Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements & Rates
Virginia requires 50/100/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Virginia at a Glance
50/100/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Virginia operates as a tort-based liability state where at-fault drivers bear financial responsibility for accidents. The DMV uses an electronic insurance verification system that cross-references active policies with registered vehicles, triggering automatic suspension notices for coverage lapses.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Medical Payments Coverage
Cost Overview
about $93/mo
Average car insurance spending in Virginia
Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023
Compare Before You Renew
Compare Auto Insurance RatesFrequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia require full coverage auto insurance?
No, Virginia only requires 25/50/20 liability coverage—full coverage is not legally mandated. However, lenders require comprehensive and collision coverage on financed or leased vehicles, and dropping these coverages while you still owe money violates your loan agreement. Once your vehicle is paid off, you can legally carry liability-only coverage regardless of the car's value.
How does Virginia verify insurance coverage?
The Virginia DMV uses an electronic insurance verification system that continuously cross-checks active insurance policies against vehicle registrations. When your insurer cancels coverage or you switch policies, they report the change to the DMV within 30 days—if a new policy isn't detected, the DMV automatically sends suspension notices. This real-time monitoring system makes coverage gaps nearly impossible to hide, unlike states relying on random checks or officer-initiated verification.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
The foundation of Virginia's insurance requirements, covering injuries and property damage you cause to others. State minimums (25/50/20) provide weak protection—most drivers should carry at least 100/300/100 to protect assets in serious accidents.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to protect both your legal obligation and your vehicle's value. Required by lenders and essential if your car is worth more than your emergency savings can replace.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for non-collision damage to your vehicle including theft, vandalism, weather, fire, and animal strikes. Covers deer collisions, which account for over 50,000 Virginia insurance claims annually.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by drivers with no insurance or coverage too low to pay your claim. Functions as liability insurance in reverse, paying your medical bills and lost wages when the at-fault driver cannot.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after accidents with other cars or objects, regardless of fault. Subject to your chosen deductible, typically $500–$1,000.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a coverage type but a DMV filing proving you carry continuous insurance after serious violations like DUI, reckless driving, or driving uninsured. Required for three years with no coverage lapses or your license is re-suspended.