Best cheap car insurance companies in Colorado
Cheapest car insurance in Colorado: State Farm
State Farm has the best cheap car insurance in Colorado. A minimum liability policy costs $34 per month, which is 43% cheaper than the Colorado state average.
The average cost of car insurance in Colorado is $60 per month for minimum coverage.
Find Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in Colorado
Eligible drivers should also get a quote from USAA. A minimum coverage policy costs an average of $28 per month, making it the cheapest in Colorado. But only active or former military members and their families can get a policy.
Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in CO
Company | Monthly rate | |
|---|---|---|
 | State Farm | $34 |
 | Auto-Owners | $38 |
 | Geico | $51 |
 | Progressive | $65 |
 | Nationwide | $70 |
*USAA is only available to current and former military members and their families.
Along with State Farm, drivers can find low rates for minimum coverage from Auto-Owners and Geico.
The cheapest car insurance is a liability policy that meets Colorado's minimum coverage requirements.
A minimum coverage policy in Colorado only pays for damage or injuries you cause in a car accident. A full coverage policy includes comprehensive and collision to pay for repairs to your car, even if you cause an accident.
Full coverage may be required if you have a car loan or lease. It may also be smart to get full coverage if your car is worth more than $5,000.
Cheapest full coverage car insurance quotes in Colorado: State Farm
State Farm is the cheapest insurance company in Colorado for a full coverage policy. Its rates average $99 per month.
Geico, Auto-Owners and Progressive also have cheap quotes for full coverage.
In Colorado, a full coverage policy costs an average of $168 per month. That's more than double the rate for minimum coverage.
Cheapest full coverage car insurance in CO
Company | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $99 |
| Geico | $144 |
| Auto-Owners | $158 |
| Progressive | $161 |
| American Family | $172 |
*USAA is only available to current and former military members and their families.
Cheapest car insurance quotes for drivers with prior incidents in Colorado: State Farm
State Farm has the best cheap car insurance in Colorado for drivers with a speeding ticket, accident or DUI.
If you don't have a clean driving record, you'll almost always pay more for car insurance. That makes it even more important to shop around for car insurance to find the best price for you.
Cheap car insurance after a speeding ticket: State Farm
State Farm has the cheapest quotes for drivers with a recent speeding ticket. A full coverage policy from State Farm costs around $107 per month. That's nearly half of average rates.
Auto-Owners is a distant second, though you could still save nearly $41 per month compared to the average.
Cheapest car insurance in CO after a speeding ticket
Company | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $107 |
| Auto-Owners | $162 |
| Geico | $194 |
| American Family | $196 |
| Progressive | $203 |
Cheapest car insurance after an accident: State Farm
State Farm has the cheapest full coverage insurance for drivers who have caused an accident. Quotes average $114 per month for full coverage, which is an increase of only 15%.
The next-cheapest company is American Family, which costs nearly twice as much as State Farm. Auto insurers in Colorado raise rates by an average of 44% after an accident.
Company | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $114 |
| American Family | $222 |
| Auto-Owners | $223 |
| Progressive | $226 |
| Geico | $269 |
Cheapest car insurance quotes after a DUI in Colorado: State Farm
If you were recently convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), State Farm has the cheapest quotes in Colorado. Full coverage costs an average of $107 per month, which is an increase of only 8%. That's far less than what is typical in Colorado.
Company | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $107 |
| Progressive | $188 |
| American Family | $196 |
| Allstate | $253 |
| Auto-Owners | $263 |
A DUI is a serious driving offense, so it's common to see a large rate increase afterward. On average, car insurance companies in Colorado raise rates by 48% after a DUI.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with poor credit: State Farm
State Farm has the lowest quotes for a driver with poor credit, with an average rate of $194 per month. That's 35% cheaper than average compared to other top companies in Colorado.
Company | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $194 |
| Geico | $211 |
| Nationwide | $257 |
| Progressive | $280 |
| American Family | $293 |
A poor credit score doesn't mean you're a bad driver. However, insurance companies see it as a sign that you could be more likely to file a claim. As a result, drivers in Colorado with poor credit pay 77% more for car insurance than drivers with a good credit score.
