Comparing auto insurance in Virginia and California
If you’re moving from Virginia to California, chances are you're fixated on the major concerns and big expenses: finding a dependable moving service, finding a new apartment or house in your new state, and setting your move-in schedule.
Amid all the stress, it can be easy to overlook the details. Car insurance coverage is just a detail, but it's crucial. To find a cheap rate and stay street legal, plan to update your policy — or find a new one — when you move from one state to another.
Check out our guide to auto insurance in Virginia versus California and plan accordingly. We'll cover the following topics:
- Insurance cost comparison
- Insurance rates by coverage level
- Affordable companies by state
- Rates in major cities
- Additional resources
Virginia vs. California car insurance — average rates
Expect to pay more for auto insurance once you move. The average annual auto insurance rate in California is $579 pricier than the average cost in the state of Virginia. Keep in mind this cost depends on your coverage level, driving and insurance history, and your auto insurance company.
AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS IN VIRGINIA VS. CALIFORNIA
| State | Average Annual Rate |
| Virginia | $1,127 |
| California | $1,707 |
Average car insurance costs by coverage level
How much you pay for car insurance depends on your vehicle, your personal driving profile, and how much protection you want out of your policy.
If you elect your state's minimum liability auto insurance coverage, you will most likely carry bodily injury, medical payment, and property damage liability coverages, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) in certain states.
CAR INSURANCE RATES FOR STATE MINIMUM COVERAGE IN VIRGINIA vs. CALIFORNIA
| Location | Time Period | Cost |
| Virginia | Annual | $376 |
| California | Annual | $573 |
| Virginia | 6-Month | $188 |
| California | 6-Month | $286 |
| Virginia | Monthly | $31 |
| California | Monthly | $48 |
Choosing to carry full-coverage car insurance will cost more each month, but you’ll get the peace of mind that comes with collision and comprehensive coverages, plus rental reimbursement and roadside assistance protection. The main benefit of full coverage auto insurance is that it insures you and your vehicle more comprehensively than does basic coverage. If you want to go the extra mile to protect your investment, full coverage could be the way to go.
CAR INSURANCE RATES FOR FULL COVERAGE IN VIRGINIA vs. CALIFORNIA
| State | Duration | Rate |
| Virginia | Annual | $982 |
| California | Annual | $1,626 |
| Virginia | 6-Month | $491 |
| California | 6-Month | $813 |
| Virginia | Monthly | $82 |
| California | Monthly | $135 |
Inexpensive auto insurance companies in Virginia and California
A major contributor to your auto insurance costs is your choice of auto insurance company. Underwriters assign premiums in a number of ways, resulting in substantial variations in pricing. Your location also comes into play: some insurers only sell policies in a few states, while major insurers' rates change by state.
When moving, it's crucial to find the best cheap car insurance company in your new state. Get your research started below with our list of the five cheapest car insurance companies in Virginia and California.
CHEAP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN VIRGINIA
| Insurance Company | Average Annual Rate |
| Travelers | $666 |
| USAA | $702 |
| Penn National | $733 |
| Cincinnati | $748 |
| Utica National | $773 |
See additional cheap auto insurance companies in Virginia.
CHEAP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN CALIFORNIA
| Company | Average Annual Rate |
| USAA | $1,132 |
| Wawanesa | $1,169 |
| Century National | $1,202 |
| CSAA | $1,210 |
| Nationwide | $1,238 |
View more inexpensive auto insurance companies in California.
Car insurance rates by city in Virginia and California
Although car insurance is regulated at the state level, insurance companies price rates by ZIP code to account for local factors such as density and the likelihood of a crash. The location to which you relocate plays a major role in deciding your rates.
View the below tables to see car insurance rates in major cities in California and Virginia.
AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY CITY IN VIRGINIA
| City | Average Annual Rate |
| Virginia Beach | $929 |
| Norfolk | $980 |
| Chesapeake | $917 |
| Arlington | $993 |
| Richmond | $995 |
View a more comprehensive list of car insurance rates in Virginia cities here.
CAR INSURANCE PREMIUMS BY CITY IN CALIFORNIA
| City | Average Annual Rate |
| Los Angeles | $2,125 |
| San Diego | $1,354 |
| San Jose | $1,409 |
| San Francisco | $1,728 |
| Fresno | $1,487 |
Looking for another city's data? View auto insurance rates in other California cities here.
More information on moving from Virginia to California
When you relocate from Virginia to California, you’ll encounter a new set of driving laws, potentially different SR-22 rules, and more. Make sure your move goes off without a hitch with our collection of information on your new state:
