Best Car Insurance in Virginia

Last Updated on January 1, 2026

Virginia car insurance is often cheaper than the national average, but “cheap” depends on your ZIP code, your driving history, and how much coverage you carry. Drivers in Northern Virginia (NOVA) and other high-traffic areas typically pay more than drivers in rural parts of the state.

One thing that’s not optional anymore: Virginia now requires auto insurance for registered vehicles. The state also increased minimum liability limits for policies effective on or after January 1, 2025. (More on both below.)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Virginia Requires Auto Insurance: As of July 1, 2024, Virginia no longer allows drivers to opt out by paying the uninsured motor vehicle fee—registered vehicles must be insured.
2. Minimum Limits Increased in 2025: For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, Virginia’s minimum liability limits are 50/100/25, and your lender may require full coverage if you finance or lease.
3. “Best” Insurer Depends on Your Profile: USAA (if eligible), Erie, and Virginia Farm Bureau are strong starting points, but comparing quotes is the only way to find the best price for your ZIP code and record.
4. Avoid Lapses to Prevent DMV Issues and Higher Rates: A gap in coverage can trigger registration problems and expensive filings (like SR-22/FR-44), so keep continuous insurance whenever your plates are active.

Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies in Virginia

There’s no single “best” insurer for everyone. The best car insurance company in Virginia is the one that offers the right coverage, a smooth claims process, and a competitive price for your driver profile. Start with the companies below, then compare quotes side-by-side using the same coverage limits and deductibles.

1. USAA

If USAA membership is available to you, it’s often one of the strongest choices in Virginia for both price and satisfaction. Membership is generally available to active-duty military, veterans, and qualifying family members.

2. Erie Insurance

Erie is a great fit for drivers who want a strong local/regional presence and a reputation for customer service. It can also be a smart pick if you’re discount-focused—especially if you qualify for multiple Erie insurance discounts.

3. Virginia Farm Bureau

For many Virginians, Virginia Farm Bureau is a high-value option—especially if you prefer a Virginia-based organization and want straightforward coverage. It may also be competitive for drivers shopping for minimum coverage car insurance, although you should still compare it against major national brands.

4. Nationwide

Nationwide can be a strong match if you want a big insurer with plenty of coverage options and the ability to earn discounts through usage-based programs. If you’re comfortable with telematics, it’s worth reading about the SmartRide program before you buy.

5. State Farm

State Farm is a popular choice across Virginia thanks to its broad agent network and strong coverage menu. It’s especially worth a quote if you’re stacking multiple savings opportunities through State Farm discounts.

6. GEICO

GEICO is frequently competitive in Virginia, especially for drivers with clean records who like an online-first experience. If you’re comparing carriers, it helps to understand how GEICO markets savings—and whether you can really save 15% by switching to GEICO.

7. Travelers

Travelers can be a smart option for drivers who want solid coverage selections and a carrier that plays well with multi-policy bundling. It’s also worth a quote if you’ve had prior claims and want to compare how different insurers price risk.

8. Progressive

Progressive is often a top contender for drivers who like flexibility and comparison tools. If you want to set a target budget and see what coverage fits, learn how Progressive’s Name Your Price tool works before you lock in a policy.

9. Allstate

Allstate is worth considering if you want a big-brand insurer with lots of add-ons and a wide service footprint. It may be more competitive for some profiles than others, so it’s best treated as a “must-quote” company—especially if you bundle home and auto.

10. Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual is another national insurer with a broad coverage lineup and plenty of discount paths. It’s not always the cheapest, but it can be competitive depending on your vehicle, mileage, and bundling situation.

Virginia Car Insurance Requirements

Virginia now requires drivers to carry auto insurance for registered vehicles. As of July 1, 2024, drivers can no longer choose to go uninsured by paying the old uninsured motor vehicle fee. You can confirm the current rules through the Virginia DMV here: Insurance Requirements (Virginia DMV) and Virginia’s July 1, 2024 insurance update.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Virginia

For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, Virginia’s minimum liability limits are:

• $50,000 bodily injury or death liability per person
• $100,000 bodily injury or death liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Virginia policies also typically include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. By default, those limits generally match your liability limits unless you request a lower amount (down to the state minimum) in writing. (For the legal language, see Va. Code § 38.2-2206.)

If you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender will almost always require full coverage car insurance (liability + comprehensive + collision) until the loan or lease is paid off.

