The laws in Virginia are cut and dried and offer no leniency for offenders. It is important that drivers in this state know the laws well, so that they do not risk offenses from a lack of Virginia car insurance. To avoid penalties, insurance coverage must be obtained and maintained at all times. Since Virginia auto insurance covers more than accidents, it is important to understand the crime rates, road conditions, and other pertinent areas in Virginia. One can't expect to gain full coverage based on decisions other than facts.

Understanding the Driving Statistics

Auto Theft

Before the beginning of the HEAT program in 1992, auto theft had continued to rise through the years. Since its inception, the rates for auto theft have gone down by about 51% in the state. In 2003, the number of auto thefts was 17,566, and in 2011 that number had dropped to 10,394. The steady decline has given the HEAT program more standing and authority in Virginia. The HEAT program is a local initiative aimed at stopping car thieves and educating drivers on safety precautions.

Seatbelt Usage

Seatbelt usage is also on the rise in Virginia. According to a recent study conducted by The Old Dominion, seatbelt usage rose from 80.5% in 2010 to 81.8% in 2011. State programs continue to encourage drivers to buckle up before they get drive. This has saved many lives in Virginia.

Road Conditions and Auto Accidents

The road conditions in the state are often curvy and mountainous. Drivers must use caution when driving through the state. Many accidents occur on some of the more dangerous mountain areas. Though other areas are declining, Virginia's auto accident rates are steadily rising. In 2011, 764 people died in car accidents. This is an increase of 3.24% from the previous year. In 2011, there were 120,513 traffic accidents that were reported in the state. This is a 3.55% increase from 2010. It is important that drivers in Virginia understand the risks involved in driving in the state. This information, gained from the Virginia DMV, can help drivers to assess the risks and insure themselves against those risks.

Virginia's Insurance Requirements

The State of Virginia has several requirements when it comes to auto insurance coverage. All drivers must have insurance coverage that at the very least meets the state requirements; or they must pay a $500 uninsured motorist fee that allows them to operate their vehicle without insurance at their own risk. This fee covers them for a year and then must be renewed. It does not take away the liability that drivers face if they are involved in an accident.

The minimum requirements for coverage in the state are as follows:

Bodily injury and the death of one person $25,000 in coverage

Bodily injury and the death of two or more persons $50,000 in coverage

Property damage of $20,000

The DMV monitors the insurance coverage of all of their drivers through an insurance verification system. All insurance companies that operate in the state are required by law to inform the DMV when a driver is not covered or has a lapse in coverage. This prevents drivers from operating their vehicles unlawfully.

Penalties

The penalties of driving without insurance coverage or the uninsured motorist fee involve drivers having their vehicle registration and their driving privileges suspended. To reinstate these privileges, they must pay a $500 a year statutory fee for a period of three years. Drivers must also fill out a financial liability form for insurance and pay reinstatement fees.

Virginia Offers Many Choices for Car Insurance

There are many auto insurance companies that operate in the state. Drivers can search online to find a listing of companies that are allowed to operate in the state. Visiting the companies can allow you to get free Virginia car insurance quotes so that you can compare the different prices of the insurance companies. Most of the major car insurance companies operate in the State of Virginia. It is important that drivers to check with the company to make sure it is licensed in the state. It is also important to check out the different Virginia auto insurance ratings to be sure that you are dealing with a great company like one of the following:

Geico

Progressive

Allstate

State Farm

Nationwide

Liberty Mutual

Travelers

These nationwide insurance companies have some of the top ratings in the insurance field. All of these companies offer free online Virginia auto insurance quotes and many of them offer comparisons for other companies. Insurance shopping for Virginia car insurance quotes is the best way to ensure that one is getting the lowest possible price on premiums. Many drivers save a huge amount of money by bundling their home and auto insurance together. It is important that policy premiums are compared for Virginia car insurance ratings before a driver makes the final decision on a policy. This is the best way to get Virginia cheap car insurance rates.

When searching for insurance companies in Virginia, it is important to make sure that the company is a good company to work with. Drivers should check out online reviews for the company to find out how they deal with claims and customer issues. This allows the driver to make an informed decision on their insurance needs and get the best Virginia cheap auto insurance for their vehicles.

Average Premiums in Virginia

Auto insurance premiums in Virginia are steadily rising. The average premium for a 12-month policy stands at around $1,207 as of December 2011. This amount increases with the number points that a driver has against his license. If drivers have not had any wrecks or tickets, the premium rates will reduce substantially.

Drivers in Virginia should review all of the applicable laws and information on insurance coverage. Choosing the right amount of coverage is vital to the safety of the driver. The driver must take many factors into consideration when choosing an insurance policy. This information should help drivers in starting their insurance policies. More information can be found through the Virginia Bureau of Insurance website, which provides a comprehensive listing of all laws and insurance information for drivers in the state. It is important that the information is sought through reputable sites so that the correct information is given. Visit the site below to gain even more information:

http://www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/index.aspx/