Car Insurance in Virginia

Virginia Car Insurance

Virginia law requires that all drivers have a way to pay for injuries or property damage resulting from a car accident. You can satisfy this financial responsibility law by EITHER:

• Purchasing car insurance.
  OR
  
• Paying Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles to drive uninsured.

Read more about Virginia car insurance laws, uninsured drivers fees, policy rates, and discounts.

Car Insurance Requirements

If you choose to purchase auto insurance to fulfill your financial responsibility, you must buy Virginia liability car insurance to help cover the costs of injuries and property damage to others you caused in a car accident.

The following minimums apply to your liability coverage:

• $50,000 for injuries per person per accident.
• $100,000 for total injuries per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage per accident.

You are also required to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to help pay for your injuries or property damage after an accident caused by either:

• An uninsured driver.
• A driver who does not have enough insurance coverage to pay for your injuries or property damage.

Your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage must match the minimums of your liability car insurance:

• $50,000 for injuries, per person per accident.
• $100,000 for total injuries per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage per accident.

Optional Car Insurance Coverage

If you purchase auto insurance to fulfill your financial responsibility requirements, you may also want to consider buying additional coverage.

When shopping for and comparing car insurance quotes, ask about the following types of optional coverage:

• Collision – This will pay for damages to your car after a traffic accident.
• Comprehensive – This will help cover non-accident related incidents, such as vandalism.
• Medical expenses – This will help pay for your medical bills after an accident that you caused.

NOTE: While collision and comprehensive insurance are optional, lenders can require it. See below for more information.

Vehicle Loans and Force-Placed Insurance

VA law does not require you to purchase collision/comprehensive coverage; however, banks or finance companies that have financed your car can require you to purchase these coverage types.

If you do not purchase collision and comprehensive coverages, your lender may place your car under force-placed insurance and charge you for the premium.

Force-placed insurance is meant to protect the lender (not you); it will not satisfy your state-mandated financial responsibility.

VA Auto Insurance Violation Penalties

With the help of reporting from Virginia car insurance companies, the VA DMV can electronically track your car insurance status.

If you are found to be driving without insurance and you have not paid the uninsured driver fee, you will face suspension of all of the following:

• Driver's license.
• Vehicle registration.
• License plates.

To reinstate all of the above, you must:

• Pay a $600 fine.
• File and maintain a proof of insurance certification (SR-22) for 3 years.
  • NOTE: Maintaining an SR-22 means you MUST purchase car insurance (you cannot use the uninsured driver fee option to fulfill your financial responsibility).
  • SR22 Virginia is NOT insurance; it is proof that you have a policy.
• Pay a driver's license reinstatement fee.
  • Fines range from $145 to $220.

Insurance Penalties: SR-22 and FR-44

After convictions of certain crimes and traffic violations, you may be required to take extra steps in certifying that you are compliant with VA's financial responsibility laws. You'll be required to do so by filing either an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate through your car insurance carrier.

If subject to this requirement, you must purchase car insurance, meaning you cannot pay the uninsured motor vehicle fee in lieu of holding a policy.

SR-22

SR-22 certifications serve as proof that you are compliant with Virginia's liability minimum requirements.

You may need to file an SR-22 after:

• A conviction of voluntary or involuntary manslaughter resulting from a car accident.
• Falsifying your:
  • Driver's license.
  • Car registration.
  • Insurance information.
• A felony conviction involving a traffic law.
• A hit-and-run accident.
• Driving without insurance or without having paid the uninsured motor vehicle fee.

FR-44

After a DUI conviction, you will be required to file an FR-44 certification. You may also be required to file one after:

• Maiming under the influence.
• Driving with a license that's been forfeited as a result of a conviction.

The FR-44 will require you to purchase liability car insurance with increased limits, as follows:

• $50,000 for injuries per person, per accident.
• $100,000 for total injuries per accident.
• $40,000 for property damage.

Filing an SR-22 or FR-44 will result in higher rates. You can avoid these rate hikes by obeying the law and driving in a safe manner.

Determining Your VA Car Insurance Premium

Several factors go into determining your premium rates. These factors include:

• Your driving record.
• The make, model, and year of your car.
• Your age.
• Your credit score.
• The deductible.
  • This is the amount of your claim you're responsible for paying.
  • The higher your deductible, the lower your premium.

Car Insurance Discounts

When you're making a car insurance comparison, it helps to investigate any discounts you may be able to apply to your policy.

Most Virginia auto insurance companies offer discounts such as:

• Good driver discount.
• Good student discount.
• Anti-theft discount.
• Safety features (airbags) discount.
• Multi-car discount.
• Homeowners discount.

Discounts are a great way to get cheap car insurance rates. Combine your discounts with a driving record that reflects safe and violation-free driving, and you are well on your way to affordable car insurance rates.

Virginia Car Insurance FAQs

What are the minimum insurance requirements in Virginia?

Virginia requires a minimum of $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 for injuries per person per accident, and $100,000 for total injuries per accident.

Is it mandatory to have car insurance in Virginia?

Yes, car insurance is mandatory in Virginia. In 2024, Virginia updated its laws to require proof of insurance when driving at all times, no longer allowing uninsured motorists.

Is VA doing away with uninsured motorist coverage?

No, Virginia is not getting rid of uninsured motorist coverage, and it has also updated its underinsured motorist coverage policy to eliminate the underinsured liability credit.

How much does it cost to insure a car in Virginia?

According to Marketwatch's 2025 data, the average car insurance cost in Virginia is $54 per month for minimum coverage and $152 per month for full coverage.