Looking for Cheap Car Insurance in Virginia?
Virginia drivers may enjoy low—even cheap—car insurance rates, and that's thanks to the historic sites around the state. Several historical monuments are located in the capital of Richmond, including one for Edgar Allan Poe, who lived and wrote: “The Raven” in this city. However, there's a good chance that using a free insurance shopping app like Carlay will help you save.
If you live in Virginia, insurers will compete for your business, and repair costs are low, but rates vary widely depending on the insurer. Using Carlay, you'll receive quotes from multiple contractors in the Arlington, Virginia, and Richmond, Virginia areas within 48 hours.
Carlay is a licensed broker who will coordinate your switchover so you don't have to worry. Your time is too valuable to spend running around, looking for auto insurance. Let Carlay handle all of your renewal needs and you will get the best prices and coverage with free, fast, and friendly service. You can't go wrong.
Don't take our word for it, here is what our customers are saving:
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Virginia?
The cost of liability car insurance in Virginia averages $1,922 per year. However, the cost of full coverage car insurance in Virginia is $2,470 per year, on average.
For the average American, basic liability car insurance costs $1,783 per year, and full-coverage car insurance costs $2,485 per year.
What contributes to the insurance rates in Virginia?
The following factors have a direct impact on car insurance in Virginia.
- Uninsured drivers
By not carrying liability insurance, uninsured drivers contribute to the high cost of automobile insurance in Virginia.
- Inclement weather
Virginia is no stranger to flooding, landslides, and other weather-related hazards that can make driving in the state difficult and dangerous.
Here's how Virginia's insurance savings stack up against nationwide averages:
| All Coverage Before Carlay | All Coverage After Carlay | Minimum Coverage Before Carlay | Minimum Coverage After Carlay | Full Coverage Before Carlay | Full Coverage After Carlay | |
| VA | $2,152 | $1,377 | $1,856 | $961 | $2,213 | $1,582 |
| National Average | $2,489 | $1,671 | $2,360 | $1,390 | $2,761 | $1,963 |
| VA | National Average | |
| All Coverage Before Carlay | $2,152 | $2,489 |
| All Coverage After Carlay | $1,377 | $1,671 |
| Minimum Coverage Before Carlay | $1,856 | $2,360 |
| Minimum Coverage After Carlay | $961 | $1,390 |
| Full Coverage Before Carlay | $2,213 | $2,761 |
| Full Coverage After Carlay | $1,582 | $1,963 |
Top auto insurance providers in Virginia
When looking for car insurance in Virginia , you'll want to consider the numerous carriers that offer good coverage at affordable prices. Some of the most popular include Kemper and National General.
Different insurance companies use different insurance formulas, so if you get quotes from several insurers for the same coverage, you'll likely end up with a variety of premiums. Car insurance companies in Virginia consider many factors when setting rates, including your age, driving history, location, and type of vehicle.
If you want to insure the BMW I8, you should know that it costs more to fix than the Toyota Corolla.
Carlay helps drivers save money by placing them with some of the most popular transportation carriers in Virginia.
| Insurance Company | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay | |
| Dairyland | $3,045 | $1,340 | Compare Prices |
| National General | $3,302 | $1,229 | Compare Prices |
| Kemper | $2,984 | $1,096 | Compare Prices |
| Allstate | $2,787 | $1,070 | Compare Prices |
| Safeco | $3,215 | $992 | Compare Prices |
| Nationwide | $2,457 | $925 | Compare Prices |
| State Auto | $2,746 | $892 | Compare Prices |
| Travelers | $2,517 | $817 | Compare Prices |
What Car Insurance Do You Need in Virginia?
It is important that drivers carry an automobile insurance policy as well as a $500 uninsured motorist fee before they get behind the wheel in Virginia. Before doing so, drivers should make sure that their insurance policy covers the following:
| Coverage | Amount | Description |
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident | Covers the costs associated with injuries you cause to others |
| Property damage liability | $20,000 per accident | Covers the costs associated with the damage you cause to other people's vehicles or property |
If you are involved in an accident or stopped by law enforcement and do not have the appropriate auto insurance coverage, you could face penalties such as:
- Fines up to $500.
- Suspension of driver's license and plate.
- Reinstatement fee up to $145.
- SR-22 form for three years.
Through your liability insurance, you are protected in case you cause an accident. It might not cover yourself or your property, though. Virginia drivers should also consider the following:
| Coverage | Description |
| Collision insurance | Covers damages that are the result of a collision with a vehicle or stationary object |
| Comprehensive insurance | Covers damages that aren't the result of a collision, such as vandalism, theft, or a natural disaster |
| Roadside assistance | Covers the costs associated with a breakdown |
Carlay helps you save money on auto insurance by providing a variety of coverage options to meet your needs. Carlay can find you the best insurance deals on the market, ensuring you always have the lowest rates. Carlay will also cancel your old policy for you and send new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal.
Knowing what insurance you'll need in Virginia can help you determine how much it will cost.
How is Your Cost of Car Insurance Determined in Virginia?
Factors affecting your final car insurance premium can include your age, driving record, residence location, type of vehicle you drive, and many others.
- Cost to insure your car in Virginia by age
Since young drivers are more prone to speeding, distracted driving, and accidents, insurance rates tend to be most expensive for those under the age of 25.
What young drivers in Virginia need to know
- Teenage driving accidents in Virginia cost lives and money every year. In 2019 so far, the Virginia DMV reported 17,600 accidents involving teenage drivers, resulting in 9,200 injuries and 65 deaths.
