Penalties for Driving without Insurance in Virginia
Virginia requires all drivers to have a minimum amount of car insurance. If you're caught driving without a form of financial responsibility, the penalties could be severe.
If you're caught driving without insurance, the state of Virginia may convict you of a Class 3 misdemeanor, charge you a $600 noncompliance fee, and take your driver's license, vehicle registration and license plates.
Your insurer will also need to file an SR-22 form on your behalf, which can result in a rate hike.
How much insurance do I need in Virginia?
Virginia drivers must have auto insurance with at least the following limits:
Liability
- $50,000 for bodily injury/death per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury/death per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Uninsured motorist coverage
- $50,000 for bodily injury/death per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury/death per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
In the past, Virginia allowed drivers to pay an annual $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee to the DMV instead of buying an insurance policy. As of July 1, 2024, this is no longer an option. All Virginia drivers must have a car insurance policy to drive legally in the state.
Penalties for driving without insurance in Virginia
Virginia uses an electronic insurance verification program to monitor which drivers carry insurance. If the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles finds out you've been driving without coverage, you'll receive a notification.
The potential penalties include a $600 noncompliance fee, driver's license and license plate suspension and a Class 3 misdemeanor conviction. You must provide proof that you have liability insurance within 30 days to avoid these penalties.
Law enforcement officers can also ask for proof of financial responsibility during traffic stops. You may be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor if you can't provide proof. That means you must surrender your driver's license and vehicle registration and pay a fee of $600.
To drive legally again, you need to buy auto insurance. Your insurer will need to file an SR-22 form on your behalf, which must stay on file for three years. Finally, to get your license back, you must pay a $145 reinstatement fee.
Get car insurance in Virginia after a lapse in coverage
How to avoid the penalties
You can avoid these serious penalties by buying a car insurance policy.
If you're caught driving without insurance, you may receive notice of these penalties. You'll get the chance to defend yourself, though, by requesting an administrative hearing within 180 days of the date listed on your suspension.
Lindsay Bishop
Senior Writer
Lindsay Bishop is a Senior Writer at ValuePenguin, where she educates readers about home, auto, renters, flood and motorcycle insurance.
Lindsay began her career in the insurance and financial industry in 2010. She was a licensed auto, home, life and health insurance agent and held Series 6 and 63 financial licenses.
After a hiatus from the financial sector, Lindsay returned to the industry as a content writer for ValuePenguin in 2021. She enjoys having the opportunity to help readers make smart decisions about their insurance so they can be prepared for anything life throws their way.
When Lindsay isn't writing about insurance, you can find her spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors on Sunday long runs or riding her Peloton.
How insurance helped Lindsay
As a homeowner for 15 years located in South Carolina, Lindsay has plenty of experience navigating the coastal insurance market and managing the claims process. That includes successfully negotiating a full roof replacement claim.
Expertise
- Home insurance
- Car insurance
- Flood insurance
- Renters insurance
- Motorcycle insurance
Referenced by
- CNBC
- Yahoo Finance
- Miami Herald
Education
- BS/BA Economics, University of Nevada Las Vegas
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
