Rhode Island Auto Insurance

Rhode Island auto insurance laws are fairly straightforward. But that's no guarantee that you're getting the best policy for the premium you pay.

This guide:

Explains Rhode Island auto insurance laws and requirements

Describes how Rhode Island car insurance rates are set

Shows you how to save money with multiple quotes

See How Much You Could Save: Save $300-400 or more with discount rates from all major auto insurance carriers, as well as local companies in Rhode Island. It takes just one minute. Enter your zip code to start: Enter Zip Code Below   Are you insured?     Yes     No

Rhode Island car insurance laws

Rhode Island is a tort state, which means that drivers are financially responsible for any damage and injury they cause during an auto accident. Liability insurance is required to fulfill this responsibility.

Rhode Island auto insurance laws require liability coverage of 25/50/25. (That's $25,000 per person for injuries you cause to the other party, up to $50,000 for all, and $25,000 for any damage that you cause to the other driver's car and/or property.)

Rhode Island auto insurance laws also require that all drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage. This policy helps cover the cost of your injuries and property damage should you be in an accident with a driver without liability coverage. This requirement may be waived if you choose to purchase only the minimum amount of liability coverage.

This is not recommended, however. Buying higher levels of both liability and uninsured motorist coverage will offer a lot more protection and security. After all, accidents can get very expensive, especially if injury is involved.

Rhode Island auto insurance companies will also offer optional coverages such as medical payments, collision, and comprehensive coverages.

How Rhode Island auto insurance rates are set

The price of Rhode Island auto insurance is decided by the behavior of the state's drivers as a whole. Rhode Island auto insurance companies take the cost of insuring Rhode Island drivers (this includes what they pay out for injury and damage, legal and administrative fees, and the cost of prosecuting insurance fraud) and divide it up among the drivers.

But these costs aren't spread around evenly. Instead, Rhode Island car insurance providers calculate how much a certain "category" of driver costs them, and decide premiums based on that. The "category" you're in is decided by your driving record, your age, where you live, and the kind of car you drive, among other things.

Of course, not all auto insurance providers use the same categories and calculations, so the same set of characteristics (yours!) will be seen very differently by different insurance companies. And they'll quote you different rates.

What this means for you, as an Rhode Island driver, is that you need to shop around. It's the fastest easiest way to save on an Rhode Island auto insurance policy.

Luckily for you, shopping around is easy to do online.

Where to get Rhode Island auto insurance quotes.

The following web sites will help you find Rhode Island car insurance quotes: (these links will open in a new window)


ComparisonMarket is the easiest and most accurate quotes comparison service, and place where you'll save up to $400.

Click here for your quote.

Others:

Netquote is particularly useful if you want a local agent to contact you, if you need assistance or additional service.

Geico - a great service, especially for those who can't get insured elsewhere. Be sure to complete the entire quote form!

Get quotes using your ZIP Code. Find local and national insurers who offer discounts in your part of the state:

More RI car insurance help

If you want more help designing your RI auto insurance policy, read our guide to setting safe and reasonable car insurance coverage levels. It contains loads of money-saving tips, too.

To find out more about RI auto insurance laws and regulations, visit the state's official website of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

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