American Family is overall the cheapest car insurance company in Virginia. MoneyGeek's research shows that Auto-Owners, Nationwide and Virginia Farm Bureau also offer the cheapest rates for certain types of drivers.
The best car insurance companies in Virginia provide a balance of quality customer service and affordability.
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Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Virginia (October 2023)
The cheapest car insurance companies for a minimum coverage policy in Virginia are:
- American Family: $269 per year
- Virginia Farm Bureau: $337 per year
Kemper offers the most expensive minimum coverage in Virginia, charging an average of $1,184 per year.
In Virginia, a minimum coverage policy only includes coverages like bodily injury liability (BDL), property damage liability (PDL) and uninsured motorist coverage.
A minimum coverage policy will protect you against the damages you inflict on other drivers or their property; however, it won’t cover damages to your car. You should buy a full coverage policy with comprehensive and collision insurance for full protection.
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Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Virginia (October 2023)
MoneyGeek found the following companies offer the cheapest full coverage policies in Virginia:
- American Family: $674 per year
- Nationwide: $703 per year
Kemper offers the most expensive full coverage car insurance company at $2,184 per year.
Opting for a policy with comprehensive and collision insurance will cause your premiums to increase. For example, American Family’s full coverage policy costs $405 more than its minimum coverage policy.
However, a full coverage policy covers on-road incidents like hitting a tree and off-road incidents like flooding or other weather events.
The amount of car insurance you need will greatly influence your rates. Our sample full coverage policy has the following limits:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 in property damage liability per accident
Lowering your liability limits, increasing your deductible and excluding comprehensive and collision insurance from your policy are ways to save on insurance premiums. However, you won’t have complete financial protection from accidents.
How to Compare Cheap Virginia Car Insurance Quotes Online
You can get online quotes from various insurers. However, be prepared to spend up to 15 minutes on the process. You must also enter your information and compare rates from multiple websites.
A convenient and quick alternative is MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator. It doesn't require specific personal information and can help you start to find the cheapest car insurance in Virginia.
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia by Age (October 2023)
Age is one of the biggest factors affecting car insurance rates in Virginia. MoneyGeek found that Nationwide and Virginia Farm Bureau offer the cheapest options on average, depending on what age group you and your family belong to.
Cheapest for teens: Nationwide
Cheapest for young adults: Virginia Farm Bureau
Cheapest for seniors: Nationwide
Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia for Teens and Their Families (October 2023)
Based on MoneyGeek's analysis, the cheapest insurance companies for teens in Virginia are:
- Nationwide: $1,268 per year for male teens and $1,135 per year for female teens
- State Farm: $2,272 per year for male teens and $1,792 per year for female teens
The most expensive company is Kemper, charging $9,603 per year for male teens and $7,784 per year for female teens.
Teens get lower car insurance rates as they get older. The most affordable insurer for 19-year-old males in Virginia is Nationwide ($1,144).
There's a significant difference in policy cost when teens buy their policy compared to when their parents add them to their policy. A 16-year-old male driver usually pays $5,585 per year for car insurance. However, they will only pay an average of $3,313 annually when added to their parent's policy, a savings of up to $2,272 per year.
On average, car insurance rates for male teens tend to be significantly more expensive than for female teens. This rate difference is not as notable when drivers reach their 20s and beyond.
Insurers provide discounts to young drivers to help families lower their premiums. For example, State Farm offers discounts for good academic performance and to distant students. Other insurance companies also provide many discounts for teens.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia for Young Adults (October 2023)
The following companies offer the cheapest rates in Virginia for drivers in their 20s:
- Virginia Farm Bureau: $810 per year
- Nationwide: $844 per year
Kemper charges the highest rates for young adults, with an average cost of $2,535 per year.
