In our analysis, Virginia Farm Bureau offers the most affordable rates for young drivers and those with a DUI. Auto-Owners provides the best rates for senior drivers, those with a speeding ticket, and drivers with an accident. Mercury is the go-to for drivers with bad credit or bad credit with driving violations.
High-Risk Car Insurance VA
For Virginia's high-risk drivers seeking affordable car insurance, Mercury typically offers the cheapest plans, with rates averaging $35 to $59 monthly.
Find out if you're overpaying for car insurance below.

Updated: May 20, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
For high-risk car insurance in Virginia, the most affordable options for both minimum and full coverage are Virginia Farm Bureau, Auto-Owners and Travelers.
Annual car insurance rates for high-risk drivers range from a low of $590 to a high of $4,737.
To secure the best deal on high-risk car insurance, identify your coverage needs, research average costs and discounts, and compare offers from multiple insurers.
Compare Auto Insurance Rates
Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in VA
Virginia Farm Bureau | Young Drivers | $45 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Senior Drivers | $44 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $40 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Drivers With an Accident | $35 |
Virginia Farm Bureau | Drivers With a DUI | $36 |
Mercury | Drivers With Bad Credit | $43 |
Mercury | Drivers With Bad Credit And Driving Violations | $59 |
*Rates shown are for minimum car insurance policies modifying a base profile of a 40-year-old driver with good credit and no driving violations.
Compare Cheap VA High-Risk Car Insurance Providers
While our above table gives an overview of affordable companies for high-risk insurance, it doesn't cover every unique driver profile. Below, we've provided a table where you can compare rates of top providers to find the best fit for your needs.
Virginia Farm Bureau | $93 | $1,120 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $105 | $1,260 |
Travelers | $110 | $1,320 |
Nationwide | $126 | $1,518 |
American Family | $139 | $1,662 |
How Much is High-Risk Car Insurance in VA?
Overall, high-risk car insurance costs in Virginia can range anywhere from $49 to $395 monthly, depending on your unique combination of pricing factors. Below, you can compare average pricing for your profile by filtering the table.
$58 | $696 | $0 | $0 | 0% |
HOW LONG DO DRIVING VIOLATIONS AFFECT CAR INSURANCE RATES?
If you've had a driving violation in Virginia, you might be wondering how long it will increase your insurance costs. Major violations like DUIs or reckless driving can stay with you for up to 10 years.
If it's a smaller violation, those usually only increase your rates for about three to five years. Your insurance company dictates how long it'll count it against you, and its policies can vary.
Virginia High-Risk Car Insurance: Buyer's Guide
High-risk drivers often struggle to find affordable car insurance. Our guide explains what factors make you high-risk, offers tips for finding cheap providers, and advises on steps to take if insurers deny you coverage.
What Is Considered a High-Risk Driver?
The following is a list of various types of drivers that are considered high-risk to auto insurance companies:
- Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
- Drivers with a DUI conviction
- Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
- Senior drivers over 60
- Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
- Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage
Tips To Find the Best High-Risk Car Insurance in VA
Below, we've shared key tips to help you save money and find the best provider for high-risk car insurance in the Old Dominion.
- 1
Decide What Coverage You Need
Determine your auto insurance requirements before comparing providers to avoid being influenced by opinions or aggressive agents. Explore necessary add-ons like rideshare coverage and roadside assistance. Use our car insurance coverage calculator to find out how much auto insurance you need and make an informed choice to suit your needs.
- 2
Research Average Costs and Discounts
Understanding average costs for your profile and available discounts helps assess the value of various providers. Calculate savings by exploring options like Hoosier-certified defensive driving courses, which could save up to 10% on premiums. This preparation positions you to find the most budget-friendly coverage.
- 3
Consider Non-Traditional Coverage Options
Exploring pay-per-mile and other usage-based insurance programs could lead to substantial savings for low-mileage and safe drivers. For instance, Geico's telematics program tracks driving habits and may result in discounts of up to 30% on policies, making it an option worth considering for cost-conscious individuals.
- 4
Compare Multiple Providers
After evaluating all possibilities, compare offers from at least three insurers to grasp the landscape of available deals. Utilize various comparison methods like independent brokers and online tools, and ensure consistency in coverage levels for accurate evaluations. This thorough approach reveals the most affordable and comprehensive options.
What To Do if You Get Denied Coverage in Virginia
Car insurance companies can choose not to offer you a policy if they find you too risky to insure. But don't worry, you can still get a plan through the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO) if denied.
Below, we've provided contact information if you want to start the process.
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET
vaip@aipso.com
phone
(888) 820-0170
fax
(800) 516-1923
mailing address
PO BOX 6530
Providence, RI 02940-6530
Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in VA: Bottom Line
Based on our research, the three most affordable companies for high-risk insurance in the Old Dominion are Virginia Farm Bureau, Auto-Owners Insurance Co, and Travelers. While this is a good starting point, we recommend doing your own research and comparing costs to find the best deal. If you're denied coverage, don't worry—there are programs available to help you secure affordable insurance.
VA Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers: FAQ
Below are answers to common questions about high-risk car insurance in Virginia.
What is the cheapest high-risk car insurance provider in Virginia?
The cheapest high-risk car insurance provider in Virginia is Auto-Owners. Its lowest rate for high-risk coverage is $35.
What do I do if I get denied for coverage?
If you are denied coverage, reach out to the AIPSO for options. They assist in securing affordable minimum coverage policies.
How much more expensive is high-risk car insurance in Virginia?
High-risk car insurance in Virginia can be substantially more costly. For example, a driver with a DUI could pay around 63% more for full coverage ($2,395) compared to a driver with a clean record ($1,467).
State minimum coverage could see a high-risk driver with a DUI paying about 63% more as well ($1,136 vs. $696). This comparison is based on premiums for adults aged 30 to 59.
How We Chose The Cheapest High-Risk Car Insurance in Virginia
MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible.
Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.
All high-risk profiles are modifications based on our base profile of the following:
- 40-year-old driver
- 12,000 annual mileage
- Clean driving record
- Good credit
High-risk profiles considered for are young drivers, seniors, and those with bad credit or records of an accident, speeding ticket, or DUI.
We also considered combinations of all of these factors to get a comprehensive view and maintain accuracy and personalization with our recommendations.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.