With the new year in 2022, Virginia lawmakers ushered in some new rules for drivers in the state. WTKR explains the minimum coverage limits for auto insurance increased.
Senate Bill 1182 raised the limits to an additional $5,000 for the injury or death of one person or $10,000 for two or more people. Limits will increase for the next two years in addition to this year. The final amounts will be $50,000 for one person and $100,000 for two or more people. Property damage will also increase later by $5,000 to $25,000.
Implementation
You will not have to change your current insurance policy, but when you renew or if you get a new policy after January 1, 2022, then it must comply with the new rules.
Benefits
The increase in coverage is a good thing, even though it may raise insurance rates slightly. The change is gradual enough that it should not have a huge impact on rates, though. The best part about this is if you are in an accident, the other person’s insurance will pay more for your medical care. It gives you a chance to get the money you need without having to fight in court and then seek out the person to pay once you have a court order.
It is always more beneficial to you to collect from an insurer in an accident situation because they are more likely to pay. Collecting from an individual can be challenging. With the higher rates, you now have more of a chance to get more money when someone else causes an accident that injures you.
