Auto-Owners offers the cheapest car insurance in Richmond, VA.
Liability-only car insurance in Richmond averages $149 monthly, the highest of any city in Virginia.
Richmond’s crash rate was nearly double Virginia’s overall crash rate in 2024, according to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) data.
How much is car insurance in Richmond, VA?
The average cost of car insurance in Richmond, VA, is $149 per month for liability coverage, while full coverage averages $248 per month. Richmond residents pay more for car insurance than drivers in nearby Charlottesville, but slightly less than drivers in Norfolk.
Rates in Richmond are higher than in most other Virginia cities, partly due to its population density. As of 2020, Richmond had an average of 3,782 people per square mile, compared to the state average of 219, according to the U.S. Census.
Richmond also has a higher crash frequency, with an accident rate of almost 3.4% in 2024 — roughly 1.75 times the statewide rate of 2%, according to the Virginia DMV.[1] Insurify data also shows that more than 5% of Richmond drivers have an at-fault accident on their driving record.
You can compare the cost of auto insurance coverage in Richmond to Virginia’s state average below.
Car Insurance Costs in Richmond vs. Virginia | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Richmond average | $199 |
| Virginia average | $160 |
Cheapest car insurance quotes in Richmond
Auto-Owners offers the cheapest liability car insurance in Richmond, at an average rate of $68 per month.
For full coverage, you can find the lowest rates from Auto-Owners, at an average rate of $123 per month.
Your exact rate depends on factors like your age, driving record, deductible, and the type of vehicle you drive. Comparing quotes or working with an insurance agent can help you find the best car insurance companies in Virginia for your situation.
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Driving in Richmond: What to know
Parking in Richmond can get a bit complicated. Some downtown streets prohibit parking during peak hours — Monday through Friday, 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. Dense neighborhoods like the Fan District require residential parking permits, limiting street parking to one hour without one.
The city has about 20 parking lots and garages downtown, with rates at locations like Shockoe Plaza costing up to $22 per day. You can check parking availability on the city’s interactive map.
Traffic also picks up near Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) as thousands of students return for the spring semester, increasing pedestrian and vehicle activity along East Broad Street, at City Hall, and on the VCU Health campus.
About 13% of Virginia drivers don’t carry insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute, so uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is worth considering.
Vehicle theft trends in Richmond
The Richmond Police Department (RPD) reported 1,023 vehicle thefts in 2025, down from 1,722 in 2024. Despite the decline, the Richmond metro area still ranked 55th nationally by vehicle theft volume in the first half of 2025, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
Thefts mostly occur in neighborhoods like Midlothian, Old Town Manchester, the Fan, and Shockoe Bottom. Living in high-crime areas or parking your car on the street rather than in a garage can raise your comprehensive coverage premiums.[2]
Richmond car insurance rates vs. other Virginia cities
Winchester is the most affordable city in Virginia for car insurance. Next to Norfolk, Richmond is the second most expensive. Car insurance in Norfolk likely costs more than in Richmond due to Norfolk’s higher population density and coastal location, which makes it more susceptible to flooding from hurricanes and nor’easters.
Still, drivers pay more for car insurance in Richmond than in most of Virginia. In addition to higher population density and accident rates, Richmond experiences frequent vehicle thefts and crashes caused by distracted driving.[3]
You can compare rates for Richmond car insurance coverage with other major Virginia cities in the table below.
City | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Alexandria | $189 |
| Arlington | $161 |
| Charlottesville | $137 |
| Chesapeake | $174 |
| Harrisonburg | $127 |
| Lynchburg | $141 |
| Newport News | $184 |
| Norfolk | $201 |
| Portsmouth | $197 |
| Richmond | $199 |
| Roanoke | $139 |
| Virginia Beach | $167 |
| Woodbridge | $191 |
How traffic in Richmond affects car insurance rates
Richmond’s major highways, I-95 and I-64, converge downtown, creating congestion. The intersection of I-95 Ramps, Bells Road, Walmsley Boulevard, and Commerce Road experiences significant crashes and difficult weaving maneuvers, with peak congestion during morning and afternoon commutes, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Despite the heavy traffic and congestion, the average commute in Richmond is about 22 minutes — below the state average of 27 minutes, U.S. Census data shows.
