Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements: UMV Fee & FR-44 Guide (2025)

Quick Answer: Is Auto Insurance Required in Virginia?

Virginia is unique—auto insurance is technically optional. However, if you choose not to carry insurance, you must pay an annual $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee to the DMV. This fee provides zero protection—you're still personally liable for all damages.

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Virginia Minimum Coverage at a Glance

This is written as 30/60/20—Virginia has higher minimums than most states, plus mandatory uninsured motorist coverage.

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Virginia's Unique "Pay to Play" System

Option 1: Carry Insurance (Recommended)

Meet the 30/60/20 minimum liability requirements plus mandatory UM coverage.

Option 2: Pay the UMV Fee ($500/year)

• Provides NO insurance coverage
• You're personally liable for all damages you cause
• Must still pay for damages to your own vehicle
• License can be suspended if you can't pay claims

Reality check: Fewer than 4% of Virginia drivers choose the UMV fee option. It's a terrible financial decision for anyone who can afford insurance.

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What Each Coverage Type Means

Bodily Injury Liability ($30,000/$60,000)

$30,000 per person covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain/suffering for one person you injure.

$60,000 per accident is the total cap for all injured parties.

Example: You cause an accident injuring three people. Their combined medical bills total $100,000. Your insurance pays $60,000—you owe the remaining $40,000 personally.

Property Damage Liability ($20,000)

Covers damage to other vehicles and property. Virginia's $20,000 minimum is better than many states but still inadequate for luxury vehicles or multi-car accidents.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (Mandatory)

Virginia requires UM coverage—you cannot reject it. This protects you if hit by:

• An uninsured driver
• A hit-and-run driver
• An underinsured driver

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FR-44: Virginia's Super SR-22

Virginia (along with Florida) uses FR-44 instead of SR-22 for certain violations. FR-44 requires higher coverage limits:

When FR-44 Is Required

• DUI/DWI conviction
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Maiming while DUI
• Manslaughter while DUI

FR-44 Duration

• 3 years from conviction date
• Must maintain continuous coverage
• Any lapse restarts the clock

FR-44 Cost Impact

Expect premiums to increase 150-300% with FR-44 requirements due to:

• Higher coverage limits required
• High-risk driver classification
• DUI on driving record

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Who Must Carry Insurance in Virginia?

• All registered vehicle owners (unless paying UMV fee)
• Drivers of registered vehicles
• Leased vehicle operators
• Company car drivers
• Teen drivers on family policies

Exceptions

• Vehicles registered with UMV fee (no coverage, full personal liability)
• Certain government and diplomatic vehicles
• Vehicles in storage (registration suspended)

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Penalties for Driving Without Insurance or UMV Fee

Additional Consequences

• Registration suspension until proof of insurance provided
• Vehicle impoundment possible
• Personal liability for all damages caused
• Civil judgments can garnish wages

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Virginia's Insurance Verification System

Virginia DMV uses electronic insurance verification:

1. Real-time checks at registration renewal
2. Random verification throughout the year
3. Accident reporting triggers verification
4. Insurance company reporting of cancellations

If coverage lapses, you'll receive a notice. Failure to respond results in registration and license suspension.

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Why Virginia Minimums May Not Be Enough

Recommended coverage: Insurance professionals suggest at least 100/300/100 for Virginia drivers, especially in high-traffic areas like Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach, and Richmond.

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How to Get Compliant in Virginia

If Choosing Insurance:

1. Compare quotes from multiple insurers
2. Meet minimum 30/60/20 liability requirements
3. Include mandatory UM coverage (30/60/20)
4. Keep proof of insurance in vehicle
5. Ensure insurer reports to Virginia DMV

If Choosing UMV Fee (Not Recommended):

1. Pay $500 annually to Virginia DMV
2. Understand you have NO coverage
3. Be prepared for full personal liability
4. Consider this only if vehicle is rarely driven

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FAQ

Can I legally drive in Virginia without auto insurance?

Yes, but only if you pay the $500 annual Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee. This provides no coverage—you're fully liable for any damages you cause. It's legal but financially risky.

What is FR-44 in Virginia?

FR-44 is Virginia's enhanced financial responsibility certificate required after DUI convictions. It requires higher coverage limits (50/100/40) for 3 years and significantly increases insurance costs.

Is Virginia a no-fault state?

No. Virginia uses a tort system—the at-fault driver pays for damages. Virginia also uses "pure contributory negligence," meaning if you're even 1% at fault, you may recover nothing.

Why are Virginia minimums higher than other states?

Virginia updated its minimums to better reflect actual accident costs. The state also requires uninsured motorist coverage, recognizing that some drivers choose the UMV fee option.

Does Virginia require uninsured motorist coverage?

Yes. Unlike most states, Virginia mandates UM coverage equal to your liability limits. You cannot reject or reduce this coverage.

What happens if I cause an accident and only paid the UMV fee?

You're personally responsible for all damages. The other party can sue you, and if you can't pay, your license is revoked until you satisfy the judgment or arrange a payment plan.

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the Virginia DMV or State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance, and consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: December 2025
Sources: Virginia DMV, Virginia State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance