UPDATED: MARCH 14, 2023 | 2 MIN READ
Rhode Islanders pay expensive rates for car insurance in the state, but if you’re a high-risk driver, you will pay even higher premiums than a standard policy. High-risk drivers in Rhode Island pay more than 40% more than the state average.
Below you will learn how much high-risk insurance costs, who falls within this insurance category, and what auto insurance companies offer high-risk coverage in Rhode Island.
What makes a high-risk driver in Rhode Island?
A high-risk driver is someone at high risk for claims and crashes for an insurance carrier. The carrier may consider a driver high-risk for various reasons, such as a history of prior at-fault accidents, a driving under the influence (DUI) charge, or lapsed insurance.
Your driving record isn’t the only indicator of a high-risk driver in Rhode Island, though it does play a massive part in your premium rates. You may be a high-risk driver simply because you:
- Have an exotic car
- Lack credit or have a poor credit score
- Fall between the age of 16–24 or are over 65
- Just got your driver’s license
- Live in an area with high crime
- Driving without insurance
Average rates for high-risk drivers in Rhode Island
No Rhode Islander wants to fall within the high-risk category because they pay higher rates for car insurance. The average cost for high-risk insurance in Rhode Island is $3,616 a year. Rates charged by an insurance company will vary by the driver based on the reason for a high-risk designation.
Best car insurance companies for high-risk auto insurance in Rhode Island
High-risk drivers in Rhode Island can turn to national carriers such as Progressive, GEICO, and Traveler’s. Traveler’s is the overall best choice for most high-risk drivers in the state and for several scenarios.
- DUI: Traveler’s offers an average rate of $151 monthly for full coverage for a driver with a DUI charge.
- Prior accident: Traveler’s average rate for a driver with a prior accident is full coverage at $120 a month.
- Bad credit: Traveler’s helps drivers with poor credit scores save, with an average rate of $185 for a full coverage policy.
- Speeding tickets: At $132 a month, Traveler’s is the best for high-risk drivers in Rhode Island with a speeding ticket
- Young drivers: Allstate offers the best car insurance rates for teen drivers at $262 a month for liability coverage only and $616 a month for full coverage.
However, just because we list these prices doesn’t mean it’s what you’ll pay. Your insurance rate will vary based on your driving record, age, zip code, vehicle, and other details.
Rhode Island Automobile Insurance Plan (RA AIP)
It’s possible insurance companies may reject high-risk drivers in Rhode Island and refuse coverage altogether. If a driver faces rejection from the voluntary market, they can apply for Rhode Island Automobile Insurance (RA AIP).
Insurance customers in the program are randomly assigned to a carrier, and the coverage applies for three years. It’s a last resort for drivers who need the Rhode Island minimum coverage insurance requirements:
- $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability/$50,000 per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability per accident
Drivers can opt for more than the basic liability coverage with RA IP, but even the minimum comes at higher rates than most insurers. It’s best to apply after several rejections from other insurance companies. Insurance customers in the program are randomly assigned to a carrier, and the coverage applies for three years.
Ways high-risk drivers in Rhode Island can lower their insurance rates
A lower car insurance premium is possible, even if you’re a high-risk driver in Rhode Island. The number one thing to remember is to drive safely and carefully at all times.
Maintaining a clean driving record is an easy way to earn lower insurance rates. Although you can’t get a rate decrease overnight, it’s a good path toward better rates.
- Insurance discounts: You may save with valuable discounts from bundling home and auto policies, being a good student, or adding certain features to your car.
- Switching providers: Carriers vary by the cost of car insurance in Rhode Island. You may look for car insurance rate quotes and see how much you can save.
- Lower your coverage amount: If you want lower car insurance rates, consider changing your policy’s amount of coverage, possibly from comprehensive coverage to the basic minimum state liability insurance.
- Raise your deductible: Your deductible helps set the price of your insurance. You can raise your deductible to reduce your overall premium.
- Pay your bills on time: If low credit scores are a reason for your high-risk car insurance, start improving your credit. Even a few months of on-time payments can improve your score, and you can ask your insurance carrier to consider lowering your rate.
FAQs
What is the minimum car insurance coverage I need in RI?
You need at least 25/50/25 car liability car insurance in Rhode Island; this amounts to $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident plus $25,000 in property damage liability.
How long will I be a high-risk driver in Rhode Island?
You can be a high-risk driver in the state of Rhode Island for a year or more since insurance carriers look at a driving record every six to twelve months.
If you’re high-risk as a teen driver, your risk lowers gradually as you age, provided you keep a clean driving record. However, DUIs and other reasons for a high-risk classification may affect your annual premium rate for three to five years.
Who sells the cheapest high-risk insurance for speeding in RI?
High-risk drivers with speeding tickets will get the cheapest rates from Traveler’s. It features average rates of $132 a month for full coverage, though your rate will vary based on age, driving history, vehicle, location, and the coverage amount.
What does high-risk insurance cover in Rhode Island?
Car insurance in Rhode Island for high-risk drivers covers the same things that other auto insurance policies do. It’s not a specific special policy but instead a designation for higher-priced car insurance. If you opt for car insurance as a high-risk driver in the state, you must get at least the state’s minimum liability coverage.
How to find high-risk car insurance in Rhode Island
Car insurance is expensive for drivers in the state, but it’s necessary. Rhode Islanders already pay higher auto insurance rates than many other states, and a high-risk driver can have some of the highest in the state.
When you want to lower your car insurance rates, look into discounts, change how you drive, and switch car insurance providers. We can help you find your new lower carrier today with our premium rate comparison tool. Get better rates and compare car insurance quotes now.