Cheapest car insurance for young drivers in Colorado: State Farm
The cheapest car insurance overall for 18-year-old drivers in Colorado is from State Farm.
A minimum coverage policy from State Farm costs $118 per month for young drivers. Full coverage costs $278 per month.
Cheapest car insurance for teens in Colorado
Company | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $118 | $278 |
| Geico | $151 | $384 |
| Auto-Owners | $155 | $413 |
| American Family | $162 | $303 |
| Allstate | $237 | $480 |
Minimum coverage in Colorado costs an average of $204 per month for an 18-year-old driver. That's $144 more per month than a 30-year-old driver pays for the same coverage.
Cheapest quotes for young drivers after a ticket: State Farm
State Farm has the cheapest quotes for young drivers with a ticket in Colorado. It has an average cost of $131 per month for minimum coverage.
Company | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $131 |
| Auto-Owners | $163 |
| Geico | $177 |
| American Family | $180 |
| Allstate | $273 |
Young drivers with a ticket typically have higher rates when they renew or shop for auto insurance. On average in Colorado, quotes increase by 13% for young drivers after a speeding ticket.
Cheapest car insurance for teen drivers after an accident: State Farm
Young drivers looking for the cheapest policy after an accident can find affordable quotes with State Farm. The company's average rate is $144 per month for minimum coverage.
Company | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $144 |
| American Family | $225 |
| Geico | $237 |
| Auto-Owners | $276 |
| Nationwide | $296 |
Causing a car accident usually increases rates more than a speeding ticket because insurers see it as a higher risk. Young Colorado drivers can expect rates to increase by 29% after an accident.
Cheapest quotes for married drivers: State Farm
State Farm has the cheapest rates in Colorado for married drivers. The company doesn't give a discount for married drivers, but its low prices overall means it's still the best deal.
On average, car insurance in Colorado costs 4% less for married drivers. Nationwide and Progressive give married drivers the biggest discount, each dropping rates by 12%.
Cheapest full coverage car insurance for married drivers in Colorado
Company | Monthly rate per car |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $99 |
| Progressive | $141 |
| American Family | $155 |
| Auto-Owners | $158 |
| Nationwide | $161 |
Most insurance companies offer slightly cheaper quotes for married drivers. That's because insurers see them as less risky drivers.
Best car insurance companies in Colorado
USAA is the best car insurance company in Colorado.
It has affordable quotes, dependable customer service and useful coverage options. However, USAA only sells policies to people in the military, veterans and their families.
State Farm is the best option for drivers who don't qualify for USAA. Its combination of low prices and good customer service make it the best car insurance company in the country.
Best car insurance in Colorado
Company | Editor's rating | J.D. Power | A.M. Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | 881 | A++ | |
| State Farm | 842 | A++ | |
| Auto-Owners | 837 | A++ | |
| Geico | 835 | A++ | |
| Nationwide | 815 | A+ |
Choosing an insurance company with excellent customer service scores is as important as finding the cheapest quote.
If you get into an accident, great customer service can make it easy to file a claim and get paid quickly. A company with poor customer service can add to your stress and delay your ability to get back on the road.
Average car insurance cost in Colorado by city
The most expensive city for car insurance in Colorado is Deer Trail, east of Denver. Full coverage quotes there cost an average of $197 per month.
Redlands, near Grand Junction, has the cheapest rates, at $125 per month.
Location is just one factor that affects auto insurance quotes. Rates are typically more expensive in areas that have more car accidents, thefts or weather hazards.
Rates are also more expensive in cities, and car insurance in Denver is 13% more expensive than the state average.
Car insurance quotes by Colorado city
City | Monthly rate | % from average |
|---|---|---|
| Acres Green | $174 | 4% |
| Agate | $188 | 12% |
| Aguilar | $168 | 0% |
| Air Force Academy | $176 | 5% |
| Akron | $180 | 7% |
Colorado minimum auto insurance requirements
Colorado requires all drivers to have liability insurance. Policies must have a coverage limit of at least 25/50/15, which is a shorthand way of explaining the limits for each type of claim.
