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Last updated: September 16, 2025Best Cheap Car Insurance in Richmond
Cheapest
Editor's Rating: 4.4/5
Average Cost in Richmond
- Full Coverage Monthly: $100
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $62
Best for Military and Veterans
Editor's Rating: 5/5
Average Cost in Richmond
- Full Coverage Monthly: $123
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $67
Best Major Insurer
Editor's Rating: 4.9/5
Average Cost in Richmond
- Full Coverage Monthly: $112
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $64
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Key Takeaways
- In Richmond, Virginia, full coverage car insurance costs $2,197 and minimum coverage costs $1,267, on average.
- The average cost of car insurance in Richmond is higher than the Virginia average, which is $1,766 for full coverage and $790 for minimum coverage.
- Auto-Owners, State Farm and USAA have some of the lowest average rates in Richmond.
- Exact auto insurance rates vary depending on your driving history, vehicle, coverage type and other factors. For the most accurate rates, get a quote directly from the provider.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Richmond
- Cheapest: Auto-Owners
- Best Major Insurer: State Farm
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
- Best for Customer Satisfaction: Erie
- Best for Online Quotes: GEICO
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Richmond
| Company | Full coverage annual average | Minimum coverage annual average | Mid-Atlantic customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,196 | $744 | Not rated |
| State Farm | $1,341 | $766 | Above average |
| USAA | $1,482 | $804 | Above average** |
| Erie | $1,152* (Virginia average) | $618* (Virginia average) | Above average |
| GEICO | $1,618 | $897 | Below average |
| Richmond | $2,197 | $1,267 | – |
*Erie’s pricing data reflects the company’s average Virginia rates because its Richmond rates are not available.
**Due to its eligibility restrictions, USAA doesn’t technically qualify to rank in J.D. Power surveys.
Detailed List of the Best Cheap Providers in Richmond
1. Cheapest - Auto-Owners
What We Like Most:
- Lowest rates for Richmond drivers
- Good customer satisfaction
- Widely available local agents
Why we chose it
Auto-Owners offers the lowest full and minimum coverage rates in Richmond, Virginia. It’s not included in the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study for the Mid-Atlantic region, but it has a B grade on the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and a score of 0.94 on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Complaint Index, which means it’s received fewer complaints than average. Auto-Owners also has a large number of local agents in Richmond. The insurer is available in Virginia and 25 other states.
Who it’s best for
Auto-Owners is an excellent choice for Richmond drivers who are looking for the absolute lowest rates and prefer to shop with an agent. The company doesn’t offer online quotes or purchasing.
Auto-Owners Richmond Pricing
| Auto-Owners | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $100 | $62 |
| Annually | $1,196 | $744 |
| Difference from Richmond average | -46% | -41% |
2. Best Major Insurer - State Farm
Why we chose it
After Auto-Owners, State Farm has the second-lowest rates in Richmond. It’s also one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S. and sells insurance in all 50 states. State Farm scored well on the J.D. Power studies for the Mid-Atlantic region and nationally, but it received a C- grade on the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card. Its telematics program, Drive Safe & Save, offers a good savings opportunity for safe drivers.
Who it’s best for
State Farm is a great option for drivers who are seeking a major insurer that offers affordable rates and a high standard of customer service, as well as for drivers who want to bundle car insurance with home insurance or another type of policy.
State Farm Richmond Pricing
| State Farm | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $112 | $64 |
| Annually | $1,341 | $766 |
| Difference from Richmond average | -39% | -40% |
3. Best for Military and Veterans - USAA
Why we chose it
USAA is known for offering some of the lowest rates to military members and their families across the U.S., which is why we chose it as our pick for the best cheap car insurance in Virginia. USAA’s limited availability technically makes it ineligible to rank in J.D. Power’s customer and claims satisfaction surveys, but it still has the highest customer satisfaction score of all providers in the Mid-Atlantic.
Who it’s best for
USAA is a great choice for military members, veterans and their families who are seeking low rates and a high standard of customer service. It’s also a good choice for high-risk drivers; its average rates are well below the Virginia average for those with a DUI, speeding ticket, or at-fault accident on their record.
