The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Richmond, Virginia, in 2026

Auto-Owners offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Richmond. But your premiums may differ based on several personal factors.

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
4.6 / 5840 reviews
Been here before? Get your quotes back.
Michelle Lambright Black
Writer: Michelle Lambright BlackPersonal Finance Writer

Michelle Lambright Black is a credit expert, content writer, and founder of CreditWriter.com. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and speaking about credit and money and has been writing for Compare.com since 2023.

Michelle’s work has appeared in publications such as Yahoo! Finance, Reader’s Digest, Parents, FICO, Forbes, Bankrate, The Seattle Times, MarketWatch, BuySide from Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Insurify, and more.

In her writing, she focuses on helping families and small business owners make smart, informed decisions about their credit, money, and financial products (including insurance).

Michelle is also a three-time finalist for the best personal finance freelancer award from the Plutus Foundation.

Matthew Gross headshot
Editor: Matthew GrossEditor

Qualifications:
  • 5+ years in communications and content creation

  • 2+ years in insurance content


Matthew's journalism and AppleCare editing experience help him simplify complex insurance information on Compare.com.

Updated

Why You Can Trust Compare.com: At Compare.com, it’s our mission to find simple ways to help our customers save money on the things they need. While we partner with some of the companies and brands we talk about in our articles, all of our content is written and reviewed by our independent editorial team and never influenced by our partnerships. Learn about how we make money, review our editorial standards, and reference our data methodology to learn more about why you can trust Compare.com.

RVA drivers pay an average of $198 per month for car insurance. That’s more expensive than the rest of the state, likely due to the city’s roughly quarter of a million people[1] and high frequency of car accidents. Despite the city’s “Vision Zero” initiative to eliminate all traffic fatalities in the city, RVA averages more than 4,000 crashes and 20 traffic fatalities each year.[2]

But even with these higher rates, some insurance companies offer competitive coverage options and below-average premiums. For example, Auto-Owners, State Farm, and USAA have the most affordable average car insurance rates in the Richmond area, with basic policies starting as low as $77 per month.

In this guide, we’ll outline Richmond’s cheapest car insurance companies for different drivers. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to pick the right company and save money on your policy.

Key Takeaways
  • Auto-Owners offers the cheapest auto insurance in Richmond, VA, with an average monthly rate of $77.

  • Richmond drivers pay an average of $157 for liability car insurance and $240 for full coverage.

  • As of Jan. 1, 2025, Virginia’s liability coverage requirements increased to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage and $50,000 of property damage liability coverage.[3]

The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Richmond, Virginia

Despite the relatively high cost of auto insurance in Richmond, you can find multiple ways to save money. Comparing insurance quotes from several companies can help you make sure you get the best deal. Plus, several insurance companies in Richmond offer rates below the citywide average.

The below rates in Richmond, VA, are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$77
State Farm$78
USAA$106
Chubb$116
Elephant$119
Mercury$120
Erie$121
Progressive$139
GEICO$141
National General$143
Bristol West$145
Allstate$154
Direct Auto$155
GAINSCO$156
Safeco$156
CSAA$169
AssuranceAmerica$178
Liberty Mutual$184
Trexis$184
Insurify Car$194
The General$197
Dairyland$198
Root$201
Clearcover$206
Trexis One$214
Travelers$221
Hugo$250
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT.

Auto-Owners offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Richmond, with monthly car insurance costs averaging just $77. But the best insurance company for you depends on factors like your driving record, age, and vehicle.

Next, we’ll tell you which car insurance companies provide the best car insurance rates and coverage options for different Richmond drivers.

Find Cheap Car Insurance in RVA

Get personalized quotes from top insurers and save money today.

Excellent
4.6 out of 5 based on 840 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Cheapest Car Insurance in Richmond by Driver and Coverage Type

No single insurer is perfect for all drivers. Just because your friend or neighbor gets a great rate on their insurance policy from a certain company doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you.

