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Bill

HB 1228

Motor vehicle insurance; use of certain factors to establish rates prohibited.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Israel O'Quinn

Virginia bill prohibits insurers from using unspecified factors in motor vehicle rate-setting, potentially reducing premiums for some drivers while limiting insurers' risk assessment tools.

Tabled in Labor and Commerce
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1228

Legislative bill overview

HB 1228 prohibits Virginia insurance companies from using certain factors to establish motor vehicle insurance rates. The bill was prefiled in January 2026 and advanced through subcommittee with a recommended substitute in early February, though it was subsequently tabled in the full Labor and Commerce Committee.

Why is this important

Insurance rating practices directly affect how much Virginia drivers pay for coverage. Restricting which factors insurers can use could lower premiums for some consumers but may also affect pricing accuracy and overall market dynamics. This touches on the balance between consumer protection and allowing insurers sufficient flexibility in risk assessment.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill text doesn't specify which factors are prohibited, making it unclear whether it targets credit scores, zip codes, accident history, or other variables—each raising different policy concerns
  • Market impact: Restricting rating factors could increase premiums for low-risk drivers who currently benefit from favorable ratings, while potentially lowering costs for high-risk drivers
  • Insurance industry response: Insurers may argue that evidence-based factors improve pricing accuracy and that restrictions could lead to adverse selection or reduced market competition

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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