Car Insurance in Virginia
- How Much is Car Insurance in Virginia?
- Real Quotes for Jerry.ai Customers in Virginia
- The Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia
- Most Popular Insurance Companies in Virginia
- Cost to Insure Different Cars in Virginia
- Car Insurance Laws in Virginia
- Car Registration Information in Virginia
Looking for car insurance in Virginia? Here you’ll find all the information you need on driving a car in Old Dominion, regardless of what kind of car you own, what your budget is, or what kind of driver you are. Whether you live in Virginia Beach or Norfolk, Chesapeake or Richmond — you can read on for the cheapest car insurance, the best car insurance, and the laws you need to know for Virginia car insurance.
How Much is Car Insurance in Virginia?
Why do car insurance quotes differ by state? First of all, each state has different laws around what kind of coverage you need to legally drive. Insurance companies also look at the number of car accidents and thefts in an area, how much people are generally using their car, and how likely an area is to have a natural disaster, among other factors. But while you can’t always control where you live, you can get cheap car insurance by choosing an insurance policy that has the best rates for your needs. If you live in Virginia, here’s what you should know about how much you’ll pay for insurance: On average, drivers in Virginia pay $2,065.12 each year for car insurance. This means drivers in Virginia pay 32% below the average for the rest of the country. But however much you pay, you can use our advice on this page to save money.
What’s Your Rate?
But how do you know what policy is right for you in Virginia? The truth is that insurance companies take many different factors into account when coming up with your quote. They create a profile based not only on where you live in Virginia, but also on your credit score, marital status, the kind of car you own, and much more.
Not only does your profile change what kind of price you’ll get on car insurance, but it also might change the kind of coverage you want! Not all tiers are the same, and it’s important to know what you’re looking for. You could save money on your monthly or yearly insurance premiums by having a higher deductible. But if you do get into an accident or need to file a claim, that choice will cause you to pay more out of pocket.
The best way to make sure you’re always getting the best coverage for the right price is to let us do all the legwork for you. We can compare quotes from over 40 different insurance companies and find you the best rates in 45 seconds — no matter what kind of coverage you’re looking for.
Real Quotes for Jerry.ai Customers in Virginia
| Created | Cars | Customer | Carrier | Monthly premium | Amount saved | Type of coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-12-22 |
| 24 year old male | National General | $95.17 | $168.67 | Basic |
| 2021-02-18 |
| 23 year old female | Progressive | $58.33 | $191.67 | Basic |
| 2021-01-13 |
| 22 year old male | Safeco | $152.51 | $147.49 | Standard |
| 2021-01-03 |
| 24 year old female | Safeco | $97.67 | $20.33 | Standard |
| 2021-01-17 |
| 31 year old female | Progressive | $79.67 | $48.33 | Basic |
The Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia
Which companies offer cheap car insurance in Virginia? Below, we’ve ranked Virginia car insurance companies based on which ones have, on average, the cheapest car insurance quotes for basic, standard, and preferred coverage levels for different profiles. These are averages to give you a sense of what drivers in your state are paying. But remember — it’s impossible to know what your quotes will be until you start comparing for yourself. That’s why we’re also showing you some real quotes we were able to find for our members recently. If you shop for insurance wisely, you can get a great deal without sacrificing your own safety and protection.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia for Basic Coverage
There’s all kinds of auto insurance you can get in Virginia, depending on what your priorities are. But if your priority is the least expensive premium payments, you’ll want to check out a basic plan. In most states you legally need car insurance to drive. Basic plans ensure that you have the minimum coverage required by Virginia. These are also plans with liability-only coverage. We were able to look at the average price drivers are paying for basic insurance coverage in Virginia, as well as real quotes from actual Jerry.ai customers. You can customize these charts to find rates depending on your driving record, your age, how many cars you drive, you gender, and whether or not you’re a homeowner — all huge factors real insurance companies use in determining rates.
Average Cheapest Car Insurance for Basic Coverage in Virginia
| Rank | Company name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | National General | $830.74 |
| 2 | State Auto | $914.42 |
| 3 | Bristol West | $930.24 |
| 4 | Progressive | $931.02 |
| 5 | Nationwide | $959.05 |
| 6 | Mercury | $984.74 |
| 7 | Electric | $1,042.55 |
Real Jerry Quotes for Basic Coverage in Virginia
| Created | Cars | Customer | Carrier | Monthly premium | Amount saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-12-24 |
| 19 year old male | Progressive | $99.50 | $49.50 |
| 2021-02-11 |
| 33 year old male | National General | $93.67 | $12.33 |
| 2021-02-02 |
| 26 year old female | Progressive | $54.50 | $313.50 |
| 2020-12-07 |
| 19 year old male | Progressive | $193.67 | $105.69 |
| 2021-01-16 |
| 23 year old male | Progressive | $56.50 | $184.50 |
Average Cheapest Car Insurance for Standard Plans in Virginia
Most drivers will want more than the basic minimum coverage that Virginia requires — but still don’t want to break the bank. Standard plans offer both collision insurance and comprehensive insurance which gives you more protection than a basic plan. These plans generally offer a $1,000 deductible.
