Insurance
Homeowners Insurance in Virginia
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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Reasons Virginia insurers can't use to drop you
A Virginia insurer can choose not to renew your policy for most reasons, as long as it gives you 30 days' written notice. But it can't non-renew solely because of:
- a claim caused mainly by natural causes, like a windstorm or a falling tree,
- a question you asked about your coverage or policy,
- your credit information, or
- claims more than 5 years old.
Your age, sex, where you live, race, religion, national origin, marital status, or lawful job, including military service, can't be the sole reason either.
This means you can call your agent to ask whether something is covered without worrying that the question alone will cost you your policy.
Cancellation vs. non-renewal
- In the first 90 days of a new policy, an insurer can cancel for any reason.
- After 90 days, a policy on a home you own and live in can be canceled only for specific reasons: non-payment, fraud or misrepresentation, a crime that increases the risk, reckless acts found on an inspection, or changes that make the home uninsurable.
If you get a non-renewal notice, it must state the reason and tell you that you can appeal to the Insurance Commissioner. Act quickly, because appeals have a short deadline. These protections don't apply to renters policies.
Two coverages your insurer must offer
Virginia law requires insurers to offer these. Neither one is always included, so ask:
- Water and sewer backup. This covers water that backs up through drains or a sewer line into your home. If you have a basement, it's worth pricing.
- Building ordinance or law. This pays the extra cost to rebuild to today's building codes after a covered loss. Older homes often need it most.
Why did my homeowners insurance go up in Virginia?
Prices can rise for reasons you don't control, like higher building costs or more storm claims in your area. A few things you can control:
- Check your coverage amount. The state advises keeping your dwelling coverage at 80% or more of the home's replacement cost. Too little can shrink a claim payout. Too much raises your price.
- Ask about your wind deductible. Many Virginia policies have a separate deductible for wind, hail, or named storms. It may be a flat amount, like $2,000, or a percentage. Example: a 2% hurricane deductible on a home insured for $200,000 means you pay the first $4,000.
- Ask about credit. Insurers may use credit when pricing or deciding whether to insure you. If credit hurt your rate, they have to tell you, and you can ask for an update once per policy term.
- Raise your regular deductible. Most Virginia policies start at $500. A higher deductible usually lowers your price.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood in Virginia?
Generally, no. Flooding, including storm surge and heavy rain that rises from the ground, needs a separate flood policy. That matters most in low-lying and coastal areas. See flood insurance.
Water that backs up through a drain is different. That's the sewer backup coverage above.
If no one will insure your home: VPIA
The Virginia Property Insurance Association (VPIA) offers coverage when private insurers turn you down. The basic policy covers fire, lightning, hail, explosion, riot, smoke, and vandalism. A broader policy is available for eligible homes, and liability and theft coverage may be added if the property qualifies.
It usually costs more and covers less than a regular policy, so treat it as a last resort and keep shopping.
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the insurance company.
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Water in the basement? See basement waterproofing and water damage restoration. Updating an older home? See electrical and plumbing.
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Renters Insurance
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Landlord Insurance
Explore coverage options for a property you rent out.
Flood Insurance
Explore flood coverage, which standard home policies usually exclude.