Best homeowners insurance in Virginia Beach, VA for 2023

We looked at average costs, coverages available, and customer satisfaction ratings to find the best homeowners insurance companies in Virginia Beach.

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Nicole WakelinAutomotive journalistNicole Wakelin is an automotive journalist who has covered the industry for over a decade. She’s always loved cars and the fact that they regularly hand her the keys to shiny new automobiles so she can write about them is a constant source of amazement. She covers breaking news, writes reviews, and attends auto shows and new vehicle launches across the country. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications both online and in print. These include U.S. News & World Report, The Boston Globe, TrueCar, Kelley Blue Book, and Autobytel. In addition, she speaks to all things automotive at conferences, on the radio, and on podcasts, including co-hosting the weekly Wheel Bearings Podcast. Nicole is a current member and former Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. She is also a juror for both the Women’s World Car of the Year and the North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year.

Edited by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.
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Reviewed by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.

Updated|8 min read

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Virginia Beach has a 3-mile boardwalk, a vibrant dining scene, and it happens to be right on the ocean. While Virginia Beach summers can be about as ideal as anywhere in the state, its close proximity to the Atlantic Coast makes it susceptible to inclement weather conditions like heavy winds, rain, and the occasional tropical storm. For that reason, it's important to make sure that your homeowners insurance has you fully covered should the weather turn ugly.

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Virginia Beach is $2,445 per year or $204 a month. That’s around 62% higher than the Virginia statewide average of $1,516 per year, and about 29% higher than the national average. 

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However, cost isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a home insurance company. Not sure what to look for? Policygenius can help you figure out your coverage needs and compare quotes from multiple top companies in Virginia Beach. 

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:

  • Dwelling: $300,000

  • Other structures: $30,000

  • Personal property: $150,000

  • Loss of use: $60,000

  • Liability: $300,000

  • Medical: $1,000

All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

Best homeowners insurance companies in Virginia Beach

Of the companies we evaluated, we found State Farm has the lowest rates, with an average policy cost of $1,257 per year. That’s 49% less than the citywide average. Nationwide’s average annual rate also came in below the Virginia Beach average.

Looking at the largest companies in Virginia Beach by market share, Policygenius analyzed the latest rate data from Quadrant Information Services. We then looked at 2021 J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores and compared that with the coverage needs of Virginia Beach residents to find the best homeowners insurance in Virginia Beach in 2022.

Company

Average yearly cost

J.D. Power Rating

State Farm

$1,257

835

Travelers

$9,015

800

Allstate

$2,757

829

Nationwide

$1,584

812

Erie

$2,868

--

State Farm

State Farm logo

There's a reason State Farm is one of the top-rated insurance companies in the U.S. — its customer satisfaction ratings are through the roof, it offers a slew of coverage add-ons for full protection, and makes filing claims through its mobile app a breeze.

Pros

  • Top-tier coverage add-ons, including equipment breakdown, water backup, and service line coverage

  • Get up to $1 million in personal liability coverage

  • Score discounts for bundling, installing security devices, and choosing a high deductible

  • File and track claims online, over the phone, in person, or through its mobile app

  • High customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings

Cons

  • No discounts for first-time homebuyers or going a year without a claim

Why State Farm tops our best list

State Farm excels at customer satisfaction — as evidenced by its high customer satisfaction rating with J.D. Power. State Farm makes it easy to get in-person service if you prefer the old school method of obtaining coverage, thanks to its extensive network of local agents in every state. But State Farm stands out for its easy-to-use website and mobile app that makes it easy to buy a policy, manage it, and file a claim. 

How to get a quote

Online through State Farm

Travelers

Travelers logo

With over 165 years of experience and impeccable financial ratings, Travelers is one of the most trusted home insurance companies in the business. It offers personalized coverage and a slew of policy add-ons to ensure you have exactly the right protection.

Pros

  • 4 customizable policy packages with several available add-ons, like extended replacement cost and water backup coverage

  • Offers eco-friendly green home coverage and discounts

  • Protect expensive family heirlooms and appliances with equipment breakdown, guaranteed replacement cost, and personal articles coverage

  • File claims online — plus, Travelers has special catastrophe centers for claims after a natural disaster

Cons

  • Below-average customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

Why Travelers tops our best list

Having been in business for over 165 years, Travelers is no newcomer to insurance.It offers a selection of packages that you can add to should you want add-ons to personalize your coverage. There are lots of discounts available to save on your coverage and it has good customer service ratings.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Travelers

Allstate

Allstate's mix of exceptional customer satisfaction ratings, personalized coverage options, and numerous discount opportunities make it one of the most popular homeowners insurance companies on the market.

