+120 more*These quotes are from real Compare.com users Virginia within the last 10 days. Updated on November 3, 2026
*These quotes are from real Compare.com users Virginia within the last 10 days. Updated on November 3, 2026
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Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
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10+ years writing and editing insurance content
Published in Washington Post, LA Times, and more
Nick leads Compare.com's editorial team in creating helpful, easy-to-understand content about insurance and personal finance.
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Triple-I's media relations director
20+ years in insurance
Mark serves as a national spokesman for Triple-I. An insurance expert, he's an impartial, independent reviewer for Compare.
Updated
Auto-Owners offers the most affordable car insurance in Virginia, at $61 per month.
Liability-only coverage averages $116 per month in Virginia, compared with $202 for full coverage.
The average cost of car insurance in Virginia is $159 per month.
Virginia’s heavy traffic volume and frequent crashes contribute to higher-than-average car insurance rates.
Virginia car insurance averages $159 per month, slightly higher than the national average of $144. Breaking it down further, auto insurance in Virginia costs around $116 per month for state-minimum coverage, while full coverage averages $202.
Claim frequency is a major factor insurers consider when setting rates. With an estimated almost 90 million vehicle miles traveled and one crash every 4.5 minutes,[1] Virginia’s heavy traffic and frequent accidents likely contribute to its higher average rates.
But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying higher premiums. After analyzing rates from dozens of insurers in Virginia, we found that Auto-Owners, State Farm, and USAA offer some of the cheapest car insurance in the Commonwealth.
Whether you’re looking for cheap full-coverage car insurance in Virginia or just need a basic liability-only policy, check out the table below for the cheapest companies, based on Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Liability-Only | Average Monthly Premium: Full-Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $61 | $105 |
| State Farm | $62 | $108 |
| USAA | $84 | $145 |
| Chubb | $92 | $159 |
| Elephant | $94 | $144 |
| Erie | $95 | $166 |
| Mercury | $95 | $172 |
| Progressive | $109 | $147 |
| GEICO | $112 | $184 |
| National General | $114 | $212 |
| Bristol West | $116 | $199 |
| Allstate | $122 | $221 |
| Direct Auto | $123 | $218 |
| Safeco | $124 | $181 |
| GAINSCO | $125 | $263 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $143 | $234 |
| Liberty Mutual | $146 | $205 |
| Trexis | $146 | $268 |
| Dairyland | $157 | $365 |
| The General | $157 | $331 |
| Root | $160 | $242 |
| Clearcover | $163 | $319 |
| Trexis One | $170 | $360 |
| Travelers | $175 | $303 |
Whether you live along Interstate 81, around Hampton Roads, or somewhere in the middle can have a big effect on Virginia car insurance costs. Bristol is among the cheapest cities in the state, at $121 per month, while Portsmouth has some of the most expensive rates, at $193. That’s more than a 50% difference between Virginia cities.
Portsmouth’s heavier traffic, greater urban density, and longer commutes[2] can increase accident exposure. That higher risk often leads to more expensive car insurance premiums.
The table below shows average car insurance quotes among various cities in Virginia, according to Compare.com data.
City | Average Monthly Premium: Liability-Only | Average Monthly Premium: Full-Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol | $85 | $158 |
| Winchester | $87 | $156 |
| Christiansburg | $91 | $163 |
| Blacksburg | $96 | $163 |
| Charlottesville | $96 | $169 |
| Harrisonburg | $98 | $156 |
| Roanoke | $99 | $172 |
| Lynchburg | $104 | $175 |
| Leesburg | $113 | $187 |
| Stafford | $119 | $212 |
| Fredericksburg | $121 | $199 |
| Arlington | $124 | $189 |
| Reston | $124 | $187 |
| Suffolk | $126 | $214 |
| Herndon | $132 | $185 |
| Virginia Beach | $132 | $202 |
| Hampton | $135 | $223 |
| Chesapeake | $136 | $207 |
| Newport News | $140 | $228 |
| Alexandria | $144 | $226 |
| Woodbridge | $144 | $226 |
| Portsmouth | $146 | $241 |
| Norfolk | $151 | $246 |
| Richmond | $157 | $240 |
Virginia drivers have several characteristics that can affect car insurance rates, including:
Most Virginia drivers own their vehicles. About two-thirds of Virginians own their cars outright, while nearly one-third finance, according to Compare.com’s database of millions of car insurance quotes. Lenders typically require full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage.
