Fact CheckedKey takeaways
GEICO is our top pick for Virginia drivers based on our analysis of factors like financial strength, customer experience and discount options.
Travelers offers the best affordable car insurance in Virginia compared to other companies.
Progressive offers some of the best coverage add-ons for Virginia drivers.
Erie is our top pick for regional insurers that sell policies in Virginia based on its reputation for customer satisfaction, and its discount offerings.
USAA is not only one of our top car insurance companies for 2026, but it also specializes in policies for drivers with military connections.
NerdWallet’s editorial team collected and analyzed data on 18 auto insurers that sell policies in Virginia. We then scored each for a variety of factors to determine the best car insurance companies in the state. Some of the categories we considered were financial stability, digital experience, customer satisfaction and offered discounts.
Our top picks for March 2026 are:
Category winner | NerdWallet star rating |
|---|---|
Best overall pick: GEICO | |
Best budget pick: Travelers | |
Best coverage add-ons: Progressive | |
Best regional pick: Erie | |
Best for military families: USAA* | |
*USAA is available only to members of the military, veterans and their families. | |
For our list of the best car insurance companies in Virginia, we only considered insurers that achieved a minimum NerdWallet star rating of 4.5. As we continue to evaluate more insurance providers and receive fresh market data, our list of best car insurance companies may change.
NerdWallet’s editorial team considers these factors when choosing the best auto insurance companies:
Financial strength: We use AM Best ratings to confirm an insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims.
Consumer experience: These ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). We also look at survey data from J.D. Power’s yearly national and regional studies.
Digital ease of use: This category looks at how easily consumers can interact with an insurer through its mobile app and website. This includes the quality of information offered online, mobile app scores based on user ratings, and whether a user can start and track a claim, or get a quote online.
Ways to save: We look at the kinds of discounts a company offers and the total number of discounts available.
You can read our full auto insurance methodology to learn more.
Strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage.
Thorough rating guidelines for evaluating auto insurance companies.
More than 120 million rates analyzed by our team of specialists.
More than 130 insurance companies analyzed in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
You can trust the prices we show because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate outliers and inaccuracies in pricing data, which includes rates from every locale in a state where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts, ages and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing.
See what you could save on car insurance
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Best overall pick: GEICO
Full coverage
$119 /month
Liability only
$37 /month
With nationwide availability and a raft of discounts, GEICO is a popular, and often affordable, choice for car insurance.
Discounts
Great set of discounts
Ease of use
Above average
NAIC complaints
Fewer than expected
Available in: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, & WY.
Why we picked it: GEICO earned the best possible ratings for its financial strength (which can indicate how reliable a company is at paying out claims) and discount options. It also scored highly in our digital customer experience category because of its app and website features, making it our best overall pick for Virginia drivers.
Number of discounts. GEICO offers a long and varied list of ways to save, including discounts for driving a new car, serving in the military and getting an online quote.
Digital experience. The GEICO mobile app boasts high user reviews in both the Google Play and Apple app stores. Its website provides helpful information about car insurance, including how much you can save with each discount. You’re also able to get quotes completely online without needing to work with an agent — something that not all insurers offer.
» Read more: GEICO auto insurance review
Driver profile Full coverage rate Minimum coverage rate Clean driving record, good credit $1,429 $438 One speeding ticket, good credit $1,901 $507 One at-fault crash, good credit $2,102 $651 One DUI, good credit $2,642 $920 Clean driving record, poor credit $2,218 $615 Rates refreshed March 2026.
Best budget pick: Travelers
Full coverage
$95 /month
Liability only
$34 /month
Travelers offers a broad range of coverage options and discounts to help you customize your car insurance policy.
Discounts
Great set of discounts
Ease of use
Above average
NAIC complaints
Fewer than expected
Available in: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, & WI.
Why we picked it: Travelers had some of the cheapest car insurance in Virginia for common driver types in our March 2026 analysis. Travelers also offers a stellar selection of coverage add-ons, an excellent online experience and a great variety of discounts to help you keep your car insurance affordable.
While Travelers was often the most affordable company in our analysis, it might not be the cheapest for you. We recommend comparing car insurance quotes from at least three insurers to make sure you're getting the best price possible.
Accident forgiveness. Travelers offers two different accident forgiveness plans.
Decreasing deductible. If you’re a safe driver, then Travelers’ premier safe driver plan could lower the cost of your deductible, or remove it completely if your car is totaled.
Bundling discount. You might be eligible for a car insurance discount from Travelers if you own a home or condo, even if you insure it through a different provider.
Coverage add-ons. Travelers offers both gap coverage and new car replacement as policy add-ons, and Virginia drivers might be able to get Travelers rideshare coverage as well.
» Read more: Travelers auto insurance review
Driver profile Full coverage rate Minimum coverage rate Clean driving record, good credit $1,140 $402 One speeding ticket, good credit $1,503 $471 One at-fault crash, good credit $1,589 $527 One DUI, good credit $1,722 $588 Clean driving record, poor credit $1,989 $665 Rates refreshed March 2026.
