Virginia Windshield Laws: Insurance Now Required and Strict Inspection Standards

Virginia's auto insurance landscape changed dramatically in 2024.

For decades, Virginia was one of only two states (along with New Hampshire) where drivers could legally operate vehicles without insurance by paying an annual Uninsured Motorist Fee. That option ended on July 1, 2024. Auto insurance is now mandatory in Virginia, and the rules for windshield coverage and inspections remain strict.

This guide is part of our State-by-State Windshield Insurance Coverage Series. Compare with New Hampshire (still does not require insurance) and Florida (mandatory insurance with zero-deductible glass).

The Big Change: Insurance Is Now Mandatory

What Changed on July 1, 2024

Before July 2024, Virginia drivers had a choice: purchase auto insurance or pay a $500 annual Uninsured Motorist Fee (UMV Fee) to the DMV. This fee allowed legal operation of a vehicle without any insurance coverage.

Senate Bill 951 eliminated this option. As of July 1, 2024, all vehicles registered in Virginia must carry minimum liability insurance. The uninsured driving option no longer exists.

Why This Matters for Windshields

Under the old system, drivers who paid the UMV Fee had zero windshield coverage—any damage meant paying completely out of pocket. Now that insurance is mandatory, all Virginia drivers have the opportunity to add comprehensive coverage, which includes windshield protection.

If you were previously paying the UMV Fee, you now need a full insurance policy. This is a good time to consider adding comprehensive coverage for windshield protection.

Current Insurance Requirements

Virginia's minimum liability coverage requirements (increased January 1, 2025) are $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is automatically included at the same limits unless you specifically decline it.

Comprehensive coverage, which covers windshield damage, remains optional. You must specifically add it to your policy.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

Since insurance is now mandatory, driving without coverage carries serious consequences. Suspension of driver's license and vehicle registration. Fine of $600 for noncompliance. Reinstatement fee of $145. Requirement to file SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) for three years.

Virginia Windshield Inspection Standards

Annual Safety Inspections

Virginia requires annual vehicle safety inspections conducted by certified stations authorized by the Virginia State Police. Windshield condition is evaluated according to detailed criteria in the Virginia Official Safety Inspection Manual.

Specific Rejection Criteria (19VAC30-70-210)

Virginia has precise windshield damage limits that will cause inspection failure.

Driver's Side (Wiper-Swept Area): Any scratch more than 1/4 inch in width and 6 inches long within the area covered by the windshield wiper, excluding the 3 inches above the bottom of the windshield. This strict standard protects the driver's primary viewing area.

Anywhere on Windshield: Any pit, chip, or star crack larger than 1-1/2 inches in diameter at any location. Cracks of this size compromise structural integrity and visibility.

General Standard: Any crack, chip, or defect that obstructs the driver's vision, with particular scrutiny on damage within the critical viewing area.

Legal Requirements (Virginia Code 46.2-1052)

Beyond inspection, Virginia law requires windshields to be free from defects that obstruct the driver's view. This includes cracks, chips, discoloration, or any damage that impairs visibility. Significant obstructions in the driver's line of sight can result in citations even between inspections.

Windshield Insurance Coverage in Virginia

No Zero-Deductible Law

Virginia has no statute requiring zero-deductible windshield coverage like Florida, nor a requirement to offer low-deductible options like Massachusetts or Arizona. Your windshield coverage depends entirely on your policy terms.

Comprehensive Coverage Required

To have any windshield coverage in Virginia, you must purchase comprehensive insurance. This is optional coverage that protects against non-collision damage including road debris, vandalism, weather, and theft. Without comprehensive coverage, you pay out of pocket for any windshield damage.

Deductibles Apply

Unlike Florida, Virginia allows insurers to apply your full comprehensive deductible to windshield claims. If your deductible is $500 and your windshield replacement costs $400, insurance pays nothing.

Some insurers offer glass coverage endorsements or deductible waivers for repairs (not replacements) to encourage prompt attention to minor damage. Check with your insurer about available options.

Repair vs. Replacement Coverage

Many Virginia insurers waive the deductible for windshield repairs (as opposed to full replacements). Since repairs are much cheaper than replacements, insurers have financial incentive to encourage early repair of small chips before they become large cracks. This is insurer practice, not Virginia law.

Filing a Windshield Claim in Virginia

Step 1: Verify You Have Comprehensive Coverage

Check your policy for comprehensive coverage. If you only have liability (the minimum required), you have no windshield coverage. Consider adding comprehensive coverage at your next renewal.