Below you’ll find the average price drivers are paying for standard insurance coverage in Virginia, as well as real quotes from actual Jerry.ai customers. You can customize these charts to find rates depending on your driving record, your age, how many cars you drive, you gender, and whether or not you’re a homeowner. All of these factors can impact premiums, so be sure to take a look at averages and quotes from drivers similar to you!
Average Cheapest Car Insurance for Standard Coverage in Virginia
| Rank | Company name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nationwide | $1,198.33 |
| 2 | Kemper | $1,237.53 |
| 3 | Mercury | $1,306.38 |
| 4 | National General | $1,341.31 |
| 5 | Progressive | $1,388.90 |
| 6 | State Auto | $1,455.12 |
| 7 | Safeco | $1,480.43 |
Real Jerry Quotes for Standard Coverage in Virginia
| Created | Cars | Customer | Carrier | Monthly premium | Amount saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-12-30 |
| 45 year old male | State Auto | $103.95 | $80.05 |
| 2021-01-08 |
| 50 year old male | National General | $75.83 | $196.17 |
| 2021-02-14 |
| 24 year old male | Nationwide | $124.92 | $20.08 |
| 2021-01-24 |
| 29 year old female | Nationwide | $61.11 | $105.89 |
| 2020-12-09 |
| 31 year old female | Nationwide | $96.86 | $203.14 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Virginia for Preferred Coverage
Preferred coverage protects Virginia drivers the most against any accidents or theft. Like basic plans, you’ll have collision insurance and comprehensive insurance. This is higher end full coverage, generally with $500 deductibles. That means you’ll be paying less out of pocket in the event of a claim. The downside? Your premiums are likely to be higher than what drivers with standard plans are paying. But if you comparison shop, you can still find the preferred insurance policy that’s less expensive.
We were able to look at the average price drivers are paying for preferred insurance coverage in Virginia, as well as real quotes from actual Jerry.ai customers. You can customize these charts to find rates depending on your age, your driving record, whether you’re over or under 25 year old, the number of cars your drive, you gender, and if you own a home — all huge factors real insurance companies use in determining rates.
Average Cheapest Car Insurance for Preferred Coverage in Virginia
| Rank | Company name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kemper | $1,259.80 |
| 2 | Mercury | $1,280.54 |
| 3 | Nationwide | $1,332.44 |
| 4 | National General | $1,475.75 |
| 5 | Progressive | $1,545.38 |
| 6 | Safeco | $1,592.70 |
| 7 | State Auto | $1,663.13 |
Real Jerry Quotes for Preferred Coverage in Virginia
| Created | Cars | Customer | Carrier | Monthly premium | Amount saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-12-19 |
| 50 year old female | State Auto | $116.94 | $33.06 |
| 2020-12-14 |
| 24 year old female | Progressive | $79.50 | $45.50 |
| 2021-01-07 |
| 66 year old female | Nationwide | $70.89 | $43.11 |
| 2020-12-28 |
| 35 year old male | Progressive | $101.50 | $23.50 |
| 2021-01-16 |
| 25 year old male | Progressive | $126.83 | $53.17 |
Most Popular Insurance Companies in Virginia
| Insurance company | Average annual premium in Virginia |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,567.42 |
| National General | $1,384.13 |
| Nationwide | $1,791.54 |
| Mercury | $1,616.94 |
| Gainsco | $1,197.14 |
| Bristol West | $1,722.31 |
| Safeco | $2,188.41 |
| Kemper | $1,411.14 |
| Travelers | $1,995.50 |
| Kemper | $1,677.50 |
Cost to Insure Different Cars in Virginia
Auto insurance companies look into several different factors when coming up with their rates. A big one is what state you’re in — which is why it’s so important for Virginia drivers to compare their rates to people in the same state. The car you drive can be a big factor as well. No matter what town, city, or country you live in, certain cars are just going to cost you more in coverage than others. Check out our chart to find out how much different cars cost to insure in Virginia. And you can use our table of real quotes from Jerry.ai customers to see what people just like you are paying.
