To help Rhode Island drivers find the best car insurance, MoneyGeek ranked the top insurers in the state based on affordability, claims experience, customer service and financial strength. Various factors, such as age, location, vehicle type and Driving record, play a role in determining an individual’s annual auto insurance premium. For accurate quotes, you should shop around and discuss your needs with multiple carriers. MoneyGeek's ratings demonstrate a potential savings of $1,960 when comparing car insurance costs from affordable companies in Rhode Island.
bestauto insuranceRhode Island2021The Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Rhode Island
Cheapest for minimum liability - State Farm
Cheapest for full coverage - State Farm
Best company overall - GEICO
Cheapest for drivers with a DUI - State Farm
Cheapest for drivers with a ticket - State Farm
Cheapest for drivers with bad credit - State Farm
Cheapest for senior drivers - State Farm
Cheapest for student drivers - State Farm
Generally, a minimum coverage policy is the cheapest option for Rhode Island drivers looking for car insurance. It is liability-only insurance that just meets the state car insurance requirements.
Based on MoneyGeek’s study, the cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island for minimum coverage are:
- State Farm: $430 per year
- USAA: $439 per year (only available to current and former military members)
MetLife has the most expensive car insurance for minimum coverage with an average annual rate of $1,739.
Average Cost for Minimun Liability Coverage
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$430$36
- 2.$439$37
- 3.$697$58
- 4.$962$80
- 5.$1,015$85
These are average rates and should only be considered as a guide when comparing car insurance prices between insurers.
These prices are only estimates based on rates for an average Rhode Island driver and should not be used to compare insurance prices.
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While a minimum coverage policy in Rhode Island is the cheapest available option, it only covers bodily injury and property damage liability. If you are looking for an insurance policy that covers damages to your car or you want higher liability limits, you should consider a full coverage policy.
Full coverage policies with higher liability limits and comprehensive and collision insurance provide protection against most road and off-road incidents in Rhode Island. Rates will be higher than a minimum coverage but will protect your car if it gets damaged in an accident. To find the best car insurance policy, compare quotes from different insurers.
Based on average rates, the cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island for drivers with full coverage are:
- State Farm: $790 per year
- USAA: $899 per year (only available to military members)
The most expensive car insurance for full coverage in Rhode Island is MetLife, which has an average rate of $2,751 per year.
Average Comprehensive and Collision Rates in Rhode Island
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$790$66
- 2.$899$75
- 3.$1,429$119
- 4.$1,443$120
- 5.$1,742$145
Individual premiums are based on the circumstances and needs of a driver, so they will not be similar to any of the examples given. These rates are based on a comprehensive and collision insurance policy with $100,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident and $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident.
The Best Car Insurance Companies in Rhode Island for 2021
MoneyGeek’s study found that the best car insurance companies in Rhode Island for most drivers are:
- Best Overall: GEICO
- Runner-up: Allstate
USAA received the highest score in Rhode Island by MoneyGeek's rating system. However, because USAA is only available to military members, veterans and their families, it is not listed as best overall.
MoneyGeek used a unique rating system to rank the companies with the best car insurance in Rhode Island. It includes affordability, claims experience, customer satisfaction and financial strength.
MoneyGeek combined ratings from J.D. Power and AM Best and considered industry standards for company ratings and review. MoneyGeek weighed each criterion equally to calculate the final scores out of 100.
1
USAA
Score:100
USAA ranked best in Rhode Island across categories, including customer service, affordability and financial stability. However, USAA policies are only available for current and former military members.
More About USAA
USAA is almost always one of the most affordable car insurance companies across the country. In most states, including Rhode Island, it is also among the best providers. Additionally, the company offers discounts to certain policyholders. For example, active military members garaging their cars on base qualify for discounts.
Read MoneyGeek's USAA auto Insurance Review2
MAPFRE Insurance
Score:100
3
GEICO
Score:93
GEICO ranked second among car insurance companies in Rhode Island. It has high scores across categories and is a good option for drivers who do not qualify for USAA.
