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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

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  • 4+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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Here's what you need to know when driving in Virginia

Car insurance in Virginia costs $1,067 per year. Compared to the national average rate, Virginia's average is cheaper by $462. Factors that are unique to you, such as your age, location and driving record, determine what you pay for auto insurance.

In our guide to Virginia car insurance, we analyzed average car insurance rates to help you find a budget-friendly policy that meets your needs. Find out how much auto insurance costs in Virginia so you know what a fair rate looks like depending on your individual rating factors. If you're ready to see how much you can save by shopping around, submit your ZIP code above to get auto quotes from top insurance companies.

The best car insurance companies in Virginia

Here are the top three car insurance companies in Virginia, according to third-party ratings from J.D. Power.

1st place medal
USAA

USAA received a score of 890 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and also won top marks in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

2nd place medal
Erie

Erie is a regional insurance company active in 13 states. It scored 874 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power's study, and is generally highly regarded for customer and claims satisfaction.

3rd place medal
State Farm

One of the most popular insurance companies, State Farm comes in third place with a score of 859.

Key takeaways
  • Virginians pay about 30% less for car insurance on average
  • The cheapest major car insurance company in Virginia is USAA

The cheapest car insurance companies in Virginia

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

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Cheapest for full coverage — USAA

The cheapest rates are from USAA at $971 annually or $81 per month.

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Cheapest after DUI — State Farm

State Farm is the most affordable company after a DUI conviction, costing about $146 per month.

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Cheapest for teen drivers — Erie

Erie is the cheapest insurance company in Virginia for teen drivers.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $971
Nationwide $1,035
Erie $1,106
State Farm $1,177
GEICO $1,259
Progressive $1,690
Allstate $2,149

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Virginia auto insurance laws

Like most states, Virginia mandates every driver carry a certain amount of car insurance, along with proof of insurance. Along with liability coverage, Virginia also requires you to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage; this coverage is usually optional in other states.

Virginia's car insurance requirements are also unique in that the state allows drivers to drive uninsured for a certain length of time if they pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee. However, this is not recommended as it leaves you at risk.

Getting the legal minimum coverage level is more affordable than full coverage, but keep in mind you won't have any coverage for your own vehicle. In Virginia, expect to pay $408 every year for the state minimum level of coverage. This rate is less expensive than the nationwide average by 73%.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Virginia, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below if your policy is effective between January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024:

  • Bodily injury: $30,000 per person
  • Bodily injury: $60,000 per accident
  • Property damage: $20,000 per accident

For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, your liability coverage should be increased to these levels:

  • Bodily injury: $50,000 per person
  • Bodily injury: $100,000 per accident
  • Property damage: $25,000 per accident

Virginia drivers also have to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at these limits:

  • Bodily injury: $25,000 per person
  • Bodily injury: $50,000 per accident
  • Property damage: $20,000 per accident

Optional coverage in Virginia (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Gap coverage
  • Medical payments
  • Roadside assistance
  • Rental car reimbursement
car with blue windshield

If you want more protection beyond the minimum, you can get a full coverage policy, which includes comprehensive and collision. This will protect you against the financial ramifications of car accidents, theft, vandalism or weather incidents.

More robust coverage, however, comes at a higher price. A comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $944 in Virginia — that's 131% more than liability-only insurance. If you choose a full coverage policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 164% more than you would for basic coverage.

The Zebra's guide to Virginia car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Virginia with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Virginia.

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Virginia car insurance premiums by rating factor

Insurance companies leverage personal rating factors, like your age, location, driving record and more to calculate how much to charge you in premium. Every insurer weighs these factors differently, which means that you'll get quotes that vary in price when you shop for car insurance.

To get a better understanding of how much you can expect to pay in Virginia, use the data below as a jumping-off point in your search.

Cheap auto insurance in Virginia for minimum coverage

Getting liability-only insurance at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly lower, but leaves you at risk. In Virginia, the average cost for minimum coverage is $34 per month, or $408 yearly — a savings of $671 compared to full coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $368
State Farm $432
GEICO $467
Nationwide $500
Erie $651
Allstate $676
Progressive $755

Cheap auto insurance in Virginia with bad credit

Credit score is a rating factor in nearly every state, including Virginia. This is because statistics show a correlation between those with bad credit and a propensity for filing claims. Due to the increased risk of insuring these drivers, insurance companies will charge much higher rates if your credit falls below average.

In Virginia, people with poor credit generally pay an additional $997 yearly compared to drivers with excellent credit. Consult sample rates from different insurance companies below.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Nationwide $1,407
GEICO $1,621
USAA $1,898
State Farm $2,368
Erie $2,517
Progressive $2,763
Allstate $2,932

Cheap auto insurance in Virginia with an at-fault accident

It's no secret that a checkered driving record will make the cost of car insurance go up. Like bad credit, a history of accidents and citations is another risk indicator. In Virginia, a recent at-fault accident can raise your rate by as much as $583 annually.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,396
State Farm $1,501
Erie $1,502
Nationwide $1,612
GEICO $1,823
Progressive $2,781
Allstate $3,171

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Virginia

It can be difficult finding affordable auto insurance as a young driver; according to our data, teens and drivers in their 20s pay the most for car insurance compared to older age groups. Insurers charge higher premiums for young drivers because of their relative inexperience on the road.

