How Much Is Car Insurance in Virginia? (September 2024)

In Virginia, the annual average cost for a full coverage car insurance policy is roughly $1,131, while minimum coverage policies typically average around $551 annually. Car insurance premiums are complex, and several factors can influence how much you pay.

A person's age, the level of coverage they choose, and the area they live in all influence costs. Your driving record and credit history are important factors insurance companies look at when setting rates. Keeping a clean driving record and good credit can contribute to more affordable car insurance options.

Virginia's average full coverage car insurance cost is about $1,131 yearly. Knowing the average car insurance cost in Virginia can help when you begin comparing car insurance quotes.

Here's what you might pay for auto insurance in Virginia, from minimum coverage to full protection:

Car insurance in Virginia is generally more affordable compared to the national average cost of car insurance. The average annual premium for full coverage in Virginia with a $1,000 deductible is $1,131, which breaks down to about $94 per month. In comparison, the national average for a similar policy is $1,330 annually, or $111 monthly, making Virginia's rates more affordable.

The reason for the more affordable cost of car insurance in Virginia is likely due to the competition among insurance providers in the state, which can drive down prices. Other contributing factors include Virginia's good road conditions and a lower number of uninsured drivers, all of which can influence insurance costs. Additionally, the competitive insurance market in Virginia, along with the state's well-maintained road conditions and effective traffic enforcement, helps in keeping insurance costs at reasonable levels. The average annual cost for minimum coverage in Virginia is $551 compared to the national average of $615.

Car insurance premiums can differ greatly between companies, even within the same state. In Virginia, for example, Virginia Farm Bureau offers the most cost-effective full coverage option at around $743 annually, while Kemper stands on the pricier end with an average annual premium of $2,184.

Shopping around can lead to significant savings, so it's crucial to check out various providers to secure the cheapest car insurance in Virginia.

The cost of car insurance in Virginia is also influenced by the level of coverage you select. For instance, choosing minimum coverage might cost you about $46 monthly, whereas opting for full coverage, specifically the 100/300/100 full coverage policy with a $1,000 deductible, could cost you approximately $94 every month. It's often suggested to go for full coverage car insurance due to the broader financial protection it offers, despite its higher price point.

Adding comprehensive and collision coverages boosts your premium, but you can mitigate this increase by selecting higher deductibles. Opting for higher deductibles can make your insurance more affordable while still maintaining the valuable protection these coverages provide. Each choice of deductible applies separately to the comprehensive and collision portions of the policy, giving you some control over the cost and coverage balance.

In Virginia, the minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, $20,000 for property damage per accident and equal limits for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Your car insurance premiums can change just by where you live. The full coverage rate in Virginia Beach is $987, while in Norfolk it jumps to $1,142.

In Virginia, factors like the number of uninsured drivers, local crime rates and traffic congestion can affect car insurance costs. Other considerations include state laws and the frequency of natural disasters.

Age does affect the cost of car insurance in Virginia, with younger drivers typically paying more. Drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest rates, averaging $1,426 annually. Premiums generally decrease as they grow older, with those aged 30-59 paying about $1,131. The curve of car insurance premiums shows younger drivers pay the most, and rates drop around age 30, stabilizing as drivers mature, before inching up again after age 60 to an average of $1,143.

In Virginia, car insurance rates vary by age and gender. For instance, a 16-year-old male driver added to a family policy averages a high annual cost of $3,458, the steepest premium across all ages.

Teens under 18 usually cannot legally purchase their own car insurance without a guardian's co-signature. If a 16-year-old opts for an individual policy, the premium soars to $5,904.

The average annual cost for full coverage car insurance for a 2012 car model is $968, whereas a 2022 model averages $1,197. The increase in premium is due to higher actual cash value and repair costs for newer models, along with a greater risk of theft. Drivers of newer cars should opt for comprehensive and collision coverage, offering protection against a wider range of incidents.

In Virginia, your driving record plays a significant role in determining the average cost of car insurance.

• With a ticket: $1,527 per year; $127 per month
• With an at-fault accident: $1,726 per year; $144 per month
• With a DUI: $1,800 per year; $150 per month

Violations like tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs will increase your car insurance premiums. The more severe the violation, the more you'll pay, and this increase will continue as long as the violation stays on your record. The duration of how long a violation affects your premiums can vary; for instance, in Virginia, a DUI stays on your record for up to 5 years, a DWI for 10 years and a reckless driving violation for 11 years.

The table shows the average cost of minimum coverage or full coverage insurance in Virginia for various driving records, including by age group.

The average cost of car insurance in Virginia can substantially vary with credit scores ranging from as low as $780 for those with excellent credit to a high $1,535 for drivers with poor credit. A good credit score can significantly affect your car insurance rates in this state. Lower credit scores often lead to higher insurance premiums as insurers view those individuals as riskier to insure.

Understanding the average cost of car insurance in Virginia hinges on several key factors directly impacting premiums. Here are some factors of importance:

• Driving Record: A clean driving record can lead to more affordable plans, whereas traffic violations and accidents often result in higher car insurance rates.
• Age and Experience: Younger, less experienced drivers may face higher rates, as insurers view them as higher risk. Rates can decrease with age and a solid driving history.
• Credit Score: Insurers in Virginia consider credit scores when determining rates. Higher scores can contribute to lower premiums, reflecting a responsible financial history.
• Vehicle Type: The make, model and age of your vehicle affect insurance rates. High-performance or luxury vehicles often incur higher premiums compared to economy models.
• Location Within Virginia: Rates vary significantly across different areas. Urban regions with dense traffic tend to have higher insurance costs than rural areas.
• Coverage Level: Opting for state minimum coverage will be more affordable than a comprehensive plan. However, additional coverage options like collision insurance and comprehensive insurance provide broader protection.
• Annual Mileage: The amount you drive can influence your premium. Less time on the road generally means less risk and can lead to discounts.

Each of these factors is taken into account to calculate individual insurance premiums, which is why rates can vary so widely between drivers.

To secure affordable car insurance in Virginia, compare rates from various providers, opt for a higher deductible and fully use all applicable discounts to lower premiums.

Find concise explanations about car insurance rates and how you can find affordable coverage in Virginia.