Searching for the right auto insurance in Newport News, VA can feel overwhelming. With so many insurance providers to choose from, how do you know which one is the best fit for you? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the ideal car insurance policy for your needs and budget in Newport News.
Overview of Auto Insurance in Newport News
Newport News sits right along the James River in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia. With a population of around 183,000, it’s the fifth most populous city in the state. The city is known for its maritime industry and naval shipyard.
Like most places, having auto insurance is required in Newport News. Virginia is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who causes the accident is held liable. The state requires all drivers to carry the following minimum liability coverage:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $20,000 property damage liability
However, experts recommend getting more than just the minimum coverage required. Comprehensive and collision insurance will cover damages to your own vehicle in an accident or from events like vandalism, theft, or hitting an animal.
Some factors that can influence your auto insurance rates in Newport News include
- Your age and driving experience
- Your credit score and history
- Your vehicle make, model, year, and safety features
- Where you live
- Your driving record and history of accidents or violations
- The types of coverage and deductibles you choose
Always compare rates from multiple providers. The company that offers your neighbor the best rate may not be the most affordable for you. With a bit of shopping around you can lock in the best rate for your situation.
Average Cost of Auto Insurance in Newport News
The average annual cost of auto insurance in Newport News is $1,680, which breaks down to about $140 per month. That’s a bit higher than the statewide average premium in Virginia of $1,620.
Here’s a breakdown of average annual premiums by common levels of coverage
- Minimum required liability coverage: $1,248
- Liability with comprehensive and collision: $1,680
- Full coverage including uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage: $1,932
Keep in mind that your own rates will depend on your driving record, age, vehicle, and other factors. Comparing customized quotes is the best way to find the rate you’ll actually pay.
Top Auto Insurance Providers in Newport News
While every insurer uses its own formulas to calculate rates, some companies tend to offer more competitive pricing than others. Here are some of the top auto insurance providers in Newport News based on affordability.
Auto-Owners: This insurer offers some of the lowest rates in the city, with average annual premiums around $828. It’s a good option for basic liability coverage.
State Farm: The second largest auto insurer in the U.S., State Farm has affordable rates starting around $925 per year. It offers many discounts for teens, students, and safe drivers.
USAA: For military members and their families, USAA has some of the cheapest rates at about $1,080 annually. It consistently earns high marks for customer satisfaction.
GEICO: Known for its funny ads, GEICO has average quotes of around $1,224 per year in Newport News. The company offers extensive discounts to save policyholders money.
Erie: Regional insurer Erie Insurance offers affordable rates and quality service. Average yearly premiums are around $1,300 with this provider.
Important Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Rates
Car insurance costs can vary dramatically from one driver to the next based on individual risk factors. Here are some key things that affect your auto insurance premiums:
Driving Record: Drivers with past accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other violations see the biggest rate hikes. Even one ticket can increase your costs by 30% or more. Maintaining a clean record saves you money.
Credit History: Virginia allows insurers to use your credit-based insurance score when setting rates. Good credit can earn you lower premiums.
Age: Teen and elderly drivers have the highest average rates due to increased risk. Middle-aged drivers tend to pay the least.
Marital Status: Statistics show married drivers file fewer claims. Being married often leads to cheaper insurance.
Vehicle Type: Insuring a sports car or luxury model costs more than insuring an economy sedan due to repair costs, theft risk, and injury potential in a crash.
Annual Mileage: Drivers who log fewer miles have lower risk and premiums. Occasional drivers save the most.
Coverage Levels: Minimum liability coverage costs much less than comprehensive and collision insurance. Higher deductibles also reduce your rates.
Multi-policy Discounts: Bundling auto with homeowners or renters insurance with the same provider generates discounts around 10-15% typically.
Driver Safety Features: Cars with airbags, antilock brakes and other safety tech qualify for insurance discounts.
How to Save Money on Newport News Auto Insurance
The cheapest company for your neighbor may not be the most affordable for you. But there are still plenty of ways to save on your car insurance policy in Newport News:
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Compare quotes from at least 3-4 different top insurers to find the lowest rate based on your risk profile. Rates can vary drastically, so shop around before renewing.
