Do You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Virginia?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is often an overlooked part of your auto insurance policy—until you need it. With the rising number of uninsured drivers on the road, it’s more important than ever to understand what UM coverage is, how it works in Virginia, and why it could be essential for your financial protection.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
2. Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Virginia?
3. How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protects You
4. Uninsured vs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage
5. What Happens If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Virginia?
6. How Much UM Coverage Should You Have?
7. Why UM Coverage Is Worth the Cost
8. Final Thoughts

1. What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage helps protect you financially if you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have liability insurance. It typically covers medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering for you and your passengers if the at-fault driver can’t pay.

2. Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Virginia?

Yes. In Virginia, UM coverage is mandatory if you carry auto insurance. Virginia law requires insurers to offer Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage in the same amount as your bodily injury and property damage liability limits unless you specifically reject it in writing.

However, because Virginia also allows drivers to pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee to drive without insurance (which offers no coverage), there are still many uninsured drivers on the road—making UM coverage even more critical.

3. How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protects You

UM coverage steps in when the other driver can’t pay. If you’re injured in a hit-and-run or by a driver without insurance, your own UM policy can cover:

• Medical expenses
  
• Lost income
  
• Funeral costs
  
• Pain and suffering
  
• Property damage (with UMPD coverage)
  

Without UM coverage, you could be left paying these expenses out of pocket.

4. Uninsured vs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage

While often bundled together, these two types of coverage are slightly different:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM): Protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
  
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are too low to cover your damages.
  

In Virginia, both are typically included unless you opt out in writing.

5. What Happens If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Virginia?

If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver:

• File a police report and notify your insurer.
  
• Your UM coverage will activate to cover injuries and damage (up to your policy limits).
  
• You may still pursue a lawsuit against the uninsured driver—but recovery is often unlikely if they don’t have assets.
  

This is why UM coverage is so important—it gives you peace of mind that you’re protected, no matter who hits you.

6. How Much UM Coverage Should You Have?

Virginia requires minimum UM limits of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. But those minimums may not be enough in a serious crash.

Consider choosing higher limits to fully protect your medical and financial interests. Many experts recommend matching your UM limits with your liability coverage.

7. Why UM Coverage Is Worth the Cost

Adding UM/UIM coverage is relatively inexpensive compared to the financial risk of being injured by an uninsured driver. It ensures you’re not left holding the bill for someone else’s negligence.

Given the unique insurance laws in Virginia—and the number of drivers potentially operating without insurance—UM coverage is not just smart. It’s essential.

8. Final Thoughts

In Virginia, having Uninsured Motorist coverage is not only required but crucial for your safety and financial protection. If you’re unsure whether your current policy includes adequate UM/UIM coverage, talk to your insurance agent—or consult with a car accident attorney to evaluate your options.