The best car insurance companies in Virginia are State Farm, USAA, Main Street America, Travelers, and Auto-Owners — though your rates can depend on your driving record and other factors.
By
Andrew HurstAndrew HurstSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertAndrew Hurst is a senior editor at Policygenius who has spent his entire career writing about life, disability, home, auto, and health insurance. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, and Property Casualty 360.
Edited by
Anna SwartzAnna SwartzSenior Managing EditorAnna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.
The cheapest car insurance company in Virginia is State Farm, with an average rate of $70 a month or $838 a year. USAA, Main Street America, Travelers, and Auto-Owners are some of the other cheap insurance options in Virginia.
Ready to shop car insurance?
While the cost of auto insurance in Virginia is cheaper than in many other states, you should still compare quotes before you buy coverage to find your best deal.
Average cost per month
State Farm
$70
USAA
$73
Main Street America
$80
Travelers
$86
Auto-Owners
$88
Cheapest car insurance companies in Virginia
State Farm
Policygenius rating
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.8
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Coverage for rideshare drivers
Good student discount
Mobile app
Usage-based discount
Offers classic car insurance
Offers motorcycle insurance
Why we chose it
State Farm is one of the top car insurance companies in Virginia thanks to its cheap rates and high customer service ratings. State Farm can even be an affordable pick for drivers with spotty records.
Pros and cons
Pros
Available in almost every state
Low rates for teens and drivers with accidents
High customer satisfaction ratings
Cons
Limited coverage options
More details
Why we chose State Farm:
State Farm is the best and cheapest car insurance company in Virginia whether you have a clean driving record or multiple violations.
State Farm also has high customer satisfaction ratings and receives fewer complaints than is average for the industry, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
How does the cost of car insurance from State Farm compare to the average in Virginia?
The average cost of State Farm car insurance in Virginia is $70 a month or $838 per year, which is 38% cheaper than the statewide average.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
5.0
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
All 50 states
Bundle home & auto
Coverage for rideshare drivers
Good student discount
Usage-based discount
Offers classic car insurance
Mobile app
Offers motorcycle insurance
Why we chose it
USAA has some of the best car insurance rates and customer service ratings of any company in Virginia. Its add-ons include gap insurance and special savings for service members.
Pros and cons
Pros
Low rates
Available nationwide
High customer service ratings
Cons
Only available to military members and their families
More details
Why we chose USAA:
If you’re an active or retired member of the military or a part of a military family, USAA is one of the cheapest car insurance companies in Virginia. USAA has some special features for its military clientele, including savings if you garage your car on base. It also offers gap coverage which may be required if you finance or lease your car.
USAA often earns top scores for claims satisfaction from J.D. Power, and it receives about an average number of complaints for the industry, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
How does the cost of car insurance from USAA compare to average in Virginia?
The average cost of car insurance from USAA in Virginia is $73 a month or $881 per year, which is 35% cheaper than the statewide average.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.3
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Good student discount
Accident forgiveness
Offers gap coverage
Why we chose it
Part of the American Family group of companies, Main Street America offers cheaper-than-average rates in Virginia and lots of coverage options to choose from.
Pros and cons
Pros
Lower-than-average rates
Offers affordable coverage to high-risk drivers
Receives fewer complaints than average for its service
Cons
Coverage isn’t available in every state
More details
Why we chose Main Street America:
Main Street America is one of the cheapest companies for car insurance in Virginia. It also offers a few discounts so there’s potential for even lower rates.
Main Street America also offers a range of add-ons that some larger companies don’t, including gap insurance for cars with a loan or lease, new car replacement, OEM parts replacement, and personal belongings coverage.
How does the cost of car insurance from Main Street America compare to average in Virginia?
The average cost of car insurance from Main Street America in Virginia is $80 a month or $965 per year, which is 29% cheaper than the statewide average.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.7
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Accident forgiveness
Bundle home & auto
Usage-based discount
Offers gap coverage
Offers new car replacement
All 50 states
Coverage for rideshare drivers
Mobile app
New homebuyer discount
Why we chose it
Travelers has cheaper-than-average car insurance rates in Virginia (along with a lengthy list of discounts), and a range of useful coverage add-ons.
