Car Insurance in Virginia (VA)
The average car insurance premium in Virginia is $1,500 per year ($125/month), making it the #38 most expensive state for car insurance. This is $400 (21%) below the national average of $1,900. At-fault state. Allows driving without insurance if you pay the UMV fee ($500). Northern Virginia / DC suburbs have higher rates. Within Virginia, rates range from $1,550/yr in Chesapeake to $1,700/yr in Norfolk.
Car Insurance Rates by City in Virginia
The table below shows average car insurance premiums for 6 major cities in Virginia, sorted by cost from highest to lowest. Urban areas typically have higher rates than the state average due to increased traffic congestion, higher theft rates, and more frequent accidents.
| City | Avg. Annual | Avg. Monthly | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk Highest | $1,700 | $142 | +$200 | -$200 |
| Arlington Highest | $1,700 | $142 | +$200 | -$200 |
| Alexandria Highest | $1,700 | $142 | +$200 | -$200 |
| Richmond | $1,650 | $138 | +$150 | -$250 |
| Virginia Beach | $1,600 | $133 | +$100 | -$300 |
| Chesapeake Lowest | $1,550 | $129 | +$50 | -$350 |
How Virginia Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Virginia with five states that have similar average car insurance premiums. This helps illustrate where Virginia stands relative to comparable states.
| State | Avg. Annual | Monthly | Min Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (VA) | $1,500 | $125 | $750 | $1,950 |
| Montana (MT) | $1,500 | $125 | $750 | $1,950 |
| Nebraska (NE) | $1,500 | $125 | $750 | $1,950 |
| Alaska (AK) | $1,450 | $121 | $725 | $1,885 |
| Indiana (IN) | $1,450 | $121 | $725 | $1,885 |
| Minnesota (MN) | $1,550 | $129 | $775 | $2,015 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in Virginia
How much is car insurance in Virginia?
The average car insurance premium in Virginia is $1,500 per year, or about $125 per month. This is $400 below the national average of $1,900/year. Minimum coverage averages $750/year, while full coverage averages $1,950/year. Your actual rate will depend on your driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level.
Is Virginia a no-fault or at-fault insurance state?
Virginia is an at-fault insurance state. This means that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages through their liability coverage. At-fault states generally have lower premiums than no-fault states because they don't require mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, other factors like uninsured driver rates, urban density, and weather conditions also affect rates.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Virginia?
The cheapest option in Virginia is minimum liability coverage, which averages $750 per year ($63/month). However, minimum coverage only pays for damage you cause to others and does not cover your own vehicle. To get the cheapest rates, maintain a clean driving record, increase your deductible, ask about discounts (bundling, good student, safe driver), and compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurers. Among major cities, Chesapeake has the lowest average at $1,550/year.
Which city in Virginia has the highest car insurance rates?
Norfolk has the highest average car insurance premium in Virginia at $1,700 per year ($142/month). This is $200 more than the state average. Urban areas like Norfolk typically have higher rates due to increased traffic congestion, higher crime rates, and more frequent accidents.
How can I lower my car insurance rate in Virginia?
To lower your car insurance in Virginia: (1) Compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurance companies, as rates vary significantly between insurers. (2) Increase your deductible from $500 to $1,000 or higher to lower your premium. (3) Ask about discounts -- bundling home and auto, good student, safe driver, low mileage, and military discounts can save 5-25% each. (4) Maintain a clean driving record, as accidents and tickets can increase rates 20-50%. (5) Improve your credit score, as most states allow credit-based insurance scoring. (6) Consider usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits for additional savings.
Find Your Car Insurance Rate
Use our car insurance rate lookup tool to find average rates for your specific city in Virginia, or browse all 50 states to compare car insurance costs across the country. Remember that individual rates vary based on driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level -- these are state-level averages for general comparison.