Homeowners Insurance in Virginia
Checked against official sources · Last reviewed October 13, 2026
If your Virginia insurer won't renew the policy on the home you own and live in, it must give you written notice at least 30 days ahead with the specific reason, and tell you that you may qualify for the Virginia Property Insurance Association (VPIA), the state's FAIR plan. You then have 10 days to ask the Insurance Commissioner to review the decision, and the policy generally stays in force while that review is pending. The Bureau of Insurance takes questions and complaints at (877) 310-6560. [1][2][3]
At a glance
- Notice before cancellation or nonrenewal (owner-occupied homes)
- At least 30 days, in writing, with the specific reason At least 10 days for nonpayment of premium [1]
- Your right to a review
- Ask the Insurance Commissioner in writing within 10 days of receiving the notice Coverage stays in force during the review (not for nonpayment) [1]
- Insurer of last resort
- Virginia Property Insurance Association (VPIA) [1][2]
- Consumer help line
- (877) 310-6560 toll-free Property and casualty (804) 371-9185 [3]
What homeowners insurance costs in Virginia: average premium, 2023 $1,537 a year in Virginia vs. $1,737 countrywide · 29th highest of 51 · All states (HO-3 policies; NAIC)
On this page
Virginia's market right now
- Last-resort plan size. The Virginia Property Insurance Association reported 20,610 insured risks and about $4.46 billion in total exposure (buildings, other structures, contents and time element) as of June 30, 2025. The cities with the most VPIA risks included Virginia Beach (873), Norfolk (832) and Richmond (694), and Accomack County on the Eastern Shore had 716. - Hurricane risk to the plan. The VPIA publishes modeled hurricane losses for its members: a 100-year probable maximum loss of $28.5 million to $32.9 million depending on the model, and catastrophe reinsurance of $26 million above $4 million. - A new law on old roofs (2026). House Bill 677 (Chapter 657 of 2026, identical to SB 402), approved by the Governor on April 13, 2026, adds roof-age protections to Virginia's homeowners nonrenewal law starting January 1, 2027 (details below). [1][4][5][6]
Last resort: the Virginia FAIR Plan (VPIA)
The Virginia Property Insurance Association is Virginia's FAIR plan (the "residual market facility" under Chapter 27 of Title 38.2 of the Code of Virginia). All insurers licensed to write basic property insurance in Virginia must take part, and it is regulated by the State Corporation Commission. It writes statewide, including beachfront and seacoast areas, and its policies include windstorm and hail unless you choose the fire-only form.
What the Bureau of Insurance says about it:
- "If you have been turned down by one company for homeowners insurance, try other companies." If repairs are the problem, you may be able to buy two separate policies, one for property and one for liability. - The VPIA "should be a last resort because the premium is generally higher and the coverage is frequently more limited than in policies sold by private companies." - You may not be refused insurance "because you purchased insurance through the Virginia Property Insurance Association."
The VPIA does not sell a standard homeowners package. It writes dwelling fire policies (basic FP-1 or broad FP-2), with liability (up to $100,000) and limited theft coverage only for properties that meet extra rules. The most it insures on a home is $500,000 per location. You can apply through any Virginia-licensed property and casualty agent or directly.
Full details: our Virginia FAIR Plan (VPIA) page. [2][7][8][9][10]
Virginia's FEMA disaster record since 2000
Federal disaster declarations for Virginia, counted from FEMA's official declarations data. A "major disaster" declaration brings federal recovery aid; a "fire management" declaration helps pay to fight a wildfire that threatens homes.
Most recent
- Severe Winter Storms And Flooding Severe Storm · Major disaster · declared 2025-04-04
- Tropical Storm Helene Tropical Storm · Major disaster · declared 2024-10-01
- Flooding And Mudslides Severe Storm · Major disaster · declared 2022-09-30
- Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm Severe Storm · Major disaster · declared 2022-03-11
- Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides Flood · Major disaster · declared 2021-10-26
- Severe Winter Storms Severe Ice Storm · Major disaster · declared 2021-05-10
Source: FEMA OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, downloaded 2026-10-14. Each declaration counted once, however many counties it covers. Flood history and flood insurance: FloodHawk.
Hail, wind and wildfire in Virginia
Hail, thunderstorm wind and tornado reports
Severe weather reports logged by the National Weather Service in NOAA's Storm Events Database, July 2025 to June 2026 (the latest 12 months NOAA has published), next to the yearly average for 2016 to 2025.
