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Beth Swanson

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Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

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Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

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Kristine Lee

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Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

How much does car insurance cost in Norfolk?

Norfolk is a beautiful coastal city in Virginia with plenty of attractions to see and explore. However, it is important to have adequate insurance coverage if you're a driver in the area. On average, a six-month policy will cost around $869, which breaks down to about $145 per month. But, it's important to compare rates from different insurance companies to get the best deal.

Norfolk drivers pay more than the average for car insurance in Virginia ($756 every six months) and slightly less than the national average of $880. According to our customers in Norfolk, 33% of them think they're paying too much for auto insurance. If you are wondering if your rates are too high, or simply want to educate yourself about car insurance in Virginia, keep reading to learn more about insurance requirements and typical rates in Norfolk.

Car Insurance in Norfolk vs. Virginia Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Norfolk Average $869
Virginia Average $756
Updated: 09/21/23.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Norfolk

1st place medal
1st place: USAA

USAA is the cheapest at $97 per month or $581 for a six-month policy. USAA typically has affordable rates, but their eligibility is also limited to military members and their families. 

2nd place medal
2nd place: Nationwide

Coming in second on our list is Nationwide as the third-cheapest insurance company. On average, a Nationwide policy in Norfolk costs $601 per six-month policy ($102 per month)

3rd place medal
3rd place: Travelers

The third most affordable auto insurance in Norfolk is with Travelers. They offer an average rate of $618 for a six-month policy or $103 per month.

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Norfolk:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Norfolk is $869 per six-month policy — $145 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Norfolk is USAA ($581).
  • Norfolk ranks as the third most expensive city for car insurance in Virginia.
  • 33% of Zebra customers in Norfolk stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Norfolk car insurance rates by company

In Norfolk, USAA offers the best cheap auto insurance for full coverage in 2023 at a rate of $97 per month or $581 for a six-month policy, followed by Nationwide at $601 for a six-month policy, which equates to around $102 per month. Both companies offer rates that are lower than the average in Norfolk. USAA coverage is designed for military personnel and their family members, so make sure to check your eligibility if you are unsure if you qualify. To learn more about the best-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, keep reading.

 

 

Cheapest car insurance companies in Norfolk, VA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $581
Nationwide $601
Travelers $618
State Farm $689
GEICO $703
Virginia Farm Bureau $717
Progressive $916
Allstate $1,110
Updated: 09/21/23.

Dynamic auto insurance data methodology

Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.


Shop around for the best rates


Comparing car insurance companies is the most straightforward way to find affordable rates. Let us take care of the heavy lifting for you, so you can focus on finding the best option that fits your budget and unique needs. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from top companies, such as Progressive, Allstate, State Farm, and Nationwide (as well as other companies), and discover the cheapest car insurance available in Norfolk.

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Average car insurance in Norfolk by rating factor

When it comes to car insurance rates in Norfolk, rating factors are an essential consideration. Every insurance company uses different factors to determine your rate, although most consider similar details like age and credit score. However, the weight given to these factors can differ significantly between insurers. For instance, one insurer may prioritize your driving record and claims history, while another may focus more on your credit score. To learn more about the rating factors that affect your car insurance rate in Norfolk, keep reading.

In Norfolk, the best insurance company for you can change over time as your life circumstances and needs change. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare quotes every six months to a year, even if you've been with the same insurer for a while. This ensures you have the coverage that makes sense for your current situation. To learn more about finding the best insurance company for your needs in Norfolk, keep reading.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: End-of-year earnings are a crucial consideration when it comes to how much you will pay for car insurance in Norfolk. Even if you have never filed a claim, you may still end up paying more with a particular insurance company due to the increased cost of doing business in Norfolk.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Norfolk

In Norfolk, age is a crucial factor in determining how much you will pay for car insurance. Insurance companies are all about risk, and research indicates that teen drivers pose the most risk on the road and have a higher number of accidents. Therefore, young drivers typically face the most expensive rates for their premiums. Although this may come as a shock, these higher rates are in place to help offset the cost of claims paid by the insurance company.

In Norfolk, there is a $3,348 annual difference in premiums paid by teenage motorists and those in their twenties. Thus, with additional experience driving and a history of safe driving, you will most likely see a significant decrease in just a few years. One method to keep premiums lower in the interim is to add a teen driver to a parent or guardian's policy rather than having them obtain their own policy. Also, inquire about discounts for good students and safe driving practices.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Norfolk, VA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Virginia Farm Bureau $1,707
Travelers $1,772
USAA $1,864
GEICO $2,093
Nationwide $2,254
State Farm $2,693
Allstate $2,855
Progressive $4,645
Updated: 09/21/23.
Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s Travelers $736
30s USAA $569
40s USAA $510
50s USAA $484
60s Travelers $503
70s Travelers $606

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Norfolk drivers between 20-40 are USAA,  Travelers and Nationwide


Our research shows that in Norfolk, most drivers are between the ages of 20 and 40. The average cost for a six-month policy for this age group is around $1,020. Nonetheless, by selecting one of these providers, drivers in this age range can potentially save almost 32%.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Norfolk

Apart from individual factors such as credit score or age, the coverage you pick has a direct effect on the premium you'll pay for car insurance. In Norfolk, 36% of drivers carry the state's minimum required level of car insurance. This is a way to pay lower premiums, but it may not be a wise decision in the long run. If you only have the bare minimum, you could be underinsured in the event of an accident.

