Virginia follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver who causes an accident is responsible for damages. As of January 1, 2025, drivers must carry minimum auto liability insurance or pay a special Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee to register and drive legally.
What Virginia Law Requires For Liability Insurance
Virginia requires the following minimum coverage levels:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident
These limits—known as 50/100/25—apply to all insured drivers in the state as of 2025.
What If You Are Uninsured In Virginia
Virginia law mandates insurers to offer:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Required unless waived
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Optional
These coverages provide financial protection if you’re hit by a driver with insufficient or no insurance.
Have You Considered These Optional Coverages In Virginia
To increase protection, many Virginia drivers add:
- Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
- Rental Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance
These options help cover vehicle repairs, towing, medical bills, and temporary transportation.
Penalties for Driving Uninsured In Virginia
If you’re caught driving without insurance or without paying the UMV fee, penalties include:
- $600 noncompliance fee
- Suspension of your registration and license
- Mandatory SR-22 filing to reinstate privileges
Virginia actively monitors coverage electronically and enforces continuous compliance.
Proof of Insurance & UMV Fee Option
Virginia allows drivers to legally operate uninsured vehicles by paying a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee at registration. However, this fee provides zero coverage.
Regardless of your choice, you must be prepared to show proof of insurance (or proof of UMV fee payment) during:
- Traffic stops
- Accident investigations
- Vehicle registration or renewal
Tip: Paying the UMV fee leaves you personally liable for all damages in an at-fault crash.
Related: Facing a reckless driving charge? See how reckless driving affects insurance in Virginia »
Quick Coverage Checklist
- ✅ Minimum 50/100/25 liability coverage (if insured)
- ✅ UM coverage unless waived in writing
- ✅ $500 UMV fee option available (no coverage)
- ✅ Proof of insurance or fee required to register
- ✅ SR-22 required after major violations
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia Car Insurance
What are Virginia’s minimum insurance requirements in 2025?
Virginia requires $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, plus $25,000 in property damage liability. UM coverage is also required unless waived.
Can you legally drive uninsured in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia lets you operate an uninsured vehicle if you pay a $500 UMV fee. This option does not provide coverage or financial protection.
Does Virginia verify insurance electronically?
Yes. The DMV uses an electronic system to confirm continuous coverage. Lapses may trigger suspension and fees.
What happens if you don’t maintain insurance or pay the UMV fee?
You may face a $600 noncompliance fee, loss of driving privileges, and be required to file an SR-22 to reinstate your license and registration.
Compare Virginia’s insurance laws with neighboring states:
Maryland,
North Carolina,
Tennessee, and
Kentucky.