Many companies have affordable insurance for different types of drivers. Below are some of the best auto insurance companies for different driver profiles in Richmond, according to Compare.com data.

Driver/Coverage Type
Cheapest Insurer
Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium
State-minimum coverageAuto-Owners$77
Full coverageAuto-Owners$132
TeensAuto-Owners$156
SeniorsAuto-Owners$61
Drivers with a speeding ticketAuto-Owners$99
Drivers with an at-fault accidentAuto-Owners$103
Drivers with a DUIAuto-Owners$100
Drivers with excellent creditAuto-Owners$61
Drivers with poor creditAuto-Owners$116
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on .

Next, we’ll break down rates by driver profile and tell you how you can save money on car insurance.

Cheapest state-minimum coverage: Auto-Owners

RVA drivers pay an average monthly rate of $157 for minimum-coverage liability insurance, according to Compare.com data. But car insurance that only meets Virginia’s minimum liability limits could mean you’ll pay more out of pocket if you cause an accident.

For this reason, most experts recommend purchasing more coverage than Virginia’s minimum requirements.

But if you need just basic coverage, the chart below shows the five cheapest insurance companies in Richmond for state-minimum limits, according to Compare.com research.

The below rates in Richmond, VA, are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Liability Rates by Company

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$77
State Farm$78
USAA$106
Chubb$116
Elephant$119
Mercury$120
Erie$121
Progressive$139
GEICO$141
National General$143
Bristol West$145
Allstate$154
Direct Auto$155
GAINSCO$156
Safeco$156
CSAA$169
AssuranceAmerica$178
Liberty Mutual$184
Trexis$184
Insurify Car$194
The General$197
Dairyland$198
Root$201
Clearcover$206
Trexis One$214
Travelers$221
Hugo$250

Cheapest full coverage: Auto-Owners

Full-coverage auto insurance is a good option for most drivers because it provides more financial protection than minimum-coverage policies. On top of liability insurance, full-coverage insurance policies usually include comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Lenders typically require you to buy a full-coverage insurance policy if you finance or lease your vehicle.

Richmond drivers pay an average of $240 per month for full-coverage insurance. Although full-coverage policies tend to cost more than liability-only insurance, you may find coverage in Richmond for close to the city’s average liability price.

The chart below shows the five cheapest insurers in Richmond for full-coverage policies, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Richmond, VA, are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$132
State Farm$136
CSAA$177
Elephant$182
USAA$183
Progressive$187
Chubb$201
Erie$209
Mercury$216
Safeco$228
GEICO$232
Bristol West$251
Liberty Mutual$260
National General$265
Direct Auto$275
Allstate$279
AssuranceAmerica$295
Root$304
GAINSCO$333
Trexis$338
Travelers$383
Clearcover$405
The General$417
Trexis One$451
Dairyland$463

Cheapest for teens: Auto-Owners

Teen drivers usually pay some of the most expensive insurance rates of any age group because their lack of experience can lead to more accidents and a higher risk of claims.[4]

Richmond teens pay a monthly average of $370 for auto policies. But teens may still save money on car insurance by maintaining a clean driving history, looking for discounts, sharing a policy with their parents, and comparison shopping.

To help you or your teen find a better deal, the chart below highlights the five cheapest insurers for Richmond-area teens, according to our data.

The below rates in Richmond, VA, are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates for Teens

Company
Average Monthly Premium
State Farm$152
Auto-Owners$156
USAA$195
Elephant$219
Mercury$220
Erie$222
Chubb$238
GEICO$258
Bristol West$259
Progressive$260
GAINSCO$275
National General$285
Allstate$288
Direct Auto$304
Root$307
Safeco$322
Liberty Mutual$325
Clearcover$340
Trexis$344
Dairyland$345
The General$359
Insurify Car$363
AssuranceAmerica$370
Trexis One$400
CSAA$406
Travelers$460
Hugo$468

Cheapest for seniors: Auto-Owners

Senior drivers, on the other hand, usually have the lowest insurance costs because they tend to have fewer accidents than younger drivers.[5] Richmond seniors pay an average of $171 per month for car insurance, according to Compare.com data.