Best coverage add-ons: Progressive
Full coverage
$193 /month
Liability only
$90 /month
Progressive offers a variety of discounts and insurance products to cater to most people, though there’s room for improvement when it comes to customer satisfaction.
Discounts
Great set of discounts
Ease of use
Above average
NAIC complaints
Fewer than expected
Available in: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, & WY.
Why we picked it: Progressive offers one of the best selections of optional coverages of any insurer, even when compared to other top companies. For example, you can choose add-ons that will pay for minor dents or mechanical repairs. And if you have a full coverage policy then you could get up to $1,000 of vet bills reimbursed for pet injuries caused by a covered accident.
Excellent mobile experience. Progressive’s mobile app has high customer ratings from both Android and Apple users. And while many insurers let you get a quote without speaking to an agent, you can actually get a quote and start a new Progressive policy entirely online.
Teen driver discount. Young drivers are often the most expensive to insure, regardless of their driving history. Progressive offers discounts for adding a teen driver to your policy and for them maintaining good grades, both of which may help manage that cost.
Coverage add-ons. We already highlighted that Progressive may cover minor damage repair and vet bills, but the company also offers custom parts coverage and gap coverage as add-ons. You may also add rideshare insurance to your Progressive car insurance policy.
» Read more: Progressive auto insurance review
Driver profile Full coverage rate Minimum coverage rate Clean driving record, good credit $2,311 $1,080 One speeding ticket, good credit $3,169 $1,387 One at-fault crash, good credit $3,441 $1,506 One DUI, good credit $3,242 $1,422 Clean driving record, poor credit $3,731 $1,562 Rates refreshed March 2026.
Best regional pick: Erie
Full coverage
$163 /month
Liability only
$52 /month
The company is popular with consumers but operates in only 12 states and Washington, D.C.
Discounts
Great set of discounts
Ease of use
Above average
NAIC complaints
Close to expected
Available in: DC, IL, IN, KY, MD, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI, & WV.
Why we picked it: Our 2026 analysis of Virginia car insurers proves that some of the best options are actually small or regional carriers. While Erie is only available in 12 states — including Washington D.C. — it offers rates and coverages that outclass larger companies. In addition to having a great set of discounts and rates that are below Virginia's state average for drivers with clean records, Erie also ranks in second place for customer satisfaction in the whole Mid-Atlantic region, according to J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study.
Bonus perks. Erie will include add-ons like limited glass repair and locksmith service if you add comprehensive coverage to your policy. Most insurers would require you to pay for these coverages, and if you also carry collision coverage, then Erie will add personal items coverage.
Rate lock. Although it’s an optional feature, you can choose to lock your insurance rate for three years as a Virginia driver. This means you shouldn’t have to worry about your insurance costs going up until you make a change to your policy, even if you have to file a claim for an accident.
Coverage options. Erie offers an incredible selection of optional coverages. A few of the add-ons that stood out to us are up to $500 of vet coverage for a pet injured in an accident, rideshare coverage and better car replacement if your vehicle is more than two years old.
» Read more: Erie auto insurance review
Driver profile Full coverage rate Minimum coverage rate Clean driving record, good credit $1,956 $623 One speeding ticket, good credit $2,046 $658 One at-fault crash, good credit $2,863 $982 One DUI, good credit $3,588 $1,292 Clean driving record, poor credit $4,587 $1,440 Rates refreshed March 2026.
Best for military families: USAA
Full coverage
$120 /month
Liability only
$41 /month
USAA offers auto insurance to active military, veterans, certain federal employees and their families only.
Discounts
Great set of discounts
Ease of use
Above average
NAIC complaints
More than expected
Available in: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, & WY.
Why we picked it: Virginia has more military residents than almost any other state, and USAA caters specifically to this type of driver. However, we don’t often call it out because USAA auto insurance is only available for drivers who are on active duty or serve in the reserves of the military, are a veteran or have an immediate family member who served in the military. (It also sells car insurance to employees of certain government departments.)
While USAA’s car insurance might not be available for most drivers, it offers great military-minded benefits (like a discount for storing your car on a military base) and optional features like accident forgiveness and car replacement assistance, which may help you replace your car with a new version of the same model after it’s damaged or stolen.
Customer satisfaction. USAA earned the highest score in J.D. Power’s national surveys for both claims satisfaction as well as shopping satisfaction. USAA is also one of the top insurers in all of J.D. Power’s regional surveys for customer satisfaction.
Digital experience. USAA earned one of the highest scores in our analysis for its digital features because it supports online quotes, claims and claims tracking.
Coverage add-ons. In addition to car replacement coverage and accident forgiveness, USAA also offers roadside assistance and rideshare coverage as policy add-ons.
» Read more: USAA auto insurance review
Driver profile Full coverage rate Minimum coverage rate Clean driving record, good credit $1,443 $494 One speeding ticket, good credit $1,758 $600 One at-fault crash, good credit $2,129 $734 One DUI, good credit $2,740 $895 Clean driving record, poor credit $2,815 $955 Rates refreshed March 2026.
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.
