Driving is dangerous. That’s why we have seat belt laws, speed limits and countless other driving rules.
In Virginia, another important rule is that a driver must have proof of financial responsibility, namely auto insurance. Therefore, you must buy a policy, and it will have to contain at least the following limits:
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability Coverage: $20,000 per accident
When an accident is deemed your fault, liability insurance pays for the losses of others who were not riding in your vehicle with you. Because Virginia is an at-fault insurance state, you are obligated to pay for these third-party losses, and the liability insurance requirement guarantees that you have the ability to do so.
While state law does allow you to pay a $500 uninsured motorist fee if you want to skip the insurance requirement, you do not free yourself from liability by driving without coverage. Instead, if you drive uninsured, that just means you agree to pay for harm done to others out of your own pocket. It’s in your best interest to always carry auto insurance, both for the cost benefits and the reduced liabilities.
But don’t just stop with the minimum liability insurance and think that’s enough coverage to keep you safe. Instead, consider expanding your coverage with a multitude of other practical benefits.