The RPD operates safety cameras at 13 school zone locations, and driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement intensifies from Labor Day through the holiday season. Richmond Police reported a 22% increase in DUI arrests in 2024, which could lead to higher insurance rates in the city.
Why is car insurance in Richmond so expensive?
Several factors push Richmond premiums above the average cost of car insurance in Virginia. The city’s high crash rates, population density, and vehicle theft volume all contribute to more frequent insurance claims.
Virginia also requires higher minimum liability limits than many other states — $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage — which raises the baseline costs for all Richmond drivers.[4]
Expert insurance tips from licensed agents
Anuj DesaiLicensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
25+ years of insurance experience
Anuj has 25+ years of experience in auto, home, and renters insurance. As a digital insurance agent at Insurify, he takes pride in helping customers understand their coverage and in offering risk-management strategies tailored to each customer’s needs.
Mallory MooneyLicensed P&C Insurance Agent and Director of Sales and Client Services
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years of insurance experience
Mallory has 10+ years of experience in property and casualty insurance. She serves as the director of sales and client services at Insurify, where customer service is central to her leadership style.
Britney BalkLicensed P&C Agent and Customer Service Supervisor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
14+ years insurance experience
Britney has 14+ years of experience in auto and home insurance. She’s committed to making sure customers feel informed and supported through every step of the insurance-buying process.
Cheapest state-minimum car insurance in Richmond, VA: Auto-Owners
Virginia car insurance requirements include $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, along with $25,000 in property damage liability.
Before July 2024, you could pay a $500 fee in place of auto insurance — but now, all drivers must carry minimum coverage to legally drive.
On average, liability insurance costs $149 per month in Richmond — higher than the state average. Auto-Owners and State Farm offer the best rates. Below are quotes for cheap liability car insurance in Richmond.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $68 |
| State Farm | $70 |
| USAA | $93 |
| Chubb | $103 |
| CSAA | $103 |
| Mercury | $107 |
| Erie | $108 |
| Elephant | $109 |
| GEICO | $128 |
| National General | $129 |
| Bristol West | $133 |
| Progressive | $133 |
| Direct Auto | $143 |
| GAINSCO | $143 |
| Allstate | $147 |
| Safeco | $147 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $164 |
| Insurify Car | $169 |
| Liberty Mutual | $173 |
| Trexis | $174 |
| Dairyland | $177 |
| Root | $183 |
| The General | $184 |
| Travelers | $198 |
| Trexis One | $198 |
| Clearcover | $201 |
| Hugo | $220 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Richmond, VA: Auto-Owners
While not required, full coverage may be a good idea in Richmond. The city updated its FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps in 2025, adding properties to high-risk flood zones for the first time.[5] If a flood damages your vehicle, comprehensive coverage may help cover repairs.
