Auto Insurance in the US Virgin Islands

Last Updated on January 2, 2026

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are a U.S. territory, but auto insurance rules don’t always work exactly the same way as they do on the mainland.

Maybe you’re renting a car for a vacation. Maybe you’re moving to St. Thomas, St. John, or St. Croix and need to register a vehicle. Either way, it’s important to understand USVI minimum coverage requirements, what “proof of insurance” looks like, and when you may need to buy extra protection.

Below is a practical guide to car insurance in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including required limits, optional coverages, rental car insurance tips, and the local insurers and agencies people commonly use.

Key Takeaways

Minimum Limits Depend on Vehicle Type: Most private passenger vehicles are commonly listed at 10/20/10, while rental vehicles fall under a higher per-accident bodily injury minimum.
Registration Is Tied to Insurance: USVI registration typically requires liability insurance from a carrier authorized in the territory, and lapses can trigger registration and license issues.
Carry Proof of Coverage: Keep your insurance ID card available—USVI drivers can be fined for failing to present proof when lawfully requested.
Rental Coverage Isn’t Automatic: Before a USVI trip, confirm whether your personal auto policy or credit card extends coverage—or plan to buy protection through the rental company.

Table Of Contents

Car Insurance Requirements in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Types of Car Insurance Available in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Insurance for Rental Cars in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Moving to the USVI? What to Know About Insurance and Registration
Best Car Insurance Companies in the U.S. Virgin Islands
FAQs on Car Insurance in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Final Word on Car Insurance in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Car Insurance Requirements in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Like most places, the USVI require drivers to have car insurance to legally drive. For most drivers, that means carrying minimum liability insurance so there’s coverage available if you cause an accident that injures someone or damages property.

In the USVI, minimum required limits vary by vehicle type. Here are the minimum liability limits commonly referenced under the USVI compulsory auto liability law:

Vehicle Type	Minimum Bodily Injury (Per Person)	Minimum Bodily Injury (Per Accident)	Minimum Property Damage (Per Accident)
Private passenger vehicles (and light trucks ≤ ¾ ton)	$10,000	$20,000	$10,000
Taxicabs (≤ 9 passengers) and rental vehicles	$10,000	$25,000	$10,000
Trucks > ¾ ton and other non-passenger vehicles	$10,000	$25,000	$10,000
Buses (10+ passengers, unless higher limits are required)	$10,000	$50,000	$10,000
Motorcycles (and other 2- or 3-wheeled motor vehicles)	$10,000	$20,000	$10,000

These are minimum liability limits. Many drivers choose higher limits to better protect their savings and assets.

Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to other people and property. If you want a deeper explanation of how liability works, this guide breaks it down clearly: auto liability insurance explained.

Why higher limits usually make sense: A 10/20/10-style policy can run out fast in a serious crash (especially if there are multiple injuries). Once your policy hits its limit, you may be responsible for the remaining costs out of pocket.

Proof of Insurance Requirements in the USVI

USVI drivers should keep proof of coverage with them. If you have valid insurance but can’t present proof when requested, you may still face a fine.

For USVI residents, insurance is also closely tied to your vehicle registration. The USVI Bureau of Motor Vehicles notes that insurance must be issued by a carrier authorized in the Virgin Islands, and failing to maintain coverage can lead to registration and license suspension (plus reinstatement fees). If you’re unsure how long you can go uncovered, see: driving without insurance.

Types of Car Insurance Available in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Some drivers stick to the required liability limits. Others add coverage to protect their own vehicle and reduce out-of-pocket risk. Common options include:

Bodily Injury Liability: Bodily injury liability coverage helps pay for injuries you cause to others in an at-fault accident (medical bills, lost wages, legal defense, and more).

Property Damage Liability: Property damage liability helps pay for damage you cause to someone else’s car or property.

Medical Payments (MedPay): Medical payments coverage can help pay medical expenses for you and your passengers after a crash, regardless of fault (up to your policy limit).

Collision Coverage: Collision coverage helps pay to repair your vehicle after an accident (usually subject to a deductible).

Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage helps pay for non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, falling objects, and weather-related damage (also usually subject to a deductible).

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Because not everyone carries enough coverage, many drivers choose uninsured motorist coverage to help protect themselves if they’re hit by a driver with no insurance (or not enough).

Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): Some insurers offer accidental death and dismemberment coverage as an optional add-on that pays benefits for certain severe injuries or death.

Insurance for Rental Cars in the U.S. Virgin Islands

If you’re renting a car in the USVI, don’t assume your protection automatically transfers from the mainland. Some policies extend coverage to U.S. territories, while others limit coverage by geography or claim type.

