How to find the best car insurance in Virginia
The best car insurance for one driver is not always the best for another, some tips and tricks may help you narrow down the best company for your needs. Comparing quotes may help you find the cheapest carriers in Virginia, while the strategies below could help ensure that the carrier you choose meets your coverage and customer service needs.
Consider minimum insurance requirements in Virginia
Before deciding how much coverage you might want or need, you may want to know how much the state requires. Virginia laws require all drivers to maintain at least minimum amounts of bodily injury liability and property damage liability, unless vehicle owners pay a $500 uninsured motorist fee to drive without insurance for a year. Drivers may want to note that a bill has been proposed in Virginia that would eliminate this option, making insurance required for all drivers.
Insurance companies must offer you uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage, although you can decline these options in writing. Specific limits and requirements can be found on the Virginia DMV website. The minimum requirements coverage limits were increased in Virginia as of Jan. 1, 2022 for new policies and renewals, the first adjustment since 1975.
Consider lender requirements
If you are paying off a car loan or leasing a vehicle, odds are you’re required to carry more robust coverage. Lenders and leasing companies often require full coverage on financed and leased vehicles. Depending on how old the model is, there can be a significant difference in the amount owed on a vehicle and its actual cash value. Gap insurance can help cover the difference caused by a vehicle’s depreciation, filling in the gap between what it’s worth if totaled in a covered claim and what is owed.
Consider your individual needs
Life circumstances can change, and the best car insurance company for you may change with them. Whether you’re adding a teen driver to your policy or looking for ways to lower your premiums, there are many nuances to consider when it comes to your coverage. Suppose your premium is going up from a major accident or multiple tickets. In those cases, you may want to consider finding an insurer specializing in high-risk drivers. If adding a teenager to your family policy, consider finding an insurer that offers a good student discount or a usage-based telematics program, as these may help offset the higher cost of newer young drivers.