Meanwhile, the city saw 5,477 crashes in 2024. Liability insurance doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle after an accident, so collision coverage can offer extra financial protection.[6]
Full coverage costs an average of $248 per month in Richmond, which is more expensive than the state average. The table below compares cheap full-coverage car insurance in Richmond, with the lowest rates from Auto-Owners.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $123 |
| State Farm | $126 |
| CSAA | $165 |
| Elephant | $167 |
| USAA | $169 |
| Progressive | $180 |
| Chubb | $184 |
| Erie | $193 |
| Mercury | $194 |
| GEICO | $213 |
| Safeco | $221 |
| Bristol West | $228 |
| National General | $240 |
| Liberty Mutual | $245 |
| Direct Auto | $255 |
| Allstate | $264 |
| Root | $276 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $277 |
| GAINSCO | $310 |
| Trexis | $330 |
| Travelers | $352 |
| The General | $397 |
| Clearcover | $399 |
| Dairyland | $418 |
| Trexis One | $428 |
Cheapest recent car insurance quotes in Virginia
Recent Richmond, Virginia car insurance prices for Pontiac, Subaru, Toyota, and more.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Richmond, Virginia within the last 10 days. Last updated on August 9, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Richmond, Virginia within the last 10 days. Last updated on August 9, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Affordable car insurance for Richmond drivers with a ticket: Auto-Owners
In Virginia, speeding fines start at $6 per mph over the posted speed limit. A ticket can add three to six demerit points to your driving record for up to five years.[7]
Almost 6% of Richmond drivers have a speeding ticket on their driving history, paying an average of $183 per month for liability car insurance, according to Insurify data. You can compare cheap Richmond car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket below.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $88 |
| State Farm | $88 |
| USAA | $119 |
| Chubb | $130 |
| Elephant | $131 |
| CSAA | $134 |
| Erie | $141 |
| Mercury | $147 |
| National General | $160 |
| Progressive | $163 |
| GEICO | $166 |
| Bristol West | $166 |
| GAINSCO | $170 |
| Direct Auto | $178 |
| Allstate | $189 |
| Safeco | $191 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $207 |
| Insurify Car | $208 |
| Trexis | $214 |
| Root | $216 |
| Dairyland | $218 |
| Liberty Mutual | $218 |
| Trexis One | $243 |
| The General | $245 |
| Clearcover | $254 |
| Travelers | $254 |
| Hugo | $270 |
Cheap auto insurance with an at-fault accident in Richmond: Auto-Owners
Virginia is an at-fault state, meaning drivers injured in an accident can file claims with the at-fault driver’s insurer. It’s also a contributory negligence state, which could affect your ability to recover damages if the accident was partially your fault.
Drivers pay an average of $195 per month for liability coverage after an accident. Drivers in Richmond may find the lowest rates from Auto-Owners. Below are quotes for affordable car insurance in Richmond for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $90 |
| State Farm | $93 |
| USAA | $125 |
| Chubb | $137 |
| Elephant | $142 |
| Erie | $144 |
| CSAA | $145 |
| Mercury | $159 |
| GEICO | $169 |
| National General | $171 |
| Progressive | $174 |
| Bristol West | $175 |
| GAINSCO | $182 |
| Direct Auto | $194 |
| Allstate | $197 |
| Safeco | $204 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $217 |
| Insurify Car | $221 |
| Trexis | $228 |
| Liberty Mutual | $229 |
| Root | $229 |
| Dairyland | $233 |
| The General | $252 |
| Trexis One | $259 |
| Travelers | $267 |
| Clearcover | $285 |
| Hugo | $288 |
Cheapest car insurance quotes for Richmond drivers with a DUI: Auto-Owners
A DUI conviction in Virginia requires you to file an FR-44 to prove financial responsibility in case you cause an accident. The required liability insurance limits for FR-44 filers are double Virginia’s regular state minimum.[8]
Insurers view a DUI conviction as high risk, which can drive your premiums up to an average of $187 per month for liability coverage. The table below shows the cheapest car insurance in Richmond, VA, for drivers with a DUI.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $87 |
| State Farm | $94 |
| USAA | $125 |
| Chubb | $139 |
| CSAA | $139 |
| Erie | $146 |
| Elephant | $147 |
| Mercury | $154 |
| Progressive | $167 |
| GEICO | $171 |
| National General | $174 |
| Bristol West | $179 |
| Direct Auto | $193 |
| GAINSCO | $193 |
| Allstate | $198 |
| Insurify Car | $212 |
| Safeco | $218 |
| Trexis | $218 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $221 |
| Liberty Mutual | $233 |
| Dairyland | $238 |
| The General | $240 |
| Root | $247 |
| Trexis One | $248 |
| Clearcover | $260 |
| Travelers | $267 |
| Hugo | $276 |
Cheapest car insurance for Richmond teen drivers: Auto-Owners
Before teen drivers in Virginia can get their license, they must hold their learner’s permit for nine months. They also have to clock at least 45 supervised driving hours — including 15 nighttime hours.[9]
Richmond teens pay an average of $281 per month for liability auto coverage and may find the best rates with Auto-Owners. Below, you can compare the most affordable car insurance in Richmond for teen drivers.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $138 |
| Auto-Owners | $139 |
| USAA | $174 |
| Mercury | $199 |
| Elephant | $201 |
| Erie | $201 |
| Chubb | $215 |
| GEICO | $236 |
| Bristol West | $240 |
| Progressive | $251 |
| CSAA | $254 |
| GAINSCO | $257 |
| National General | $261 |
| Root | $282 |
| Direct Auto | $283 |
| Allstate | $294 |
| Safeco | $303 |
| Liberty Mutual | $308 |
| Dairyland | $314 |
| Insurify Car | $319 |
| Trexis | $329 |
| Clearcover | $337 |
| The General | $338 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $345 |
| Trexis One | $374 |
| Hugo | $415 |
| Travelers | $416 |
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Richmond
Liability rates average $149 per month
Cheap car insurance quotes for Richmond senior drivers: Auto-Owners
Although Richmond has a smaller senior population than the state average, they still represent more than 31,000 residents. In Virginia, insurers must legally provide a discount to drivers 55 or older who complete a DMV-approved accident prevention course.
