What kind of auto insurance is mandatory in Virginia?

Asked by: Thalia Greenholt III  |  Last update: December 29, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (42 votes)

Virginia Code § 46.2-706 requires all Virginia registered motor vehicle owners to have motor vehicle liability insurance or enough money to pay for any losses that may result from an automobile accident.

What auto insurance is required in Virginia?

It is illegal to drive a car in Virginia without at least the minimum amount of liability coverage required by law: Bodily injury: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. Property damage: $20,000 per accident. Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident.

Is comprehensive insurance required by law in Virginia?

Virginia law requires only liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages, but there are a number of other options available from most insurance carriers. Below is a list of commonly available options: Comprehensive: This pays for damages to your vehicle that occur in non-collision circumstances.

What type of auto insurance coverage to most states including Virginia require?

Liability insurance: Almost all states require a minimum amount of liability insurance. This coverage helps pay for any injuries or damages you cause in a car accident, including those of the other driver and their passengers.

Can you opt out of auto insurance in Virginia?

If you choose to opt out of car insurance in Virginia, you must pay the required uninsured motor vehicle fee to register your car without insurance. This cost accompanies other registration fees and will not provide any type of auto insurance for your vehicle.

2022 New Virginia Car Insurance Requirements

28 related questions found

Does Virginia require collision insurance?

Under Virginia law, drivers must obtain the minimum required auto insurance coverage or pay an uninsured motorist fee. If you choose to obtain the minimum required insurance coverage, then you must have at least: $25,000 in coverage for bodily injury (per person) $50,000 in coverage for bodily injury (per accident)

Do you need insurance to drive off the lot in Virginia?

When You Need Insurance to Buy a New Car in Virginia. If you're financing a car, you will probably be required by your lender to have proof of insurance before driving off the lot. You can get the information you need for a policy, like the car's VIN, from the dealership before completing the purchase.

What is the minimum full coverage auto insurance in Virginia?

Your coverage must meet Virginia's minimum car insurance requirement of 25/50/20 along with uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance, typically with the same coverage limits. Remember that Virginia is an at-fault state.

What is the state insurance in VA?

Medicaid/FAMIS (Virginia's State-Sponsored Health Insurance programs) Virginia has several free or low-cost health insurance programs for those who qualify.

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

If you choose to drive uninsured in VA, you must pay a $500 fee to the DMV. Drivers must pay this fee to register their vehicle or get their plates. This fee allows you to drive uninsured for 12 months without penalties.

Is VA a no fault state?

No, Virginia is not a no-fault state for auto insurance. Virginia is an "at-fault" or "tort" state, which means the person who is at fault for a car accident is responsible for paying for other people's injuries and property damage resulting from the accident.

What type and how much insurance coverage does Virginia require for all drivers?

Virginia drivers are required to carry UM coverage at the same limits as their liability coverage: Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. Uninsured motorist property damage: $20,000 per accident and a $200 deductible for hit-and-run accidents.

Is Virginia an at fault or no fault state?

Virginia is, in fact, an at-fault state, which means the driver whose negligence caused your accident is responsible for compensating you. Virginia does not require insurance on every registered vehicle. If the driver who caused your accident is covered, you can request compensation from their insurer.

Is Virginia car insurance high?

In Virginia, you can expect to pay around $3,445 per year for full coverage car insurance, compared to the national average of $4,211 per year. Car insurance in Virginia is less expensive than the national average, which is around $4,211 per year for full coverage and about $1,407 per year for minimum coverage.

Do you need proof of insurance to register a car in Virginia?

To register a car in Virginia, you need the following documentation: Registration fees. Title. Proof of insurance.

What is bodily injury liability coverage in Virginia?

In Virginia, you need $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person ($60,000 per accident) if you purchase car insurance. Bodily injury liability coverage pays for other people's injuries after a car accident that you cause, and it can also cover your legal fees if you are sued after a crash.

How to get free insurance in Virginia?

Medicaid has health coverage programs for adults in Virginia who qualify. There are no enrollment costs and no monthly premiums for adults between 19-64 years old who qualify. Their income must be within the limits.

What is VA champ insurance?

The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a comprehensive health care program in which the VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries.

Does Virginia have chip?

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide no-cost or low-cost health coverage for eligible children in Virginia. These programs provide health coverage for children so that they can get routine check-ups, immunizations and dental care to keep them healthy.

What does paying the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee provide in Virginia?

Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee

Every person registering an uninsured motor vehicle shall pay a fee of $500 at the time of registration. Payment of this fee allows a motor vehicle owner to operate an uninsured motor vehicle; however, payment of this fee does not provide the motorist with any insurance coverage.

Does Virginia law require proof of financial responsibility?

§ 46.2-435. Proof of financial responsibility to be furnished for each vehicle. Proof of financial responsibility in the amounts required by this chapter shall be furnished for each motor vehicle registered by the person required to furnish such proof.

What is the purpose of Virginia automobile insurance Plan?

Virginia's Bureau of Insurance created the VAIP to make automobile insurance available to drivers who have a vehicle registered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles but cannot find an auto insurance company to insure them voluntarily.

What is the VA code for no insurance?

Operating uninsured motor vehicle without payment of fee; verification of insurance; false evidence of insurance.

What is the no insurance fee in Virginia?

If the vehicle is uninsured, the motor vehicle owner is required to pay to DMV a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee in addition to normal registration fees. Payment of the $500 fee does not provide the motorist with any insurance coverage. If involved in an accident, the uninsured motorist remains personally liable.

What does comprehensive insurance cover?

Comprehensive car insurance is a coverage that helps pay to replace or repair your vehicle if it's stolen or damaged in an incident that's not a collision. Comprehensive, sometimes called "other than collision" coverage, typically covers damage from fire, vandalism or falling objects (like a tree or hail).