| Created | Cars | Customer | Carrier | Monthly premium | Amount saved | Type of coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-01-01 |
| 31 year old female | Nationwide | $129.19 | $45.81 | Preferred |
| 2021-01-17 |
| 24 year old female | Progressive | $124.17 | $51.83 | Standard |
| 2021-01-20 |
| 33 year old female | Mercury | $50.33 | $149.67 | Basic |
| 2021-01-30 |
| 22 year old male | Safeco | $101.95 | $168.05 | Standard |
| 2020-12-09 |
| 31 year old female | Nationwide | $96.86 | $203.14 | Standard |
| 2021-02-19 |
| 20 year old male | State Auto | $63.36 | $296.64 | Standard |
| 2021-02-01 |
| 25 year old female | Mercury | $83.42 | $35.58 | Preferred |
Car Insurance Laws in Virginia
Like nearly all other states in the U.S., Virginia has laws in place regarding minimum coverage amounts on car insurance, although in Virginia the rules are unique. Here’s what you should know about registering and insuring a car in Virginia.
What Car Insurance Is Required by Law in Virginia?
Registration is mandatory for all vehicles in Virginia, but there are insurance requirements that must be dealt with before you can complete your registration. Virginia’s state laws offer two options for drivers: purchase minimum auto insurance coverage or pay an Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee.
If you choose to insure, like most motorists, Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) are both required.
Virginia is an at-fault state, so the driver who causes a collision is responsible for all the financial losses due to injury and property damage in the collision. If their coverage isn’t sufficient or they aren’t insured, they can be sued by the other parties to recoup the costs.
BIL insurance is one of the required coverages and is intended to compensate others injured in the accident for their financial costs. Those costs can vary greatly, covering everything from purchasing a prosthetic and ambulance transportation to lost wages and medical bills from doctors’ visits.
PDL is a similar type of coverage to BIL except that it applies to others’ property that’s damaged in the car accident, not injuries. The possibilities for what it covers are wide, including other motor vehicles, curb repairs, building damage, and more.
While it isn’t mandatory coverage, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an option that’s usually found in no-fault states. PIP coverage is known as MedPay in Virginia and covers your own and your passengers’ injuries, whether you’re at fault in the accident or not.
Uninsured motorist coverage and Underinsured motorist coverage are also a good idea in the event the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage for the damages you experience.
In Virginia, drivers can opt out of car insurance by paying an Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee of $500. Note that this fee does not constitute any type of liability or insurance; if found at fault, the full costs of the accident are still your responsibility.
Can You Drive a Car without Insurance in Virginia?
Yes, you can drive in Virginia without insurance if you pay the Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee. Otherwise, minimum insurance coverage is required. If you’re caught driving uninsured and haven’t paid the fee, you will be cited and receive a $600 noncompliance fee, a $145 reinstatement fee, and face a suspension of your driver’s license and car registration.
To reinstate your registration and driver’s license, you will need to file proof of insurance and financial responsibility for three years with the DMV. Financial responsibility is proven with an SR-22 certificate at a cost of around $15 annually. It’s issued by your insurer and, if you cancel your policy, your insurance provider will report it to the DMV.
What Are the Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Virginia?
Virginia requires that drivers either carry minimum amounts of car insurance or pay an annual fee in lieu. In the case of an accident, it protects the driver as well as any other bystanders, motorists, or property that could be involved in the collision. To legally drive in Virginia, you must either pay the $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee or have the following coverage.
Minimum Insurance Requirements in Virginia
- Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000
- Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000
- Property damage liability per accident: $20,000
Car Registration Information in Virginia
While you have a way to opt out of car insurance in Virginia, there’s no workaround for vehicle registration. You must register your vehicle if you live in the state. If you’ve just moved to Virginia, you have 30 days to title and register it.
In order to register a vehicle, you must have a Virginia title and fill out the Application for Registration. For several counties, an emissions test is required; for all areas in the state, a passed safety inspection with an inspection sticker applied is also mandatory.
When your registration is completed, you’ll receive two license plates, validation stickers, and a registration card. One license plate needs to be mounted on the front and the other on the rear. Validation stickers with the registration expiry date must also be installed on the plate. The registration card contains the owner’s name, the license plate number, and the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Initial registration is possible either by visiting a local Virginia DMV branch, Customer Service Center, or mobile office with the required information, or it can be submitted by mail. Initial registration fees need to be paid in full at the time you register.
Registration renewals require a valid safety inspection and, in Northern Virginia locales, an emissions inspection prior to renewing. Easy online renewals are possible, or you can submit your renewal through the mail or in person at a DMV office or mobile office. Registration fees are determined based on vehicle type, age, and fuel type. Multi-year renewals are an option that can save you a few dollars per year.