Virginia drivers are required to carry auto insurance on any vehicle registered in the state. To satisfy the state’s Financial Responsibility Act, minimum amounts of liability insurance must be maintained at all times, or an uninsured motorist fee paid. These amounts include 25/50/20 coverage. This refers to the cash amount the insurance company is willing to pay if you are involved in an accident. $25,000 is paid for Bodily Injury for one person involved in an accident, with a maximum amount of $50,000 to two or more injured people. $20,000 covers Property Damage caused by an accident. These limits are the minimum amounts required, and you can choose to increase these limits for better protection if you choose.
In lieu of the insurance, a Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee of $500 can be paid to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. This fee provides no insurance coverage; it only means that you are agreeing to drive your vehicle uninsured, and at your own risk. This fee must be paid each time you renew your vehicle registration.
Failure to comply with the Virginia auto insurance policy or pay the Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee can result in the suspension of your drivers license, as well as vehicle registration. A fine of $500 and a reinstatement fee may be imposed, as well as the requirement of SR-22 insurance for a minimum of 3 years. It is not worth the risk to drive without auto insurance in Virginia!
Insurance verification is provided through the Insurance Verification Program (IVP). IVP allows law enforcement to electronically verify auto insurance coverage, and if no auto insurance is found to be on the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle allows 20 days to provide proof of insurance to the DMV, or fines and suspensions will be imposed. The IVP verification system automatically updates anytime a policy is canceled or any other type of change is made to the policy.
Comparing rates will ensure that you are receiving the best auto insurance and best rates in your city for auto insurance. A minimum of 3 quotes from different auto insurance companies is recommended, and choosing to get more is always a plus. One great site to find auto insurance quotes is www.esurance.com. Esurance can provide multiple quotes from all the top Virginia auto insurance companies in a matter of minutes. It is simple and easy, and you can even start your policy online!