More About GEICO
GEICO policyholders in Rhode Island enjoy convenience. The company has a mobile app that allows you to track your policy and submit claims easily. Interested parties can also get a personalized quote without hassle using GEICO’s online tool. This also lets you adjust your auto insurance coverages if necessary.
Read MoneyGeek's GEICO auto Insurance Review4
Allstate
Score:88
5
Nationwide
Score:85
6
Progressive
Score:83
7
Travelers
Score:80
8
Hanover
Score:78
9
MetLife
Score:78
10
Liberty Mutual
Score:75
11
Safety Group
Score:75
12
Arbella Insurance Group
Score:73
13
Plymouth Rock Assurance
Score:73
14
Safeco
Score:73
While USAA scores highly in many areas, this provider is only available to military members, veterans and their families.
List of the Largest Insurance Companies in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the three largest car insurance companies based on market share are Progressive, GEICO and Amica Mutual. Market share is the number of premiums an insurer has written divided by the total number of premiums written in the state. Having a bigger market share does not guarantee better insurance rates. But, it may be a consideration for drivers who value financial stability.
- CompanyMarket Share
- 1.22.0%
- 2.12.3%
- 3.11.5%
- 4.10.8%
- 5.6.9%
How to Compare Cheap Rhode Island Car Insurance Quotes Online
Most car insurance companies in Rhode Island let drivers get reasonably accurate quotes on their websites.
Use the same requirements when getting car insurance quotes. For example, if one insurer's quote is based on a comprehensive and collision insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible, make sure you use the same coverage level with other insurers.
Start comparing quotes by entering your ZIP code below. You can also consider MoneyGeek’s price data to determine which company’s website to visit.
Based on average rates, the cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island are State Farm, USAA and Amica Mutual. You can begin your search by getting personalized quotes from these companies.
What Is the Average Cost of Car Insurance in Rhode Island?
Many factors, including age, credit score, location and coverage level, affect the annual auto insurance premiums in Rhode Island. MoneyGeek calculated average rates for a typical driver with 100/300/100 comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. The average Rhode Island driver is a 40-year-old male who drives a Toyota Camry with no record of accidents or speeding tickets. Depending on your specific circumstances, your annual premium may vary.
- Average Driver: $1,822
- DUI: $3,369
- Speeding Ticket: $2,227
- Poor Credit Score: $3,059
- Seniors: $1,944
- Students: $4,558
A serious violation like a DUI will increase your car insurance rate in Rhode Island. The average auto insurance price for Rhode Island drivers with a DUI is $3,369 per year. Drivers with a clean record pay an average of $1,822 per year.
The cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island drivers with a DUI and full coverage are:
- State Farm: $790 per year
- USAA: $1,972 per year (only offered to military personnel)
State Farm and USAA are also the cheapest options for drivers with a clean record and full coverage.
Average Car Insurance Rates With a DUI
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$790$66
- 2.$1,972$164
- 3.$2,289$191
- 4.$2,375$198
- 5.$2,658$222
In a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.9% of Rhode Island adults reported driving after drinking too much in the prior 30 days. Additionally, 247 people in Rhode Island were killed in alcohol-related car accidents from 2009-2018.
Rhode Island law makes it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over .08% or any amount of a controlled substance. The consequence is a conviction for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and up to a year in jail, $100 to $400 fines and your license suspended. The punishes increase with a higher BAC or with a second or third offense.
A DWI can impact your life and finances for years. If you get a DWI, you can expect your car insurance premiums to double overnight. You can work to clear your driving record in order to lower your car insurance premiums, but you’ll have to wait five years before starting the expunging process. It’s still possible to find affordable auto insurance after a DWI. Get quotes from multiple providers and ask if taking an alcohol treatment or driver’s education course can lower your rate.
Getting a minor driving violation, such as a ticket, will result in higher auto insurance rates in Rhode Island. On average, Rhode Island drivers with a speeding ticket pay $2,227per year. The average annual rate for those with a clean record is $1,822.
Based on average rates, the most affordable auto insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket and full coverage are from:
- State Farm: $790 per year
- USAA: $1,038 per year (only available to military members)
State Farm and USAA are also the cheapest options for Rhode Island drivers without a speeding ticket.
