VIRGINIA (WWBT) – A new Virginia law is causing some drivers to pay more for car insurance, leaving them stunned.
“I already spend enough money as it is, and I don’t have anything on my record.” said one driver.
“Wow, that’s just so sad because I know how the economy is, I know how it effects so many people,” said another.
At the top of the year, Virginia’s auto insurance liability coverage minimums significantly jumped.
If you look at your policy now, you’ll see state minimums of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident and $20,000 for property damage per accident.
Once your policy renews, that’s all going to change.
“As of Jan. 1, the new state limit is $50,000 for bodily injury for each person, $100,000 for bodily injury for each accident and $25,000 for property damage,” said Senior Sales Advisor for Atkinson Insurance Adam Stevenson.
Stevenson says the change will happen automatically at renewal, and your coverage will not be disrupted. However, you may have to pay a little more money.
”I think if we are going from someone who has a state minimum income limit right now 30/60/20 to 50/100/25,” Stevenson said. “If I had to ballpark it, you could see a five to ten percent increase from that alone.”
He adds that the rates for the state minimum will go up because drivers are getting more coverage, which, he believes, serves as a layer of protection for the person behind the wheel.
“If I hit you and I don’t carry sufficient limits, then your insurance company can pay the difference, but then they can come after me to get that money back,” Stevenson said.
If you have the state minimum coverage and hope to save on your insurance rates, Stevenson suggests asking your insurance about safe driver programs. He also says bundling your insurance with homeowners’ or renters’ insurance can help save you some money.
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