Car Insurance in Herndon, VA

Anyone can find themselves in a motor vehicle accident. A good car insurance policy can shield you from significant financial losses whether you are in a multi-car collision on the Dulles Toll Road, rear-ended at a stoplight on Elden Street, or involved in a minor fender-bender in the grocery store parking lot.

Local independent agents can answer your insurance-related questions and shop around to find you a suitable auto policy at a competitive price. If you are ready to start comparing customized car insurance quotes from multiple providers, contact an independent insurance agent in Herndon.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Herndon, VA?

On average, drivers in Virginia pay significantly less for car insurance than most people across the country. This is good news for Herndon residents looking for an affordable auto policy.

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

Of course, this average rate can only give you a ballpark idea of what insurance companies may want you to pay. Several factors can influence your cost for coverage, such as:

• Your vehicle's year, make, model, trim, condition, and value
• Your age, occupation, gender, marital status, and driving record
• Information about the other licensed drivers in your household
• Whether you own or rent your home
• Your insurance claims history and credit score
• The amount and types of coverage you want to purchase
• The size of your deductible

Every insurance company has a different way of assessing risk and calculating rates. Therefore, when you request 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 lowest price.

Can Drivers in Herndon, VA Get Car Insurance Discounts?

Comparison shopping isn't the only way to save money on your auto insurance premiums. Many insurance companies also offer a few car insurance discounts. Some discounts you may be entitled to include:

• Bundling discounts
• Multi-car discounts
• Safe driver discounts
• Military discounts
• Good student discounts
• Discounts for having a vehicle equipped with certain safety features or anti-theft devices

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

Is Car Insurance Required in Herndon, Virginia?

Unlike most states, Virginia does not require vehicle owners to carry car insurance. In this state, you can legally drive at your own risk if you pay an annual $500 uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee to the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

If, like most drivers in Herndon, you opt to purchase a car insurance policy instead of paying the uninsured motor vehicle fee, your policy must meet or exceed Virginia's minimum coverage requirements. This means your policy needs to include:

• Auto liability insurance: This covers other people's injuries and property damage if you are at fault for a collision. In Virginia, all car insurance policies must include 30/60/20 coverage. This means your policy must provide 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 (UM/UIM): This covers property damage and medical treatments 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 provide at least:
  • $30,000 in UM/UIM bodily injury coverage per person
  • $60,000 in UM/UIM bodily injury coverage per accident
  • $20,000 in UM/UIM property damage coverage per accident

The auto liability minimum coverage amounts mentioned above went into effect on January 1, 2022. Before that, they were 25/50/20. They are slated to increase again in 2025 when they will be set at 50/100/25.

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

Additionally, though it is not mandated by law, you may be required by your lender or your dealership to carry physical damage coverage. This coverage is often needed if you are financing or leasing 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.

Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional if you own your car outright.

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What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Herndon, VA?

In addition to the coverage mentioned above, car insurance companies typically offer several coverage options. These may include:

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

By reviewing the details and costs of all offered coverage options, you can determine which options are a good value for you and your family.

What Is the Penalty for Driving without Car Insurance in Herndon, VA?

As mentioned earlier, Virginia allows you to drive without insurance as long as you have paid an annual $500 UMV fee. If you have not paid this fee and you are caught driving an uninsured vehicle, you can be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor, which can come with the following penalties:

• You can have your driver's license and vehicle registration revoked.
• You will need to pay a $600 noncompliance fee before your driving privileges can be reinstated.
• You will no longer have the option to pay a UMV fee. Instead, you will need to carry insurance and maintain an SR-22 (Financial Responsibility Certificate) with the Virginia DMV for three years.

Furthermore, an uninsured driving conviction on your record can put you in a high-risk driver category, resulting in higher car insurance rates when you try to purchase coverage.

Although Virginia permits most residents to drive without insurance if they pay a UMV fee, the uninsured driving rate in this state is lower than the national rate.

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

Because your car insurance policy includes uninsured motorist insurance, you do not need to worry about not 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 Herndon, VA?

The auto theft rate in Virginia is lower than the national average, and in Herndon, the rate is even lower. This is not to say the risk does not exist. Residents of this city report an average of 12 auto thefts a year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• Virginia auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 1.27
• Herndon auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 1.01

Although your risk of car theft is relatively low, you should be aware that if your vehicle is stolen, your car insurance will only reimburse you for your loss if your policy includes comprehensive coverage. This optional insurance covers many non-collision hazards like floods and windstorms.

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 Herndon car insurance policy.

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

The best car insurance companies in Virginia are the providers that consistently support their policyholders with responsive customer service, reliable coverage, timely claims processing, and affordable rates.

Independent insurance agents have partnerships with some of the most highly rated insurance companies serving the Herndon 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 Herndon, VA Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance?

Independent agents make finding the best and most affordable car insurance policy easy. These agents can explain your many coverage options, answer your insurance-related questions, and help you compare policies and rates from various competing insurance providers.

It doesn't cost anything to work with one of these experienced insurance professionals. Contact an independent insurance agent near you to learn more.