Other top car insurance companies in Virginia
If you’re looking for more car insurance companies in Virginia, here are a few more top insurers that earned a NerdWallet star rating of 4.5 or higher. Each one could be a great choice, depending on your driving history and coverage needs.
Company | Why we picked it |
|---|---|
Acuity | Best customer satisfaction |
Best bundle options | |
Best for high-risk drivers | |
Best for older drivers |
How much does car insurance cost in Virginia?
Your car insurance costs might change, even if none of your personal information does. Insurers consider a wide range of things in order to determine how much you’ll pay for coverage, such as your age, location, vehicle details and driving history. External factors like economic and weather trends in your area can also affect your rates.
That can make it difficult to know what you should expect to pay for coverage. But our car insurance calculator can show you the average price near you. Just enter your ZIP code below and see the average rate in your area:
Enter your ZIP code to find the average monthly car insurance rate for your area. Rates are for policies that include full coverage for a 35-year-old driver with good credit and a clean driving record.
Average monthly car insurance rate in your ZIP code:
$0All Virginia drivers are required to carry liability car insurance, which pays for others' injuries or property damage if you're responsible for an accident.
The minimum coverage requirements you must buy in Virginia are:
Bodily injury liability insurance that pays up to $50,000 per person injured, and up to a total of $100,000 per accident.
Property damage liability insurance that pays up to $25,000 per accident.
Most drivers in Virginia are also required to carry uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage up to the same limits as their liability coverage.
Virginia’s car insurance requirements may cover the cost of any damage, injuries or deaths you cause in a car accident, up to your policy’s predefined limits. But we recommend buying more than the minimum to avoid being left vulnerable to lawsuits or major accident bills.
You can also consider adding optional coverage types such as collision and comprehensive insurance, which pay for damage to or theft of your own vehicle regardless of fault. A minimum insurance policy in Virginia won’t cover this type of damage if you’re at fault for an accident.
How to choose the right insurer
Every driver is different, and that can make it hard to figure out which insurance company is the best option for you. Here are a few things you should expect from any top insurer:
Affordable pricing so you can actually get a policy. (This includes having a good variety of discounts.)
Coverage options in case you need specialty coverage or want more than the standard coverage limits.
Great customer service that can simplify the claims process if or when you need it.
Reliable reputation so you can have peace of mind that the company will be there for you.
We nerd out on car insurance
Our goal is to give you what you need to make smart decisions about your car insurance.
Here’s why you can trust NerdWallet:
We do our homework. We regularly evaluate and review many of the insurance companies we write about. And all of our content is fact-checked before publication. This means the star ratings you see on our reviews are accurate and up-to-date.
We analyze the data. We update our average car insurance rates every month. To do that, we analyze more than 500 million rates from across the country. These rates are provided by Quadrant Information Services.
We are unbiased. NerdWallet’s content is never influenced by our business partners and advertisers. Learn more about how we write in our editorial guidelines.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.J.D. Power. 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. Accessed Feb 26, 2026.
- 2.J.D. Power. 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Accessed Feb 26, 2026.
- 3.J.D. Power. 2025 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study. Accessed Feb 26, 2026.
Auto insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s auto insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints and discounts. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Using our editorial discretion, we also consider customer satisfaction surveys. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for auto insurance.
Here’s how we evaluated each car insurance company and the weights we placed on each category:
Financial strength (30%).
Consumer complaints (30%).
Ease of use (20%).
Affordability (20%).
The best auto insurers excel at all of these categories. They provide the information people need to make a purchase without any surprises along the way. They offer insurance at a fair price and provide more than one way to buy and manage a policy. They're financially strong and able to keep their customers happy throughout the relationship.
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2022-2024. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Average rates methodology
NerdWallet averaged rates based on public filings obtained by pricing analytics company Quadrant Information Services. We examined rates for men and women for all ZIP codes in any of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Although it’s one of the largest insurers in the country, Liberty Mutual is not included in our rates analysis due to a lack of publicly available information.
In our analysis, “good drivers” had no moving violations on record; a “good driving” discount was included for this profile. Our “good” credit rates are based on credit score approximations and do not account for proprietary scoring criteria used by insurance providers.
These are median rates, and your rate will vary based on your personal details, state and insurance provider.
Sample drivers had the following coverage limits:
$100,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person.
$300,000 bodily injury liability coverage per crash.
$50,000 property damage liability coverage per crash.
$100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person.
$300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per crash.
Collision coverage with $1,000 deductible.
Comprehensive coverage with $1,000 deductible.
In states where required, minimum additional coverages were added. We used the same assumptions for all other driver profiles, with the following exceptions:
For drivers with minimum coverage, we adjusted the numbers above to reflect only the minimum coverage required by law in the state.
For drivers with one at-fault crash, we added a single at-fault crash costing $10,000 in property damage.
For drivers with a DUI, we added a single drunken-driving violation.
For drivers with a ticket, we added a single speeding violation for driving 16 mph over the speed limit.
We used a 2023 Toyota Camry LE in all cases and assumed 12,000 annual miles driven. We analyzed rates for 35-year-old drivers.
These are rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