Pros and cons
Pros
Offers useful add-ons like new car replacement and gap coverage
Cheaper-than-average rates
Receives few complaints for service
Cons
Has lower satisfaction ratings than competitors
More details
Why we chose Travelers:
Travelers is another one of the cheapest companies for car insurance in Virginia. Rates are lower than average, but your insurance may be even more affordable if you qualify for any of Travelers’s discounts.
Travelers’s coverage options are another strength. You can add gap insurance, accident forgiveness, new car replacement, and more to a basic policy.
How does the cost of car insurance from Travelers compare to average in Virginia?
The average cost of car insurance from Travelers in Virginia is $86 a month or $1,036 per year, which is 23% cheaper than the statewide average.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.7
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Offers gap coverage
Mobile app
Good student discount
Offers classic car insurance
Offers motorcycle insurance
Why we chose it
Auto-Owners has affordable coverage and high customer service ratings in Virginia, plus a range of useful coverage add-ons and discount options.
Pros and cons
Pros
Lower-than-average rates
Offers gap coverage
Owned by its policyholders
Cons
Not offered in every state
More details
Why we chose Auto-Owners:
Auto-Owners rates in Virginia are cheaper than average if you have a clean or spotty record. Your rates may be even cheaper if you qualify for any of the available discounts.
Auto-Owners also has lots of add-ons to choose from, like gap insurance, accident forgiveness, coverage for your car’s lost value after an accident, and more.
How does the cost of car insurance from Auto-Owners compare to average in Virginia?
The average cost of car insurance from Auto-Owners in Virginia is $88 a month or $1,055 per year, which is 2% cheaper than the statewide average.
The best car insurance company in Virginia is USAA, which scored the highest on J.D. Power’s 2023 Auto Insurance Survey for the Southeast region. [1] This survey measures how policyholders in Virginia feel about their car insurance company, including customer service, billing, claims filing, and price.
If you’re not a member of a military family, the best-scoring car insurance company in Virginia is Erie.
Company
Score
1
USAA
877
2
Erie
863
3
The Hartford
840
4
NJM
834
5
CSAA
827
Cheapest car insurance companies by age in Virginia
Teenage drivers are inexperienced behind the wheel and more likely to get in an accident, which is why they pay more for car insurance coverage than any other age group. But rates for young drivers typically fall as they age, until they level out at age 25.
Age
Cheapest company
Average cost
16
Farm Bureau
$2,470
18
Farm Bureau
$2,291
21
USAA
$1,397
25
State Farm
$998
30
State Farm
$852
35
State Farm
$834
45
USAA
$827
55
USAA
$776
60
State Farm
$765
65
State Farm
$758
70
State Farm
$799
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Choosing the right car insurance company in Virginia
Since rates in Virginia are already lower than in surrounding states, drivers are in a good position to find affordable coverage. Even if you have a speeding ticket on your record or a less-than-stellar credit score, chances are you can still find a reasonable rate.
The best way to ensure you’re getting the best deal on a car insurance policy is to shop around and compare rates before buying. Policygenius can help you see options from top companies, so you can feel confident in your choice.
Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Virginia
Accidents and violations on your record will mean higher car insurance rates — and the more serious the violation, the more you’ll pay for coverage. The cheapest auto insurance company in Virginia if you’re a high-risk driver is State Farm.
State Farm
USAA
Main Street America
Travelers
Auto-Owners Insurance
At-fault accident
$1,002
$1,322
$1,556
$1,550
$1,442
Suspended license
$927
$1,690
$2,450
$1,708
$1,751
Open container
$927
$1,567
$2,450
$1,120
$1,079
Expired registration
$927
$1,124
$1,533
$1,120
$1,079
Driving without lights
$927
$926
$1,533
$1,470
$1,079
Running a red light
$927
$1,124
$1,676
$1,485
$1,079
Following too closely
$927
$1,124
$1,676
$1,120
$1,079
Hit and run
$927
$1,766
$2,450
$1,708
$1,751
Not-at-fault accident
$852
$926
$1,240
$1,397
$1,079
Passing a school bus
$927
$1,349
$2,450
$1,708
$1,180
Reckless driving
$927
$1,228
$2,450
$1,708
$1,751
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Cheapest car insurance after an at-fault accident in Virginia
The cheapest car insurance company in Virginia after an at-fault accident is State Farm. On average, the cost of car insurance in Virginia from State Farm after an accident is $84 a month, or $1,002 a year.
