Question 1

What is the minimum car insurance required in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, an owner's policy must provide at least 50/100/25: $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person, $100,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Policies must also include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at no less than these limits.

Question 2

Is Virginia a no-fault car insurance state?

Accepted Answer

Virginia uses the at-fault (tort) system, with personal injury protection (PIP) available or required. The Alabama Department of Insurance's national table of state auto insurance laws lists Virginia among the "Tort States Where Personal Injury Protection is Available/Required."

Question 3

Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Required. Every auto liability policy must include uninsured motorist coverage at limits equal to the policy's liability limits (and not less than the state minimums), plus underinsured motorist coverage at the same limits. Any one named insured may reject the additional UM coverage above the minimum by notifying the insurer, and that rejection binds all insureds. UIM is paid without credit for the at-fault driver's available coverage unless a named insured opts otherwise.

Question 4

Can you show proof of car insurance on your phone in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

When registering a vehicle, the owner must certify that it is insured. DMV may require an owner to verify insurance in a method set by the Commissioner, and insurers electronically notify DMV when a policy is not in effect. An owner who fails to submit insurance information within 30 days when required faces suspension of the license, registrations and plates.

Question 5

What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Owning and driving (or allowing the driving of) an uninsured vehicle registered in Virginia is a Class 3 misdemeanor, as is a non-owner knowingly driving it. An owner of an uninsured vehicle must immediately surrender the plates (failing to do so is also a Class 3 misdemeanor). After a conviction, DMV suspends the owner's driver's license, registrations and plates until the owner pays a $600 noncompliance fee and files proof of financial responsibility for the future; DMV's New to Virginia page also lists a $145 reinstatement fee.

Question 6

When do you need an SR-22 in Virginia, and for how long?

Accepted Answer

After a conviction for driving uninsured (or a suspension for not verifying insurance), the owner must furnish proof of financial responsibility for the future (such as an SR-22 certificate) before the license and registrations are reinstated. The Commissioner may lift the requirement once three years have passed from the date of suspension.

Question 7

How much notice must an insurer give before canceling car insurance in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation or nonrenewal must take effect at least 45 days after the notice is mailed or delivered (at least 15 days if for nonpayment of premium). The notice must tell the insured of the right to ask the Commissioner of Insurance in writing, within 15 days of receiving it, to review the insurer's action. These rules do not apply to policies in effect less than 60 days unless a renewal. Insurers must keep proof of mailing (such as certified mail or a USPS certificate of mailing) or of electronic delivery.

Question 8

Can car insurance companies use your credit score in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Insurers may not refuse to renew a motor vehicle policy solely because of age, sex, residence, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful occupation, lack of driving experience, accidents or violations more than 48 months old, certain uninsured motorist, medical or comprehensive/towing claims, two or fewer not-at-fault accidents in three years, credit information, refusal to share vehicle recording-device data, or foster care status. If credit is used in part as a basis for nonrenewal, the consumer report must be no more than 120 days old.

Question 9

When is a car a total loss in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

A salvage vehicle includes any late model vehicle acquired by an insurer in the claims process (other than a stolen vehicle), or damaged so that its estimated repair cost (excluding towing, storage, rental and diminished value) exceeds its actual cash value minus its salvage value; a recovered stolen vehicle acquired by an insurer is salvage if repair costs exceed 75% of its actual cash value. A nonrepairable vehicle has no value except as parts and scrap.

Question 10

How do you transfer a car title in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

When a vehicle is sold, the seller records the odometer reading in the title's assignment section and the buyer completes the "Certification of Buyer" section and an Application for Title and Registration, with proof of purchase price (buyer's order, bill of sale or the seller's declared price). Private sales of vehicles already titled in Virginia can be completed online through DMV electronic titling if both parties are Virginia residents with myDMV accounts, the sale is one owner to one buyer, and there are no liens.

Question 11

How long do you have to register your car after moving to Virginia?

