The Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia in 2023

Virginia and New Hampshire are the only states in the U.S. that don’t require all drivers to carry auto insurance. But you must pay an annual $500 uninsured motorist fee if you want to legally drive without insurance in Virginia. And even if you do, you’re still financially liable for any accident you cause.

Between the uninsured motorist fee and potential repair costs if you cause an accident, it’s often a good idea to carry an active car insurance policy if you plan to drive in Virginia. Knowing which companies offer the cheapest auto insurance rates can help you find the best coverage for your budget.

We’ve broken down average rates for all types of drivers — as well as which companies offer the cheapest policies for each — so that you can find the best policy for your budget.

Key Takeaways:

• The average car insurance premium in Virginia is $113 per month.
• GEICO, Auto-Owners, and State Farm offer cheap rates if you don’t have a perfect driving record.
• Virginia drivers who self-insure may end up paying more for an accident than having an insurance policy that covers the incident.

Virginia’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies

Even though Virginia has a state average rate of $113 monthly, drivers can still save on car insurance. Let’s take a look at which companies offer the cheapest auto rates across the commonwealth.

Our data analysis shows Virginia Farm Bureau is the cheapest car insurance company in Virginia, at $52 per month. But just because its average rate is the lowest overall doesn’t mean it’s the cheapest for all drivers.

We compared average auto insurance rates for the top rating factors in the following sections to help you find the most affordable insurer for your unique profile.

The Average Cost of Virginia Car Insurance

We’ve already mentioned that Virginia’s average auto insurance rates are $113 per month, but how does that stack up to neighboring states — or even the national average? Let’s take a look.

Virginia is the 25th-cheapest state for car insurance, with average rates lower than both Maryland ($173 per month) and the national average ($129 per month).

But it has higher rates than several neighboring states, such as North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia (as well as Washington, D.C.). Virginia’s higher-than-average cost of living and poor road conditions can contribute to higher claim payouts, which help drive up insurance costs.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for State-Minimum Insurance: Erie

The amount of coverage you purchase directly affects how much you pay for car insurance. The lower your liability limits, the less you’ll pay for coverage. However, each state has minimum-coverage requirements, and Virginia is no different.

Let’s take a look at which companies offer the cheapest coverage for Virginia’s 30/60/20 (more on that later) state-minimum limits.

Erie has the cheapest average rates for minimum liability policies, at just $37 per month. Plus, lower rates don’t always mean sacrificing on service, since Erie earned the #1 spot in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the Mid-Atlantic region.

However, if you’re looking for more coverage than Virginia requires, there may be better choices.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Full-Coverage Insurance: Virginia Farm Bureau

State minimum-liability policies only cover injuries and property damage to other parties if you cause an accident. If you want your vehicle protected, too, a “full-coverage” policy is likely the way to go.

Full-coverage insurance typically includes comprehensive and collision coverages in addition to basic liability insurance. And it costs more because it offers coverage for your vehicle if you get into a car accident.

Let’s look at the five companies offering the cheapest rates for full-coverage policies in Virginia.

Virginia Farm Bureau offers the lowest rates for full coverage, averaging just $65 monthly. GEICO and Erie Insurance are $8 and $11 more per month, on average. Farm Bureau membership not only provides access to cheaper auto insurance rates, but you could also get discounts on vehicle-related costs, like batteries and tires. It can be a great all-around choice for Virginians looking for higher levels of protection.

Compare Virginia Auto Insurance Rates by Age

Age is one of the defining factors that help determine your auto insurance rates. Drivers with more experience on the road typically make smarter decisions, which usually results in fewer accidents. Older drivers typically get lower rates than young drivers for this reason.

We compared different age groups in the following sections to show which car insurance companies offer the best rates for your age group.

Cheapest car insurance for Virginia teens: Utica National

Teen drivers are the most expensive age group to insure because they cause the most crashes. Car accidents are the leading cause of death in teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

However, rates usually drop when you turn age 25 and have more experience behind the wheel.

The table below shows the average monthly rates for 18-year-old drivers, sorted by liability-only rates.

Utica National Insurance Group has the cheapest state-average rates for both liability-only and full-coverage policies. Plus, students with a 3.0 or above GPA or who go to college at least 100 miles away from home can earn even lower rates with Utica.

Alfa Insurance and Erie might also be affordable options for teen drivers looking to save.

Cheapest car insurance for Virginia seniors: Alfa

Drivers approaching retirement age usually get the cheapest car insurance rates of any age group. Commuting fewer miles can also help you get even lower rates once you retire.

Let’s take a look at which companies offer the cheapest policies in Virginia for senior drivers.

