The Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia for 2022

Although Progressive offers the most affordable car insurance in Virginia on average, several factors determine your car insurance cost, including coverage amount, driving history, age and credit score.

For example, GEICO has the cheapest offers for drivers with bad credit or a traffic ticket. And if you’re from a military family, you may be eligible for USAA, which is one of the cheapest options on the market.

For those looking for an even more local solution, we also broke down the cheapest companies by city, as well as the best car insurance companies in Virginia for those looking to balance quality service and cost.

To find out how MoneyGeek calculated the cheapest car insurance in Virginia, read our methodology.

cheapestauto insuranceVirginia2022

The Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia

Cheapest for minimum liability - Progressive

Cheapest for full coverage - Progressive

Cheapest for drivers with a DUI - Progressive

Cheapest after an accident - Progressive

Cheapest for drivers with a ticket - GEICO

Cheapest for drivers with bad credit - GEICO

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:

• Progressive: $333 per year
• Erie: $350 per year

For members of military families, USAA also offers minimum insurance coverage for an average of $333 annually. The most expensive car insurance for minimum coverage is MetLife, costing an average of $681 per year.

Cheapest Minimum Car Insurance in Virginia

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 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 full coverage car insurance carriers in Virginia are:

• Progressive: $504 per year
• GEICO: $670 per year

USAA's average rate of $664 per year is the second cheapest in the state but it's only available for military personnel and their families. MetLife is the priciest provider of full coverage, with average annual rates of $1,183.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Virginia

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.

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.

Use MoneyGeek’s calculator to find out how much car insurance will cost for an average driver. To receive a personalized quote, you’ll need to enter more details 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.

Auto Insurance Calculator

State

Virginia

Age

30-65

Driving Record

Clean

Credit Score

Excellent

Vehicle Type

Compact

Vehicle Year

2020

Liability Coverage

State Min

Comprehensive and Collision Insurance

None

Gender

Female

Add Student Driver

Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates

Click the section of the wheel in your price range to see options.

low end

on average

high end

Click your preferred price range to see company options.

Click an insurer below to visit their review page or continue to your personalized quote.

Company

Average Annual Rates

1.

USAA

$347

2.

Erie

$358

3.

GEICO

$371

4.

Progressive

$380

5.

State Farm

$408

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In Virginia and other states, a serious driving offense, such as driving under the influence (DUI), can significantly increase your car insurance premiums and force you to file an SR-22. 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

Meanwhile, MetLife's average rate for DUI insurance is the state's highest, at $3,397 annually.

Average Car Insurance Rates With a DUI

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.

In Virginia, having an at-fault accident on your driving record can significantly increase your car insurance premiums. On average, drivers with at-fault accidents pay $1,162 per year for their policies.

The cheapest car insurance for drivers in Virginia with at-fault accidents are, on average:

• Progressive: $869 per year
• State Farm: $884 per year

If you’re eligible, USAA is also an affordable option: it cost our sample driver an average of $972 per year.

Cheapest Car Insurance With an At-Fault Accident

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

Once again, MetLife records the highest average annual rate for full coverage insurance with tickets, at $1,443.

Average Car Insurance Rates With a Ticket

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

MetLife's $2,196 average rate is the highest for Virginia drivers with bad credit.

Average Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With Bad Credit

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

Meanwhile, Mercury records Virginia's highest average annual premium for seniors, at $1,170.

Average Car Insurance Rates for Seniors

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.

Car insurance is more expensive for younger drivers due to their relative inexperience behind the wheel. In Virginia, car insurance costs approximately $2,298 per year for a 16-year-old driver, while a 25-year-old driver is charged an average annual rate of $843.

In Virginia, the cheapest auto insurance policy provider for young drivers between the age of 16–25 is Progressive. MoneyGeek found it was the cheapest company on average for every age in that range for our sample drivers.

Annual Car Insurance In Virginia for Young Drivers

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• Age
  Average Cost
  Cheapest Company
  Company Cost
• 16
  $2,298
  Progressive
  $1,397
• 17
  $2,113
  Progressive
  $1,397
• 18
  $1,913
  Progressive
  $1,085
• 19
  $1,771
  Progressive
  $1,382
• 20
  $1,566
  Progressive
  $1,208
• 21
  $1,224
  Progressive
  $958
• 22
  $1,144
  Progressive
  $859
• 23
  $1,037
  Progressive
  $766
• 24
  $971
  Progressive
  $696
• 25
  $843
  Progressive
  $588

Show more

The table above demonstrates approximate rates for young drivers. Unfortunately, teen drivers lack 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.

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

25 years$1,187
50 years$945

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.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia by City

In Virginia, your address can greatly impact your car insurance cost. An average driver in Virginia Beach pays the cheapest full coverage car insurance premiums at approximately $777 per year. Meanwhile, residents of Alexandria pay the highest in Virginia’s car insurance marketplace at an annual average rate of $843.

Click on your city to know more about car insurance costs in your area.

Average Insurance Rate by City in Virginia

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• City
  Annually
  Monthly
• 1.
  Alexandria
  $843
  $70
• 2.
  Chesapeake
  $762
  $64
• 3.
  Hampton
  $763
  $64
• 4.
  Newport News
  $739
  $62
• 5.
  Norfolk
  $816
  $68
• 6.
  Richmond
  $819
  $68
• 7.
  Virginia Beach
  $777
  $65

Show more

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.

1. What are the key factors drivers in Virginia should look for when searching for the best auto insurance coverage?
2. What steps can drivers in Virginia take to find affordable car insurance?

Irene Leech

Associate Professor of Consumer Studies at Virginia Tech

READ ANSWERS

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About the Author

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Nicole Duxbury is a writer for MoneyGeek and a marketing and communications professional based in Reno, Nevada. She has more than six years of professional marketing and communications experience working with clients in finance, insurance, non-profit, international education, travel, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, higher education and politics.

Nicole earned her bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of Oregon. She uses her knowledge of human psychology to create content that captures consumers' attention. Her expertise and passion lie in social media management and content curation for blogs and websites in these industries.

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