Key Takeaways
- Virginia P&C insurance licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics
- Licenses not renewed within 12 months of expiration require retaking the state exam
- Address and name changes must be reported to the Bureau within 30 days
- The Bureau can discipline licensees including suspension, revocation, or fines
Last updated: January 2026
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Virginia P&C insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $50 |
| Late Renewal (within 12 months) | Additional penalty |
| Expired Over 12 Months | Must retake exam |
Continuing Education Requirements
Virginia requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Electives | 21 |
| CE Period | 2 years (matches license term) |
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at Virginia-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course within 2-year period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
Special CE Considerations
- Flood Insurance: Agents selling flood insurance may need additional flood CE
- Ethics: Must include Virginia-specific ethics content
- Self-Study: Some self-study courses may be allowed with limits
Reporting Requirements
Virginia producers must notify the Bureau of Insurance of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
Disciplinary Actions
The Bureau of Insurance can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning Letter | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
| Fine | Monetary penalty |
| Restitution | Payment to harmed parties |
Common P&C Violations
- Misrepresentation of policy terms or coverage
- Failure to disclose material information
- Unfair claims practices
- Commingling of funds
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Operating without proper license or appointment
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively practicing |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
| Surrendered | Voluntarily gave up license |
Appointing Companies
P&C agents must be appointed by insurers to sell their products:
- Appointment Required: Before selling an insurer's products
- Appointment Filing: Insurer files appointment with Bureau
- Termination Reporting: Insurers must report terminations to Bureau
- For Cause Terminations: May trigger Bureau investigation
Non-Resident Licensing
For producers licensed in other states:
- Must maintain valid license in home state
- Apply for Virginia non-resident license
- No Virginia exam required if home state has reciprocal agreement
- Must comply with Virginia CE requirements if residing in Virginia
Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of continuing education does Virginia require for P&C license renewal?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
What happens if a Virginia P&C license is not renewed within 12 months of expiration?
A
B
C
D