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Virginia has changed its auto insurance rules more than most states in recent years. Senate Bill 1182 raised minimum liability limits in steps, first to 30/60/20 in 2022 and then to 50/100/25 for policies effective on or after January 1, 2025. That is well above the 25/50 structure common in many other states. Virginia also eliminated its uninsured motor vehicle fee on July 1, 2024, so every registered vehicle must now be insured.
Virginia's legal setting adds another twist: it follows pure contributory negligence, so even a small share of fault can bar your own claim against another driver. That makes your own coverage and UM/UIM protection more important. The DMV runs an electronic insurance verification program with insurers, and owners who cannot be matched must supply policy information. If a vehicle is found uninsured, the owner faces suspension, a $600 noncompliance fee and an SR-22 filing for three years.
| Minimum liability | 50/100/25 (BI per person / BI per accident / PD, in $1,000s) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: included on liability policies, with limits equal to your liability limits unless you request a lower amount |
| Fault system | At-fault (tort) |
| Credit-based insurance scores | Allowed |
| SR-22 / proof of financial responsibility | After an uninsured-vehicle suspension, the DMV requires an SR-22 to be filed and maintained for three years. Virginia also has FR-44 certificates for certain serious offenses such as DUI, with higher required limits than the standard minimums; ask the DMV which applies to you. |
Virginia minimum liability limits
To register and drive a car in Virginia you need at least this much liability coverage:
- $50,000 for injuries to one person in an accident you cause.
- $100,000 in total for injuries to everyone in that accident.
- $25,000 for damage to other people's property, such as their car.
Virginia phased in higher minimums under Senate Bill 1182: 30/60/20 for policies effective January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024, and 50/100/25 for policies effective on or after January 1, 2025.
Tip: The minimum is a legal floor, not a recommendation. If a serious crash costs more than your limits, you could be personally responsible for the rest. See how much liability coverage you may need.
Other required and offered coverage
Besides liability, Virginia requires:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: included on liability policies, with limits equal to your liability limits unless you request a lower amount
Learn more about uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection.
Is Virginia a no-fault state?
Virginia is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other people's injuries and property damage, which is normally paid by that driver's liability insurance. Injured people can claim against the at-fault driver's insurer or, in some cases, sue.
Virginia is one of the few states that still follows pure contributory negligence: if you are found even slightly at fault for a crash, you may be barred from recovering damages from the other driver.
Read more: at-fault vs. no-fault states explained.
Can insurers use your credit in Virginia?
Status: Allowed.
See how credit affects car insurance for the bigger picture.
Penalties for driving uninsured in Virginia
Uninsured vehicle owners have their driving and registration privileges suspended. To reinstate, you must pay a $600 noncompliance fee, file an SR-22 for three years, and pay any reinstatement fee. Virginia ended its option to pay an uninsured motor vehicle fee instead of buying insurance on July 1, 2024.
The DMV works with insurers to electronically verify liability coverage on every registered Virginia vehicle. If no coverage is found, the owner must provide policy information to the DMV, and an insurer that cancels coverage must notify the DMV.
After an uninsured-vehicle suspension, the DMV requires an SR-22 to be filed and maintained for three years. Virginia also has FR-44 certificates for certain serious offenses such as DUI, with higher required limits than the standard minimums; ask the DMV which applies to you.
If you are ordered to file proof of insurance, see what SR-22 insurance is.
Tips for Virginia drivers
- If you renewed your policy before 2025, confirm that your liability limits were raised to at least 50/100/25. Policies effective on or after January 1, 2025 must meet the new minimums.
- Do not count on the old fee option. Virginia ended the uninsured motor vehicle fee on July 1, 2024, and some older pages still describe it, so every registered vehicle needs a liability policy.
- Because Virginia follows contributory negligence, document a crash carefully with photos, witness names and a police report. Even a small finding of fault against you can affect a claim.
- Before you cancel coverage on a car, deactivate or surrender the plates or reinsure the vehicle. If liability coverage ends during the registration period, you must do one of those things to avoid suspension.
- If a DMV letter says your vehicle could not be verified, send your policy information promptly and ask your insurer to confirm it has reported your coverage.
When you shop, compare quotes from several insurers using the same limits and deductibles, so the prices are like-for-like.
Official resources
- Insurance regulator: Virginia State Corporation Commission - Bureau of Insurance
- Motor vehicle agency: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Your state insurance department can answer questions about your rights and handle complaints about insurers.
Frequently asked questions
What are Virginia's minimum liability limits now?
For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, Virginia requires 50/100/25: $50,000 for injury or death of one person, $100,000 for two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage. This followed the 30/60/20 limits that applied from 2022 through 2024 under Senate Bill 1182.
Can I still pay the uninsured motor vehicle fee in Virginia?
No. Virginia eliminated the uninsured motor vehicle fee option as of July 1, 2024. Every registered vehicle now needs liability insurance. Older DMV pages and guides may still mention the fee, but if your vehicle is uninsured you face suspension and a $600 noncompliance fee instead.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Virginia?
Uninsured vehicle owners have their driving and registration privileges suspended. To reinstate, the DMV requires a $600 noncompliance fee, an SR-22 filed for three years, and any applicable reinstatement fee. Eligible owners may be able to pay through the DMV's Payment Plan Program.
Does Virginia require uninsured motorist coverage?
The State Corporation Commission says Virginia liability policies must include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and the amount equals your liability coverage unless you specifically request a lower amount. Because Virginia follows contributory negligence, this coverage can be an important protection when another driver is uninsured.
Sources
- Virginia DMV - Insurance Requirements
- Virginia DMV - Vehicle Insurance Coverage Requirements Change January 1
- Virginia DMV - Financial Responsibility Requirements
- Virginia SCC - Virginia Auto Insurance Guide
- Virginia DMV - Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) Fee
General information only. State rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Virginia State Corporation Commission - Bureau of Insurance or your insurer before you buy. This page is not insurance or legal advice.