Virginia Auto Insurance

Motorists in the Commonwealth of Virginia have an insurance option that motorists in many other states do not. Virginia motorists can opt out of the state’s minimum insurance requirements by paying an Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee.

As with most other US states, in the Commonwealth of Virginia auto insurance must include minimum coverage sanctioned by the government. The minimum coverage allowed by law doesn’t mean more extensive insurance coverage isn’t encouraged. It is. It’s just not required.

Minimum coverage limits for Virginia auto insurance are as follows:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person per accident.
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more persons per accident.
• $20,000 for property damage per accident.
• These coverage limits apply to each accident that a driver may experience.

The commonwealth regulates Virginia auto insurance coverage and the carriers that provide it. Only insurance policies provided by those auto insurance agencies licensed to sell insurance in the commonwealth are valid.

The minimum limits for Virginia auto insurance pertain to all coverage purchased for vehicles registered in the commonwealth. Some vehicle owners, however, may choose to forego insurance coverage and drive, legally, at their own risk.

For these motorists opting out of Virginia auto insurance protection, the alternative is to pay the Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee, which is $500. The fee must be paid when a vehicle is registered and it must be paid repeatedly, every time the vehicle’s registration is renewed.

By paying the Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee in lieu of Virginia auto insurance coverage, the owner of the uninsured vehicle becomes completely liable for all losses and damages incurred if the uninsured vehicle is involved in an accident.

Failure to have either Virginia auto insurance coverage or to pay the Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee can lead to loss of driving privileges within the commonwealth.