Virginia Auto Insurance Guide for First-Time Drivers
Virginia requires 50/100/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Virginia at a Glance
50/100/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
15½
Minimum learner's permit age, 45 supervised driving hours
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Virginia operates as a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver is financially responsible for injuries and damages in an accident. All drivers must carry proof of insurance and provide it upon request by law enforcement or after an accident.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Cost Overview
$386/mo
Typical monthly rate in Virginia, new drivers
Rate data: Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Credit-based insurance scores significantly affect premiums in Virginia — drivers with poor credit may pay double what drivers with excellent credit pay for identical coverage.
Start Your First Policy on the Right Foot
Get Your First Auto QuoteRules for new drivers
Night driving
midnight-4am (secondary)
Passengers
no more than 1 passenger younger than 21 first year, then max 3 (secondary)
Source: IIHS and state DMV records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between liability and full coverage in Virginia?
Liability insurance covers only injuries and damage you cause to others — it does not repair your own vehicle. Full coverage combines liability with collision and comprehensive coverage, which pay to repair or replace your car after accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather damage. Lenders require full coverage if you finance or lease a vehicle.
How does Virginia verify that I have insurance?
Virginia operates an electronic insurance verification system where insurers report all policies directly to the DMV. When your coverage lapses or is canceled, the DMV receives automatic notification and suspends your license and registration within 30 days. You must provide proof of insurance during traffic stops and after accidents, and false proof carries criminal penalties.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Liability is the only coverage Virginia legally requires. It pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others, but does not cover your own vehicle or medical bills. The premium for liability is your base cost — every other coverage adds to this foundation.
Full Coverage
Full coverage is not a specific policy type — it's shorthand for combining liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage together. This combination protects both your legal liability and your own vehicle, which is required by lenders if you finance or lease your car.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail, falling objects, or hitting a deer. Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest — common deductibles are $500 or $1,000.
Collision Coverage
Collision pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident with another car or object, regardless of who was at fault. If your car is totaled, the insurer pays the actual cash value minus your deductible, not the amount you owe on a loan.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
This coverage steps in when you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your bills. In Virginia, this includes hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver is never identified.
SR-22 Insurance
An SR-22 is not insurance — it's a certificate your insurer files with the Virginia DMV proving you carry at least minimum liability coverage. The DMV requires this filing after certain violations like DUI, driving uninsured, or accumulating excessive points.