The Complete Guide to Rhode Island Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Ocean State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things RI car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Rhode Island?
Car insurance in Rhode Island averages $276/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Providence | $372 |
| Warwick | $273 |
| Cranston | $337 |
| Pawtucket | $327 |
| East Providence | $298 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so high in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
16.5% of drivers in Rhode Island are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, raising costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 1,340 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in RI, down 13% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
RI has a very low FEMA disaster rating of 7, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though hurricane and inland flooding are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in Rhode Island?
All Rhode Island drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Rhode Island drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Rhode Island?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Rhode Island drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Rhode Island?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from beach trail adventures
How much car insurance do I need in Rhode Island?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Rhode Island labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chepachet | $87 | $109 | $154 | $87 |
| Pascoag | $87 | $109 | $154 | $87 |
| Foster | $87 | $109 | $154 | $87 |
| Greene | $87 | $109 | $154 | $87 |
| Hopkinton | $87 | $109 | $154 | $87 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$100-$500 first offense, $500 second offense, $1,000 for third and subsequent.
Suspension
Three months first time, six months second time, up to one year for repeat violations.
Jail time
Rhode Island focuses on fines and suspensions rather than jail time.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Rhode Island?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Rhode Island?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Rhode Island car insurance FAQs
Is Rhode Island a no-fault state?
No, Rhode Island isn’t a no-fault state. Rhode Island operates under at-fault insurance. You can seek compensation from the responsible party. PIP coverage is optional.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Rhode Island?
Yes, Rhode Island requires proof of auto insurance to register a vehicle. You must carry minimum liability coverage. Insurance is verified during registration, and coverage must stay active for the registration to remain valid.
What are the top risks for driving in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island’s narrow, congested roads and aggressive driving behaviors create frequent accident conditions. Urban traffic backups are common, while rain and snow make existing challenging conditions worse. The state’s aging infrastructure compounds these safety concerns.
How long do I have to report an accident in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to be reported immediately to police. You must also submit a written report within 21 days if police don’t investigate. Reporting is required by law. Insurance reporting deadlines may be shorter.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, drive carefully on narrow roads and in heavy traffic. Slow down when it’s wet or snowy. Watch for pedestrians in town. Stay patient and don’t get aggressive.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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