Monthly premiums
State Farm
$1,002
USAA
$1,322
Auto-Owners
$1,442
Travelers
$1,550
Main Street America
$1,556
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in Virginia
Drivers in Virginia can see a significant increase in their rates if they get a DUI or DWI. The average annual cost for car insurance in Virginia is $1,349, but drivers can expect to pay an average of $2,810 per year if they have a DUI.
But rates vary significantly from one company to the next. For example, State Farm has the lowest average rates for drivers with a DUI at $967 per year, while Main Street America's average rate for the same coverage is $2,450 per year.
Rates for drivers with DUIs
State Farm
$927
Travelers
$1,708
USAA
$1,730
Auto-Owners Insurance
$1,751
Main Street America
$2,450
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket in Virginia
A speeding ticket can also cause your rates to go up in Virginia, where the average cost of insurance for a driver with a speeding ticket is $2,031 per year.
Our research shows the companies offering the lowest rates for drivers with a speeding ticket are State Farm, USAA, Farm Bureau, GEICO, and Main Street America.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Virginia
A bad credit score can mean you’ll pay more for car insurance coverage. If you have a poor credit score but maintain a clean driving record, you should still be able to find affordable coverage by shopping around and comparing quotes before you buy.
Rates for drivers with bad credit
Nationwide
$1,517
GEICO
$1,628
USAA
$1,630
State Farm
$1,723
Auto-Owners Insurance
$1,786
Cheapest car insurance in Virginia by city
The cost of car insurance in your city depends on crime rates, population density, the number of accidents nearby, and other local factors. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in the 10 most populated cities in Virginia.
Largest cities
Cheapest company
Average yearly rate for the cheapest company
Overall citywide average
Virginia Beach
State Farm
$909
$1,468
Chesapeake
State Farm
$904
$1,464
Arlington
State Farm
$863
$1,441
Norfolk
USAA
$964
$1,558
Richmond
USAA
$872
$1,467
Newport News
USAA
$882
$1,422
Alexandria
USAA
$927
$1,494
Hampton
State Farm
$923
$1,445
Suffolk
State Farm
$858
$1,347
Roanoke
State Farm
$823
$1,229
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Ready to shop car insurance?
Buying car insurance in Virginia
Virginia, like most states, requires drivers to have a certain amount of car insurance coverage. However, unlike most other states, Virginia gives drivers the option to pay a $500 fee to the DMV in order to drive uninsured.
Making this payment doesn’t count as financial protection though — if you cause an accident, you’re still liable for the related damage and injuries. And the best way to cover your financial obligations after a car accident is to have car insurance. For Virginia drivers who carry car insurance, the minimum required amounts are:
Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $30,000
Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $60,000
Property damage liability coverage: $20,000
Personal injury protection: Optional
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Coverage must match your liability limits, so $30,000 per person and $60,000 per incident
How to get cheap car insurance in Virginia
Finding cheap insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some easy tips for finding affordable rates:
Ask about discounts. Most companies offer discounted rates for safe drivers, good students, military families, seniors, and more.
Bundle policies. Get your auto insurance from the same company that insures your home, boat or motorcycle and you’ll save on all your coverage.
Shop around. Just because one company charges more to drivers with poor credit doesn’t mean they all will. Find the company that offers you the most affordable coverage.
Car insurance costs an average of $112 per month in Virginia. Getting a minimum-coverage policy will be cheaper, but you could leave yourself unprotected after an accident.
Could I save money by paying to drive uninsured?
Virginia allows drivers to drive uninsured after a $500 payment to the DMV. However choosing to drive uninsured is a major risk — if you’re at fault in an accident, you could be on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs and medical bills.
If insurance in Virginia is inexpensive, why am I paying so much for my teen driver?
Teens across the country pay more for insurance and Virginians are no exception. New drivers are more likely to cause an accident than any other group and because of that, they pay more for coverage until they age out of the highest-risk age group.
Why does insurance cost more in Norfolk than Virginia Beach if Virginia Beach is more populated?
Insurance companies factor in both the size of a city and other details, like crime rate, accidents, claims and car repair costs. That’s why rates can vary from city to city, and even from neighborhood to neighborhood.
References
Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of oureditorial standards.
Andrew Hurst is a senior editor at Policygenius who has spent his entire career writing about life, disability, home, auto, and health insurance. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, and Property Casualty 360.
Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.