7+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Certified financial education instructor (CFEI)
Choncé was a licensed life insurance agent before becoming a freelance personal finance writer. She’s passionate about helping people learn to protect themselves with insurance.
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Licensed insurance agent for 25+ years
15 years as VP of Sales and Operations at Answer Financial
Licensed in more than 40 states, Shawn leverages his deep industry expertise to support the accuracy and trustworthiness of Insurify’s content.
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Updated November 20, 2024
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Table of contents
Auto-Owners, State Farm, and USAA offer the cheapest car insurance rates in Arlington, where the average cost of a full-coverage policy is $191 per month. By comparison, the Virginia state average for full coverage is $184 and the national average is $204.
The number of Arlington residents relying on public transportation is likely a big factor in the city's comparatively lower car insurance costs. While the mean commute time for Arlington residents is 28 minutes, a significant number of residents rely on the greater Washington, D.C. metro area's robust public transportation system for their commutes.
If you live in Arlington, you may be able to get by without owning a car. But if you do have a vehicle, it makes sense to compare quotes from multiple insurers to get the cheapest and best coverage available to you.
In 2021, a significant portion of non-remote employed Arlington residents primarily used public transportation to commute to work — which may partially account for low average car insurance rates in the city.[1]
Virginia state law allows insurers to consider your credit history when determining rates.
On average, Arlington residents pay $107 per month for liability-only car insurance.
Best car insurance companies in Arlington
Your specific auto coverage needs will influence what insurance option works best for you. However, to narrow your coverage options, you should also consider your budget, current rates, and available discounts. Insurers consider your driving record, credit history, marital status, age, past vehicle losses or claims, and more when determining your cost for auto insurance.
Find some of the best options in Arlington based on your driving profile, whether you value cheap rates or need coverage after an accident.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Best For ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
Auto-owners | 8.5 | $62 | $34 | Cheap rates |
State Farm | 9.3 | $64 | $35 | Drivers with an accident |
GEICO | 9.0 | $86 | $47 | Young drivers |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for cheap rates: Auto-Owners
User Reviews | 4.0 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.5 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $36/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $66/mo |
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service, competitive initial rates, and professional agents but dislike the frequent price increases and complicated claims process.
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service, competitive initial rates, and professional agents but dislike the frequent price increases and complicated claims process.
Debra
November 3, 2024
Excellent
Scotty
November 2, 2024
They are a bunch of crooks. My policy has increased every single time, and I've only had one small claim.
Dana
October 31, 2024
Average
Founded in 1916, Auto-Owners has 48,000 licensed insurance agents selling coverage in 26 states. The company has some of the lowest average auto rates in Arlington by coverage level, driving history, and age. Auto-Owners also offers numerous discounts, including for multi-policy bundling and on-time payments.
Some of the cheapest auto rates in Arlington
Offers gap coverage and roadside assistance
Quotes not available online
Accident forgiveness not included with basic policy
Best insurer for drivers with an accident: State Farm
User Reviews | 4.2 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $36/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $67/mo |
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Ronald
November 19, 2024
State Farm Experience: 35 Years+
David
November 19, 2024
Too expensive
Ronald
November 18, 2024
Very Expensive Auto and Home
The largest auto insurer in the country, State Farm sells a number of insurance products, including auto, home, renters, and life insurance. If you’re an Arlington driver with an accident or speeding ticket on your record, State Farm provides less expensive rates than the state average. This insurer also offers several discounts.
Vehicle safety discount available for Virginia drivers
Several coverage options, including rental car coverage and emergency roadside assistance
Gap insurance not available
Accident forgiveness not available
Best insurer for young drivers: GEICO
User Reviews | 4.0 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.0 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $48/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $90/mo |
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
James
November 19, 2024
Unsatisfactory Experience with Geico
Edward
November 18, 2024
Experience with Geico
Chris
November 18, 2024
Poor
Also one of the largest insurance companies in the U.S., GEICO has a reputation for customer satisfaction and offers a wide range of insurance products. GEICO offers teen drivers affordable coverage, and students can earn discounts for having good grades or completing an approved defensive driving course.
