Being involved in a hit-and-run accident in Virginia can be stressful. In addition to having to deal with car repairs without knowing the other driver’s identity or insurance information, your car insurance premiums will likely increase as well. In Virginia, the average annual cost of full coverage auto insurance is $1,439. While your rates might not increase as much as they might if you had caused the accident, simply filing a car insurance claim will typically make your premium go up for a bit. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team explains what a hit-and-run is and what typically happens when you are the victim of a hit-and-run so you can be better informed should it happen to you.

Savings

Compare rates and save on auto insurance today!

ZIP code
Close X
Advertising Disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Compare auto insurance rates

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.
Caret DownCaret Up
Please select age
Location-Icon
Badge No spam. No fees. No surprises.

Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like:

Progressive

Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year

Liberty Mutual

Are you overpaying for auto insurance?

Allstate

Safe drivers choose Allstate®

Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Insurance Disclosure

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

See more providers in
Choose from insurers in

Hit-and-runs in Virginia

By definition, a hit-and-run accident is where the at-fault party flees the scene of the accident. This can apply to fleeing an accident from a moving collision or even hitting a parked car. In 2019, there were over 238,000 moving violations in Virginia. Among these, 4,278, or 2 percent of the total, were ruled as hit-and-runs. Interestingly, about 5 percent of these hit-and-runs were committed by someone who was driving under the influence.

Virginia hit-and-run laws

Virginia hit-and-run law dictates any driver involved in an accident where an injury or property damage (including to a vehicle) must stop. Not stopping results in serious penalties, including being charged with a misdemeanor if the damage to the property is less than $1,000. If the accident has a serious injury, death or property damage greater than $1,000, it is classified as a Class 5 felony. A Class 5 felony results in jail time for up to one year and a $2,500 maximum fine, or both.

Virginia requires every car insurance company that offers motor vehicle liability coverage to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in addition to liability coverage, although it can be declined in writing. UM coverage also applies to hit-and-run accidents in Virginia. The driver who is the victim of a hit-and-run is responsible for the first $200 in property damage before the UM goes into effect.

How hit-and-runs impact car insurance rates in Virginia

Hit-and-runs impact all parties involved in the accident, regardless whether you were a victim or the person charged. If you were charged with the hit-and-run, the consequences can be more serious. However, car insurance premiums will most likely increase for both the victim and the at-fault driver.

As the victim of a hit-and-run, you would still likely need to file a claim, depending on the severity of the damage. Filing a claim is likely to make your car insurance rates increase for a while, though how much depends on the size of the claim.

On the other hand, the at-fault driver, if caught, would be charged for a hit-and-run, which is considered a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the damages incurred. You might also be classed as a high-risk driver if you are convicted of a hit-and-run, which will raise your car insurance rates substantially. Additionally, you may be required to file an SR-22 certificate with the state as proof of insurance if your current policy is canceled after your conviction for a hit-and-run accident in Virginia.

4 things to do after a hit-and-run in Virginia

When involved in a hit-and-run in Virginia, there are a handful of key steps to remember as soon as the incident takes place. While this is a stressful experience, staying focused on the next steps will help you navigate a difficult situation.

  1. Call for medical help right away if there are injuries. Medical attention and safety is the first priority. While you or your passengers may not feel immediate pain from injuries, medical personnel can evaluate everyone and determine what medical steps are next.
  2. Call the police. Getting the police involved is a critical step, even if the vehicle is parked and you did not witness the damage take place. A police report is helpful when you file an insurance claim. Plus, the police may be able to interview witnesses and gather important details related to the accident.
  3. Take your own photos and gather any evidence. Take as many photos as you can of the damage to the vehicle and surrounding areas. These photos may prove helpful later on when the insurance claim is filed or from a criminal standpoint. If you do not have your phone, writing down key details such as a detailed description of any damage, time of day, weather and road conditions, is another strategy.
  4. File an insurance claim. Filing an insurance claim promptly is the best course of action if you plan to file one. Your licensed agent can walk you through the process and review your coverage limits.

Will insurance cover a hit-and-run?

In Virginia, drivers are required to at least carry liability car insurance (or pay an annual fee of $500). However, to cover the costs associated with a hit-and-run accident, drivers can use uninsured motorist coverage. Medical expenses and property damage are covered separately under uninsured motorist insurance, so you’ll want to speak with your agent to make sure you are covered for both.

Additionally, if you carry collision coverage, it could help cover damage to your vehicle as a result of the hit-and-run. Collision coverage helps cover costs for repairs, or possible replacement, to a damaged vehicle after a covered loss.

Frequently asked questions

    • The average cost of car insurance in Virginia is $1,439 annually for a full coverage policy. This is well-below the national average of $2,014 per year for the same policy type and limits. Your actual cost will vary, as car insurance premiums are based on several factors, such as your age, driving record and marital status.
    • Finding cheap car insurance in Virginia may be harder or easier for you, depending on your personal situation. Numerous factors, such as the make and model of your vehicle and your driving record will be used to calculate your car insurance rate, and every company calculates premiums differently. Typically, the best way to find cheap car insurance for you is to select a few companies to get quotes from to compare. It also pays to inquire about which discounts you may be eligible for to ensure you are getting the best rate possible for you.