Still, if you take the time to shop around, you may find an even better deal. Check the chart below for the five most affordable insurance companies in Richmond for seniors, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Richmond, VA, are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates for Seniors

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$61
State Farm$61
USAA$86
Chubb$87
Erie$93
Mercury$94
Elephant$96
GEICO$112
National General$112
Progressive$120
Bristol West$121
CSAA$125
Direct Auto$126
Allstate$133
GAINSCO$134
Safeco$136
AssuranceAmerica$139
Liberty Mutual$152
Trexis$159
The General$167
Insurify Car$167
Dairyland$167
Travelers$177
Clearcover$181
Trexis One$185
Root$185
Hugo$216

Cheapest after a ticket: Auto-Owners

Getting a speeding ticket could significantly increase your insurance rates. Average auto insurance rates increase by around 29% nationwide when you get a ticket, according to Compare.com data.

In Richmond, drivers with a recent speeding ticket pay an average of $245 per month for car insurance. But your personal rate may vary, and you may find a cheaper rate by shopping around.

The chart below highlights the five cheapest insurers in Richmond for drivers with a recent ticket.

The below rates in Richmond, VA, are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates With a Ticket

Company
Average Monthly Premium
State Farm$98
Auto-Owners$99
USAA$135
Elephant$145
Chubb$147
Erie$157
Mercury$164
Progressive$172
National General$177
Bristol West$182
GEICO$184
GAINSCO$186
Allstate$191
Direct Auto$194
Safeco$204
CSAA$220
AssuranceAmerica$225
Trexis$228
Liberty Mutual$233
Root$238
Insurify Car$240
Dairyland$243
Clearcover$260
The General$262
Trexis One$265
Travelers$284
Hugo$309

Cheapest after an accident: Auto-Owners

Causing an accident can also cause your insurance premiums to jump substantially. A single at-fault accident causes average insurance rates to increase by 33% nationwide, according to Compare.com research.

Richmond drivers with a recent accident pay an average rate of $265 per month, but you might find a better deal with one of the insurers highlighted below.

The below rates in Richmond, VA, are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates With an Accident

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$103
State Farm$105
USAA$144
Chubb$156
Elephant$157
Erie$164
Mercury$180
Progressive$186
GEICO$188
National General$191
Bristol West$194
GAINSCO$201
Allstate$206
Direct Auto$213
Safeco$218
AssuranceAmerica$238
CSAA$242
Trexis$246
Liberty Mutual$246
Root$254
Insurify Car$259
Dairyland$262
The General$272
Trexis One$286
Clearcover$294
Travelers$301
Hugo$334

Cheapest after a DUI: Auto-Owners

A DUI conviction affects car insurance rates more than any other type of infraction. In fact, drivers see a staggering 58% increase in car insurance rates nationwide following a DUI conviction.

Richmond drivers with a DUI pay an average of $254 per month, but you might find a lower rate by comparing quotes from different insurers.

The chart below shows the five cheapest insurers in Richmond for people with DUIs, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Richmond, VA, are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates With a DUI

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Auto-Owners$100
State Farm$106
USAA$144
Chubb$157
Elephant$161
Erie$164
Mercury$173
Progressive$178
GEICO$193
National General$194
Bristol West$197
Allstate$198
Direct Auto$210
GAINSCO$211
CSAA$229
Safeco$235
Trexis$236
AssuranceAmerica$241
Insurify Car$249
Liberty Mutual$249
The General$260
Dairyland$268
Clearcover$271
Root$272
Trexis One$275
Travelers$300
Hugo$321

Cheapest for bad credit: Auto-Owners

Some insurance companies in Virginia may consider your credit history when setting your insurance rate. Credit-based insurance scores can help insurers predict the likelihood that you’ll file a claim.[6]

Nationally, drivers with poor credit pay an average of 38% more than people with excellent credit, based on Compare.com research.

