Virginia Driving without Insurance

Driving without insurance in Virginia is a risky undertaking. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and do not have auto insurance, you are personally financially responsible for any damages or medical expenses. The Commonwealth of Virginia requires that drivers demonstrate financial responsibility through maintaining adequate liability insurance. If you are charged with driving without insurance in Virginia, you face significant legal and financial penalties, including:

• Suspension of driver's license, registration, and license plates
• Points assessed on your driving record by Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
• $500 statutory fee and additional fees associated with reinstating your vehicle registration
• Mandatory financial responsibility insurance certificate (SR-22 insurance) for three years

If you are charged with driving without insurance in Virginia, an experienced Virginia traffic lawyer can help. The Virginia traffic attorneys understand the relevant insurance laws and can plan a strategy to help you avoid unnecessary consequences of your Virginia driving without insurance charge.

In order for a vehicle to obtain Virginia registration, the owner must show proof of financial responsibility. Generally, this is done through purchasing auto insurance coverage equal to or greater than Virginia's minimum liability requirements:

• $25,000 of coverage for bodily injury or death of one person
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people
• $20,000 for property damage

However, Virginia also provides a means for legally driving without insurance. A driver can still register a vehicle without liability insurance by paying an Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee of $500. The UMV fee must be renewed along with the registration, and it does not offer any financial security or protection in the event of an accident.

Failure to maintain required liability insurance or to pay and renew the UMV fee can lead to even more financial headaches through fines, fees, and the mandatory SR-22 insurance, which often costs 2-3 times more than traditional auto insurance. Additionally, the suspension of your driving privileges can cause difficulties in your daily life by limiting your ability to get where you need to go. If you have been charged with driving without insurance in Virginia, contact us to speak with a Virginia traffic lawyer who can help you understand your options.

If you have been charged with Maryland Driving Without Insurance or if you need a Washington DC traffic lawyer, please visit our Maryland and Washington DC Criminal Lawyer websites.