Top Car Insurance Companies in Virginia: Compare Your Options
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Car insurance is now legally required in Virginia, overturning the previous "pay-to-play" system that allowed Virginia drivers to post an uninsured motorist fee in lieu of liability insurance. Today, you'll have to show proof of Virginia car insurance to be able to register your vehicle and use Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles services like getting a driver's license.
Here, we break down the largest insurance companies in Virginia based on factors like affordability, coverage options, discounts, and customer satisfaction. We'll also break down the unique "pay-to-play" system and provide tips for getting cheap car insurance.
Understanding Car Insurance in Virginia
As of January 1, 2025, Virginia requires minimum liability insurance requirements of:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury liability
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury liability
- $25,000 per accident for property damage liability
The previous "pay-to-play" system went out of effect on July 1, 2024, but owners of business vehicles may still post self-insurance or surety bonds rather than get a business car insurance policy. However, the best car insurance companies in Virginia can still offer competitive pricing to insure a business fleet.
Overview of the Top Car Insurance Options
The cost of car insurance in Virginia depends on your driver profile. Car insurance companies in Virginia will weigh a clean driving record, credit score, location, coverage limits, and more to determine the price of an auto insurance policy.
Geico
Geico stands out in Virginia for its easy claims filing process and customer support through the company's app and website. It offers some of the most affordable rates for drivers in Virginia, as well as discounts for safe driving, military service, being a federal employee, and more. The region-specific cost savings potential boosts its rankings.
Progressive
Progressive has higher average insurance premiums, but it's one of few insurance companies willing to work with high-risk drivers. Virginians who have been convicted of driving under the influence or lost their license for reckless driving and other infractions will usually have to file an SR-22 proof of insurance for license reinstatement, and Progressive is a great partner in this process. The company also offers hands-on customer service to walk you through insurance products and coverage options to help you understand exactly what you're getting.
State Farm
One of the largest auto insurance companies in the area, State Farm has more than 100 Virginia locations, making it easier to purchase insurance from a human agent. State Farm offers a long list of potential discounts, including safe driving and good driving discounts.
Erie Insurance
If you're more interested in working with a small company, Erie Insurance has earned the top score in J.D. Power's U.S. Auto Insurance Study for customer service in the Mid-Atlantic region for three straight years. You'll likely pay more for a policy, but if you have a strong driver profile, your premiums should still be competitive with a national company while getting the customer service experience of a regional one.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
One of the biggest factors in your insurance rates and choice of insurance company is the type of car insurance coverage you want. Virginia is an at-fault state, meaning that if you cause an accident, you are held financially liable for paying the other driver's personal injury and property damage bills. Insurance in Virginia will reflect that, so if you've been in a number of accidents, your premiums will likely be high.
Full Coverage vs. Minimum Coverage
Minimum coverage simply meets state-mandated liability insurance requirements. This is the most affordable insurance, but it will likely not be enough if you ever have a severe accident. That means you'll have to pay out of pocket if you're at fault for an accident.
Full coverage consists of both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Collision covers damages caused by impact from another car or a stationary object. Comprehensive covers damages from vandalism, theft, and acts of nature. Together, they give you complete coverage and protection in the event of an accident or damage to your car.
If you drive a lot or have a luxury car that's likely to be the target of vandalism or thieves, it's a good idea to get full coverage.
Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Although it's now legally required for all drivers to have minimum car insurance, it's still a fairly new policy. As such, there's a decent chance you may encounter an uninsured driver on the road. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you're in an accident with someone who doesn't have insurance. If they don't have insurance, they likely can't pay for your medical bills or property damage, which is where your own uninsured motorist coverage policy steps in.
Car Insurance for Different Age Groups
Like most states, car insurance costs in Virginia vary by age. Teen drivers and drivers over the age of 64 tend to pay higher rates because these groups have higher accident incident rates.
Tips for Selecting the Right Car Insurance Provider
When shopping for a car insurance provider, always determine the coverages you need first before shopping. Explore discounts that you might be eligible for, and always attempt to keep a clean driving record. Use EverQuote's comparison tools to compare coverage options and insurance provider rates to find the best choice for your budget.