Pros

  • Several coverage add-ons, including ones for roof surfaces, water backup, green improvements, and mold protection

  • 8+ discounts, including autopay, bundling, zero claims, and new homebuyer

  • Get up to 25% off your premiums when you bundle home and auto insurance

  • File and track claims online or through its mobile app

Cons

  • Lower-than-average claim satisfaction and digital experience ratings from J.D. Power

Why Allstate tops our best list

Allstate enjoys high customer satisfaction ratings with J.D. Power thanks to its combination of affordable rates, extensive coverage options, and user-friendly digital app and tools. Along with the standard menu of coverages, Allstate also offers coverage add-ons that aren’t available through many insurers, including special home-sharing protection for short-term rentals. 

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Allstate

Nationwide

Nationwide logo

Nationwide offers flexible home insurance policy options for every home type and income level. And we love its slew of discounts for everything from having a newish roof to living in a gated community.

Pros

  • Offers lots of coverage add-ons, including flood and earthquake insurance

  • Option to rebuild roof with stronger, safer materials after a covered loss

  • Score discounts for living in a gated community, making home renovations, having a newer roof, and more

  • Seamlessly submit claims online or through its mobile app

  • Above-average claims satisfaction rating

Cons

  • Below-average customer satisfaction ratings

  • Water backup coverage is more expensive than with other insurers

Why Nationwide tops our best list

Nationwide is known for its comprehensive, personalized policy options for various home types and coverage needs. In addition to excellent coverage options, Nationwide also has a decent reputation when it comes to filing claims — so you can be sure they’ll be communicable and provide a fast claim payout in the event your home is damaged or burglarized.  

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Nationwide

Erie

Erie logo

With some of the best customer service ratings in the industry, Erie offers comprehensive coverage even with its most basic policy — including guaranteed replacement cost coverage and protection for lost items.

Pros

  • Score up to a 25% discount when you bundle your home and auto insurance

  • Guaranteed replacement cost coverage is included in the base policy

  • Theft coverage includes lost or misplaced items — a rare perk we don't see often

  • Multiple policy add-ons available, including water backup and service line coverage

  • Among the best customer service ratings in the industry

Cons

  • Can't file claims online — must speak to an Erie agent on the phone

Why Erie tops our best list

Lesser known than some of the other companies on our list, Erie receives praise from customers for the ease of its claim process. Erie is also a good option for those who are heavily online through its easy online bill pay and intuitive household inventory tool that you can easily reference when you file a claim.

How to get a quote

Online through Erie

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Cheapest homeowners insurance companies by ZIP code in Virginia Beach

The cheapest homeowners insurance in Virginia Beach can be found in the 23464 ZIP code through State Farm. Residents in this area pay an average of $1,118 per year for State Farm coverage — less than half the citywide average. State Farm also offers the cheapest rates in the nine other Virginia Beach ZIPs in this analysis.

ZIP code

Company

Average yearly cost

23451

State Farm

$1,232

23452

State Farm

$1,267

23453

State Farm

$1,287

23454

State Farm

$1,222

23455

State Farm

$1,243

23456

State Farm

$1,223

23457

State Farm

$1,225

23459

State Farm

$1,258

23460

State Farm

$1,301

23461

Nationwide

$1,403

23462

State Farm

$1,293

23464

State Farm

$1,118

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The most affordable areas for homeowners insurance in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach residents living in the 23464 ZIP code (West Virginia Beach) pay an average of $2,152, the lowest annual rate of any ZIP code in the city. 

The lower rates are likely because this area is farther from the coast than more expensive ZIP codes, but a wide range of factors can impact your rates — from crime to the overall history of claims for your neighborhood. Neighborhoods with larger, more expensive homes will also have higher insurance rates, regardless of the crime rate, so don’t let a high rate make you think an area is unsafe or at risk.

