Rhode Island may be the smallest U.S. state in terms of landmass, but its densely populated urban areas are home to a great many people and a need for cheap car insurance. It can be a challenge to get cheap insurance in Rhode Island.
More and more Rhode Islanders are looking for cheap auto insurance that will protect them in case of an accident but won’t break the bank.
Rhode Island Car Insurance Facts
We’ve compiled some information about driving and insurance in Rhode Island to help you get an idea as to why auto insurance in Rhode Island is often so expensive.
- While the state is one of the least populated in the nation, Rhode Island has one of the highest population densities because of the concentration of urban areas in the northeast.
- This has an impact on insurance rates simply because the chance of an auto collision is higher.
- There are almost 750,000 licensed drivers in the state for over 850,000 registered vehicles. That’s a lot of cars on the road in such a small geographical area!
Minimum Rhode Island Auto Insurance
Having auto insurance when you drive isn’t just a good idea it’s necessary to be protected in the event of a collision. More than that, it is illegal to drive without automobile insurance in Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island state legislature has set requirements for the minimum coverages to operate a vehicle.
To drive in Rhode Island, you need liability auto insurance with the following coverages:
- Bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person
- Bodily injury coverage of $50,000 per accident
- Property damage coverage of $25,000 per accident
Getting Cheap Car Insurance In Rhode Island
It isn’t too difficult to get cheap car insurance in Rhode Island. It just takes a little patience and perseverance. Here’s what we recommend:
- Begin with the state minimums: The cheapest car insurance available, will be the minimum amount of coverage. Knowing what your state requires will help you find car insurance in Rhode Island that meets those legal requirements.
- Compare prices: Different companies can have big differences with cheap car insurance quotes. Get quotes and use the internet to compare rates to find the best auto insurance.
- Be a good driver: Insurance companies give you auto insurance quotes based on how risky they think you are. If you have a clean record, you’ll be able to get lower car insurance rates.
Rhode Island Car Insurance Discounts
Who doesn’t enjoy a discount? Lucky for you, there are plenty insurance carriers in Rhode Island, you just have shop around. Your car insurance provider may not tell you about discounts you’re eligible for, so don’t be afraid to ask for:
- Good Driver: A driving record without DUIs, speeding tickets, accidents, or insurance claims in the past few years can get you 10–30% off your vehicle insurance in Rhode Island.
- Good Student: Student drivers may receive 5–20% off for maintaining a 3.0 GPA or “B” average.
- Safety Features: Some insurers will give you 2–30% off upgrades such as anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights installed.
Rhode Island Auto Insurance FAQ
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Rhode Island?
Driving without auto insurance in Rhode Island will result in a suspension of your driver’s license and car registration for up to three months and a fee of up to $500 for the first offense.
What is driving like in Rhode Island?
In the bigger cities, traffic congestion can be a problem during rush hour. Unfortunately, drunk driving in Rhode Island is fairly common, which often leads to serious crashes.
How can I save money on my car insurance in Rhode Island?
Recommendations for ways to save:
- If you have more than one vehicle, put them on the same policy for a multi-car discount.
- Be a good driver so that insurance companies can give you lower car insurance quotes.
- Ask your provider if you can pay in installments.
- If you increase your deductible, you may be able to pay less on your monthly auto insurance rates.
Other Types of Auto insurance Coverage in Rhode Island
While the minimum required car insurance coverage will get you on the road, there are lots of other kinds you might want to consider. Here are a few:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC)/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM)
Physical Damage Coverage
How Driving Habits Impact Rhode Island Car Insurance
Your driving habits can influence Rhode Island car insurance. Insurance companies assess the risk of insuring you based on your behavior behind the wheel. Factors such as speeding, driving under the influence, and even frequent use of your vehicle can all impact car insurance quotes.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Frequent speeding tickets or reckless driving behavior can lead to higher insurance rates. Insurance companies see these drivers as higher-risk and therefore charge more for coverage.
- Safe Driving and Defensive Driving Courses: On the other hand, maintaining a clean driving record with no accidents or violations can help lower rates. Some insurance companies even offer discounts for taking defensive driving courses or for being a safe driver for a specified number of years.
- Mileage and Usage: If you use your vehicle for commuting long distances daily or for business, your insurance rates may be higher due to increased exposure to accidents. Drivers who only use their car occasionally may be eligible for lower rates.
The Best Ways to Bundle Rhode Island Insurance Policies for Savings
Bundling your insurance policies is a smart way to save money in Rhode Island. Many insurance companies offer discounts for combining multiple policies, such as auto, home, or renters insurance. Here’s how you can take advantage of bundling:
- Combine Auto and Home Insurance: One of the most common bundling options is combining auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance. By doing so, you can receive discounts of up to 20% on your total insurance rates.
- Look for Multi-Vehicle Discounts: If you have more than one car to insure, consider bundling them under one policy with the same provider. Insurance companies often offer multi-vehicle discounts, which can result in savings.
- Compare Bundling Options Across Providers: Not all insurance companies offer the same discounts, so it’s important to shop around. Get inexpensive insurance quotes for both bundled and standalone policies to ensure you are getting the best insurance deal.
- Ask About Other Bundling Opportunities: In addition to auto and home insurance, many insurers offer discounts for bundling other types of coverage, such as umbrella, or even pet insurance. Be sure to inquire about all the available options.
Exploring Pay-Per-Mile Insurance Options in Rhode Island
Pay-per-mile car insurance is an increasingly popular option for Rhode Island drivers who don’t put a lot of miles on their cars. This type of insurance bases rates on the number of miles you drive, making it an ideal option for low-mileage drivers.
- How Pay-Per-Mile Insurance Works: Instead of paying a flat monthly rate, drivers with pay-per-mile insurance pay a base rate, plus a small amount for every mile driven. This model helps save money for those who use their vehicles sparingly.
- Benefits for Low-Mileage Drivers: If you primarily use your car for short trips or weekend drives, pay-per-mile insurance can be a cost-effective choice. It rewards drivers who don’t rack up high mileage and can reduce insurance rates.
- How to Get Pay-Per-Mile Insurance in Rhode Island: To get started, contact your insurance provider to see if they offer a pay-per-mile option. You’ll typically need to install a tracking device in your vehicle to monitor your miles. If you’re a Rhode Island resident with low driving habits, this could be a smart way to lower insurance costs.
- Considerations: While pay-per-mile insurance can be great for occasional drivers, it’s not always the best choice for those who drive frequently. It’s important to compare the rates and make sure it’s cheaper than a traditional policy based on your driving habits.
