Car Insurance in Rhode Island

Here's what you need to know when driving in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, the average cost of auto insurance is $2,106 per year. Compared to the national average rate, it's more expensive by 38%.

What you pay may be higher or lower than this rate because the factors that go in your quote are highly individual. Information like your age, location, driving record and more are taken into account to evaluate how much risk you pose to an insurance company.

In our guide to Rhode Island car insurance, we analyzed average car insurance rates to give you a reference point while shopping so you know what a fair rate looks like. Continue reading to find out how much auto insurance costs in Rhode Island, or if you're ready to see how much you can save by shopping around, submit your ZIP code above to get personalized quotes from top insurance companies.

The best car insurance companies in Rhode Island

Here are the top three car insurance companies in Rhode Island, according to third-party ratings from J.D. Power.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

Rhode Island auto insurance laws

Car insurance is required in almost every state, including Rhode Island. To be considered road-legal, every driver in Rhode Island must have at least a certain level of coverage, along with and proof of this coverage.

Compared to full coverage, opting for the legal minimum coverage level is much more affordable, but can leave you at risk as it doesn't provide any coverage for your own vehicle. In Rhode Island, expect to pay $838 every year for the state minimum level of coverage. This rate is less expensive than the nationwide average by 45%.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Rhode Island, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

• Bodily injury: $25,000 per person
• Bodily injury: $50,000 per accident
• Property damage: $25,000 per accident

If you want more protection, you can get a policy that includes comprehensive and collision. These coverages — combined with liability insurance — comprise a full coverage policy. This will protect you against the financial ramifications of car accidents, theft, vandalism or weather incidents.

Better coverage, however, can be much more expensive than a liability-only policy. A full coverage insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,893 in Rhode Island — 126% more than liability-only insurance. If you choose a full coverage policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 162% more than you would for basic coverage.

Rhode Island car insurance premiums by rating factor

Rating factors such as your coverage level, age and driving history make a huge impact on what you're quoted for auto insurance, and every insurer calculates rates differently depending on these factors. Things like at-fault accidents, citations and bad credit can majorly affect your car insurance premium.

Consult average rates by rating factor below to get a better understanding of how much you can expect to pay in Rhode Island.

Cheap auto insurance in Rhode Island for minimum coverage

Choosing liability-only coverage at the state minimum level is much cheaper than getting full coverage. However, it can leave you at risk if you get into an accident. In Rhode Island, the average cost for minimum coverage is $70 per month, or $838 yearly — a savings of $1,359 compared to full coverage.

Cheap auto insurance in Rhode Island with bad credit

Outside of a handful of states that have banned the practice, your credit score influences your rate. The worse your credit, the higher your premium will be. This is because there is a correlation between drivers with poor credit and a propensity for filing claims. In Rhode Island, those with bad credit pay an additional $1,677 yearly compared to drivers with excellent credit.

Consult sample rates from different insurance companies below and use this information as a jumping-off point in your search for affordable insurance with bad credit.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Rhode Island

Teens and drivers in their 20s pay the highest rates for car insurance compared to older age groups — nationally, teen drivers pay more than three times what drivers in their 30s pay. This is due to younger drivers' relative inexperience on the road compared to older drivers. In Rhode Island, teens pay $8,783 per year, which is more than $7,000 over the national average and over four times as much as a 30-year-old Rhode Island driver.

Rhode Island auto insurance rate by violation

Receiving a ticket or violation will make your rate higher because it makes you a riskier client to insure. Because every insurer's pricing standards are different, it's difficult to say exactly how much you can expect your rate to increase. Using data, however, we can provide general estimates.

See below for average auto insurance rates in Rhode Island after a variety of citations.

Rhode Island DUI laws

If you're convicted of a DUI in Rhode Island, we found that this can increase your premium by 87% or over $2,000 a year. It can be a challenge to find affordable car insurance with a recent DUI on your record because it often triggers a larger uptick in your rate than many other citations.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Rhode Island

It’s integral to assess each of your insurance choices carefully if you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Rhode Island. Car insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurance company. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Rhode Island, State Farm, advertises annual rates 76% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Rhode Island is USAA, while the most expensive is Amica, with prices 60% above average.

It is unlikely that you'll find a cheap car insurance quote in the aftermath of a DUI that's as low as a rate you'd get without a DUI on your record. The recommended way to save after a DUI citation is to shop around with as many companies as possible.

Rhode Island SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Rhode Island to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Rhode Island might require some research, but it shouldn't be too difficult.

How to acquire an SR-22 in Rhode Island

For currently insured drivers

If you already have an active auto insurance policy, requesting an SR-22 is fairly straightforward. Contact your insurance company and request that the company file an SR-22 certificate request on your behalf. If your current insurance company won't request a certificate, you should look for a new auto insurance company.

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and provide coverage to your higher-risk profile. Needing an SR-22 certification might disqualify you from getting coverage from some companies, while others will sell you a policy.

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If you don't own a vehicle, you should apply for a non-owners car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. Non-owners auto coverage is typically cheaper than traditional coverage since it doesn't cover physical damage to your vehicle.

Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, and an important one is the location of the vehicle. The cheapest car insurance in Rhode Island is found in Middletown and the most expensive in Providence.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Rhode Island's biggest cities.

Car insurance price trends in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $233 in the past year. A typical Rhode Island driver pays an average of $2,106 per year.

Year over year pricing trends in Rhode Island tend to be more volatile compared to rates across the United States. The steepest decrease occurred in 2020, while the highest surge took place in 2016. Premiums in Rhode Island have continued to vary dramatically in recent years — usually increasing and decreasing by more than $200.

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

Rhode Island car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Rhode Island auto insurance.