Insurance requirements for registering a car in Virginia
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The State of Virginia requires all drivers to prove that they are financially responsible for the cost of a car accident. Most drivers choose to purchase a car insurance policy to meet this requirement. However, drivers can also pay the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to register as uninsured motorists.
financial responsibility requirements
The minimum financial liability requirements for Virginia drivers are as follows:
Minimum $25,000 per person for personal injury or death. This means you need to have at least $50,000 with you to cover the fewest possible number of people involved in an accident (two drivers).
$20,000 minimum for property damage liability
This means that the total minimum amount of financial liability you will require is $70,000 to cover bodily injury or death, as well as liability for property damage.
In addition, all drivers must have uninsured motorist insurance on their minimum insurance policies, which is equal to the total financial liability above ($70,000).
Uninsured motorists
To register as an uninsured motorist, drivers in Virginia may pay a $500 annual fee to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. By choosing to register as an uninsured motorist, the driver is legally liable for damages and injury resulting from any accident of which he is at fault.
Raise the requirements for liability for drunk driving
If a driver in Virginia has been convicted of driving under the influence, they will be required to file an FR-44. This penalty may also be required if a person is found guilty of driving with a confiscated driver's license after such a conviction. When submitting the FR-44 document, the total minimum amount of the liability insurance claim increases to the following amount:
Minimum $50,000 per person for personal injury or death. This means you need to have at least $100,000 with you to cover the fewest possible number of people involved in an accident (two drivers).
$40,000 minimum for property damage liability
Penalties for Violation
If you are not financially responsible in Virginia or your insurance cannot be verified electronically, you may face several penalties. This includes:
Suspension of your driver's license
Suspension of your vehicle registration and license plates
An SR-22 Proof of Financial Responsibility is required, which guarantees that you will have the insurance required by law for three years. This document is usually required only for drivers who have been convicted of drunk driving or another charge of reckless driving, or for those who have been convicted of motor vehicle-related felonies. If you are required to file this document, you no longer have the option to register as an uninsured motorist and must purchase an insurance policy.
$500 fine for restoring your vehicle registration and license plates
Fine from 145 to 220 dollars for the restoration of a driver's license.
For more information or to renew your registration online, contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles through their website.