In Norfolk, opting for collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (also known as "full coverage") will raise your rates quite a bit. However, it will provide you with much more peace of mind. Collision and comprehensive coverage typically require a deductible, which also affects your rates. If you want to have full coverage and affordable rates, consider raising your deductible. As the deductible and premium are inversely related, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium.

In Norfolk, feeling secure while driving is crucial, and additions like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage will be available to help if you're involved in an incident with an uninsured driver. While these features will increase your rate, they provide additional protection for you and your vehicle, much like comprehensive coverage.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

If you're leasing or financing your vehicle in Norfolk, there is likely a required amount of insurance coverage that you need to carry. However, if you own your car outright, this gives you more flexibility. If you're considering dropping comprehensive or collision coverage, we recommend obtaining the actual cash value of your car from a source such as Kelley Blue Book. If your car is worth $4,000 or less, you probably don't need to carry full coverage. This can lower your rates but also leaves you more vulnerable to paying for damages yourself.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Norfolk, VA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $235
Travelers $252
GEICO $290
State Farm $302
Nationwide $320
Virginia Farm Bureau $339
Allstate $401
Progressive $452
Updated: 09/21/23.

36% of our customers in Norfolk opt for minimum coverage, but this doesn't mean it's right for you. While we understand state minimum or basic coverage is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. Virginia's 30/60/20 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $30,000 per person in bodily injury, $60,000 per accident in bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for most basic car accidents, it may not be sufficient for bodily injury claims or multi-vehicle accidents. It's important to consider your options, and your specific situation, carefully when selecting coverage.

Virginia also requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at 25/50/20. UMP is optional in many states, but this requirement can add an extra layer of protection if you're involved in an accident with a driver lacking insurance (or enough coverage). 

Learn more about insurance laws in Virginia.

Norfolk car insurance rates by credit score

In Virginia, credit score is a top factor in determining car insurance rates, as it is in most states. There are multiple reasons for this, and as with most insurance-related matters, it all comes down to risk. Data have shown that drivers with lower credit scores tend to have more lapses in insurance coverage, engage in riskier driving behaviors, and file more claims.

Drivers in Norfolk with poor credit scores (300-579) pay 107% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). This can make a substantial difference over time! However, thirty-one percent of drivers in Norfolk have credit scores in the average (580-679) tier. Nationwide is the cheapest option for Norfolk drivers in this credit range as of 2023.

car insurance in Norfolk by credit score
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Norfolk, VA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Nationwide $819
GEICO $907
Travelers $1,089
USAA $1,147
Virginia Farm Bureau $1,152
State Farm $1,390
Progressive $1,490
Allstate $1,499
Updated: 09/21/23.

Zebra Tip: If you recently improved your credit score, shop around for car insurance!


Norfolk residents don't have to immediately aim for a hundred-point increase in their credit score to improve it. Our data indicates that car insurance for drivers with "Fair" credit is $920 less per year in Norfolk than for those with "Poor" credit. Depending on where you fall on the credit scale, this may only be a difference of a few points. If you've been actively enhancing your credit score, such as by paying off a loan, now is the perfect time to evaluate whether your efforts have paid off and can potentially lower your car insurance expenses.

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

In Norfolk, at-fault and collision-type accidents are the most common types of insurance claims, and you should expect either of them to increase your rates. In Norfolk, these increases range from $55 to $74 per month, depending on the violation. USAA has the lowest rates after an at-fault accident, but if you're not eligible for USAA coverage, Travelers and State Farm are also good options.

Being a safe driver is the most efficient approach to keep rates affordable, regardless of where you live. Speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, and DUIs or DWIs will all result in rate increases, and your premium can be affected for up to three to five years after an accident. In some cases, more severe violations can follow you for even longer. While accidents do occur, by adopting safe driving habits while behind the wheel, you're not only safeguarding yourself physically but also financially.

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Norfolk, VA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $838
Travelers $861
State Farm $886
Nationwide $954
Virginia Farm Bureau $956
GEICO $1,031
Progressive $1,547
Allstate $1,661
Updated: 09/21/23.

