INSURANCE - CAR INSURANCE

Best Car Insurance in Rhode Island for 2024

Updated April 17, 2024
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USAA generally has the best car insurance in Rhode Island.

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Rhode Island offers residents multiple road trip options, including sandy beaches, stunning state parks, and coastal wineries. However, the cost of car insurance in the Ocean State is generally higher than in other states, which might make you reconsider heading out for an adventure.

Below, we found the best car insurance in Rhode Island to help you save as much as possible.

In this article

Key takeaways

  • The best car insurance in Rhode Island is USAA, which costs $984 per year for comprehensive coverage.
  • Drivers with a clean driving record pay an average of $168 a month in Rhode Island.
  • Providence drivers pay considerably more for car insurance, an annual average of $3,110.

Best car insurance companies in Rhode Island

USAA and State Farm generally have the best car insurance in Rhode Island, but USAA policies are not available to everyone. Progressive had the cheapest coverage available to everyone in Rhode Island. Allstate was the most expensive full coverage carrier, averaging $2,487 per year, and tied with GEICO for the most expensive minimum coverage.

Provider J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating Estimated annual full coverage Estimated annual minimum liability coverage
USAA 896/1,000 $984/year $447/year
GEICO 836/1,000 $2,129/year $1,191/year
Amica 833/1,000 $2,328/year $1,056/year
State Farm 829/1,000 $945/year $430/year
Allstate 816/1,000 $2,487/year $1,191/year
Progressive 802/1,000 $1,805/year $1,159/year

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USAA: Highest customer satisfaction

USAA earned the highest customer satisfaction rating in Rhode Island, averaging $984 per year for full coverage and $447 for minimum insurance. While USAA is a good option, only current and former military members and their immediate families qualify for USAA policies. If you are eligible, it offers standard policies and has optional coverages like roadside assistance.

Pros
  • USAA has some of the lowest pricing in Rhode Island if you qualify
  • It offers multiple discounts, including up to 10% off for bundling multiple policies together
Cons
  • Only military members and their families qualify for USAA policies
  • USAA does not have some specialty policies, like gap insurance

Get a quote now | USAA review

GEICO: Best for drivers with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit may pay more for car insurance than those with higher credit scores. Although GEICO is a more expensive option in Rhode Island, averaging $2,129 per year for full coverage and tied with Allstate for the most expensive minimum coverage at $1,191, it may offer better rates to drivers with bad credit than some of its competitors.

Pros
  • GEICO has multiple policy options, including rental reimbursement
  • It earned the second-highest customer satisfaction score
Cons
  • You can likely find lower-cost coverage with a competitor
  • GEICO does not offer specific policies in Rhode Island, like its Prime Time contract

Get a quote now | GEICO review

State Farm: Most affordable coverage

State Farm offers the best pricing on full and minimum coverage, but at the time of writing, it is not accepting new customers in Rhode Island. Full coverage costs an average of $945 a year, and minimum coverage is $430.

Pros
  • State Farm had the lowest pricing in Rhode Island
  • It offers multiple policy options and discounts if you are an existing customer
Cons
  • It earned the third-lowest customer satisfaction score on our list
  • State Farm is not actively marketing new business in Rhode Island at this time

Get a quote now | State Farm review

Allstate: Best for new cars

Allstate had the most expensive full and minimum coverage in Rhode Island, averaging $2,487 annually for full coverage and $1,191 per year for minimum insurance. It also earned our list’s second-lowest customer service score. However, drivers with brand-new vehicles may find Allstate’s new car replacement, repair provision coverage, and gap insurance policies worthwhile.

Pros
  • Allstate has many policy options, including some not found with competitors
  • It offers many discounts, including for bundling multiple policies or multiple cars
Cons
  • Allstate was the most expensive option in Rhode Island
  • It earned relatively low customer satisfaction scores

Get a quote now | Allstate review

Progressive: Best for lowest deductible

Progressive’s coverage is more expensive than USAA and State Farm's, but it's the lowest-cost full coverage option available to everyone in Rhode Island. It averages $1,805 annually for full coverage and $1,159 for minimum coverage. Progressive’s disappearing deductible program can help you save more by lowering your deductible by $50 every six months without an accident.

Pros
  • Progressive offered the third lowest full coverage rates in Rhode Island
  • It has multiple policy options, including roadside assistance and custom parts coverage
Cons
  • Progressive earned the lowest customer satisfaction score on our list
  • You may find higher discounts with a competitor

Get a quote now | Progressive review

Rhode Island auto insurance requirements

Many states require drivers to have a minimum amount of insurance to drive legally. In Rhode Island, the minimum amounts are:

  • $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance for one person in an accident
  • $50,0000 in bodily injury liability insurance for two or more people in an accident
  • $25,0000 in property damage liability

How to choose a car insurance provider in Rhode Island

If you are searching for a new car insurance provider in Rhode Island, consider the following to help ensure you get the best coverage at the best price.

  • Get multiple quotes: Request pricing from at least three companies before making your final selection. Before signing up, double-check that the coverage options and limits are comparable to what you currently have and that you get every discount you qualify for.
  • Check that it can pay claims: Research a company’s financial ability using a website like Standard & Poor’s or AM Best. Confirm that a company is licensed to do business in Rhode Island by checking the Rhode Island Division of Insurance or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
  • Read reviews: Check review websites like the Better Business Bureau to see how the company solves customer problems. Ask friends and family for recommendations, especially if you are new to the area.

How much does car insurance cost in Rhode Island?

The average cost of car insurance in Rhode Island is $2,020 per year for full coverage and $1,047 for the state’s minimum coverage. You may pay even more than average, depending on where you live in the Ocean State.

Providence residents, for example, pay an average of $3,110 per year for full coverage, the state's highest. Newport drivers tend to have the cheapest insurance in the state, an annual average of $1,654.

Rhode Island car insurance rates by city

Crime rates can significantly impact car insurance premiums. According to the analytics website NeighborhoodScout, Providence residents have a one in 40 chance of experiencing a property crime like car theft. Drivers there pay substantially more than other cities in Rhode Island for car insurance, partly due to the higher likelihood of having a vehicle damaged or stolen.

Comparatively, residents of Warwick, who pay hundreds less annually for car insurance, only have a one in 70 chance of experiencing a crime like car theft.

City Avg. annual full-coverage premium
Providence $3,110/year
Cranston $2,822/year
Pawtucket $2,821/year
Warwick $2,385/year
Newport $1,654/year

Methodology

Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the best auto insurance in each state. The data we analyzed included coverage premiums from up to 10 different insurance providers. We looked at rates by city, driver profile, and credit score, as well as factored in the impact of driving violations. This data is for comparative purposes only. Your actual quote may be different.

FAQs about car insurance costs in Rhode Island

What are the minimum car insurance coverage requirements in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island drivers must have at least $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more people in the same accident in bodily injury liability coverage. Drivers must also have $25,000 in property damage liability.

How much does car insurance cost in Rhode Island?

Car insurance in Rhode Island costs an average of $2,020 annually for full coverage and $1,047 per year for the state’s minimum coverage.

Which car insurance companies cover Rhode Island?

Several nationally known car insurance companies, including USAA, Allstate, GEICO, and Progressive, cover Rhode Island.

What is the cheapest car insurance company in Rhode Island?

The cheapest coverage in Rhode Island comes from State Farm, which costs an annual average of $945 for full coverage and $430 for minimum liability coverage. However, State Farm is not actively marketing new business in Rhode Island at this time, so only existing customers qualify.

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