Updated: December 3, 2024
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Erie emerges as the best car insurance provider in Virginia, according to MoneyGeek's comprehensive scoring system. Notably, those seeking minimum coverage will find Auto-Owners as the optimal pick, while families with teenage drivers also fare best with them.
For individuals prioritizing budget, the cheapest car insurance in Virginia could be indispensable, irrespective of service standards.
In Virginia, Erie is the best overall car insurance provider with a MoneyGeek score of 93 and an annual premium of $828, while Auto-Owners is the runner-up.
In Virginia, Auto-Owners stands out as the top provider for minimum coverage car insurance, offering a competitive annual premium of $401.
In Virginia, Erie is the top choice for car insurance customer service, achieving a MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100, followed closely by Auto-Owners with a score of 88 out of 100, showcasing Erie's exceptional customer satisfaction and claims handling.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in Virginia based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.
These recommendations were updated in 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in Virginia.
Erie tops the list as the best car insurance company in Virginia with a MoneyGeek score of 93. The scores among insurers with grading ranged from 57 to 93, illustrating diversity in the baselines set by MoneyGeek for car insurance companies in Virginia. This spectrum of scores reflects MoneyGeek’s commitment to providing a robust rating system that accounts for various factors, including coverage and service quality, tailored for different driver profiles.
How does MoneyGeek score companies?
MoneyGeek's comprehensive scoring system prioritizes customer satisfaction and affordability when evaluating insurers. Claims experience and offered coverages also significantly impact the overall score, ensuring consumers can make informed decisions based on a balance of these crucial factors.
Virginia Farm Bureau, although not qualified for a MoneyGeek score due to incomplete data across all five scoring components, is notable for its high rank in affordability within Virginia. This indicates a particular strength in providing cost-effective options for customers, despite not having a complete scoring profile.
| Erie | 93 | $828 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 92 | $811 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | 89 | $980 |
| American Family | 88 | $906 |
| Nationwide | 83 | $703 |
| Travelers | 81 | $915 |
| Mercury | 80 | $1,110 |
| State Farm | 80 | $1,131 |
| Progressive | 77 | $1,036 |
| GEICO | 76 | $1,003 |
| Allstate | 74 | $1,184 |
| National General | 64 | $1,606 |
| Kemper | 57 | $2,184 |
| Virginia Farm Bureau | No Data | $794 |
MoneyGeek found that Erie stands out as the best full coverage car insurance in Virginia, providing top-tier protection for drivers in the Old Dominion.
Erie clinches the lead with an impressive combination of superior claims handling and customer satisfaction. These pivotal factors contribute significantly to Erie's high MoneyGeek score, demonstrating its commitment to providing excellent service and value to its policyholders.
In Virginia, motorists have access to a diverse range of insurance companies, each offering distinct cost and service experiences. For those looking to economize, MoneyGeek also analyzed the firms that offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Virginia, helpful for drivers aiming to balance comprehensive coverage with affordability.
Ranks No. 1 in claims handling.
Offers rare coverages like better car replacement and glass deductible modification.
Ranks No. 6 in customer satisfaction.
Ranks No. 4 in affordability with an average annual premium of $828.
Does not offer rental car, travel reimbursement or gap insurance.
Erie stands out with its high MoneyGeek score, led by excellent satisfaction and affordability. The company offers both common coverages — rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance — meeting the essential needs of many drivers. Additionally, Erie provides accident forgiveness and gap insurance, which contribute to a driver's peace of mind.
Erie's better car replacement, or auto security, can be a boon to drivers, ensuring that if your vehicle is totaled, you can get a model two years newer. For unexpected damages, glass deductible modification wipes out the comprehensive deductible for glass repairs — an inconvenience that can happen to anyone.
Furthermore, personal property insurance covers damages to belongings in your car, providing another layer of financial protection. With satisfaction at 33 (out of 35), affordability at 28 (out of 30), claims handling at 20 (out of 20) and coverage at 7 (out of 10), Erie makes for a robust choice for vehicle insurance, balancing cost efficiency with comprehensive coverage.
MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best option in Virginia for motorists seeking exceptional car insurance customer service. Distinguished by an impressive track record and high marks in customer satisfaction, Erie leads the pack in the auto insurance industry in Virginia.
Erie stands out with the highest combined scores for satisfaction and claims handling, which are critical components of an insurance company's service quality. Despite offering slightly higher rates compared to its closest competitor, customers of Erie can expect to pay for a more consistent and superior service experience.
In Virginia, it's essential for an insurance company to provide excellent customer service and efficient claims handling. These factors ensure that in the stressful moments following an accident or loss, policyholders receive prompt support, clear communication and a swift resolution to their claims.
Ranks No. 1 in claims handling.
Offers better car replacement and glass deductible modification.
Does not excel in customer service (score of 43).
Does not offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement or OEM coverage.
Erie boasts strong satisfaction (43 out of 45) and claims handling (30 out of 30) scores, significantly contributing to an excellent overall MoneyGeek Score of 89. A minor drawback is the absence of roadside assistance among its common coverages. In terms of reasonably common coverages, Erie provides accident forgiveness, but the absence of other options like rideshare insurance should be noted.
Better car replacement and glass deductible modification are rare but widely applicable coverages that Erie offers, catering to those seeking enhanced protection. Better car replacement ensures that if your car is totaled, you can get a model one year newer with 15,000 fewer miles. Glass deductible modification is included with comprehensive coverage, and personal property insurance helps cover personal items in your vehicle, mitigating out-of-pocket expenses after an incident.
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Virginia for drivers seeking minimum coverage car insurance.
Auto-Owners stands out for its high satisfaction and claims handling scores, which are major contributors to its overall score. This reflects a strong balance between customer service and cost-effectiveness. It combines quality service with the minimum insurance required by law in Virginia, at an annual cost of $401 for a minimum coverage policy.
In Virginia, while many insurance companies offer affordable options for minimum coverage, it's important to understand that selecting only the minimum required may not fully protect you financially in the event of a significant accident or loss. Minimum coverage can leave drivers exposed to high out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or medical bills not covered by a basic policy.
Offers reasonably rare gap insurance and diminished value coverage.
Offers common discounts: bundling, multiple car and safe driving.
Ranks No. 2 for customer satisfaction.
Ranks No. 2 for claims handling.
Ranks No. 5 for cost with an average annual premium of $401 for minimum coverage.
Auto-Owners excels due to its exceptional affordability and satisfaction scores, both greatly influencing its impressive MoneyGeek score of 92. With an average annual premium of just $401, customers enjoy substantial coverage without hefty costs.
Despite the lack of detailed discounts information, Auto-Owners' high affordability score of 38 (out of 40) is notable. Combined with a satisfaction score of 24 (out of 25), claims handling score of 16 (out of 20), coverage score of 8 (out of 10) and a perfect stability score of 5 (out of 5), it's evident that the company provides reliable and cost-effective insurance options.
Driver age is a significant factor in car insurance rates in Virginia with cost fluctuations and tailored coverages and discounts for various age tiers. MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners, with a score of 98, offers the best car insurance for teens at an annual premium of $1,379. For young adults, Erie proves superior, scoring 92 and charging $1,059 annually. Similarly, Erie ranks highest for seniors with a score of 92 and a yearly cost of $834, making it an optimal choice for both young adults and seniors seeking insurance coverage.
Best for teens: Auto-Owners
Best for seniors: Erie
Best for young adults: Erie
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Virginia for car insurance for teens, offering an impressive balance of satisfaction, affordability and claims handling.