Virginia drivers average 9,258 miles annually, slightly above the national average of 9,136. But if you drive fewer than 7,500 miles each year, you might qualify for a low-mileage discount or cheaper rates.
More Virginians have speeding tickets than cause accidents. Just over 5.5% of drivers have a ticket, while not even 5% have an at-fault accident on their driving record, according to Compare.com data. Statewide average rates are about 7% higher for drivers with accidents than for those with tickets.
More than 10% of drivers own multiple vehicles. In fact, almost 12% do, which can make these drivers eligible for multi-car discounts when insuring them with the same company.
See which company offers you the best rate — as low as $61 per month.
How much you pay for car insurance in Virginia can vary greatly based on your driving record, coverage needs, insurer, ZIP code, and other factors. Comparing quotes from multiple companies can help you find the best fit for your budget and coverage needs.
The table below compares a few of Virginia’s top insurers based on average rates, customer reviews, and more to help you find more affordable coverage throughout the Commonwealth.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Premium $153/mo* | Average Premium $131/mo* | Average Premium $85/mo* | Average Premium $201/mo* | Average Premium $115/mo* |
Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating |
Value | Value | Value | Value | Value |
Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service |
Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling |
Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 27 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 27 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 1092 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 48 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 223 user reviews |
The best car insurance company in Virginia depends on your driver profile, coverage needs, and budget. Auto-Owners, Erie, and State Farm are our top picks in the Commonwealth based on user reviews from real Compare.com customers, average rates, and available coverages and discounts.
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.1 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $61/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $105/mo |
Auto-Owners Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.2 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.2 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.8 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.2 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.9 | 2.9 |
Auto-Owners is one of the cheapest car insurance companies in Virginia, according to our data. And if you’re one of the 35% of Virginia drivers who finance or lease a vehicle, you may appreciate its wide range of coverages, including accident forgiveness, purchase price guarantee for newer vehicles, gap insurance, diminished value, and roadside assistance.
Affordable Virginia rates
Many independent agents throughout Virginia
Doesn’t offer online quotes in Virginia
Virginia rates may be higher for young drivers
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.2 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $95/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $166/mo |
Erie Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.0 | 2.9 |
JD Power rates Erie highly in the Mid-Atlantic region for customer satisfaction and nationwide for claims satisfaction. Besides its standard full-coverage offerings, Erie also stands out for unique coverages you don’t see from many insurers, including pet injury coverage, personal item coverage, and enhanced accident benefits through its Erie Auto Plus program.
High customer satisfaction in Mid-Atlantic
Erie Rate Lock can prevent Virginia rate increases
Not the cheapest option in Virginia
Limited rental car coverage in Virginia
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.7 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $62/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $108/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.4 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.3 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
High-risk drivers and people who have poor credit can often struggle to find affordable coverage from standard insurers. State Farm offers some of the cheapest rates for these drivers, according to our data. It also receives high marks for customer satisfaction in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Many discounts available for Virginia drivers
Many local Virginia agents
Doesn’t offer gap insurance in Virginia
Accident forgiveness not available in Virginia
Our editorial team, composed of seasoned editors, insurance experts, and licensed agents, analyzed more than 50 of the state’s top insurers to select the best companies for various Virginia drivers. We researched, analyzed, and weighed several categories important to Virginia insurance shoppers, including average rates, local customer satisfaction ratings, coverage options, discount offerings, policy features, and more.
Our goal is to provide actionable advice and detailed, personalized analysis that helps Virginia drivers find the best auto insurance policy for their unique needs.
