Virginia drivers enjoy some of the nation’s lowest car insurance rates. In our analysis of the best auto insurance in Virginia, we found four major companies that offer low rates while still maintaining excellent coverage and customer satisfaction. For our analysis, we collected information from J.D. Power and financial rating agencies like AM Best. Using these factors, plus the average annual premiums of each company and the variety of coverages and discounts offered, we selected the best car insurance companies in Virginia. Some of these companies also have national recognition and are included in our list of best auto insurance companies in the U.S.
The 4 Best Auto Insurance Companies in Virginia
- Erie: Best for customer satisfaction
- USAA: Best for military families
- Progressive: Best for discounts
- Travelers: Best for low prices
Compare the Best Car Insurance Companies in Virginia
| Average Price for State Minimum* | Average Price for Full Coverage* | Reviews.com Score Score is based on company’s customer experience, financial stability, and coverage options. | AM Best Financial Strength 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 Overall Customer Satisfaction J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Erie | $519.80 | $1,432.40 | 3.8/5 | A+ | 850/1,000 | |
| Pin USAA | $683.97 | $1,856.94 | 4.8/5 | A++ | 890/1,000 | |
| Pin Progressive | $606.67 | $1,591.05 | 4.2/5 | A+ | 828/1,000 | |
| Pin Travelers | $555.72 | $1,687.55 | 4.2/5 | A++ | 836/1,000 |
Erie
Best for customer satisfaction
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Top-rated customer satisfaction
- Affordable annual premiums
- Broad standard coverages
Cons
- Disappointing digital experience
Types of Coverage Offered
- Collision
- Liability
- Comprehensive
- Transportation expense/rental car coverage
- Roadside assistance
- New car protection
- Better car protection
- Rideshare
Discounts Available
- Erie Rate Lock
- Multi-policy
- First accident forgiveness
- Diminishing deductible
- Vehicle storage
- Safety savings
- Payment perks
- Youthful driver discount
- College credit
* Data provided by Coverage.com, price based on the state minimum required policy.
**J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Study rating for the Mid-Atlantic region. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Further Reading on Erie:
USAA
Best for military families
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Special coverages for active members of the military
- Top-rated customer satisfaction
- Excellent online support community
Cons
- Only available to military families
Types of Coverage Offered
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Liability
- Personal injury protection
- Extended benefits
- Uninsured & underinsured motorist
- Roadside assistance
- Rental reimbursement
- Accident forgiveness
Discounts Available
- Safe driver
- Defensive driving
- Driver training
- Good student
- New vehicle
- Multi-vehicle
- Annual mileage
- Vehicle storage
- Family discount
- Length of membership
- Military installation
- Full pay
* Data provided by Coverage.com, price based on the state minimum required policy.
**J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Study rating for the Mid-Atlantic region. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Further Reading on USAA:
Progressive
Best for discounts
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Few complaints for a provider its size
- Lots of online tools
- Many discounts available
Cons
- Below-average customer satisfaction
Types of Coverage Offered
- Liability
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Uninsured & underinsured motorist
- Medical payments
- Roadside assistance
- Loan/lease payoff
- Rental car reimbursement
- Customer parts and equipment value
- Rideshare coverage
- Deductible savings bank
Discounts Available
- Multi-policy
- Multi-car
- Continuous insurance
- Safe driver
- Teen & student driver discounts
- Homeowner
- Online quote
- Sign online
- Paperless billing
- Pay in full
- Automatic payment
* Data provided by Coverage.com, price based on the state minimum required policy.
**J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Study rating for the Mid-Atlantic region. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Further Reading on Progressive:
- Progressive auto insurance review
- Progressive homeowners insurance review
- Progressive renters insurance review
Travelers
Best for low prices
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Low annual premiums
- Lots of possible discounts
- Many coverage options
Cons
- Below-average customer and claims satisfaction
Types of Coverage Offered
- Liability
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Personal injury protection
- Uninsured & underinsured motorist
- Medical payments
- Loan/lease gap
- Rental reimbursement
- Roadside assistance
- New car replacement
- Accident forgiveness
- Ride Sharing
Discounts Available
- Multi-policy
- Multi-car
- Homeownership
- Safe Driver
- Continuous insurance
- Hybrid/electric vehicle
- New car
- EFT, paid in full, and good payer
- Early quote
- Good student
- Student away at school
- Driver training
- Employee & member affinity
- IntelliDrive
* Data provided by Coverage.com, price based on the state minimum required policy.
