Car Insurance in Fairfax, VA

Accidents are a common occurrence in the Fairfax area. A good car insurance policy can shield you from significant financial losses whether you are in a multi-car collision on Interstate 66, rear-ended at a stoplight on Main Street, involved in a minor fender bender in a parking lot, or anything in between.

Local independent agents can answer your coverage-related questions and shop around to find you a suitable policy at a competitive price. To get more information and to start comparing customized car insurance quotes, contact an independent insurance agent in Fairfax.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Fairfax, VA?

On average, drivers in Virginia pay less for car insurance than the national average rate. This is welcome news for Fairfax residents looking for an affordable policy.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Virginia's average annual car insurance cost: $1,008

Of course, average rates can only give you a general idea of what insurance companies may expect you to pay. Premiums can vary significantly from one driver to the next because costs are based on several factors such as:

• Your vehicle's year, make, model, trim, and value
• Your age, occupation, driving record, and credit score
• Information about the other licensed drivers in your household
• Whether you own or rent your home
• The amount of liability insurance you want to buy
• The coverage options you want to include in your policy
• The size of your deductible

Every insurance company has a different way of determining how much a policy will cost you. Therefore, when you request customized quotes from a few competing insurance providers, you may find that some are far more affordable than others.

Independent insurance agents make it easy to obtain and compare car insurance rates so you can choose the policy that offers the coverage you want at the best price.

Can Drivers in Fairfax, VA Get Car Insurance Discounts?

If you purchase your car insurance from the same insurance company that provides some of your other policies, like home insurance or renters insurance, this is called bundling. Buying coverage in bundles can result in significant rate reductions.

Other potential car insurance discounts you may come across include:

• Multi-vehicle discounts
• Safe driver discounts
• Military discounts
• Good student discounts
• Teacher discounts
• Discount for having safety features or anti-theft devices

A good insurance agent will ensure that you receive any offered discounts for which you may qualify.

Is Car Insurance Required in Fairfax, Virginia?

Most states require vehicle owners to carry car insurance. Virginia is a little different. In this state, you have the option to pay an annual $500 uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. This allows you to drive an uninsured vehicle at your own risk.

Most people in Fairfax prefer to have the protection of an insurance policy. If you are buying car insurance in Virginia, it must meet or exceed the state's minimum coverage requirements. This means your policy needs to include:

• Liability insurance: This is designed to cover other people's injuries and property damage if you cause a collision. In Virginia, all car insurance policies must include at least:
  • $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $60,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $20,000 in property damage coverage per accident
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance (UIM): This covers property damage and medical treatment for you and your passengers if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. In Virginia, all policies must include at least:
  • $30,000 in UIM bodily injury coverage per person
  • $60,000 in UIM bodily injury coverage per accident
  • $20,000 in UIM property damage coverage per accident

Be aware that the minimum coverage amounts of 30/60/20 went into effect on January 1, 2022. In 2025, they will increase again to 50/100/25.

If you want to have even more liability coverage than your car insurance can provide, you can supplement your policy with umbrella insurance. This is an affordable way to boost all of your personal liability coverage significantly.

Additionally, though it is not required by law, you may be required to carry physical damage coverage. Dealerships and lenders typically mandate that you have this coverage if you are leasing or financing your car. Physical damage insurance includes:

• Collision insurance: This pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive insurance: This pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or lost due to a non-collision hazard like a windstorm or hail.

If you own your vehicle, collision and comprehensive coverage are optional.

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What Else Does Fairfax, VA Car Insurance Cover?

In addition to the liability and physical damage coverage mentioned above, car insurance companies offer several coverage options. These can include:

• Medical Payments: This can help cover the cost of medical treatment and funeral expenses if you or your passengers are injured or killed in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Towing and roadside assistance: This can cover the cost of assistance if your vehicle breaks down, such as if you get a flat tire or your engine overheats and you need to call for help.
• Windshield and glass coverage: This pays to replace the safety glass in your vehicle's windows, windshield, and sunroof if cracked or damaged.
• Gap insurance: This can bridge the gap if you owe more for your car than its assessed value. It can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event.
• Rental car reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired following a covered event.

Reviewing the details and costs of all offered coverage options lets you best decide which options are a good value for you and your family.

What Is the Penalty for Driving without Car Insurance in Fairfax?

As mentioned earlier, Virginia allows motorists to drive uninsured vehicles, but only if they pay an annual $500 UMV fee. If you have not paid this fee and you are caught driving an uninsured vehicle, you can face:

• A Class 3 misdemeanor conviction on your record
• The revocation of your driver's license and vehicle registration
• A $600 noncompliance fee to get your driving privileges reinstated
• The requirement to carry insurance and maintain an SR-22 Financial Responsibility Certificate with the Virginia DMV for three years
• Higher car insurance rates

Surprisingly, although this state permits uninsured driving if a UMV fee is paid, Virginia's uninsured driving rate is lower than the national average.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
• Percentage of Virginia drivers who are uninsured: 9.9%

With uninsured motorist insurance, you do not need to worry about having the coverage you need if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Fairfax, VA?

The auto theft rate in Virginia is lower than the national average, and in Fairfax, the rate is even lower. This is not to say the risk does not exist. Residents of this city report an average of 21 auto thefts a year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• Virginia auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 1.27
• Fairfax auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 1.05

If your car is stolen, your car insurance can reimburse you for its value if your policy includes comprehensive coverage. This optional insurance covers a wide range of non-collision-related losses and damage.

You probably already have comprehensive coverage if you are leasing or financing your vehicle. If not, you may want to ask how much it would cost for you to add it to your Fairfax car insurance policy.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Fairfax, Virginia?

The best car insurance companies in Virginia are the ones that consistently provide their policyholders with responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and affordable rates.

Independent insurance agents have teamed up with many of the most highly rated insurance companies serving the Fairfax area. This lets you be sure that any policies your agent recommends to you are offered by companies you can trust.

How Can an Independent Agent in Fairfax, VA Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance?

Independent agents make it easy to find the best and most affordable car insurance policy. These agents are available to explain your various coverage options, answer your insurance-related questions, and help you compare policies and rates from a selection of competing insurance providers.

It doesn't cost anything to work with one of these experienced agents. Find an independent insurance agent near you to get started.