Who is the cheapest car insurance in Virginia?

Virginia Farm Bureau and Auto-Owners offer the cheapest car insurance rates in Virginia, with average minimum liability coverage starting around $39 to $56 per month.

Cheapest Companies in Virginia

• Virginia Farm Bureau: Average of $39/month for liability and around $78–$90/month for full coverage.
• Auto-Owners: Average of $56/month for liability and $100/month for full coverage.
• Travelers: Average of $34–$41/month for minimum coverage and competitive full coverage options.
• USAA: Highly affordable rates for military members, veterans, and their families, averaging around $76/month for liability.
• State Farm: Offers strong rates starting around $57/month for liability-only policies.

Average Cost by Coverage Type

• Minimum Liability Only: $56 to $118 per month, depending on your driving profile.
• Full Coverage: $100 to $200+ per month (including collision and comprehensive).
• Note: Virginia requires minimum liability limits of 50/100/25 ($50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage).

Tips to Lower Your Rate

• Compare Quotes: Rates vary significantly based on your age, city, credit score, and driving history.
• Bundle Policies: Combine auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance.
• Look for Discounts: Ask providers like Mercury Insurance about paperless, safe driver, or pay-in-full discounts.

GEICO is generally cheaper than Progressive for average car insurance rates across most driver profiles.

Average Cost Comparison

• GEICO Average: Around $1,669 to $1,925 per year, depending on the coverage level.
• Progressive Average: Around $1,820 to $1,911 per year.
• Liability & Minimum Coverage: GEICO is noticeably cheaper for state-minimum and basic liability policies.

When GEICO is Cheaper

• Drivers with clean driving records and good credit.
• Young drivers and teens, where GEICO often undercuts Progressive's rates significantly.
• Drivers with prior at-fault accidents (in many cases).

When Progressive is Cheaper

• Drivers with a DUI or DWI on their record.
• Certain senior driver categories.
• Drivers with higher-risk profiles involving poor credit or multiple moving violations, depending on the state.

USAA has the lowest overall average car insurance rates nationwide, but it is restricted to military members, veterans, and their families.

For drivers without a military background, the cheapest large auto insurance companies vary depending on the type of coverage you need:

Cheapest National Providers

• Full Coverage: Travelers offers the lowest average rates among major insurers open to all drivers, averaging around $138 to $146 per month.
• Minimum Coverage: GEICO provides the lowest average rates for basic state-minimum liability, starting at around $41 to $43 per month.
• Regional Options: Smaller regional companies like Country Financial or Erie often beat national carrier rates, though they are only available in a limited number of states.

Factors That Change Your Rate

• Your Location: Rates differ drastically by state, city, and ZIP code.
• Driving Record: Tickets, accidents, or a DUI will shift which company is cheapest for you.
• Age and Credit: Teen drivers, seniors, and people with poor credit see different low-cost providers.

USAA is generally the cheapest car insurance provider nationwide, but it is restricted to military members, veterans, and their families.

For drivers without a military background, Erie Insurance and Travelers frequently offer the lowest average rates among widely accessible or national providers.

Cheapest National and Large Providers

• Minimum Coverage: Erie averages around $23 per month, while GEICO averages about $30 to $41 per month.
• Full Coverage: Travelers averages around $109 to $138 per month, making it one of the most affordable options for comprehensive protection.
• Military/Veteran Eligibility: USAA averages roughly $29 per month for minimum coverage and $118 per month for full coverage.

Why Rates Vary

As noted by most users on Reddit, auto insurance rates depend heavily on individual factors. The cheapest company for another driver might be expensive for you based on:

• Your age and driving history
• Your location and ZIP code
• Your credit score (where allowed)
• The make and model of your car

You can compare options and get personalized rates using The Zebra's free tool.

On average, GEICO is cheaper than AAA for auto insurance.

Cost Comparison

• GEICO: Tends to have lower average rates nationwide, with full-coverage policies often averaging around $1,900 per year, which is well below the national average.
• AAA: Tends to be more expensive for auto insurance alone, with full-coverage policies often averaging around $2,700 per year. AAA insurance rates also vary significantly because coverage is provided through regional motor clubs and local partner companies.

Coverage and Perks

• Discounts and Availability: GEICO operates directly online and by phone, offering a wider range of standard auto discounts and nationwide availability without any membership prerequisites.
• Membership Benefits: AAA requires an active club membership to buy their insurance. While the insurance policy itself may cost more, AAA memberships include valuable non-insurance perks like robust roadside assistance (towing that does not count as an insurance claim) and travel discounts.
• Bundling: AAA may occasionally become more competitive or provide better overall value if you bundle your auto policy directly with an AAA homeowners insurance policy.