Rhode Island car insurance costs about $1,518 yearly for full coverage and $845 for minimum coverage, based on a 40-year-old driver with good credit and no infractions. The state places 33rd for full coverage and 40th for minimum coverage among all jurisdictions, with premiums 4% and 23% above national averages respectively.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Rhode Island
Updated: October 27, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Rhode Island car insurance costs range from $816 to $4,296 per year depending on your chosen coverage, driving profile and location.
Rhode Island ranks as one of the most expensive in the country ranking 40th and 33rd overall for minimum and full coverage car insurance affordability respectively.
Find the cheapest car insurance in Rhode Island by deciding on coverage beforehand, researching costs and companies, and comparing multiple quotes.
Average Car Insurance Cost In Rhode Island
| Full Coverage | $126 | $1,518 |
| Minimum Coverage | $70 | $845 |
The upgrade from basic to comprehensive coverage adds $673 annually, or approximately $56 per month. Individual rates depend on personal factors, driving background and coverage decisions.
Average Rhode Island Car Insurance Cost by Category
Young drivers encounter Rhode Island's steepest costs at $358 monthly for full coverage, reflecting both inexperience and the state's dense traffic patterns. Individual characteristics combine to determine Rhode Island car insurance rates substantially.
Credit-impaired drivers pay $302 monthly, while adults pay $124 monthly baseline rates due to Rhode Island's urban density. Older vehicles provide minimal relief at $122 monthly, showing how the state's geography affects all categories.
| Drivers With Old Cars | $68 | $122 |
| Adult Drivers | $70 | $124 |
| Drivers With An Accident | $77 | $138 |
| Senior Drivers | $80 | $139 |
| Drivers With Low Income | $88 | $175 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $88 | $160 |
| Drivers With A Speeding Ticket | $90 | $164 |
| Drivers With A DUI | $135 | $250 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $152 | $302 |
| Young Drivers | $197 | $358 |
Rhode Island's compact size and population density create elevated rates across all driver profiles, with youth generating the most substantial premium penalties.
FIND THE BEST CHEAP PROVIDER FOR YOUR PROFILE
Check out our comprehensive roundup guides to identify the best cheap provider for your profile.
Average Rhode Island Car Insurance Cost by Company
State Farm offers exceptional value in Rhode Island at $88 monthly for full coverage, while American Family commands premium pricing at $136 monthly. Rhode Island drivers see substantial rate differences between insurance companies, with full coverage ranging from $88 to $136 monthly across popular providers.
Rhode Island residents can save over $583 annually by selecting the right insurer effectively.
| State Farm | $43 | $88 |
| Amica | $46 | $101 |
| Travelers | $56 | $96 |
| Quincy Insurance | $61 | $103 |
| American Family | $67 | $136 |
Average Rhode Island Car Insurance Cost by City
Newport East maintains reasonable $96 monthly rates despite Rhode Island's general expense, while Providence reaches $174 monthly for full coverage. The $78 monthly difference reflects typical capital city premium pricing.
Providence's dense urban environment creates higher claim frequency and traffic challenges compared to Rhode Island's coastal communities.
Data filtered by:
Alachua
Is Rhode Island Car Insurance Expensive?
Rhode Island ranks 40th for minimum coverage and 33rd for full coverage affordability among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., making it one of the more expensive states. This reflects statewide averages, and affordability rankings for your city differ from the rest of the United States.
Why Is Car Insurance More Expensive In Rhode Island?
High Percentage of Uninsured Drivers
One out of every six Rhode Island drivers is now going without any auto insurance, ranking 16th in the country. This creates additional pressure on insurance costs, as companies must account for the higher likelihood of accidents involving uninsured motorists when setting rates for responsible drivers.
Geographic Location and Weather Risks
Rhode Island's coastal location exposes cars to salt air corrosion, winter weather damage and severe storms. The state's position in the Northeast corridor means drivers may be exposed to nor'easters, ice storms and flooding that can cause comprehensive coverage claims and increase repair costs.
High Cost of Living and Labor
The state's high cost of living translates to expensive labor costs for auto repairs and medical care. Rhode Island has one of the ten most expensive costs for car insurance at over $2,400 for a full coverage policy, so $400 more than the national average.
Urban Crime and Theft Rates
The number of accidents and car thefts can vary from place to place. Generally, urban areas see higher average car insurance costs than rural areas. Providence has the highest average car insurance premiums among the cities in the study: $2,474 per year. That's more than $600 higher than the statewide average.
Extreme Population Density and Traffic Congestion
Rhode Island ranks as the country's third most densely populated state, with over one million residents in the nation's smallest state. This high population density means more cars in the same area, which leads to more accidents and higher insurance costs. With this data, we can reasonably conclude that many cars moving through a small area lead to more accidents, more claims and, ultimately, higher insurance rates.
Rising Traffic Fatalities and Reckless Driving
Rhode Island reports an increase in traffic fatalities in 2023, with about 58% of drivers in deadly crashes drinking and driving, up from 42% last year. Insurance companies have also seen more negligent driving behavior on the road with accidents and severe accidents — even fatal accidents — up over the past couple of years.
