Auto Insurance: Virginia's Mandatory Coverage Requirements

Unlike most other states, Virginia does not require drivers to have auto insurance. However, there are still rules and requirements that drivers must follow. For instance, drivers must carry proof of insurance in their vehicle at all times, and they must obtain the minimum required auto insurance coverage or pay an uninsured motorist fee. From January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024, the minimum coverage requirements are $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 for property damage per accident.

Virginia's minimum auto insurance requirements

Virginia is one of the few US states that does not require drivers to carry auto liability insurance. However, accidents are common, and it is recommended that drivers obtain auto insurance to protect themselves financially in the event of an accident.

Virginia's Minimum Insurance Requirements

Under Virginia law, drivers must obtain the minimum required auto insurance coverage or pay an uninsured motorist fee. The minimum insurance coverage listed below is liability coverage, which will only apply to the damages that you cause another party to suffer in cases where you are at fault for an accident.

Virginia's minimum insurance requirements are as follows:

• $30,000 in coverage for bodily injury (per person)
• $60,000 in coverage for total bodily injury (per accident)
• $20,000 in coverage for property damage (per accident)

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Virginia is unique in that it allows drivers to pay a $500 uninsured motorist fee to drive without insurance. However, this fee offers no insurance protection, and if you are at fault for an accident, you will be personally responsible for any damage to people or property resulting from your negligence.

Full Protection

Virginia's minimum required insurance coverage only offers basic liability coverage. For most drivers, this is not enough protection. It is in your best interest to obtain additional insurance coverage beyond the state's minimum requirements. The Virginia Bureau of Insurance recommends that drivers review their circumstances and obtain additional coverage for true protection.

Virginia's Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

If you are found guilty of driving without insurance or not paying the uninsured motorist fee in Virginia, you may face the following penalties:

• Suspension of license and registration
• Filing of an SR-22 certificate for three years
• A $600 non-compliance fee
• A $145 reinstatement fee

The uninsured motorist fee

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, motorists are not required to carry auto liability insurance. However, drivers must either obtain the minimum required auto insurance coverage or pay an uninsured motorist fee. This is known as the Virginia Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee.

The Virginia Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee is a $500 fee that allows a motor vehicle owner to register and operate an uninsured motor vehicle. This fee is paid in addition to normal registration fees and is valid for twelve months. However, it is important to note that paying this fee does not provide the motorist with any insurance coverage. If involved in an accident, the uninsured motorist remains personally liable.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

If a motorist chooses to obtain the minimum required insurance coverage in Virginia, they must have the following:

• $25,000 in coverage for bodily injury (per person)
• $50,000 in coverage for bodily injury (per accident)
• $20,000 in coverage for property damage

This type of coverage is liability coverage, which only applies to the damages that the policyholder causes another party to suffer in cases where they are at fault for an accident. It is important to note that this minimum insurance coverage does not provide protection for the policyholder, their family, or their vehicle.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Severe penalties are imposed for not complying with insurance requirements in Virginia. If a motorist is found to be uninsured, they face suspension of their driving and vehicle registration privileges. To reinstate their privileges, they must:

• Pay a $600 non-compliance fee
• File a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) with the DMV for three years
• Pay a reinstatement fee, if applicable

In addition, eligible vehicle owners may enter into a Payment Plan Program to pay the statutory fee over time.

Driving without insurance penalties

Unlike most other states, Virginia does not require drivers to carry auto insurance. However, driving without insurance in Virginia can come at a high cost. If you are caught driving without insurance, you may be penalised for a Class 3 misdemeanour, and your driver's license, vehicle registration, and license plates may be suspended. You may also be fined if you have not paid the uninsured motorist fee.

If you are caught driving without insurance in Virginia, you will be required to pay a $600 non-compliance fee, and your insurer will need to file an SR-22 form on your behalf, which can result in a rate hike. To get your license back, you must also pay a $145 reinstatement fee.

To avoid these penalties, you can either buy car insurance or pay the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee. This fee does not provide financial coverage like insurance does, but it allows you to drive uninsured for up to 12 months.

