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.
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 | -- |
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
Read our full State Farm home insurance review
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
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
Read our full Travelers home insurance review here
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
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 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
Read our full Nationwide home insurance review here
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
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
Read our full Erie home insurance review here
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
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 |
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
