Your auto insurance cost depends on factors such as your age, location, driving record and others. To help you find the best car insurance in Virginia, MoneyGeek ranked the state’s leading providers based on customer service, rates and more. You can use MoneyGeek’s ratings to help you find suitable coverage options for your requirements and budget. When you compare car insurance costs from some of the top-rated companies in Virginia, you could save up to $679.
bestauto insuranceVirginia2021The Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Virginia
Cheapest for minimum liability - Progressive
Cheapest for full coverage - Progressive
Best company overall - GEICO
Cheapest for drivers with a DUI - Progressive
Cheapest for senior drivers - Progressive
Cheapest for student drivers - Progressive
Liability-only coverage is the most affordable car insurance available in Virginia. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it only covers the other party’s expenses in an at-fault accident, not your costs. To cover your own medical and vehicle repair costs, you need to buy a full coverage policy.
The cheapest car insurance providers in Virginia for minimum coverage are:
- USAA: $333 per year (only available to current or former military members)
- Progressive: $333 per year
The most expensive car insurance for minimum coverage is MetLife, costing an average of $681 per year.
Average Cost for Minimun Liability Coverage
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$333$28
- 2.$333$28
- 3.$350$29
- 4.$350$29
- 5.$392$33
Please note that the above costs are only averages and should be used to compare quotes between insurers.
These prices are only estimates based on rates for an average Virginia driver and should not be used to compare insurance prices.
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A minimum coverage plan in Virginia is the cheapest available. However, this policy only covers bodily injury and property damage liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Consumers looking to cover damages to their own car or improve their protection against higher liability costs should consider a full coverage policy.
A full coverage package with higher liability limits and comprehensive and collision insurance will ensure you’re covered in the event of most road accidents and off-road incidents in Virginia. While this plan costs more than minimum coverage, it protects against the cost of damages to your car, not just others. Consider comparing car insurance quotes from multiple providers to reduce your costs for this additional coverage.
The least expensive car insurance carriers in Virginia for full coverage are:
- Progressive: $504 per year
- USAA: $664 per year (only available to current or former military members)
MetLife is the priciest provider of full coverage, with average annual rates of $1,183.
Average Comprehensive and Collision Rates in Virginia
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$504$42
- 2.$664$55
- 3.$670$56
- 4.$676$56
- 5.$714$60
Please bear in mind that your premiums will be different than these examples. The prices listed above are for a policy with comprehensive and collision insurance and $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident and $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident.
The Best Car Insurance Companies in Virginia for 2021
According to MoneyGeek’s research, the best car insurance providers in Virginia for most drivers are:
- Best Overall: GEICO
- Runner-up: The Hartford
USAA received the highest score in Virginia by MoneyGeek's rating system. However, because USAA is only available to military members, veterans and their families, it is not listed as best overall.
MoneyGeek calculated overall auto insurance company scores out of 100 by giving equal weight to industry reports like J.D. Power’s claims and customer satisfaction analysis, AM Best’s financial strength rating and unique pricing data. You can use MoneyGeek’s rankings and comparative company scores to find the best car insurance provider in Virginia for your needs.
1
USAA
Score:100
USAA only serves veterans, current military personnel and their families. It is MoneyGeek’s top pick in Virginia, as it balances customer service, affordability and financial stability.
More About USAA
In most states, USAA is rated the best insurer; it scores the top spot in Virginia, too. This provider offers a discount to policyholders whose parents are also USAA customers. Another rebate is presented to active military members who garage their vehicles on base.
Read MoneyGeek's USAA auto Insurance Review2
GEICO
Score:93
GEICO gets the runner-up spot in Virginia. This provider scores high in affordability, user satisfaction and financial stability.
More About GEICO
GEICO offers many good features for the benefit of its customers in Virginia. These include a mobile app you can use to monitor your policy and submit claims effortlessly. You can also utilize the quote tool to get accurate rates and adjust your coverages with ease.
Read MoneyGeek's GEICO auto Insurance Review3
The Hartford
Score:88
4
State Farm
Score:85
5
Travelers
Score:85
6
Progressive
Score:80
7
Nationwide
Score:78
8
Farmers
Score:75
9
CSAA
Score:75
10
Allstate
Score:75
11
Plymouth Rock Assurance
Score:73
12
Liberty Mutual
Score:73
While USAA scores highly in many areas, this provider is only available to military members, veterans and their families.