Coverage | Required limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person; $50,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 per accident |
Colorado drivers can choose to buy more coverage than what's required. Options include coverage for uninsured motorists, medical payments, collision and comprehensive.
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest car insurance in Colorado?
State Farm has the cheapest insurance for most drivers in Colorado. Minimum coverage costs $34 per month, and full coverage costs $99 per month. USAA has even better rates for minimum coverage, but only people with military ties are eligible.
How much is car insurance in Colorado?
The average cost of car insurance in Colorado is $60 per month for a minimum coverage policy. A full coverage policy in Colorado costs $168 per month, on average.
Are car insurance rates expensive in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado car insurance rates are high compared to the rest of the country. Colorado is the 17th most expensive state for minimum coverage and the 10th most expensive state for a full coverage policy. Colorado car insurance quotes are expensive because of the state's extreme weather conditions and densely populated cities.
How much car insurance do I need in Colorado?
Colorado law requires that you have at least $25,000 of liability coverage for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 to cover property damage.
What is the average cost of auto insurance in Denver?
The average price of car insurance in Denver is $189 per month for full coverage. That's 13% more expensive than the average statewide. In comparison, drivers in Colorado Springs pay $186 per month, on average.
What's the best car insurance company in Colorado?
The best-rated insurance companies in Colorado are USAA and State Farm. These companies consistently get positive reviews for their claims processes and have reputations for dependable customer service.
Methodology
We collected thousands of quotes from all ZIP codes across Colorado. Rates are averaged from the state's largest insurance companies. Companies with a smaller presence in Colorado, such as American National, were not considered.
The base policy for the study was a full coverage policy with the following limits:
Coverage | Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $50,000 per person; $100,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident |
| Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury | $50,000 per person; $100,000 per accident |
| Comprehensive and collision | $500 deductible |
For our minimum coverage policy, we compared quotes for a policy with the minimum required limits in Colorado.
Rates for young drivers are for minimum coverage policies. For other rate analyses (credit score, driving incidents and marital status), full coverage quotes were modified for each type of driver.
ValuePenguin's analysis used insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services. These rates were publicly sourced from insurer filings and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your own quotes
Vehicle Miles Driven: 82,625 million
Total Stolen: 8,111
State Rank: 34
Drunk Driving Fatalities: 246
Collision: $280.52
Comprehensive: $136.54
Auto insurance isn’t the most interesting topic in this world and we know that you would prefer to rely on your agent to explain all the details of your policy.
While that may seem easy, you could lose out on a lot of important information and may not even get the right coverage.
Like every other product or solution, auto insurance requirements are different for everyone and so is the policy coverage. Do not let your agent push a “one-size-fits-all” policy to you.
So, what should you do?
Before buying a policy, you should conduct in-depth research on what’s the right coverage for you and which company you should buy from.
To make it easy for you, we are writing a comprehensive car insurance guide to cover every important detail that you may need to drive stressfree in Virginia.
Searching for Virginia automobile insurance? Sometimes shopping for a provider can be complex. But with AutoInsuranceEZ.com, it’s as straightforward as keying in your zip code. We can supply you with the top 10 insurance providers in your spot, whether you live in a big city like Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or Chesapeake, or a lesser populated area such as Richmond or Newport News.
You can also start comparison shopping now using our FREE online tool. Enter your zip code above to get started.
Table of Contents
Car Insurance Coverage and Rates in Virginia
During our daily chores, we hardly get time to check the average car insurance rates in our zip code or the types of coverage we should buy or the minimum coverage requirement in our state.
We would begin the guide by talking about how much coverage you’re required to buy and what rates you might have to pay based on the averages.
And, you will also understand what factors influence your rates and how rates vary depending on these factors.
Virginia’s Car Culture
Most of the residents of Virginia commute to D.C. for work which means frequent traffic jams and longer commutes. Because of that, the average commute time in Virginia is the seventh highest in America.
Add to that the state-wide preference for driving alone to work and you have a chaotic situation during peak hours.
In between all the stress of driving, Virginia does offer some picturesque vistas to enjoy on the road as it’s a beautiful state.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Virginia
If you buy the minimum insurance coverage as mandated by the state laws, you wouldn’t be exposed to the financial risk in case you’re involved in an accident.
