After a DUI or Violation in Virginia: What Happens Next

Your current insurer will likely non-renew your policy, Virginia typically requires FR-44 or SR-22 filing for three years, and your premium may increase 50-200%. Here's what you need to do immediately and what it will cost.

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Updated April 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Virginia

After a DUI conviction, license suspension, or serious violation in Virginia, your current insurance carrier will typically issue a non-renewal notice — not an immediate cancellation. This means coverage continues until your policy term ends, but you must find a new carrier before that date. Virginia typically requires drivers with certain violations to maintain an FR-44 or SR-22 certificate for three years, proving continuous coverage at state-mandated minimum liability limits. Missing this requirement or allowing coverage to lapse resets the filing period and extends your suspension.

50/100/40 typical for Virginia DUI offenses

FR-44 Certificate

An FR-44 is not insurance itself — it is a certificate your insurer files with the state proving you maintain the higher liability limits Virginia requires after a DUI. Not all carriers offer FR-44 filing, so you'll typically need to work with a non-standard or high-risk insurance carrier. The certificate costs $15-$50 to file and must remain active continuously for the full three-year period.

25/50/20 typical for non-DUI violations

SR-22 Certificate

An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files proving you carry Virginia's minimum required liability coverage after certain violations. It is required for suspensions related to driving uninsured, accumulating too many points, or certain other offenses. Like FR-44, it must be maintained without lapse for the duration specified by the state — typically three years.

Varies by carrier

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard auto insurance is coverage sold by carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers — those with DUIs, violations, lapses, or suspensions on their record. These carriers accept the risk standard insurers decline and are typically the only option for drivers who need FR-44 or SR-22 filing. Premiums are significantly higher than standard market rates.

State minimums or higher

High-Risk Auto Insurance

High-risk auto insurance is designed for drivers classified as high-risk due to violations, DUIs, accidents, or license suspensions. Policies are typically offered by non-standard carriers and include the required state filing if needed. Rates reflect the increased likelihood of future claims based on your driving record.

25/50/20 minimum; 50/100/40 for FR-44

Liability Insurance

Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to others in an accident. Virginia requires all drivers to carry minimum liability limits, and those limits increase substantially if you need FR-44 filing after a DUI. You cannot legally drive in Virginia without maintaining these minimums, and proof of coverage must be filed with the state if you have a suspension or certain violations.

State-Mandated Minimum Coverage · Virginia

Virginia Minimum Coverage

Coverage	Minimum
Bodily Injury (per person)	$50,000,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)	$100,000,000
Property Damage	$25,000,000

License Reinstatement Fee$145

Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your Virginia quote.

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How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Virginia?

Insurance premiums for Virginia drivers with violations or DUIs are typically 50-200% higher than standard rates, depending on the severity of the offense and your overall driving record. DUI offenses result in the highest increases, often doubling or tripling your premium for the first three years. Rates begin to decrease after the violation ages beyond three years, but a DUI typically remains a rating factor for five to seven years.

What Affects Your Rate

Violation type — DUI offenses result in the highest rate increases, often 100-200% above standard rates
Filing requirement — FR-44 filing for DUI typically results in higher premiums than SR-22 filing for other violations
Age and driving history — younger drivers or those with multiple violations face steeper increases
Carrier availability — fewer carriers offer coverage to high-risk drivers in Virginia, reducing competition and increasing rates
Location within Virginia — urban areas such as Richmond and Virginia Beach typically see higher rates due to higher accident frequency
Time since violation — rates begin to decrease after three years and normalize after five to seven years

Minimum Liability

$150-$300/month

State-required minimum coverage only. This option meets legal requirements and filing obligations but provides no coverage for damage to your own vehicle.

Standard Coverage

$200-$400/month

Liability limits above minimums plus collision and comprehensive coverage with higher deductibles. This provides broader protection while keeping premiums lower than full coverage.

Full Coverage

$300-$600/month

Higher liability limits, lower deductibles, and additional coverages such as uninsured motorist and medical payments. This option provides maximum protection but is the most expensive for high-risk drivers.