A 25-year-old driver in Virginia generally pays more for a policy than a 40-year-old driver. For instance, Virginia Farm Bureau charges $70 more to insure drivers in their 20s.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia for Seniors (October 2023)
MoneyGeek analyzed that the following companies are the cheapest options for seniors in Virginia:
- Nationwide: $673 per year
- Auto-Owners: $774 per year
Kemper provides senior drivers with the most expensive insurance policies, charging $2,192 yearly.
Senior drivers pay $30 less for a Nationwide car insurance in Virginia compared with middle-aged drivers. Insurance rates significantly increase when drivers are in their 70s and 80s.
Many insurance companies like Allstate, GEICO and American Family help senior drivers save on their premiums through discounts. Since insurers analyze various factors besides age to determine rates, you should compare quotes to find the cheapest option.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Higher Risk Drivers (October 2023)
The cheapest car insurance company for drivers with a speeding ticket or an at-fault accident is Auto-Owners. Drivers with a DUI on their record may find the cheapest rates from Virginia Farm Bureau.
Nationwide offers the most affordable policies for drivers with poor credit, while American Family has the cheapest rates for those with sports cars.
The likelihood of filing a claim increases after a traffic violation, so insurers charge higher rates. You should work to improve your driving record and compare quotes from different insurers to get the cheapest rates.
Cheapest after a ticket: Auto-Owners ($820 per year)
Cheapest after an accident: Auto-Owners ($742 per year)
Cheapest after a DUI: Virginia Farm Bureau ($945 per year)
Cheapest for poor credit: Nationwide ($944 per year)
Cheapest for sports cars: American Family ($730 per year)
Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia After a Ticket
MoneyGeek found the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with speeding tickets are:
- Auto-Owners: $820 per year
- Nationwide: $866 per year
National General provides the most expensive policies to drivers with speeding tickets, costing an average of $3,192 annually.
A speeding ticket on your record generally causes your premiums to increase. Drivers with a speeding ticket in Virginia pay an average of $377 more for a policy than drivers with a clean record.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia After an Accident
The following insurance companies have the cheapest rates for drivers with an accident on their record:
- Auto-Owners: $742 per year
- American Family: $929 per year
Kemper offers the priciest policy for drivers with accidents on their records, with an average cost of $3,265 per year.
On average, drivers with an accident pay $561 more than someone with a clean driving record.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia After a DUI
MoneyGeek’s analysis shows that the cheapest insurance companies for drivers with a DUI in Virginia are:
- Virginia Farm Bureau: $945 per year
- State Farm: $1,108 per year
Cincinnati Insurance charges the most to insure drivers with a DUI in Virginia. A policy with this company costs an average of $2,726 per year.
Drivers with a DUI pay as much as $604 more for car insurance than drivers with no violations on their records.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia for Drivers With Poor Credit (October 2023)
MoneyGeek found the following companies offer affordable rates for drivers with a bad credit score (below 580):
- Nationwide: $944 per year
- Virginia Farm Bureau: $1,164 per year
The most expensive insurer for drivers with bad credit is Auto-Owners, charging an average of $2,674 per year.
The average annual premium for drivers with a credit score below 580 is $824 more than for drivers with a strong credit history (above 750).
Auto insurance companies charge higher rates to insure drivers with bad credit scores because such drivers are more likely to file a claim. Virginia’s laws permit insurers to consider credit scores when determining rates.
Comparing rates from different insurers can help you find the cheapest policy. You can also take advantage of various discounts to save on car insurance.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia for Sports Cars (October 2023)
MoneyGeek found that the cheapest car insurance companies for sports car drivers are:
- American Family: $730 per year
- Auto-Owners : $762 per year
Kemper offers the most expensive policy for a sports car owner, charging an average of $2,639 per year.
Insurance costs are generally higher for drivers with a sports or luxury car than drivers with a Toyota Camry with a difference of $166.
MoneyGeek used a Ford Mustang as the sample sports car for this analysis. Your insurance cost may vary based on your car model. Insurers generally charge significantly high rates to insure electric, luxury or sports cars.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia for Military Drivers (October 2023)
MoneyGeek found that the cheapest car insurance company for veterans and active-duty military members is American Family, charging an average of $674 per year.