Before you start to rejoice over that fact, let us remind you that the uninsured fee would only protect you from being prosecuted in the event of an accident, you would still have to bear the damages out-of-pocket.
If you think you’ll never get involved in an accident, you can take that option, but it would be a gamble.
Auto owners who want to protect themselves from any future losses arising out of collisions or rear-ending do have to at least maintain the minimum car insurance requirement.
The minimum coverage requirement for bodily injury liability pays for the cost of personal injury to the third-party (driver/passengers/pedestrians) if you’re the at-fault driver in an accident to the extent of $25,000 for one person and $50,000 overall.
The minimum property damage liability limit would cover any damages to the car/property of others up to $20,000.
Do note that liability insurance only covers third-party damages and any injury to you or your co-passengers isn’t covered.
That’s why auto owners are recommended to buy coverage that would protect their personal injuries and property damage.
What options for personal injury coverage do you have?
Both these are optional coverages and you can choose to have either for your medical expenses if you’re involved in an accident. We would recommend you to conduct a cost-benefit analysis and choose wisely from the two options.
Now, what happens if your car gets damaged because you have hit someone or something?
There are optional coverages that would pay for the expenses of property damage should you get involved in an accident or end up as a victim of a natural calamity.
Apart from buying coverage to protect your personal damages, you should also think about buying the right amount of coverage for liability. Though the state mandates the minimum limits, it might not be enough to cover third-party expenses in a major accident.
Usually, you should aim to buy liability coverage of $500,000 (personal injury and property damage) at the minimum as medical expenses and legal costs can go through the roof.
Forms of Financial Responsibility in Virginia
If you want to drive legally in Virginia, you would have to meet the financial responsibility requirements of the state that ensures your ability to reimburse damages if you cause an accident.
Premiums as a Percentage of Income in Virginia
Budgeting for every cost might not be your strong suit, but you may want to take a look at the proportion of income auto owners in Virginia are spending on auto insurance premiums sourced from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
In 2014, the percentage of auto insurance premium to income was 1.90 percent which is much lower than the country-wide average.
Comparing the proportion of income spent on auto premiums with the neighboring states of Virginia, we can see that it’s better off than all of them.
You can also calculate what proportion of your income is being spent on auto premiums.
Core Coverage Auto Premiums in Virginia
On average, you can expect to pay $842 annually for full auto insurance coverage in Virginia.
Though premiums vary, sometimes drastically, depending on personal factors and policy limits, you can get an idea on how much you might have to pay for auto insurance.
Collision and comprehensive are optional coverages that you should buy if you want to protect your car from damages as a result of an accident.
Additional Liability Coverage in Virginia
Loss ratio signifies the ratio of claim settlements to premiums earned. If the loss ratio is 70 percent, it means an insurer has paid $70 in claims from total earned premiums of $100.
A very high loss ratio can mean that an insurer is making losses since an organization can’t survive if it’s paying out more in claims than its earning in premiums.
We have explained when you might need Medical Payments or PIP coverage, but you should also know about Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM).
As per data from the Insurance Information Institute, around 9.9 percent of the motorists in Virginia are uninsured which means that there’s some probability of an encounter with one of them.
If you want to get a quick overview of what the different types of auto insurance mean, you should watch this video.
Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders in Virginia
We hope that you understand what type of coverage you need by now. Insurance companies also offer some add-ons and riders to auto policies which motorists can buy as per their requirement.
Some of those are mentioned below, you can take a look and decide for yourself.
Pay-as-you-drive or usage-based insurance isn’t a type of coverage but a rewards program that can help you in getting discounts on auto premiums.
Male vs Female Auto Insurance Premiums in Virginia
Among the many factors that impact your car insurance rates, your gender is one of them. Especially when you’re younger, rates vary drastically for men and women.
Because younger men (usually below 25) are considered riskier drivers than females of their age. There have been studies that proved the claim.
Once you get older, other factors take precedence for rate calculations rather than gender.
You can see how these carriers rank as per the demographics.
