Average cost of car insurance in Rhode Island in 2023

How much is car insurance in Rhode Island?

Rhode Islanders pay an average of $551 for minimum coverage car insurance and $1,886 for full coverage each year. This is less than the national averages of $622 and $2,014, respectively, making Rhode Island one of the more affordable states for car insurance. Your own rate is likely to vary from the average, since it's based on multiple factors unique to you, such as your age, credit rating and gender, as well as your car's make, model and age.

Rhode Island car insurance rates by city

One of the factors insurers take into account when calculating your premium is your ZIP code. Why does this impact your rate? In regions where more accidents occur or in high crime areas, insurers know they are more likely to have policyholders file claims. The higher rates allow them to account for that increased risk. Following are car insurance rates in Rhode Island's largest cities.

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in Rhode Island 

Two additional factors that impact your rate in Rhode Island are age and gender. In all states except Massachusetts and Hawaii, insurers are allowed to account for age when determining rates. This is because younger, less experienced drivers tend to have more accidents and file more claims. Rates tend to drop as the driver ages with all other things being equal. Gender, too, plays a role in most states, because male drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents than females. Here are the average costs for full coverage car insurance in Rhode Island by age and gender to help give you a better sense of what you might pay.

Cost considerations for young drivers in Rhode Island

Young drivers under the age of 20 typically pay much higher rates for car insurance, but as you can see, young drivers in Rhode Island who stay on their parents’ full coverage policy will pay much cheaper rates than those who opt to purchase their own car insurance policy once they turn 18.

*16- and 17-year-old drivers must be on their parents’ policy.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in Rhode Island?

There are many good reasons why you should always strive to be a careful driver. One good reason is the impact that infractions have on your car insurance rates in Rhode Island. A good driver with a clean driving record is likely to pay a lower average rate for their auto insurance. But the average cost of car insurance in Rhode Island rises quickly with every ding on your license. Even a single speeding ticket could increase your cost by roughly 15 percent. A more serious infraction such as a DUI conviction results in a significant increase—an average of 67 percent above the state average, or $3,153. Keep in mind that not every insurance company will cover you once you’ve had a DUI conviction, either. 

The table below illustrates the average increase after a single offense of each incident. If you become a repeat offender, however, the increase will be even higher.

Car insurance rates in Rhode Island by credit score

Most U.S. states, with the exception of California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan, allow insurers to use a driver's credit-based insurance score when determining rates. Insurance companies reason that those with good or excellent credit ratings are less likely to file claims, while those who have poor credit may be more likely to file claims. Because of this, they reward those with good credit by offering a lower average car insurance cost in Rhode Island. Drivers with poor credit in Rhode Island may pay as much as 64 percent more than someone with good credit (our base rate).

Rhode Island car insurance rates by vehicle type

How much is car insurance in Rhode Island for different makes and models of vehicles? That can depend partly on how pricey your vehicle is. Cars that are more expensive to build may also be more expensive to repair, and that means you are likely to pay more for insurance. Other factors may also come into play, such as rates of theft. Below is a chart featuring full coverage car insurance rates for common cars in Rhode Island.

How to save on car insurance in Rhode Island

As a driver, average car insurance rates in Rhode Island or even the average cost for your age do not determine the exact price you will pay. Personal characteristics and policy options can help save you money, and so can taking a few extra steps when finding insurance:

• Shop around: If you have never shopped around because you assumed you would get the same rate with a different company, you are likely in for a pleasant surprise. Consider getting several quotes so you can compare your options.
• Compare discounts: Once you start looking into discounts you will notice many insurance providers offer similar discounts. However, not all providers will give the same amount or have the same eligibility requirements. To find out how much you might save, speak with an agent during the quote process. This will help you find the cheapest insurance company for you.
• Consider increasing your deductible: A low deductible means you will pay less out of pocket after a covered claim, while a high deductible means the opposite. Increasing your deductible will save you money on your premium every month, but some people do not choose this option because they do not want to pay the higher amount before their insurance company helps pay for damages.
• Drive an older car: An older car with a high safety rating could save you a lot of money on your car insurance bill. Maximize your savings by buying a car that would make you eligible for car-oriented discounts such as anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights.
• Increase your credit score: It is legal for car insurance companies in Rhode Island to use your credit-based insurance score when calculating your premium. Drivers with higher credit scores generally get more favorable rates because drivers with low credit scores have been linked to a higher percentage of claims.

Frequently asked questions