Average Car Insurance Rates With a Ticket
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$790$66
- 2.$1,038$87
- 3.$1,765$147
- 4.$1,836$153
- 5.$2,164$180
Distracted driving and speeding are considered risky driving behaviors and will increase your auto insurance rates. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving accounted for 56 vehicle crashes in Rhode Island in 2018. Rhode Island passed a new law in 2018 making it illegal to hold a cell phone or wireless device while driving. The law also prohibits using headphones or accessories that cover both ears. If you are caught, it’s a $100 fine.
Rhode Island does not use a point system on your record but does track moving violations, including speeding and distracted driving citations. Your insurer can view these violations and can adjust your rates accordingly. To maintain cheap auto insurance rates with a ticket, work to remove any violations from your record. Rhode Island allows you to review your record and work to clear it.
Drivers with poorer credit scores pay more on auto insurance than those with healthy scores. The average cost of car insurance for a Rhode Island driver with bad credit is $3,059 per year. A similar policy will only cost an average of $1,822 for drivers with good credit scores.
The cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island for drivers with poor credit and full coverage are:
- USAA: $1,502 per year (only offered to members of the military)
- State Farm: $1,534 per year
State Farm and USAA are also the top two more affordable car insurance companies for those with good credit scores.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With Bad Credit
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$1,502$125
- 2.$1,534$128
- 3.$2,167$181
- 4.$2,211$184
- 5.$2,916$243
According to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, statistics show a correlation between credit history and claim frequency. The state allows insurance companies to use a driver’s credit history when setting rates. Insurers believe the better the credit the score, the better the driver. A lower credit score can increase your costs. According to Experian, Rhode Island has one of the highest credit score ratings in the country at 713.
The above table showcases what drivers with bad credit can expect to pay for auto insurance in Rhode Island.
There are still ways to get cheap auto insurance with bad credit in Rhode Island. The first step is to review your credit report and learn why your credit is low. In many cases, there is a mistake that can easily be fixed. There are also ways to improve your credit score. When your score improves, reach out to your auto insurance company about getting an updated and improved rate.
Senior drivers tend to pay slightly more than young adults and middle-aged drivers in Rhode Island. The average cost of auto insurance with full coverage for senior drivers in the state is $1,944 per year. The average adult driver only pays an average of $1,822 per year.
If you are a senior driver, the cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island for a full coverage policy are:
- State Farm: $803 per year
- USAA: $973 per year (only available to members of the military)
State Farm and USAA are also the cheapest car insurance companies for the average driver.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Seniors
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$803$67
- 2.$973$81
- 3.$1,798$150
- 4.$1,997$166
- 5.$2,000$167
With age comes wisdom and experience. But when it comes to driving, age can also begin to affect vision, cognition and motor function. According to 2017 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13.6% of fatal traffic accidents in Rhode Island involved a driver over the age of 65. While licenses are normally renewed every five years, drivers over 75 will have to go to the DMV every two years.
When looking for cheap car insurance for seniors in Rhode Island, your driving record will play a significant role. Those with a good driving history may be rewarded for their experience with senior discounts. However, violations may show the impact of age and increase your rates. If you are a senior shopping for car insurance, meet with your doctor to discuss your medical capabilities behind the wheel. Then ask insurance companies about discounts. Rhode Island offers a Defensive Driving course that many insurers consider beneficial and could get you a lower car insurance rate.
Auto insurance companies in Rhode Island tend to charge student drivers more than adult drivers due to inexperience and risk. On average, students pay $4,558 per year for car insurance. That is more than twice the average rate for the average driver, which is $1,822 per year.
MoneyGeek found the cheapest auto insurance providers in Rhode Island for students with full coverage are:
- State Farm: $2,119 per year
- Allstate: $3,759 per year
Allstate offers lower rates for students with full coverage than USAA, which is the second cheapest option for the average 40-year-old driver.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Students
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$2,119$177
- 2.$3,759$313
- 3.$4,840$403
- 4.$5,339$445
- 5.$6,053$504
Insurance rates for teen drivers are never cheap, but Rhode Island teens may be eligible for auto insurance discounts based on good grades and a clean driving record. In some cases, it may be less costly to buy and insure a used car for a teen rather than add another driver to the family policy.
