Car Insurance in Rhode Island
- Travelers offers the cheapest liability and full coverage in RI
- Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in RI from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+other top companies)
Car insurance quotes in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the average cost of auto insurance is $1,321 for six months. This is more expensive than the national average rate by 21%.[1] What you pay may be higher or lower than this rate because the factors that go in your quote are highly individual, like your age, location, driving record and more.
The high average costs caused 41% of our Rhode Island customers to compare quotes to lower costs.[2]Â 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.
- As a highly-rated regional carrier, Amica scored a 709 on J.D. Power's 2024 auto study.[3] For those eligible, USAA is also top-rated by J.D. Power for Customer Service.
- Read about the rest of the top and best companies in RI ↓
- Travelers offered the cheapest full insurance coverage in RI at $127/mo.
- See the other cheapest full coverage insurance companies and best discounts in RI ↓
- Travelers offered the cheapest liability insurance coverage in RI at $52/mo.
- See the other cheapest liability coverage insurance companies in RI ↓
- The Zebra used 3rd party reviews from J.D. Power and AM Best as well as thousands of customer ratings in Rhode Island to name Travelers as the best overall company for RI drivers.
- Read about the rest of the top and best companies in RI ↓
What are the best car insurance companies in Rhode Island?
We ranked Travelers as the top car insurance provider in Rhode Island after evaluating consumer reviews, third-party ratings (like J.D. Power, Trustpilot, and AM Best), and key factors such as discounts and coverage options. Check out the pros and cons of Travelers and explore quotes from other top-rated insurers in Rhode Island below.
Travelers stands out as the best overall option for drivers in Rhode Island, thanks to its affordability, comprehensive coverage, and stellar reputation. The company consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction, placing among J.D. Power’s top 10 for New England and securing the third spot in The Zebra’s Customer Satisfaction Survey.[4]
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Affordable premiums for most drivers
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Positive customer service reputation
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A wide array of coverage options and discounts
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Higher than average complaints made to the NAIC regarding car insurance
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A costly choice for teen drivers
Best car insurance companies in Rhode Island — honorable mentions
Travelers may have clinched the top spot, but several other companies in Rhode Island came close: notably, Amica, State Farm and USAA. Amica is known for its unbeatable customer service, while State Farm and USAA gave Travelers stiff competition on affordability. J.D. Power and The Zebra's customer satisfaction survey helped inform our choices.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $822 | $137 |
| USAA | $834 | $139 |
| Amica Mutual | $1,002 | $167 |
Source: The Zebra
How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in Rhode Island?
The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:
- The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
- J.D. Power's 2024 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
- Each company's average cost of car insurance in Rhode Island
- Available coverage options
- The author's 5+ years of insurance industry experience
Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.
For more information, see our editorial standards page.
Find the best coverage and price in Rhode Island with The Zebra.
Cheap full coverage in Rhode Island
Full coverage car insurance in Rhode Island averages around $1,321, which is about 21% more expensive than the national rate. Despite the higher price tag, 58% of our Rhode Island users looked to The Zebra to find cheap full coverage options.
By "full coverage," we mean a policy that combines both comprehensive and collision coverage. It may be pricier, but it offers maximum protection for both your car and finances if an accident happens. For affordable full coverage in Rhode Island, Travelers is offering competitive quotes.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $762 | $127 |
| State Farm | $822 | $137 |
| USAA | $834 | $139 |
| Amica Mutual | $1,002 | $167 |
| Nationwide | $1,321 | $220 |
| GEICO | $1,509 | $252 |
| Progressive | $1,611 | $268 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
- Payment options: Explore discounts for advance payments, set up electronic billing, or choose to pay in full.
- Driver discounts: Save by bundling multiple policies, insuring more than one vehicle, maintaining a clean driving record, being a good student, or qualifying as a homeowner or military member.
- Vehicle discounts: Benefit from savings on new vehicles, as well as for exploring features like telematics systems or anti-theft devices.
Cheap liability insurance in Rhode Island
Opting for state minimum coverage is the cheapest insurance option, but it leaves you at risk if you get into an accident. In Rhode Island, minimum coverage costs $534 for a six-month policy. This is 60% less than a full coverage policy in this state. 42% of Rhode Islanders that used The Zebra opted for liability-only coverage.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $310 | $52 |
| USAA | $320 | $53 |
| State Farm | $321 | $53 |
| Amica Mutual | $373 | $62 |
| GEICO | $516 | $86 |
| Progressive | $600 | $100 |
| Nationwide | $702 | $117 |
Source: The Zebra
Rhode Island requires that drivers carry the minimum coverage amounts of 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 of property damage coverage. Including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also standard, but this can be waived if submitted in writing.Â
These limits are average when compared to most states, but it is often not enough to fully cover you in the event of an accident — limits can be reached quite quickly with even moderate injuries, especially if you injure multiple people. We recommend opting for full coverage if possible or raising liability limits to 50/100/50. Rates will be higher, but these options offer more protection in the long run.
Renata Balasco, licensed insurance writer at The Zebra
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.
