Virginia drivers enjoy some of the nation’s lowest car insurance rates, but if you’re looking for the best car insurance in Virginia, you should probably consider more than just price in your research. Reviews.com analyzed the biggest companies by market share in Virginia to help you find the best option for your unique situation.
The 4 Best Auto Insurance Companies in Virginia
In our search for the best auto insurance companies in Virginia, we started by reviewing 2021 average premium data from Bankrate.com. Then, we researched each carrier’s coverages, discounts, digital tools, and third-party scores. Our investigation resulted in these four companies rising to the top of the list:
- Erie: Best for Customer Satisfaction
- USAA: Best for Military-Centric Options
- Progressive: Best for Discounts
- Travelers: Best for Low Premiums
Compare the Best Car Insurance Companies in Virginia
We chose these four insurance companies based on our research method and the metrics we felt would be important to the largest number of readers. Everyone has a unique situation, though, and that means that the company that is best for your coverage needs may not be on this list. Always do your research and choose a carrier that you feel fits your needs.
| AVERAGE ANNUAL MINIMUM COVERAGE PREMIUM* | AVERAGE ANNUAL FULL COVERAGE PREMIUM* | AM BEST AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim. | J.D. POWER** J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Erie | $350 | $1,025 | A+ | 867 | |
| Pin USAA | $294 | $890 | A++ | 881** | |
| Pin Progressive | $364 | $945 | A+ | 827 | |
| Pin Travelers | $361 | $910 | A++ | 860 |
Information is accurate as of June 2022
*Premium data provided by Bankrate.com.
**J.D. Power 2022 Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study rating for the Mid-Atlantic region. Based on a 1,000-point scale. USAA is not officially ranked due to eligibility restrictions.
Best for Customer Satisfaction
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Highest official J.D. Power customer satisfaction score in the Mid-Atlantic region
- Lower-than-average premiums
- Robust optional coverages
Cons
- Fewer digital tools than competitors
- Not available in all states
- Lower AM Best financial strength rating than some competitors
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Home
- Mobile home
- Life
- Business
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Annual payment plan
- Reduced usage
- Safe driving
- Car safety equipment
Best for Military-Centric Options
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Low average rates
- Coverages and discounts tailored to military needs
- High third-party scores
Cons
- Only available to military members and qualifying family members
- Few local offices
- Fewer advertised discounts than some competitors
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Motorcycle
- Classic car
- Aviation
- Boat
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Military installation
- Good student
- Loyalty
- SafePilot
Best for Discounts
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Low average rates
- Numerous discounts
- Strong digital tools
Cons
- Lower-than-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
- Lower-than-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction score
- Lower AM Best financial strength rating than many competitors
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Golf cart
- Segway
- Homeowners
- Renters
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Snapshot
- Homeowner
- Online quote
- Online purchase
Best for Low Premiums
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Low average full coverage premium
- Superior AM Best financial strength score
- High J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
Cons
- Lower-than-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction score
- Ridesharing endorsement only available in Illinois and Colorado
- Higher-than-average overall NAIC complaint index
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Condo
- Landlord
- Flood
- Travel
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Homeownership
- New car
- Continuous insurance
- Hybrid/electric vehicle
* Premium data provided by Bankrate.com.
**J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study rating for the Mid-Atlantic region. Based on a 1,000-point scale. USAA is not officially ranked due to eligibility restrictions.
The Average Cost of Car Insurance in Virginia
Virginia has some of the cheapest car insurance in the nation. According to 2021 data from Bankrate.com, drivers in Virginia pay an average of $441 per year for the state’s required minimum liability coverage and $1,304 per year for full coverage. Nationally, the averages are $565 per year for minimum coverage and $1,674 per year for full coverage.
Car insurance rates can vary depending on several factors. Drivers with clean driving records or good credit scores can expect to pay lower premiums, while those with poor driving records or lower credit-based insurance scores may pay more (in most states). Age also plays a role in most states (including Virginia), as younger drivers tend to have a higher likelihood of driving infractions. Ultimately, the insurance company you choose and the level of coverage you need are some of the biggest determining factors.
Top 3 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Virginia
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Nationwide | $770 |
| USAA | $890 |
| Travelers | $910 |
* Data provided by Bankrate.com.
Top 3 Most Expensive Car Insurance Companies in Virginia
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Electric | $3,308 |
| Kemper | $2,386 |
| Cincinnati | $1,584 |
* Data provided by Bankrate.com.
Top 3 Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in Virginia
| City | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Harrisonburg | $1,097 |
| Massanetta Springs | $1,100 |
| Woodstock | $1,103 |
* Data provided by Bankrate.com.
Top 3 Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance in Virginia
| City | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Norfolk | $1,499 |
| Big Rock | $1,495 |
| Hurley | $1,495 |
* Data provided by Bankrate.com.
Key Thing to Know About Car Insurance in Virginia
Regardless of where you live, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your state’s insurance laws and common causes of damage. Understanding these factors could help you better choose the right coverage.
Virginia Car Insurance Requirements
Like most states, Virginia requires that all drivers carry at least a minimum amount of liability insurance for drivers who choose to carry an auto insurance policy. In these cases, drivers must be able to provide proof of insurance at any time while driving their vehicles. Driving without insurance could result in penalties such as suspension of your license or registration.
Virginia updated its insurance law on January 1, 2022, and the new minimum limits are:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $20,000 property damage liability per accident
You can also pay a $500 uninsured motorist fee to avoid buying Virginia car insurance, but financial experts don’t generally recommend it. Avoiding car insurance might mean one less bill to pay, but you’ll need to have the finances to pay out of pocket for the damages and injuries you cause to others. Car accident expenses can add up fast, so having car insurance is an important piece of your financial plan and can help protect your hard-earned cash.
Car Insurance Coverage Options
State minimum coverage is all you need to drive legally, but if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, you’ll also have to carry comprehensive and collision coverage, often referred to as a “full coverage” policy. In addition to full coverage, there are some truly optional coverages you may want to consider:
- Gap insurance: Many insurance companies offer this coverage for newer vehicles, which is designed to cover the difference between your car’s actual cash value and the amount you owe on your auto loan.
- Uninsured & underinsured motorist: These coverages protect you from financial losses if you’re in an accident where the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for your damages.
- Accident forgiveness: This optional coverage prevents your insurance premiums from increasing after an accident. However, rate hikes are only prevented with your current insurer and are limited to “forgiving” one accident over a certain period.
- Roadside assistance: Many insurance companies offer this coverage to pay for services such as flat tire change, battery jump, lockout services, and towing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
Reviews.com reviews products, services, and companies based on five criteria to help readers understand how companies compare based on similar metrics. For the best car insurance companies, our editorial team compared affordability, customer support, coverage options, customer satisfaction scores and online resources from each company to determine top providers.
As for average pricing, we used Bankrate.com’s data of car insurance in Virginia, based on the profiles of a 40-year male and female. For full coverage, the details used were the following:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
About the Authors
Cate Deventer is a writer and licensed insurance agent. She has a Bachelor’s degree in theatre and is currently pursuing a degree in English with a concentration in professional and technical writing from Indiana University East. Her work has been featured on Reviews.com and Bankrate.com, and she’s passionate about helping people take charge of their finances. In her free time, she likes to read thrillers and sci-fi novels, garden, and toss tennis balls for her dog.