ZIP code

Average yearly cost

23464

$2,152

23462

$2,237

23455

$2,297

23452

$2,304

23460

$2,377

The most expensive areas for homeowners insurance in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach residents in the following ZIP codes have the highest home insurance rates. These ZIPs are all right on the water and are at higher risk of expensive windstorm damage. Additionally, homes in these areas are generally expensive and command a higher premium due to their size.

ZIP code

Average yearly cost

23459

$2,818

23461

$2,708

23457

$2,634

23451

$2,577

23456

$2,430

Shopping for homeowners insurance in Virginia Beach

There’s several factors to look at when you are shopping for homeowners insurance in Virginia Beach. For starters, you’ll want to make sure you have enough coverage to cover the rebuild value of your house and the total value of your belongings. Opting for higher coverage amounts may cost more, but it’s worth considering if you have an especially high-priced home. 

In this section, we break down how certain factors impact your insurance rates. This includes various coverage and deductible amounts, homes with a pool, and policyholders with poor credit or an aggressive dog breed. Once you’re ready to shop, a Policygenius expert can help you navigate your coverage needs and quotes to help you find the best deal on home insurance in Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach home insurance costs by coverage amounts

Dwelling coverage is the part of your homeowners insurance policy that covers the physical structure of your house. You should have enough dwelling coverage to cover the replacement cost of your home, which is the amount it would take to rebuild your home from the ground up.

As the table below shows, more dwelling coverage means higher insurance premiums.

Dwelling coverage amount

Average yearly cost

$100,000

$1,205

$200,000

$1,816

$300,000

$2,445

$400,000

$3,075

$500,000

$3,807

Personal liability coverage pays for legal fees and medical bills if someone is hurt or their property is damaged, and you’re determined to be responsible. An injured party may just want their medical bills covered, but there’s always the possibility they could sue. That’s when your liability coverage does double duty by covering legal fees and protecting assets — from your home to your car to your boat. 

In general, more personal liability coverage means higher insurance rates. But as shown in the table below, that isn’t the case when looking at the combined average.

Liability coverage amount

Average yearly cost

$100,000

$2,426

$200,000

$2,168

$300,000

$2,445

$400,000

$2,077

$500,000

$2,516

Virginia Beach home insurance costs by deductible amount

Your deductible is the amount you pay every time you file a claim. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium, but it’s a careful balance. Do not pick a deductible that’s so high you can’t pay it when it comes time to file a claim. You may not anticipate frequent claims, but be cautious. A high deductible combined with a few unexpected claims can take a serious bite out of your budget. 

As highlighted in the table below, Virginia Beach homeowners with a $500 deductible pay about $300 more than those with a $2000 deductible. 

Deductible amount

Average yearly cost

$500

$2,845

$1,000

$2,445

$2,000

$2,547

Home insurance discounts in Virginia Beach

You may be able to take advantage of a discount for features including fire alarms, security systems, and even smoke detectors. That’s because these things reduce the chances that you’ll need to file a claim in the first place. 

As highlighted in the table below, having deadbolt locks on your doors and smoke detectors throughout your home can lead to modest discounts. While insurance companies provide bigger discounts for burglar alarms, they also cost more to install, so there is a balance to be found.

Discount

Average yearly cost

Dead bolt

$2,442

Smoke alarm

$2,437

Burglar alarm

$2,386

Home insurance companies in Virginia Beach for dog owners

Your home insurance rates may also be higher if you have a so-called dangerous dog breed. Some dog breeds tend to bite more often and are more commonly cited on expensive liability claims, and if you own one, you may have to pay more for home insurance. 

Some insurance companies may even refuse to insure you altogether if you have a high-risk dog. If you’re thinking of getting a dog, it may first be worth it to see if there are any insurance companies in the Virginia Beach area that accept all dog breeds.

Looking at 15 of the largest insurance companies in Virginia, we analyzed rates for a homeowner who owns a dog breed that’s considered aggressive. State Farm has the lowest average rate for dog owners, while Travelers comes in with the highest rates.

Company

Average yearly cost

State Farm

$1,257

Nationwide

$1,584

Allstate

$2,757

Erie

$2,868

Travelers

$9,015

Home insurance companies in Virginia Beach for poor credit

Having a low credit score can also increase your homeowners insurance rates. Insurance companies generally view homeowners with poor credit as higher risk since they may not be financially equipped to pay for  small issues out of pocket. This makes them more likely to file claims. 