- Taking a defensive driving course could help young drivers save on car insurance.
- To get a good student discount when you are a student, try to keep your grades at above average levels.
While it may be hard for a young driver to enjoy the same low car insurance premiums their parents get, you can still find affordable car insurance quotes as long as you shopp around and keep a clean driving record.
By using Carlay, young drivers can find the most affordable car insurance prices for young drivers. Here is a breakdown of average rates by age:
| Age Group | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| 18-20 | $2,882 | $1,017 |
| 21-24 | $2,627 | $962 |
| 25-34 | $2,403 | $904 |
| 35-44 | $2,583 | $919 |
| 45-54 | $2,400 | $1,006 |
| 55-64 | $2,011 | $759 |
| 65+ | $2,154 | $777 |
- Cost to insure your car in Virginia with a poor driving record
If you have a clean driving record, you may be eligible for a discount on your car insurance. Accidents, tickets, and driving violations can raise either your risk level or your rates.
A ticket for a minor offense, such as speeding, might stay on your driving record for 3–5 years. A serious violation, such as a hit-and-run accident, can stay on your record for more than a decade—all the while affecting your rates.
Carlay is a trusted provider of cheap and reliable car insurance that you can trust—even if you have a few speeding tickets on your record.
| Driving Violation | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| Clean Record | $2,604 | $935 |
| Careless Driving | $4,028 | $1,906 |
| Driving on Sus. License | $4,147 | $1,798 |
| Open Container | $2,873 | $1,681 |
| Seat Belt | $3,562 | $1,437 |
| Speeding under 15 | $3,484 | $1,416 |
| Illegal Turn | $3,055 | $1,347 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $3,751 | $1,307 |
| DUI | $3,154 | $1,293 |
| Improper Passing | $4,036 | $1,239 |
- Cost to insure your car in Virginia based on where you live
If you live in Virginia, you'll pay slightly more than the average American for car insurance, but your premium will depend on where you live. Those who live in Richmond should expect higher insurance rates than those who live in Fredericksburg because the latter has a lower rate of accidents, theft and population density.
These are the lowest rates we've found for Virginia-based Carlay customers:
| City | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| Alexandria | $2,366 | $875 |
| Arlington | $2,129 | $832 |
| Fairfax | $2,639 | $1,070 |
| Fredericksburg | $2,323 | $829 |
| Hampton | $2,687 | $928 |
| Newport News | $2,828 | $1,123 |
| Norfolk | $2,656 | $928 |
| Richmond | $2,537 | $934 |
| Virginia Beach | $2,667 | $1,067 |
| Woodbridge | $2,672 | $945 |
- Cost to insure your car in Virginia based on the type of car you drive
Your insurer can consider your car's features, along with other factors like your age and your driving record, to decide what you pay.
Honda Accord, the most popular car in Virginia, are much less expensive to insure than sports cars or luxury vehicles. When it comes to car insurance, the Infiniti Qx80 is not cheap. It costs more to insure because you will be paying for expensive parts and repairs.
The following chart shows what it costs to insure some popular car makes and models in Virginia with and without Carlay:
How to Save Money On Car Insurance in Virginia?
You can lower your car insurance costs without sacrificing coverage by making a few simple changes.
- Shop around for quotes
By comparing quotes from several different companies, you can probably save some money on your insurance premiums. That said, it's often a good idea to do your own research—even if you end up with a lot of paperwork and long phone calls. Just remember, Carlay is here for you when the going gets tough.
Carlay is the easiest and fastest way to get an auto insurance quote online. As an independent insurance broker, we research over 50 companies so you don't have to. In less than a minute you can get a free and completely non-binding price quote for your car insurance. You don't even need to give us your name or phone number!
Carlay will send you new insurance quotes when your policy is up for renewal, to ensure you're always getting the most competitive rates.
- Look for discounts
Insurance companies offer discounts to customers who take advantage of them. And, if you are trying to find cheap car insurance quotes, be sure to take advantage of any car insurance discounts that are provided by insurance companies.
Here are some of the more common ones to look for:
| Discount type | Who is eligible? |
| Accident-free discount | Maintaining an accident-free record for three years may qualify you for a discount. The discount may increase over time if the record remains free of chargeable accidents. |
| Driver education discount | Under Virginia state law, all drivers who complete an approved driver's education course are eligible for a discount. |
| Multiple vehicle discount | If you insure more than one vehicle from the same household under the same policy with the same insurer, you could be eligible for a fairly significant discount. |
| Good student discount | Discounts of up to 20% may be available to full-time students who maintain an average of at least a B. |
- Increase your deductible
When you submit a claim, the deductible is the first amount of money you have to pay for repairs. Your insurance plan will cover the remaining balance up to your coverage limit. Raising your deductible could lower your monthly insurance premium—but be aware that this means you'll end up paying more out-of-pocket for accidents.
Registering Your Car in Virginia
When you register your vehicle in Virginia, you will need to bring the following items with you to the DMV:
- A driver's license or ID card
- A car title or signed lease agreement
- Proof of insurance
- Registration application
- Proof of a safety inspection
- Proof of a smog test, depending on the age of the vehicle
To avoid long waits when you go to register your vehicle at the DMV, make an appointment. Once you're there, fill out a registration form that asks for some personal and vehicle details.
Virginia allows residents to renew their vehicle registration every one, two, or three years.