Virginia driving lesson · Other Important Information
Insurance Requirements
A 3-minute lesson from the Virginia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
To register a vehicle in Virginia you must either carry liability insurance or pay a fee, and the fee is not insurance. Coverage must stay in force the entire registration period, and getting caught uninsured is expensive.
Know the rule
To register a vehicle and get plates, you must have liability insurance or pay the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee. Insure with a company authorized to do business in Virginia.
Keep the vehicle insured the entire registration period, even if it isn't driven or can't run. Before canceling insurance, return the plates to DMV and cancel the registration.
Insurers may factor in the driving records of anyone of driving age living in the insured's household, so ask your agent about adding a newly licensed driver. Some cases require higher liability limits.
Your new policy started in 2024. It must cover at least $30,000 for one person's injury or death, $60,000 for two or more people, and $20,000 for property damage.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
To register a vehicle and get license plates, what must you have or pay?
Liability insurance, or pay a $500 fee
Full-coverage insurance only, no fee alternative
Liability insurance, or pay a $600 fee
Collision insurance, or pay a $500 fee
Answer: Liability insurance, or pay a $500 fee
You must have liability insurance or pay the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee to register and get plates.