Cheap Car Insurance in Rhode Island (updated 2023)


WRITTEN BY: Julia Matseikovich

UPDATED: MARCH 14, 2023 | 2 MIN READ

Rhode Island auto insurance is expensive. The average cost of car insurance in Rhode Island is $1,873 yearly which is 26% higher than the national average. Many things impact the cost of your Rhode Island auto insurance, and we’re here to walk you through the process.

Best Rhode Island Car Insurance Companies

Deciding what you’re looking for in an insurer is essential. Whether you want cheaper rates or great customer service, there’s an insurance company for you.

Cheapest Rhode Island Car Insurance Company

GEICO is your cheapest option if you’re looking for minimum coverage. GEICO has the cheapest car insurance in Rhode Island at $997 yearly for minimum coverage.

Rhode Island Car Insurance Company With the Best Customer Service

USAA delivers the best customer service for auto insurance in Rhode Island. They scored 887 out of 1,000 in J.D. Powers’ 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. Amica is second in line, scoring 867 out of 1,000.

Rhode Island Car Insurance With the Best Premium-Reducing Programs

Nationwide is an excellent insurer that offers programs to reduce your premium. On average, car insurance is $1,236 yearly with Nationwide. They offer programs that reduce costs, such as total loss deductible waiver, accident forgiveness, gap coverage, and vanishing deductible.

Rhode Island Car Insurance Company With the Discounts

Progressive offers affordable rates with a yearly premium of $1,440 yearly. The discounts offered are pretty standard, but they also offer the Snapshot program. It’s not a discount, but drivers who partake in the program do receive discounts.

Local and Regional Auto Insurance Companies in Rhode Island

Quincy Mutual Group

Rhode Islanders trust the quality auto insurance products of regional carrier Quincy Mutual Group thanks to the company’s long history. The policies range from common coverage options, including bodily injury, property damage, uninsured motorists, and personal injury protection. 

Quincy Mutual Group’s optional coverages feature collision, comprehensive, substitute transportation, and towing/labor. No matter your vehicle Quincy Mutual Group helps you drive securely in Rhode Island. 

Amica Insurance

Amica Insurance is one of the country’s oldest auto insurers, and its service is second to none. Winner of 50 JD Power awards, Amica offers thorough insurance policies for Rhode Islanders. 

Amica’s Coverage options for vehicles include requirements such as personal injury protection, bodily injury liability, property damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorists. They also offer property protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers. 

Expand your coverage with collision, comprehensive, auto loan/lease, and full glass from Amica as well. All policies have claim-free, autopay, multi-line, and loyalty discounts available. 

Vehicle-specific savings are available for defensive driving training, good students and college graduates, and away students as well. 

Nationwide Car Insurance

Rhode Islander drivers rely on Nationwide car Insurance to ensure their protection on the roads, highways, and freeways of the Ocean State. Nationwide is a long-trusted provider of quality car insurance products in Rhode Islanders. 

Liability, comprehensive, collision, gap coverage, uninsured motorist, bodily injury liability, and roadside assistance are some of the coverages Nationwide Car Insurance offers. The agency lets you customize your policy and offers good ways to lower your rates. 

Common discounts for Rhode Islanders for multiple policies, safe driving, accident-free driving, and good students.

Rhode Island Insurance Demographics

Rhode Island insurers consider demographics when putting together a quote for you. The following are some of the demographics they consider:

  • Crime Rates: Rhode Island has a crime rate of 1,756 crimes per 100,000 people
  • Average Household Income: The average household income is $92,427. The median household income is $70,305
  • Median Age Range: The median age is 40 years of age 
  • Education: Rhode Island is ranked as the 22nd most educated state. It’s classified as the least educated state in New England

Common Risk Factors In Rhode Island

The common risk factors that occur in Rhode Island that increase rates are:

  • Racing
  • DUI
  • Property damage
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • At-fault accidents

Auto Insurance Laws In Rhode Island

You must have auto insurance in Rhode Island to operate a motor vehicle. It’s required by law for drivers to have at least 25/50/25. This coverage ensures that the policyholders have the ability to pay the property damage costs, and medical expenses of any third party involved.

What are the minimum car insurance requirements?

The minimum liability coverage you need is $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $ 25,000 in property damage.

Am I required to carry uninsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist insurance is not a requirement in Rhode Island. It’s important to note that16.5% of drivers are uninsured, so coverage might be a valid consideration to protect yourself.

