Rhode Island Car Insurance FAQ - Quick Answers
On average, Rhode Island drivers pay $1,656 per year for their car insurance. This is significantly higher than the national average cost of $1,311 per year. Shopping around for the best rate has the potential to save you money.
While every Rhode Island car insurance policy is customized, check out these common coverages:
- Bodily injury liability: Pays for medical expenses of others.
- Property damage liability: Pays for property damage of others.
- Medical Payments: Pays for your medical expenses.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Pays for an accident involving an uninsured/underinsured motorist.
- Comprehensive: Pays for damage from non-collision events such as hail.
- Collision: Pays for a collision with another vehicle, animal, or property.
In Rhode Island, you are required to carry the following minimum liability limits in order to use the roadways:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability
In Rhode Island, 15.2% of the driving population is currently uninsured. This puts you and your loved ones at risk every time you're on the road. Fortunately, you can obtain uninsured motorist coverage that helps pay for your loss when an uninsured driver is at fault for a collision.
When it comes to working with the best car insurance company, there are many moving parts. In Rhode Island, Progressive, Stillwater, and Selective insurance companies are rated among the top carriers. These markets are known for their excellent claims service and superior coverage selection.
There are currently many independent insurance agents and agencies in Rhode Island who are ready to help. These experienced agents are free to work with many highly rated carriers that they quote your coverage through.
There are many things that can make your Rhode Island car insurance more expensive. Here are the top factors carriers look at when rating your policy:
- Your age
- Your driving history
- Past claims filed
- Value and type of vehicle
- Coverages selected
- Radius in which you travel
Do You Know What Your Car Insurance Covers in Rhode Island?
Find the Best Insurance in Your City
How does your city measure up to the national average?
National average time spent commuting 26.9 Min
National average car thefts per 1,000 2.3 Year
National average car insurance cost $1,311 Year
| City | Commute time (min) | Auto thefts / 1,000 | Annual insurance cost |
| Coventry | 28.8 | 0.553 | $1,903 |
| Cranston | 23.2 | 1.04 | $1,844 |
| Cumberland | 26.4 | 0.54 | $1,856 |
| East Providence | 24.2 | 1.47 | $1,823 |
| Johnston | 22.1 | 1.32 | $1,763 |
| Newport | 18.3 | 0.85 | $1,578 |
| Providence | 23.2 | 2.64 | $1,928 |
| Warwick | 25 | 0.72 | $1,834 |
| West Warwick | 24 | 0.66 | $1,710 |
| Westerly | 25.3 | 0.62 | $1,717 |
| Woonsocket | 25.6 | 2.11 | $1,977 |
Bodily Injury Requirements in Rhode Island
In most states, bodily injury liability insurance is a required coverage. This limit is important as it helps pay for the other driver's medical expenses if you're at fault for a collision.
Rhode Island has a minimum bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident that is mandated. However, it's common for people to opt for higher amounts of coverage.
Property Damage Requirements in Rhode Island
Another mandated coverage in Rhode Island is property damage liability. This coverage helps pay for damage to the other driver's property when you're responsible for the accident.
You must have at least $25,000 in property damage liability to comply with Rhode Island law. With the cost of vehicles ever-increasing, having more than the state minimum limit is a useful way to ensure you don't have to pay high costs in the event of an accident.
Personal Injury Protection Coverage Requirements in Rhode Island
Every state differs when it comes to personal injury protection, or PIP. It is required in some states and covers your medical expenses when you're responsible for an at-fault accident.
In Rhode Island, you're not mandated to have PIP, but medical payments coverage provides similar coverage and can help when you sustain injuries. You can get medical payments coverage at an additional premium to have proper insurance.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Rhode Island
Uninsured motorist coverage is required in some states and helps pay for your losses if you get into an auto accident with a driver that does not have insurance. In Rhode Island, you are not mandated to carry uninsured motorist coverage, however, it's still a necessary limit to obtain.
While car insurance is required, not everyone follows the rules. In Rhode Island, 15.2% of the drivers on the road are without insurance, exposing you and your family to risk.
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Optional Car Coverage in Rhode Island
Collision insurance and comprehensive insurance together are referred to as "full coverage" and they help pay for damage to your covered vehicles after most types of accidents. This, and other optional limits, are the only way to protect your autos in the event of a loss that is your fault.
There are several other coverage options that you can add to your car insurance. Some can cover a flat tire when you're stranded on the road, while others can provide a replacement vehicle when you need one due to a covered claim.
Car Insurance Discounts to Consider in Rhode Island
You'll have options for car insurance discounts under your Rhode Island auto policy. A multiple policy discount can save you 30% or more when you have more than one policy with a carrier.
In the same way, an association discount can be applied when you're part of a teachers union, attorney group, or government agency. You can also cut costs just for being loyal to an insurance company.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim in Rhode Island
If you're involved in an auto accident, things can get confusing quickly. To help keep everyone on track, take a look at these 4 easy steps for filing a car insurance claim in Rhode Island.
First, find a safe spot and seek medical treatment when needed. Second, report the loss to your independent insurance agent and get your claims number. Third, obtain a rental vehicle if coverage allows and one is necessary. Last, connect with your adjuster to go over the accident and collect payment.