Jurisdictional Limits and Minimum Motor Vehicle Insurance Coverage in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia
February 24, 2022
| VIRGINIA | |
| Minimum Liability/UIM Insurance Coverage | Property Damage/Single Claimant/Per Occurrence |
| $20,000/$25,000/$50,000 (for claims arising before January 1, 2022 | |
| $20,000/$30,000/$60,000 (for claims arising between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024) | |
| $25,000/$50,000/$100,000 (for claims arising after January 1, 2025) | |
| General District Court (GDC) Jurisdictional Limit | $50,000 (was $25,000 prior to July 1, 2021) |
| GDC Jury Demand/Appeal | No right to demand a jury in GDC; however an appeal is de novo and a jury may be demanded on appeal to the Circuit Court |
| MARYLAND | |
| Minimum Liability/UIM Insurance Coverage | Property Damage/Single Claimant/Per Occurrence $15,000/$30,000/$60,000 |
| Small Claims Jurisdictional Limit (In District Court) | $5,000 |
| Small Claims Appeal | Appeals to the Circuit Court from Small Claims are de novo. There is no right to a jury in Small Claims on appeal |
| District Court Jurisdictional Limit | $30,000 |
| District Court Jury Demand/Appeal | If the Complaint’s ad damnum demand exceeds $15,000, the Defendant may demand a jury and the case will be transferred to Circuit Court. Appeals from the District Court (except for Small Claims) are de novo |
| District of Columbia | |
| Minimum Liability/UIM Insurance Coverage | Property Damage/Single Claimant/Per Occurrence $10,000/$25,000/$50,000 |
| Small Claims Jurisdictional Limit | $10,000 |
| Small Claims Jury Demand/Appeal | A Defendant may demand a jury in any Small Claims case and the case will be transferred to the Circuit Court. Appeals from a Small Claims judgment are on the record in the Court of Appeals, but are permitted only in the discretion of the Court of Appeals |
The interaction between each venue’s minimum limits of liability coverage and the jurisdictional limits of each court (along with the varying evidentiary and procedural rules) can create potential issues (such as excess exposure due to amendment and limitations on post-judgment review). Additionally, the period of time to attempt to request a jury or appeal varies, and may be quite short. Consultation with an attorney who practices in the venue is recommended before making a final decision.