Rhode Island SR-22 policies

If you’ve had a significant conviction, such as a DUI in Rhode Island, you’re legally required to obtain an SR-22. It’s a form issued by your insurance company to ensure you have car insurance.

Is Rhode Island a no-fault state?

Rhode Island is not a no-fault state. If you’re in an accident where you’re at fault, you’re responsible for third-party injuries.

What happens if my vehicle isn’t properly insured in Rhode Island?

If you’re caught driving without insurance, you’re liable to receive a no car insurance penalty in Rhode Island. You face fines of up to $1,000, license suspension, a reinstatement fee of up to $50, and even imprisonment.

Also, if you don’t carry the insurance required by the state, your future insurance providers might classify you as a high-risk driver, which increases your rates.

Does Rhode Island accept digital insurance cards?

Rhode Island is one of the states that allows digital insurance cards as proof of insurance. 

How Much Does Car Insurance In Rhode Island Cost?

The cost of car insurance in Rhode Island depends on many factors. Rates vary depending on your chosen company, location, age, gender, driving record, and credit score. 

Average Cost of Car Insurance By City

Where you live impacts the cost of your auto insurance in Rhode Island. Different areas of the state vary in the cost of insurance. 

CityAverage Rhode Island Car Insurance CostDifference From Rhode Island Average
Providence$2,65532%
Warwick$2,0301%
Cranston$2,48024%
Pawtucket$2,25012%
Woonsocket$1,950-5%

Average Cost of Car Insurance In By Company

Insurers have different policies and rates depending on what they offer and the discounts available to the customer. 

Car Insurance CompanyAverage Full-Coverage Premium (Annually)
Allstate$1,220
GEICO$645
Nationwide$770
Progressive$1,015

Average Cost of Car Insurance By Age

Age is a huge determining factor when it comes to what you pay for car insurance. An 18-year-old pays three times as much as a 16-year-old for car insurance. But a 60-year-old pays significantly less. 

AgeAverage Full-Coverage Premium (Annually)
Age 16$2,930
Age 18$6,045
Age 20$1,435
Age 25$2,325
Age 30$2,040
Age 40$1,940
Age 50$1,745
Age 60$575
Age 70$1,885

Average Cost of Car Insurance By Gender

Gender doesn’t have much impact on your car insurance, but there is a slight difference in costs. 

GenderAverage Full-Coverage Premium (Annually)
Male$1,910
Female$1,875

Average Cost of Car Insurance By Credit Score

Credit score does impact your car insurance in Rhode Island. People with excellent credit typically pay less than people with poor credit. 

Credit ScoreAverage Premium (Annually)
Poor$3,575
Fair$2,995
Good$2,465
Very Good$2,020
Great$1,620

Average Cost of Car Insurance By Driving Record

Your driving record greatly impacts what you pay for car insurance in Rhode Island. People with terrible credit pay more than people with great credit. 

Driving IncidentAverage Full-Coverage Premium (Annually)% Increase In Average Full-Coverage Premium
Speeding Ticket$2,42521%
Accident$2,37518%
DUI$3,69584%

What Optional Insurance Coverages Should You Consider?

Rhode Island car insurance has the following optional coverages available:

Auto Insurance Discounts

There are many different discounts available for auto insurance in Rhode Island. The discounts they offer include anti-theft, good driver, advanced quote, multi-policy, good student, engaged couple, and defensive driver.

FAQs

How much is car insurance in RI Monthly?

The average cost of auto insurance in Rhode Island is $100 monthly or $1,197 yearly.

What car insurance is required in Rhode Island?

It’s required by Rhode Island law that drivers have at least 25/50/25.

Is car insurance cheaper in Massachusetts or Rhode Island?

On average, Rhode Island is more expensive than Massachusetts, about $100 yearly. These states are well about the national average of $1,510.

Does insurance follow the car or the driver in Rhode Island?

Auto insurance in Rhode Island follows the car instead of the driver. If you lend your car out, and that person gets into an accident, they are covered under your policy.

Can you insure a car without a license in RI?

You need a driver’s license with proof of residency to get car insurance in the state.

How To Purchase Car Insurance In Rhode Island

It’s simple to purchase car insurance in Rhode Island. Use our online quote tool to compare rates and choose a policy that meets your needs.