Car Insurance in Narragansett, RI

Accidents happen every day. That is why car insurance is beneficial for drivers in Narragansett. A good auto policy can shield you from unmanageable expenses whether you are in a multi-car collision on US-1, rear-ended at a stoplight on Point Judith Road, or get into a fender-bender in a parking lot.

Local independent agents are available to answer your insurance-related questions and help you find suitable auto insurance at a competitive price. Contact an independent insurance agent near you to start comparing customized car insurance quotes from some of the area's best insurers.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Narragansett, RI?

The average cost of car insurance in Rhode Island is much higher than the national average rate. This makes shopping around for the best price all the more beneficial.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Rhode Island's average annual car insurance cost: $1,656

An average rate can only give you a general idea of how much a policy will cost you. Car insurance costs can vary significantly from one driver to the next because insurance companies base them on several factors, such as:

• Your vehicle's make, model, and value
• Your age, gender, occupation, and marital status
• Your driving record, insurance claims history, and credit score
• Information about any other licensed drivers in your household
• The amount and types of coverage you want to include in your policy
• The size of your deductible

Every insurance company uses a different method to calculate rates. Comparing customized quotes from multiple insurers lets you choose the policy that offers the coverage you want at the most competitive price. Independent insurance agents make comparison shopping easy.

Are There Ways to Earn Car Insurance Discounts in Narragansett, RI?

If you buy your car insurance from the same insurance provider as some of your other policies, like your home insurance, renters insurance, or boat insurance, this is called bundling. You can usually earn significant discounts on all your bundled policies.

Other potential car insurance discounts you may encounter when shopping for coverage include:

• Multi-car discounts
• Safe driver discounts
• Military discounts
• Good student discounts

A good insurance agent will ensure that you receive any offered discounts for which you qualify.

Is Car Insurance Required in Narragansett, RI?

All vehicle owners in Narragansett are required by Rhode Island state law to carry a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state's minimum coverage requirements.

Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor in this state. If caught, you can face penalties including:

• Fines:
  • First offense: $100 to $500
  • Second offense: $500
  • Third or subsequent offense: $1,000
• Suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration:
  • First offense: For three months
  • Second offense: For six months
  • Third or subsequent offense: For one year
• Fees:
  • License reinstatement fee: $151.50
  • Registration reinstatement fee: $251.50
  • Insurance verification fee: $251.50
  • Administrative fee: $30
• The impoundment of your vehicle: This can happen if you are involved in a collision while driving an uninsured vehicle.
• The requirement to maintain an SR-22 for one year
• Higher car insurance rates

Furthermore, if you are at fault for an accident while driving without insurance, you will need to cover any property damage or injuries you may have caused to others, which can get very expensive.

What Are the Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Narragansett, RI?

In Rhode Island State, all car insurance policies must include liability coverage.

Auto liability insurance covers any injuries and property damage you may cause to other people if you are at fault for a collision. Your policy must meet or exceed the following liability coverage minimums:

• Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $25,000
• Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $50,000
• Property damage liability coverage per accident: $25,000

A minimum coverage policy may not be enough to fully cover your costs if you cause an accident. That is why many drivers in Narragansett purchase more liability coverage at levels much higher than the state requires.

If you have a lot to lose and want even more coverage than your car insurance can provide, you can supplement your policy with umbrella insurance. This secondary insurance offers an affordable way to significantly boost your personal liability coverage well beyond your primary policy's limits.

What Other Coverage May Be Required in Narragansett, RI?

Additional coverage types may be required of some drivers in Rhode Island. These include:

• Uninsured motorist insurance: This covers your injuries and property damage if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
• Physical damage insurance: This covers loss or damage to your vehicle, regardless of fault.

Uninsured Motorist Insurance(UM)

In Rhode Island, uninsured motorist coverage is required unless you are purchasing only the minimum amount of auto liability coverage required by law. In that case, you may waive this coverage.

If you are buying uninsured motorist insurance, you must purchase UM bodily injury and UM property damage coverage in identical amounts as your auto liability coverage.

Physical Damage Coverage

In Narragansett, physical damage insurance is not required by law, but there are instances where you might need to purchase it. If you are leasing your vehicle, the dealership will require this coverage. If you are financing it, your lender will require you to carry this coverage until your car loan is paid off.

 Physical damage coverage insurance includes:

• Collision insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or destroyed by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.

If you own your car outright, physical damage insurance is optional.

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What Coverage Options Are Available in Narragansett, RI?

In addition to the coverage types mentioned above, your insurance company is likely to offer a few coverage options. These may include things like:

• Medical payments coverage: This can help cover the cost of medical treatments if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. It can pay for things your health insurance might not cover, like deductibles, copays, and ambulance services.
• Towing and roadside assistance coverage: This can cover the cost of assistance if your vehicle breaks down, such as if you have an overheated engine, blow a gasket, or get a flat tire.
• Glass and windshield replacement coverage: This can cover the cost of replacing the safety glass in your vehicle's windshield, windows, or sunroof if they are damaged.
• Gap insurance: This can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event and you still owe more for it than it is worth.
• Rental reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of renting a car while you have yours repaired following a covered event.

It is a good idea to review the details of all offered coverage options as well as their costs. That way, you can best decide which options are a good fit for you and the members of your household.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Narragansett, RI?

The auto theft rate in Rhode Island is lower than the national average, and in Narragansett, the rate is even lower. This is not to say the risk does not exist. Residents of this city report around five stolen vehicles a year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• Rhode Island auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 1.45
• Narragansett auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.39

Although there is very little chance you will be the victim of auto theft in Narragansett, you should be aware that you can only be reimbursed for a stolen car if your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, also known as "other than collision insurance."

If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, chances are good you have comprehensive coverage already. If not, be sure to ask how much it would cost to add it to your car insurance policy to determine if it is of value to you.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Narragansett, RI?

Qualities that make an insurance company stand out above the rest include responsive customer service, reliable coverage, rapid claims processing, and affordable rates.

Independent insurance agents in Narragansett have teamed up with some of the best car insurance companies in Rhode Island. This lets you be sure that any policies your agent recommends are offered by companies you can count on if you need to file a claim.

How Can an Independent Agent in Narragansett, RI Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance Policy?

Independent agents in Narragansett make it easy to find the best and most affordable car insurance policy. These agents can explain your various coverage options, answer your coverage-related questions, and help you compare rates from a selection of competing providers.

It doesn't cost anything to work with one of these experienced insurance professionals. Find an independent insurance agent near you to start comparing a selection of customized car insurance quotes.