Best Local Car Insurance Agencies in Portsmouth

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  A way to stay protected while on the road, car insurance offers a financial safety net should accidents occur, regardless of who's at fault. The right car insurance agency can be very valuable, providing a way to purchase an ideal level of auto insurance coverage for personal circumstances. Agencies can help customers select the most beneficial coverage options while saving money on their insurance plan. With help from a qualified agency, it's possible to feel safe and secure behind the wheel.
  

• What are the minimum car insurance requirements for car owners in Portsmouth?

  Under Virginia Code Section 46.2-472, Portsmouth car owners must have at least liability and uninsured motorist coverage in their car insurance policy. The liability coverage must include bodily injury/death liability for $30,000 per person and $60,000 if more than two people are injured, as well as property damage liability for $20,000 per accident. These amounts are effective until December 31, 2024. The minimum required liability coverage amounts will change on January 1, 2025.

• Can you really drive in Portsmouth and across the state without carrying car insurance?

  Virginia is one of the few states that do not require car insurance. However, to be able to drive around uninsured, you must pay an Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee of $500 at the Portsmouth DMV. Note that the UMV fee is not some sort of insurance. If you get in an accident and are at fault, you will be responsible for paying damages to injured parties. Driving without insurance or UMV fee will result in suspension of car registration.

• Will your car insurance rate be affected if someone in your household commits a traffic violation or causes an accident in Portsmouth?

  If the household member is partly or primarily at fault for a car accident or traffic violation in Portsmouth, the insurance company has the right to raise the insurance premium. If your premium is increased due to a collision that you or your household members are not at fault for, you can request a review from the Bureau of Insurance. Note that at-fault accidents and traffic violations can impact your insurance rate for the next 36 months.

• What are the benefits of having uninsured and underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage in your car insurance policy in Portsmouth?

  UM/UIM coverage pays for the medical expenses of both you and your passengers should the at-fault driver not have sufficient insurance or none at all. It also covers damages resulting from a hit-and-run where you have no identified motorist to claim damages from or sue. The risk of getting in a collision with an uninsured motorist in Portsmouth is considerable, as Virginia does not require car insurance. There were 5,000 uninsured motorists in 2022, according to the DMV Acting Commissioner.

• Will your car insurance policy in Portsmouth pay for repairs if your car damage was caused by a fallen tree?

  If your Portsmouth policy includes comprehensive coverage, yes, damage on your car caused by the fallen tree will be covered. Comprehensive coverage is generally designed to address non-collision-related vehicle damage, such as those caused by falling objects, animals on the road, and natural disasters like floods, hailstorms, and fires. It also covers car loss or damage from vandalism and theft.

• What is car insurance?

  Car insurance is a form of insurance that can cover damages to cars, drivers, passengers, and other property when an accident occurs. If another car crashes into a driver, or if a driver causes an accident, car insurance will pay most or all of the cost of repairs.