Here is the average yearly policy cost from 15 insurance companies for a homeowner with a poor credit score. State Farm has the lowest average rates in Virginia Beach, while Travelers have much higher rates.

Company

Average yearly cost

State Farm

$2,157

Nationwide

$2,186

Allstate

$3,774

Erie

$5,414

Travelers

$22,262

Home insurance companies in Virginia Beach for pool owners

If you’d rather take a dip in your pool than the nearby ocean in Virginia Beach, then you’ll pay more for coverage. Not only is it more because of the expense of potentially replacing the pool, but there’s also an increased risk of a liability claim.

State Farm has the lowest average rates for a home in Virginia Beach with a pool at $1,257, while Travelers comes in with the highest rates at $9,917. 

That’s no small difference, and makes it worthwhile to shop around. But remember, the fact that you have a pool shouldn’t be the only consideration. Even if you choose a company that charges a bit more for coverage with a pool, if its overall policy options are better for your needs, then it might still be the best choice.

Company

Average yearly cost

State Farm

$1,257

Nationwide

$1,584

Allstate

$2,757

Erie

$3,397

Travelers

$9,917

How to buy homeowners insurance in Virginia Beach

Here are the steps to take as you shop for homeowners insurance in Virginia Beach:

  1. Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. Our experts are here to help you find a  homeowners insurance policy that works best for you. Our agents can break down the pros and cons of each policy, help you decide on a deductible, and recommend additional coverage based on your specific needs.

  2. Ask about the Virginia Property Insurance Association – Virginia’s FAIR plan provider.  If your property is deemed too high risk to insure by coastal home insurance companies, then a FAIR plan may be the answer. Whether the heightened risk is because you’re on a floodplain, in a high crime area, or have a history of filing multiple claims, this may be an option for obtaining insurance. Inquire with your Policygenius agent to see if this coverage is a good fit for you.

  3. Consider flood insurance. Not everyone needs flood insurance, but if you live in Virginia Beach, then it’s something you should strongly consider. Whether it’s a small storm that causes minor flooding or a hurricane with extensive storm surge, your regular home insurance policy won’t cover the damage. Inquire about the cost and availability of flood insurance to protect your home from this kind of damage.  

  4. Figure out how much of a deductible you can afford. There are lower, more affordable deductible options, and higher deductible plans for those looking for cheaper premiums. The higher you go, the lower your rate, but that also means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket when you file a claim. Pick a number that won’t completely break your budget, especially if there’s the possibility of more frequent claims.

  5. Compare your Policygenius quotes. Once you know just how much insurance you need to be properly covered, what kinds of additional insurance you want to purchase, and how much of a deductible you’re comfortable paying, then you’re ready to look at comparable quotes. Your Policygenius agent can help you make sense of it all so you can pick the perfect policy.

  6. Sign your policy and pay your first premium. The last step is to sign your policy and pay your premium. Your Policygenius agent can walk you through this process and even cancel any existing policies that may not yet have expired.

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Frequently asked questions

Is homeowners insurance based on the value of a home?

Your homeowners insurance should be based on your home’s replacement cost, or the cost to rebuild it from the ground up — not its market value or purchase price.

What is hurricane insurance?

Hurricane insurance isn’t one thing, but rather the combination of policies that protect your home. This generally includes standard homeowners insurance, flood insurance, and possibly windstorm insurance if wind is otherwise excluded from your standard homeowners insurance policy.

What is flood insurance?

Flood insurance covers water damage to your home caused by flooding due to high tides, hurricanes, rain, and other natural flooding. This is not covered as a part of a standard homeowners policy, but is instead an add-on that expands your coverage.

Author

Nicole Wakelin is an automotive journalist who has covered the industry for over a decade. She’s always loved cars and the fact that they regularly hand her the keys to shiny new automobiles so she can write about them is a constant source of amazement. She covers breaking news, writes reviews, and attends auto shows and new vehicle launches across the country.

Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications both online and in print. These include U.S. News & World Report, The Boston Globe, TrueCar, Kelley Blue Book, and Autobytel. In addition, she speaks to all things automotive at conferences, on the radio, and on podcasts, including co-hosting the weekly Wheel Bearings Podcast.

Nicole is a current member and former Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. She is also a juror for both the Women’s World Car of the Year and the North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year.

Editor

Pat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.

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