Updated: November 15, 2024
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In Virginia, the annual average cost for a full coverage car insurance policy is approximately $1,134, while minimum coverage policies typically average around $556 annually.
Rates are based on a person's age, the level of coverage they choose, the area they live in, their driving record and credit history. Keeping a clean driving record and good credit can contribute to more affordable car insurance options.
VirginiaCar InsuranceCostsWhy Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed Virginia auto insurance rates using data and information from the Virginia Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.
These rates reflect the average cost of car insurance in Virginia as of November 2024.
Virginia's average full coverage car insurance cost is about $1,134 annually, $95 monthly. Knowing the average car insurance cost in Virginia can help when you begin comparing car insurance quotes.
Here's what you might pay for auto insurance in Virginia, from minimum coverage to full protection:
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,134 | $95 |
| 100/300/100 Liability Only | $691 | $58 |
| State Minimum Liability Only | $556 | $46 |
Car insurance in Virginia is generally more affordable compared to the national average cost of car insurance. The average annual premium for full coverage in Virginia with a $1,000 deductible is $1,134, which breaks down to about $95 per month. In comparison, the national average for a similar policy is $1,358 annually or approximately $113 monthly. The average annual cost for minimum coverage in Virginia is $556, compared to the national average of $628.
The more affordable cost of car insurance in Virginia is likely due to fewer large urban centers, which may lead to fewer accidents and claims, and the state's relatively mild weather conditions, which reduce the likelihood of weather-related claims.
Car insurance premiums can differ greatly between companies, even within the same state. In Virginia, for example, Virginia Farm Bureau offers the most cost-effective full coverage option at around $743 annually, while Kemper stands on the pricier end with an average annual premium of $2,184.
Shopping around can lead to significant savings, so it's crucial to check out various providers to secure the cheapest car insurance in Virginia.
| Virginia Farm Bureau | $743 | $62 |
| Travelers | $822 | $69 |
| 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 |
| Progressive | $1,148 | $96 |
| Mercury | $1,177 | $98 |
| State Farm | $1,233 | $103 |
| Allstate | $1,248 | $104 |
| National General | $1,606 | $134 |
| Kemper | $2,184 | $182 |
Car insurance costs in Virginia are also linked to the coverage level selected. For instance, the average monthly expense for minimum coverage is $46, while opting for full coverage, specifically the 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded., averages $95 per month. Despite the higher cost, it's advisable to invest in a full coverage policy due to the comprehensive financial protection it offers. Full coverage insurance often encompasses comprehensive and collision insurance, safeguarding against potential losses.
Including comprehensive and collision coverage increases your premium, but selecting higher deductibles can make it more affordable. Each comprehensive and collision coverage comes with its own deductible, allowing for cost control for each type of claim.
| State Minimum Liability Only | $556 | $46 |
| 100/300/100 Liability Only | $691 | $58 |
| 300/500/300 Liability Only | $784 | $65 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,038 | $87 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,045 | $87 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,114 | $93 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,128 | $94 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,134 | $95 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,190 | $99 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded | $1,197 | $100 |
| 100/300/1000,000 - 500 comp_coll | $1,204 | $100 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,266 | $106 |
In Virginia, the minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, $20,000 for property damage per accident and equal limits for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
$25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
Virginia requires a minimum of $25,000 coverage for bodily injury per person to cover expenses related to injuries you may cause to another driver or pedestrian.
$50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
The state minimum for bodily injury liability per accident in Virginia is $50,000, ensuring coverage for all persons injured in a single accident.
$20,000 for property damage liability per accident
Virginia law mandates at least $20,000 for property damage liability to pay for damages to someone else's property in an accident you cause.
$25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
Drivers in Virginia must have $25,000 coverage for uninsured motorist bodily injury per person to protect against costs from an accident with an uninsured driver.
$50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
Virginia's minimum coverage includes $50,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident, offering protection from expenses due to injuries caused by an uninsured driver.
$20,000 uninsured/underinsured property damage coverage
The state requires $20,000 in uninsured/underinsured property damage coverage to cover repair costs if an uninsured or underinsured driver damages your property.
Your car insurance premiums can change just by where you live. The full coverage rate in Virginia Beach is $987, while in Norfolk, it jumps to $1,142.
