We looked at over 130 top auto insurance providers in the U.S., including big names like USAA, Travelers, and State Farm. We also checked out regional companies like Erie Insurance. We looked at their costs, claims processes, customer feedback, and more to see who’s the best. After all that, we found Geico, State Farm, Travelers, Nationwide, and Progressive are among the top auto insurance companies in Virginia.
But our number one choice for car insurance in Virginia is Erie Insurance. Erie has some of the best rates in the state and offers many coverage options. Other great choices include USAA, Travelers, Virginia Farm Bureau, and State Farm.
Key Takeaways
- We looked at over 130 auto insurance providers in Virginia, checking 8,500 data points on cost, customer service, and more.
- Geico, State Farm, Travelers, Nationwide, and Progressive are among the top-rated auto insurance companies in the state.
- Erie Insurance is our top pick for the best car insurance in Virginia, offering competitive rates and a variety of coverage options.
- USAA, Travelers, Virginia Farm Bureau, and State Farm are also highly-rated and reliable insurance providers in the state.
- Factors like location, driving record, and credit score can significantly impact auto insurance rates in Virginia.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Auto Insurance in Virginia
Finding the right auto insurance in Virginia can seem tough, but it’s key to keep you and your car safe. Virginia’s minimum liability insurance requirements have gone up, making it clear how crucial it is to know what you need.
State’s Minimum Coverage Requirements
Starting in 2023, Virginia upped its minimum liability insurance for drivers to $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. This change shows why it’s vital to check your policy and make sure you’re covered.
Full Coverage vs. Minimum Coverage
While the state’s minimums offer basic protection, many drivers choose “full coverage” car insurance. This includes extra coverages like comprehensive and collision, which protect your car in accidents or other unexpected events. Lenders usually ask for full coverage if you have a car loan or lease, to keep your investment safe.
Deciding on the right auto insurance in Virginia can seem hard, but knowing the state’s rules and what you need can guide you. By picking the right coverage, you’ll feel secure on the road and be protected financially if something happens.
Our Methodology for Evaluating Auto Insurance Companies
We are proud of our detailed and thorough way of checking out the top car insurance companies in Virginia. Our team worked hard, spending 800 hours. They looked at 45 companies and talked to over 12,500 customers to find the best options.
We look at many important things to give our readers good advice. We check each company’s finances, how customers feel, how easy it is to use, and how affordable it is. This helps us show the best car insurance providers in virginia.
- Financial Strength (30% weight): We check how strong and creditworthy each insurance company is. We look at ratings from agencies like AM Best, Moody’s, and Fitch.
- Consumer Complaints (30% weight): We look at how many complaints each company gets. We pick those with the fewest complaints for their size.
- Ease of Use (20% weight): We see how easy each insurer’s website is to use. We look at getting quotes, filing claims, and understanding coverage and payments.
- Affordability (20% weight): We check how many discounts each company offers. This makes sure our picks are good for those watching their budget.
| Insurer | Overall Rating | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | 5.0 | Strong finances, few customer complaints, easy to use. |
| American Family | 4.8 | Low cost for full coverage, great for those on a budget. |
| Geico | 4.7 | Known for accident forgiveness coverage. |
By carefully looking at these important factors, we’re sure our readers will get the best advice. We show the top ways to rate car insurance companies and the best in Virginia.
Top-Rated Auto Insurance Companies in Virginia
When searching for the best auto insurance in Virginia, several companies shine for their great coverage, fair prices, and top-notch customer service. Our detailed look shows that Geico, State Farm, Travelers, Nationwide, and Progressive are at the top.
Geico is a leader in the industry, offering many coverage options at good prices. State Farm is a top pick for its solid financial health and personalized care. Travelers stands out for its wide range of policies and new coverage options. Nationwide and Progressive are praised for making customers happy and handling claims well.
| Insurance Company | Average Monthly Cost | J.D. Power Rating (Southeast Region) | MoneyGeek Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $73 | 877 | 93 |
| State Farm | $70 | 855 | 91 |
| Auto-Owners | $88 | 852 | 92 |
| Travelers | $86 | 844 | 90 |
| Main Street America | $80 | 834 | 88 |
These leading auto insurance companies in Virginia are known for their dependable coverage, quick customer support, and discounts to save money. Whether you want full coverage or just the minimum, these companies can help you in Virginia.
Factors Affecting Auto Insurance Rates in Virginia
Car insurance rates in Virginia depend on several key factors. Your location and your driving record and credit score are very important. Insurers look at these when setting your premiums.
