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Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA, is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's been writing for Compare.com since 2023 and has also appeared on various business and finance sites, including LendingTree, Chime, Insurify, Forbes, and WSJ. She’s passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
Updated
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While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
In This Article
Car insurance in Rhode Island costs an average of $141 per month for liability insurance or $215 for full coverage. Rhode Island rates are slightly higher than the national average, partly due to higher traffic density and a higher-than-average number of uninsured drivers.[1]
But not all insurance companies charge top dollar for policies. Companies like USAA and State Farm tend to offer more affordable coverage.
In this guide, you’ll find the cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island for different types of drivers and practical tips to lower your costs.
Full-coverage car insurance averages around $215 per month in Rhode Island.
If you need only basic liability coverage, you can expect to pay around $141 per month.
Rhode Island requires all drivers to have minimum liability limits of 25/50/25 to get behind the wheel.[2]
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Rhode Island
Even though Rhode Island’s average car insurance rates are higher than the nationwide average, many residents still find affordable coverage by shopping around and comparing quotes. Several insurance companies offer policies well below the statewide average.
The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
USAA | $99 |
Safeco | $110 |
State Farm | $128 |
Direct Auto | $156 |
Progressive | $177 |
Liberty Mutual | $181 |
GEICO | $213 |
Nationwide | $227 |
Travelers | $240 |
Allstate | $311 |
In the next sections, we’ll break down the cheapest insurance companies in Rhode Island by factors such as driver age, driving history, and credit so you can find the best rate for your situation.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Rhode Island by Driver and Coverage Type
The companies listed above are a great starting point, but your actual car insurance rates will depend on your age, driving history, location, and coverage choices.
Below, we break down the cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island for a range of driver profiles and coverage types.
Rhode Island requires all drivers to have a minimum level of liability insurance, including bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. While a policy with the state-minimum limits meets legal requirements, most experts recommend higher limits to protect against costly accidents and lawsuits.[3]
The average monthly cost for state-minimum coverage in Rhode Island is $141, according to our data. We’ve listed the five most affordable options in the chart below.
Average Liability Rates by Company
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.For most drivers, full coverage is a smart choice. It offers broader protection than liability-only insurance, and lenders typically require it if you finance or lease your vehicle. Full coverage includes liability, collision (pays for car damage after an accident), and comprehensive coverage (pays for theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage).
In Rhode Island, the average cost for full coverage is $215 per month, according to our research. But several insurance companies offer full coverage for close to what you’d pay for liability coverage.
The chart below shows the five cheapest options for full-coverage car insurance in Rhode Island, according to Compare.com data.
Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Teen drivers pay some of the highest car insurance rates due to their lack of experience and higher likelihood of car accidents. In fact, the teen crash rate is nearly four times that of drivers 20 and older per mile driven, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
In Rhode Island, the average car insurance rate for teens is $384 per month. But it’s possible to find more affordable options.
Here are the five cheapest insurance companies for teens in Rhode Island, according to Compare.com data.
Average Rates for Teens
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Drivers in their 60s often enjoy some of the lowest car insurance rates thanks to their years of experience and lower risk of accidents.[4] Rhode Island seniors pay an average premium of $150 per month, according to our research.
Even with these lower-than-average rates, you may be able to save more. The chart below highlights the cheapest insurers in Rhode Island for seniors, according to Compare.com data.
Average Rates for Seniors
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.A speeding ticket or other moving violation can raise your insurance rates at renewal because insurance companies see it as a sign of increased risk. In fact, our research shows that just one speeding ticket boosts car insurance premiums by an average of 37% nationwide.
In Rhode Island, drivers with a recent ticket pay an average of $210 per month for car insurance, according to Compare.com data. But several companies offer more competitive rates.
Check out the five cheapest insurance companies in Rhode Island for drivers with a recent ticket, according to our data.
Average Rates With a Ticket
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.An at-fault accident can lead to a significant increase in your car insurance rates. Our data shows that causing an accident raises rates by an average of 41% nationwide.
Rhode Island drivers with a recent accident pay an average of $236 per month, according to Compare.com data. Fortunately, several insurance companies still offer relatively affordable rates.
The chart below shows the five cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island for drivers with a recent accident.
Average Rates With an Accident
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction leads to the steepest spike in car insurance premiums of any driving violation. On average, rates increase by 61% nationwide after a DUI, according to our research.
The average monthly premium for drivers with a DUI in Rhode Island is $287 per month. While rates are typically high after a DUI, you’re not necessarily stuck with them. We’ve listed the five most affordable insurance companies if you have a DUI in Rhode Island.
Average Rates With a DUI
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Some insurance companies consider your credit history when setting your rates. Companies view poor credit as an indicator of higher risk because research shows that the worse your credit is, the more likely you are to file a claim.[5] Our research shows that drivers with poor credit pay around 20% more for car insurance than drivers with excellent credit.
