Anyone who applies for the registration of a motor vehicle and declares it as an insured vehicle faces severe penalties if it is later discovered that the motor vehicle is not insured. The DMV will suspend all driver's licenses and registration certificates and license plates issued to the owner of the motor vehicle. Unlike most other states, Virginia doesn't strictly require drivers on its roads to have auto insurance. However, accidents are inevitable.
So it's wise to buy car insurance in case one happens to you. Even the most conscientious driver may one day be involved in a car accident. Under Virginia auto insurance laws, drivers must carry proof of insurance in all vehicles at all times, either in the form of an identification card or electronically. Virginia auto insurance law requires that all policies include bodily injury coverage for uninsured motorists and property damage coverage for uninsured motorists equal to the limits of liability coverage purchased.
You'll also find helpful tips to make sure you get the right car insurance for your situation. However, it's important to understand that without adequate auto insurance coverage, you could be left with the bills after a car accident, regardless of whether you caused it or not. An SR-22 is a certificate that your insurance company submits to the Virginia DMV, usually electronically, that verifies that you have current insurance coverage that meets the state's minimum liability requirements. A car insurance deductible is simply the amount you'll have to pay before the insurance company assumes the rest of the costs.
There are several types of convictions that require drivers to submit an SR-22 financial responsibility certification, including the failure to submit proof of insurance associated with the Virginia Insurance Verification Program. If the program cannot verify coverage, the vehicle owner will receive an insurance verification inquiry letter with instructions for submitting policy information through the insurance verification page on the Virginia DMV website. If you get insufficient insurance coverage, you could be stuck shouldering the costs of your own injuries from a car accident. If you're a small business owner or are self-employed and use your car for work-related activities besides going to work, you may qualify for a commercial auto insurance policy.
The Virginia Insurance Office recommends that drivers review their individual circumstances and obtain additional insurance coverage to provide true protection. The cost of FR-44 insurance in Virginia is higher than the cost of SR-22 insurance because SR-22 drivers can still purchase the standard minimum liability limits.
