Virginia Car Insurance Laws
Auto insurance requirements in Virginia
Like most states, Virginia motorists must have car insurance at the minimum set by the state. Proof of this coverage must be carried when you’re behind the wheel and shown at the behest of law enforcement officials. Have a look at our guide outlining Virginia’s mandatory car insurance laws as well as optional coverages that could provide extra protection.
As of 2025, all Virginia drivers must carry auto liability insurance with at least the following coverage limits:
| Minimum Liability Coverage: 50/100/25 |
|---|
| $50,000 for bodily injury per person |
| $100,000 for bodily injury per accident |
| $25,000 for property damage per accident |
The above limits are state-mandated requirements, but your lender or leasing company could require additional coverage to protect your vehicle against physical damage. This is sometimes known as full coverage.
Additionally, Virginia requires uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in the same amounts, ensuring protection if you’re in an accident with a driver who lacks adequate insurance.[1]
The state has also eliminated the option to pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee, meaning insurance coverage is now mandatory for all drivers (this change occurred in July of 2024).
Liability coverage in Virginia
Liability insurance is legally required in Virginia. Liability pays for the bodily injuries and damaged property of those that you harm in an at-fault accident. This coverage can also pay for lost wages and pain and suffering as well. Bear in mind that your liability coverage never pays for your injuries or damages to your property, which requires additional coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
The underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage requirement in Virginia as of January 1, 2025, is the same as the uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which matches the state's minimum liability insurance requirements:
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Since the law changed, UIM coverage now pays in addition to the at-fault driver's liability insurance, rather than being reduced by it. This means insured drivers may receive more compensation if an underinsured driver hits them.
What are state-mandated car insurance limits?
A limit is simply the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a claim. Individual states determine liability coverage limits and often split into three categories: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage. In Virginia, the minimum is listed as 50/100/25, which we go into further detail about below:
- $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person is the maximum dollar amount that will be paid for a single person that you injure in an auto accident.
- $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident is the maximum dollar amount that will be paid for all injuries that you cause in an accident in which more than one person is hurt.
- $25,000 in property damage per accident is how much that will be paid for damage that you cause in an accident.
Do Virginia's required minimums provide enough coverage?Â
Virginia’s car insurance minimums are similar to most states but are rarely enough to protect you and your assets fully. Liability limits can be reached quickly with even moderate injuries, especially if multiple people are injured. Also, the $25,000 property damage limit is still below the cost of most new vehicles. To ensure you are adequately covered, The Zebra recommends you increase these limits.
Note: Virginia eliminated the $500 uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee option on July 1, 2024 that allowed you to drive uninsured for a certain period of time.
Virginia penalties for driving without proof of insurance
Uninsured vehicle owners will have their driving and vehicle registration privileges suspended and the state may assign penalties. The following may be required to have a license and registration reinstated:
- Pay a $600 non-compliance fee
- File a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) with DMV for three years
- Pay a reinstatement fee, if applicable.[2]
Optional car insurance coverage 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. It covers perils such as theft and damage related to weather events.
- Collision: This coverage pays for damages that result from a collision with another vehicle or stationary object.Â
- Loan/Lease Payoff: Sometimes referred to as gap coverage, this coverage can pay the difference between what you owe on a loan and what your car’s actual cash value. This can help in the event that you owe more than your car is actually worth.
- Medical Payments: In the event of an accident, this coverage goes towards paying for your medical expenses as well as those in your vehicle.Â
- Rental Car Reimbursement: If your car is unable to be driven, this coverage can help pay for a rental car until yours can be repaired.
- Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance can help with roadside troubles such as flat tires, dead batteries, and towing.
Virginia is a diminished value state
Virginia is a diminished value state, meaning drivers are allowed to recover diminished value from the at-fault party’s insurance company. When your vehicle experiences an accident, even if it is fully repaired to its pre-loss condition, the resale value decreases. The involvement in a collision makes your car’s value lesser than similar vehicles that have not experienced an accident. A diminished value claim allows you to recoup the losses you might experience when selling your car.Â
Since Virginia is one of the 15 states that offer compensation for diminution in value through the state Department of Insurance, you may file this way if your insurer denies your claim. In order to file a diminished value claim in Virginia, certain requirements must be met:
- You are not entitled to compensation if you were the party at fault in the accident
- Documentation will be required to process your claim. Make sure you can provide photos, records of repairs made, and proof of the value of your vehicle by a trusted source.Â
- In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a diminished value claim is 3 years.Â
- Virginia does have uninsured motorist coverage for diminished value claims.
Why adhering to Virginia’s car insurance requirements is important
Not only is car insurance a legal requirement in Virginia, but it’s also a good way to protect yourself and your assets. Adding coverage or increasing your current limits provides an extra layer of protection in the event of an accident or a claim. However, if the cost of increased coverage is holding you back, it may be time to shop for a cheaper policy.
The Zebra can help by offering the opportunity to see insurance quotes from some of America's top companies. Enter your ZIP below to get started.Â
Ready to start saving?
Uninsured motorist insurance coverage. Virginia LIS
Insurance Requirements. Virginia DMV
Related content
- Car Insurance in Norfolk, VA
- Newport News, VA Car Insurance
- Temporary Car Insurance in Virginia
- Car Insurance in Richmond, VA
- Car Insurance in Chesapeake, VA
- Car Insurance with a DUI in Virginia
- Average Cost of Car Insurance in Virginia
- Hampton, VA Car Insurance
- Car Insurance in Virginia Beach, VA
- Car Insurance in Roanoke, VA
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.