Residents of the Old Dominion have long enjoyed insurance rates that are lower than the national average. However, in recent years rates have started to rise across the state, so there is no better time than the present to start looking for low cost car insurance in Virginia (VA). We will provide you with some valuable tips that can save you money.
To get license plates in the state of Virginia you must certify that your vehicle is insured according the the state’s minimum requirement, or you must pay an uninsured motor vehicle fee. Virginia’s minimum coverage requirements include:
- Bodily injury/death of one person $25,000
- Bodily injury/death of two or more persons $50,000
- Property damage $20,000
Unlike in many states, in Virginia you can choose not to carry auto insurance. In this case you would have to pay a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. This does not provide any coverage – it only allows you to drive your car at your own risk. If you get into an accident, all the financial responsibility will fall to you. Finding low cost car insurance in Virginia would be a more financially responsible option.
The state DMV monitors your insurance coverage through its Insurance Verification Program. So if you drop your coverage, the state will be notified and you will need to present proof of insurance. To make sure you get low cost car insurance in Virginia it is important to not let your coverage lapse, even for a brief period. If you have dropped your insurance, getting a new policy will be more expensive.
Unlike “no-fault” states, Virginia follows a Tort system, which means someone will be found to be at fault for an accident. Whoever is determined to be at fault, that person and their insurance company are responsible for paying all costs. This makes it even more important that you have quality, low cost car insurance in Virginia.
Virginia’s average auto insurance premium is currently $1,482. This compares favorably with the national average of $1,780. However, over the last three years rates have been rising. Average Virginia car insurance rates in 2009 are 13% higher than in 2008. In turn, 2008 rates were 4% higher than in 2007. With rates continuing to increase, it is imperative that you take the time to lock in low cost car insurance in Virginia as soon as possible.
Residents of Virginia will experience variations in the car insurance rate they pay, based on where in the state they live. Those who live in more urbanized areas like Richmond or Arlington will find it harder to get low cost car insurance in Virginia, as compared to those who live in smaller towns like Williamsburg or Timberlake. Indeed, Central Virginia auto insurance can be among the lowest in the state because of the large rural areas there.
Insurers often penalize drivers in more densely populated areas with higher rates because they are more likely to get into accidents and file expensive claims. No matter where you live in the state, however, there are a few things you can do to get low cost car insurance in Virginia.
First, consider the car you drive. If you are thinking about buying a new car, be sure to check what your insurance rates will be before buying it. You would be surprised how big a variation in rates there can be, even between two very similar models. For example, you may find that you pay much higher insurance rates for a two door model than you would for an identical four door model. The rate you pay is based in large part on the insurance history for that vehicle, so if your car’s make and model have an expensive claims history you will end up paying more.
Insiders know that one of the best ways to get low cost car insurance in Virginia is to shop around and compare rates from multiple carriers. This website make the process easy. All you need to do is enter your zip code and you will be instantly connected to the best discount insurers for your area. Be sure to compare rates from at least three and preferably five carriers to make sure you get the best rate possible.