Since 2010, Virginia’s population has grown by 7.9%. So if you’re considering relocating to the state, you may be wondering how expensive it may be, especially when it comes to car insurance.
The average cost of car insurance in Virginia is $1,490, compared to the national average of $1,582. However, how much your premiums will cost depends on factors such as your location, car's make and model, credit score, and driving history.
- Key takeaways
- How much does car insurance cost in Virginia?
- Average cost of car insurance in Virginia by provider
- How does credit score affect car insurance rates in Virginia?
- Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Virginia
- How does age affect car insurance rates in Virginia?
- Virginia car insurance rates by city
- VA’s minimum car insurance requirements
- How to save money on car insurance in Virginia
- Methodology
- FAQs about car insurance costs in VA
Key takeaways
- The average cost of car insurance in Virginia is $1,490 per year for full coverage.
- State-minimum coverage costs an average of $445 per year.
- Teen drivers pay a yearly average of $2,901 for car insurance.
How much does car insurance cost in Virginia?
Car insurance is generally less expensive in Virginia than in other states. The average annual cost of full coverage insurance — which includes liability, collision, and comprehensive protection — is $1,490, compared to the national average of $1,582.
However, young drivers should expect substantially higher premiums. The average cost for insurance for young adults is $2,901.
Avg. cost for full coverage | Avg. cost for minimum coverage | Cheapest insurance provider |
$1,490/year | $445/year | USAA |
Avg. for young drivers | Avg. cost for seniors | Avg. for high-risk drivers |
$2,901/year | $1,329/year | $1,729/year |
Average cost of car insurance in Virginia by provider
You can choose from various car insurance companies in Virginia, ranging from large household names like State Farm and Progressive to smaller insurers like Mercury.
USAA offers the cheapest premiums for both full and state-minimum coverage in Virginia. However, USAA insurance isn’t available to everyone. If you are looking for other companies that offer affordable car insurance, consider State Farm, which has the next cheapest rates for full coverage policies.
Provider | Full coverage | Minimum liability coverage |
Nationwide | $1,039/year | $398/year |
Travelers | $1,095/year | $412/year |
Mercury |
$1,441/year |
$389/year |
Progressive | $996/year | $348/year |
State Farm | $936/year | $361/year |
USAA | $795/year | $313/year |
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Check RatesHow does credit score affect car insurance rates in Virginia?
In Virginia, insurance companies can use your credit as a determining factor when setting your premiums. Having excellent credit can help you save money on car insurance; those with credit scores of 750 or higher paid less than those with poor credit.
Credit health | Avg. annual premium |
Poor (550-649) | $1,575/year |
Average (650-699) | $1,531/year |
Good (700-749) | $1,274/year |
Excellent (750+) | $1,168/year |
Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Virginia
Maintaining a clean driving record can help keep your premiums low. Driving infractions like speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and driving under the influence (DUI) convictions can cause your premiums to skyrocket.
On average, a DUI can cause your premiums to increase by over $508, while a single speeding ticket may increase your premiums by $79.
Violation | Avg. annual premium before violation* | Avg. annual premium after violation | Avg. cost increase |
At-fault accident | $1,490/year | $1,682/year | $192 |
DUI | $1,490/year | $1,998/year | $508 |
Speeding ticket | $1,490/year | $1,569/year | $79 |
*Assumes clean driving record with good credit
How does age affect car insurance rates in Virginia?
As is common in most states, car insurance is much more expensive for Virginia teens than for other age groups. The average premium for those that are 18 is $3,387 — nearly three times the premiums for those in their thirties.
Age | Avg. annual premium |
18 | $3,387/year |
25 | $1,399/year |
30 | $1,257/year |
40 | $1,256/year |
60 | $1,194/year |
Virginia car insurance rates by city
If you live in a densely populated area, there is a higher likelihood of getting into an accident or being the victim of crime. As a result, where you live can substantially impact your car insurance premiums.
In Virginia, Norfolk residents had the highest car insurance premiums in the state. That’s not surprising, as NeighborhoodScout gave Norfolk a four on its crime index, meaning that 96% of cities in the U.S. are safer than Norfolk.
City | Avg. annual full-coverage premium |
Alexandria | $1,565/year |
Richmond | $1,567/year |
Virginia Beach | $1,471/year |
Norfolk | $1,643/year |
Chesapeake | $1,469/year |
Hampton | $1,514/year |
VA’s minimum car insurance requirements
Car insurance is required in most states, and Virginia is no exception. Drivers are required to meet the following coverage minimums:
- $30,000 in bodily injury protection for one person
- $60,000 in bodily injury protection for two or more people
- $20,000 in property damage protection
However, Virginia does have one unique feature. Drivers who wish to forgo coverage can do so if they pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee. It allows you to legally drive the vehicle for 12 months.
However, you are personally liable for any damages or injuries that occur, so opting to pay the fee rather than purchasing insurance is risky. And because the average premium for state-minimum coverage is lower than the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee, getting an auto policy is financially wiser.
How to save money on car insurance in Virginia
To save money on your car insurance premiums in Virginia, use these tips:
- Take a mature driver course: In Virginia, drivers 55 or older can complete a mature driver safety course to help them recognize how aging can affect their driving abilities. You may be eligible for up to 15% off your premiums for up to three years if you successfully complete the course.
- Contact your agent: Talk to your agent about how to reduce your premiums. They may suggest increasing your deductible, or they may know about discounts you may qualify for that can help you save money. For example, you may be eligible for a multi-policy discount if you have homeowners or renters insurance.
- Shop around: Rates and coverage options can vary by insurer. Switching companies instead of sticking with one insurer for years can be a smart way to save hundreds of dollars. Request quotes from the best car insurance companies to find out if you can save money on your premiums.
Methodology
Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the average cost of auto insurance in each state. The data we analyzed included coverage premiums from up to 10 different insurance providers. We looked at rates by city, driver profile, and credit score, as well as factored in the impact of driving violations. This data is for comparative purposes only. Your actual quote may be different.
FAQs about car insurance costs in VA
Is car insurance expensive in VA?
Generally, car insurance is less expensive in Virginia than it is in most other states. On average, premiums for full coverage insurance cost $1,490 per year, and $445 per year for state-minimum coverage.
How much is car insurance per year in VA?
On average, drivers pay $1,490 per year for full coverage insurance, and $445 per year for state-minimum insurance.