The average driver with poor credit in Rhode Island pays $223 per month for coverage, according to Compare.com data. But don’t panic — not all insurers weigh credit heavily, and some offer affordable rates regardless of your credit history.
Check out the five cheapest companies in Rhode Island for drivers with poor credit, according to our research.
Average Rates With Bad Credit
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our Picks for the Best Auto Insurance in Rhode Island
When it comes to auto coverage, there’s no one-size-fits-all insurance. The right fit for you depends on your driving history, budget, and coverage needs. To help you find the best company, we’ve identified a few top contenders based on a combination of average rates in Rhode Island, available discounts, customer ratings and reviews, and coverages offered in the state.
#1 GEICO
Compare.com Rating: 4.95 out of 5
Wide range of insurance products
Easy-to-use website and mobile app
High customer satisfaction ratings[6]
Doesn’t offer gap coverage
Limited access to local agents
Below-average claims satisfaction[7]
GEICO stands out as one of the best car insurance companies in Rhode Island, thanks to its competitive rates, strong digital tools, and high customer satisfaction rankings across the New England region. Although the insurer doesn’t offer certain coverages, like gap insurance, it remains a reliable and well-rounded choice for drivers who want convenience and affordability.
#2 Travelers
Compare.com Rating: 4.23 out of 5
Offers gap insurance and limited rideshare coverage
Safe driving and bundling discounts
A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best[8]
Below-average customer satisfaction ratings
Coverage may be expensive for some drivers
Accident forgiveness isn’t available in all states
Travelers earns a spot among the top car insurance companies in Rhode Island for its flexible coverage options and variety of discounts. Whether you need liability only or specialty coverage like new car replacement or roadside assistance, Travelers likely has a policy that fits your needs.
Though the company’s customer service is lacking, its coverage versatility makes it a solid option for drivers who want to customize their policies.
#3 USAA
Compare.com Rating: 4.81 out of 5
Generous safe driver discounts
Exceptional customer satisfaction ratings
Low average rates
Only available to those with a military connection
No local presence in Rhode Island
Few in-person support options
USAA combines affordability with excellent customer service, so it’s a top pick for drivers who qualify. Its safe driver discount of up to 30% is one of the most generous in the industry, and its rates are among the lowest in the state.
Although only military members, veterans, and their families qualify for membership, eligible drivers often find it to be the best value for both price and coverage.
Rhode Island Auto Insurance Requirements
Like nearly every state, Rhode Island requires all drivers to have car insurance before hitting the road. The state’s minimum requirements help ensure drivers can cover the cost of injuries or damages if they cause an accident.
Here’s what Rhode Island requires:
Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Drivers can also opt for a $75,000 combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage. Insurance companies operating in Rhode Island must offer uninsured motorists coverage with limits equal to your bodily injury liability limits. But you can reject the coverage in writing.[9]
While Rhode Island’s minimum coverage requirements make you legally compliant, they won’t offer enough financial protection if you get into a serious car crash. Consider that Rhode Island has a higher rate of uninsured motorists.
If a driver without auto coverage crashes into your vehicle, leaving you with an injury and vehicle damage, you could be stuck paying significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Most insurance agents recommend buying more than the minimum liability limits to protect your assets. Keep in mind that lenders often require you to have comprehensive coverage and collision if you have a car lease or loan.
Rhode Island Auto Insurance FAQs
If you’re still wondering about car insurance in Rhode Island, here are answers to some common questions drivers have.
How much is car insurance in Rhode Island?
The average cost of car insurance in Rhode Island is $178 per month, according to our data. Liability-only coverage averages $141 per month, and full coverage averages $215.
Is car insurance in Rhode Island expensive?
It depends. Your actual rate depends on personal factors like where you live, your age, and your driving record. For context, the average rate in Rhode Island is $178 per month, which is higher than the national average of $149, according to our data.
What are the car insurance laws in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island law requires all drivers to have at least 25/50/25 liability coverage. Although optional, the state recommends uninsured/underinsured motorist protection with limits equal to or above your liability limits. Driving without insurance in Rhode Island can result in a fine, driver’s license and registration suspension, and reinstatement fees.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Sources
- III. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists."
- Rhode Island Department of State. "Automobile Insurance Rating."
- III. "How much auto coverage do I need?."
- AARP. "What Will Raise (or Lower) Your Car Insurance Rates."
- American Property Casualty Insurance Association. "Behavioral Validation of Auto Insurance Rating Variables."
- Jdpower.com. "2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
- Jdpower.com. "2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study."
- Ambest.com. "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of The Travelers Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries."
- Rhode Island Department of State. "Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance (230-RICR-20-05-1)."
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Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
)
Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA, is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's been writing for Compare.com since 2023 and has also appeared on various business and finance sites, including LendingTree, Chime, Insurify, Forbes, and WSJ. She’s passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers.
)
)
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.