Virginia Beach Driving without Insurance

As a licensed driver in the state of Virginia, you are expected to purchase and maintain an adequate amount of auto insurance. Failure to maintain coverage is not only against the law, but can also lead to severe legal and financial penalties. Fortunately, an experienced defense attorney may be able to help you avoid the consequences of driving without issuance in Virginia Beach.

Most states have strict requirements regarding the amount of insurance coverage drivers must purchase. Known as “financial responsibility” laws, these requirements are designed to cover any medical and property expenses that result from an auto accident. For example, if you are involved in an accident that is not your fault, if the other driver does not have the financial means to compensate your expenses, his or her auto insurance policy will kick in. Likewise, if the accident is your fault, rather than paying for the other driver’s expenses out of pocket, your auto insurance policy will take care of the costs.

To drive legally in Virginia, your insurance coverage must meet the state’s minimum liability requirements: $25,000 for one person’s death or injury, $50,000 for the death or injury of two or more individuals, and $20,000 in property damage. If you do not have auto insurance, you must pay a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Unlike insurance, this fee does not provide any coverage for you if you are involved in an auto accident. Instead, it simply allows you to operate an uninsured vehicle in the state of Virginia. 

The penalties for driving without insurance can be quite severe. If you are caught driving without insurance, and have not paid your required UMV fee, your driving privileges will be revoked immediately, and your vehicle registration will be cancelled. The offense can also add three points to your driving record.

In addition, you will need to obtain SR-22 insurance before your driving privileges can be reinstated. Reserved for high-risk drivers, an SR-22 policy can often cost two to three times more than traditional auto insurance. Be aware that, despite its expense, you will have to keep SR-22 coverage for three years or more.

After more than a decade of defending clients like you, attorney Michael C. Tillotson has acquired extensive knowledge of Virginia’s insurance laws, and will carefully review your case to determine the right defense strategy for your situation. If you were recently caught driving without insurance, it is important for you to understand your options. In many cases, you may be able to avoid the repercussions of this serious charge. Contact attorney Michael C. Tillotson today for a free, no-obligation consultation.