Does Virginia Require Drivers to Carry Auto Insurance?
- Posted on: Jun 15 2019
If you’ve ever been involved in an auto accident, you probably understand the importance of auto insurance. Many people assume that auto insurance is required by Virginia law, however, this is not the case. Virginia drivers are not required to carry auto insurance. However, drivers who don’t purchase auto insurance must pay an uninsured motorist fee of $500 annually. This fee protects uninsured motorists from being prosecuted for the violation of driving without insurance coverage. It doesn’t, however, provide uninsured drivers with any financial protection if they cause an accident.
Minimum coverage limits in Virginia
Liability auto insurance protects drivers from claims following accidents resulting in bodily injury damages. If you do purchase auto insurance coverage in Virginia, you must maintain minimum coverage limit of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident for bodily injury insurance coverage.
Accidents with uninsured motorists
Drivers who purchase auto insurance in Virginia have the option of obtaining uninsured motorist coverage. Under Virginia law, an insured driver automatically receives uninsured motorist coverage unless he or she specifically declines the coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage provides protection for drivers who are involved in accidents with uninsured drivers. Uninsured motorist coverage in Virginia has the same minimum limits as bodily injury insurance coverage. However, if you choose to carry the minimum coverage of $25,000 and are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist with few assets, then $25,000 is the maximum insurance available for each individual claim and $50,000 is the maximum insurance available for all claimants for an auto accident.
Accidents with underinsured motorists
Drivers in Virginia also have the option of purchasing underinsured motorist coverage, which offers protection when an at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance coverage to cover all the damages resulting from the negligence of the at fault driver. Like uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage is automatically provided to drivers who purchase auto insurance unless specifically declined. This coverage offers protection from those individuals who may not have purchased enough coverage to pay a claim in full.
Umbrella policy application
Drivers may have separate insurance called “umbrella” coverage which is excess coverage in addition to regular auto insurance policies. Drivers in Virginia have the option to purchase umbrella policies, some of which serve as excess insurance above and beyond the auto insurance policy.
Virginia Personal Injury Attorneys
Auto accidents can result in unforeseen injuries, medical bills as well as disability and oftentimes loss of one’s job. For more information regarding your rights following an automobile accident or pedestrian accident, please contact Susan Pierce, Esq. at Walker Jones, PC, for a free consultation. Susan Pierce is an experienced Virginia personal injury attorney dedicated to helping those who have been injured in automobile accidents receive full compensation for their injuries. Susan Pierce works tirelessly for her clients, guiding them through the legal system while ensuring that they receive effective and aggressive legal representation.
Posted in: Personal Injury
