Yes, Virginia requires all registered vehicle owners to have car insurance or to pay a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee to the state. However, simply paying the fee is a significant financial risk, as it provides no actual coverage if you cause an accident. The state mandates minimum liability coverage to protect others on the road. The legally required minimums are $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This is often abbreviated as 30/60/25 coverage.
Driving without either valid insurance or paying the UMV fee can result in severe penalties, including a fine, driver's license and vehicle registration suspension, and a court requirement to file an SR-22 form as proof of future financial responsibility, which can lead to higher insurance premiums.
While meeting the state minimums keeps you legal, they are often insufficient to cover the costs of a serious accident. Medical bills and vehicle repairs can easily exceed these limits, leaving you personally liable for the difference. It's highly recommended to consider higher liability limits and add-ons like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (which is also offered as a rejection option in Virginia but is crucial given the number of uninsured drivers), collision, and comprehensive coverage for full financial protection.
| Virginia Insurance Requirement / Consideration | Minimum/Limit | Key Details |
|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $30,000 | Covers medical expenses for one person injured in an accident you cause. |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $60,000 | Total coverage for all injuries in one accident you cause. |
| Property Damage Liability | $25,000 | Covers damage to another person's vehicle or property. |
| Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) Fee | $500 per year | Alternative to insurance; provides no coverage, only legal driving privilege. |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage | Optional (can be rejected in writing) | Protects you if hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance. |
| Potential Fine for No Insurance/Fee | Up to $500 | First offense fine for driving uninsured without paying the fee. |
| Registration Suspension Duration | Until compliance + $600 fee | Registration is suspended until proof of insurance is provided and a fee is paid. |
