Home / Minimum Car Insurance Requirements by State / Virginia
Virginia Minimum Car Insurance and Penalties for Driving Without It
The short answer
Virginia requires liability insurance of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage (50/100/25). Other required coverage: UM/UIM 50/100/25.
Virginia at a glance
| Minimum liability | $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage (50/100/25) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required in every policy, with limits equal to your liability limits unless you reject the higher amount in writing, and never below $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. |
| First offense for driving uninsured | Driving without insurance is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500. If you own the vehicle, the DMV suspends your license, registrations and plates until you pay a $600 noncompliance fee and file an SR-22 for three years from the suspension. A driver who does not own the vehicle and knowingly drives it uninsured has the license suspended for 30 days. |
| Repeat offense | Virginia law sets no higher penalty for a repeat offense; each violation is again a Class 3 misdemeanor with the same suspension, $600 fee and SR-22. |
| Fee to restore after a lapse | $600 noncompliance fee plus a $145 DMV reinstatement fee, and $5 for each additional suspension order. |
Penalties depend on the court and your record; your citation or notice decides what applies to you.
FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance in Virginia?
Virginia requires liability insurance of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage (50/100/25). Other required coverage: UM/UIM 50/100/25.
What happens if you drive without insurance in Virginia?
Driving without insurance is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500. If you own the vehicle, the DMV suspends your license, registrations and plates until you pay a $600 noncompliance fee and file an SR-22 for three years from the suspension. A driver who does not own the vehicle and knowingly drives it uninsured has the license suspended for 30 days.
Sources
- www.dmv.virginia.gov/insurance-requirements
- law.lis.virginia.gov/section46.2-472
- www.dmv.virginia.gov/certifications
- law.lis.virginia.gov/section46.2-707
- www.dmv.virginia.gov/reinstate-fee
- www.dmv.virginia.gov/new-laws-take-effect-today-july-1-2024
- law.lis.virginia.gov/section46.2-706
- law.lis.virginia.gov/section38.2-2206
- law.lis.virginia.gov/section18.2-11
- law.lis.virginia.gov/section46.2-411
- www.dmv.virginia.gov/penalties