The Virginia Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee allows a motor vehicle owner to register an uninsured motor vehicle. At the time of registration, the motor vehicle owner must certify whether the vehicle is insured or uninsured.
If the vehicle is uninsured, the motor vehicle owner is required to pay to DMV a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee in addition to normal registration fees. Payment of the $500 fee does not provide the motorist with any insurance coverage. If involved in an accident, the uninsured motorist remains personally liable. This fee is valid for twelve months but may be prorated for a shorter amount of time.
Payment Plan Program
Eligible vehicle owners may enter into a Payment Plan Program to pay the UMV fee over time.
Penalties
Motor vehicle owners who falsely certify that they have insurance and are found by DMV to be uninsured face stiff penalties. In addition to facing suspension of all driver and registration privileges, compliance includes payment of a $600 noncompliance fee, a $145 reinstatement fee and filing proof of insurance and financial responsibility (form SR-22) for three years.
During the three-year period, insurance companies cooperate with DMV by providing notification if a policy is canceled. This requirement to maintain proof of insurance enables DMV to ensure that these motor vehicle owners maintain liability insurance on their registered vehicles. Eligible vehicle owners may enter into a Payment Plan Program to pay the noncompliance fee over time.
Reporting a Crash Involving an Uninsured Vehicle
An individual may report a crash to DMV if they suspect that the other vehicle involved in the crash is uninsured.