Virginia Car Insurance Regulations & Required Coverage
Virginia car insurance regulations are different from most states, so being aware of them can keep you on the right side of the law. Virginia auto insurance law doesn’t require drivers to carry insurance, but you will be subject to an uninsured vehicle fee. Read our guide below to learn more about Virginia’s tort insurance laws and find cheap coverage with our free quote comparison tool.
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Laura Walker
Former Licensed Agent
Laura Walker graduated college with a BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. She married her husband and began working in the family insurance business in 2005. She became a licensed agent and wrote P&C business focusing on personal lines insurance for 10 years. Laura serviced existing business and wrote new business. She now uses her insurance background to help educate...
Former Licensed Agent
UPDATED: May 8, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: May 8, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Virginia’s insurance laws are a bit different from other states. The state does not require its drivers to maintain a car insurance policy but those who don’t need to pay an uninsured motor vehicle fee. There are other nuances within the state’s insurance rules and being aware of them can keep you on the right side of the law.
Virginia insurance law follows a tort system which means that the driver found at fault for causing an accident is responsible for paying damages resulting from that accident. The specific rules of a tort system vary from state to state but the general concept is the same.
Required Coverage
All personal vehicles in Virginia require the following liability coverage requirements:
- Bodily Injury
- Property Damage
Additionally, Virginia requires:
- Uninsured / Underinsured Bodily Injury
- Uninsured / Underinsured Property Damage
| Minimum Virginia Car Insurance Requirements | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 / $50,000 Limit | ||
| Property Damage Liability | $20,000 Limit | ||
| Uninsured/Underinsured Bodily Injury | $25,000 / $50,000 Limit | ||
| Uninsured/Underinsured Property Damage | $20,000 Limit | ||
Additional insurance coverage can include:
- Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Comprehensive and collision insurance helps round out your policy by covering repairs and replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged. Collision will pay out (after your deductible) when you vehicle is involved in an accident.
Comprehensive covers all non-collision related incidents such as a fire or your car being stolen. The most stolen vehicles in Virginia list is a way to gauge if you need this coverage, but even if your vehicle isn’t listed, it’s recommended that you add this to your policy.
Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility
Establishing proof of insurance and financial responsibility
- Get a standard liability car insurance policy
- Pay an Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) Fee of $500 – valid for 12 months, but does not provide any sort of financial protection
- Other ways of establishing financial responsibility are only for non-consumer vehicles
Required Documentation
In order to provide proof of insurance, you can provide one of the following:
- Insurance ID Card
- Evidence of currently paid UMV
You must maintain proof of insurance and financial responsibility and present it:
- When asked by a police officer
- When registering your vehicle
- After an accident
- Anytime you are operating a vehicle
Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility Penalties
If you are unable to show proof of insurance, you can face the following penalties:
- Suspended registration
- Statutory fee of $500 and reinstatement fees
- Requirement to submit an SR-22 for 3 years
Virginia Insurance Agents
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage required in Virginia?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required in Virginia, but it is highly recommended as it provides protection in case you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages.
Is personal injury protection (PIP) required in Virginia?
No, personal injury protection (PIP) is not required in Virginia, but it is an optional coverage that you can add to your policy.
What happens if I don’t have car insurance in Virginia?
If you are caught driving without car insurance in Virginia, you may face fines, license and registration suspension, and even jail time.
Can I use my out-of-state car insurance in Virginia?
No, if you are a Virginia resident, you must have car insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements.
Can my car insurance company cancel my policy in Virginia?
Yes, your car insurance company can cancel your policy in Virginia for reasons such as non-payment, fraud, or misrepresentation. They must provide you with notice of the cancellation and the reason for it.
How do I file a complaint against my car insurance company in Virginia?
You can file a complaint against your car insurance company in Virginia by contacting the Virginia Bureau of Insurance. They will investigate the complaint and work to resolve any issues.
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Laura Walker
Former Licensed Agent
Laura Walker graduated college with a BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. She married her husband and began working in the family insurance business in 2005. She became a licensed agent and wrote P&C business focusing on personal lines insurance for 10 years. Laura serviced existing business and wrote new business. She now uses her insurance background to help educate...
Former Licensed Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.