Virginia Bureau of Insurance

Office address: 1300 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219  
Website: scc.virginia.gov/boi 
Year established: 1906 
Employees: N/A 
Key people: Scott A. White (commissioner); Dan Bumpus, Richard Tozer, Doug Stolte, Julie Blauvelt, and Zuhairah Tillinghast (deputy commissioners); Greg Smith (manager) 
Operating budget: N/A 

This page covers the agency often referred to as the Virginia Department of Insurance, officially named the Virginia Bureau of Insurance (BOI). It operates under the State Corporation Commission (SCC) and oversees insurers, agencies, and agents through licensing, compliance, and consumer protection. 

History of Virginia Bureau of Insurance 

The Virginia BOI was created in 1906 to oversee the state’s growing insurance market. The law was passed after strong support from Virginia’s independent insurance agents.  

Col. Joseph Button, a former clerk of the senate, was appointed as the Bureau’s first commissioner. Since then, the agency has expanded its regulatory reach and consumer protection efforts.  

Recent milestones in the Virginia Bureau of Insurance’s growth include: 

• 2000: Managed Care Ombudsman Office formally integrated into BOI 
• 2010: agency structure reaffirmed and expanded to multiple divisions 
• 2016: Michael Beavers named deputy commissioner for agent regulation 
• 2018: Scott White appointed commissioner by the SCC 
• 2022: strong year for complaints processed and external appeals 

In 2024, Commissioner Scott White was elected NAIC president-elect for 2025, following leadership appointments for the association's upcoming term. As head of the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, he will help lead national efforts on data privacy, climate risk, and consumer protection. 

Virginia Bureau of Insurance mandate 

The Virginia BOI operates under the SCC and derives its legal authority from Title 38.2 of the Code of Virginia. It is empowered to license, examine, and regulate insurers, agencies, and insurance professionals in the state. Its divisions are: 

1. financial regulation 
2. life and health market regulation 
3. property and casualty market regulation 
4. agent regulation 
5. policy, compliance and administration 

The agency is led by the commissioner of insurance, who is appointed by the SCC’s three-member commission, not by the governor or through public election. Since January 2018, Scott White has served as commissioner and brings two decades of experience within the Bureau. 

Key responsibilities  

The Virginia Bureau of Insurance plays a central role in protecting policyholders and keeping Virginia’s insurance industry in check. It carries out specific duties like: 

• issuing and renewing licenses: for insurers, agencies, brokers, adjusters, and HMOs 
• reviewing rate and form filings: across life, health, property, and casualty lines 
• monitoring financial solvency: through audits and examinations 
• investigating consumer complaints: through its consumer services team 
• overseeing market conduct exams: to enforce state insurance laws 
• operating ombudsman and review programs: including managed care and external appeals 
• enforcing violations by licensees: involving agents, agencies, and insurers 
• leading public education efforts: on insurance rights and protections 
• maintaining digital access tools: for filings, complaints, and public records 

These responsibilities help maintain a stable and trusted insurance system across the state. The Bureau’s oversight protects coverage, promotes compliance, and prevents harmful business practices. 

Recent initiatives and regulatory focus 

In March 2025, Virginia passed a new law that increased reporting and tax rules for surplus lines brokers. By the time the law was implemented, the Virginia Bureau of Insurance had issued guidance clarifying reporting and licensing requirements. The change shows the BOI’s role in setting insurance compliance standards in Virginia. 

The Bureau is also leading a review of Virginia’s Essential Health Benefits benchmark plan. A stakeholder workgroup developed draft updates through a series of meetings. Final recommendations are scheduled for review by the Health Insurance Reform Commission. 

Consumer protection and outreach 

The Virginia Bureau of Insurance helps consumers resolve issues and learn about insurance coverage. It provides public-facing services that include: 

• consumer complaint portal: allows filing and tracking insurance grievances 
• consumer assistance and outreach guide: offers free materials and events 
• rate and form search tool: lets users view insurer filings 
• educational exhibits and speaker program: provides outreach at community events 

These services make insurance more transparent and easier to understand. The BOI’s efforts increase consumer trust and knowledge in Virginia’s insurance system.