Best Car Insurance In Rhode Island (original) (raw)
Written by:
, Writer
04/03/2024 01:07 PM
Key Points:
- Travelers is the best choice for car insurance coverage for most Rhode Island drivers, followed closely by USAA and Amica.
- Drivers in Rhode Island pay an average of $2,469 per year for full coverage, well above the national average for similar policies.
- Rhode Island drivers are required to carry a minimum of 25/50/25 liability car insurance.
Although Rhode Island is the smallest state in the nation, it’s still home to thousands of miles of roadway and over 750,000 licensed drivers. To remain safe and covered, it’s crucial you shop for the best Rhode Island car insurance. You need to meet the minimum coverage that Rhode Island state law requires so you can be prepared for any rough roads or car accidents that could occur.
We have researched the best car insurance companies in the nation to give you recommendations based on average cost, customer service, coverage options, service area, and more.
Check out our helpful guide to purchasing cheap car insurance in Rhode Island so you can make a more informed decision before getting out on the road. Just remember, in addition to the car insurance company you choose, factors such as your age, vehicle make and model, and driving history can affect your auto insurance rates, so what’s best for your neighbor might not be best for you.
What Is The Best Car Insurance Company In Rhode Island?
We reviewed dozens of insurance companies across the country and rated each based on factors like cost, coverage options, policy availability, and customer feedback. Based on our research and the quotes we requested for drivers with different profiles, Travelers is the top choice for drivers in Rhode Island. However, military members can get better car insurance rates from USAA, while drivers with a recent accident might try Progressive.
| Rhode Island Auto Insurance Provider | Overall Rating (Out of 5.0) | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Travelers | 4.6 | Best Coverage Options |
| 2. USAA | 4.5 | Best For Military Members |
| 3. Amica | 4.4 | Most Affordable Full Coverage |
| 4. Progressive | 4.5 | Great For High Risk Drivers |
| 5. Geico | 4.5 | Cheap Coverage For Most Drivers |
*You may notice that some car insurance companies are listed above those with higher star ratings. This is because our star ratings take into account nationwide factors, while our ranking looks specifically at what insurance providers are best for car insurance in Rhode Island .
5 Best Rhode Island Car Insurance Companies
Below, you’ll find an overview of the best car insurance providers for drivers in Rhode Island to work with. Note that the cost information you see below reflects quotes for a male, 30-year-old driver with good credit and a clean driving record.
#1 Travelers: Best Coverage Options
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: 2,276peryear,2,276 per year, 2,276peryear,190 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: 900peryear,900 per year, 900peryear,75 per month
Rhode Island Customer Service Rating: 782/1,000 points
Claims Satisfaction Rating: 871/1,000 points
After extensive research into costs, auto insurance policies, discounts, and claims reviews across the insurance industry, we rated Travelers as the provider with the best coverage options. It’s also the best choice for drivers in Rhode Island, with affordable minimum and full coverage rates backed by a strong industry reputation. In addition, Travelers offers the lowest rates for non-military-affiliated drivers in the state who have a recent speeding ticket.
To learn more about the car insurance provider, check out our Travelers insurance review.
Pros
- Wide selection of standard and add-on insurance coverage
- Great discounts for students and good drivers
- Strong industry reputation
- Usage-based insurance coverage
Cons
- Rates for some drivers may be lower from other providers
#2 USAA : Best For Military Members
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: 1,546peryear,1,546 per year, 1,546peryear,129 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: 615peryear,615 per year, 615peryear,51 per month
Rhode Island Customer Service Rating: 890/1,000 points*
Claims Satisfaction Rating: 900/1,000 points*
No matter how you look at it, USAA tends to be one of the cheapest car insurance providers around. There is one downside to USAA–its membership is selective. You only qualify for USAA if you’re an active duty or former member of the military or are the close family of someone who is. On top of standard types of car insurance, USAA has a few extra coverage options like roadside assistance and gap insurance–which not all providers offer.
To learn more about the car insurance provider, check out our review of USAA auto insurance.
Pros
- Affordable rates and numerous discounts
- Cheapest rates for military members
- Superior financial strength rating from AM Best
Cons
- Only available for military and their families
* USAA is excluded from rankings in J.D. Power studies because the provider doesn’t meet study eligibility requirements.
#3 Amica : Most Affordable Full Coverage
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: 2,259peryear,2,259 per year, 2,259peryear,188 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: 1,313peryear,1,313 per year, 1,313peryear,109 per month
Rhode Island Customer Service Rating: 833/1,000 points
Claims Satisfaction Rating: 909/1,000 points
Amica has over 100 years of experience as an insurance provider and still boasts a strong industry reputation, with an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Amica’s auto insurance lineup includes the standard minimum and comprehensive coverage options, in addition to GAP plans, optional auto glass coverage, and rental car reimbursement. For drivers in Rhode Island, Amica has the added benefit of being the most affordable provider of full coverage car insurance for most drivers.
Pros
- Great industry reputation
- Excellent add-on coverage options
- Affordable average premiums for Rhode Island drivers
Cons
- Mixed customer reviews
#4 Progressive : Great For High Risk Drivers
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: 2,389peryear,2,389 per year, 2,389peryear,199 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: 1,143peryear,1,143 per year, 1,143peryear,95 per month
Rhode Island Customer Service Rating: 802/1,000 points
Claims Satisfaction Rating: 870/1,000 points
Progressive considers Rhode Island one of its high-cost states. The average cost of car insurance from Progressive for R.I. tends to be higher than the averages of other states. However, for Rhode Island drivers, Progressive’s coverage consistently ranked in the top five most affordable policies. Insurance from Progressive offers a wide range of coverage options, with many add-ons available.
