The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Rhode Island in 2023

Rhode Island is the 10th-most-expensive state for car insurance, with average monthly premiums of $155. But many companies are far less expensive, with State Farm offering the cheapest rates, at an average of just $50 per month. Just keep in mind that the cheapest insurer on average might not be the cheapest for you, so compare quotes first.

State-minimum insurance is 25/50/25 liability coverage (more on that later), but you may need additional coverage to ensure you’re fully protected. Though uninsured motorist protection isn’t required, it may be a good idea since 16.5% of Rhode Island drivers are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

Key Takeaways:

• Average car insurance rates in Rhode Island are $155 per month.
• State Farm is the cheapest insurer, on average, followed by Amica and GEICO.
• Rhode Island drivers can find basic liability coverage for as little as $35 per month.

Rhode Island’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies

Although average rates are $155, many Rhode Island insurance companies offer cheaper premiums. The table below shows the five companies with the most affordable average rates in Rhode Island.

State Farm is the cheapest option overall, which will become the main theme of this article. Policyholders with State Farm save an average of $336 annually compared to the next-cheapest option, Amica. But rates at Quincy Mutual, GEICO, and Progressive are still cheap and worth looking into, even if they’re not the cheapest on average.

Compare.com’s Best Rhode Island Insurance Companies of 2023

There isn’t a universal “best” option for all Rhode Island drivers, but some companies stand out for coverage options, customer service, price, and other qualities. While the insurers below are well-suited for many, it’s important to evaluate multiple companies to see which aligns best with your personal requirements and preferences.

The top companies on our list were selected based on the following criteria:

• Average premiums
• Discounts
• Customer service ratings
• Customer reviews
• Coverage options

State Farm: Best for Rhode Islanders on a budget

Average monthly quote: $50 per month

Compare.com rating: 4.3 out of 5

Trustpilot rating: 2.9 out of 5

BBB rating: B-

Pros:

• High customer satisfaction scores
• Local agents available
• Many discount opportunities

Cons:

• Higher-than-average number of customer complaints
• Accident forgiveness only available after nine years
• No gap coverage available

With a strong financial standing and a wide network of agents, State Farm offers reliability and accessibility, especially to Rhode Island drivers seeking personalized service. You’ll find a solid set of coverage options with State Farm, even if policy perks like vanishing deductibles aren’t available.

Best of all, State Farm beats the competition on price in every category we looked at. So, if price is your number one priority, State Farm is a great place to start.

GEICO: Best for ease-of-use

Average monthly quote: $120 per month

Compare.com rating: 4.7 out of 5

Trustpilot rating: 1.9 out of 5

BBB rating: A+

Pros:

• High customer satisfaction scores
• 24/7 customer service
• Excellent app and website

Cons:

• Higher-than-average number of customer complaints
• No gap insurance or rideshare coverage available
• No local agents

GEICO stands out for competitive rates and user-friendly online experience, making it convenient for Rhode Island drivers to obtain coverage. GEICO keeps costs low through its direct-to-consumer model, which also means you won’t get the personalized service you might receive from an agent. But, with excellent technology, you can manage most needs yourself.

Though GEICO lacks some more niche coverage options, it offers free accident forgiveness for accident-free Rhode Island drivers. And you’ll find a solid list of discounts to lower your costs considerably.

Amica: Best for personalized service

Average monthly quote: $78 per month

Compare.com rating: Not rated

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

BBB rating: A+

Pros:

• High customer satisfaction scores
• Lower-than-average number of customer complaints
• Policyholders can earn dividends

Cons:

• Local offices only in Lincoln, Rhode Island
• Several complaints about unexpected policy surcharges
• No telematics program available

Amica was founded and is headquartered in Rhode Island, making it a hometown favorite. And for good reason: it’s highly rated by independent organizations and customers across top review websites.

Some customers complain about hidden fees and unexplained rate increases. Still, the company offers great coverage options, including a Platinum Choice premium coverage package with auto glass, credit monitoring, and new car replacement.

The Average Cost of Rhode Island Car Insurance

Let’s see how Rhode Island compares to neighboring states and the national average.

The typical Rhode Islander pays 20% more than the national average and 23% more than the average driver in nearby Massachusetts. Though rates are among the highest in the country, they’re still 3% less than Connecticut’s and nearly half the cost of premiums in New York.

But state averages don’t tell a precise picture of what you can expect to pay. In the following sections, we’ll examine how different factors affect rates in Rhode Island.

Cheapest State-Minimum Car Insurance in Rhode Island: State Farm

State–minimum liability coverage is the cheapest coverage you can get to meet legal requirements. It covers others’ injuries and property damage when you’re at fault for an accident.

