Virginia: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 11 topic we track for Virginia on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Virginia compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Uninsured drivers

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	2 years
Property damage	5 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$50,000 / $100,000 / $25,000
Fault system	At-fault (the driver who caused it pays)
Shared-fault rule	Contributory negligence: any fault (even 1%) can bar recovery

Claim deadlines Checked on official source

Acknowledge	15 calendar days
Accept or deny	15 calendar days after proof of loss, or a written explanation of why more time is needed
Pay	Not set by rule

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$5,000
Filing fee	About $36 plus $12 service
Lawyers	Generally not allowed

Total loss rules

Total loss rule	75% of actual cash value

Dog bite rules Single detailed source

Rule	One-bite rule
Details	One-bite rule

Shared fault rules

Rule	Contributory negligence
When you are barred	Barred if you are even 1% at fault

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Death or injury
Deadline	Immediately

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	Yes, all drivers (primary)
Texting ban	Yes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	Universal
Who must wear one	All riders (universal law)

Uninsured drivers

Drivers uninsured	12.9%
UM/UIM coverage	Uninsured and underinsured motorist required