Average cost of car insurance in Virginia for 2023

How much is car insurance in Virginia?

Virginia drivers pay fairly low average rates for car insurance, especially when compared to the national average. The average car insurance cost in Virginia for full coverage, $1,439 per year, is 29 percent lower than the national average of $2,014. Minimum coverage in Virginia costs $494 per year, 21 percent lower than the national average of $622. This may indicate that accidents are less common in Virginia, or that the cost of living is lower than the national average, which makes claims more expensive. Where there is a lower risk of claims, rates are generally lower.

Virginia car insurance rates by city

Car insurance rates vary by city, and Virginia isn’t an exception. In some cities, rates may be lower due to a lower cost of living or a lower likelihood of accidents. Conversely, rates could be higher in areas that are more likely to see claims being filed. The table below showcases Virginia car insurance rates for five cities and compares each city’s average full coverage premium to the state average.

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in Virginia

How much is car insurance in Virginia for drivers at various ages? Your age impacts how much you pay for car insurance, especially for young drivers. Less experience on the road generally translates to a higher likelihood of claims, which means higher rates. The rates below are for drivers with a clean driving record and their own car insurance policy (with the exception of 16-year-old rates).

Cost considerations for young drivers in Virginia

Very often, young drivers don’t purchase their own car insurance policy. Instead, they’re added as drivers to their parents’ or guardians’ policy. Generally, this is the cheapest way to get coverage, and it’s generally encouraged for young drivers to stay on the shared policy if they are still a member of the parents’ or guardians’ household. Once a young driver moves out and establishes their own household, they’ll then be required to purchase their own car insurance policy.

*16- and 17-year-old drivers must be on their parents’ policy.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in Virginia?

Your driving record has one of the biggest impacts on your Virginia car insurance rates. If you have speeding ticket convictions, at-fault accidents or DUI convictions on your record, you are more likely to be viewed as a high-risk driver and pay higher rates for car insurance. For example, Virginia drivers with a DUI conviction on their records pay nearly double what a driver with a clean driving record pays. Below you can see the average cost of car insurance in Virginia for drivers with either a speeding ticket, an at-fault accident or a DUI conviction on their motor vehicle records.

Car insurance rates in Virginia by credit score

Virginia, like most states, allows insurers to use your credit rating to create a credit-based insurance score. This score is then used, in part, to determine your car insurance premium. Drivers with lower credit scores tend to file more claims, which makes them a higher risk for insurers. In Virginia, there’s a $1,338 difference in average premiums for drivers with poor and excellent credit scores.

Virginia car insurance rates by vehicle type

Lastly, our team took a look at the average car insurance cost in Virginia by the type of vehicle being insured. Some vehicles, like sports or luxury cars, are more expensive to insure. Liability coverage might be pricier if a vehicle has a higher statistical likelihood of an accident, while full coverage may cost more if a vehicle is more expensive to repair or replace. Of the models we analyzed in Virginia, the Honda Odyssey had the cheapest average rate at $1,246 per year for full coverage. The most expensive was a BMW 330i, at $1,815 per year. Keep in mind that this is still well below the national average cost for full coverage, which is $2,014 per year.

How to save on car insurance in Virginia

Although auto insurance premiums in Virginia are lower the national average, you might be able to save by:

• Periodically comparing your current rate: Getting quotes from several car insurance companies could help you to find a lower premium for the same coverage. If you find a new company, you could switch your insurance to the cheaper provider.
• Signing up for telematics: Some insurance companies have telematics programs that track your driving habits and discount your premium based on the data received. If you are a safe driver, you could earn a discount.
• Bundling coverage: If you buy home, condo or renters insurance with your auto policy, you could get a discount on both. Bundling discounts are among the most widely available and most impactful savings opportunities.
• Checking with your employer: Some companies have special affiliation discounts with select insurance providers that could earn you a discount on your car insurance.

Every company has its own set of discounts, so talking to your agent might be the best way to identify opportunities to save.

Estimate your car insurance cost in Virginia

Frequently asked questions