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Erin Gobler is a personal finance writer and journalist who has been writing for Compare.com since 2023. With more than five years of experience personal finance experience, Erin has covered topics such as investing, credit cards, mortgages, insurance, and more.
Her work has been featured in major publications like Business Insider, Fox Business, and Time.
Erin received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2013, studying journalism and political science. She also received a certificate of financial planning from Boston University in 2022.
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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Brandy is a licensed P&C and Life agent with over 13 years of experience in the industry, with the majority of it on the commercial side. As a licensed agent with a background in and passion for writing and editing, she is responsible for the review of our P&C insurance content accuracy. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business, and her writing has been published on several insurance-related websites, including ValuePenguin and Assurance.
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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.
Virginia drivers enjoy car insurance premiums below the national average — the average Virginian pays around $113 per month for a basic liability policy.
Auto-Owners offers the cheapest rates, with average premiums of just $37 for liability-only insurance.
Of course, your personal rates will depend on a variety of factors, including your demographics and coverage limits. And since Virginia’s insurance laws have recently changed — and are slated to do so again in 2025 — it’s important to understand exactly how much coverage you need.
The guide below will cover everything you need to know about car insurance in the Commonwealth — from the cheapest companies and statewide requirements to how to get the best possible rates Virginia has to offer.
Virginia drivers pay an average of $113 per month for liability insurance and $189 for full coverage.
Auto-Owners has the cheapest insurance premiums in Virginia, with an average monthly rate of $37.
The state of Virginia requires $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident of bodily injury insurance and $25,000 in property damage liability insurance, but these limits will increase in 2025.
The average car insurance premium in Virginia is $151 per month, according to Compare.com data. But how much you pay for insurance depends on the type of coverage you have, among other factors.
The table below breaks down the average premiums for both liability-only and full-coverage insurance in Virginia, as well as how they compare to the national average.
State | Average Monthly Premium: Liability | Average Monthly Premium: Full Coverage | Average Monthly Premium: All Policies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $113 | $189 | $151 |
| National average | $106 | $193 | $150 |
Virginia drivers pay an average of $113 per month for liability insurance and $189 per month for full coverage, according to our research.
In the next few sections, we’ll dive a bit deeper into these coverage options and how to decide which is right for you.
Compare personalized quotes from VA’s top insurers.
You have plenty of affordable options when shopping for car insurance in Virginia. And even though the statewide average premium is $151 per month, it’s easy to find even lower rates.
Let’s take a look at which companies offer the cheapest car insurance in Virginia.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $37 |
| State Farm | $38 |
| USAA | $52 |
| Clearcover | $56 |
| Chubb | $56 |
| Erie | $59 |
| Nationwide | $67 |
| Mercury | $79 |
| Allstate | $81 |
| Progressive | $87 |
| CSAA | $91 |
| Direct Auto | $96 |
| Elephant | $100 |
| National General | $102 |
| Travelers | $108 |
| GEICO | $109 |
| GAINSCO | $119 |
| Safeco | $123 |
| Bristol West | $125 |
| Root | $137 |
| Dairyland | $142 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $148 |
| The General | $174 |
| Liberty Mutual | $175 |
Auto-Owners has an average monthly insurance premium of just $37 — the lowest of any insurer in Virginia and considerably lower than the state average. That being said, a variety of factors affect your insurance premiums, including your age, driving history, and more. That means the cheapest average company won’t necessarily be the cheapest for you. It’s important to shop around and compare quotes to find the best savings.
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While there’s no single best car insurance company for every driver in Virginia, some may be ideal for most drivers or certain types of customers. We’re sharing our top choices for Virginia drivers based on a combination of average rates in Virginia, available discounts, customer ratings and reviews, and available coverages.
Here are three of the best car insurance companies in Virginia in 2024:
Average full-coverage premium: $68 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.43 out of 5
Low rates for high-risk drivers
Excellent coverage options
Large network of local independent agents
Potentially poor digital experience
Online quoting not available
No discounts for safe drivers
Auto-Owners has cheaper rates than many insurers in Virginia, including having some of the best rates for high-risk drivers. The company also offers an excellent line-up of coverage choices, including less-common options like additional expense, diminished value, accident forgiveness, and a common-loss deductible.
And thanks to Auto-Owners’ large network of independent insurance agents, you’ll have a more personalized customer experience than what you’d find with many insurers.