Driving Without Insurance in Virginia

Virginia is no longer in the same category as New Hampshire. Starting July 1, 2024, Virginia requires insurance for registered vehicles, and letting coverage lapse can trigger serious DMV consequences—even if you aren’t driving much.

This is one reason people still ask whether auto insurance is required in Virginia: the rules used to be different. Today, the safest approach is simple—keep continuous coverage for as long as your plates/registration are active.

If the DMV determines a vehicle is uninsured, the owner can face uninsured vehicle penalties such as a statutory fee, reinstatement requirements, and a requirement to maintain proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) for a set period.

If you cancel a policy, make sure your next policy starts immediately (no gap), and make sure your DMV paperwork stays clean. An insurance lapse can lead to registration suspension, which can snowball into higher costs and headaches.

Also, remember that “no proof of insurance” and “no insurance” aren’t always the same thing. If you’re stopped and can’t show a valid card (paper or digital), you may still face penalties—even if you were insured. Here’s what to know about tickets for no proof of insurance.

Finally, DMV compliance issues can pop up when your paperwork is out of sync. If you’re worried about how registration status interacts with coverage and claims, read more on whether expired registration voids car insurance.

Car Insurance in Virginia After a DUI

A DUI conviction can dramatically increase premiums, and some carriers may non-renew or restrict coverage options. It’s common to see major increases after a DUI—learn what to expect in this guide on how much insurance goes up after a DUI.

If you have a DUI in Virginia, prioritize insurers that are comfortable underwriting higher-risk drivers, and consider these best practices:

• Compare quotes from at least 3–5 carriers (pricing varies wildly by company).
• Ask whether an FR-44 filing is required for your situation (more on FR-44 below).
• Avoid coverage gaps—continuous insurance is one of the best ways to prevent rates from climbing even higher.

Drivers in this category are often considered high-risk drivers, so discounts and shopping around matter even more than usual.

Car Insurance in Virginia with At-Fault Accidents

At-fault accidents usually raise rates at renewal, and the size of the increase depends on the severity of the claim, your prior history, and the insurer’s pricing model. If you’re trying to understand the mechanics, start with what happens with insurance after an at-fault accident.

When you’re shopping after an accident, it also helps to understand the broader pricing triggers that can raise premiums—see the top causes of car insurance rate increases.

If you have multiple incidents on your record, you may need to broaden your quote list and adjust expectations. This guide on car insurance quotes for drivers with bad driving records can help you plan your next steps.

Car Insurance in Virginia with Speeding Tickets

One minor speeding ticket may not move the needle much, but multiple tickets—or a serious speed conviction—can push premiums higher. If you’re shopping with a ticket on your record, use these tactics to keep prices down: how to find cheap auto insurance quotes with a speeding ticket.

Car Insurance in Virginia for Young Drivers

Young drivers typically pay more because insurers price based on risk and limited driving history. The good news is that family policies, good-student discounts, and telematics programs can sometimes soften the blow. If you’re comparing options, start here: cheapest car insurance for young drivers.

Car Insurance in Virginia with Poor Credit

Virginia insurers can use credit-based insurance scores in pricing, and the difference between excellent and poor credit can be significant. If you’re trying to understand how it works (and what you can do about it), read: does credit score affect car insurance rates?

SR-22 and FR-44 Insurance in Virginia

Virginia may require certain drivers to file proof of financial responsibility after serious violations or a coverage lapse. An SR-22 or FR-44 is not an insurance policy by itself—it’s a filing that your insurer submits to the DMV to prove you carry the required coverage.

In many situations, the filing period is three years, but the exact requirement depends on your case. If you’re unsure how long you’ll need it, see how long an SR-22 lasts.

Virginia also uses FR-44 filings for certain DUI-related situations. If you’re dealing with a DUI requirement, start here: what an FR-44 policy is. In Virginia, FR-44 coverage limits are typically double the state’s minimum liability limits (so with today’s minimums, that often means 100/200/50).

FAQs on Car Insurance in Virginia

Conclusion: How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in Virginia

The “best” car insurance in Virginia depends on your profile—clean-record drivers, young drivers, and high-risk drivers often get the best deal from completely different insurers. The fastest way to save is to compare quotes using identical coverage limits, ask about discounts, and avoid coverage lapses.

Start with the top providers above, then shop around at least once per year (or any time your life changes—new car, new address, new driver, or a ticket/accident).