List of the Largest Insurance Companies in Virginia
In terms of market share, the three largest insurers in Virginia are GEICO (19.0%), State Farm (16%) and USAA (13.3%). Market share is measured as the number of policies sold by an insurance company divided by the total number of policies sold in the state. It’s advisable to buy a policy from a large and established provider, as it offers extra financial security. A big company is more likely to be financially stable and can reimburse claims more easily than a smaller provider.
- CompanyMarket Share
- 1.19.0%
- 2.16.0%
- 3.13.3%
- 4.10.2%
- 5.9.4%
How to Compare Cheap Virginia Car Insurance Quotes Online
Most insurers offer a convenient online quote tool. While comparing quotes, you should use consistent coverage limits. For instance, if you get a rate from one provider for comprehensive and collision insurance with a $500 deductible, you should use the same figures while obtaining prices from another carrier.
Provide your ZIP code below to compare rates or use MoneyGeek’s price information to select suitable company websites to shop on. In Virginia, the three least expensive companies for liability coverage are USAA, Progressive and Erie. We recommend you kick off your search by getting quotes from these providers.
What Is the Average Cost of Car Insurance in Virginia?
MoneyGeek determined the average costs for 100/300/100 comprehensive and collision insurance for a 40-year-old male driver of a Toyota Camry with a clean driving record. Your annual vehicle insurance premium may be higher or lower than these Virginia averages depending on your age, driving record, location and coverage level.
- Average Driver: $790
- DUI: $1,414
- Speeding Ticket: $977
- Poor Credit Score: $1,296
- Seniors: $852
- Students: $2,072
In Virginia and other states, a serious driving offense, such as driving under the influence (DUI), can significantly increase your car insurance premiums. The average price increase demonstrates the real cost of a DUI: A Virginia driver with a DUI on their record needs to pay $1,414 per year on average for their auto insurance, compared to $790 for a driver with a clean record.
The cheapest car insurance companies in Virginia for a driver with a DUI and full coverage are:
- Progressive: $706 per year
- State Farm: $814 per year
Although USAA is the second cheapest insurer for Virginia drivers with a clean record, State Farm has lower prices for those with a DUI.
Average Car Insurance Rates With a DUI
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$706$59
- 2.$814$68
- 3.$1,064$89
- 4.$1,159$97
- 5.$1,198$100
Driving under the influence is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the country. In Virginia, 2,278 people were killed in alcohol-related car accidents between 2009 and 2018. 1.6% of Virginia drivers report driving after drinking too much in the past 30 days. Being cited with a DUI will likely result in jail time, fines, a license suspension and a spike in your insurance rates. In the state of Virginia, DUI offenders can face a minimum of five days in jail, a minimum of $250 in fines and a one-year license suspension. The above table showcases what drivers in Virginia who get a DUI can expect to pay in auto insurance.
It’s not uncommon for insurance rates to double overnight after a DUI. The minimum estimated cost for a DUI is estimated at $45,435. Finding cheap car insurance with a DUI in Virginia will require requesting quotes from multiple insurance providers who will look at your offense in addition to other regularly considered factors (age, gender, etc.) to give you the best rate possible.
Even a ticket for a minor offense, like distracted driving, can hike your auto insurance premiums. A Virginia driver with a speeding ticket on their record needs to shell out an average annual amount of $977 for their car insurance coverage, compared to $790 for a driver without any tickets.
The most affordable car insurance carriers in Virginia for a driver with full coverage and a speeding ticket are:
- GEICO: $670 per year
- Progressive: $670 per year
Although USAA has the lowest rates for those with a clean record, these two companies are more affordable when you have a ticket on your record.
Average Car Insurance Rates With a Ticket
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$670$56
- 2.$670$56
- 3.$705$59
- 4.$804$67
- 5.$814$68
Distracted driving can raise your car insurance rates. It might feel like distracted driving or speeding shouldn’t result in a citation or an increase in insurance rates, but they are intended to discourage distracted driving and to keep people safe. According to Insurance.com, a texting ticket can cause your insurance rates to increase by 26% on average. The following chart features the rates that drivers in Virginia can expect to pay for auto insurance after receiving a distracted driving or speeding ticket.
