Virginia Car Insurance Laws

Is Car Insurance Required in Virginia?

Virginia used to have somewhat less stringent car insurance requirements. However, due to some recent changes to the law, auto liability insurance in Virginia is now mandatory, and the minimum coverage amounts have also increased.

Unfortunately, some drivers may have policies that do not meet the Virginia auto insurance requirements, either because they are not aware of the new rules or because they do not want to pay the higher premiums. Some motorists break the law by going uninsured despite the new Virginia auto insurance coverage laws.

If you need help understanding Virginia’s car insurance coverage requirements or sustained injuries in a crash with an uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist, D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, wants to help.

Mike Mullori has nearly 30 years of experience fighting for injured people in Northern Virginia. He stands ready to represent you in your fight for fair compensation after a car crash. When you trust Mike with your claim, you will receive personal attention from your attorney at every stage of your case, and you will owe no fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Call 24/7 at  (703) 762-2142 or complete our contact form for a free case review from our Northern Virginia car accident lawyer. Our office is conveniently located at 2500 Hunter Place, Suite 102, Woodbridge, VA. We can help!

Virginia Car Insurance Requirements in 2025

As of Jan. 1, 2025, Virginia law now requires all auto insurance policies to include the following minimum coverage limits:

• $50,000 per person in bodily injury coverage
• $100,000 in total bodily injury coverage per accident
• $25,000 in property damage coverage

Crucially, liability insurance covers injuries and property damage the policyholder causes in a collision. It does not cover the policyholder’s injuries and repair costs. However, drivers can purchase other types of coverage to protect themselves financially after a crash.

For example, medical payments coverage (MedPay) can cover the cost of medical treatment after a collision, no matter who is at fault. Similarly, collision coverage can help with vehicle repair expenses regardless of who caused the crash.

Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive in Virginia?

Some reasons for Virginia’s particularly expensive car insurance rates include:

• High traffic density in urban areas – Northern Virginia has dense traffic that increases the risk of accidents. Frequent collisions in these metropolitan areas often lead to higher claim payouts from insurers, which leads to higher rates statewide.
• Severe weather risks – Heavy rain, flooding, snow, and ice storms cause more accidents and vehicle damage each year. Insurers factor in the cost of these weather-related claims when setting their rates.
• Medical and repair costs – Rising healthcare expenses and the increasing cost of repairing modern vehicles, in turn, have increased the amount car insurance companies must pay for claims, which directly impacts drivers’ premiums.

How Long Can You Drive Without Car Insurance in Virginia?

In Virginia, no grace period allows you to drive without car insurance. The law requires you to have an active policy in place before you operate a vehicle. If the police catch you driving without the necessary coverage, you could face fines, the suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration, and hefty reinstatement fees.

Getting into an accident without insurance can be even more costly. You may be personally responsible for paying for the other driver’s medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, property damage, and other losses. The financial burden can be devastating, especially if the accident involves serious injuries. Maintaining valid coverage at all times is the only way to avoid such risks.

What Happens If You Get Pulled Over Without Insurance in Virginia?

If you get pulled over in Virginia and cannot provide proof of insurance, the officer will likely issue you a citation. You may also face an immediate license and registration suspension and a fine. The state can also require you to pay reinstatement fees before allowing you to drive again.

In addition to these financial penalties, you will need to file an SR-22 certificate with the Virginia DMV to prove you have coverage moving forward. You must maintain this form for a set period, and your insurance premiums will likely increase during that time.

The consequences become more severe if you continue driving without insurance. Repeated violations can lead to longer suspensions, higher fines, and even the impoundment of your vehicle. Having valid coverage before you get behind the wheel is the only way to avoid the costly and disruptive penalties.

What If an Uninsured Driver Hits You in Virginia?

Follow these steps to protect your legal rights if an uninsured driver hits you in Virginia:

• Call 911 and report the accident so the police can document the scene.
• Get the other driver’s contact information and vehicle details, even if they do not have insurance.
• Take photos of the damage to your car, the road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the crash.
• Seek medical attention right away, even if you do not feel hurt at first.
• Get help from car accident attorney Mike Mullori as soon as possible.

You might worry that you cannot recover compensation for a crash with an uninsured driver, but you may still have options. Many Virginia auto insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage (UM), which can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. While Virginia doesn’t require you to buy UM coverage, state law requires insurers to offer it.

You could also use your health insurance to cover your treatment costs. You can sometimes sue the at-fault driver directly, but collecting compensation can be difficult if they lack sufficient assets.

Need Help After an Accident? Contact Our Virginia Car Insurance Lawyer

Whether you need help understanding your insurance coverage or you suffered injuries in an uninsured motorist accident, D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, wants to help you. Mike can explain your policy and the other driver’s coverage to help you make the most of the available coverage.

If an uninsured driver hit you, we can help you file an uninsured motorist claim or a lawsuit against the driver. We can also see if other parties contributed to the crash, which might allow you to seek additional compensation.

Call 24/7 at  (703) 762-2142 or complete our contact form for a free consultation to discuss your options.