The average auto insurance policy in Norfolk costs $225 per month for full coverage and $141 for liability only. Located in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk is home to around 233,000 people, the world’s largest naval base, and the North American headquarters for NATO.1
Because it’s on low-lying coastal land, Norfolk is vulnerable to flooding — particularly during periods of heavy rain, hurricanes, and nor’easters.2 Norfolk’s risks of floods and other severe weather hazards contribute to its higher car insurance rates. Drivers in Norfolk typically pay more for car insurance than the statewide average of $146 per month.
Here’s what you need to know about comparing quotes and finding the best auto policy in Norfolk for your insurance needs.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Norfolk
Car insurance rates depend on various factors, including your motor vehicle record, ZIP code, age, and claims history. Though you may want to choose the cheapest coverage option you find, it’s important to prioritize buying a policy that provides the necessary protection for your specific needs.
Here are three of the best car insurance options for Norfolk drivers.
Best insurer for cheap rates: Auto-Owners
Best insurer for teen drivers: State Farm
Best insurer for military members: USAA
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Norfolk
You can’t immediately control all the factors that influence car insurance costs, but you can use the following tips to earn cheaper car insurance in Norfolk:
Increase your deductible. Your collision and comprehensive deductible is how much you need to pay out of pocket before your insurer kicks in to cover the rest of the claim. Increasing your deductible typically leads to lower premiums.
Shop around and compare quotes. Insurance rates can vary considerably between insurers due to each company’s underwriting criteria and methods of risk assessment. Requesting quotes from multiple insurers can help you find the best rates and coverage.
Make annual payments. Paying your insurance once a year instead of monthly may qualify you for a “pay-in-full” discount from your insurer. This can be an easy way to save money if you can swing the up-front payment.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Norfolk: Auto-Owners
If you cause a car accident, liability insurance helps cover the other driver’s medical expenses and vehicle repairs. It doesn’t cover any of your expenses from the accident, but it does cover legal fees if the other driver sues you.4
Though Virginia requires liability insurance for drivers, the minimum limits may not provide sufficient coverage in the event of an accident. Many drivers increase their liability coverage limits to minimize the risk of out-of-pocket expenses after an accident.
Norfolk drivers pay an average of $141 per month for liability coverage, but here are some of the cheapest options for liability-only car insurance in the city.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Norfolk: Auto-Owners
Full-coverage insurance refers to an auto policy that includes comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and liability insurance. This policy type extends protection to your vehicle following a car accident or non-collision incident.
Unlike liability insurance, full coverage is generally optional. But if you finance or lease a vehicle, the lender will probably require you to carry a full-coverage policy.
Norfolk drivers pay an average of $225 per month for full coverage. Here are some of the cheapest full-coverage auto insurance options in Norfolk.
Car insurance requirements in Virginia
In Virginia, drivers must obtain minimum amounts of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. The minimum limits for liability coverage will increase for policies that start in 2025. You can see the current and future requirements below.3
In addition to the state’s minimum coverage, you should consider the following coverage options for more vehicle protection:
Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan
The Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan (VAIP) helps provide car insurance to high-risk drivers who have struggled to buy coverage on the regular car insurance market.
Eligibility for VAIP requires a valid Virginia driver’s license and a vehicle registered in the state. These plans tend to cost more than private insurance plans, so drivers typically turn here as a last option.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Having driving incidents on your record — such as at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, and driving under the influence (DUI) charges — can increase your car insurance costs. Drivers in Norfolk with an incident on their record pay $209 per month, on average.
Incidents on your record can signal to an insurer that you pose a greater risk to insure, so they may adjust your premium accordingly. The severity and frequency of your incidents can also affect your premium for several years.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: Auto-Owners
Exceeding the speed limit in Virginia may result in a fine of $6 per mile over the speed limit or more, depending on the circumstances around the speeding. For example, exceeding the speed limit in a school crossing zone costs $7 per mile over the speed limit.5
On average, Norfolk drivers with a speeding ticket pay $218 per month. Here are some of the cheapest monthly quotes for drivers with a speeding ticket in Norfolk.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: Auto-Owners
In Virginia, insurers can increase your premium for three to five years if you cause a car accident — even if you’re only partially at fault. Rate increases after an at-fault accident can vary depending on your insurer and the severity of the incident. You should compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best price.
Drivers in Norfolk with an at-fault accident pay $225 per month for car insurance, on average. Here are some of the lowest average quotes for drivers in this category.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: Auto-Owners
In 2021, 6,749 alcohol-related car accidents in Virginia resulted in 4,224 injuries and 247 fatalities.6 Penalties for a first DUI in Virginia include a one-year license revocation and a fine of at least $250. Additional offenses have harsher penalties.7
Due to the severity of the offense, insurers may choose not to renew coverage for someone with a DUI, or they charge much higher rates. They may even cancel your policy mid-term, based on the severity of the DUI. On average, Norfolk drivers with a past DUI pay $295 per month.
Here are some of the cheapest monthly quotes for drivers with a DUI in the city.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: Auto-Owners
Age is a major factor insurers look at when determining car insurance rates. Drivers between the ages of 25 and 70 tend to benefit from decreasing rates due to years of experience behind the wheel. Insurers may offer a discount to drivers older than 55 if they successfully complete a defensive driving course approved by the DMV. Ask your insurance agent for more information.
Drivers older than 70 might start to face slightly increased rates due to an increased risk of accidents. On average, senior drivers in Norfolk pay $159 per month for car insurance.
Here are some of the cheapest auto insurance quotes for senior drivers in Norfolk.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: Auto-Owners
Teen drivers have the highest crash risk of any age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).8 This, along with a lack of driving experience, contributes to insurers charging higher car insurance rates. Insurance companies can’t deny teens coverage solely based on their age, but they can charge higher premiums.
Norfolk teenagers pay $385 per month for car insurance, on average. Your teen can earn cheaper insurance in Norfolk by maintaining good grades to qualify for a good student discount, joining your existing auto insurance plan, and avoiding driving at night. Legally, teens younger than 18 can’t buy their own car insurance policy unless they have written consent from a parent or guardian.
Here are some of the cheapest monthly quotes for Norfolk teens covered under their own policies.
Norfolk car insurance quotes by credit tier
The state of Virginia allows insurers to consider your credit history when setting auto insurance rates. Generally, people with good credit scores pay less for car insurance, while drivers with bad credit scores pay more.9
Here are the average full-coverage rates for Norfolk drivers by credit tier.
Is car insurance more expensive in Norfolk?
The average cost of full-coverage car insurance in Norfolk is $225 per month, which is similar to the national monthly average of $172 and higher than Virginia’s average of $180 per month.
Factors that may contribute to the rate differences in Virginia cities include accident rates, traffic density, severe weather risks, and repair costs. For example, drivers in Norfolk may face higher average rates than other drivers in Virginia due to flood risks in the low-lying coastal area.
More cities in Virginia
Car insurance premiums are higher in Norfolk than in many other Virginia cities, including Arlington, Alexandria, and Virginia Beach. Drivers in Richmond, the state capital, pay higher rates than Norfolk residents on average.
Here’s how other cities in Virginia compare to Norfolk in terms of average car insurance rates.