Because teen drivers are inexperienced, they are more likely to get into an accident. This is why their rates are much higher than mom’s or dad’s insurance. There are ways to find cheap car insurance for teen drivers. The best way is to shop around and get multiple quotes. Tell insurers about your teenager’s grades, driver’s education and what vehicle would be most affordable to insure. Consider the estimates in the above table for what to expect when insuring a young driver in Rhode Island.
Insurance Rate Information for Military Drivers and Veterans
Rhode Island has about 3,400 active-duty military personnel living in the state and more than 63,000 veterans.
Military families and veterans living in Rhode Island will need car insurance. Some automatic discounts are available to veterans and active-duty military members. Whether you're looking at a specialty carrier that sells insurance only to military members, or a larger company that offers a military discount, it pays to compare car insurance quotes by shopping around. If you expect to be deployed and won't be using your car for some time, ask potential insurance companies if you can suspend coverage and pause premiums while you're gone.
Average Rates for Rhode Island service members
25 years$1,663
50 years$1,467
50 years$1,467
25 years$1,609
50 years$1,437
50 years$1,437
Car Insurance in Rhode Island: What You Need to Know
If you're living in Rhode Island and plan to drive your car, you'll need at least the minimum levels of liability insurance. You cannot register a car in this state if you don’t have insurance.
Proof of Insurance in Rhode Island
Rhode Island drivers must show proof of insurance when getting a driver's license or registering a vehicle at the DMV. You also have to carry your insurance card or a digital version in your car at all times so that you can show it after an accident or if a police officer asks for it.
Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires mandatory liability insurance in these amounts:
- $25,000 for injuries per person
- $50,000 for injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance is highly recommended. However, state law allows you to waive this insurance if you buy only the minimum amounts of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is important if the at-fault driver has no insurance or the crash is a hit-and-run. Rhode Island does have a high rate of uninsured motorists, so this coverage may be worth considering.
Alternatives to Insurance in Rhode Island
Rhode Island drivers with extra money lying around can skip insurance. Still, they’ll have to get a surety bond or deposit $60,000 per vehicle with the DMV to cover any future accidents.
High-Risk Auto Insurance Program in Rhode Island
High-risk drivers who can't get insurance through normal means can get alternative coverage through the Rhode Island Automobile Insurance Plan for high-risk drivers.
How Much Coverage Do You Need in Rhode Island?
Choosing the right coverage depends on your vehicle’s value, your driving record and your assets. Because Rhode Island has a high rate of uninsured drivers, you may want to consider buying uninsured motorist coverage, for example.
Consumer and insurance experts recommend getting $100,000 of liability coverage for each injured person and $300,000 for each accident. The state's Department of Insurance Regulation also recommends shopping around to compare rates.
Average Insurance Rate by City in Rhode Island
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- CityAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$1,822$152
FAQs About Car Insurance in Rhode Island
There are many factors Rhode Island drivers should consider when looking for car insurance in the state. The most common questions about auto insurance are related to the price and which insurers are the best.
About the Author
sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Sobering Facts: Alcohol-Impaired Driving State Fact Sheets." Accessed December 28, 2020.
- Governing: The Future of States and Localities. "Military Active-Duty Personnel, Civilians by State." Accessed March 18, 2020.
- Experian. "2019 Consumer Credit Review." Accessed March 18, 2020.
- MatthewTMarin.com. "Rhode Island Criminal Defense Blog." Accessed March 18, 2020.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "2018 Market Share Reports.." Accessed March 18, 2020.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "2015 Motor Vehicle Crashes: Overview." Accessed March 18, 2020.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Traffic Safety Facts." Accessed March 18, 2020.
- NOLO. "Rhode Island Drunk Driving Laws and Penalties." Accessed March 18, 2020.
- NOLO. "Rhode Island Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers." Accessed January 25, 2021.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "Rhode Island." Accessed January 25, 2021.