Step 2: Assess Against Inspection Standards

Use Virginia's inspection criteria: scratches over 1/4 inch wide and 6 inches long in the wiper area fail, as do chips/cracks larger than 1-1/2 inches anywhere. If your damage exceeds these limits, you must repair before your next inspection.

Step 3: File the Claim

Contact your insurer to file a comprehensive claim. Be prepared to pay your deductible unless the damage can be repaired (some insurers waive deductibles for repairs).

Step 4: Choose Your Glass Shop

You can choose your own glass shop in Virginia. Insurers may recommend preferred vendors but cannot require you to use them.

Step 5: Confirm Parts Quality

Virginia requires replacement glass to be "of the same kind and quality" as the original. For vehicles with ADAS systems, OEM glass may be necessary for proper sensor function.

Step 6: Address ADAS Recalibration

If your vehicle has ADAS features, ensure recalibration is included. Virginia has no specific statute mandating ADAS coverage, but most insurers will cover recalibration as part of restoring the vehicle to pre-loss condition.

The Transition: Former UMV Fee Payers

If you previously paid the Uninsured Motorist Fee instead of carrying insurance, your situation has changed significantly.

Before July 2024: You could legally drive without insurance. Any windshield damage was 100% out of pocket.

After July 2024: You must carry minimum liability insurance. You now have the option to add comprehensive coverage for windshield protection.

Recommendation: When purchasing your new required policy, seriously consider adding comprehensive coverage. The additional cost is typically modest, and Virginia's strict inspection standards mean you will eventually need to address windshield damage. Having coverage protects you from unexpected expenses.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: Virginia still allows driving without insurance if you pay a fee.

Fact: The Uninsured Motorist Fee option ended July 1, 2024. Insurance is now mandatory for all Virginia vehicles.

Myth: Virginia has free windshield replacement.

Fact: Virginia has no zero-deductible law. You pay your comprehensive deductible for windshield replacement.

Myth: Any windshield crack will fail inspection.

Fact: Virginia has specific limits: 1/4 inch wide by 6 inches long scratches in wiper area, or 1-1/2 inch chips/cracks anywhere. Smaller damage may pass if it does not obstruct vision.

Myth: I can choose aftermarket glass and insurers must pay the same.

Fact: Virginia requires replacement glass to be "of the same kind and quality," but insurers may default to aftermarket glass that meets this standard. Request OEM if preferred, especially for ADAS-equipped vehicles.

Comparison: Virginia vs. Other States

Virginia vs. New Hampshire: New Hampshire still does not require auto insurance—the only remaining state with this policy. Virginia eliminated its similar option in 2024. Both states have strict windshield inspection requirements.

Virginia vs. Florida: Florida requires insurance and provides automatic zero-deductible windshield coverage for comprehensive policyholders. Virginia requires insurance but has no zero-deductible provision.

Virginia vs. Massachusetts: Massachusetts requires insurers to offer low-deductible ($0 or $100) glass coverage. Virginia has no such requirement—coverage depends on your policy terms.

The Bottom Line for Virginia Drivers

Virginia has entered a new era of mandatory auto insurance, but windshield coverage remains optional and follows standard comprehensive coverage rules.

Key Takeaways: Insurance is now mandatory—no more UMV Fee option. Add comprehensive coverage to protect your windshield. Know the inspection limits: 1/4" x 6" scratches, 1-1/2" chips/cracks. Deductibles apply to windshield claims unless your insurer waives them for repairs. Former UMV Fee payers should consider comprehensive coverage when purchasing their newly required policies.

Related Resources

For a comprehensive overview of windshield insurance across all states, see our Complete State-by-State Windshield Insurance Coverage Guide.

For comparison with the remaining state that doesn't require insurance, see our New Hampshire Windshield Laws Guide.

For comparison with automatic zero-deductible coverage, see our Florida Windshield Insurance Guide.

To understand windshield warranties and insurance fundamentals, read our Windshield Warranties and Insurance Consumer Guide.

Related Technical Guides

Understanding windshield technology helps you make informed decisions about replacement and insurance claims.

Learn how glass quality affects safety in our OEM vs OEE vs Aftermarket Windshields Guide.

If your vehicle has driver assistance features, see our ADAS Calibration Guide to understand recalibration requirements after replacement.

Understand why windshield quality matters for crash safety in our Structural Safety Guide.

For a comprehensive overview of all state laws, see our State Windshield Insurance Laws Hub.