Auto Insurance Rates in the Largest Cities of Virginia
In case, you want to see the rates in the ten largest cities of Virginia by population, you can search for the cities in the table below.
The state-wide average annual premium is $2,357. Except for Roanoke, the auto premium in all the other largest cities is higher than the average.
Amongst those cities, Alexandria, Richmond, and Norfolk have the highest rates, though some zip codes in the other cities do have pretty high rates.
Auto Insurance Rates by Zip Code in Virginia
If you don’t live in one of the most populated cities of Virginia, you can search for your zip code in the tables below which show auto premiums from most expensive to least expensive areas and also the rates offered by different insurance providers.
Zip code 24450 in Lexington has the cheapest car insurance rates.
Auto Insurance Rates by City in Virginia
In case you want to understand how much rates vary from the average premium of $2,357, you can do the comparisons from the tables below.
For newcomers to Virginia, this can be an important consideration before buying or renting a house in a specific city or zip code.
East Lexington and Broadway have the cheapest rates for car insurance, while Bailey’s Crossroads and Kings Park have the most expensive rates.
Enter your ZIP code below to compare auto insurance rates.
Best Car Insurance Companies in Virginia
Researching about car insurance companies is as important as the coverage you’re required to buy for driving.
Because not every insurer offers you the ease of digital interaction, usage-based insurance program, or prompt response on the first notice of loss.
Most consumers expect their auto insurer to settle their accident claims as soon as possible and that’s the only criteria, apart from the premium rates, they look at before buying a policy.
But, there are some fundamental characteristics of any insurance company that you must review before signing the policy documents.
Financial Ratings of the Leading Auto Insurers in Virginia
Financial ratings help us to assess the long-term financial strength of an insurer or the ability to meet its contractual obligations in the future.
If an insurer isn’t financially stable, it might not be able to settle your claims when there’s a need.
Each one of these agencies has its own rating standard and principles for assigning a rating, therefore you should check ratings from a couple of these.
For the sake of your convenience, we have collated the A.M. Best ratings, which has a unique focus on the insurance sector, of the leading car insurers in Virginia.
The financial rating guide of A.M. Best uses a scale to assign ratings symbolically ranging from A++ to D with the financial confidence decreasing as you move down the alphabets.
Consumer Reviews of Auto Insurers in Virginia
These days consumers rarely buy anything without checking online reviews or consulting with their friends & colleagues.
When it comes to auto insurance, you definitely need authentic information about the service standards of an insurer before committing to a policy.
The J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Auto Insurance Study found that satisfaction levels amongst customers are at an all-time high nowadays because of the convenience with which they can transact digitally bypassing the agent.
Erie insurance, followed by Geico and the Hartford, received the highest ratings from consumers on a 1,000-point scale.
Fortunately, Geico and Erie are among the leading insurance groups in Virginia with the highest market shares and a financially stable outlook.
Complaint Numbers of Leading Car Insurers in Virginia
Taking a look at the complaint data can give you an idea about what concerns consumers have with a particular insurance company. Also, a high number of complaints signifies unsatisfied customers.
If you want more details of the complaints or wish to check data for some other insurer, the data is provided in the Consumer Insurance Search section on the website of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Auto Premiums by Insurance Carriers in Virginia
Amongst the leading auto insurance providers in Virginia, USAA, Geico, and Nationwide offer the best rates. Only those who are members of the military and their families can get coverage from USAA which is the cheapest in the state.
Compared to the state average premium of $2,357, Allstate offers quite an expensive option, while Progressive and State Farm are closer to the average.
Auto Insurance Premiums by Commute Rate in Virginia
Why are we showing rates for different daily or annual commutes?
Your mileage is taken into consideration while calculating rates, as the more you drive, the more susceptible you are to dangers on the road.
Apart from Nationwide and Progressive, all the other providers in the table are offering a different rate for lower mileage.
Auto Insurance Rates by Coverage Level in Virginia
The policy limits you choose have an impact on your rates, lower coverage would cost you the least.
Though it might seem like an easier choice now, having a low coverage can expose you to a much larger financial burden later if the damages from an accident exceed your policy limits.