Before your trip, confirm:

Does my personal auto policy cover rentals in the USVI? Start here: does my auto insurance policy cover rental cars?
Does my credit card provide rental coverage in the USVI? Many cards only cover damage to the rental car (not liability), and terms vary by card: what does your credit card cover when renting a car?
What does the rental company include vs. sell as add-ons? This guide explains common options like LDW/CDW, supplemental liability, and personal accident coverage: rental car insurance explained

Practical tip: Ask your insurer to confirm coverage in writing (email is fine), and bring a copy of your declarations page or proof of insurance. If you can’t get confirmation, consider purchasing coverage through the rental company so you’re not stuck paying out of pocket.

Moving to the USVI? What to Know About Insurance and Registration

If you’re relocating and registering a vehicle in the USVI, don’t treat insurance as an afterthought. The USVI BMV generally expects your liability coverage to be issued by a carrier authorized to do business in the Virgin Islands, remain in effect for the full registration period (even if the vehicle isn’t being used), and be issued in the same name as the registrant.

If you’re trying to avoid headaches at the BMV, set your policy up first, then schedule your registration steps. If you’re shopping for broader protection (liability + comp/collision), use this guide to understand what people mean by “full coverage”: buying full coverage auto insurance.

Best Car Insurance Companies in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Some mainland insurers may cover you temporarily as a visitor, but most USVI residents wind up purchasing coverage through local insurers and agencies that regularly write policies for vehicles garaged in the territory.

Guardian Insurance Company (GIC)

Guardian Insurance Company is a major local provider in the USVI and offers personal and commercial auto coverage. Guardian also reports an A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good), and A.M. Best has issued recent rating updates on Guardian’s credit ratings.

Family Insurance Agency

Family Insurance Agency is a USVI-based independent agency that can help you compare options for auto and other lines of coverage—useful if you want help shopping multiple carriers instead of getting a single-company quote.

FirstBank Insurance Agency

FirstBank Insurance Agency offers personal insurance options (including auto) for customers in the Virgin Islands. It can be a good starting point if you prefer working through an agency connected to a larger financial institution.

Annaly Insurance Co. (St. Croix)

Annaly Insurance is a St. Croix-based agency that offers auto insurance and other coverage types. If you’re on St. Croix and want a local office, it’s a common option to compare.

If you’re also researching insurance rules in nearby U.S. territories, you may find this helpful: best car insurance in Puerto Rico.

FAQs on Car Insurance in the U.S. Virgin Islands

What are the minimum car insurance limits in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

USVI minimum liability limits vary by vehicle type. For many private passenger vehicles, the minimum is commonly shown as 10/20/10 ($10,000 per person bodily injury, $20,000 per accident bodily injury, and $10,000 property damage). Some vehicles—like rental cars and certain commercial vehicles—have higher minimums in the statute.

Do rental cars in the USVI include the required liability insurance?

Rental vehicles are listed under a higher minimum liability category in the USVI statute, which generally means the vehicle owner (the rental company) must carry at least the required liability coverage. However, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re fully protected—your rental agreement may still make you responsible for damage to the rental car and costs above minimum limits. Always read the rental contract.

Do I need proof of insurance in the car in the USVI?

Yes. USVI drivers should carry proof of insurance and be ready to show it upon lawful request. If you have valid coverage but can’t present proof, you may still face a fine.

Can the USVI BMV suspend my registration or license if my insurance lapses?

Yes. The BMV notes that failing to maintain valid insurance coverage can lead to suspension of your vehicle registration and driver’s license, along with reinstatement fees. Avoid coverage gaps whenever possible.

Does my mainland auto insurance cover me when I visit the USVI?

Sometimes—but not always. Some policies extend coverage to U.S. territories, while others exclude certain territories or limit specific coverages. The safest move is to call your insurer before you travel and ask for written confirmation that your liability and (if applicable) collision/comprehensive extend to rentals in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Does my credit card cover rental cars in the USVI?

It depends on the card and the benefit terms. Many cards only provide coverage for damage to the rental vehicle (not liability), and some have location restrictions. Check your guide to benefits before relying on it as your only protection.

Should I buy more than the minimum coverage in the USVI?

Often, yes. Minimum limits can be low compared to the real cost of injuries and vehicle repairs. If you have savings to protect—or you’d struggle to pay out of pocket after a serious crash—consider higher liability limits and adding collision/comprehensive (especially for newer vehicles).

Final Word on Car Insurance in the U.S. Virgin Islands

USVI auto insurance starts with meeting the minimum liability limits for your vehicle type—but the minimums can be low compared to the real cost of an accident. Whether you’re visiting or moving, the best approach is to confirm coverage details early, keep proof of insurance handy, and consider higher limits and physical damage coverage if you’d struggle to pay for a major claim out of pocket.