Auto-Owners stands out with its remarkably high customer satisfaction score and top-tier claims handling process. These factors contribute significantly to its nearly perfect MoneyGeek score, reinforcing its position as the leading provider. For teen drivers in Virginia, the annual cost for a policy from Auto-Owners is notably more affordable at $1,379, emphasizing that obtaining cheap car insurance for a teen in Virginia is more efficient when they are added to a family policy, rather than purchasing a standalone policy.
In Virginia, and across other states, adding a teen to a car insurance policy can notably increase premiums. This is primarily due to the higher risk associated with insuring young drivers, who are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents and file claims. Insurers adjust rates accordingly to compensate for this increased risk, which leads to higher costs for policies including teen drivers.
Offers good student and distant student discounts.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Ranks No. 2 for cost with an average annual premium of $1,379 for full coverage.
Ranks No. 3 for customer satisfaction.
Auto-Owners leads the industry with outstanding scores in satisfaction (34 out of 35) and coverage (10 out of 10), key factors that elevate its high MoneyGeek score of 98. It boasts exceptional performance in affordability, service and comprehensive coverage options.
Auto-Owners provides rare coverages like diminished value coverage, which protects the value of your car post-accident, even if it is repaired. Additionally, it offers the useful common coverage of roadside assistance, which is incredibly handy in the event you are stranded. Together, these coverages ensure peace of mind and protection for a variety of situations, thereby reinforcing the company's strong reputation for customer service and satisfaction.
MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best option in Virginia for car insurance for seniors, scoring impressively on overall satisfaction and affordability.
Erie stands out because of its excellent balance between high satisfaction and affordability, contributing significantly to its MoneyGeek score. Seniors seeking car insurance in Virginia will find Erie's annual premium for a policy to be competitive. Although to get cheap car insurance for a senior in Virginia, you may expect to pay marginally more compared to those in younger age brackets.
Car insurance for seniors does not inherently cost more than it does for middle-aged adults. In fact, MoneyGeek's data reflects rates for seniors in their 60s who often enjoy rates comparable to their younger counterparts. However, as individuals reach their 70s and beyond, premiums may rise.
Offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling satisfaction.
Ranks No. 6 in customer satisfaction.
Ranks No. 3 in affordability with an average annual premium of $834.
Erie's high MoneyGeek Score owes much to its excellent customer satisfaction and affordability, indicating a balance of quality service and cost-effectiveness. This insurer includes rental car and/or travel reimbursement, a common coverage that's vital for convenience in case of an accident. While lacking roadside assistance, Erie's strong performance in key areas well compensates. The average annual premium for Erie is $834, and it offers a reasonably rare senior driver discount, which aids in increasing savings for senior citizens.
Erie stands out with its comprehensive coverage options, notably its common rental car and/or travel reimbursement. This ensures that if you're in an accident, alternate transportation costs are covered, minimizing disruption to your routine. Erie's customer satisfaction score is a high 33 (out of 35), paired with a robust affordability score of 28 (out of 30), highlighting its commitment to providing excellent service at a competitive price.
MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best option in Virginia for car insurance for young adults, offering the highest balance of quality and cost.
Erie stands out due to its high satisfaction and claims handling scores, indicating excellent customer service and efficient claims processing. The annual premium for a young adult's policy with Erie is $1,059, which is a competitive rate for this demographic. To get cheap car insurance for a young adult in Virginia, expect to pay more than older, more experienced drivers.
Young adults in Virginia, like those in other states, often face higher car insurance premiums due to their inexperience on the road, which insurers view as a higher risk. Younger drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, leading to more claims and thus higher costs for insurance companies. This risk is reflected in the higher premiums charged to this age group.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Offers good student, distant student and driver's education discounts.
Ranks No. 4 for cost with an average annual premium of $1,059.
Does not excel in customer service with a score of 33.
Missing air bag and anti-lock brakes discounts.
Erie stands out for its exceptional satisfaction and affordability scores, which significantly contribute to its high overall MoneyGeek score. It offers two out of three common discounts for young drivers — distant student and driver's education. The company also provides both common coverages: rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance, underscoring its commitment to essential protection.