Location and City
Where you live in Virginia affects your car insurance rates. Rates are usually higher in places like Richmond and Virginia Beach. This is because there’s more traffic and a higher chance of accidents, leading to more claims and costs for insurers.
In rural areas, rates might be lower because there’s less traffic and fewer weather-related incidents. Coastal regions, especially around Hampton Roads, might have higher rates due to hurricanes and flooding. Some areas also see higher rates because of more car theft and vandalism.
Driving Record and Credit Score
Your driving history and credit score greatly influence your insurance rates in Virginia. If you have a clean record and good credit, you’ll likely pay less. But, accidents, speeding tickets, or a bad credit score can raise your rates. An at-fault accident could increase your full coverage costs by up to 41% a year.
To lower your insurance costs, keep your driving record clean and work on your credit score. Also, compare quotes from different companies. Knowing what affects car insurance prices in Virginia helps you make better choices and find the right coverage for your budget.
| Factor | Impact on Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| Location (Urban vs. Rural) | Higher rates in urban areas due to increased accident risk and claims |
| Coastal Regions | Higher rates due to hurricane and flooding risk |
| Driving Record | Cleaner driving history leads to lower rates, while at-fault accidents can increase rates by up to 41% |
| Credit Score | Drivers with excellent credit pay 22% less than the state average for full coverage |
“Maintaining a clean driving record and good credit score can go a long way in keeping your car insurance costs down in Virginia.”
Common Auto Insurance Discounts in Virginia
Virginia auto insurance companies offer many discounts to help you save money. These include good student discounts and savings for bundling policies. Using these discounts is a smart way to lower your car insurance costs in Virginia.
Some of the most common auto insurance discounts in Virginia include:
- Good Student Discount – Young drivers with good grades can get discounts of 5% to 20% on their insurance.
- Multi-Policy Discount – Insuring more than one vehicle or combining auto and home/renters policies can save you 1% to 12%.
- Safe Driver Discount – Drivers with clean records can save 10% to 30% on their premiums.
- Defensive Driving Course Discount – Taking a driver’s education course can save you 5% to 10%.
- Continuous Coverage Discount – Keeping insurance coverage for 6 months or more can save you 5% to 25%.
- Paperless/Automatic Payment Discount – Choosing paperless billing and automatic payments can save you 2% to 25%.
- Anti-Theft Device Discount – Installing anti-theft systems can save you 5% to 25% on your insurance.
By researching and applying these discounts, you can potentially save hundreds of dollars per year on your car insurance.
Top Auto Insurance Companies in Virginia
When looking for the best car insurance in Virginia, some companies stand out. Erie Insurance is a top choice, offering low rates and great customer service. They have a wide range of coverage options.
USAA, Travelers, Virginia Farm Bureau, and State Farm are also highly rated. Drivers in Virginia praise them for their good prices, wide coverage, and quick claims service.
Drivers in Virginia must have at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for Bodily Injury coverage. They also need $20,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability coverage. Many choose “full coverage” which includes Comprehensive and Collision Coverage too.
Liberty Mutual offers policies that can be up to $817 cheaper than GEICO. They are also cheaper than Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate. A survey showed big savings for customers who switched to Liberty Mutual last year.
Virginia Farm Bureau has the cheapest rates for drivers with a DUI. Pennsylvania National is best for those with a speeding ticket. ALFA gives the cheapest insurance for senior drivers aged 60, 70, and 80.
Insurance rates change a lot based on where you live, your driving record, and your credit score. Virginians should compare quotes from top insurers to find the best deal.
Average Auto Insurance Costs in Virginia
In Virginia, car insurance costs are quite affordable compared to the rest of the country. Married drivers aged 35 with good driving records and credit scores pay about $95 a month for full coverage. This is 34% less than the national average of $144 per month. For minimum coverage, the average monthly cost is $41, which is lower than the national average of $53.
The cost of auto insurance in Virginia changes a lot based on your age, driving history, credit score, and coverage level. Young drivers aged 16 to 25 usually pay the most. For example, 16-year-olds pay around $3,203 a year, while 18-year-olds pay about $3,255 a year. But, drivers in their 60s pay the least, around $910 a year.
Having a good credit score can lower your insurance costs to about $883 a year in Virginia. But, if your credit is poor, you might pay up to $1,802 a year. A clean driving record costs about $1,090 a year. However, a single accident or DUI can raise that to $1,507 or $1,827, respectively.
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In Virginia, car insurance costs are quite affordable compared to the rest of the country. Married drivers aged 35 with good driving records and credit scores pay about $95 a month for full coverage. This is 34% less than the national average of $144 per month. For minimum coverage, the average monthly cost is $41, which is lower than the national average of $53.
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