In Virginia, factors like the number of uninsured drivers, local crime rates and traffic congestion can affect car insurance costs. Other considerations include state laws and the frequency of natural disasters.
| Alexandria | $1,103 | $569 |
| Arlington | $1,037 | $533 |
| Chesapeake | $1,008 | $517 |
| Hampton | $1,018 | $522 |
| Newport News | $994 | $510 |
| Norfolk | $1,142 | $575 |
| Richmond | $1,083 | $545 |
| Virginia Beach | $987 | $511 |
Age does affect the cost of car insurance in Virginia, with younger drivers typically paying more. Drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest rates, averaging $1,428 annually. Premiums generally decrease as they grow older, with those aged 30-59 paying about $1,134. The curve of car insurance premiums shows younger drivers pay the most, and rates drop around age 30, stabilizing as drivers mature, before inching up again after age 60 to an average of $1,145.
| 22-29 | $1,428 | $119 |
| 30-59 | $1,134 | $95 |
| 60 + | $1,145 | $95 |
In Virginia, car insurance rates vary by age and gender. For instance, a 16-year-old male driver added to a family policy averages a high annual cost of $3,458, the steepest premium across all ages.
Teens under 18 usually cannot legally purchase their own car insurance without a guardian's co-signature. If a 16-year-old opts for an individual policy, the premium soars to $5,904.
The average annual cost for full coverage car insurance for a 2012 car model is $968, whereas a 2022 model averages $1,197. The increase in premium is due to higher actual cash value and repair costs for newer models, along with a greater risk of theft. Drivers of newer cars should opt for comprehensive and collision coverage, offering protection against a wider range of incidents.
| 2012 Vehicle | $968 | $81 |
| 2022 Vehicle | $1,197 | $100 |
Your vehicle's actual cash value (ACV) is a key factor in determining your insurance payout for a comprehensive or collision claim. It represents your car's market value just before the incident, after depreciation. Insurers use the ACV to calculate the maximum amount they'll compensate for your loss, ensuring coverage aligns with your vehicle’s current worth.
In Virginia, your driving record plays a significant role in determining the average cost of car insurance.
Violations like tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs will increase car insurance premiums. The more severe the violation, the more you'll pay, and this increase will continue as long as the violation stays on your record. The duration of how long a violation affects your premiums can vary; for instance, in Virginia, a DUI stays on your record for up to 11 years.
The table shows the average cost of minimum coverage or full coverage insurance in Virginia for various driving records.
| Clean | $1,134 | $95 |
| Ticket | $1,528 | $127 |
| At-fault Accident | $1,729 | $144 |
| DUI | $1,801 | $150 |
The average cost of car insurance in Virginia can substantially vary, with credit scores ranging from as low as $780 for those with excellent credit to a high $1,535 for drivers with poor credit. A good credit score can significantly affect your car insurance rates in this state. Lower credit scores often lead to higher insurance premiums as insurers view those individuals as riskier to insure.
| Excellent | $780 | $65 |
| Good | $927 | $77 |
| Fair | $1,108 | $92 |
| Below Fair | $1,311 | $109 |
| Poor | $1,535 | $128 |
Understanding the average cost of car insurance in Virginia hinges on several key factors directly impacting premiums. Here are some factors of importance:
Each factor is considered when calculating individual insurance premiums, which is why rates vary so widely between drivers.
To secure affordable car insurance in Virginia, compare rates from various providers, opt for a higher deductible and fully use all applicable discounts to lower premiums.
Shop Around for Car Insurance Rates
Comparing quotes from multiple insurers can lead to finding the cheapest car insurance in Virginia, as rates vary among providers.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
A clean driving record free of accidents and traffic violations can significantly lower your insurance premiums, making coverage more affordable.
Choose a Higher Deductible
Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your monthly premiums, but ensure you can afford the deductible if you need to file a claim.
Bundle Insurance Policies
Bundling car insurance with other policies like homeowners or renters insurance can unlock discounts and lower overall insurance costs.
Look for Discounts
Insurance companies offer various discounts, such as for safe driving or anti-theft devices; ask your provider about available savings.
Drive a Car With Lower Insurance Costs
Certain cars are cheaper to insure due to safety features, repair costs and other factors; consider this when purchasing a vehicle.
Improve Your Credit Score
In Virginia, a good credit score can lead to lower insurance rates, so improve your credit for potential savings.
Find concise explanations about car insurance rates and how you can find affordable coverage in Virginia.
Virginia mandates minimum car insurance requirements of $25,000 for bodily injury per individual and $50,000 per incident. Property damage liability must be at least $20,000 per accident. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage should be $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage.
In Virginia, full coverage auto insurance averages $1,134 annually, which breaks down to about $95 monthly. For those opting for just the state-required minimum coverage, the yearly cost is approximately $556, translating to $46 per month.
For a 22-year-old in Virginia, the cost of car insurance varies. A full coverage policy with 100/300/100 limits and a $1,000 deductible averages $1,428 yearly, or roughly $119 monthly. Liability-only coverage with the same limits costs about $831 annually, or $69 per month. The state minimum liability-only coverage is approximately $672 per year, equating to $56 monthly.
The cheapest car insurance companies in Virginia include Virginia Farm Bureau, offering full coverage at $743 annually and minimum coverage at $310 per year.
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.
