Average Cost of Car Insurance in Virginia for 2023

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 lower than the national average, costing just $1,490 per year for full coverage. However, how much your premiums will cost depends on your location, car's make and model, credit score, and driving history.

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 $37.08 per month.
• Teen drivers pay an 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 about $40 less than the national average.

However, young drivers should expect substantially higher premiums. The average cost for insurance for young adults was nearly double the state average.

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	$1,666/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 coverages. However, USAA insurance isn’t available to everyone. If you are looking for other companies that offer affordable car insurance, consider Progressive, which has the next cheapest rates in Virginia.

Provider	Full coverage	Minimum liability coverage
Nationwide	$1,039/year	$398/year
Travelers	$1,095/year	$412/year
Mercury	$1,405/year	$389/year
Progressive	$996/year	$348/year
State Farm	$1,296/year	$407/year
USAA	$795/year	$313/year

How 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 about $600 less than those with poor credit.

Credit health	Avg. annual premium
Poor (550-649)	$1,807/year
Average (650-699)	$1,634/year
Good (700-749)	$1,386/year
Excellent (750+)	$1,207/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 will cause your premiums to increase by over $500, while a single speeding ticket will 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
Newport News	$1,475/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 that 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.

FAQs about car insurance costs in VA