Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia (October 2024)
Updated: October 2, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Virginia Farm Bureau is overall the cheapest car insurance company in Virginia. MoneyGeek's research shows that Auto-Owners and Nationwide also offer the most affordable rates for other types of drivers.
The best car insurance companies in Virginia balance quality customer service and affordability.
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Why Trust MoneyGeek? The insurance rates included in this study are based on the latest data from the Virginia Bureau of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.
These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Virginia as of October 2024.
The cheapest car insurance companies in Virginia for a minimum coverage policy are:
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 bodily injury liability, property damage liability and uninsured motorist coverage.
| Virginia Farm Bureau | $310 | $26 |
| American Family | $343 | $29 |
| Mercury | $393 | $33 |
| Travelers | $394 | $33 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $416 | $35 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $463 | $39 |
| Erie | $482 | $40 |
| GEICO | $498 | $41 |
| State Farm | $537 | $45 |
| Nationwide | $646 | $54 |
| Allstate | $667 | $56 |
| Progressive | $682 | $57 |
| National General | $704 | $59 |
| Kemper | $1,184 | $99 |
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. For full protection, you should buy a full coverage policy with comprehensive and collision insurance.
Find the Best Car Insurance in Virginia for You
Your insurance policy rates will vary based on your insurance needs, requirements and preferences. The table above lists rates for a minimum coverage policy.
Understand how much car insurance you need.
We collected information about the best car insurance companies in Virginia, offering a balance between cost and service quality.
MoneyGeek researched the average cost of car insurance in Virginia to help you understand how rates vary based on your profile and other factors.
The following companies offer the cheapest full coverage policies in Virginia:
Kemper offers the most expensive full coverage car insurance at an average of $2,184 per year.
Opting for a policy with comprehensive and collision insurance will increase your premium. For example, Virginia Farm Bureau’s full coverage policy costs $433 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.
| Virginia Farm Bureau | $743 | $62 |
| Travelers | $840 | $70 |
| Nationwide | $847 | $71 |
| American Family | $911 | $76 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $927 | $77 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $934 | $78 |
| GEICO | $1,013 | $84 |
| Erie | $1,088 | $91 |
| Mercury | $1,096 | $91 |
| Progressive | $1,148 | $96 |
| State Farm | $1,233 | $103 |
| Allstate | $1,248 | $104 |
| National General | $1,606 | $134 |
| Kemper | $2,184 | $182 |
The amount of car insurance you need will significantly influence your rates. Our sample full coverage policy has the following limits:
Lowering your liability limits, increasing your deductible for comprehensive, collision or both, or 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.
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 finding the cheapest car insurance in Virginia.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Oct 23, 2024
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Age is one of the most significant factors affecting car insurance rates in Virginia. Nationwide offers the cheapest options on average for teens, while Virginia Farm Bureau is the most affordable for young adults and seniors.
Cheapest for teens: Nationwide
Cheapest for young adults: Virginia Farm Bureau
Cheapest for seniors: Virginia Farm Bureau
The cheapest insurance companies for teens on a family policy with full coverage in Virginia are:
The most expensive company is Kemper, charging an average of $7,784 per year for female teens and $9,603 per year for male teens.
Teens get lower car insurance rates as they age. Nationwide is the most affordable insurer for 19-year-old males in Virginia ($1,144 per year).
In Virginia, a 16-year-old male driver pays around $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.
| Nationwide | $1,135 | $2,314 |
| State Farm | $1,792 | $2,477 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $1,967 | $1,963 |
| Travelers | $2,003 | $3,992 |
| Allstate | $2,423 | $3,505 |
| GEICO | $2,548 | $4,943 |
| Progressive | $2,828 | $6,709 |
| Kemper | $7,784 | $11,908 |
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.
The following companies offer the cheapest rates in Virginia for drivers in their 20s:
Kemper charges the highest rates for young adults, with an average cost of $2,535 per year.
A 25-year-old driver generally pays more for a policy than a 40-year-old driver. In Virginia, providers charge an average of $294 more to insure drivers in their 20s.
| Virginia Farm Bureau | $811 | $68 |
| Travelers | $1,001 | $83 |
| Nationwide | $1,020 | $85 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $1,171 | $98 |
| American Family | $1,198 | $100 |
| GEICO | $1,246 | $104 |
| Allstate | $1,329 | $111 |
| Progressive | $1,346 | $112 |
| Erie | $1,398 | $116 |
| Mercury | $1,496 | $125 |
| State Farm | $1,569 | $131 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $1,732 | $144 |
| National General | $2,086 | $174 |
| Kemper | $2,535 | $211 |
The following companies offer the cheapest auto insurance for senior drivers in Virginia:
Kemper offers the most expensive premium for seniors in Virginia at around $2,192 per year. Senior drivers typically pay slightly more for car insurance than middle-aged drivers, but the exact difference depends on the company.