Below are quotes for cheap car insurance in Richmond for senior drivers, featuring the best rates from Auto-Owners and State Farm.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $54 |
| State Farm | $55 |
| USAA | $76 |
| CSAA | $77 |
| Chubb | $78 |
| Erie | $83 |
| Mercury | $85 |
| Elephant | $89 |
| National General | $102 |
| GEICO | $102 |
| Bristol West | $111 |
| Progressive | $115 |
| Direct Auto | $118 |
| Allstate | $120 |
| GAINSCO | $123 |
| Safeco | $129 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $129 |
| Liberty Mutual | $144 |
| Insurify Car | $147 |
| Dairyland | $151 |
| Trexis | $151 |
| The General | $157 |
| Travelers | $159 |
| Root | $169 |
| Trexis One | $172 |
| Clearcover | $178 |
| Hugo | $191 |
Richmond car insurance FAQs
Whether you’re a new Richmond resident or just looking to switch insurers, the answers below can help you find the right coverage at the best rate.
How much is car insurance in Richmond, VA?
The average cost of liability-only coverage in Richmond is $149 per month, while the average cost of full coverage is $248 per month. Rates vary by person, so you should compare car insurance quotes regularly or work with an insurance agency to find the best pricing.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Richmond?
Auto-Owners offers the cheapest car insurance in Richmond, according to Insurify data, with liability policies averaging $68 per month. Rates depend on your age, vehicle, driving record, and level of coverage — for example, if you choose additional coverages like comprehensive and collision.
Is car insurance more expensive in Richmond?
An auto insurance policy is generally more expensive in Richmond compared to other cities in Virginia. Its population density, vehicle theft volume, and frequent crashes contribute to Richmond’s higher rates.
What are the best car insurance companies in Richmond?
The best car insurance companies in Richmond offer competitive rates, strong coverage options, and useful add-ons like roadside assistance. Auto-Owners and State Farm rank among the top choices for Richmond drivers.
What factors affect car insurance rates in Richmond, VA?
Several factors can influence the cost of your insurance policy in Richmond, including your driving record and insurance credit score. Where you live can also affect your premiums. For example, you may pay more if you live in a neighborhood with higher vehicle theft rates.
What discounts are available for car insurance in Richmond, VA?
Insurance companies often offer a multi-policy discount when you bundle your auto policy with homeowners, renters, or life insurance. You might also save by maintaining a safe driving record, buying a vehicle with safety features, or driving less than average annually.
Sources
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "2024 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts."
- Virginia State Corporation Commission. "Love My Ride - Vehicle Theft Prevention."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Distracted Driving Toolkit."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Insurance Requirements."
- City of Richmond, VA. "New FEMA flood maps Open House Thursday, June 12 2025."
- Virginia State Corporation Commission. "Virginia Consumer's Guide for Auto Insurance."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Three Point Violations."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Financial Responsibility Certifications."
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. "Teen Driver Safety Frequently Asked Questions."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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