Almost every state (except New Hampshire and Virginia) requires its licensed drivers to have a minimum amount of insurance coverage. The required insurance generally includes bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage in certain minimum amounts.
The cost of insurance is affected by many factors, including the driver’s driving record. A single speeding ticket can increase your insurance rates by as much as 25-30%, and more serious offenses such as DUI/DWI, street racing, or hit-and-run can increase the cost of your insurance by 75% or more.
A driver who has received a ticket or citation for a criminal offense or traffic violation with the potential to increase their insurance rates may want to consult with a lawyer who has relevant experience and expertise.
In Virginia, while it is not mandatory for all drivers to carry auto insurance, the state does require that those who choose not to have insurance pay an Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). For those who do opt for insurance, the minimum coverage required includes $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons, and $20,000 for property damage. The cost of auto insurance in Virginia, as in other states, can be influenced by various factors, including the driver's record. Traffic violations such as speeding tickets can increase insurance premiums significantly, and more severe infractions like DUI/DWI or hit-and-run can lead to even higher rate hikes. Drivers in Virginia who have received a ticket or citation that may impact their insurance rates should consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in traffic violations and insurance law to explore their options and potentially mitigate the consequences.