VIRGINIA, USA — Starting this summer, all Virginia drivers will be required to have vehicle insurance.
For years, drivers could register their vehicle in Virginia by paying a fee of $500. However, in 2023 lawmakers passed VA SB951 and it will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Former Virginia Senator Frank Ruff sponsored the legislation.
The bill repeals the option to register an uninsured motor vehicle upon payment of the uninsured motor fee of $500. The bill also authorizes the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles to continue registering uninsured vehicles from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024, but provides that all such registrations shall expire before July 1, 2024.
A spokesman with the Insurance Information Institute said this change will make roads in Virginia safer.
“Virginia still has a pretty significant uninsured motorist rate today. It's 12.1% according to data from the insurance information institute. While that's lower than the US average right now which is about 14% it's still significantly high and we're hoping with the new law in place it will bring those uninsured motorist numbers down,” said Insurance Information Institute spokesman Mark Friedlander.
Before this legislation, Virginia and New Hampshire were the only two states that did not require drivers to have vehicle insurance according to Friedlander.
Friedlander also said on January 1, 2025, the commonwealth will increase its minimum liability limits which will slightly increase insurance.
Moreover, he said drivers should contact their insurance agencies and ask about discounts and ways they can save money.