If you do receive a speeding or distracted driving ticket, don’t panic. The amount your rate increases will depend on your insurance provider and your previous driving history, but you will likely see a change in your fees for months or years. To find cheap car insurance after getting a ticket in Virginia, speak with multiple top-rated auto insurance companies in Virginia to request a free car insurance quote before choosing your plan.
To get loans easily and to reduce your car insurance costs, it’s important to maintain a healthy credit score. In Virginia, a driver with a poor credit score is charged $1,296 per year on average for their car insurance, compared to $790 for the average driver with good credit.
The least expensive full coverage insurance policies in Virginia for drivers with poor credit are offered by:
- GEICO: $779 per year
- Progressive: $868 per year
USAA offers less expensive full coverage policies for those with healthy credit, while GEICO’s rates are cheaper for drivers with lower credit scores.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With Bad Credit
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$779$65
- 2.$868$72
- 3.$944$79
- 4.$1,125$94
- 5.$1,134$95
According to Experian, the average credit score in Virginia in 2019 was 709 — meaning most drivers score “good” on the FICO credit score scale. However, if you do have bad credit, it’s important to recognize the root of your credit issues to improve your credit score.
Senior drivers are typically charged slightly higher prices than the average driver. Car insurance for seniors in Virginia costs $852 annually, on average, compared to $790 for the average 40-year-old driver.
The cheapest car insurance companies in Virginia for senior drivers with full coverage are:
- Progressive: $567 per year
- Erie: $699 per year
Although USAA offers lower full coverage rates for the average adult driver, Progressive and Erie’s premiums are cheaper for senior drivers.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Seniors
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$567$47
- 2.$699$58
- 3.$732$61
- 4.$737$61
- 5.$757$63
Senior drivers face a unique set of driving challenges that come with age, such as vision and hearing loss, slower reflexes and shorter attention spans. Therefore, the state of Virginia has implemented a series of procedures and rules for mature drivers to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Drivers over the age of 75 must renew their license in person at the DMV every five years.
The above table shows what senior drivers in Virginia may pay for auto insurance.
Due to the increased risks older drivers face behind the wheel (16.5% of fatal car crashes in 2017 involved a driver over 65), insurance companies are often likely to increase their rates. However, senior drivers tend to have a lot of experience behind the wheel and often take more precautions— they’re more likely to wear a seatbelt while driving and avoid texting and talking on the phone. If you’re looking for affordable car insurance in Virginia as a senior, a good driving record can help keep your rates down.
Because of their relative inexperience, young student drivers are charged much higher rates than the average driver. In Virginia, the average teen driver is charged $2,072 per year for car insurance, compared to $790 for the average adult driver.
The most affordable car insurance providers in Virginia for student drivers with full coverage are:
- Progressive: $1,293 per year
- Nationwide: $1,928 per year
USAA’s full coverage prices are lower for the average adult driver, while Nationwide offers lower prices for student drivers.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Students
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$1,293$108
- 2.$1,928$161
- 3.$2,236$186
- 4.$2,395$200
- 5.$2,429$202
Virginia has put laws and regulations in place to keep young drivers safe. Still, auto insurance for teen drivers is almost always greater than for older drivers. To control these costs, the Virginia DMV suggests asking the insurance company for a higher deductible on any damages.
For college students enrolling in a school outside of Virginia, let the insurance company know if a vehicle will be used in the student's state for more than 30 days per year, or consider scaling back the student's coverage to "occasional driver" if your child won't be using a car often.
The table above demonstrates approximate rates for young drivers. Unfortunately, teen drivers lack maturity and experience behind the wheel and therefore are the >most expensive demographic to insure. Compare car insurance quotes and don’t forget to ask the insurance company about discounts for good grades and safe driving. Letting your teen use a large-frame family sedan with advanced crash protection and safety features may also lower your premium.
