The overall average cost of car insurance in Portsmouth, Virginia, is $175 per month, according to Insurify data. This is slightly more affordable than the national average of $144 per month but more expensive than the Virginia average of $146.
Portsmouth is a city full of history and home to many bridges and tunnels, which can influence traffic patterns and car insurance rates. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the best way to find an affordable policy in Portsmouth.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Portsmouth
Finding the best rate is just one part of shopping for auto insurance coverage. The right company for you will depend on your needs and the coverage you’re looking to get.
Check out the three options for cheap car insurance in Portsmouth in the table below. You can see insurance quotes for full coverage and liability only and what each company is best for to help you choose the right fit.
Best insurer for uninsured motorist coverage: Auto-Owners
Best insurer for bundling: State Farm
Best insurer for military members: GEICO
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Portsmouth
To get cheap car insurance in Portsmouth, follow these tips:3
Bundle your policies. You typically get rewarded if you have more than one insurance policy with a company. So you can get an auto policy, renters insurance, homeowners insurance, or condo insurance to qualify for discounts.
Compare quotes. Research many different options for car insurance in Portsmouth, and look at rates, reviews, the company websites, and customer service complaints.
Drive safely. Maintaining a clean driving record is the best way to get low rates. Always wear your seat belt, avoid alcohol and substances when behind the wheel, drive the speed limit, and put your phone away.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Portsmouth: Auto-Owners
Liability insurance is the most elemental type of auto insurance coverage. It covers only your liability if you cause an accident, paying out the other driver for injuries and damage. But liability insurance doesn’t reimburse you for any damage to your vehicle, which can put you in a tough place financially.
In Portsmouth, liability car insurance costs an average of $137 per month. Below, you can see the average cost for liability coverage in Portsmouth by insurance company.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Portsmouth: Auto-Owners
Drivers in Portsmouth who want to maximize their protection should consider full-coverage car insurance. When you get full coverage, you’re getting different types of insurance coverage that aim to fully protect you in a range of situations.
Full coverage generally includes liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. This goes far beyond the basic protection liability insurance offers, which doesn’t cover you as the driver — only the other party.
Full-coverage car insurance in Portsmouth costs $214 per month, on average. Below are the cheapest options for full-coverage car insurance in Portsmouth.
Car insurance requirements in Virginia
Virginia is an at-fault state, sometimes referred to as a tort state. This means the driver responsible for an accident must pay for the other parties’ injuries and vehicle damages. Dealing with financial loss and medical bills is a major concern for many people in the United States, and getting the right insurance policy can provide some protection.
The specific coverage limits required in the state increased on Jan. 1, 2025. The table below reflects the change in requirements:4
If you’d like additional protection beyond the state-required minimums, consider these coverage options:5
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
How much of a risk you are on the road affects your car insurance rates.6 If you have an incident on your record, that level of risk goes up — and so do your rates. Incidents can range from speeding tickets to at-fault accidents, moving violations, and driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.
The table below shows liability insurance quotes for Portsmouth drivers from top companies and how they differ by incident.
Average cost of car insurance by age
Age and experience tend to go hand in hand, and teen drivers typically have the most expensive car insurance premiums because their limited experience and risk-taking behaviors behind the wheel make them more likely to be in an at-fault accident.7
As drivers age and gain more experience, rates decrease, especially around age 35. Senior drivers enjoy lower car insurance rates but typically see increases around age 70 due to added risk factors, like decreases in vision and other age-related changes.
Here, you can see how car insurance rates change by age group for drivers in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth car insurance quotes by credit tier
In Portsmouth, insurers can use a driver’s credit to create a credit-based insurance score, which can affect car insurance rates.
Virginia drivers with excellent or good credit have the lowest car insurance premiums, while drivers with poor credit pay the steepest rates.