Personalized coverage options
Several discounts, including for good students
Gap coverage not available
Accident forgiveness not available
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Arlington
A variety of factors like your age, driving history, ZIP code, and level of coverage influence how you can find the best rate for your car insurance policy in Arlington. Still, you can take specific steps to help lower your costs:
Maintain a clean driving record. Try to avoid violations like speeding tickets and at-fault accidents so you can obtain lower car insurance rates.
Improve your credit score. Car insurers in Virginia may use your credit score to determine risk factors and the likelihood that you’ll file an insurance claim. Having a good credit score can help you earn cheaper rates.
Ask for a discount. Insurers typically offer several types of discounts, including multi-policy and good driver discounts.
Shop around. Shop around and compare quotes from at least three different insurers. This will help ensure that you find the best price for your coverage needs.
“Sometimes comparing quotes by shopping around with an insurance agent can be helpful as well, since they work with a range of carriers and can obtain multiple personalized quotes in less time that are tailored to your coverage needs and budget,” says P.J. Miller, vice president of Wallace & Turner, Inc. insurance agency.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Arlington: Auto-Owners
Liability-only car insurance provides the least amount of coverage, which means it’s usually the cheapest option available to drivers. Liability insurance pays for damages to the other driver’s vehicle, as well as their medical expenses for bodily injury from an accident you cause.
It might make sense to purchase liability-only coverage if you drive an older vehicle and you can afford to pay for repairs out of pocket. This insurance protects the driver you have an accident with, but you may want more coverage depending on your situation.
On average, liability-only coverage costs $107 per month.
Here are some of the cheapest liability-only car insurance rates in Arlington.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Auto-Owners | $36 |
State Farm | $36 |
USAA | $48 |
GEICO | $48 |
Chubb | $54 |
Erie | $56 |
Clearcover | $61 |
Nationwide | $63 |
Mercury | $65 |
Allstate | $76 |
Progressive | $84 |
Direct Auto | $93 |
Elephant | $95 |
National General | $100 |
Travelers | $102 |
CSAA | $112 |
GAINSCO | $114 |
Safeco | $121 |
Dairyland | $128 |
Bristol West | $131 |
AssuranceAmerica | $141 |
Liberty Mutual | $162 |
The General | $168 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Arlington: Auto-Owners
Full-coverage insurance includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage — which extend coverage to your vehicle after an accident or noncollision incident. Your lender may require you to carry full-coverage insurance until you pay off your loan, if you have one.[2]
You may want full-coverage insurance for added protection if you have a new or expensive car. If you finance or lease your car, your lender or leasing company will also require you to carry full coverage. By paying a little more for your premium, you can protect yourself from paying an expensive repair bill if you ever need to file a claim.
Full-coverage insurance in Arlington averages around $191 per month. Here are some of the cheapest full-coverage car insurance rates in Arlington.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Auto-Owners | $66 |
State Farm | $67 |
USAA | $90 |
GEICO | $90 |
Chubb | $99 |
Erie | $103 |
Clearcover | $111 |
Nationwide | $118 |
Allstate | $141 |
Mercury | $142 |
Progressive | $154 |
Elephant | $164 |
CSAA | $171 |
Direct Auto | $180 |
Travelers | $189 |
National General | $193 |
Safeco | $195 |
Bristol West | $248 |
Liberty Mutual | $250 |
GAINSCO | $259 |
AssuranceAmerica | $268 |
Dairyland | $295 |
The General | $337 |
Cheapest recent rates near Arlington, Virginia
Drivers in and around Arlington, Virginia have found policies from Allstate, CSAA, GEICO, and more, through Insurify in the last few days.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Arlington, Virginia within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Arlington, Virginia within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Car insurance requirements in Virginia
Most states require drivers to have liability coverage. In Virginia, drivers who don’t meet the minimum coverage requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability face driver’s license and vehicle registration suspension, as well as a $500 reinstatement fine.
However, Virginia drivers can opt out of coverage by paying a $500 uninsured motorist fee up front. Keep in mind, though, that the $500 fee doesn’t absolve you of financial responsibility if you cause an accident that results in property damage or injuries.
Effective July 1, 2024, every driver in the Commonwealth of Virginia who wants to register a vehicle or renew a registration will have to buy at least the state's minimum amount of liability insurance. Drivers will no longer be able to opt out of buying insurance by paying an uninsured fee. Learn more.