USAA Richmond Pricing
| USAA | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $124 | $67 |
| Annually | $1,482 | $804 |
| Difference from Richmond average | -33% | 37% |
4. Best for Customer Satisfaction - Erie
What We Like Most:
- #2 in Mid-Atlantic on J.D. Power satisfaction survey
- Excellent claims process
- Good online quote process
Why we chose it
Although Erie’s pricing data isn’t available for Richmond, the company is known for having some of the lowest rates in Virginia. In addition, Erie has the highest J.D. Power customer satisfaction score in the Mid-Atlantic after USAA, which technically doesn’t qualify for the survey. Erie also had an A- grade on the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and the highest score on the J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Study of all our Richmond providers. (NJM Insurance and Amica both have higher claims satisfaction scores, but NJM Insurance is not available in Virginia, and Amica’s Richmond pricing data is not available).
Who it’s best for
Erie is a great choice for customers who prioritize the highest level of customer service along with low rates. Erie’s digital policy management tools may be more limited than other providers’, so it’s best for those who prefer to manage their policies with an agent.
Erie Virginia Pricing
| Erie* | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $96 | $52 |
| Annually | $1,152 | $618 |
| Difference from Virginia average | -35% | -21% |
*This pricing data reflects Erie’s average Virginia rates because its Richmond rates are not available.
5. Best for Online Quotes - GEICO
What We Like Most:
- Great online tools
- Lots of discounts
- Good rates for drivers with low credit
Why we chose it
GEICO has low average rates for drivers in Virginia, including drivers with low credit. (Low credit can raise your car insurance rates by as much as 80 percent.) GEICO also offers great digital tools and an easy-to-use online quote tool. Although its customer service ratings are mixed, the company still stands out thanks to its competitive pricing and online tools.
Who it’s best for
GEICO is a great option for drivers who have low credit and customers who prefer to manage their policies online.
GEICO Richmond Pricing
| GEICO | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $135 | $75 |
| Annually | $1,618 | $897 |
| Difference from Richmond average | -26% | -29% |
Richmond Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – Mid-Atlantic1 | CRASH Network Insurer Report Card2 | J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study3 | NAIC Complaint Index4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | Not rated | B | 692 | 0.94 |
| State Farm | 673 | C- | 710 | 2.13 |
| USAA | 743* | D+ | 726* | 1.31 |
| Erie | 706 | A- | 733 | 1.13 |
| GEICO | 643 | C- | 692 | 1.42 |
| Average | 656 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 697 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customers | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Consumer complaints relative to market share; the lower the score, the better |
*Due to its eligibility restrictions, USAA doesn’t technically qualify for J.D. Power’s surveys.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Richmond
Auto-Owners has the lowest average rate for full coverage in Richmond: $1,196, or 46 percent cheaper than the citywide average. State Farm and USAA offer the next-lowest average annual rates, at $1,341 and $1,482, respectively.
| Company | Monthly full coverage average | Annual full coverage average |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $100 | $1,196 |
| State Farm | $112 | $1,341 |
| USAA | $124 | $1,482 |
| Nationwide | $130 | $1,558 |
| GEICO | $135 | $1,618 |
| Mercury | $146 | $1,757 |
| Progressive | $160 | $1,916 |
| Travelers | $160 | $1,919 |
| Chubb | $166 | $1,986 |
| CSAA (AAA) | $172 | $2,058 |
| Allstate | $236 | $2,832 |
| Richmond average | $183 | $2,197 |
| Virginia average | $147 | $1,766 |
| U.S. average | $200 | $2,399 |
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Richmond
Auto-Owners offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Richmond, with an average annual cost of $744. State Farm and USAA have the next-lowest rates, at $766 and $804, respectively.
| Company | Monthly minimum coverage average | Annual minimum coverage average |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $62 | $744 |
| State Farm | $64 | $766 |
| USAA | $67 | $804 |
| GEICO | $75 | $897 |
| Mercury | $80 | $966 |
| Progressive | $81 | $970 |
| Nationwide | $83 | $994 |
| Travelers | $91 | $1,087 |
| Chubb | $105 | $1,260 |
| Allstate | $107 | $1,288 |
| CSAA | $118 | $1,416 |
| Richmond average | $106 | $1,267 |
| Virginia average | $66 | $790 |
| U.S. average | $53 | $635 |
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Richmond?