Cost comparison: liability only vs full coverage in Rhode Island
Simply put, better coverage will be much more expensive than a liability-only policy. A full coverage insurance policy with a $500 deductible costs $1,208 in Rhode Island — 126% more than liability-only insurance.Â
Updating data...
| Company | Liability coverage | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $310 | $762 |
| USAA | $320 | $834 |
| State Farm | $321 | $822 |
| Amica Mutual | $373 | $1,002 |
| GEICO | $516 | $1,509 |
| Progressive | $600 | $1,611 |
| Nationwide | $702 | $1,321 |
Source: The Zebra
Rhode Island auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket
It's no secret that citations and at-fault accidents cause increases in the cost of car insurance. To an insurer, a checkered driving record is a risk indicator. In Rhode Island, a recent at-fault accident can raise your rate by $137 annually. Check out the table below for average rates with an accident from top companies.Â
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $762 | $127 |
| State Farm | $822 | $137 |
| USAA | $834 | $139 |
| Amica Mutual | $1,002 | $167 |
| Nationwide | $1,321 | $220 |
| GEICO | $1,636 | $273 |
| Progressive | $1,887 | $315 |
Source: The Zebra
Zebra Tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction
While we all hope never to use our insurance, having a smooth experience when needed is essential. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, we measured the satisfaction of those who filed claims. Amica and USAA stood out, making each a strong contender for residents of Rhode Island.[4, 5]
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 various citations.
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra's guide to Rhode Island car insurance laws for high-risk drivers
Violations like reckless driving or a DUI can cause significant problems for drivers seeking insurance. The state has addressed this with the Rhode Island Auto Insurance Plan, their state-assigned risk plan for drivers unable to gain car insurance due to poor driving history or other risk factors.[6]
Learn more about car insurance requirements in Rhode Island with our helpful guide. Or, see our brief explanations of how DUIs and SR-22s affect your insurance below.
Rhode Island DUI laws
If you're convicted of a DUI in Rhode Island, we found that this can increase your premium by 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 68% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Rhode Island is Travelers, while the most expensive is Amica, with prices 22% above average.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $822 | $137 |
| Travelers | $1,299 | $217 |
| USAA | $1,531 | $255 |
| Progressive | $1,867 | $311 |
| Nationwide | $2,718 | $453 |
| GEICO | $3,128 | $521 |
| Amica Mutual | $3,904 | $651 |
Source: The Zebra
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.
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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.
Â
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.
Â
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.
Find an affordable policy in Rhode Island in minutes!
Car insurance price trends in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $155 in the past year. This is a smaller spike than we've seen in previous years, but a spike nonetheless.Â
Year-over-year pricing trends in Rhode Island tend to be more volatile than 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, and averages have consistently outranked the national average.Â
It's natural to wonder why insurance rates in such a small state are so high. The answer comes down to population density. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Rhode Island ranks as the country's third most densely populated state.[7] With this data, we can reasonably conclude that many vehicles moving through a small area lead to more accidents, more claims, and, ultimately, higher insurance rates.
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — Rhode Island | Yearly Change — Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,390 | $155 |
| 2023 | $2,235 | -$94 |
| 2022 | $2,329 | $224 |
| 2021 | $2,106 | $233 |
| 2020 | $1,873 | -$220 |
| 2019 | $2,093 | -$127 |
| 2018 | $2,220 | $213 |
| 2017 | $2,007 | $22 |
| 2016 | $1,985 | $356 |
| 2015 | $1,629 | $92 |
Car insurance in popular Rhode Island cities
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, one important one being the location of the vehicle. The most affordable car insurance in Rhode Island is found in Middletown, and the most expensive is in Providence.
Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Rhode Island's biggest cities.
Updating data...
| City | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Providence | $1,764 | $294 |
| Cranston | $1,634 | $272 |
| Pawtucket | $1,537 | $256 |
| East Providence | $1,433 | $239 |
| Warwick | $1,334 | $222 |
Source: The Zebra
Overpaying for car insurance? Compare quotes to discover how much you can save.
Cheap auto insurance for teens and 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, no matter which insurance company you choose. This is due to younger drivers' relative inexperience on the road compared to older drivers. In Rhode Island, teens pay $9,131 per year, which is more than $2,600 over the national average and over three times as much as a 30-year-old Rhode Island driver.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,606 | $434 |
| USAA | $2,657 | $443 |
| GEICO | $3,722 | $620 |
| Amica Mutual | $4,392 | $732 |
| Nationwide | $4,736 | $789 |
| Progressive | $7,348 | $1,225 |
| Travelers | $9,187 | $1,531 |
Source: The Zebra
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $3,096 | $516 |
| GEICO | $4,069 | $678 |
| USAA | $4,077 | $679 |
| Amica Mutual | $4,920 | $820 |
| Nationwide | $5,041 | $840 |
| Progressive | $9,451 | $1,575 |
| Travelers | $17,990 | $2,998 |
Source: The Zebra
- Enroll in an accredited defensive driving course to lower your accident risk and earn discounts
- Opt for a more affordable vehicle with solid safety ratings and low repair costs instead of a high-performance car.
- Remain on your parent’s insurance policy to save money and take advantage of their positive insurance record.
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.
Save money on your next car insurance policy!
Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra
2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power
2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra
2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. J.D. Power
Rhode Island Automobile Insurance Plan. AIPSO
Highest Density. United States Census Bureau
RECENT QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR INSURANCE IN RI
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.