Auto Insurance Rates by Credit History in Virginia
Your credit score, if not perfect, can haunt you while buying auto insurance. Sometimes your credit score can have more impact on your rates, than any other factor.
In the comparison table of auto insurance rates, you can see that all insurers charge more from motorists with a poor credit history.
Geico can be a sensible choice for those with a poor and fair credit history as their rates aren’t as high as other providers.
In Virginia, the average vantage score as per the State of Credit survey was 680, better than the national average of 675 in 2017.
Vantage score, which is a consumer credit scoring model, assigns a score between 300 and 850 to individuals and anything above 700 is considered good.
Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record in Virginia
The extent of the increase in your premium rates depends on what kind of record you have. Usually, accidents and DUI records lead to a much higher increase than speeding violations.
Some insurers, such as Geico, Nationwide, and USAA charge the highest rates from motorists with a DUI record in Virginia.
If you have a record, State Farm and USAA could be considered for auto insurance as their rates are significantly lower than others.
If you want a rundown of what all affects your premium rates, you can watch this video.
Leading Car Insurance Companies in Virginia
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State Laws in Virginia
Traffic violations can get you in trouble with the law enforcement which goes into your record and is used by insurance companies to assess your risk factors.
More often than not, a violation record leads to an increase in your premium rates because the probability of you filing a claim rises.
We understand it’s difficult to keep up with the regularly changing state laws related to driving, licensing, and car insurance. That’s why we are devoting a section to refresh your knowledge of state laws.
Car Insurance Laws in Virginia
Apart from traffic laws, it would help to know about some other regulations and laws as a motorist. Many times auto owners miss out on important coverage information because of ignorance.
Let’s look at some of the laws that might be useful to you.
How State Laws for Insurance are Determined
Everything from your rates to tort laws to minimum coverage requirements is influenced by state laws. What you pay in premiums goes through a long process of approval and discussion.
Every state is required to follow a regulation mechanism to implement new rates and the options include – determined by Commissioner; prior approval; modified prior approval; flex rating; file and use; use and file; and no file.
Financial responsibility laws that require motorists to buy minimum liability coverage, such as the limit of 25/50/25 in Virginia, are also determined by the state laws.
Windshield Coverage Laws in Virginia
Virginia doesn’t have any specific insurance coverage laws with respect to windshields but it does specify rules related to cracks/chips on windshields.
High-Risk Auto Insurance in Virginia
What happens with motorists who consistently accumulate points on their driving record? Initially, insurance providers raise their rates, but at times it gets riskier to insure such motorists.
When a motorist becomes high-risk, they can be denied coverage by insurance providers.
What is the Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan?
The Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan (VAIP) was established by the State Corporation Commission in 1945 to provide coverage to those motorists who are unable to obtain insurance in the voluntary market.
In this plan, high-risk drivers are distributed equitably among insurers who are licensed to write insurance in the market of Virginia in proportion to their market share. This practice enables a fair risk-sharing between all insurance providers.
Who are eligible to apply to the program?
A motorist who has been denied coverage is eligible to apply to VAIP provided he/she has a valid Virginia driver’s license and a vehicle registered in the state.
If you want more information about the program, you can write to vaip@aipso.com or connect with a local insurance agent.
Auto Insurance Fraud in Virginia
Fraudulent insurance claims (for all types of insurance) are estimated to be around $20 million per year. Any act to deceive the system by lying or concealing information with an intention to gain monetary benefits comes under the purview of insurance fraud.
Do remember something as small as providing an incorrect address on your application to get better rates is considered fraudulent activity.
To combat fraud, the Virginia State Police has implemented the Stamp Out Program for better awareness and fraud reporting.
How can you help?
If you come across anything that you’re suspicious about, you can submit a confidential tip to the Virginia Stae Police. Any tips that help the police in making arrests against insurance fraud are eligible for cash rewards of up to $25,000.
You also have the option to report any complaints through the fraud reporting system of NAIC.
Statute of Limitation in Virginia
To be fair to everyone, the state laws have stipulated a time limit for bringing a lawsuit against the at-fault party in the event of an accident.
