10+ years writing on personal finance topics
Host of the Mental Health and Wealth podcast
Melanie is a blogger, author, and speaker specializing in personal finance and debt management. She’s also the author of the blog and book “Dear Debt.”
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7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Updated November 20, 2024
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Table of contents
The overall average cost of car insurance in Portsmouth, Virginia, is $160 per month, according to Insurify data. This is slightly more affordable than the national average of $154 per month but more expensive than the Virginia average of $142.
Portsmouth is a city full of history and home to many bridges and tunnels, which can influence traffic patterns and car insurance rates. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the best way to find an affordable policy in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth drivers pay $121 per month for liability coverage and $200 per month for full coverage.
Auto-Owners, State Farm, and USAA have the cheapest car insurance in Portsmouth.
As of July 1, 2024, Virginia will require all drivers to buy at least the state’s minimum required amount of car insurance.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Portsmouth
Finding the best rate is just one part of shopping for auto insurance coverage. The right company for you will depend on your needs and the coverage you’re looking to get.
Check out the three options for cheap car insurance in Portsmouth in the table below. You can see insurance quotes for full coverage and liability only and what each company is best for to help you choose the right fit.
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 | Uninsured motorist coverage |
State Farm | 9.3 | $64 | $35 | Bundling |
GEICO | 9.0 | $86 | $47 | Military members |
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 uninsured motorist coverage: 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. | $38/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. | $71/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
Historically, Virginia has allowed drivers to pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee each year to drive without car insurance. That’s changing on July 1, 2024, when the commonwealth will no longer offer the option of a UMV fee and will instead require all drivers to buy car insurance.
But it may take some motorists time to catch up. To stay protected, you can get uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with Auto-Owners. The company also offers multiple discounts to help you get the lowest rates.
Gap insurance and accident forgiveness available
Offers multiple student discounts
Not available in every state
Poor customer service and claims process complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website
Best insurer for bundling: 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. | $38/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. | $72/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
State Farm is the best option for bundling, as it offers many different insurance products, including boat insurance. The city of Portsmouth has access to the Elizabeth River and is home to more than 250 boat owners. So if you’re looking for cheap car insurance in Portsmouth and need additional insurance policies, like boat insurance, commercial liability umbrella insurance for business, or home insurance, State Farm is a great option for bundling and getting multiple policies.
Can work with a local State Farm agent
Teen driver discounts available
Doesn’t offer gap insurance
Negative customer reviews on the BBB website
Best insurer for military members: 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. | $52/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. | $97/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
Portsmouth is home to many military members and the Navy’s longest-running hospital, the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. Started in 1830, the hospital continues to serve military members today.[1]
Military members have unique needs, and GEICO is the best car insurance in Portsmouth for this population. GEICO offers a military discount of up to 15% and other discounts for emergency deployment and for certain memberships.
Multiple military discounts available
Optional mechanical breakdown insurance
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Mid-Atlantic region
Doesn’t offer gap insurance or rideshare insurance
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Portsmouth
To get cheap car insurance in Portsmouth, follow these tips:[2]
Bundle your policies. You typically get rewarded if you have more than one insurance policy with a company. So you can get an auto policy, renters insurance, homeowners insurance, or condo insurance to qualify for discounts.
Compare quotes. Research many different options for car insurance in Portsmouth, and look at rates, reviews, the company websites, and customer service complaints.
Drive safely. Maintaining a clean driving record is the best way to get low rates. Always wear your seat belt, avoid alcohol and substances when behind the wheel, drive the speed limit, and put your phone away.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Portsmouth: Auto-Owners
Liability insurance is the most elemental type of auto insurance coverage. It covers only your liability if you cause an accident, paying out the other driver for injuries and damage. But liability insurance doesn’t reimburse you for any damage to your vehicle, which can put you in a tough place financially.
In Portsmouth, liability car insurance costs an average of $121 per month. Below, you can see the average cost for liability coverage in Portsmouth by insurance company.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Auto-Owners | $38 |
State Farm | $38 |
USAA | $52 |
GEICO | $52 |
Chubb | $57 |
Erie | $60 |
Clearcover | $65 |
Nationwide | $68 |
Mercury | $70 |
Allstate | $81 |
Progressive | $90 |
Direct Auto | $100 |
Elephant | $103 |
National General | $107 |
Travelers | $109 |
CSAA | $121 |
GAINSCO | $123 |
Safeco | $130 |
Dairyland | $137 |
Bristol West | $141 |
AssuranceAmerica | $151 |
Liberty Mutual | $174 |
The General | $180 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Portsmouth: Auto-Owners
Drivers in Portsmouth who want to maximize their protection should consider full-coverage car insurance. When you get full coverage, you’re getting different types of insurance coverage that aim to fully protect you in a range of situations.
Full coverage generally includes liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. This goes far beyond the basic protection liability insurance offers, which doesn’t cover you as the driver — only the other party.