Erie’s rare coverage offerings include better car replacement, glass deductible modification and personal property insurance. Better car replacement allows you to replace your totaled car with a newer model, cushioning the blow of an accident with a silver lining for your next vehicle purchase. Glass deductible modification means a reduced or sometimes zero deductible for glass repairs, a true cost-saver in the event of windshield damage. Personal property insurance covers the belongings in your car, providing peace of mind for valuable items you carry.
Erie's overall scores include a satisfaction score of 33 (out of 35), an affordability score of 27 (out of 30) and a claims handling score of 20 (out of 20), painting a picture of a company that excels in comprehensive customer care.
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Virginia for drivers with offenses, providing an optimal combination of customer satisfaction, affordability and coverage.
Auto-Owners distinguishes itself with the highest scores in customer satisfaction and claims handling, reflecting its exceptional service and responsiveness. Data from a mix of drivers, including those with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs, illustrates that Auto-Owners delivers a notable balance of quality and price, resulting in its top rank.
For Virginia drivers with offenses, Auto-Owners offers competitive pricing at an annual premium of $952, making it a relatively economical choice even though cheap car insurance as a high risk driver in Virginia tends to be pricier than standard policies.
The uptick in insurance costs after traffic violations is due to the heightened risk insurers associate with drivers who have infractions on their record. A ticket, at-fault accident or DUI suggests to insurance companies that there is an increased likelihood of future claims, prompting them to offset this risk with higher premiums. Consequently, drivers with offenses generally face more expensive insurance rates in Virginia, as well as in other states.
Ranks well for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks well for claims handling.
Tops for cost with an average annual premium of $952 for full coverage with offenses.
Offers roadside assistance, rental reimbursement and accident forgiveness.
Falls short in customer service.
Auto-Owners distinguishes itself with top marks in satisfaction (34 out of 35) and affordability (30 out of 30), significantly contributing to its stellar overall MoneyGeek score of 94. Although the company does not list specific coverages, such as roadside assistance or rental car/travel reimbursement, its excellent scores in customer service and affordability provide valuable reassurance for drivers with a checkered driving past. Its average annual premium is $952, deeming it a cost-effective option, especially for those with traffic violations who generally face higher insurance rates.
Auto-Owners' high affordability score indicates that it offers competitive pricing, which is beneficial for drivers with offenses who typically pay elevated premiums. The claims handling score, at nearly 16 (out of 20), suggests a reliable process, further solidifying the insurer's promise of stability and trust to all its policyholders.
MoneyGeek found that Travelers is the best option in Virginia for new drivers looking for car insurance.
Travelers stands out as the top provider for new drivers because of its high satisfaction and claims handling scores. Importantly, MoneyGeek emphasized the significance of insurers that offer new car replacement and/or better car replacement coverages, which are essential protections for new vehicle owners.
The biggest contributors to Travelers' stellar MoneyGeek score are its strong performance in customer satisfaction and affordability. Travelers' annual premium is notably affordable at $1,002, and opting for an insurer with new or better car replacement coverages can lead to substantial savings in the event of an accident. This is because, without such coverages, a claim settlement would reflect the depreciated value of the car, rather than its original purchase price or the price of a similarly new vehicle.
Ranks well for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks well for claims handling.
Tops for cost with an average annual premium of $1,002 for full coverage.
Offers new car replacement and gap insurance.
Does not excel in customer service.
Travelers achieves its outstanding MoneyGeek score primarily through perfect scores in affordability, claims handling and coverage. The company offers new car replacement, an excellent option for drivers with new cars, providing extra coverage to replace a totaled car with a new one, aside from it being an optional add-on. Travelers has an average annual premium of $1,002.
Travelers provides new car replacement coverage, which ensures that in the event of a total loss, the policyholder can receive a comparable new vehicle rather than just the depreciated value of their car. For drivers who invest in the latest models, this can mean significant financial protection against the rapid depreciation new cars face in their early years.