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Ask about all the discounts you may qualify for like safe driver, good student, military affiliation, multi-policy, and more. Even a 5% discount adds up.
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Consider raising your deductible to $500, $1,000 or higher to reduce premiums, but only if you have the savings to cover the out-of-pocket costs in a claim.
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Ask about usage-based or pay-per-mile programs if you drive very little. They can save occasional drivers.
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Improve your credit score to get a better insurance rate if needed. Poor credit costs more.
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Take a defensive driver course for a premium discount. Also avoid accidents and violations that boost your rates.
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Reduce your collision and comprehensive premiums by dropping coverage on an older vehicle not worth much.
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See if you qualify for discounts through affinity partners like employers, alumni organizations, or credit unions.
Finding the best deal on car insurance requires some homework, but the savings are worthwhile. Be sure to reassess your coverage any time you have a major life change like buying a new car, moving, or adding a teen driver. With a little effort, you can secure quality affordable coverage customized for your needs as a driver in Newport News.
Find a Nationwide Insurance Agent in Newport News, Virginia
No matter how hard we try to keep accidents from happening in Newport News, they will. Want a way to celebrate every year of safe driving? Check out our Vanishing Deductible® program. Also, know that if you need to file a claim, Nationwide’s On Your Side® Claims Service will pay for the repairs. If you have any questions about your coverage in the meantime, please feel free to talk to one of our Newport News auto insurance agents.
Local homeowners have a lot of the same worries, no matter what year their home was built, even though the homes in the area were built in a variety of styles. As an example, almost everyone wants to rebuild or replace their home after the worst-case scenario. Not to mention other property structures or belongings that may need to be replaced. Our Newport News home insurance agents can talk to you about the different types of coverage, such as Nationwide’s Brand New Belongings® and Better Roof Replacement® programs.
Are you worried about what will happen to your family and friends if you die? You can get a Nationwide policy that covers long-term care costs that most health insurance plans don’t cover. Or maybe you’re thinking about getting life insurance with a guaranteed cash value as part of your retirement planning, along with taking care of your family. We can help you find the right type of policy and payout amount for your family, so don’t be afraid to talk to one of our Newport News life insurance agents.
Unique consumer and professional businesses populate any decent sized city. And of course, Newport News is no exception. Each and every business needs some type of business insurance protection. Maybe its strong liability coverage. Maybe its vehicle insurance or other commercial property coverage. Maybe its medical payments coverage. For all your Newport News business insurance needs, dont hesitate to contact one of our agents.
Cheap Auto Insurance Newport News VA
FAQ
What is the average cost for auto insurance in Virginia?
What is the new law in Virginia about car insurance?
What is considered full coverage auto insurance in VA?
How long can you go without car insurance in VA?
Does weather affect car insurance Newport News Va?
To save money on auto insurance, you can drive less during the policy. Newport News, VA weather has little effect on car insurance, but drivers should still be cautious during the winter and fall season as storms tend to increase during those seasons. Does vehicle theft affect Newport News, VA auto insurance?
Does Newport News have car insurance?
Newport News has a higher likelihood of car theft than most of the other cities in the state. The only way to protect your assets from theft and vandalism is with a comprehensive car insurance policy. This will cover any damage done to your car, and things that might have been stolen. How Much Is Car Insurance Going to Cost in Newport News, VA?
How can I lower my car insurance rates in Newport News?
One of the easiest ways to lower your car insurance rates as a driver in Newport News is to age out of your teenage years. The gap in cost between the car insurance premiums paid by teenage drivers and drivers in their 20s in Newport News is $2,394. That’s the biggest gap in premiums between any pair of age brackets.
How much does car insurance cost in Newport News Virginia?
The cheapest ZIP code in Newport News, Virginia, is 23606, and its average car insurance cost is $2,040 per year. If you’re a driver under 25 years old, you could face car insurance quotes up to $5,390 per year. On the other hand, senior drivers may have car insurance rates of about $1,372 per year.