Accepted Answer

New residents must title their vehicle within 30 days of moving to Virginia and register it at a DMV customer service center within 30 days, after insuring it. A Virginia driver's license is required within 60 days (30 days for a commercial license). Vehicles must pass an annual safety inspection, and vehicles kept in certain localities must pass an emissions inspection before registration unless they have a valid emissions certificate from the last 12 months.

Question 12

How do you file a complaint against a car insurance company in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

File a complaint with the State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance through its online Insurance Complaint Portal (complaints are not accepted by phone or email). Property and Casualty Consumer Services: 804-371-9185.

Minimum coverage required	For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, an owner's policy must provide at least 50/100/25: $50,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person, $100,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Policies must also include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at no less than these limits. Source: Va. Code §§ 46.2-472(B), 38.2-2206(A)
At-fault or no-fault	Virginia uses the at-fault (tort) system, with personal injury protection (PIP) available or required. The Alabama Department of Insurance's national table of state auto insurance laws lists Virginia among the "Tort States Where Personal Injury Protection is Available/Required." Source: Alabama Department of Insurance, State Auto Insurance Laws (national table)
Uninsured motorist coverage	Required. Every auto liability policy must include uninsured motorist coverage at limits equal to the policy's liability limits (and not less than the state minimums), plus underinsured motorist coverage at the same limits. Any one named insured may reject the additional UM coverage above the minimum by notifying the insurer, and that rejection binds all insureds. UIM is paid without credit for the at-fault driver's available coverage unless a named insured opts otherwise. Source: Va. Code § 38.2-2206(A)
Proof of insurance	When registering a vehicle, the owner must certify that it is insured. DMV may require an owner to verify insurance in a method set by the Commissioner, and insurers electronically notify DMV when a policy is not in effect. An owner who fails to submit insurance information within 30 days when required faces suspension of the license, registrations and plates. Whether drivers must carry proof in the vehicle, and whether phone proof is accepted, was not stated in the sections read. Source: Va. Code § 46.2-706

Cancellation and nonrenewal	Cancellation or nonrenewal must take effect at least 45 days after the notice is mailed or delivered (at least 15 days if for nonpayment of premium). The notice must tell the insured of the right to ask the Commissioner of Insurance in writing, within 15 days of receiving it, to review the insurer's action. These rules do not apply to policies in effect less than 60 days unless a renewal. Insurers must keep proof of mailing (such as certified mail or a USPS certificate of mailing) or of electronic delivery. Source: Va. Code §§ 38.2-2208, 38.2-2212
What insurers can use to set rates	Insurers may not refuse to renew a motor vehicle policy solely because of age, sex, residence, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful occupation, lack of driving experience, accidents or violations more than 48 months old, certain uninsured motorist, medical or comprehensive/towing claims, two or fewer not-at-fault accidents in three years, credit information, refusal to share vehicle recording-device data, or foster care status. If credit is used in part as a basis for nonrenewal, the consumer report must be no more than 120 days old. Source: Va. Code § 38.2-2212(C)
Total loss rules	A salvage vehicle includes any late model vehicle acquired by an insurer in the claims process (other than a stolen vehicle), or damaged so that its estimated repair cost (excluding towing, storage, rental and diminished value) exceeds its actual cash value minus its salvage value; a recovered stolen vehicle acquired by an insurer is salvage if repair costs exceed 75% of its actual cash value. A nonrepairable vehicle has no value except as parts and scrap. Source: Va. Code § 46.2-1600
Complaints about an insurer	File a complaint with the State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance through its online Insurance Complaint Portal (complaints are not accepted by phone or email). Property and Casualty Consumer Services: 804-371-9185. Source: Virginia SCC Bureau of Insurance, File a Complaint

Virginia Car Insurance Laws: Minimum Coverage, Penalties and SR-22

Quick answers for Virginia

Required coverage

Driving without insurance and SR-22

Your rights with insurers

Title and registration

Car Insurance & Vehicle Laws FAQ

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