Finding cheap car insurance in Virginia is totally doable — but it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. The wrong move can cost you hundreds of dollars a year, or even leave you dangerously underinsured.
If you’re looking to save money without setting yourself up for disaster, steer clear of these ten common pitfalls.
1. Only Focusing on Price, Not Coverage
Sure, it’s tempting to grab the absolute lowest rate you see. But rock-bottom prices often mean bare-bones protection.
If you cause an accident and don’t have enough coverage, you’ll end up paying out of pocket for damages, injuries, and even lawsuits.
Better Move: Find a balance. Look for affordable plans that still offer decent liability limits and enough protection for your assets.
2. Skipping the Comparison Process
A lot of drivers grab a quote from the first insurer they see and call it a day. Big mistake! Insurance companies weigh factors differently, and prices vary by hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars.
Better Move: Get quotes from at least 4–5 companies. Tools like The Zebra, Insurify, and NerdWallet make it easy.
3. Ignoring Local and Regional Insurance Companies
Big names like GEICO and State Farm dominate the airwaves, but local companies like Erie Insurance or Virginia Farm Bureau often offer lower rates and more personalized service.
Better Move: Include a few regional companies when shopping for quotes. Sometimes, they beat the big guys on both price and claims handling.
4. Forgetting About Discounts
Insurance companies offer dozens of discounts — but they don’t always advertise them. If you don’t ask, you might miss out on serious savings.
Common discounts in Virginia include:
- Good student discounts
- Safe driver programs
- Bundling auto and home insurance
- Low-mileage discounts
- Military and veteran discounts
Better Move: Always ask: “Are there any additional discounts I qualify for?”
5. Setting a Deductible That’s Too Low
Many drivers choose the lowest deductible to avoid paying more out of pocket after an accident. But lower deductibles mean higher monthly premiums.
Better Move: If you have some savings set aside, raise your deductible to $500 or $1,000. You’ll lower your monthly rate considerably.
6. Not Checking Your Credit Score
In Virginia, your credit score plays a big role in your car insurance rate. A poor score can drive your premiums up by 30% or more.
Better Move: Before shopping for insurance, check your credit. If it’s low, work on improving it — even modest improvements can lead to big insurance savings.
7. Over-Insuring an Old Vehicle
If your car isn’t worth much, paying for collision and comprehensive coverage might not make financial sense.
Spending $600 a year to insure a car worth $1,000 isn’t a smart move.
Better Move: Check your car’s value using Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. If it’s low, consider dropping extra coverages to save money.
8. Assuming Loyalty Means Lower Rates
You’d think that staying with the same insurer for years would guarantee you better rates. Unfortunately, loyalty often leads to higher premiums over time.
Better Move: Treat insurance like your cell phone bill — shop around every 6–12 months to make sure you’re still getting a fair deal.
9. Forgetting About Telematics Programs
Many insurance companies offer telematics programs — apps or devices that monitor your driving habits.
Safe drivers who brake gently and avoid late-night driving can save 15–30%.
Better Move: Ask your insurer if they offer a telematics program. If you’re a cautious driver, it could cut your bill dramatically.
10. Paying the Uninsured Motorist Fee Instead of Getting Insurance
Virginia lets you pay a $500 fee to drive uninsured. While it’s technically legal, it’s financially dangerous.
If you get into an accident, you’ll be 100% responsible for medical bills, repairs, and legal fees.
Better Move: Always buy at least minimum liability coverage. Even the cheapest insurance is better than paying the uninsured motorist fee.
Final Thoughts: Avoid These Pitfalls and Save Big
Finding cheap car insurance in Virginia doesn’t have to be stressful. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll put yourself in a stronger position to save money while protecting your car, your wallet, and your peace of mind.
The smartest shoppers know:
✅ Compare quotes
✅ Ask for every discount
✅ Adjust coverage carefully
✅ Re-shop policies every year
Put in a little effort now, and you’ll be cruising down the road knowing you got the best deal possible.