If you are involved in a vehicle collision and lack insurance coverage, you will be held responsible for all property damage, injuries, and other accident-related expenses. The accident victim may ask the court to set up a payment plan or garnish your salary if they are unable to cover their damages upfront. You can also be the target of a personal injury lawsuit from the victim.

Therefore, while driving without insurance in Virginia is not strictly illegal, it is not recommended due to the high risk of financial liability in the event of an accident.

Proof of insurance

In Virginia, drivers are required to carry proof of insurance in their vehicle at all times. This can be in the form of an insurance card or other proof of insurance. Failure to do so can result in being charged with a non-criminal offence and heavy fines.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) monitors liability insurance for motor vehicles registered in the state. The DMV works in partnership with the insurance industry to electronically verify the automobile liability insurance of Virginia-registered vehicles. This Insurance Verification Program aims to encourage registered vehicle owners to obtain and maintain automobile liability insurance, identify uninsured vehicles, and reduce the paperwork associated with the insurance verification process.

Before purchasing license plates or registering a vehicle, drivers must show proof that their vehicle meets the auto insurance requirements. This includes the minimum insurance requirements, which are as follows:

• $25,000 in coverage for bodily injury (per person)
• $50,000 in coverage for bodily injury (per accident)
• $20,000 in coverage for property damage

It is important to note that these minimum insurance requirements only cover damages to another party in cases where the driver is at fault for an accident. To ensure protection for yourself, your family, and your vehicle, it is recommended to obtain additional insurance coverage beyond the state's minimum requirements.

Virginia is unique in that it does not require drivers to carry auto insurance. Instead, drivers have the option to pay an uninsured motorist fee of $500, which allows them to drive legally on public roads without insurance coverage. However, this fee provides no insurance protection, and drivers will be personally liable for any damages caused in an accident.

To summarise, while Virginia law does not require drivers to have auto insurance, it is essential to carry proof of insurance or pay the uninsured motorist fee to avoid penalties and ensure financial protection in the event of an accident.

Additional insurance coverage

While Virginia does not require drivers to carry auto insurance, accidents are inevitable, and it is advisable to purchase auto insurance in case of an accident. The Virginia Bureau of Insurance recommends that drivers review their circumstances and obtain additional insurance coverage for true protection.

Collision Coverage

This type of coverage protects you financially if you damage your own vehicle. It is important to note that liability coverage, which is the minimum required insurance in Virginia, only covers damages to another party if you are at fault in an accident. With collision coverage, you can have financial protection for repairs to your car or even replacement if needed. It is recommended that you carry collision coverage that covers the full value of your automobile.

Medical Expenses Coverage

This type of coverage will pay for your medical bills in the event of an accident. Healthcare costs can be extraordinarily expensive, and this coverage can provide financial protection for everything from emergency room fees to rehabilitation costs. You can also obtain coverage for lost income related to your accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

This coverage protects you in the event that another driver causes an accident and is either uninsured or underinsured. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 10.1% of Virginia drivers lack insurance coverage. UM/UIM coverage can help protect you from financial losses if you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Under Virginia law, all insurance policies offered in the state must include UM coverage, but drivers have the right to opt out.

Personal Accident Cover

This type of coverage provides an additional fixed benefit if you or your spouse/partner suffer a severe bodily injury or death as a result of an accident while travelling in your car. It typically covers loss of eyesight and loss of limbs, but it is important to carefully review the policy documents to understand what injuries are covered. There is usually a limit to the amount you can claim, which will be specified in your policy schedule.

Roadside Breakdown Assistance

This coverage provides emergency assistance if your car suffers a mechanical or electrical breakdown or is damaged due to an accident, fire, or theft. It is often included in fully comprehensive policies, but can also be added to cheaper policies for a small fee. Roadside breakdown assistance can include services such as towing, fuel delivery, battery jump-start, and transportation to a nearby garage for repairs.

Legal Expenses Protection

Adding legal cover to your policy provides access to legal advice and financial protection against legal expenses. It can help cover the costs of defending a motoring conviction or recouping expenses incurred following a motor accident. It may also cover disputes involving the purchase or sale of your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions