Car Insurance in Virginia

Here's what you need to know when driving in Virginia

Car insurance in Virginia costs $1,067 per year. Compared to the national average rate, Virginia's average is cheaper by $462. Factors that are unique to you, such as your age, location and driving record, determine what you pay for auto insurance.

In our guide to Virginia car insurance, we analyzed average car insurance rates to help you find a budget-friendly policy that meets your needs. Find out how much auto insurance costs in Virginia so you know what a fair rate looks like depending on your individual rating factors. If you're ready to see how much you can save by shopping around, submit your ZIP code above to get auto quotes from top insurance companies.

The best car insurance companies in Virginia

Here are the top three car insurance companies in Virginia, according to third-party ratings from J.D. Power.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Virginia

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

Virginia auto insurance laws

Like most states, Virginia mandates every driver carry a certain amount of car insurance, along with proof of insurance. Along with liability coverage, Virginia also requires you to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage; this coverage is usually optional in other states.

Virginia's car insurance requirements are also unique in that the state allows drivers to drive uninsured for a certain length of time if they pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee. However, this is not recommended as it leaves you at risk.

Getting the legal minimum coverage level is more affordable than full coverage, but keep in mind you won't have any coverage for your own vehicle. In Virginia, expect to pay $408 every year for the state minimum level of coverage. This rate is less expensive than the nationwide average by 73%.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Virginia, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below if your policy is effective between January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024:

• Bodily injury: $30,000 per person
• Bodily injury: $60,000 per accident
• Property damage: $20,000 per accident

For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, your liability coverage should be increased to these levels:

• Bodily injury: $50,000 per person
• Bodily injury: $100,000 per accident
• Property damage: $25,000 per accident

Virginia drivers also have to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at these limits:

• Bodily injury: $25,000 per person
• Bodily injury: $50,000 per accident
• Property damage: $20,000 per accident

If you want more protection beyond the minimum, you can get a full coverage policy, which includes comprehensive and collision. This will protect you against the financial ramifications of car accidents, theft, vandalism or weather incidents.

More robust coverage, however, comes at a higher price. A comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $944 in Virginia — that's 131% more than liability-only insurance. If you choose a full coverage policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 164% more than you would for basic coverage.

Virginia car insurance premiums by rating factor

Insurance companies leverage personal rating factors, like your age, location, driving record and more to calculate how much to charge you in premium. Every insurer weighs these factors differently, which means that you'll get quotes that vary in price when you shop for car insurance.

To get a better understanding of how much you can expect to pay in Virginia, use the data below as a jumping-off point in your search.

Cheap auto insurance in Virginia for minimum coverage

Getting liability-only insurance at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly lower, but leaves you at risk. In Virginia, the average cost for minimum coverage is $34 per month, or $408 yearly — a savings of $671 compared to full coverage.

Cheap auto insurance in Virginia with bad credit

Credit score is a rating factor in nearly every state, including Virginia. This is because statistics show a correlation between those with bad credit and a propensity for filing claims. Due to the increased risk of insuring these drivers, insurance companies will charge much higher rates if your credit falls below average.

In Virginia, people with poor credit generally pay an additional $997 yearly compared to drivers with excellent credit. Consult sample rates from different insurance companies below.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Virginia

It can be difficult finding affordable auto insurance as a young driver; according to our data, teens and drivers in their 20s pay the most for car insurance compared to older age groups. Insurers charge higher premiums for young drivers because of their relative inexperience on the road.

In Virginia, teens pay $3,511 per year, which is $1,982 more than the national average and over three times as much as a 30-year-old Virginia driver.

Virginia auto insurance rate by violation

Depending on the seriousness of the violation, getting a ticket or citation can quickly make your premium unaffordable. Because every insurer's pricing standards are different, it's difficult to say how much exactly you can expect your rate to increase. Using data, however, we can provide general estimates.

See below for average auto insurance rates in Virginia after a few common citations.

Virginia DUI laws

Getting a DUI in Virginia can increase your rate by 99% yearly. A DUI is considered a serious violation, so it can be a challenge finding affordable auto insurance with a recent conviction on your driving record.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Virginia

To ensure you're getting the fairest price after a DUI, it’s essential that you assess each of your insurance choices carefully. Car insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurance company. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Virginia, State Farm, advertises annual rates 42% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Virginia is Erie, while the most expensive is Allstate.

There is no insurer in particular that offers inexpensive rates for drivers with DUIs that's comparable to a rate you'd get without a DUI. The recommended way to save after a DUI citation is to shop around with as many companies as possible.

Virginia SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Virginia to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Virginia might require some research, but it shouldn't be too difficult.

How to acquire an SR-22 in Virginia

For currently insured drivers

If you already have an active auto insurance policy, requesting an SR-22 is fairly straightforward. Contact your insurance company and request that the company file an SR-22 certificate request on your behalf. If your current insurance company won't request a certificate, you should look for a new auto insurance company.

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 certification might disqualify you from getting coverage from some companies, while others will sell you a policy.

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If you don't own a vehicle, you should apply for a non-owners car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. Non-owners auto coverage is typically cheaper than traditional coverage since it doesn't cover physical damage to your vehicle.

Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, and an important one is the location of the vehicle. The cheapest car insurance is found in Massanetta Springs and the most expensive in Fleet, Virginia.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Virginia's biggest cities.

Car insurance price trends in Virginia

In Virginia, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $41 in the past year. A typical Virginia driver pays an average of $1,067 per year, which is the highest it's reached in recent history. It's worth noting that this is still cheaper than the national average rate of $1,529.

Since 2017, the cost of car insurance in Virginia has steadily increased incrementally. The steepest decrease occurred from 2015 to 2016, while the highest uptick took place from 2016 to 2017.

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

Virginia car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Virginia auto insurance.