The company’s rates for drivers with a DUI or recent at-fault accident are lower than other providers in Rhode Island. And, because Progressive has homeowner’s insurance and other products, it’s easy to bundle multiple policies and save money.
To learn more about the car insurance provider, check out our complete review of Progressive auto insurance.
#5 Geico : Cheap Coverage For Most Drivers
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: 2,438peryear,2,438 per year, 2,438peryear,203 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: 1,237peryear,1,237 per year, 1,237peryear,103 per month
Rhode Island Customer Service Rating: 836/1,000 points
Claims Satisfaction Rating: 871/1,000 points
Geico is another great option for Rhode Island car insurance and ranks among the top five cheapest options for most drivers in the state. Geico provides basic and comprehensive coverage options, and an advanced online portal allows you to manage your account. Geico offers residents of the Ocean State discounts for being safe drivers and is also known for quoting lower premiums overall than other providers in the state, as well as offering several car insurance discounts.
To learn more about the car insurance provider, check out our review of Geico auto insurance.
Pros
- Superior financial strength rating
- Many choices for coverage
- High level of customer satisfaction
- Available in 50 states
Cons
- Average quotes experience
- Usage-based app not available in all states
Rhode Island Car Insurance Requirements
When you’re shopping for car insurance in Rhode Island, it’s important that you first take the time to understand your state’s requirements. The specific regulations and limits for car insurance will vary by state. Each state sets its own insurance requirements that drivers must follow.
In Rhode Island, drivers must carry liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Here are the state minimum coverage limits Rhode Island drivers must have:
- Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000
- Bodily injury per accident: $50,000
- Property damage liability: $25,000
If you’re caught driving in Rhode Island without proof of insurance, you could be subject to the following:
- First offense: Three-month maximum license suspension and up to $500 in fees
- Second offense: Six-month license suspension and $500 fine
- Third offense: One-year license suspension and up to $1,000 in fines
It’s also a good idea to add more than the minimum coverage in your insurance quote. Consider adding on comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, and medical payments to stay prepared on the road.
What To Know About Driving In Rhode Island
Here are some laws to keep in mind with Rhode Island auto insurance:
- Rhode Island has a ban on cell phone use for new drivers. This includes both handheld and hand-free devices.
- No texting is allowed for any drivers in the state.
- Drivers will be given a primary offense for driving without a seatbelt.
- Children under eight years old, under 57 inches tall, and/or under 80 pounds must sit in rear-facing child car seats.
When driving in Rhode Island, be vigilant of the road conditions. Some areas have rough spots that require slow driving to avoid damage to your car. Also, you may find slower-than-average speed limits in some spots around Rhode Island. Make sure you always know the speed limit to avoid getting a ticket.
Best Car Insurance In Rhode Island: Our Take
Drivers have a lot of options when it comes to Rhode Island auto insurance. You can choose the minimum 25,000/25,000/25,000/50,000/$25,000 liability insurance, or you can add on helpful medical coverage and gap insurance, depending on which insurer you choose to work with.
Top providers in this area include Travelers, USAA, Amica, Progressive, and Geico. Each has good customer service ratings and offers various auto insurance discounts. As always, compare car insurance quotes from different auto insurance companies before committing to a policy.
FAQ: Best Car Insurance In Rhode Island
If you have questions about which providers offer the best or most affordable car insurance policy in Rhode Island, you’ll find answers below:
How much is car insurance in Rhode Island?
Drivers in Rhode Island pay an average of $2,469 per year or $206 per month for full coverage car insurance. Minimum coverage averages out at $1,294 per year or $108 per month. Compare these rates against the national averages of $1,968 annually for full coverage and $798 per year for minimum coverage .
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Rhode Island?
USAA insurance tends to be among the cheapest auto insurance companies for most drivers, especially regarding full coverage in Rhode Island. However, this coverage isn’t available to all drivers. Amica offers affordable full coverage policies at $2,259 per year or $188 per month. For minimum coverage, most Rhode Island motorists can look to Travelers with average rates of $900 per year or $75 per month.
Is Rhode Island a no-fault auto insurance state?
No, Rhode Island is not a no-fault auto insurance state. That is why it’s important for you to carry good liability auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements.
Is The General insurance available in Rhode Island?
Yes, The General insurance is available in Rhode Island. The General offers reasonable car insurance premiums with coverage that’s helpful for drivers with a not-so-great driving record or a poor credit score. However, many drivers may find lower rates from other providers.
Does Rhode Island require car insurance?
Yes, Rhode Island requires car insurance. Drivers in Rhode Island must carry car insurance in order to avoid fines or losing their vehicle registration.
How We Rate Rhode Island Auto Insurers
Our review team extensively researches auto insurance providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:
- Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
- Availability: Insurance companies that offer wider availability to consumers in terms of state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
- Pricing: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
- Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer a smooth experience.
- Technology: Providers with an online quote tool, easy-to-use claims app and a usage-based insurance app score best in this category.
*Data accurate at time of publication.