Best car insurance in Virginia for 2025

Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in Virginia by comparing a range of metrics, including average rates, customer satisfaction, digital tools, coverage offerings and claims experience. We understand that car insurance isn't one-size-fits-all, so our list of top carriers features carriers that excel in different rating categories. 

You need more from your car insurance than just the cheapest rate. Each driver’s needs are different. If you are a teen driver, finding a carrier with various discounts geared toward young drivers may be ideal. And if you prefer to handle your insurance online or via mobile app, you’ll likely value an insurer with strong digital tools over one that relies on in-person agents.  

Another thing to consider is the type of coverage you require. Drivers with a lease or loan typically need full coverage insurance, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage. Leasing companies can also require drivers to have higher liability limits and gap coverage, both of which can increase your premium. 

Customer service can make or break tasks like filing a claim or initiating a policy change. J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance and Claims Satisfaction Studies reveal how well insurers handle services and claims, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index reports how often customers file complaints compared to competitors.

Checking ratings from agencies like AM Best or Standard & Poor’s, which gauge a company's historical ability to pay claims, can clue you in to how financially sound a carrier is. These tools are free to consumers and can help you find a carrier that strikes the right balance between price and service. 

Small and large insurers each have strengths and weaknesses. Smaller insurers usually stand out for their personalized customer service and community focus. You might work with the same agent each time you call or benefit from more customized underwriting. However, they typically have limited digital tools and fewer nationwide perks than bigger companies. Company size doesn't determine price, so comparing quotes from a few local or regional insurers may be well worth your while. 

“Cheap” is subjective. Since car insurance rates are influenced by a multitude of personal factors, what is affordable to one person may be unreasonable to another. For the most accurate reflection of your insurance costs, we recommend comparing multiple quotes tailored to your specific circumstances. That said, our average rate data indicates that Nationwide, Travelers and USAA offer some of the lowest average full coverage rates for Virginia drivers with clean driving records. 

Full coverage insurance typically refers to a policy with at least the state's required minimum liability coverage, along with comprehensive and collision insurance. However, each carrier determines what it considers full coverage. Some add optional coverage types like towing, rental reimbursement and gap coverage. While these benefits enhance policy coverage, they may also add unwanted costs to your premium. Make sure to review your policy and speak to your agent to avoid surprise coverage types. 

When getting an insurance quote, you will typically need to provide your vehicle’s information, including the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the make and model of the car. You will also need the date of birth, driver’s license number and past five years of driving history for every driver listed on the policy and living in your household. If you have auto insurance, having your declarations page available to reference may be helpful, as it typically includes information needed to start the quoting process.