Norfolk car insurance rates by violation

Below, see how different claims will affect what you pay for auto insurance in Norfolk.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Norfolk, VA
Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $869 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $871 0% $2
Not-at-fault accident $897 3% $28
Two Med/PIP claims $931 7% $62
One comp claim $933 7% $64
Two comp claims $985 13% $116
Failure to show documents $996 15% $128
Driving without lights $1,015 17% $146
Child safety restraint $1,021 18% $152
Driving with expired registration $1,029 18% $160
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,040 20% $171
Failure to yield $1,058 22% $189
Driving too slowly $1,059 22% $190
Texting while driving $1,060 22% $191
Cell phone violation $1,060 22% $191
Failure to stop at a red light $1,060 22% $191
Illegal turn $1,062 22% $193
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,062 22% $193
Following too closely $1,063 22% $194
Speeding in school zone $1,064 22% $195
Improper passing $1,065 23% $196
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,069 23% $201
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,085 25% $216
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,085 25% $216
Passing school bus $1,116 28% $247
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,152 33% $283
Open container $1,193 37% $324
In 65 MPH zone $1,193 37% $324
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,196 38% $327
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,287 48% $418
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,305 50% $436
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,310 51% $442
Reckless driving $1,551 79% $682
Racing $1,633 88% $764
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $1,769 104% $900
DUI $1,769 104% $900
Driving with a suspended license $1,848 113% $979
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $1,866 115% $997
Updated: 09/21/23.

Why is car insurance in Norfolk so expensive?

In Norfolk, despite car insurance potentially seeming costly based on unique situations, auto insurance rates are relatively affordable for a variety of reasons. One factor is that the cost of living in Norfolk is relatively low, which implies that businesses can operate without the additional expenses associated with larger cities.

Here's a rundown of why car insurance rates can vary in Norfolk and why your rate may appear more expensive.

location
Location

In Norfolk, where you reside has an impact on how much you pay for car insurance. Although this is somewhat beyond your control, it does influence risk. Certain neighborhoods are simply more vulnerable to theft, other crimes, and uninsured drivers than others.

One good thing about Norfolk rates is that the difference between the most expensive ZIP code and the cheapest is less than $10 per month, as opposed to some cities where the difference can be hundreds from one neighborhood to the next.

Weather risk
Weather risk

The damage caused by hurricanes and other similar weather-related damage has been known to put insurance companies out of business. Virginia may not be the epicenter of every bad storm, but it can see significant damage with its location near the ocean. Because of this risk, it can be expensive for auto insurance companies in Norfolk to do business. As such, they will raise their rates to anticipate further weather-related losses. The Virginia Beach metropolitan area actually ranks in the top 10 for risk of storm surge and hurricane winds.[1]

Damage to your vehicle caused by flooding can be a serious concern in the Norfolk area. If you have a new or nice vehicle, we suggest considering comprehensive coverage as part of your Norfolk car insurance policy.

number of drivers
Number of drivers

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Norfolk's population is upwards of 235,000, and it continues to be a popular home base for many people.[2] However, more people equates to more vehicles and therefore more accidents. The costs of accident-related claims generally get passed along to other drivers through higher rates, even if you're a safe or infrequent driver.

People operating vehicles without insurance coverage also pose a significant risk. Our research shows that about 38% of drivers in Norfolk are not presently insured. This is significant and important to be aware of, as you may be left to foot the bill alone if you're hit by someone lacking adequate insurance coverage.

Zebra Tip: Comprehensive coverage and uninsured property damage coverage are good to have in Virginia


No one plans on being involved in an accident, particularly with an uninsured driver, but carrying uninsured motorist coverage (also known as UMPD) can help you be prepared just in case. Luckily, Virginia's requirements help give you peace of mind by mandating that drivers carry UMPD in the amounts of 25/50/20. UMPD coverage usually has a lower deductible than collision coverage, tends to be cheaper, and will also result in lower rate increases if you need to file a claim.

Weather can also cause serious damage to vehicles. Norfolk, for example, experiences hurricanes and flooding, so we still suggest carrying comprehensive coverage even if your vehicle is paid off.


Bundling insurance policies in Norfolk

Car insurance costs are on the rise in many areas these days, and it may seem difficult to find savings, but there are ways to make things more affordable. One of the easiest and quickest ways to save is to bundle policies. When you combine your auto insurance policy with your homeowners or renters insurance policy, you may be able to save a substantial amount of money. In Norfolk, for example, drivers who bundle their policies potentially save 10% per year. When shopping for a new insurance provider, make sure to explore bundling discounts.

bundling home and auto insurance in norfolk
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Norfolk, VA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Nationwide $451
USAA $544
Travelers $556
State Farm $562
Virginia Farm Bureau $641
GEICO $670
Progressive $789
Allstate $902
Updated: 09/21/23.

While some things may be out of your control, drivers can work to make their profiles more appealing to insurers. The best advice we offer is to shop around and compare auto insurance quotes with as many companies as possible to ensure you're getting the most affordable rate that doesn't compromise coverage and service — especially if any personal factors have changed (like moving, celebrating a birthday or improving your credit). Try as you might, some companies are just more expensive than others; don't be afraid to switch.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

The average cost of car insurance per month for Norfolk residents is $145, or $869 for a six-month auto insurance policy. This is more expensive than the national and Virginia state averages.

USAA offers the best rates in Norfolk, with a six-month policy for $581. However, USAA policies aren't available to everyone so be sure to check your eligibility. Travelers and Nationwide are great alternatives.

No, Virginia is not a "no pay, no play" state. This phrase means that in certain states, uninsured motorists cannot recover certain damages even if they weren't at fault in an accident. The best way to avoid the impact of no pay, no play laws in other states is to stay insured.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near Norfolk, VA


About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.