Those in their 60s pay about $12 more on average than drivers in their 30s to 50s. However, rates are sometimes higher for drivers in their 70s or older. Insurance companies consider senior drivers more at risk for an accident due to age-related factors, such as slower reflexes and poorer vision and hearing, compared to younger drivers.
| Virginia Farm Bureau | $805 | $67 |
| Nationwide | $810 | $68 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $843 | $70 |
| Travelers | $845 | $70 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $906 | $75 |
| Mercury | $1,018 | $85 |
| American Family | $1,067 | $89 |
| GEICO | $1,078 | $90 |
| Erie | $1,095 | $91 |
| Progressive | $1,123 | $94 |
| State Farm | $1,158 | $97 |
| Allstate | $1,337 | $111 |
| National General | $1,702 | $142 |
| Kemper | $2,192 | $183 |
Many insurance companies like Allstate and GEICO help senior drivers save on premiums through discounts. Since insurers analyze various factors besides age to determine rates, you should compare quotes to find the cheapest option.
Auto-Owners Insurance Co is the cheapest provider for drivers with a speeding ticket and an at-fault accident. Virginia Farm Bureau is the most affordable for drivers with a DUI. Nationwide is the most cost-effective option for people with poor credit, and Travelers is the cheapest provider for sports car drivers.
Cheapest after a ticket: Auto-Owners Insurance Co ($957 per year)
Cheapest after an accident: Auto-Owners Insurance Co ($865 per year)
Cheapest after a DUI: Virginia Farm Bureau ($934 per year)
Cheapest for poor credit: Nationwide ($1,131 per year)
Cheapest for sports cars: Travelers ($805 per year)
The most affordable car insurance providers in Virginia for drivers with a speeding ticket are:
National General is the most expensive car insurance provider in Virginia after a ticket, with an average annual rate of up to $3,192. Those with a ticket on their driving record face a substantial financial penalty for car insurance, paying $396 more than those with a clean record.
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $957 | $80 |
| Nationwide | $1,047 | $87 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $1,088 | $91 |
| Virginia Farm Bureau | $1,118 | $93 |
| Travelers | $1,187 | $99 |
| Erie | $1,255 | $105 |
| American Family | $1,298 | $108 |
| GEICO | $1,310 | $109 |
| State Farm | $1,382 | $115 |
| Progressive | $1,517 | $126 |
| Mercury | $1,599 | $133 |
| Allstate | $1,642 | $137 |
| Kemper | $2,764 | $230 |
| National General | $3,192 | $266 |
The following insurance companies have the cheapest rates for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record:
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 $594 more than someone with a clean driving record.
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $865 | $72 |
| Virginia Farm Bureau | $979 | $82 |
| Nationwide | $1,224 | $102 |
| Travelers | $1,238 | $103 |
| American Family | $1,239 | $103 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $1,278 | $106 |
| State Farm | $1,488 | $124 |
| Erie | $1,566 | $130 |
| GEICO | $1,637 | $136 |
| Progressive | $1,777 | $148 |
| Allstate | $2,182 | $182 |
| Mercury | $2,206 | $184 |
| National General | $3,192 | $266 |
| Kemper | $3,265 | $272 |
The cheapest insurance companies for drivers with a DUI in Virginia are:
Cincinnati Insurance charges the most to insure drivers with a DUI in Virginia, with an average annual premium of $2,877. Drivers with a DUI pay as much as $668 more for car insurance than drivers with no violations on their records.
| Virginia Farm Bureau | $934 | $78 |
| Travelers | $1,360 | $113 |
| State Farm | $1,382 | $115 |
| Nationwide | $1,444 | $120 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $1,473 | $123 |
| Mercury | $1,502 | $125 |
| Progressive | $1,515 | $126 |
| Allstate | $1,849 | $154 |
| Erie | $1,878 | $157 |
| American Family | $1,898 | $158 |
| National General | $2,290 | $191 |
| Kemper | $2,291 | $191 |
| GEICO | $2,478 | $207 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $2,877 | $240 |
The following companies offer affordable rates for drivers with a bad credit score (below 580):
American Family is the most expensive insurer for drivers with bad credit, charging an average of $3,423 per year. The average annual premium for drivers with a credit score below 580 is $964 more than that for those with a strong credit history (above 750).