Largest hail in those 12 months: 1.75 inches, Prince George County, June 23, 2026 (1 other report was the same size).
Most reports of 1-inch-plus hail, 2016–2025: Loudoun (53), Chesterfield (44), Fairfax (37), Henrico (36), Pittsylvania (32).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, downloaded October 14, 2026. NOAA adds each month about 75 to 90 days after it ends. Tornadoes are counted in NOAA's segments: one that crosses a county line counts once per county, and one that briefly lifts and touches down again can count twice. Reports depend on people seeing and reporting storms, so busier areas log more of them: these counts show how often storms are reported, not the risk to any one home.
Wildfire
Homes in Virginia have, on average, greater wildfire risk than 40% of states, and greater wildfire likelihood (the chance of a wildfire burning in any given year) than 38% of states, according to the USDA Forest Service.
Of Virginia's 3,639,801 buildings, 59% are in the Forest Service's direct exposure zone (they may be ignited by flammable vegetation next to them, as well as by embers), 19% in the indirect exposure zone (embers or a neighboring burning building), and 22% have minimal exposure.
Source: USDA Forest Service, Wildfire Risk to Communities (state data table updated April 15, 2026). The Forest Service says its ratings describe communities, not individual homes; they don't reflect work owners have done to lower their risk, and the tool isn't designed for insurance companies, which do their own wildfire assessments.
| Year | Fires | Acres |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 567 | 6,696 |
| 2022 | 558 | 9,956 |
| 2023 | 43 | 12,085 |
| 2024 | 742 | 56,372 |
| 2025 | 7,709 | 59,661 |
Source: National Interagency Coordination Center annual reports (table "Wildland Fires and Acres Burned by State and Agency", from the SIT/209 reporting system). Each year counts only the agencies listed for Virginia in that year's table, so a big change between years can come from which agencies reported.
2026 so far: 3,523 acres burned in wildfires reported to the national interagency fire-incident system (IRWIN) for Virginia, as of October 14, 2026. Preliminary: from NIFC's year-to-date wildfire locations (WFIGS), which doesn't include every state and local fire and isn't comparable to the annual totals above.
If your insurer cancels or won't renew
Virginia's rules for policies on owner-occupied dwellings are in Code of Virginia § 38.2-2114. The Bureau of Insurance notes they do not apply to renters insurance.
Notice. A cancellation or nonrenewal notice must:
- give a termination date at least 30 days after it is mailed or delivered (at least 10 days if the reason is nonpayment of premium); - state "the specific reason" for ending the policy; - tell you that within 10 days you may ask the Commissioner to review the insurer's action; and - tell you that you may be eligible for fire insurance coverage through the Virginia Property Insurance Association.
A nonrenewal can only take effect at the end of the policy term. Mailed notices must be sent by registered or certified mail, a similar USPS tracking method, or with a USPS certificate of mailing (§ 38.2-2113).
Cancellation mid-term (after the first 90 days) is allowed only for: nonpayment; conviction of a crime that increases the chance of loss; fraud or material misrepresentation; willful or reckless acts increasing the hazard, or physical changes making the property uninsurable, as found on a physical inspection; or a completed foreclosure sale. In the first 90 days of a new policy these limits don't apply.
Reasons an insurer may not use to refuse to renew, on their own:
- any claim "resulting primarily from natural causes" (such as storms); - claims more than 60 months (5 years) before the end of the current policy period; - an inquiry about your coverage that doesn't report a loss (and inquiries can't be reported as claims); - credit information alone (and if credit is part of the reason, it must come from a consumer report pulled within 120 days of the nonrenewal date); - age, sex, residence, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or lawful occupation; or being a foster parent (no cancellation either).
Your 10-day review right. Within 10 days of receiving the notice, you or your attorney can ask the Commissioner in writing to review it. The policy "shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of the review" (except for nonpayment). If the insurer didn't follow the law, the Commissioner declares the cancellation or nonrenewal not effective. The Commissioner does not second-guess the insurer's underwriting judgment.
New in 2027: roof age. Starting January 1, 2027, an insurer may not refuse coverage, cancel or refuse to renew solely because of the age of an asphalt shingle roof if the roof is less than 15 years old, or without letting you prove the roof's actual age (receipts, contracts, permits or an inspector's report). Without proof, you can pay for an inspection. If an authorized inspector reports at least five years of useful life left, the insurer can't refuse or drop you, or require a new roof, based solely on the roof's condition, though it can still require repair of damaged or deficient parts.
