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.
USAA received a score of 887 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and also won top marks in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Amica Mutual is based in Rhode Island and was the runner-up, scoring 867 in J.D. Power's study.
Coming in third place with a score of 855 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power's 2021 customer satisfaction survey, State Farm is one of the most popular insurers in the nation.
- Rhode Islanders pay about 38% more for car insurance on average
- The cheapest major car insurance company in Rhode Island is State Farm
The cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island
These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.
State Farm is the cheapest option for full coverage, costing about $88 per month on average.
If you have a recent DUI or at-fault accident, State Farm is the most affordable company in Rhode Island.
For drivers with poor credit, USAA is the cheapest insurance company.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,053 |
| USAA | $1,202 |
| Amica Mutual | $1,793 |
| Nationwide | $2,161 |
| GEICO | $2,412 |
| Progressive | $3,281 |
| Allstate | $3,947 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
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%.
In Rhode Island, expect to pay $838 every year for the state minimum level of coverage.
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
Optional coverage in Rhode Island (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Gap coverage
- Medical payments
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car reimbursement
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
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.
A full coverage insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,893 in Rhode Island — 126% more than liability-only insurance.
The Zebra's guide to Rhode Island car insurance laws
Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Rhode Island with our helpful guide.
Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Rhode Island.
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.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $371 |
| USAA | $565 |
| Amica Mutual | $679 |
| GEICO | $894 |
| Nationwide | $1,126 |
| Progressive | $1,198 |
| Allstate | $1,283 |
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.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $2,089 |
| State Farm | $2,166 |
| Nationwide | $3,069 |
| Amica Mutual | $3,207 |
| GEICO | $3,369 |
| Allstate | $5,463 |
| Progressive | $5,563 |
Cheap auto insurance in Rhode Island with an at-fault accident
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 $192 annually.
Safe driver discounts
In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,053 |
| USAA | $1,202 |
| Amica Mutual | $1,793 |
| Nationwide | $2,161 |
| GEICO | $2,587 |
| Progressive | $3,857 |
| Allstate | $3,947 |
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.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $3,303 |
| USAA | $3,998 |
| GEICO | $6,385 |
| Nationwide | $7,875 |
| Amica Mutual | $8,718 |
| Allstate | $8,724 |
| Progressive | $14,737 |
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.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,053 |
| USAA | $2,197 |
| Progressive | $3,861 |
| Nationwide | $4,160 |
| GEICO | $4,581 |
| Allstate | $4,853 |
| Amica Mutual | $6,975 |
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.
Compare and buy car insurance online or reach out to an insurance agent to assess your choices and find a cost-effective policy.
Learn more about car insurance and DUI infractions.
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.
Learn more about SR-22 certificate requirements and how they impact insurance premiums.
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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.
| City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Warwick | $2,359 |
| East Providence | $2,526 |
| Pawtucket | $2,709 |
| Cranston | $2,892 |
| Providence | $3,108 |
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.
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — Rhode Island | Yearly Change — Rhode Island | Avg. Annual Premium — US | Yearly Change — US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $2,106 | $233 | $1,529 | $46 |
| 2020 | $1,873 | -$220 | $1,483 | -$61 |
| 2019 | $2,093 | -$127 | $1,544 | $23 |
| 2018 | $2,220 | $213 | $1,521 | $84 |
| 2017 | $2,007 | $22 | $1,437 | $69 |
| 2016 | $1,985 | $356 | $1,368 | $88 |
| 2015 | $1,629 | $92 | $1,280 | $51 |
| 2014 | $1,537 | $95 | $1,229 | $34 |
| 2013 | $1,442 | -$96 | $1,195 | -$80 |
| 2012 | $1,538 | $170 | $1,276 | $82 |
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!
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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.
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The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
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The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
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The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
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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.