Virginia is increasing its minimum-coverage requirements for policies effective on or after Jan. 1, 2025. Below, you can find the current car insurance requirements, along with the requirements set to go into effect in 2025.[3]
Coverage ▲▼ | Current Requirements ▲▼ | Policies Effective On or After Jan. 1, 2025 ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Bodily injury liability | $30,000 per person and $50,000 per accident | $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident |
Property damage liability | $20,000 per person | $25,000 per person |
Depending on your needs and situation, you may also want to consider getting optional insurance coverage, including:
Uninsured motorist
If you have an accident with an uninsured driver, this insurance can cover your vehicle damages and medical expenses.
Collision
This covers your vehicle damages following an accident, regardless of fault.
Comprehensive
When a non-collision incident causes vehicle damage, this kicks in. Comprehensive insurance covers damage from natural disasters, vandalism, fire, and more.
Roadside assistance
This coverage often provides access to towing, lockout service, tire change, jump-start, transportation assistance, gas delivery, and winching.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
One of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance rates is your driving history. If you have an at-fault accident, speeding ticket, DUI, or another moving violation, your insurance rates will typically increase. The severity and frequency of incidents on your record can also influence how much you pay for coverage. Drivers with clean records tend to pay the lowest rates.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: State Farm
If an officer gives you a ticket for speeding, it typically shows up on your driving record and affects your car insurance rates. On average, drivers with a speeding ticket in Arlington pay $200 per month for coverage.
Here are some average monthly quotes for insurers in Arlington if you have a speeding ticket on your record.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
State Farm | $84 |
Auto-Owners | $85 |
USAA | $114 |
GEICO | $114 |
Erie | $134 |
Nationwide | $151 |
Safeco | $251 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: State Farm
No one plans to have an accident, but the incident can stay on your driving record for three to five years if you’re at fault.[4] Arlington drivers who have an at-fault accident on their record pay $207 on average per month for insurance.
Here are some average monthly quotes from Arlington insurers for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Auto-Owners | $88 |
State Farm | $89 |
USAA | $120 |
GEICO | $120 |
Erie | $140 |
Nationwide | $159 |
Safeco | $258 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: State Farm
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense that can stay on your driving record for several years in Virginia.[5] In Arlington, rates increase significantly if you have a DUI on your record. Drivers with a DUI pay on average $170 for liability coverage, and $304 per month for full coverage.
Here are some of the cheapest car insurance rates for drivers in Arlington with a DUI.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Auto-Owners | $107 |
State Farm | $109 |
USAA | $146 |
GEICO | $146 |
Erie | $167 |
Nationwide | $191 |
Safeco | $293 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: State Farm
Car insurance rates tend to decrease once you turn 25, but they can increase again once you enter your 70s. Insurers find that older drivers can face new driving challenges as they age, which increases risk levels. Many insurers slightly increase insurance rates for senior drivers.[6]
Maintaining a clean driving record, bundling with renters insurance or home insurance, and securing other discounts can help you keep earning lower rates.[7] And some insurance companies also provide usage-based coverage that works well for infrequent drivers.
Senior drivers in Arlington can find the cheapest liability coverage from State Farm for $33 per month.
Here are some of the cheapest insurance quotes for seniors in Arlington.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
State Farm | $38 |
Auto-Owners | $39 |
GEICO | $56 |
USAA | $58 |
Erie | $60 |
Nationwide | $64 |
Safeco | $146 |
Cheapest car insurance for teens: Auto-Owners
Teenagers typically pay the highest car insurance rates. Younger drivers have less experience driving and are at higher risk of filing a claim. Drivers often see rates decrease once they turn 25, but you can find ways to save on insurance as a young driver.
Some insurers provide discounts to students for earning good grades or completing an approved driver safety course. Teens can also save by opting to stay on their parents’ insurance plan if it makes sense financially.
Teen drivers can find can find cheap liability-only insurance from Auto-Owners for $63 per month.
