Finding the Best Auto Insurance in Newport News, VA

If you’re a driver in Newport News, having proper auto insurance is a must. Virginia requires liability coverage at minimum, but experts recommend also getting comprehensive and collision to fully protect yourself. With so many insurers to choose from, picking the right auto insurance can be tricky. This guide will walk you through everything to know about getting great coverage at the lowest price in Newport News.

Average Cost of Auto Insurance in Newport News

How much you’ll pay can vary quite a bit depending on factors like your age, driving history, and type of vehicle. However, the average annual cost of minimum liability auto insurance in Newport News is around $426. Drivers who opt for full coverage pay approximately $1,142 per year.

Here’s a breakdown of what residents typically pay based on their age:

• Teen drivers – $2,856
• 20-year-olds – $1,632
• 30-year-olds – $1,008
• 40-year-olds – $792
• 50-year-olds – $728

Rates often start dropping once you hit your 30s and keep decreasing as you age. Of course, your actual premiums depend on much more than just age.

Key Factors That Influence Cost

Insurance companies take all of these into account when setting your personalized rate:

• Driving Record – Tickets, at-fault accidents, DUIs substantially increase rates. A clean record saves the most.

• Credit History – Virginia allows use of credit-based insurance scores. Better scores mean better rates.

• Coverage Limits – Higher liability and collision/comprehensive coverage comes with higher premiums.

• Deductibles – Choosing higher deductibles lowers rates but increases out-of-pocket costs if you have a claim.

• Car Make/Model – Sports cars, luxury vehicles and cars with high repair costs have the highest premiums.

• Mileage – Driving fewer than average miles can earn a low mileage discount.

• Marital Status – Statistically, married drivers get better rates.

• Multi-policy Discounts – Bundling home or other insurance with the same provider saves up to 15%.

Required Auto Insurance in Virginia

At minimum, Virginia law requires all drivers to carry:

• $25,000 Bodily Injury Liability per person
• $50,000 Bodily Injury Liability per accident
• $20,000 Property Damage Liability

However, experts strongly recommend getting more than just the minimums. If you cause an accident, minimum coverage may not be enough to cover the other driver’s injuries or vehicle damage. Having 100/300/100 or higher gives you better protection.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is also a good add-on in case you’re hit by a driver with no or too little insurance.

Additional Auto Insurance Coverage Types

Beyond basic liability, consider these top options:

• Comprehensive – Covers damage to your vehicle from theft, vandalism, hail, fire and more.

• Collision – Pays to repair/replace your car if damaged in an accident.

• Medical Payments – Helps pay medical bills for you and passengers injured in your car up to policy limits.

• Rental Reimbursement – Provides a rental car while yours is in the shop after a covered loss.

• Roadside Assistance – Pays for towing, tire changes, lock-out service, and other roadside help.

Bundling these together or adding them onto basic liability gives you complete protection.

Finding the Best Auto Insurance Rates in Newport News

While every insurer uses its own formulas to set rates, the best way to find cheap auto insurance is to:

• Compare quotes from national brands like State Farm, Geico, Progressive and Allstate.

• Get quotes from local insurance agencies and brokers.

• Ask about all the discounts you qualify for.

• Consider usage-based programs (like Progressive’s Snapshot) to save based on your driving.

• Maintain a clean driving history free of tickets, claims and accidents.

• Ask about any professional, alumni, or group discounts through work/school affiliations.

• Bundle auto with home or renters insurance for multi-policy discounts.

Shopping around for rates once a year ensures you get the cheapest premiums.

Top Auto Insurance Companies in Newport News

The best insurance providers in the Newport News area include:

State Farm

• 90+ years experience and strong financial rating
• Usage-based Drive Safe & SaveTM program
• Many discounts available
• Local agents provide personalized service

Nationwide

• Savings for defensive driving course completion
• Accident forgiveness so rates don’t increase after one at-fault accident
• Easy online quotes and claims filing

GEICO

• Numerous discounts like multi-vehicle and federal employee
• Rates start around $100 per month for minimum coverage
• Highly rated mobile app for managing your policy

Allstate

• Drivewise app rewards safe driving
• Discounts for anti-theft devices, anti-lock brakes and more
• Bundling options with home and renters insurance

Virginia Farm Bureau

• Special pricing for young drivers just starting out
• Accident forgiveness and violation forgiveness
• Local agents provide personalized service

Liberty Mutual

• Coverage starting at $78 per month
• Accident forgiveness and violation forgiveness
• Discounts for safety features like airbags and anti-theft

Getting the Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates

Besides comparing quotes, you can save on Newport News auto insurance using these tips:

• Ask about all possible discounts from each insurer

• Take a defensive driving course for lower rates

• Bundle auto with home/renters insurance for multi-policy discounts

• Maintain a clean driving history with no accidents or violations

• Reduce mileage driven annually to qualify for low mileage discounts

• Install anti-theft devices like car alarms to earn savings

• See if any associations or groups you belong to offer special pricing

• Opt for higher deductibles to lower premium costs

• Consider usage-based programs to save based on driving habits

Finding the cheapest rates takes some work, but can pay off in hundreds saved annually on your Newport News auto insurance!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much auto liability insurance is required in Virginia?

Virginia requires minimum 25/50/20 liability coverage. But experts strongly recommend 100/300/100 or higher limits for better protection.

Should I get just basic liability or full coverage?

Liability only covers damage/injuries to others. For protection against theft, vandalism, accidents and more, experts recommend also getting comprehensive and collision.

What discounts should I ask about?

Every insurer offers different ones, but common discounts include: good driver, low mileage, anti-theft devices, defensive driving courses, student away at school, multi-policy, and more.

What if I get in an accident or have a claim?

Notify your insurer immediately to start your claim. Cooperate fully by providing all requested documents and evidence. Follow all instructions from your claims adjuster.

How can I lower my auto insurance premium?

The best ways to save each month are maintaining a clean driving record, comparing rates annually, raising deductibles, asking about discounts, and bundling home/renters insurance.

Finding the right coverage at the best price takes some work. But prudent Newport News drivers who shop around and maintain good driving records can realize significant savings on their auto insurance.