Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements | EagleWay Auto Insurance
Whether you live in Arlington, Virginia Beach, or Bristol, you must meet Virginia’s minimum car insurance requirements to be street legal. Take a few minutes to learn which coverages are mandatory, which are optional, and how EagleWay can help you find cheap Virginia car insurance. Get a free quote to see how much you can save.
Do you have to have car insurance in Virginia?
Virginia law requires all drivers to have proof of financial responsibility, usually satisfied with a car insurance policy. Some drivers may pay the state’s Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee instead, but this does not provide coverage and will be phased out in 2024. Policies must meet the state’s minimum liability coverage limits (50/100/25) and include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage for bodily injury and property damage equal to purchased liability limits.
Virginia Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
| Coverage | Required by Law? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | Yes | $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident — covers medical expenses and legal costs if you injure another person. |
| Property Damage Liability | Yes | $25,000 per accident — covers damage to another vehicle or property you cause. |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) | Yes | $50,000 UM/UIM bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, $25,000 UM/UIM property damage per accident. |
| Medical Expense & Loss of Income | No | Covers medical expenses and lost income regardless of fault. |
| Collision | No1 | Repairs or replaces your vehicle if it collides with another object. |
| Comprehensive | No1 | Covers damage from fire, flood, vandalism, falling objects, or animals. |
1Required by your lender if your vehicle is financed or leased.
Virginia Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee
Paying the $500 UMV fee allows you to drive uninsured but provides no protection. If involved in an accident, you are fully liable for damages. The UMV fee is being repealed in 2024, so all drivers will soon be required to carry insurance.
Additional Coverage Options
- Roadside Assistance
- Emergency Protection Plan (EPP)
- Towing & Labor Coverage
- Rental Reimbursement
Proof of Financial Responsibility & Penalties
Driving without insurance in Virginia can lead to suspension of your registration and license, a $600 non-compliance fee, and the requirement to file an SR-22 for three years. Always carry proof of insurance.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.
SR-22 & FR-44 Insurance in Virginia
An SR-22 is a certificate filed with the Virginia DMV proving financial responsibility. Certain convictions, such as failure to provide proof of insurance or DUI/DWI, require SR-22 filings. An FR-44 is similar but required for more serious convictions, with doubled liability limits: $60,000 bodily injury per person, $120,000 per accident, $40,000 property damage per accident.
High-Risk Auto Insurance in Virginia
Drivers with a less-than-perfect record may be considered high-risk. Non-standard insurance is available to provide protection. EagleWay works to help all drivers find affordable coverage, regardless of past violations.
Where can I find the cheapest car insurance rates in Virginia?
Rates depend on:
- Coverage type and limits
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Driving frequency, location, and mileage
- Demographics
- Driving record
- Credit history
EagleWay can help drivers, even high-risk ones, find affordable coverage. Get a free quote today and ensure your policy meets Virginia’s requirements while fitting your needs.