Seniors get the best liability insurance rates from Alfa Insurance, at just $31 per month, on average. Utica and Virginia Farm Bureau are both close behind, at $2 more per month.

Virginia Farm Bureau is the cheapest option for full coverage, at $54 per month, with Utica and Erie Insurance following a little more than $15 behind.

Compare Virginia Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Your driving record affects your auto insurance rates more than any other factor. Accidents and moving violations can cause Virginia drivers’ auto insurance premiums to increase significantly.

We compared car insurance quotes for drivers with different infractions to see how rates change and which companies offer the lowest rates in Virginia.

Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in Virginia: Erie

Good drivers get the cheapest car insurance rates in Virginia. Being a good driver means you have no tickets or at-fault accidents in your driving history in the last three to five years. But which company offers the best rates if your driving record is scot-free?

The data table below shows Virginia’s five cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with no accidents or moving violations.

Erie Insurance is the cheapest option for good drivers with liability-only policies, at $37 monthly. But Utica, GEICO, Virginia Farm Bureau, and Alfa Insurance are all within just a few dollars.

Virginia Farm Bureau is the most affordable company for full coverage, averaging just $65 per month for drivers with clean records. GEICO and Erie are affordable alternatives, costing $8 and $11 more per month, on average.

Cheapest car insurance in Virginia after a ticket: GEICO

Getting a ticket causes the average driver’s rates to increase by 23%, according to Compare.com data. And your premium could increase even more if you get more than one within a five-year period.

If you’ve recently gotten a ticket or other moving violation and want to counteract the incoming rate hike, the five companies in the table below might be a good place to start.

GEICO’s liability-only rates for drivers with one ticket are the cheapest in Virginia, averaging just $38 monthly. But Virginia Farm Bureau’s full-coverage rates are $4 less per month than GEICO — the cheapest on this list.

Erie and State Farm also have reasonable rates for Virginia drivers with a speeding ticket on their record. With rates from the top three companies varying by less than 20%, it’s worth comparing rates from each before you sign up for a new policy.

Cheapest car insurance in Virginia after an accident: Auto-Owners

Causing an accident is, unfortunately, another surefire way to raise your car insurance premiums. The average driver experiences a rate hike of around 43% after just a single at-fault accident, according to Compare.com data.

But that doesn’t mean you just have to accept your new, higher rates. Several companies still offer affordable coverage for Virginia drivers with a recent accident on their records.

The data in the table shows the cheapest auto insurance companies in Virginia for drivers with one accident, sorted by liability-only premiums.

Auto-Owners has the lowest rates liability and full-coverage rates for Virginia drivers with a recent accident, averaging $43 and $85 monthly. GEICO is another cheap option, with average rates between 12% and 19% more than Auto-Owners.

Utica, State Farm, and Erie are other affordable options for Virginia drivers after an accident.

Cheapest car insurance in Virginia after a DUI: State Farm

A DUI isn’t just a serious legal hurdle to overcome — it also causes average auto insurance rates to nearly double, according to Compare.com data. Virginia drivers convicted of a DUI or DWI can face penalties such as fines, a suspended license, and even up to a year in jail. You may also be forced to have your insurer file an FR-44 form on your behalf.

Not only that, but your insurance company might also drop your coverage after a DUI. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Several Virginia auto insurance companies still offer affordable rates for drivers with a DUI or DWI on their record.

The table below shows the five cheapest Virginia car insurance companies for drivers with a DUI, sorted by liability-only rates.

Although State Farm is the cheapest liability-only option for Virginians with a DUI, at $47 per month, Virginia Farm Bureau is cheaper for full coverage ($80 per month). Erie, Auto-Owners, and GEICO also offer relatively affordable coverage if you’ve recently been convicted of a DUI.

The Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in Virginia

Your city and ZIP code also factor into how much you pay for car insurance. Your region’s vehicle repair costs, average medical bills, legal costs, crime statistics, weather events, and population density can cause rates to differ significantly from one city to the next.

Want to know how your city stacks up to the rest of Virginia? We’ve broken down average rates for more than 50 Virginia cities in the table below.

Charlottesville is the cheapest Virginia city for auto insurance, averaging citywide rates of just $44 per month. Staunton and Waynesboro follow closely behind, at $45 per month.

None of these cities are in Virginia’s top 10 most populated, which could contribute to their lower auto insurance rates.

Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk — the three largest Virginia cities by population — have average monthly premiums of $59, $61, and $64, respectively. But it’s areas around Northern Virginia — Lorton, Woodbridge, Dumfries, and Alexandria — that have the commonwealth’s highest rates.

