Virginia Car Insurance Laws and Other Info

If you live in the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is important to know the rules and regulations for insuring your vehicle there. All states differ slightly, and it’s important to know the rules where you live. The problem with not knowing the rules can be costly, so come on Virginians let’s get the scoop.

The Minimum amounts of Car Insurance in Virginia are:

25,000 for death/injury to one person
50,000 for injury to one person
20,000 for property damage

These are the minimums, but you should think about the real costs of things and you might want to consider upping these amounts.

There is no insurance required for:
Off road vehicles
Non-operational -non registered vehicles

If you pay $500 fee for Uninsured Motor Vehicle it expires when your registration expires and to renew it, you must pay another $500. It does not give you insurance, it only allow you to drive your car in the Commonwealth knowing that if you have a mishap, the onus is on you.

Also, if your insurance should lapse, or you not pay your premium during the registration period on your car, you must either pay up the insurance premium to re-instate your insurance, or pay the $500 Uninsured fee, or you should turn in your plates to the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you choose to drive without insurance or not paying the uninsured $500 fee, you will have your driving privileges suspended.

Most insurance companies send proof to the Department of Motor Vehicles that you have provided insurance for your car, but it seems like a good idea for you to carry some proof in your actual vehicle, in the glove compartment or where you keep your registration card seems like a good spot. The insurance companies work closely with the Department of Motor Vehicles so it not only notifies them when you do have insurance; it also lets them know when you do not have insurance. At least liability insurance is required on all vehicles no matter what their age or how long you drive them. So, thinking that the car is so old that it doesn’t matter if you have a wreck doesn’t work, you would still have to pay if you have an accident.

After providing you with some Commonwealth general insurance information, let’s see if we can save you some money when buying that car insurance.

It is important to shop around for insurance. There is no need to simply settle for the price a company quotes you, shop all the insurance companies and see if you can’t get an even better price. There are lots of companies out there that would like to have you as a customer. Don’t be only interested in price; ask your friends and family for some recommendations. In comparing the cost of insurance, those fees are based on the age of your car, the cost for repairs to your car and how much risk there is it will be stolen. Some cars are stolen much more often than others.

John James is the president of Virginia Insurance Group, a leading broker of Richmond insurance policies such as Richmond car insurance and Richmond homeowners insurance. Virginia Insurance Group can be found online at: VirginiaInsurance.com .

Tags: automobiles, car insurance, cars, Insurance, Virginia