must carry liability insurance — the option to pay a $500 uninsured vehicle fee was eliminated in 2024. Virginia's new minimum limits are higher than in prior years, per the Virginia DMV (dmv.virginia.gov).

State Minimum Limits (Effective Jan 1, 2025)

Bodily Injury (Per Person) $30,000
Bodily Injury (Per Accident) $60,000
Property Damage $20,000
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Same limits

Source: Virginia DMV (dmv.virginia.gov). Approximately 11% of Virginia drivers are uninsured (Insurance Research Council 2023), making UM/UIM coverage especially valuable.

Average Rates by City

Where you live in Virginia plays a major role in your insurance costs. Urban areas with higher traffic density and accident rates, like Northern Virginia and Richmond, typically see higher premiums than rural counties.

Richmond auto insurance

Avg. $112/mo

Virginia Beach auto insurance

Avg. $105/mo

Norfolk auto insurance

Avg. $115/mo

Chesapeake auto insurance

Avg. $108/mo

Arlington auto insurance

Avg. $125/mo

Fredericksburg auto insurance

Avg. $109/mo

Hampton auto insurance

Avg. $110/mo

How to Save on Your Premium

While insurance is mandatory, overpaying is not. Per NAIC 2024 data, Virginia drivers who compare quotes save an average of $487/year. Here are proven strategies:

Shop Around Annually Carrier algorithms change constantly. The company cheapest for you last year may not be this year. Comparing quotes is the #1 way to save — average savings of $487/year in Virginia.
Bundle Your Policies Combining auto and home insurance with the same carrier saves an average of $247/year in Virginia. State Farm and Allstate typically offer the strongest bundling discounts.
Increase Your Deductible Going from a $500 to $1,000 deductible typically cuts collision and comprehensive premiums 10–15% in Virginia — worthwhile if you have emergency savings.
Try Telematics Programs Programs like Progressive Snapshot®, GEICO DriveEasy®, and State Farm Drive Safe & Save™ can cut your rate up to 30% by rewarding safe driving behavior.

Coverage Type Guides

Not sure which coverage level is right for you? Our Virginia-specific guides explain every major coverage type:

Full Coverage

Avg. $115/mo

Liability Only

Avg. $55/mo

Minimum Coverage

Avg. $48/mo

SR-22 Insurance

Avg. $148/mo

Non-Owner Insurance

Avg. $45/mo

Virginia Auto Insurance Articles & Guides

Our editorial team publishes Virginia-specific insurance content to help you make informed decisions:

Latest Articles

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Rates last updated: May 2026. Rates shown are Virginia statewide averages based on a 35-year-old driver with a clean record driving a 2022 sedan. See our editorial standards and rate methodology.