Find the cheapest rates for teens in Arlington below.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Auto-Owners | $116 |
State Farm | $120 |
GEICO | $151 |
USAA | $158 |
Erie | $181 |
Nationwide | $215 |
Safeco | $391 |
Arlington car insurance quotes by credit tier
Like many other states, Virginia allows insurers to consider your credit history when calculating insurance rates.[8] Insurers in Arlington can use your credit information to generate a credit-based insurance score that helps them estimate how likely you may be to file an insurance claim.
Having a good or excellent credit score can help you earn better rates for car insurance. Because insurers consider several other factors in addition to credit, you can still find affordable car insurance if you have a bad credit score.
Here are the average monthly quotes for Arlington based on your credit score tier.
Rates by Credit Tier
Is car insurance more expensive in Arlington?
Arlington drivers pay a total average of $149 per month for car insurance, but liability coverage only costs $107 per month. The average cost of full-coverage insurance in Arlington is $191 per month, which is less expensive than the average rate in Virginia of $184 per month.
Virginia drivers can receive different rates, depending on their city and ZIP code. Drivers in larger cities with more traffic may see higher car insurance rates due to population density, more frequent accidents, and higher crime rates. Car insurance consumers in surrounding areas like Washington, D.C., typically pay higher rates due to location risk factors.
More cities in Virginia
Full-coverage car insurance in Arlington is less expensive than some other cities in Virginia. Cities where drivers don't have access to robust public transportation options will likely see higher insurance costs due to the greater number of vehicles on the roads, and increased risk of accidents.
Here’s how the average monthly full-coverage car insurance costs in other Virginia cities compare to Arlington.
City ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Alexandria | $208 | $119 |
Charlottesville | $158 | $86 |
Lynchburg | $161 | $90 |
Newport News | $185 | $114 |
Norfolk | $208 | $122 |
Richmond | $212 | $123 |
Virginia Beach | $184 | $106 |
Arlington car insurance FAQs
If you still have questions about finding affordable coverage in Arlington, the following information should help you navigate the process.
How much is car insurance in Arlington?
On average, Arlington drivers pay $191 per month for full-coverage car insurance. Liability coverage averages $107 per month. Ultimately, your insurance premium depends on your insurer, driving record, credit history, age, and more.
What are the best car insurance companies in Arlington?
With an IQ Score of 4.4 out of 5, an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior), and cheap average rates, State Farm is the best car insurance company in Arlington. Other top insurers offering quality coverage include GEICO, USAA, and Auto-Owners.
What company has the cheapest car insurance rates in Arlington?
Auto-Owners has the cheapest rates in Arlington, Insurify data shows. The company's lowest quote for liability-only coverage is currently around $36.
Arlington motorists can also find good prices from the city's second- and third-cheapest car insurers, State Farm and USAA. Their liability rates start at just $36 and $48, respectively.
How much car insurance do you need in Virginia?
Drivers can choose to purchase a minimum amount of coverage in Virginia or opt out and pay a $500 uninsured motorist fee. Virginia drivers who don’t opt out must purchase $30,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $20,000 per person in property damage liability. The limits are set to increase in 2025.
And, starting July 1, 2024, drivers will no longer be able to pay a fee and opt out of coverage. Every car registered in the state will need to be insured for at least the state's minimum requirement amounts.
Is Virginia a no-fault state?
No. Virginia is an at-fault state. This means the insurer of an at-fault driver must cover the costs of an accident, including vehicle damage and medical expenses of the other driver and their passengers.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in Virginia
Sources
- Mobility Lab. "Data Tipsheet: 2021 Arlington Resident Travel Survey."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "What You Should Know About Auto Insurance Coverage."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Insurance Requirements."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Four Point Violations."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Six Point Violations."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Senior driving safety and insurance tips."
- Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission. "Insurance Credit Scoring."
Choncé Maddox is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) and personal finance freelance writer. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Journalism and has been covering personal finance topics surrounding saving, debt payoff, credit, and home insurance for seven years. Chonce briefly held a life insurance license in Illinois where she developed a passion for helping people learn how to protect themselves and their property through insurance coverage. Her work has been featured on LendingTree, Business Insider, RateGenius and more.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
Licensed insurance agent for 25+ years
15 years as VP of Sales and Operations at Answer Financial
Licensed in more than 40 states, Shawn leverages his deep industry expertise to support the accuracy and trustworthiness of Insurify’s content.
Featured in