These rules do not apply to policies written through the VPIA itself. [1][2][4][11]
Discounts and deductibles
The Bureau of Insurance's homeowners guide says many insurers have a separate deductible for wind, hail or named storms, written either as a flat amount or as a percentage of the dwelling coverage. "If your insurance company increases your deductible at your policy renewal, it must tell you and explain how the new deductible will work." The guide suggests asking about discounts for safety and security devices, new homes and multiple policies. [2]
Surplus lines (non-admitted insurers)
Surplus lines insurers are companies not licensed (admitted) in Virginia that can cover risks regular insurers won't. Before placing you with one (or promptly after, if coverage must start within 24 hours), the broker must give you a notice saying the insurer is an eligible nonadmitted insurer and that there is "no protection under the Virginia Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association" if it becomes insolvent. A copy must be attached to the policy. [12]
Flood is a separate policy
The Bureau of Insurance says homeowners policies in Virginia "generally do not provide coverage for damage to your home and belongings due to floods, surface water, or surges." For flood zones and flood insurance, see our sister site FloodHawk. [2]
Where to get help
- Bureau of Insurance, State Corporation Commission: toll-free (877) 310-6560; Property and Casualty Consumer Services (804) 371-9185. File a complaint through the complaint page (online portal, or a form by mail or fax). The Bureau says, "We do not accept complaints by phone or email." - To challenge a nonrenewal: send your written request for review to the Commissioner within 10 days of receiving the notice (see above). - VPIA (last-resort coverage): (804) 591-3700 or (800) 899-7973, vpia.com. [1][3][13]
Questions people ask
How much notice does a Virginia insurer have to give before dropping my home insurance?
For a home you own and live in, at least 30 days' written notice with the specific reason, or at least 10 days if the reason is nonpayment. The notice must also tell you about your right to a review and about the VPIA. [1]
Can my Virginia insurer drop me for storm claims?
An insurer may not refuse to renew a policy on an owner-occupied home solely because of a claim resulting primarily from natural causes, or because of claims more than 5 years old. [1][2]
Can a Virginia insurer drop me because my roof is old?
Starting January 1, 2027, an insurer may not drop or refuse you solely because of an asphalt shingle roof's age if the roof is under 15 years old, and you must be allowed to prove the roof's actual age. Separately, it may not drop or refuse you solely because of the roof's condition if an authorized inspector reports at least five years of useful life left. An older roof (15 years or more) can still be a reason, so ask your insurer what it needs. [1][4]
What can I do if I get a nonrenewal notice in Virginia?
Within 10 days of receiving it, ask the Insurance Commissioner in writing to review it; the policy stays in force during the review unless the reason is nonpayment. Meanwhile, shop other companies, and if none will insure you, ask an agent about the VPIA. [1][2]
Sources (13)
- Code of Virginia § 38.2-2114: Grounds and procedure for termination of policy (versions effective until and from January 1, 2027), Virginia General Assembly (law.lis.virginia.gov). Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Virginia Homeowners Insurance Guide, State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- File an Insurance Complaint, State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- HB 677 (2026 Regular Session): Residential property owners; insurance policies, roofing services by contractors (Chapter 657), Virginia General Assembly (lis.virginia.gov). Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Exposure Data by City / County as of 06/30/25, Virginia Property Insurance Association. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Hurricane Exposure Information, Virginia Property Insurance Association. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Code of Virginia § 38.2-2700: Purposes of chapter, Virginia General Assembly (law.lis.virginia.gov). Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Code of Virginia § 38.2-2702: Establishment of residual market facility, Virginia General Assembly (law.lis.virginia.gov). Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Manual of Operational Procedures (October 2025 revision), Virginia Property Insurance Association. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Dwelling Properties Manual (September 1, 2026), Virginia Property Insurance Association. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Code of Virginia § 38.2-2113: Mailing or electronic delivery of notice of cancellation or refusal to renew, Virginia General Assembly (law.lis.virginia.gov). Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Code of Virginia § 38.2-4806: Notice to insured that insurance is placed with an eligible nonadmitted insurer required, Virginia General Assembly (law.lis.virginia.gov). Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Contact Us, Virginia Property Insurance Association. Accessed October 13, 2026.