Full-coverage car insurance in Portsmouth costs $200 per month, on average. Below are the cheapest options for full-coverage car insurance in Portsmouth.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Auto-Owners | $71 |
State Farm | $72 |
USAA | $97 |
GEICO | $97 |
Chubb | $106 |
Erie | $110 |
Clearcover | $119 |
Nationwide | $126 |
Allstate | $151 |
Mercury | $152 |
Progressive | $166 |
Elephant | $176 |
CSAA | $184 |
Direct Auto | $194 |
Travelers | $203 |
National General | $207 |
Safeco | $210 |
Bristol West | $266 |
Liberty Mutual | $268 |
GAINSCO | $278 |
AssuranceAmerica | $287 |
Dairyland | $317 |
The General | $362 |
Cheapest recent rates near Portsmouth, Virginia
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $35/mo for liability only and $70/mo for full coverage in Portsmouth and other Virginia cities.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Portsmouth, Virginia within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Portsmouth, Virginia within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Car insurance requirements in Virginia
Virginia is an at-fault state, sometimes referred to as a tort state. This means the driver responsible for an accident must pay for the other parties’ injuries and vehicle damages. Dealing with financial loss and medical bills is a major concern for many people in the United States, and getting the right insurance policy can provide some protection.
Portsmouth drivers need to meet the state’s minimum car insurance requirements:[3]
Coverage ▲▼ | Minimum Requirements ▲▼ |
---|---|
Bodily injury liability | $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident |
Property damage liability | $20,000 |
The above limits are increasing for policies effective on or after Jan. 1, 2025. After that time, Virginia drivers will need to carry $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, as well as $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
If you’d like additional protection beyond the state-required minimums, consider these coverage options:[4]
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
PIP insurance reimburses you for any medical expenses due to injuries from an accident.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance provides protection if there’s damage to your vehicle from a range of events that aren’t collision-related, like theft, floods, and fires.
Collision coverage
Whether you hit a pothole, another vehicle, or an object like a mailbox or pole, collision insurance will pay for any damages that result.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
How much of a risk you are on the road affects your car insurance rates.[5] If you have an incident on your record, that level of risk goes up — and so do your rates. Incidents can range from speeding tickets to at-fault accidents, moving violations, and driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.
The table below shows liability insurance quotes for Portsmouth drivers from top companies and how they differ by incident.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Speeding Ticket ▲▼ | With At-Fault Accident ▲▼ | With DUI ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
Auto-Owners | $38 | $49 | $51 | $62 |
State Farm | $38 | $48 | $50 | $62 |
USAA | $52 | $66 | $69 | $84 |
GEICO | $52 | $66 | $69 | $84 |
Chubb | $57 | $73 | $76 | $92 |
Erie | $60 | $78 | $82 | $97 |
Clearcover | $65 | $83 | $93 | $105 |
Nationwide | $68 | $87 | $91 | $110 |
Mercury | $70 | $95 | $100 | $105 |
Allstate | $81 | $103 | $108 | $131 |
Progressive | $90 | $113 | $121 | $146 |
Direct Auto | $100 | $127 | $136 | $162 |
Elephant | $103 | $141 | $134 | $167 |
National General | $107 | $137 | $142 | $173 |
Travelers | $109 | $140 | $146 | $177 |
CSAA | $121 | $157 | $167 | $176 |
GAINSCO | $123 | $168 | $157 | $199 |
Safeco | $130 | $167 | $172 | $195 |
Dairyland | $137 | $174 | $181 | $222 |
Bristol West | $141 | $180 | $188 | $228 |
AssuranceAmerica | $151 | $191 | $197 | $245 |
Liberty Mutual | $174 | $238 | $247 | $282 |
The General | $180 | $233 | $244 | $292 |
Average cost of car insurance by age
Age and experience tend to go hand in hand, and teen drivers typically have the most expensive car insurance premiums because their limited experience and risk-taking behaviors behind the wheel make them more likely to be in an at-fault accident.[6]
As drivers age and gain more experience, rates decrease, especially around age 35. Senior drivers enjoy lower car insurance rates but typically see increases around age 70 due to added risk factors, like decreases in vision and other age-related changes.
Here, you can see how car insurance rates change by age group for drivers in Portsmouth.
Age ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Teens | $327 |
20s | $225 |
30s | $167 |
40s | $152 |
50s | $136 |
60s | $127 |
70s | $130 |
Portsmouth car insurance quotes by credit tier
In Portsmouth, insurers can use a driver’s credit to create a credit-based insurance score, which can affect car insurance rates.
Virginia drivers with excellent or good credit have the lowest car insurance premiums, while drivers with poor credit pay the steepest rates.
Rates by Credit Tier
Portsmouth car insurance FAQs
If you’re shopping for car insurance in Portsmouth, this additional information may help as you research your coverage options.
How much is car insurance in Portsmouth?
Car insurance in Portsmouth costs an average of $121 per month for liability coverage and $200 per month for full coverage, Insurify data shows.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Portsmouth?
Auto-Owners has the cheapest car insurance in Portsmouth, with a monthly liability-only rate of $38. State Farm and USAA also have affordable coverage, with monthly liability rates of $38 and $52, respectively.
But the cheapest car insurance company for you will depend on factors like your age, ZIP code, driving record, and chosen coverage levels.
What are the best car insurance companies in Portsmouth?
State Farm is one of the best car insurance companies in Portsmouth. It has above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings in the Central region, an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best, and a high Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 9.3 out of 5. Other top insurers to consider include Auto-Owners and GEICO.
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
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. "About Us."
- Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
- Virginia Law. "Code of Virginia."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Teen Drivers and Passengers: Get the Facts."
Melanie Lockert is the founder of the blog and author of the book, "Dear Debt." Through her blog, she chronicled her journey out of $81,000 in student loan debt. Her work has appeared on Allure, Business Insider, Credit Karma, Fortune, and more. She is also the co-founder of the Lola Retreat and host of the Mental Health and Wealth show podcast. She lives in Los Angeles and enjoys jazz music, traveling, coffee, and spending time with her two cats and partner.
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Featured in