Alongside new car replacement, Travelers also offers common coverages, such as roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement, as well as accident forgiveness and gap insurance, enhancing the overall protection for motorists.
MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best option in Virginia for military service members seeking car insurance, boasting the highest MoneyGeek score in Virginia.
While USAA is recognized for its commitment to military personnel and their families, it did not claim the top spot in Virginia. However, with a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100, it remains a noteworthy option for those eligible for its services.
Erie stands out due to its excellent balance of service quality and affordability, which are major contributors to its impressive MoneyGeek score. With a satisfaction score that reflects customer happiness and a strong record in claims handling, Erie provides reliable and cost-effective car insurance for military members in Virginia at an annual cost of $828. For those focused on rates, the cheapest car insurance in Virginia for military drivers is also worth exploring.
Ranks No. 1 in claims handling.
Offers better car replacement and glass deductible modification as rare coverages.
Does not excel in customer service.
Ranks No. 4 in cost with an $828 average annual premium.
Does not offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement or gap insurance.
Capitalizing on excellence in satisfaction (32 out of 35) and affordability (28 out of 30), Erie emerges with a strong MoneyGeek score of 91. The company offers an average annual premium of $828, asserting its market leverage.
Erie distinguishes itself by providing rare coverages that are highly applicable to a wide range of drivers, which enhances the value drivers receive. For instance, better car replacement, termed Auto Security, allows customers who experience total loss of a new vehicle to replace it with a model two years newer.
Likewise, glass deductible modification, included in the comprehensive coverage, ensures that a broken window doesn’t shatter your savings, waiving the cost of glass repair. Furthermore, personal property insurance covers the cost of damaged belongings in your vehicle, offering peace of mind beyond what common coverages provide.
In Virginia, the finest car insurance providers balance cost-effectiveness, financial solidity and a history of outstanding customer service. MoneyGeek has streamlined this discovery process for you, evaluating these factors to guide your decision. However, if you choose to conduct your research, remember that a thorough investigation involves multiple steps to ensure you find a policy that meets your needs.
Exceptional customer service is important for car insurers in Virginia, as it ensures reliable support in times of need. Shoppers are encouraged to consult independent data providers like JD Power and the NAIC for comprehensive insights into a company's performance. In Virginia, Erie shines with a customer satisfaction score of 43 out of 45 and a claims handling score of 30 out of 30, according to MoneyGeek's research, demonstrating its commitment to service excellence.
Comparing quotes is a smart strategy for Virginians to save on car insurance without compromising on quality. By conducting personal research, drivers can identify the most cost-effective options tailored to their background. MoneyGeek's analysis reveals that Auto-Owners offers the best minimum coverage at an annual premium of $401, making it a top choice for budget-conscious motorists seeking reliable insurance.
The right coverage is a vital aspect of any car insurance policy. Drivers should diligently research to find insurers that offer coverages aligning with their needs. According to MoneyGeek, American Family stands out with a perfect coverage score of 10, providing essential coverages like rental car and/or travel reimbursement, roadside assistance, gap insurance and original equipment manufacturer coverage. This ensures comprehensive protection for a variety of driving scenarios.
Selecting an insurer with a strong financial stability rating is essential to minimize the risk of claim payment issues. Researching these ratings can provide peace of mind. MoneyGeek's findings indicate that Auto-Owners, Travelers and GEICO each have a perfect stability score of 5 out of 5, reflecting the highest financial strength rating of A++ from A.M. Best. This underscores their robust financial health and reliability in fulfilling claims.
The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.
Auto-Owners is the best for cheap car insurance in Virginia, with an annual premium for a minimum coverage policy at $401 and an overall MoneyGeek score of 92. While minimum coverage policies are the most affordable, they may not provide comprehensive protection. It's possible to find affordable full coverage policies with thorough shopping.
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.
