Best Car Insurance in Virginia

The #1 car insurance company is State Farm because it is the largest auto insurer in the U.S., with a market share of 16%. State Farm insures over 80 million people and offers coverage in all 50 states.

Largest Auto Insurance Companies in America

Together, these 10 companies own more than 70% of the auto insurance market share in the U.S. As a result, it shouldn't come as a surprise that these companies tend to be the best options for most types of drivers.

Best Car Insurance Companies by Category

To learn more, check out WalletHub's guides to the best car insurance and the largest auto insurers.

Drivers in Virginia need $30,000 of bodily injury liability insurance per person (up to $60,000 per accident) and $20,000 of property damage liability insurance. Virginia also requires uninsured motorist protection. UM replaces the liability coverage an at-fault driver should've had and pays for your costs up to your policy limits.

Here's How Much Car Insurance Drivers Need in Virginia:

However, in Virginia, you can choose not to carry car insurance if you pay a $500 fee with the state department of motor vehicles every time you renew your vehicle registration. This fee avoids the penalties of driving without insurance, but you're still financially responsible if you cause an accident.

If you lease or finance your car, you may be required to carry coverage types that are not mandatory under Virginia law. Lenders usually require comprehensive and collision insurance. Collision insurance covers repairs to your car when you hit another car or object. If the damage to your vehicle was caused by something other than a collision—like a natural disaster, vandalism, falling objects, or animals—it is most likely covered by comprehensive insurance. Lenders may also require gap insurance, which covers the difference between what you owe on your loan or lease and what the vehicle was worth if it gets stolen or totaled.

Even if you're not required to carry these optional coverage types, you may still need them. You can learn more about when to drop optional coverage and the penalties for driving without insurance in Virginia to make sure you're paying for the coverage you need.

Car insurance in Virginia costs $50 per month for minimum coverage, on average, and around $138 per month for a full-coverage policy. The cheapest insurance companies in Virginia are Geico, ALFA and Erie, and getting quotes from several companies can help you find the best deal.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Virginia by Category

• Clean driving record: $50 per month
• After an at-fault accident: $86 per month
• Driver with poor credit: $86 per month
• Teen driver: $134 per month
• After a DUI: $109 per month

The average cost of car insurance in Virginia is 17% lower than the national average auto insurance premium, and Virginia ranks 26 out of 50 for the most affordable car insurance rates in the U.S.. There are several factors that affect how much you'll pay for car insurance in Virginia, including your driving record, age, location, the amount of coverage that you purchase, and the insurance company you buy it from.

Finally, it's worth noting that car insurance premiums in Virginia are average, compared to the cost of coverage in neighboring states like Maryland and West Virginia. You can find more details in the table below.

Cost of Car Insurance in Virginia vs. Neighboring States

Note: Rates are an approximation based on a driver in Virginia with minimum coverage. Actual rates will vary.

In Virginia, you need $30,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person ($60,000 per accident) plus $20,000 in property damage liability insurance, if you buy car insurance. Car insurance is not required in Virginia if you pay the $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee, you will be able to drive an uninsured vehicle at your own risk.. If you choose to purchase insurance, you will also need uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage equal to the minimum liability limits.

Even though Virginia doesn't always require liability insurance, going without it is risky. Buying coverage now can shield you from the financial consequences of causing a serious accident in the future, which could include lawsuits, seized assets, and garnished wages. And if you lease or finance a car, your lender or lessor will likely require you to carry insurance.

Finally, drivers should also consider purchasing other types of car insurance in order to better protect themselves, given that liability insurance does not provide any coverage for the policyholder's own injuries or property. For instance, collision insurance covers damage to the policyholder's car regardless of fault. And comprehensive insurance pays if the policyholder's vehicle is damaged by something besides an accident, like a natural disaster or vandalism.

Full coverage insurance in Virginia costs an average of $132 per month ($1,582 annually). A full coverage policy usually includes collision and comprehensive insurance, plus the types of coverage required by Virginia law. In Virginia, liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage are mandatory for all drivers.

Monthly Cost of Full Coverage Insurance in Virginia

Note: Premiums are for a 45-year-old good driver in Virginia; individual premiums will vary.

How to Get Cheaper Full Coverage Insurance in Virginia

1. Compare quotes from several companies to make sure you're getting the best deal.
2. Increase your deductible. Higher deductibles lead to lower premiums, but remember to only pick a deductible you'd be able to afford in an emergency.
3. Don't forget to make sure you're getting all the discounts you can.

To learn more, check out WalletHub's guide to full coverage car insurance.