Drivers in Rhode Island pay substantially higher premiums than drivers in many other states. The state average for 2011 is $1,958, which is over $500 higher than the national average of $1,440.

Annual Changes

In Rhode Island, car insurance premiums decreased 14% for 2011, although there was no change at all between 2009 and 2010. Prices for car insurance in Rhode Island are set on an individual basis by each insurance company and are not fixed by the state or the industry. Drivers are advised to check our site for the latest Rhode Island auto insurance prices in order to make sure they get the best possible prices.

Seasonal Changes

Auto insurance premiums in Rhode Island remained stable until a substantial spike in July 2010, which did not last so that prices returned to their former level by August, with a slight jump in December before falling in time to begin 2011. Insurance rates in Rhode Island can change suddenly at any time of year, so consumers who monitor rates often are able to reduce their premiums even during the course of a single year.

Insurance Requirements

In Rhode Island, minimum required insurance limits are set at $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury with a $25,000 property damage liability limit. In addition, there is now mandatory uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage which is set at the same levels as standard bodily injury coverage. Nevertheless, Rhode Island works under a tort system, where one party must be judged responsible for any accident. That party is then held liable for the entire cost of the accident. Higher limits are therefore recommended to protect assets in the event of a lawsuit.

Advice for Getting the Best Deals

National and regional insurers offer auto insurance in Rhode Island. Since every company uses its own formulas to determine its premiums for each driver, no one company or type of company can consistently offer the lowest rates. Experts recommend obtaining multiple quotes from reliable insurance companies which are rated A or higher by A. M. Best. It is also advised to check the J. D. Power ratings for consumer service related information.

Constantly monitoring price information and requesting multiple quotes by using the resources on this site helps Rhode Island drivers find the lowest premiums for their auto insurance coverage.