Average full-coverage premium: $70 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.90 out of 5
Highly rated customer satisfaction
Low rates for high-risk drivers
Discounts for safe drivers
Gap insurance not available
Limited discount options available
Above-average number of customer complaints
State Farm is the most popular auto insurance company nationwide, and it offers plenty of benefits for Virginia drivers. First, State Farm consistently ranks near the top of all companies for customer satisfaction, both for claims and overall, according to recent J.D. Power studies. State Farm also offers lower rates than many other insurers, including for drivers with violations on their records.
And if you’re a safe driver, you can save up to 30% on your premiums with State Farm’s usage-based discount program, Drive Safe & Save.
Average full-coverage premium: $151 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.65 out of 5
More available discounts than most insurers
Offers accident forgiveness
Below-average number of customer complaints
Poor customer satisfaction ratings
Gap insurance not available
No independent agents
In addition to being among the cheapest insurers for Virginia drivers, GEICO offers more discounts than most of its competitors. Some of its most noteworthy savings opportunities include discounts for being a good driver, driving a safe vehicle, completing a defensive driver course, and being a federal employee or military service member.
GEICO also offers accident forgiveness coverage — if you opt in, your premium won’t increase after your first at-fault accident.
Compare personalized quotes from Virginia’s cheapest companies.
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The type and amount of coverage you purchase have a significant effect on your premiums. Liability insurance at Virginia’s minimum limits is the cheapest type of car insurance policy you can purchase. Virginia’s state-minimum car insurance includes bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
We’ve broken down the cheapest insurance companies for the state’s minimum coverage in the chart below.
If expensive car repairs would put a serious dent in your finances, it’s worth considering getting more robust coverage. And if you have a loan or a lease, the bank or leasing company will require you to have full coverage — which we’ll cover in more detail in the next section.
An alternative to liability-only insurance is full coverage. Though there’s no set definition for full-coverage insurance, it typically includes both collision and comprehensive coverage alongside basic liability, and it may also include other coverage types, like rental coverage, gap insurance, and more.
Full coverage is a great option for most people, especially drivers who can’t afford to repair or replace their vehicle out of pocket. But because it offers more coverage, it’s also more expensive, as you can see in the table below.
In the next few sections, we’ll talk about some of the other factors that could affect your car insurance premiums and compare average rates for drivers like you.
Generally speaking, insurance premiums decrease as you age. Teens and other young drivers pay the highest insurance premiums, while older drivers pay far less, all else being equal.
The table below shows the average insurance premium in Virginia for drivers in each age bracket, as well as the cheapest company for each category.
Age Group | Statewide Average Monthly Premium | Cheapest Insurer | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teens | $285 | Auto-Owners | $66 |
| 40s | $137 | Auto-Owners | $34 |
| 60s | $120 | Auto-Owners | $29 |
Teenagers are the most expensive age group to insure due to their lack of driving experience. They’re also more likely to exhibit risky driving habits and to be in a fatal car accident, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Auto-Owners has the cheapest car insurance for teen drivers in Virginia, with an average premium of $66 per month. That’s much cheaper than the overall average premium for Virginia teens — $285 per month.
As we mentioned above, insurance premiums tend to decrease as you age, meaning seniors typically pay the lowest rates of any age group. After all, older drivers have far more experience and are more likely to drive responsibly, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). That said, premiums may rise again slightly once you reach your 70s and your health starts to decline.
Our research found that Auto-Owners has the cheapest insurance premiums for senior drivers in Virginia, with average monthly premiums of $29 for drivers in their 60s. Compare that with the overall state average — $120 per month — and Auto-Owners is a great place to start if you’re a senior looking for more affordable coverage.
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It probably comes as no surprise that your driving record has a significant effect on your car insurance rates. If you have a clean driving record, you’ll enjoy the lowest possible rates. Meanwhile, having violations on your record can increase your premiums — sometimes substantially.
The table below shows the average monthly premium for Virginia drivers with different violations on their records, as well as the cheapest insurer for each type of violation, according to Compare.com data.
Driving Record | Statewide Average Monthly Premium | Cheapest Insurer | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $151 | Auto-Owners | $37 |
| Speeding ticket | $198 | Auto-Owners | $47 |
| At-fault accident | $206 | Auto-Owners | $49 |
| DUI | $237 | Auto-Owners | $59 |
A speeding ticket is one of the most common driving violations, but it still causes average insurance premiums to increase by 27% nationally, according to Compare.com data.
