Rhode Island Car Insurance: Little Rhody, Big Density
Navigate car insurance in America's smallest but second-most densely populated state.
Rhode Island Quick Facts
🤯 The Rhode Island Mindblower
Rhode Island is home to Amica Mutual—consistently rated the #1 car insurer for customer satisfaction. Yet most Rhode Islanders don't buy from them. Why? Amica's selective underwriting means they only accept the safest drivers. If you qualify, you'll get some of the best service in the industry.
Rhode Island Minimum Insurance Requirements
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 | Per injured person |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 | Total per accident |
| Property Damage | $25,000 | Damage to other vehicles |
| Uninsured Motorist | $25,000/$50,000 | Mandatory—required |
Good news: Rhode Island requires UM/UIM coverage at the same limits as your liability. This protects you from uninsured and underinsured drivers automatically.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Rhode Island
| Coverage Level | Annual Premium | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum | $698 | $58 |
| Full Coverage | $1,986 | $166 |
Costs by Rhode Island City
| City | Avg. Annual Premium | vs. State Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Providence | $2,340 | +18% |
| Pawtucket | $2,180 | +10% |
| Warwick | $1,920 | -3% |
| Cranston | $1,880 | -5% |
| Newport | $1,780 | -10% |
Top Car Insurance Companies in Rhode Island
Amica Mutual
RI Headquartered • #1 ServiceLincoln, RI-based. Consistently top-rated for customer service. Dividend policies return money to policyholders. Selective underwriting—best for safe drivers.
GEICO
Often cheapest rates. Strong online service.
State Farm
Largest national insurer. Good agent network.
Progressive
Good for drivers with violations. Snapshot telematics.
Rhode Island-Specific Considerations
Highest Population Density (Non-City-State)
Rhode Island has ~1,000 people per square mile—second only to New Jersey. More cars in tight spaces means more fender-benders and higher rates.
Pure Comparative Fault
Rhode Island follows "pure comparative fault"—even if you're 99% at fault, you can recover 1% of damages. This increases litigation and premiums.
Winter Weather
New England winters mean icy roads and salt damage. Collision coverage pays for single-vehicle winter accidents.
Bottom Line: Rhode Island Car Insurance
Rhode Island's density pushes rates higher than national average. The silver lining: mandatory UM/UIM coverage protects you automatically.
If you're a safe driver, try Amica first—their customer service is unmatched. Otherwise, shop GEICO and State Farm. Providence has the highest rates; coastal communities are cheaper.