Rhode Island

Rhode Island drivers know that anything can happen, so it’s important to have a reliable insurance plan to protect you and your vehicle. If you’ve just moved to Little Rhodey and need to learn about the car insurance requirements in that state, this Rhode Island car insurance guide can help you.

Keep reading to learn more about Rhode Island’s minimum insurance requirements, the average cost of insurance in this state, and discover over five ways to save on car insurance today.

How much does Rhode Island car insurance cost?

Rhode Island insurance costs, on average, $1,610 per year, but your rates may be very different. Such variations exist because insurance companies in every state require insurance applications to be run through an underwriting process. This process is a crucial part of the insurance shopping process as it reveals how much you will pay for coverage.

Being familiar with some of the factors that affect the price of car insurance can help you become a more knowledgeable consumer. So let’s take a closer look at what can influence your rates.

Factors That Influence Car Insurance Rates 

While it may not surprise you to learn that your driving history can greatly impact your insurance rates, did you know that even your credit score can influence how much you pay for coverage?

Car insurance companies run a “soft check” on your credit score to see if you are a dependable payer. If you have a low credit score, the insurance company could view you as a high-risk driver and raise your rates accordingly.

Some other factors that influence your rates include:

• Your age
• Your gender
• Your car’s make and model
• Your car’s age
• Your address
• Your claims history

As you can see, an insurance company needs to learn a lot about you in order to give you an accurate rate. This intense scrutinization means that every driver gets a unique quote, so even if you and a neighbor drive the same car, you two may pay very different rates.

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Which companies sell car insurance in Rhode Island?

You’ll be able to choose from top-rated companies when shopping for insurance coverage in Rhode Island. Review this list to see some of the best insurance companies that sell car insurance in Rhode Island:

• USAA
• State Farm
• Travelers
• GEICO
• Progressive
• Amica
• Nationwide
• Allstate

All of these companies are titans in the insurance industry, but be sure to get at least three free quotes from different companies so you can compare policies. Comparing quotes will allow you to determine which company can offer you the best coverage at the lowest rates.

How can Rhode Island drivers keep auto insurance rates low?

If you have a checkered driving history, you may be worried that your rates will be too high in Rhode Island. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce your rates.

For instance, if you tend to accumulate speeding tickets, practice being mindful in your vehicle so you can pay better attention to the posted speed limit. You should also work to come to a stop at yellow lights and not blow through stop signs.

Improving your driving skills can help dramatically reduce your rates over time. In addition, increasing your credit score is another great step to take in order to lower your car insurance rates. Not only does increasing your score help you get access to better loan opportunities, but insurance companies will view you as a responsible payer, which can earn you lower rates.

Improving your driving skills and credit score aren’t the only ways in which you can obtain affordable Rhode Island car insurance. Many car insurance companies offer discounts too.

Common Car Insurance Discounts

When you shop for car insurance online, refer back to this list of common discounts to verify that you aren’t missing out on an opportunity to save money:

• Passive restraint
• Good student
• Defensive driving course
• Forward collision warning
• Lane assist
• Multi-policy
• Multi-car
• Anti-theft
• VIN etching

With discounts like these, you won’t have to scrimp on coverage to afford insurance. If you think you aren’t saving as much as you can with your current insurance company, shop online to see if other companies offer more discounts.

How can drivers get car insurance quotes?

While you can contact a local insurance agent to request a free quote, shopping for insurance online is much more convenient. As long as you have access to the internet, you can shop from your smartphone or tablet in the comfort of your own home.

Shopping online also allows you to look for insurance on your schedule. However, most insurance offices operate within regular business hours, so setting up an appointment can be difficult if you work during the day.

Remember that Insurance quotes are always free. If an insurance agent or online insurance company is requiring you to pay for a quote, that is a sure sign that the insurance entity isn’t reputable.

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What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Rhode Island?

All drivers in Rhode Island are required to have at least:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability, per person 
• $50,000 in bodily injury liability, per accident
• $25,000 in property damage liability

However, it’s important to note that these liability limits are very low and don’t offer you much protection. For example, if you were to crash into someone’s Jaguar, you would be responsible for paying any damages that exceeded your $25,000 limit.

Here’s a tip for setting your liability limits: It’s generally advised to set your liability limits to 100/300/100 unless you can afford to purchase more coverage.

Your liability limits exist to protect your assets, so it’s in your best interest to set your liability limits as high as you can to avoid being sued by another driver.

What happens if I drive without auto insurance in Rhode Island?

Driving without insurance is illegal in Rhode Island. If you choose to drive without insurance, you could face severe consequences like losing your license or paying a hefty fine. 

Are digital insurance cards accepted in Rhode Island?

Some states only accept physical insurance cards, but Rhode Island drivers are allowed to keep digital copies of their proof of insurance. Remember that if you are pulled over by a police officer and are required to show your digital insurance card, the officer may not look at anything but your proof of insurance.

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How long do drivers have to get Rhode Island car insurance after moving?

New residents of Rhode Island have some breathing room when it comes to getting your car insurance. Once you’ve moved to Rhode Island from another state, you’ll have 30 days to get your vehicle registered.

Now, getting your vehicle registered in Rhode Island is the first step to getting Rhode Island insurance. Typically, you’ll need to have the effective date for your new policy and new policy number handy when you complete the vehicle registration.

What You Need to Know About Rhode Island Car Insurance

Rhode Island insurance can be expensive, but most insurance companies offer discounts to help keep rates low. Car insurance is required in this state, so you can shop online for free quotes to find a policy that fits your coverage and budgetary needs.

While Rhode Island’s minimum insurance requirement is 25/50/25, those liability limits may not do much to protect your assets if you cause an accident. You should set your limits to 100/300/100 unless you can afford even more coverage.

Shopping online is the easiest way to discover the best policy for your needs. You can compare quotes in the comfort of your own home and do so whenever it is most convenient for you.