Let’s take a look at the companies offering the lowest average rates in Rhode Island for minimum-coverage car insurance.

State Farm is the cheapest option, on average, for state-minimum policies, at $35 per month. And it’s 31% more affordable than the next-cheapest option, Amica. Still, Amica is 37% cheaper than GEICO, which is third on the list.

Cheapest Full-Coverage Car Insurance in Rhode Island: State Farm

Full-coverage policies include liability insurance, plus collision and comprehensive coverage, which makes the policies more expensive than basic liability coverage. Still, full coverage is important to have for leased and financed vehicles or ones that cost more than $5,000.

In the table below, we’ve broken down the auto insurers with the most competitive rates for full–coverage policies in Rhode Island, according to Compare.com data.

State Farm’s $65 monthly rates are 38% cheaper than rates from the second-cheapest insurer, Amica, and almost 60% cheaper than the third-least-expensive, Quincy Mutual. State Farm is the largest insurer in the nation, which is likely what allows the company to offer such rock-bottom rates.

Compare Rhode Island Auto Insurance Rates by Age

Age significantly affects car insurance rates, and young drivers typically pay higher premiums due to their higher risk of at-fault claims. But as you age, rates decrease, so long as you keep a clean driving record. Around age 70, rates begin to increase again — as does the risk of causing a car accident.

Let’s look at how your age affects rates in Rhode Island.

Cheapest car insurance for Rhode Island teens: State Farm

Teen drivers pay more because they have less experience on the road, increasing their risk of causing an accident. But fortunately, rates tend to drop significantly around age 25.

Either way, you’re not stuck paying sky-high premiums — some companies still offer great rates to teen drivers.

The following companies offer the most affordable average rates for 18-year-old drivers in Rhode Island.

Once again, State Farm is significantly cheaper than the rest of the companies on this list, with average rates starting at just $97 per month. Its monthly liability rates are nearly $100 cheaper than the second least expensive option, GEICO, and full-coverage policies are $277 cheaper than GEICO.

Cheapest car insurance for Rhode Island seniors: State Farm

Senior drivers earn some of the lowest rates available since they tend to drive less than other age groups and have more experience on the road.

We’ve broken down the five most affordable insurers for 65-year-old drivers in Rhode Island in the table below.

State Farm again takes the cheapest spot on the list, with the remaining competitors coming in at least 30% more expensive for both liability and full-coverage policies. Interestingly, full coverage is about double the cost of liability policies from each insurer.

Compare Rhode Island Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Your driving record is a crucial factor in determining insurance premiums since insurers use it to assess your overall risk. A clean record signals responsibility and safety, leading to lower premiums, but a history of incidents usually results in higher insurance costs due to perceived higher risk.

Let’s take a closer look at how insurers treat different driving records in Rhode Island.

Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in Rhode Island: State Farm

Drivers without tickets or at-fault accidents typically earn the cheapest car insurance rates overall. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the cheapest auto insurance companies for good drivers in Rhode Island.

State Farm has the cheapest rates yet again, at just $35 per month for liability insurance and $65 for full coverage. While the second-cheapest, Amica, isn’t too far behind State Farm for liability costs, its full-coverage policies are 60% more expensive. GEICO, Quincy Mutual, and Progressive also offer affordable liability rates, even if they’re not beating the competition.

Now let’s take a look at how getting a ticket affects rates.

Cheapest car insurance in Rhode Island after a ticket: State Farm

If you get a speeding ticket, you can expect a 37% rate increase, according to Compare.com data. But some companies still offer great prices.

Here are the five cheapest insurers for Rhode Island drivers with one speeding ticket.

Rates are cheapest with State Farm, where costs are identical to those for good drivers and less than half the cost of the next-cheapest insurer, Amica. That means the average driver saves about $708 per year on liability and $1,584 per year on full-coverage premiums.

While speeding tickets increase rates, they usually don’t increase them as much as an at-fault accident.

Cheapest car insurance in Rhode Island after an accident: State Farm

Rates after an at-fault accident increase by 44% nationwide, based on Compare.com data. Still, drivers can find ways to save.

The table below shows the most affordable companies for Rhode Island drivers with one at-fault accident.

The cheapest rates are a little closer together in this category, but State Farm is the cheapest once again, offering the best deal for both liability and full-coverage policies. Its liability rates are 36% less than the second cheapest, Amica, while full coverage is 43% cheaper.

Finally, let’s look at another factor that quickly raises rates — driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Cheapest car insurance in Rhode Island with a DWI: State Farm

DWIs increase rates by 94%, according to Compare.com research, but some insurers are more lenient than others. These companies offer the cheapest average rates for Rhode Island drivers with a DWI.