Virginia car insurance requirements changed as of Jan. 1, 2025. Drivers now have higher minimum liability limits and uninsured motorist coverage requirements, which both increased from 30/60/20 to 50/100/25.[3]
Liability car insurance is a common requirement in almost all states, including Virginia. State law requires all Virginia drivers to have at least the following limits:
Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Same as liability limits
And if you drive uninsured, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend your driver’s license and vehicle registration. To get them back, you’ll have to pay a $600 fee for non-compliance, a possible reinstatement fee, and have your insurer file an SR-22 form with the DMV for three years.
Needing an SR-22 in Virginia typically labels you as a high-risk driver, with rates roughly 19% higher than the Virginia average, according to Compare.com data.
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Many factors affect car insurance rates in Virginia, including:
Driving record: Insurers can factor the driving record of any household driver into your premiums, according to the Virginia DMV. Accidents and violations can raise premiums for up to three years in Virginia.
Age: Teens and young drivers have the highest accident rates of any age group, so they usually pay some of the highest rates in Virginia. Teen drivers in Virginia pay about 77% more than drivers in their 30s, according to Compare.com data.
Credit history: Virginia allows insurers to use your credit history when setting rates. An insurer may charge drivers with poor credit higher premiums if it feels they’re more likely to file future claims.
Annual mileage, commute, and vehicle usage: If you drive more than 7,500 miles per year, have a long commute, or primarily use your vehicle for work
Here are some tips to help you find cheap car insurance in Virginia:
Compare quotes regularly. Insurers weigh factors differently, so rates can vary significantly for the same driver. We found that Auto-Owners, State Farm, and USAA offer some of the cheapest car insurance in Virginia, especially after a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction. Travelers is among the most expensive.
Improve your credit. If your credit score is below 721, boosting your score could lower your premium by about 10%.
Ask about discounts. Young drivers with good grades may qualify for a good student discount, as can senior drivers who complete a state-approved defensive driving course.[4]
Bundle policies. Most Virginia insurers offer a multi-policy discount when you bundle your car with homeowners or renters insurance.
Comparing quotes side-by-side can save you up to $867.†
The following Virginia car insurance resources can help you navigate coverage requirements and more for different driver profiles in the Commonwealth.
Virginia Bureau of Insurance: The State Corporation Commission (SCC) oversees all insurance rules and regulations throughout the Commonwealth.
Virginia DMV: Find information on licenses and registrations, driving laws, and more.
Virginia’s Attorney General consumer protection page: File a complaint, search consumer protection rules, and more.
We answered common questions people ask about finding cheap car insurance in Virginia.
Auto-Owners offers the lowest average auto insurance rates in Virginia, at $61 per month, according to Compare.com data. Your cheapest rate may differ depending on your age, driving record, vehicle, coverage needs, and ZIP code.
Auto-Owners offers cheap liability car insurance in Virginia, according to Compare.com data. State Farm and USAA are also affordable options for state-minimum liability coverage.
Not exactly. State Farm offers Payoff Protector, which is similar to gap insurance in Virginia. But it’s only for vehicles financed through State Farm Bank, not an optional coverage you can add to your car insurance policy.
No single car insurance company or website is the cheapest for every Virginia driver. Rates can vary widely by driver, location, and insurer. Comparing quotes from multiple Virginia insurers is the best way to find affordable coverage. Insurance comparison sites like Compare.com are the easiest way to compare multiple quotes at once.
Virginia drivers with poor credit may find the cheapest rates from Auto-Owners. Its average rates start at $92 per month, according to Compare.com data.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates 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 the rates listed in this article have been collected 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 readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
10+ years writing and editing insurance content
Published in Washington Post, LA Times, and more
Nick leads Compare.com's editorial team in creating helpful, easy-to-understand content about insurance and personal finance.
Triple-I's media relations director
20+ years in insurance
Mark serves as a national spokesman for Triple-I. An insurance expert, he's an impartial, independent reviewer for Compare.
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
