Virginia Car Insurance Laws

Every state specifies different car insurance laws. The State of Virginia does not require drivers to carry car insurance. However, those who do not maintain an insurance policy are required to pay an uninsured motor vehicle fee when they register their license plates each year. In order to be insured and ready for anything on the road, enter your ZIP code into our FREE car insurance comparison tool now!

Virginia is an “at fault” or “tort” state, which means that when drivers are involved in an accident, fault is determined. One driver is deemed to be the cause of the accident and is financially responsible for paying damages. Car insurance companies can help you be prepared for driving in Virginia.

To avoid paying the uninsured motor vehicle fee, drivers are required to carry Liability insurance. The Uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee is $500 per year if the driver is not able to provide proof of coverage from car insurance companies when they register their plates. In Virginia, it makes economic sense to carry at least a liability policy.

Minimum Liability Coverage for Virgina

The minimum liability coverage limits in the State of Virginia are:

• Bodily Injury / One Person – $25,000
• Bodily Injury / All Persons – $50,000
• Property Damage – $25,000

If the driver does not carry a valid insurance policy and chooses to pay the $500 UMV fee, they are essentially driving at their own risk.

If the uninsured driver is in an accident, and if they are deemed to be at fault, they are financially responsible for all damages caused to the other drivers and passengers.

If a driver carries liability auto insurance, and the policy expires during the year for which the registration is valid, they must obtain another insurance policy, pay the UMV fee or surrender the license plates to the DMV.

Full Coverage in Virginia

In Virginia, as in all states, if your car is leased or financed, you will be required to carry a full coverage auto insurance policy. A full coverage policy actually consists of two policies: A Comprehensive policy and a Collision policy. Comprehensive insurance covers the auto in case of theft, vandalism or weather damage.

Collision insurance provides coverage in the event of an accident. Finance and leasing companies require that all drivers who lease a car or drive a financed vehicle carry these policies so that the companies will be reimbursed in case any unforeseen damage is done to their property.

Uninsured Driver Penalties

If a driver is stopped and cannot provide proof of insurance, and if they have not paid the UMV fee, the driver’s license and registration will be suspended. A reinstatement fee of $500 must be paid to have their license and registration reinstated. Also, the driver will be required to file an SR-22, a statement of Financial Responsibility, with the DMV for three years.

Virginia’s Insurance Verification Program

The State of Virginia implements the Insurance Verification Program. Auto insurance providers notify the state if a driver’s liability insurance lapses. This enables the state to follow up and require the driver to pay the UMV fee or obtain another insurance policy. With this program, the state is able to monitor drivers’ insurance coverage and enforce the UMV fee for those who do not maintain coverage.

Shopping for Virginia Car Insurance

Shopping for car insurance in Virginia has never been easier. Drivers are able to compare companies that provide auto insurance to Virginia drivers using an online comparison website. Our FREE auto insurance comparison tool allows users to enter their ZIP code into a search box and perform a search for auto insurance providers that offer coverage in their geographical area.

Our car insurance comparison tool enables users to perform a side-by-side comparison of selected insurance companies and policies. Using an online comparison site makes shopping for car insurance a quick and easy process.

Navigate to our online comparison tool and enter your ZIP code. A list of insurance providers for your area is returned. Select the car insurance companies to compare, and then select the type of policy to compare. Auto insurance providers offer vastly different rates for similar policies. To make sure that you get the best deal for your auto insurance, shop around and compare policies and rates.

Shop for Discounts

Other points of comparison between auto insurance providers are the discounts offered by the companies. Some auto insurance companies offer significant discounts for students, insuring more than one vehicle, and insuring your home and car with the same company. Other discounts may also be available. For example, some auto insurance companies offer “Safe Driver” discounts. Use our FREE online comparison tool to help you select the best car insurance policy for your needs by entering your ZIP code.