State Farm is still the cheapest, with no difference between rates with a DWI and a clean record — and its rates are less than half the cost of the next-cheapest insurer. Amica’s rates are modestly increased from good drivers, while the rest show much larger increases.

Drivers with a first-time DWI conviction face the following penalties in Rhode Island:

• $100 to $300 fine
• 10 to 60 hours of community service
• Up to one-year imprisonment
• Attendance of a DWI course
• 30- to 180-day license suspension
• Potential requirement of an ignition interlock device

And if you have more than a 0.1 BAC or multiple convictions, the penalties become even more severe.

5 Ways to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Rhode Island

Auto insurance rates may be on the rise, but you still have several ways to save money on car insurance. Here are some of our favorites.

• Bundle your policies: Bundling car insurance with another insurance policy typically earns big discounts. Bundle your pet, umbrella, renters, home insurance, and more.
• Stack available discounts: Beyond bundling, most insurers offer many discount opportunities. Combine your discounts to save even more money on your premium.
• Increase your deductibles: A higher deductible lowers your premiums since it typically deters you from filing a claim for minor damage. Just be sure you can afford the higher deductible in the event of a claim.
• Maintain a good driving record: A clean record comes with low rates and often a safe driving discount. Even if you have tickets or accidents on your record, keeping a clean record going forward ensures your rates decrease quickly.
• Compare quotes: Getting quotes from multiple companies ensures you’re getting your best rate. Doing so every six months means you’ll never miss a chance to save.

Rhode Island Auto Insurance Requirements

The Rhode Island Department of State requires all drivers to purchase the following car insurance coverage:

• $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $25,000 of property damage liability coverage

Though not required, the state highly encourages drivers to also purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist protection. Coverage limits must equal or exceed minimum liability limits if you have it. But if you decline this coverage, you must submit a rejection in writing (your insurer will often help you do so).

Penalties for driving without auto insurance in Rhode Island

Driving without insurance comes with the following penalties in Rhode Island:

• $500 fine
• Driver’s license suspension
• Registration and license plate suspension
• $250 vehicle reinstatement fee
• $150 license reinstatement fee

You could also face a $1,000 fine for a second offense, and a third (or higher) offense comes with possible imprisonment of up to one year.

Further, the DMV may randomly send you an insurance verification form, and you must return the form with proof of insurance (or why you’re not currently insured) or face additional consequences.

Rhode Island Auto Insurance FAQs

Car insurance rules and costs can change rapidly, which leaves many with unanswered questions. Below are answers to the most common questions asked by Rhode Island drivers.

Who has the best car insurance rates in Rhode Island?

No single insurance company offers the best rates to every driver. Rates in Rhode Island vary based on personal factors, such as driving history, age, location, and more. The only way to know which company will offer the best rate to you is by comparing quotes from multiple insurers.

How much does car insurance cost in Rhode Island?

The average auto insurance policy costs $155 per month in Rhode Island. Some drivers pay much less, while others pay substantially more depending on their vehicle, driving record, location, and insurer.

What is the minimum auto insurance in Rhode Island?

All Rhode Island drivers must meet minimum requirements of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability and $25,000 of property damage coverage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection is optional but may be declined. If you purchase it, you must have limits equal to your liability coverage.

Does Rhode Island require SR-22 insurance?

Though the state used to require SR-22 insurance in some instances, Rhode Island has since suspended the practice. However, in some cases, drivers may be asked to present proof of insurance to the DMV to get their license reinstated.

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes 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 quotes listed in this article have been gathered 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 drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Sources

1. J.D. Power, “2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” Accessed November 13, 2023.
2. NAIC, “State Farm Gen Ins Co National Complaint Index Report,” November 14, 2023.
3. NAIC, “Geico Gen Ins Co National Complaint Index Report,” November 14, 2023.
4. NAIC, “Amica Mut Ins Co National Complaint Index Report,” November 14, 2023.
5. Insurance Information Institute, “Facts + Statistics: Teen drivers,” Accessed November 14, 2023.
6. Rhode Island Department of State, “Automobile Insurance Rating,” Accessed November 14, 2023.
7. Rhode Island Department of State, “Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance (230-RICR-20-05-1),” Accessed November 14, 2023.
8. Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, “GU-1338 Rhode Island Special Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate,” Accessed November 14, 2023.
9. Rhode Island Legislature, “Title 31: Motor and Other Vehicles, Chapter 27: Motor Vehicle Offenses,” Accessed November 14, 2023.
10. Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles, “Title 280 – Chapter 30 – Subchapter 10—PART 2 – Rules and Regulations Relative to Compulsory Insurance or Financial Responsibility,” Accessed November 14, 2023.
11. Insurance Information Institute, “Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists,” Accessed November 14, 2023.