Cheap Car Insurance in Arlington, VA

What Does it Mean if Virginia is At-Fault?

Virginia is an at-fault state, which means drivers determined to be partially or fully responsible for an accident must pay for all damages and injuries sustained by other drivers. These damages are typically handled by the at-fault driver’s insurance company up to policy limits, with any damages exceeding policy limits the responsibility of the at-fault driver.

Virginia is also a “modified comparative fault” state, meaning drivers determined to be partially at fault for an accident are also responsible for the cost of damages relative to their degree of responsibility. So, for example, if you are discovered to be 30% at fault for an accident with total injuries valued at $20,000, your damages will be reduced by 30% to $14,000.

To ensure you are adequately protected in Virginia, there are some things you can do:

• Maintain Adequate Liability Coverage. For the best protection, opt for the highest limits that align with your financial situation.
• Consider Supplemental Coverage. Go above and beyond basic liability coverage and opt for additional protections like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), or medical payments (MedPay). These policies are especially beneficial in situations where at-fault drivers are underinsured or uninsured.

Practice Defensive Driving. Be sure to obey all traffic laws and “risk proof” your vehicle with additional safety features like anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices.

To drive legally in the state of Virginia, you must carry the following minimum liability limits:

• $30,000 for bodily injuries or death for one person in a single accident
• $60,000 for bodily injuries or death for multiple people in a single accident
• $20,000 for property damage

One important distinction with Virginia auto insurance is you can still purchase your license plates without the minimum requirements, but you must pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee, payable at each renewal.

Expect some heavy penalties for driving without insurance in Arlington, Virginia.

If you are caught, expect to be served the following:

• Class 3 misdemeanor
• Suspended driver’s license/registration
• $600 non-compliance fee
• $145 reinstatement fee

To avoid these penalties, you must provide proof of insurance to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Unfortunately, you will also be required to file for an SR-22, a certificate of financial responsibility that lets the state know you carry the minimum required auto insurance. Your insurance company is responsible for filing one on your behalf. If your current insurance company cancels coverage, you must find a new provider willing to reinstate your driving privileges and insure you.

Here are some factors that auto insurance companies use to determine your premiums:

• Age/gender
• Zip code of residence
• Driving record
• Amount of deductible
• Annual mileage
• Occupation/education

Remember that every insurance company weighs these factors using its proprietary algorithms and underwriting criteria. Note that this is not an all-inclusive list.

As an Arlington driver, you should carry an active auto insurance policy. There are numerous benefits to having one, such as the following:

• Financial Protection. Auto insurance pays for the cost of damages and injuries sustained by first and third parties in an accident up to specific liability limits. It helps cover the cost of repair or replacement of vehicles and property, along with medical expenses and lost wages. Failure to have an active policy will force all damages to be paid out of your pocket, resulting in a hefty financial burden.
• Add-ons. Today, auto insurance companies provide additional benefits beyond liability coverage. These include rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance. Any vehicle breakdown in the middle of nowhere can be easily covered, resulting in greater peace of mind.