Insurance Rate Information for Military Drivers and Veterans
The major insurance carriers in Virginia offer reduced rates for the state's active-duty military personnel and veterans. Geico maintains a special military center to serve the numerous bases in Virginia. In addition, there are also specialty insurance carriers who work just with military families on their coverage needs. Get at least three price quotes in writing to make a good comparison of prevailing rates.
The state DMV guide for military personnel covers insurance, licensing and registration requirements for enlisted men and women. While stationed in Virginia, if you purchase a vehicle, you can register that vehicle in your home state or in Virginia. Vehicles titled and registered in your name can be driven with a valid out-of-state license plate, but only if you are the sole owner. Co-owners must also be on active duty; otherwise, the vehicle must be registered in Virginia.
If you're from Virginia but stationed outside the state, most of the business you would normally need to conduct with the DMV can be done online.
Insurers operating in Virginia that give discounts to military personnel and veterans include GEICO and USAA. With GEICO specifically, you may see discounts of up to 15%. The following table reflects estimates of what active-duty and veteran military personnel can expect to pay in Virginia for auto insurance.
Average Rates for Virginia service members
25 years$1,230
50 years$959
50 years$959
25 years$1,187
50 years$945
50 years$945
Car Insurance in Virginia: What You Need to Know
In Virginia, car owners are financially responsible for their vehicles, whether they're actively driven or parked by the curb. The state doesn't require insurance for vehicles stored on private property, but only if you don’t register them for road use. For example, if you’re restoring a classic Mustang in the garage, you don’t need to insure it until you’re ready to register and drive it.
Proof of Insurance in Virginia
Virginia drivers need to carry proof of insurance while driving. Although insurance carriers still recommend keeping a card in the glovebox, the Virginia code allows drivers to store their insurance information on a smartphone. The insurance card should have:
- Your name
- The policy number
- A telephone number to call for help in filing claims
You must provide proof of insurance after an accident or if a law enforcement officer requests it.
Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements in Virginia
Virginia requires liability insurance coverage of at least:
- $25,000 for injuries per person
- $50,000 for injuries per accident
- $20,000 for property damage
Virginia cracks down on uninsured motorists with an online verification system that detects vehicle owners who don't comply with state law.
Alternatives to Insurance in Virginia
If you own business vehicles, you may be able to self-insure them or purchase a surety bond in lieu of insurance.
If you don't have auto insurance, you can still register your vehicle in Virginia and buy license plates by paying a mandatory $500 uninsured motorist fee each year. Paying this fee does not provide any auto insurance coverage. If you're an uninsured driver in Virginia, remember that you are personally liable for any accident you cause.
How Much Coverage Do You Need in Virginia?
Nearly everyone wants cheap car insurance, but the required minimum isn't always enough to protect you.
If you can afford extra coverage, industry experts recommend a policy that pays $100,000 per injured person and $300,000 for all people injured in an accident. Consumer advocates also recommend uninsured motorist insurance, which covers your expenses if a driver hits you without car insurance.
If you have a new car loan, you'll likely also have to buy collision and comprehensive insurance. Are you having trouble getting insurance because of a poor driving record or other reasons? Virginia has an assigned risk car insurance program that will help you get coverage, although it will likely cost much more than regular insurance.
Average Insurance Rate by City in Virginia
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- CityAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$843$70
- 2.$762$64
- 3.$739$62
- 4.$816$68
- 5.$819$68
FAQs About Car Insurance in Virginia
To help you buy the right policy for your needs, MoneyGeek answered common questions about auto insurance rates and coverages in Virginia.
Expert Advice on Finding Cheap Car Insurance in Virginia
To help you find trustworthy and accurate details on car insurance in Virginia, MoneyGeek received expert advice from proven professionals. The perspectives and sentiments shared are those of the individual contributor.
- What are the key factors drivers in Virginia should look for when searching for the best auto insurance coverage?
- What steps can drivers in Virginia take to find affordable car insurance?
Irene Leech
Associate Professor of Consumer Studies at Virginia Tech
About the Author
sources
- AIPSO. "Plan Sites: Virginia." Accessed March 9, 2020.
- Experian. "2019 Consumer Credit Review." Accessed March 9, 2020.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "2018 Market Share Reports." Accessed March 9, 2020.