**J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Study rating for the Mid-Atlantic region. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Further Reading on Travelers:
- Travelers auto insurance review
- Travelers homeowners insurance review
- Travelers renters insurance review
The average cost of car insurance in Virginia
Virginia has some of the cheapest car insurance in the nation, partially because of its lack of natural disasters and inclement weather. According to Coverage.com, drivers in Virginia pay an average of $398 for the state’s required minimum liability coverage and $1,136 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 credit will pay more. Age also plays a role, 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 Premium |
| Geico | $491.81 |
| Erie | $519.80 |
| Virginia Farm Bureau | $537.04 |
* Data provided by Coverage.com, price based on the state minimum required policy.
Top 3 Most Expensive Car Insurance Companies in Virginia
| Company | Average Annual Premium |
| State Farm | $789.86 |
| Garrison Property & Casualty | $764.77 |
| Allstate | $734.84 |
* Data provided by Coverage.com, price based on the state minimum required policy.
Top 3 Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in Virginia
| City | Average Annual Premium* |
| Lexington | $443.45 |
| Strasburg | $454.07 |
| Stuart | $462.61 |
* Data provided by Coverage.com, price based on the state minimum required policy.
Top 3 Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance in Virginia
| City | Average Annual Premium* |
| North Springfield | $773.27 |
| Bailey’s Crossroads | $772.81 |
| Lincolnia | $771.46 |
* Data provided by Coverage.com, price based on the state minimum required policy.
Car Insurance Add-Ons That Will Further Protect You
- Gap insurance: Many insurance companies offer this type of coverage to cover the difference between your car’s actual cash value and the amount you owe on your auto loan.
- Uninsured & underinsured motorist: This optional coverage (though required in some states) protects you from financial losses if you’re in an accident where the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance.
- Accident forgiveness: This optional coverage prevents your insurance premiums from increasing after an accident.
- Roadside assistance: Many insurance companies offer this type of coverage to provide services such as flat tire change, battery jump, lockout services, and towing.
Guide to Virginia Car Insurance
Regardless of where you live, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your state’s insurance laws. Like many states, Virginia has unique insurance laws that drivers need to know about.
Virginia Minimum Insurance Requirements
Like many states, Virginia requires that all drivers carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. Drivers must be able to provide proof of insurance at any time while in their vehicles. Driving without insurance could result in penalties such as suspension of your license or registration.
Minimum liability required in the state of Virginia is divided as follows:
- $25,000 for bodily injury/death of one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury/death of two more persons
- $20,000 for property damage in one accident
Virginia’s At-Fault Law
Virginia is an at-fault state for car insurance. This means that whichever driver in an accident is at-fault for the crash is responsible for covering any damages. Financial responsibilities could include property damage, bodily injury, and lost wages.
Virginia Car Insurance FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance required in Virginia?
The state of Virginia requires all drivers to carry minimum bodily injury and property damage liability insurance.
What is the average auto insurance cost in Virginia?
Virginia is the seventh cheapest state for car insurance. The average annual premium for the state’s required minimum liability is $398 while the average for full coverage is $1,136, more than $400 below the national average of $1,555 per year.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Virginia?
Geico has the lowest average premium in Virginia at $491.81 for the minimum state required coverage.
Methodology
Reviews.com scores products, services and companies using five quantifiable criteria to help readers choose the best one for them. For the best car insurance in Virginia, our editorial team compared affordability, customer support, coverage options, customer satisfaction scores and online resources from each company and averaged the scores to produce our very own Reviews.com score. These scores were created with our readers in mind and are meant to be a helpful tool to simplify the process of choosing which car insurance company is best for you.
As for average pricing, we used Coverage.com’s data of car insurance in Virginia, based on the profiles of a 30-year male and female. For full coverage, the details used were the following:
- $100k bodily injury liability per person
- $300k bodily injury liability coverage per crash
- $100k property damage liability coverage per crash
- $500 collision coverage deductible
- $500 comprehensive coverage deductible
Minimum coverages were applied to match state requirements. Both drivers used a new, financed 2018 Toyota Camry, commuting five days a week and driving 12,000 miles per year. Since auto insurance rates vary widely among different profiles, we encourage you to compare options that fit your specific needs.
