Key Takeaways
- Virginia requires minimum auto liability limits of 30/60/20 ($30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident bodily injury/$20,000 property damage)
- Virginia is an "at-fault" state with pure contributory negligence - any fault by the plaintiff bars recovery
- Virginia allows drivers to pay a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee instead of purchasing insurance
- Uninsured Motorist coverage is required unless rejected in writing
- Virginia has a combined single limit option of $60,000 as an alternative to split limits
Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements
Virginia has specific auto insurance requirements that producers must understand, including unique provisions like the Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee.
Mandatory Coverage
Virginia requires all registered vehicles to have liability insurance with minimum limits OR pay the Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee:
Minimum Liability Limits (30/60/20)
| Coverage | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury per Person | $30,000 |
| Bodily Injury per Accident | $60,000 |
| Property Damage | $20,000 |
Alternative: Combined Single Limit
Virginia also accepts a combined single limit of $60,000 as an alternative to split limits.
Memory Tip: Remember "30/60/20" for Virginia minimum limits - double California's 15/30/5 limits.
The $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee
Virginia is unique in allowing drivers to opt out of insurance:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| UMV Fee Amount | $500 annually |
| Effect | Allows legal uninsured driving |
| Liability | Driver personally liable for accidents |
| DMV Registration | Required to register vehicle |
Important: Paying the UMV fee does NOT provide any coverage. The driver remains personally liable for all accident damages. This is simply a legal alternative to insurance.
Virginia's At-Fault System with Contributory Negligence
Virginia uses a pure contributory negligence system:
How It Works
- The driver at fault is responsible for damages
- Pure contributory negligence bars recovery if plaintiff is even 1% at fault
- Virginia is one of only 4 states (plus DC) using pure contributory negligence
- This is very harsh on injured parties
Example
If Driver A is 99% at fault and Driver B is 1% at fault:
- Driver B recovers NOTHING because they contributed to the accident
- Virginia law completely bars recovery if plaintiff has any fault
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Virginia requires Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage unless rejected in writing:
UM Coverage Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Default | Automatically included in policies |
| Rejection | Must be in writing |
| Minimum Limits | Match liability limits |
| Underinsured Motorist | Usually combined with UM |
What UM Covers
- Bodily injury caused by uninsured driver
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Accidents with drivers whose insurer is insolvent
Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments coverage in Virginia:
- Optional coverage
- Pays regardless of fault
- Covers driver, passengers, and pedestrians
- Typical limits: $1,000 to $10,000
Proof of Insurance Requirements
Virginia drivers must carry proof of insurance:
- Physical insurance card, OR
- Electronic proof on smartphone
- Must show proof upon request by law enforcement
- FR-44 required for certain violations (DUI)
FR-44 Certificate
Virginia requires FR-44 (not SR-22) for serious violations:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| When Required | DUI, driving uninsured after accident |
| Minimum Limits | 50/100/40 (higher than standard) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Filing | Insurer files with DMV |
Additional Auto Coverage Options
| Coverage | Description |
|---|---|
| Collision | Damage to insured vehicle from collision |
| Comprehensive | Theft, vandalism, weather damage |
| Rental Reimbursement | Cost of rental car during repairs |
| Towing | Roadside assistance and towing |
What are Virginia's minimum auto liability insurance limits?
What is unique about Virginia's auto insurance requirements?
Under Virginia's pure contributory negligence system, what happens if a plaintiff is 5% at fault for an accident?