5 Ways to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Virginia

Getting cheap car insurance isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t have a perfect driving record. We’re here to help you save on auto insurance with these expert tips:

• Review your insurance policy regularly. “Things can change in six months or a year, so be sure to review your policy at each renewal to see if you need to make any coverage adjustments,” says Donna Lewis, insurance agent at Scalley Insurance Agency.
• Ask about discounts. Insurance companies typically have multiple discounts available you can combine to maximize savings. Examples include auto-pay, bundling policies, and going paperless.
• Buy a cheaper car. The type of car you drive also affects your auto insurance rates. Buying a cheaper car can help you save on your insurance premium, too.
• Improve your driving habits. Being a safe driver is one of the best ways to save. Taking part in a telematics program could save you even more.
• Shop regularly and compare quotes. “Comparing car insurance quotes can help you ensure you’re getting the lowest rate for the coverage you need,” says Lewis.

Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements

Virginia drivers can choose to either carry auto insurance or pay a $500 uninsured motorist fee to legally drive across the commonwealth. If you choose to buy car insurance, state law requires you to have a minimum of at least:

• $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per person
• $60,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
• $20,000 of property damage coverage per accident

You must also carry the same amount of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. And, in case you’re unaware, these limits are scheduled to increase to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, and $25,000 in property damage coverage on January 1, 2025.

It’s also worth noting that if you choose to self-insure and pay the uninsured motorist fee, you’re still financially responsible for any accident you cause. You’ll also pay for damages to your own vehicle that a car insurance policy could have covered.

Most insurance experts, including Lewis, recommend paying for auto insurance. “If you cause serious injuries or death or hit an expensive vehicle, you could lose the assets you’ve worked hard for,” she says.

Penalties for driving without auto insurance in Virginia

State law requires you to always carry proof of insurance or payment of the uninsured motorist fee if you self-insure. Driving without auto insurance in Virginia can have serious penalties.

Drivers will have their license and vehicle registration suspended until they:

• Pay a $500 statutory uninsured motorist fee
• File an SR-22
• Pay a license or vehicle registration reinstatement fee

SR-22 and FR-44 auto insurance in Virginia

SR-22 and FR-44 aren’t a type of insurance but rather certifications of financial responsibility some Virginia high-risk drivers may be required to have on file with the DMV. Here are a few reasons you might have to provide an SR-22 or FR-44 in Virginia for at least three years.

Shopping around for the best price can help you get affordable FR-44 or SR-22 insurance. Practicing safe driving habits to avoid tickets and accidents can also help you get cheaper SR-22 insurance and guarantee that the requirement falls off your record after three years.

Virginia Auto Insurance FAQs

Still want to learn more? Below are the answers to some of the most common questions about Virginia auto insurance.

What is the cheapest auto insurance company in Virginia?

The cheapest auto insurance company in Virginia depends on your coverage needs and driving profile. We’ve found Virginia Farm Bureau, GEICO, Erie, Auto-Owners, and State Farm have affordable rates for many types of Virginia drivers.

How much is car insurance in Virginia?

Car insurance prices in Virginia depend on several factors, including age, driving record, credit score, and vehicle type. The average cost of car insurance in Virginia is $113 per month, though rates will vary by insurance company and driver profile.

Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Virginia?

Our data analysis shows that Charlottesville, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Christiansburg are the cheapest cities for car insurance in Virginia. Your insurance rates can differ by ZIP code — or even within the same city — so it’s a good idea to compare quotes from multiple companies to get the lowest rate.

How much car insurance is required in Virginia?

Virginia drivers must carry at least 30/60/20 liability insurance. With these limits, the insurance company will pay a maximum of $30,000 in bodily injury expenses per person, $60,000 in bodily injury expenses per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. Drivers can also choose to pay a $500 uninsured motorist fee and not carry insurance. However, you’re still financially responsible for accidents you cause.

What happens if you get caught driving without insurance in Virginia?

You’ll have to pay a $500 uninsured motorist fee if you get caught driving without insurance (or without paying the uninsured motorist fee) in Virginia. Plus, you’ll have to file an SR-22 form for high-risk drivers for at least three years and may have to pay reinstatement fees for your license plates or driver’s license.

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information. All of the quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Teen Driver Fact Sheet.” Accessed July 8, 2023.
2. Infrastructure Report Card. “2022 Virginia Infrastructure Report Card.” Accessed July 8, 2023.
3. J.D. Power. “2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.” Accessed July 8, 2023.
4. Livingcost.org. “Cost of Living in Virginia.” Accessed July 8, 2023.
5. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. “Financial Responsibility Certifications.” Accessed July 10, 2023.
6. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. “Insurance Requirements.” Accessed July 10, 2023.
7. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. “Virginia is Tough on drunk and drugged drivers.” Accessed July 10, 2023.