Driving Without Insurance in Virginia

F.J. Jimenez/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate

As of July 1, 2024, all drivers operating their vehicles on public roads in Virginia are required to carry at least the state-mandated minimum amount of liability insurance. Drivers in the state were previously able to pay a $500 fee and drive uninsured, but this policy was overturned by new legislation. Now, driving without insurance in Virginia is illegal. Updates have also been made to Virginia’s laws regarding minimum coverage.

Minimum insurance required in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. When you register a new vehicle, you must comply with state laws by purchasing a policy that carries the following minimum insurance coverage:

• $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $20,000 property damage liability per accident

This coverage typically reads as “30/60/20” on your policy. Keep in mind that these are just the minimum amounts of coverage. Experts recommend increasing coverage limits to protect yourself financially. Once you’ve signed a policy, you should carry proof of insurance when you drive. Virginia does allow drivers to show electronic proof of insurance.

Virginia used to allow drivers to operate an uninsured vehicle at their own risk with an uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee. Since the state discontinued the UMV fee allowance in July 2024, you will face penalties for driving an uninsured vehicle.

Carrying minimum coverage provides some financial protection if you cause an accident. Considering the low average cost of insurance in Virginia — $635 per year for minimum coverage, as of April 2024 according to premium data from Quadrant Information Services — this type of insurance can be appealing. However, minimum coverage will not typically cover the damage to your own vehicle or person after an accident where you are found liable.

New car insurance laws in Virginia

It’s worth noting that Virginia recently passed a law that requires all drivers with a registered vehicle to purchase the state minimum liability insurance. Proponents of the law argued that the bill will reduce the number of uninsured drivers on Virginia roads, which could save Virginian drivers money on their car insurance.

Drivers should also be aware that the state’s minimum insurance requirements are scheduled to increase on January 1, 2025, according to a law passed in 2021. For policies that renew on or after this date, the new Virginia insurance requirements will be:

• $50,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Penalties for driving without insurance in Virginia

If you’re wondering how long you can go without car insurance before being penalized in VA, the answer is not promising. If the police or DMV discover that you’re driving uninsured, you have 30 days to provide proof of coverage. To encourage motorists to only operate an insured vehicle, Virginia imposes strict penalties on uninsured drivers after that period. You can incur expensive fees and even lose your license. Penalties for driving without insurance in Virginia include:

• Paying a $600 noncompliance fee to the DMV
• Obtaining an SR-22 certificate for three years
• Paying a reinstatement fee of $145, if applicable, on your license, registration and plates
• License, license plate, and registration suspension until you obtain insurance

Additionally, insurance companies usually consider a lapse of insurance as a high-risk rating factor. As such, failing to maintain continuous coverage could result in an increase in average premiums.

What is an SR-22?

Although often called SR-22 insurance, an SR-22 is not actually an insurance policy. It is a certificate filed by your insurance company with the state that proves you carry the required minimum car insurance coverage in the state.

Most drivers do not need SR-22s; the document is mainly required for drivers who are in the high-risk category, such as those convicted of a DUI or driving uninsured. Drivers with an SR-22 requirement may need to switch carriers to find one that files SR-22s and will likely pay above-average rates for coverage based on their driving record.

Virginia is also one of two states with an FR-44 requirement for certain high-risk drivers (Florida is the other). An FR-44 is similar to an SR-22, but in addition to proving that you meet minimum coverage requirements, you are required to carry at least double the state minimum amount of liability coverage. Whether you need an SR-22 or FR-44 in Virginia will depend on the severity of your offense and conviction specifics. You can check with the Virginia DMV for more details.

Getting into an accident without insurance

Although the minimum liability limits are designed to cover the other driver if you cause an accident, most insurance agents and financial advisors will suggest that you purchase more coverage than required to get sufficient financial protection. Getting into an accident without any insurance can be detrimental. If you cause an accident resulting in medical expenses or property damage, you could be solely responsible for covering these costs – which can easily climb to thousands of dollars depending on the severity of an accident. The other driver may even file a lawsuit against you.

In addition to the potential financial burden of a lawsuit, the driver of the other vehicle could report the accident to the DMV due to lack of insurance, leading to additional potential fees. 

Frequently asked questions

• What if you provide false insurance information?
  

  The Virginia DMV utilizes an online reporting system in which auto insurance carriers notify the DMV of new or canceled policies. If you have provided false information, the insurance verification system will require you to submit proof of a current and active policy. If you are unable to do so, you may receive a penalty for driving without insurance in Virginia.

• How much is car insurance in Virginia?
  

  The average cost of car insurance in Virginia is $635 annually for minimum liability coverage and $1,892 for full coverage, as of April 2024. However, the cost of car insurance in Virginia varies based on several factors including, but not limited to, the type of coverage you purchase, the amount of coverage you purchase, the type of vehicle you are insuring, your prior insurance history and your driving record. Car insurance companies have different discount offerings and rating algorithms, so shopping around will help you find the best rate for your circumstances.

• How long can you go without car insurance before being penalized in Virginia?
  

  Prior to July 2024, drivers could operate a vehicle without car insurance in Virginia if they paid an uninsured vehicle fee of $500 to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). That law has been replaced by mandatory insurance, making driving without insurance in VA a crime. Currently, all drivers are required to purchase at least the state’s minimum amount of liability insurance. If you are stopped by law enforcement and cannot prove that you have coverage, you will have 30 days to respond by providing proof of insurance before you are subject to penalties. If you cause an accident without insurance in Virginia, you will have to pay for the damage you cause out of pocket.

• What is the best car insurance company in Virginia?
  

  Finding the best car insurance company for your needs means first deciding on your priorities. If affordable coverage is your top interest, for example, you may want to consider a company that is known for consistently writing cheap car insurance policies. If you have a teen driver in your house, you may be more interested in a company that offers discounts for young drivers. Or perhaps you are retired or work from home, in which case your best choice might be a company that offers low-mileage coverage. If you’re looking for the best car insurance for Virginia drivers, comparing quotes, coverage options and customer service reviews is a good place to begin your search.