According to data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 5,477 crashes in the city of Richmond in 2024, and 19 of these were fatal.5 Of the total crashes, 223 were alcohol-related, and 789 were speed-related. In 2024, Richmond had the most car accidents of any city in Virginia.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Richmond
To drive legally in Virginia, drivers must have the following auto insurance limits, at a minimum:6
- Bodily injury and liability: $50,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
- Property damage: $20,000 per accident
Virginia is an at-fault (or tort) state, meaning that the driver who is legally responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for covering the damages. The driver who is not at fault typically claims damages from the at-fault party’s insurance company, not their own.
GOOD TO KNOW
Although these are the legal minimum requirements, you may find that this isn’t enough to cover the cost of damages if you do get into a serious accident. Learn more about whether minimum coverage is enough for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the cheapest car insurance rates in Virginia?
USAA has the lowest average rates for full and minimum car insurance in Virginia, at $1,037 and $480, respectively. However, USAA is available only to drivers with a military affiliation and their families. For people who don’t qualify for USAA, Erie, Mercury and Travelers have the lowest average rates for full coverage in Virginia, and Travelers, GEICO and Erie have the lowest average rates for minimum coverage.
How much should I pay for car insurance in Virginia?
On average, car insurance in Virginia costs $1,766 annually for full coverage and $790 for minimum coverage. However, car insurance rates vary significantly depending on your exact location, vehicle, driving history, coverage type and other factors. Always get auto insurance quotes from multiple providers to find your exact rates.
Is State Farm cheaper than GEICO?
On average, GEICO costs more than State Farm. Nationally, GEICO averages $1,731 and $517 for full and minimum coverage, respectively, compared with $2,167 and $674 for State Farm. Learn more about how State Farm compares to GEICO.
Is GEICO cheaper than Progressive?
On average, GEICO is cheaper than Progressive. Nationally, GEICO’s average annual rate for full coverage is $1,731, compared with $1,960 for Progressive, and GEICO’s average annual rate for minimum coverage is $517, compared with $638 for Progressive. Learn more about the differences between GEICO and Progressive.
Methodology
At AutoInsurance.com, we use the following factors to determine and evaluate our best providers:
- Price (40%): We reviewed the cost of full and minimum coverage in Richmond, Virginia, for drivers with a clean record and good credit. Our full coverage averages used the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims handling (25%): We favored companies with transparent, efficient and communicative claims processes. We also reviewed how fairly damages were assessed and how quickly claims were resolved. Our sources included J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card.
- Customer experience (25%): We evaluated the entire customer journey, including shopping for quotes, buying a policy, and managing a policy. We reviewed the availability of local agents, as well as the quality of digital tools. Our sources included the NAIC Complaint Index, Better Business Bureau ratings, app store reviews, and the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Survey.
- Coverage options (10%): We favor companies with policy offerings that go beyond the required state minimums, including gap insurance, rideshare coverage and accident forgiveness.
Staff Writer
Kate Romain combines her dedication to research with her love for writing and communications to deliver informative, comprehensive articles for those exploring insurance options. Her years of professional experience in writing and communications have well-equipped her to assist customers get the information they need to make smart insurance choices. Kate has also written for GigWolf, Boston Medical Center, and non-profit Writers Without Margins. She holds a BA in History and Politics and an MA in Creative Writing, both from the University of East Anglia.
Citations
It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, June 10).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-studyInsurer Report Card – Top Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2025. CRASH Network. (2025).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Auto Insurance Repair Cycle Times Improve but Price Increases Take a Toll, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2024, October 29).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2024-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyConsumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2025).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htm?TABLEAU=CIS_COMPLAINTS&COCODE=24112&:refresh2024 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. (2025).
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/documents/VA-traffic-crash-2024.pdfInsurance Requirements. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. (2025).
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/insurance-requirements
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