Virginia offers some of the most cost-effective car insurance rates nationwide. This may be attributed to accidents being less frequent here due to better road infrastructure or stricter traffic laws; however, individual rates still can differ widely and it’s essential that drivers understand which factors go into their individual policies if they hope to save money by shopping around, decreasing coverage or raising deductibles.

Your vehicle choice has an enormous effect on your insurance rates in Virginia, just as it does elsewhere. Some cars cost more to insure due to their value; generally speaking, newer models tend to cost more. But that doesn’t have to be true: some newer models actually boast lower premiums than older ones!

Your driving history also plays a large part in your rates, particularly if there have been previous accidents or violations on your record. Not all drivers with one or two minor incidents on their record are at risk of having their rates skyrocket; this is especially true of drivers who’ve only committed minor offenses like parking tickets. It should also be remembered that severity matters here too – some offenses are more serious than others.

Your location in Virginia can have an effect on your car insurance rates, since different areas present different risks of accidents, theft and more. A policy suitable for someone living in one zip code could cost more than expected when applied to drivers living elsewhere in Virginia.

Age can also play a factor when it comes to car insurance rates in Virginia. Younger drivers are more prone to accidents, so insurance companies tend to view them as higher-risk drivers with higher premiums – though that doesn’t necessarily rule them out from finding affordable policies in Virginia.

Your car insurance may decrease as it loses value over time, allowing for more affordable models. Drivers can also save money by taking advantage of discounts available to them such as paperless billing and automatic bill payment; as well as taking a defensive driving course or joining the military and receiving special discounts.

Virginia requires drivers to maintain at least the minimum liability insurance level – $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for property damage – however most drivers should consider purchasing at least the maximum coverage they can afford, which typically includes collision and comprehensive policies as well. Furthermore, they should consider adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.