Factors influencing car insurance costs include:
* Driving record: Accidents and tickets significantly raise premiums in both states.
* Age and gender: Younger drivers and males typically pay more.
* Type of car: Expensive cars and those with high theft rates cost more to insure.
* Coverage levels: Higher coverage limits mean higher premiums.
* Location: Even within a state, insurance costs vary by zip code due to crime rates and accident frequency.
* Credit score: In many states, including both Virginia and California, credit score is a factor in determining premiums.
While Virginia's average premiums are generally lower, a Californian with a clean driving record and an older, less expensive car might find cheaper insurance than a Virginian with a poor driving record and a high-performance vehicle. To get an accurate comparison, you need to get personalized quotes from insurance companies in both states using your specific information.