coverage, or purchase the state minimum insurance inclusive of bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.

Virginia auto insurance requirements

As of January 2022, drivers in Virginia are required to carry the following amount of

liability insurance

and

uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Type of coverage	Minimum insurance limit
Bodily injury liability	$30,000 per person; $60,000 per accident
Property damage liability	$20,000 per accident
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (bodily injury and property damage)	$30,000 per person; $60,000 per accident in UMBI, and $20,000 in UMPD
UMPD deductible	$200 for hit-and-run accidents

In 2025, drivers can expect another increase of the state minimum car insurance limits to $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident in bodily injury protection and $25,000 per accident in property damage liability.

To make sure you’re always up to date with Virginia’s minimum coverage requirements, it’s best to check the Virginia government website and edit your coverage limits as the changes occur.

But an insurer will never sell you less coverage than the minimum required by state law. If you’re shopping with Jerry, for instance, the app will auto-fill your selected coverages with the state minimum—and you get to choose if you’d like to purchase additional coverage.

An insurer will never sell you less coverage than the minimum required by state law.

If you’re shopping with Jerry, for instance, the app will auto-fill your selected coverages with the state minimum—and you get to choose if you’d like to purchase additional coverage.

If you want to opt out of car insurance, in lieu of an insurance policy, until 2024, Virginia also allows drivers to pay a $500 uninsured motorist fee—however, it does expire with your registration and must be paid again upon renewal.

By paying the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee, you agree to not have car insurance. This acts as proof of financial responsibility, and in the event of an accident, you will be required to pay for any damages or medical expenses out-of-pocket.

Learn More:

Do you have to have car insurance?

Is minimum coverage the most cost effective option in Virginia?

While Virginia’s state minimum insurance requirements are the more cost-friendly option on a month-to-month basis, in the long run, it may cost you more money than you realize.

When you’re in a car accident with the minimum auto insurance coverage, only the damages and injuries you caused to another party will be covered—which means you are responsible for your own expenses.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM/UMPD) will protect you financially if you’re involved in a hit-and-run or in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t meet the coverage requirements. However, this coverage does not offer any protection if you cause an accident.

A good first step to helping you save money is to consider raising your coverage limits. With higher liability limits, you can ensure that your insurance company can pay for any damages you cause, protecting your assets (including your future income) from potential personal injury lawsuits.

Luckily, raising your liability limits typically won’t make a big difference in your car insurance rates.

Here’s an example of some of the quotes generated for a policy with higher limits using the

Jerry

app.

Josh Damico

Vice President Insurance Operations

A general rule that I recommend is to carry enough coverage to protect your current and future assets – at least $100,000/$300,000 of liability coverage is recommended, but you may need more coverage depending on your financial situation.

When

shopping for car insurance

, it’s also valuable to look at a

full coverage policy

With the addition of

comprehensive coverage

and

collision coverage

, a full coverage option will provide better protection for you, your passengers and your vehicle.

If you are leasing or financing a vehicle, you will be required to have a full coverage policy with no more than a $1,000 deductible for comprehensive collision. Check with your lender before purchasing an auto insurance policy.

Compared to the average cost of $1,432 per year for a minimum insurance policy, a full coverage option is generally more expensive, with most drivers paying around $2,276 annually in Virginia.

But keep in mind that not every driver will receive the same rate.

Several factors can contribute to your insurance premiums

, such as your driving record and your age. That’s why it’s important to compare quotes from several insurance companies when choosing a policy.

With Jerry, you can see insurance quotes for both a full coverage and high liability options to help weigh all your options beforehand.

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Additional coverage options in Virginia

If you opt for a full coverage policy, you can also open the door for a plethora of add-on insurance policies. Some of the most popular types of additional coverage options include:

Medical payments coverage (MedPay)

: Similar to PIP, MedPay covers medical expenses related to a collision—however, it does not cover lost wages.

Roadside assistance

: Also known as ‘towing and labor coverage’, roadside assistance will help you with anything from a jumpstart, to fuel delivery, a flat tire, and towing services.

Rental car reimbursement

: If your car needs to be repaired after an accident, rental car reimbursement covers the expenses for a rental car until your vehicle can be fixed.

Penalties for driving without insurance in Virginia

If you’re caught

driving without insurance

in Virginia, and cannot supply valid

proof of insurance

, you will face the following fines and charges.

Offense	Fine	License suspension	Vehicle registration suspension
First offense	$600	Yes	Yes
Second offense	$600	Yes	Yes

Additionally, you’ll be required to file an

SR-22 certificate

of financial responsibility for three years, and pay the applicable reinstatement fees.

FAQs

How does car insurance work in Virginia?

In the state of Virginia, car insurance usually follows the car. If you cause a car accident, liability insurance will help pay for damages you cause to others’ property or injuries you cause to other drivers.

The uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will protect you financially if you’re involved in an auto accident or a hit-and-run with a driver who doesn’t have enough liability coverage.

Is Virginia a no-fault state?

No, Virginia is an at-fault state. If you cause an accident and are proved to be the at-fault driver, you will be responsible for all damages and injuries to the other party.

Is car insurance expensive in Virginia?

A full coverage policy, on average, in Virginia is around $2,276 per year, whereas a minimum policy costs about $1,432 annually. This price brings them just over the national average of $2,264 for a full coverage option, but under the cost of $1,526 for a minimum coverage policy.