| Nationwide | $1,131 | $94 |
| Virginia Farm Bureau | $1,138 | $95 |
| Travelers | $1,493 | $124 |
| GEICO | $1,668 | $139 |
| Mercury | $1,670 | $139 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $1,692 | $141 |
| Progressive | $1,797 | $150 |
| Allstate | $2,001 | $167 |
| State Farm | $2,456 | $205 |
| National General | $2,542 | $212 |
| Erie | $2,587 | $216 |
| Kemper | $2,609 | $217 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $3,107 | $259 |
| American Family | $3,423 | $285 |
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-based insurance 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.
The cheapest car insurance companies for sports car drivers are:
Kemper offers the most expensive policy for sports car owners, charging an average of $2,639 per year. Insurance costs are generally higher for drivers with a sports or luxury car than for drivers with a Toyota Camry, with a difference of $189.
| Travelers | $805 | $67 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $888 | $74 |
| American Family | $974 | $81 |
| Nationwide | $985 | $82 |
| Progressive | $1,285 | $107 |
| GEICO | $1,296 | $108 |
| State Farm | $1,485 | $124 |
| Allstate | $1,509 | $126 |
| Kemper | $2,639 | $220 |
MoneyGeek used a Ford Mustang as its sample sports car in this study, but costs may differ depending on your particular car model. It is generally more expensive to insure sports, electric and luxury cars; otherwise, model may not be a significant factor. However, this may not be true for all states.
MoneyGeek found that Virginia Farm Bureau is the cheapest car insurance company for veterans and active-duty military members, charging an average of $743 per year.
USAA is another option, with policies tailored to active-duty military members and veterans. Its policies are available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and cost an average of $781 per year.
GEICO also offers military-focused coverages and discounts, which could lead to up to 15% savings on your policy.
Annual premium: $743
Virginia Farm Bureau does not offer a military discount, yet it is still the cheapest option in Virginia.
The cost of car insurance can significantly vary based on where you live in Virginia. Insurance companies will consider you risky to insure and charge higher rates if you live in an area with high theft, vandalism or accidents.
Hampton is the cheapest city in Virginia for car insurance, with Virginia Farm Bureau charging $808 per year for a policy. The most expensive city for car insurance in Virginia is Richmond. Virginia Farm Bureau charges an average of $907 per year to get a policy in this city.
Our list of Virginia cities below can help you compare average car insurance rates based on your location.
| Alexandria | Virginia Farm Bureau | $843 |
| Arlington | Travelers | $826 |
| Chesapeake | Nationwide | $844 |
| Hampton | Virginia Farm Bureau | $808 |
| Newport News | American Family | $810 |
| Norfolk | American Family | $876 |
| Richmond | Virginia Farm Bureau | $907 |
| Virginia Beach | Virginia Farm Bureau | $834 |
Auto insurance laws in Virginia require drivers to carry a policy with at least bodily injury liability (BDL) and property damage liability (PDL) coverages. Purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also mandatory, which most states do not require.
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, which 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 $30,000 per person and $60,000 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 $30,000 for bodily injuries per person and $60,000 for bodily injuries per accident. 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 or leased their vehicles must 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 your vehicle's repair or replacement cost if it’s stolen or damaged due to vandalism or weather hazards.
You should always consider buying comprehensive and collision insurance if you own a luxury or sports car.
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:
Although this certificate is continuous, you must file a financial statement at the end of each fiscal year.
MoneyGeek answers the following commonly asked questions to address concerns regarding the cost and quality of car insurance in Virginia.
Virginia Farm Bureau offers the cheapest car insurance in Virginia, with a minimum policy costing $310 per year.
The average cost of car insurance in Virginia is $1,131 per year, lower than the national average.
The cheapest insurance policy will lower your monthly costs. However, it might not provide sufficient coverage in case of an accident. MoneyGeek recommends opting for Erie’s car insurance policies, as we found it to be the best car insurance company in Virginia.
You need to file an SR-22 in Virginia, a certificate that proves you have the minimum required auto insurance to drive legally, if you commit certain driving offenses, such as:
An FR-44 is for drivers with a DUI and other serious offenses. It proves that you have at least twice the state-required minimum insurance requirement. You will need it for at least three years.
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.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