Richmond drivers who struggle with their credit pay an overall average of $247 per month for car insurance. But not every insurer uses your credit history to set rates, and others offer affordable rates despite your credit.

The chart below shows the five cheapest companies in Richmond for drivers with poor credit, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Richmond, VA, are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates With Bad Credit

Company
Average Monthly Premium
State Farm$114
Auto-Owners$116
USAA$132
Mercury$146
Elephant$147
GEICO$165
Progressive$173
National General$177
Erie$177
Bristol West$179
Chubb$185
Direct Auto$192
Allstate$192
GAINSCO$193
Safeco$193
CSAA$209
Liberty Mutual$220
AssuranceAmerica$220
Trexis$229
Insurify Car$242
The General$244
Dairyland$245
Root$248
Clearcover$255
Travelers$262
Trexis One$267
Hugo$312

Compare RVA’s Best Auto Insurance Rates

Get rates from top insurers and find the cheapest coverage.

Excellent
4.6 out of 5 based on 840 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements

Row of historic red brick townhouses with ornate ironwork, lush greenery, and a street sign reading "N Monroe St" on a tree-lined sidewalk.

All RVA drivers must meet Virginia’s minimum car insurance requirements to drive legally. For auto insurance policies effective on or after Jan. 1, 2025, these requirements include:

Is minimum coverage enough in Richmond?

Even with Virginia’s new higher minimum requirements, basic insurance coverage might not be enough to protect you financially after a major accident. If you rely on state-mandated limits alone, you could end up responsible for medical bills or repairs when you cause an accident.

Most experts recommend buying more coverage than the state’s minimum requirements. Plus, lenders typically require both comprehensive and collision coverage if you finance or lease your vehicle.

Richmond Auto Insurance FAQs

We’ve answered some common questions drivers have about car insurance in Richmond. Check them out below.

How much is car insurance in Richmond, Virginia?

Car insurance in Richmond costs an average of $198 per month. RVA drivers pay an average of $157 per month for liability coverage and $240 per month for full-coverage car insurance, according to Compare.com data.

What’s the cheapest auto insurance company in Richmond?

Auto-Owners has the lowest car insurance rates in Richmond, Virginia, with an average monthly rate of $77.

Is car insurance in Richmond, Virginia, expensive?

It depends. The average car insurance rate in Richmond is $198, compared to a national average car insurance rate of $143. But keep in mind that your auto insurance premium may vary based on several factors like your location, driving record, deductible, and age.

Sources

  1. U.S. Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: Richmond city, Virginia."
  2. RVA.gov. "Vision Zero Dashboard."
  3. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Insurance Requirements."
  4. CDC. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers."
  5. Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
  6. Taylor & Francis Group. "Empirical Evidence on the Use of Credit Scoring for Predicting Insurance Losses with Psycho-social and Biochemical Explanations."

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

About Compare.com

Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.

  • All of Compare.com's content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
  • None of Compare.com's content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
  • Compare.com's editorial team operates independently of any of the company's partnership or business development interests. We publish unbiased information strictly for the benefit of our readers.
  • All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.

Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.

Michelle Lambright Black
Writer: Michelle Lambright BlackPersonal Finance Writer

Michelle Lambright Black is a credit expert, content writer, and founder of CreditWriter.com. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and speaking about credit and money and has been writing for Compare.com since 2023.

Michelle’s work has appeared in publications such as Yahoo! Finance, Reader’s Digest, Parents, FICO, Forbes, Bankrate, The Seattle Times, MarketWatch, BuySide from Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Insurify, and more.

In her writing, she focuses on helping families and small business owners make smart, informed decisions about their credit, money, and financial products (including insurance).

Michelle is also a three-time finalist for the best personal finance freelancer award from the Plutus Foundation.

Matthew Gross headshot
Editor: Matthew GrossEditor

Qualifications:
  • 5+ years in communications and content creation

  • 2+ years in insurance content


Matthew's journalism and AppleCare editing experience help him simplify complex insurance information on Compare.com.