In Virginia, motorists are allowed to file a lawsuit within two years of the accident for personal injury claims and five years for property damage claims.
For wrongful death, the family of the plaintiff is allowed to file a lawsuit within two years of the death (rather than the day of the accident).
Vehicle Licensing Laws in Virginia
Other than keeping adequate insurance coverage, you need to always keep your license updated and abide by any new regulations for licensing.
Real ID in Virginia
By now, you must be aware of the Real ID Act that requires every state to issue Real ID-compliant identification documents to facilitate better security measures for entering certain federal facilities and flying by commercial airlines.
But do you know that from October 2020, you wouldn’t be allowed to enter these restricted facilities or fly without a Real ID license or identification document?
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Virginia has started issuing Real ID driver’s licenses for motorists and you can get detailed information in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBMndSYvS38
To obtain a Real ID license, you need to visit your local DMV office with the required documents which include:
Penalties for Driving without Insurance in Virginia
The Virginia DMV liaisons with insurance providers to monitor car insurance coverage of motorists. In this arrangement, providers are required to electronically furnish details of insurance policy and vehicles whenever they add, write, or cancel a policy.
Since the process is electronic, the DMV is able to match the details of registered vehicles with insurance coverage. If there’s a mismatch, auto owners are requested to provide details of insurance coverage.
What happens when the DMV finds out that a vehicle is uninsured?
DMV would suspend any driver’s licenses, registration certification, and license plate associated with the uninsured vehicle. The suspension is revoked only when the auto owner complies with the following:
During these three years, insurance providers are required to notify the DMV if the vehicle owner cancels the insurance coverage.
Teen Driver Laws in Virginia
Teens have to go through a long process to get the freedom to drive by themselves, which usually includes a phase of restricted driving. This phase, known as the learner’s permit, equips them with the necessary road skills to be a safe driver.
Learner’s Permit: Teens can begin the process of getting a permit to drive when they’re at least 15 years and six months old. To get the learner’s permit, you’re required to pass the vision and knowledge test.
To understand the basic rules of the road as a first-time driver, do browse through the Virginia Driver’s Manual.
Since this is the first time you would practice driving, you’re required to follow certain restrictions:
Permanent Driver’s License: When you have held a learner’s permit for at least nine months and completed your driver’s education course, you can apply for a permanent license.
To obtain the license, your parent, foster parent or guardian must certify that you practiced 45 hours of driving including 15 hours of nighttime driving.
If you’re under 18 years old, certain restrictions still apply to you:
Passenger restrictions are not applicable on family members of the driver.
License Renewal Procedure in Virginia
In Virginia, the driver’s license for motorists below the age of 75 is valid for eight years. For those who are 75 and above, the license is valid for five years.
How can you renew your license?
The Virginia DMV sends a mail for renewal of license before the expiration date and you can also opt for electronic renewal reminders.
This renewal notice clearly states whether you’re eligible for an online or mail renewal, otherwise, you would have to go to the customer service center.
You also have the option to renew your license in one of the DMV’s mobile office as well.
New Residents in Virginia
Moving to a new state is exciting, especially if it’s to Virginia which is for lovers. That sounds corny, but it’s the state’s official slogan and it truly is a wonderful place to be.
We know that with a new move comes a whole lot of paperwork. Here are a few things you need to ensure, related to your car and insurance coverage, after your move to Virginia.
Rules of the Road in Virginia
You must have read about the rules that you need to follow while driving when you first browsed through the DMV manual for a knowledge test. If you keep brushing up your knowledge once in a while, it keeps you more aware.
We wouldn’t bore you with a lot of details, just a few basic rules that help in day to day driving.
Also, there are some unwritten rules of the road such as looking out for the blind spots, do make sure that you educate first-time drivers about this.
Fault vs No-Fault Law in Virginia
Virginia follows the tort system for determining financial responsibility in the event of a car accident which requires the at-fault driver to pay for the injuries and damages sustained by the third-party.
The mandatory liability coverage protects you from the costs of damages and lawsuits if you hit someone on the road, and that’s why it’s recommended to at least get liability insurance.