In Virginia, teens pay $3,511 per year, which is $1,982 more than the national average and over three times as much as a 30-year-old Virginia driver.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Erie $2,808
USAA $3,090
GEICO $3,624
Nationwide $3,663
State Farm $4,413
Allstate $5,553
Progressive $8,171

Virginia auto insurance rate by violation

Depending on the seriousness of the violation, getting a ticket or citation can quickly make your premium unaffordable. Because every insurer's pricing standards are different, it's difficult to say how much exactly you can expect your rate to increase. Using data, however, we can provide general estimates.

See below for average auto insurance rates in Virginia after a few common citations.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,515 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,518 0% $3
Not-at-fault accident $1,566 3% $51
Two Med/PIP claims $1,625 7% $111
One comp claim $1,628 7% $113
Two comp claims $1,705 13% $191
Failure to show documents $1,736 15% $221
Driving without lights $1,770 17% $255
Child safety restraint $1,782 18% $267
Driving with expired registration $1,794 18% $279
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,810 19% $295
Failure to yield $1,834 21% $320
Driving too slowly $1,835 21% $321
Texting while driving $1,839 21% $324
Cell phone violation $1,839 21% $324
Failure to stop at a red light $1,839 21% $324
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,841 22% $326
Speeding in school zone $1,842 22% $327
Following too closely $1,842 22% $327
Illegal turn $1,842 22% $328
Improper passing $1,848 22% $333
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,855 22% $340
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,881 24% $366
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,881 24% $366
Passing school bus $1,931 27% $416
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,995 32% $480
Open container $2,055 36% $540
In 65 MPH zone $2,062 36% $547
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,084 38% $569
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,239 48% $724
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,258 49% $743
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,269 50% $754
Reckless driving $2,691 78% $1,176
Racing $2,820 86% $1,305
DUI $3,008 99% $1,493
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,008 99% $1,493
Driving with a suspended license $3,135 107% $1,620
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,179 110% $1,664

Virginia DUI laws

Getting a DUI in Virginia can increase your rate by 99% yearly. A DUI is considered a serious violation, so it can be a challenge finding affordable auto insurance with a recent conviction on your driving record.

 

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Virginia

To ensure you're getting the fairest price after a DUI, it’s essential that you assess each of your insurance choices carefully. Car insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurance company. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Virginia, State Farm, advertises annual rates 42% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Virginia is Erie, while the most expensive is Allstate.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,753
Erie $1,804
USAA $1,833
Nationwide $1,965
Progressive $2,110
GEICO $2,390
Allstate $2,844

There is no insurer in particular that offers inexpensive rates for drivers with DUIs that's comparable to a rate you'd get without a DUI. The recommended way to save after a DUI citation is to shop around with as many companies as possible.

 

Virginia SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Virginia to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Virginia might require some research, but it shouldn't be too difficult.

How to acquire an SR-22 in Virginia

For currently insured drivers

If you already have an active auto insurance policy, requesting an SR-22 is fairly straightforward. Contact your insurance company and request that the company file an SR-22 certificate request on your behalf. If your current insurance company won't request a certificate, you should look for a new auto insurance company.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 certification might disqualify you from getting coverage from some companies, while others will sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If you don't own a vehicle, you should apply for a non-owners car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. Non-owners auto coverage is typically cheaper than traditional coverage since it doesn't cover physical damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in Virginia in minutes!

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, and an important one is the location of the vehicle. The cheapest car insurance is found in Massanetta Springs and the most expensive in Fleet, Virginia.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Virginia's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Arlington $1,572
Chesapeake $1,591
Virginia Beach $1,606
Richmond $1,631
Norfolk $1,738

Car insurance price trends in Virginia

In Virginia, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $41 in the past year. A typical Virginia driver pays an average of $1,067 per year, which is the highest it's reached in recent history. It's worth noting that this is still cheaper than the national average rate of $1,529.

Since 2017, the cost of car insurance in Virginia has steadily increased incrementally. The steepest decrease occurred from 2015 to 2016, while the highest uptick took place from 2016 to 2017.

VIRGINIA CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Virginia Yearly Change — Virginia Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $1,067 $41 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,026 $23 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,003 $40 $1,544 $23
2018 $963 $50 $1,521 $84
2017 $913 $84 $1,437 $69
2016 $829 -$127 $1,368 $88
2015 $956 $27 $1,280 $51
2014 $929 $52 $1,229 $34
2013 $877 -$5 $1,195 -$80
2012 $882 -$18 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Virginia car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Virginia auto insurance.

USAA has the cheapest rates in Virginia at $971 per year for a full coverage policy. Nationwide ($1,035 per year) also offers rates that are lower than average.

The average rate in Virginia is $1,067 per year or $89 per month for a full coverage policy.

Virginia gives you two options for car insurance: buy a policy or pay a $500 motorist fee. This fee does not abstain you from any damage you cause in an accident.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.