Highest Car Repair Costs in the Nation
Rhode Island drivers now pay the highest amount for collision repair in the country, with the average collision repair cost at $1,987 in 2024. It's expensive to get your car repaired in Rhode Island — it's the third most expensive state in the nation for car repairs. Car repairs and maintenance are more expensive than they used to be over the past couple of years and even outpacing normal inflation.
Limited Competition Among Repair Shops
Rhode Island has the longest restriction on aftermarket parts currently in place, which is the longest such restriction in the country. This will only further impact the wallets of Rhode Island drivers with higher car repair costs, increased insurance premiums and longer repair times. Limited competition among repair facilities contributes to the state's position as having the highest collision repair costs nationwide.
How To Lower Car Insurance Costs In Rhode Island
We have a step-by-step guide to lowering your car insurance costs.
- 1Decide on coverage needs beforehand
Deciding on your coverage needs is important so you're not oversold on too much coverage. Consider your financial situation, driving habits, car details and risk tolerance when making this decision.
- 2Research costs and discounts
To save money for your profile, know the average costs for your preferred coverage level. Research car insurance discounts you may qualify for and look into the best home and auto insurance bundles for the most balanced perspective.
- 3Look into company reputations and coverage options
Cost isn't everything. Consider add-on coverage options and customer experiences with different providers to help narrow down which companies you'd like to compare quotes from. Use resources like industry studies, review forums and public forums like Reddit.
- 4Compare quotes through multiple means
Compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best deal possible. Use different methods of getting quotes, such as comparison sites and independent agents, since pricing varies widely by method.
Cost of Car Insurance in Rhode Island: Bottom Line
Rhode Island car insurance costs are among the more expensive in the United States, making it important to take advantage of savings strategies. Decide on your coverage needs beforehand, do thorough research and compare quotes from the right insurers.
Cost of Car Insurance in Rhode Island: FAQ
How much is Rhode Island car insurance per month?
Rhode Island car insurance costs $70 for minimum coverage and $126 for full coverage policies. Rates range from $68 to $358 monthly depending on your unique driver profile and coverage choice.
What factors affect Rhode Island car insurance costs?
Primary factors include driving history, age and location. Drivers with accidents, violations or those who are young pay higher rates, while urban areas cost more than rural ones. Car type, coverage amounts, credit score and annual mileage also impact premiums, along with factors like gender and marital status in some states.
Why is Rhode Island car insurance so expensive?
Rhode Island has the country's third-highest population density and the highest collision repair costs nationally at $1,987 average. The state faces poor road infrastructure with 37.2% of major roads in poor condition and rising traffic fatalities. One in six drivers lacks insurance, and regulatory restrictions on aftermarket parts contribute to the nation's longest repair times and highest costs.
How expensive is Rhode Island car insurance?
Rhode Island ranks 40th in affordability for minimum coverage and 33rd overall for full coverage, making it one of the most expensive places to get auto insurance in the U.S.
How We Determined Rhode Island Car Insurance Costs
Rhode Island drivers face some of New England's highest insurance rates due to dense urban traffic, elevated accident frequency, and the state's small geographic size that concentrates risk. We built this analysis to show you what you'll actually pay based on your location, coverage choices, and driving profile in the Ocean State's unique insurance market.
We collected rate data across all available ZIP codes and cities in Rhode Island, ensuring our analysis reflects the significant pricing differences between urban Providence, suburban communities, and coastal areas.
Our baseline driver profile:
We used a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good credit operating a 2012 Toyota Camry LE. From there, we adjusted variables to show how age, driving history, credit score, and vehicle type affect premiums across Rhode Island's diverse communities.
Coverage levels we compared:
We analyzed two coverage scenarios:
- Minimum Coverage: Rhode Island's required liability limits that satisfy legal requirements but provide minimal financial protection
- Full Coverage: 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision with $1,000 deductibles, which protects both your financial liability and your vehicle itself
Why this methodology works: Rhode Island's concentrated population creates dramatic rate variations between neighborhoods. Providence drivers face higher premiums than rural Washington County residents for identical coverage due to accident frequency, theft rates, and repair costs. Our ZIP-code-level analysis shows you exactly how your location affects what you'll pay.
This approach prioritizes real-world accuracy for Rhode Island drivers. Whether you live in an urban center or a coastal town, our data shows what drivers like you actually pay for coverage, helping you understand your local market and compare options effectively in one of the country's smallest but most densely populated states.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- Autobody News . "Rhode Island tops U.S. for average collision repair costs ." Accessed November 7, 2025.
- Turn To 10 . "RIDOT reporting significant increase in traffic fatalities in 2023 ." Accessed November 7, 2025.
- Turn To 10 . "What's causing car insurance rates to spike ." Accessed November 7, 2025.
- U.S. News & World Report . "Cheap Car Insurance Rhode Island ." Accessed November 7, 2025.