Seat Belt and Car Seat Laws in Virginia
Seat belts can considerably reduce the risk of serious injury in an accident and the laws of Virginia require all front-seat passengers to wear a seat belt when the car is in motion.
In addition, the driver of any vehicle must ensure that passengers below the age of 18 are properly secured by a seat belt or a child safety seat. Children under the age of 8 should be secured in a booster or child safety seat.
Laws in Virginia recommend motorists to use a child restraint system that’s suitable for the age, height, and weight of your child.
You can follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for appropriate car seats which are:
Penalties for violating the car seat law
If your child isn’t safely restrained in a car seat, you would be fined $50 for the first violation. Any subsequent violations can lead to a fine of $500.
Keep Right and Move Over Laws in Virginia
In July 2017, Virginia passed a law that prohibits motorists from driving on the left lane if they’re moving slower than the speed limit or staying on the left lane unless to use it for passing or taking a turn.
The fine for being fixated on the left lane is $100 and quite a few motorists were caught for violation in the first year of the law’s enforcement.
As much as keeping on the left lane is dangerous, passing a stationary emergency vehicle from its adjacent lane can prove fatal.
Speed Limits in Virginia
Although speed limits are posted on all roads, you have to follow the following limits if it’s not posted.
Ridesharing Laws in Virginia
In an effort to make ridesharing safe for drivers and passengers, every other state in America has implemented a separate ridesharing law or are currently discussing how to regulate the operation of Transport Network Companies (TNC) like Uber and Lyft.
The new law also requires TNC vehicles to maintain a minimum liability insurance coverage of $1 million.
Automation on the Road in Virginia
Considering the mishaps witnessed during automated vehicle testing in America, lawmakers in most of the states are slightly skeptical about making policies that allow driverless cars on the road.
Virginiadoes allow testing of autonomous vehicles with a safety driver but still doesn’t have clear policies on automation. Nonetheless, it’s enthusiastic about the idea of driverless vehicles that would provide more safety to people in the future.
Local governments in Albemarle and Montogomery county have accelerated the growth of automated vehicle testing by offering assistance and support to manufacturers such as Perrone Robotics and Torc Robotics, respectively.
Safety Laws in Virginia
Distracted driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs isn’t just illegal but can be fatal. Let’s look at what measures are taken in Virginia to promote responsible driving behavior.
DUI Laws in Virginia
Any motorists driving with a Blood Alcohol Level of 0.08 percent or more is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
Penalties in Virginia for drunk or drugged driving are quite strict and the punishments get harsher on subsequent offenses.
What are the penalties for DUI in Virginia?
That’s not all though, you would face additional penalties depending on the frequency of offenses within certain time periods.
The law also adds more penalties when your BAC level is more than 0.15 percent or 0.20 percent. Driving with children while intoxicated or on a suspended license due to DUI would further make your life difficult.
Distracted Driving Laws in Virginia
Distracted driving can involve texting, talking on the phone, looking outside, chatting with co-passengers, or basically anything that takes your mind off the road.
Though you’re allowed to engage in chit-chatting or enjoying the scenic views outside while driving, it might lead to an accident. Therefore, it’s recommended to focus on driving completely.
Lawmakers in Virginia are also planning to ban holding a phone for a call while driving.
Driving in Virginia
Despite the laws and regulations, we hear about accidents and fatalities regularly. These events not only raise the premium rates in a state but also makes it dangerous to drive.
We are including facts and figures about the most common types of accidents and what causes them so that you can be more careful on the roads.
Vehicle Theft in Virginia
If you want to see the theft numbers in your city, you can search in the table below which has been sourced from the FBI.
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theft
Road Fatalities in Virginia
We have sourced data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to offer you insights on crashes by counties or cities.
Most Fatal Highway in Virginia
Route US-460 is the deadliest highway in Virginia which registers around 19 crashes every year.
Fatal Crashes by Weather Condition and Light Condition in Virginia
Fatalities (All Crashes) by County in Virginia
Traffic Fatalities in Virginia
Fatalities by Person Type in Virginia
Fatalities by Crash Type in Virginia
Fatalities Trend for the Top 10 Counties in Virginia
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