Auto-Owners has the cheapest insurance premiums for Virginia drivers with one speeding ticket, with an average monthly premium of $47. That’s considerably lower than the overall average across Virginia, $198 per month.
Any type of auto accident can increase your insurance rates, but they’re most likely to go up after one you cause. The average monthly premium for drivers in Virginia with an at-fault accident on their record is $206 per month, according to Compare.com. Auto-Owners has the cheapest rates for these drivers, with an average monthly premium of just $49.
A DUI — short for driving under the influence — is one of the most serious driving offenses you can get and results in the greatest increase in your insurance rates. You can expect your premiums to increase by about 50% after a DUI, according to Compare.com data.
Auto-Owners has an average monthly premium of $59 per month for Virginia drivers with a DUI. Meanwhile, the overall state average for drivers in this category is much more — $237 per month.
Virginia drivers must have auto insurance coverage to legally drive in the Commonwealth. State law requires you to have a minimum of at least:
$30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
$60,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
$20,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
You must also purchase the same amounts of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
But keep in mind that 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 Jan. 1, 2025.
Previously, Virginia allowed drivers to opt out of insurance coverage by paying a $500 uninsured motorist fee, which would go into the state’s Uninsured Motorist Fund to help pay for damages in uninsured motorist claims. But a recent law change eliminated this option as of July 1, 2024.
State law requires you to always carry proof of insurance or payment, and driving without auto insurance in Virginia can have serious penalties.
If you drive without insurance in Virginia, you can expect the state to suspend your driver’s license and vehicle registration until you:
Pay a $600 non-compliance fee
Pay a license or vehicle registration reinstatement fee
An SR-22 and an FR-44 aren’t a type of insurance but rather certifications of financial responsibility the DMV may require some Virginia high-risk drivers to have on file. Here are a few reasons you might have to provide an SR-22 or FR-44 in Virginia for at least three years.
SR-22 Insurance | FR-44 Insurance |
|---|---|
| Uninsured motorist suspension | DUI |
| Falsifying proof of insurance | Maiming someone while DUI |
| Unsatisfied judgment | Driving after driver’s license forfeiture after conviction |
| Suspended driver’s license | Local or other state violation |
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.
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Getting affordable 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.
Compare personalized quotes from the cheapest insurers in Virginia.
If you’re preparing to buy auto insurance in Virginia, check out these answers to some of the most commonly asked questions in the Commonwealth.
The cheapest auto insurance company in Virginia is currently Auto-Owners, according to Compare.com data. It offers auto insurance policies for an average of just $37 per month. That said, a different company may be cheaper for you based on your unique circumstances.
The average cost of car insurance in Virginia is $151 per month, according to Compare.com data. The average liability-only premium is $113 per month, while the average full-coverage policy costs $189.
Car insurance in Virginia isn’t particularly expensive. In fact, Virginia’s average premiums put it lower than the national average, according to our research.
The best way to get cheaper car insurance premiums in Virginia is to shop around. Get personalized quotes from multiple companies and compare them to find the most affordable option. You can also save by taking advantage of discounts, improving your driving habits, and adjusting your policy.
Sources:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Insurance Requirements,” accessed November 6, 2024.
Insurance Information Institute, “What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?” accessed November 6, 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Risk Factors for Teen Drivers,” accessed November 6, 2024.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Older drivers,” accessed November 6, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2024 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study,” accessed November 6, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study,” accessed November 6, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” accessed November 6, 2024.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “State Farm National Complaint Index Report,” accessed November 6, 2024.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “GEICO National Complaint Index Report,” accessed November 6, 2024.
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.
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Erin Gobler is a personal finance writer and journalist who has been writing for Compare.com since 2023. With more than five years of experience personal finance experience, Erin has covered topics such as investing, credit cards, mortgages, insurance, and more.
Her work has been featured in major publications like Business Insider, Fox Business, and Time.
Erin received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2013, studying journalism and political science. She also received a certificate of financial planning from Boston University in 2022.
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
Brandy is a licensed P&C and Life agent with over 13 years of experience in the industry, with the majority of it on the commercial side. As a licensed agent with a background in and passion for writing and editing, she is responsible for the review of our P&C insurance content accuracy. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business, and her writing has been published on several insurance-related websites, including ValuePenguin and Assurance.
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