As of July 1, 2024, Virginia law requires all drivers to have liability insurance. That is a significant change from years past when drivers could pay a $500 fee and register their vehicles without insurance coverage. The new law could make it easier for people to recover compensation for their injuries after a crash, as fewer uninsured drivers should be on the roads.
If you own a car registered in the state, it’s crucial to understand and follow the new insurance law in Virginia. Vehicle owners who don’t follow the law could face criminal penalties and might incur significant financial losses if they are liable for a crash.
You’ll find basic information about the state’s 2024 car insurance law below. D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, is happy to answer your specific questions about minimum car insurance requirements in Virginia.
Overview of the New Car Insurance Law in Virginia
Virginia’s 2024 car insurance law sets new minimum coverage requirements for all drivers in the state, and these provisions go into effect in two stages. For policies effective through Dec. 31, 2024, every Virginia auto insurance policy must include minimum coverage of:
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability insurance to cover one person’s injuries or death in a crash
- $60,000 to cover injuries to or the death of multiple people in a single crash
- $20,000 in property damage coverage
The next phase of Virginia’s 2024 car insurance law begins Jan. 1, 2025. Starting on that date, the minimum liability limits for Virginia car insurance policies increase to:
- $50,000 to cover one person’s injuries or death in a crash
- $100,000 to cover injuries to or the death of multiple people in a single crash
- $25,000 in property damage coverage
Drivers must provide proof of insurance when registering their motor vehicles or renew their registrations with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Those who don’t follow the law could face stiff penalties, including having their driver’s license suspended, a $600 noncompliance fee, and a $145 fee to reinstate their driving privileges once they purchase sufficient insurance coverage.
Impact of the New Law on Virginia Drivers
This new law has positive and negative effects for drivers, though the benefits likely outweigh the drawbacks. Formerly uninsured drivers will now have to pay insurance premiums to have the required coverage, and some drivers who already have insurance may see their premiums increase. However, requiring everyone to have auto insurance should reduce the number of uninsured motorist accidents. Drivers injured in crashes will likely have an easier time recovering compensation for their injuries due to the reduced number of uninsured drivers.
What Virginia Drivers Need to Do Next
If you don’t have insurance coverage that meets the new state requirements, talk to an auto insurance company immediately. Not only could failing to follow the law lead to a driver’s license suspension and fines, but you will also be financially vulnerable if you cause a crash and don’t have insurance to pay for the other people’s losses.
If you live in Virginia and already have insurance, make sure your policy meets the new requirements. It’s also a good idea to make sure your policy will meet the increased coverage required in 2025.
Contact a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Now
Despite these new requirements, some Virginia drivers will continue to ignore the law and either drive without insurance or without sufficient coverage to meet the new state requirements. If you get injured in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, can help you seek fair compensation.
Call our office (703) 490-5995 today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
