When it comes to getting cheap car insurance in Virginia, your driving habits matter — but so does the car you drive.
Some vehicles cost hundreds of dollars less per year to insure, simply because they’re safer, cheaper to repair, or less likely to get stolen.
If you’re shopping for a car (or just wondering if you could be saving money), here’s a breakdown of the best vehicles for scoring cheap insurance rates in the Old Dominion.
How Your Vehicle Impacts Insurance Costs
Insurance companies calculate premiums based on risk. And your car tells them a lot about your risk profile:
- Repair Costs: Expensive or rare parts cost more to fix.
- Safety Ratings: Safer vehicles mean fewer injury claims.
- Theft Rates: Popular models with high theft rates cost more to insure.
- Vehicle Size: Mid-sized sedans and small SUVs often have lower claims than sports cars or large trucks.
Choosing the right car can make a huge difference — sometimes cutting your insurance bill by 30% or more.
Best Types of Cars for Cheap Insurance in Virginia
In general, the following types of vehicles get the best rates:
- Midsize sedans
- Compact SUVs
- Minivans
- Reliable economy cars
Sports cars, luxury models, and large trucks usually drive premiums up — fast.
Top 10 Cars with the Cheapest Insurance Rates in Virginia (2025)
Here’s a list of vehicles that consistently earn cheap insurance rates across Virginia:
1. Subaru Outback
- Why it’s cheap: High safety ratings, standard AWD, low repair costs
- Bonus: Great for Virginia’s diverse terrain — from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coast.
2. Honda CR-V
- Why it’s cheap: One of the safest compact SUVs on the market.
- Bonus: Excellent reliability reduces long-term costs.
3. Honda Civic
- Why it’s cheap: Affordable parts, strong safety scores.
- Bonus: Perfect for city driving in Richmond or Norfolk.
4. Toyota Corolla
- Why it’s cheap: Known for durability and low accident rates.
- Bonus: Gas mileage makes it a commuter’s dream.
5. Mazda CX-5
- Why it’s cheap: Advanced safety features without luxury pricing.
- Bonus: Sporty feel without the high insurance price tag of a true sports car.
6. Ford Escape
- Why it’s cheap: Mid-sized SUV pricing with good safety ratings.
- Bonus: Great option for growing families.
7. Hyundai Elantra
- Why it’s cheap: Low sticker price, lots of safety tech standard.
- Bonus: Good warranty keeps ownership costs low too.
8. Kia Forte
- Why it’s cheap: Compact, safe, and very affordable to repair.
- Bonus: Newer models come loaded with features.
9. Subaru Forester
- Why it’s cheap: Very low claim rates and affordable repairs.
- Bonus: Handles Virginia winters better than most cars in its class.
10. Toyota RAV4
- Why it’s cheap: Safe, reliable, and not a major theft target.
- Bonus: One of the best resale values in the SUV world.
Vehicles That Will Raise Your Premiums in Virginia
It’s not just about finding a cheap car — it’s about avoiding expensive ones too.
Here are a few types of vehicles that will drive your insurance costs up:
- Sports cars like the Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro
- Luxury brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz
- Large trucks like Ford F-250s and RAM 2500s
- High-theft models like certain trims of the Honda Accord
Even if you love fast cars or big trucks, remember: the insurance premium can sometimes cost more than your monthly car payment!
Other Tips for Saving Even More on Car Insurance in Virginia
Choosing the right car is only part of the formula.
Here’s how to save even more:
- Bundle insurance: Combine auto and home/renters insurance for discounts.
- Use telematics: Enroll in your insurer’s safe driving app for extra savings.
- Ask about safety feature discounts: Anti-lock brakes, lane assist, and blind-spot monitoring can all lower rates.
- Maintain a good credit score: Virginia insurers use credit as a factor.
Even with a cheap-to-insure car, you could cut another 10–20% off by stacking these discounts.
Why Virginia Is Unique for Car Insurance
Virginia drivers enjoy slightly lower insurance rates compared to the national average.
That’s partly because:
- The state has relatively mild weather (except near the coast).
- Drivers in rural areas (Shenandoah Valley, for example) see fewer accidents.
- Insurance minimums are lower than many other states.
But remember, cities like Richmond, Norfolk, and Arlington can be expensive pockets due to higher accident rates and theft risks.
Final Takeaway: Drive Smart, Choose Smart
The car you drive says a lot about you — and it has a major impact on your wallet.
Choosing a safe, reliable vehicle can slash hundreds off your car insurance premium every year.
If you’re in Virginia and want to keep your insurance rates low, look for a car with:
- Excellent safety ratings
- Moderate repair costs
- Lower theft risks
- Solid reliability
Add good driving habits on top, and you’ll be well on your way to big savings.
