Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep the car insurance I have from my previous state of residence?

No, you may not. All citizens are required to get car insurance in their current state of residence. One thing to keep in mind before you purchase coverage is that you should find out whether or not your previous state of residence requires the return of their license plates. Once established, call your car insurance provider and see if your current policy can be transferred into a Virginia auto coverage policy.

For more information: How To: Save on Virginia Auto Insurance

Do I need to cancel my insurance if I am moving to another state?

Yes. All citizens must purchase auto insurance in their current state of residence. Additionally, these drivers must meet the minimum liability requirements set forth by the respective state s Department of Motor Vehicles. If you are moving to Virginia, you must transfer your out-of-state car insurance into a Virginia auto coverage policy.

For more information: How To: Save on Virginia Auto Insurance

How can I avoid a license suspension if I choose not to insure my vehicle?

In order to avoid the suspension of driving privileges, vehicle owners must pay the $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee. This allows uninsured motorists to drive automobiles without Virginia vehicle insurance. If a driver fails to pay this fee, then they will be required to submit a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) with the DMV office for a period of three years, pay a reinstatement fee and cover the initial $500 fee.

For more information: How To: Save on Virginia Auto Insurance

If I have been in an accident, what property damage do I have to report?

In the state of Virginia, any accident that results in property damage of $1,500 or more must be reported. So if you are ever in an accident of such magnitude, the first thing to do is file a police report, including a detailed description of the damages. Also, be sure to exchange auto insurance information with the other party involved.

For more information: How To: Save on Virginia Auto Insurance

If I live outside of the state for half the year, am I still required to have car insurance?

Yes. It does not matter how long you are away from home. If you are a resident of the state of Virginia, you must have the minimum liability VA car insurance if you plan to operate a vehicle within the state s borders.

For more information: How To: Save on Virginia Auto Insurance

What is the minimum liability insurance coverage?

In order to drive an automobile legally within the state of Virginia, a motor vehicle owner must possess all of the following minimum liability requirements:

Bodily injury/death for one person: $25,000
Bodily injury/death for multiple people: $50,000
Property damage: $20,000

If a driver decides not to purchase the above coverage, he or she may pay a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee to legally drive without Virginia car insurance.

For more information: How To: Save on Virginia Auto Insurance

What proof of insurance can I provide when registering my car?

In order to register a vehicle with the Virginia DMV, vehicle owners must provide proof of minimum liability coverage. Acceptable proofs of auto insurance include:

A car insurance card.
A car insurance policy.
An insurance binder.

For more information: How To: Save on Virginia Auto Insurance

What type of car insurance am I required to have?

The VA Department of Motor Vehicles requires all drivers to possess two different types of Virginia car insurance. These are:

Bodily injury protection.
Property damage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury protection.

Drivers who do not possess these types of insurance must pay a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee.

For more information: How To: Save on Virginia Auto Insurance

What will happen if I fail to get or keep car insurance?

Any car owner who does not obtain auto insurance and chooses not to pay the Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee will have their car registrationsuspended. With a suspended vehicle registration, these auto owners will not be able to drive in Virginia under any circumstance.

For more information: How To: Save on Virginia Auto Insurance

Which types of vehicles need to be insured?

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles requires that all four-wheel passenger vehicles, trucks and commercial vehicles meet the minimum car insurance requirements of the state. Additionally, motorcycles and trailers must be insured as well.

For more information: How To: Save on Virginia Auto Insurance