The second-best option is USAA, which tailors its policies to military members and veterans. Its policies are available in all U.S. states and cost an average of $731 per year.

- $674 per year
- Ranks first out of 15 insurance providers for affordability
American Family offers a discount to active-duty military members and veterans, helping them save about 15% on their car insurance premiums. Besides the military discount, the company provides a discount for bundling, defensive driving, paperless billing, safe driving and automatic payments.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia by City
The cost of car insurance can greatly vary based on where you live in the state. Insurance companies will consider you risky to insure and charge higher rates if you live in an area with high theft, vandalism or accidents.
Newport News is the cheapest city for car insurance in Virginia — American Family charges $643 per year for a policy in this city. The company is also the most affordable insurer in Hampton at an average of $670 per year.
The most expensive city for car insurance in Virginia is Alexandria. American Family charges an average of $734 per year for a policy in this city.
Our list of Virginia cities below can help you compare average car insurance rates based on your location.
Car Insurance in Virginia: What You Need to Know
Auto insurance laws in Virginia require drivers to carry a policy with at least bodily injury liability (BDL) and property damage liability (PDL) coverages. It also makes it mandatory to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which most states do not require.
Virginia Car Insurance Requirements
Virginia drivers must have an auto policy that meets the state’s minimum requirements. Based on the state’s law, drivers should purchase bodily injury liability (BDL), property damage liability (PDL) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages.
You will pay less for a minimum coverage policy; however, it might not offer sufficient protection. Even though it’s your personal decision, you should buy as much liability coverage as possible based on MoneyGeek’s recommendations.
Drivers with serious violations must file an SR-22 in Virginia, and those with a DUI must file an FR-44. You’ll likely need more coverage with such violations on your record.
Bodily Injury Liability
Virginia’s auto insurance laws require that drivers have bodily injury liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage will help you pay for medical and other expenses if you harm someone in an accident.
Property Damage Liability
You must have at least $20,000 in property damage liability coverage in Virginia. This coverage will protect you against the cost of damages to another person’s property or vehicle in case of an accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
The required uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage limits for drivers in Virginia are $25,000 for bodily injuries per person, $50,000 for bodily injuries per accident and $20,000 for property damage. This coverage will provide financial protection in case of an accident with a driver who has insufficient or no coverage.
Based on MoneyGeek’s recommendations, you should get a policy with $100,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per accident and $100,000 in property damage insurance per accident.
Drivers who have financed their vehicles will need to buy comprehensive and collision insurance. Collision insurance protects against damages if your vehicle hits an object or another car on the road. Comprehensive insurance covers the repair or replacement cost of your vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged due to vandalism or natural events.
You should always consider buying comprehensive and collision insurance if you own a luxury or sports car.
Car Insurance Alternatives in Virginia
An alternative to a car insurance policy in Virginia for business vehicle owners is a certificate of self-insurance from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. With self-insurance, drivers pay the cost of damages caused in an accident.
You must submit the following documents to get a certificate of self-insurance in Virginia:
- List of vehicles registered in Virginia
- FR 302, Application for Self-Insurance
- Latest consolidated financial report certified by a reputable firm of CPAs
Although this certificate is continuous, you must file a financial statement at the end of each fiscal year.
FAQs About Car Insurance in Virginia
MoneyGeek answers the following commonly asked questions to address concerns regarding the cost and quality of car insurance in Virginia.
Expert Advice on Finding Cheap Car Insurance in Virginia
To help you find credible and accurate insight on car insurance in Virginia, MoneyGeek received expert advice from trusted professionals. The perspectives and opinions expressed 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?

Associate Professor of Consumer Studies at Virginia Tech
About Mark Fitzpatrick

sources
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Insurance Requirements." Accessed December 15, 2022.