Updated: October 24, 2024
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Every driver has a unique set of needs when it comes to finding the best car insurance company in their area. In Providence, Amica has the best customer service, while State Farm takes the lead in several categories, including cheap coverage, young adults, teens, seniors and drivers with offenses. Travelers is the best option for those with new cars.
For those looking to save money, MoneyGeek reviewed the cheapest car insurance options in Providence.
BestCar InsuranceProvidenceTable of Contents (Jump to Your Best Fit)
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We conducted a thorough evaluation of auto insurance providers in Providence using our own scoring system, which rates factors such as policy options, claims handling process, financial stability and pricing. Our assessment was based on data from Quadrant Information Services and the Rhode Island Insurance Division.
MoneyGeek found the best auto insurance providers in Providence:
State Farm came out on top due to its combination of high customer satisfaction ratings and affordable pricing. The company also offers the best car insurance in Rhode Island.
USAA, with a MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100, is the top auto insurance company for military personnel in Providence.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the overall best car insurance was calculated with the following weights:
Has high affordability and customer satisfaction ratings
Offers rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance
Has a poor claims management score
Does not offer gap insurance
State Farm is our top choice if you're looking for an auto insurance provider in Providence that offers a blend of affordability and quality coverage. With rates as low as $797 per year, this company is ideal for budget-conscious drivers. State Farm also earned high customer satisfaction ratings, indicating that it provides excellent service and support.
With roadside assistance — including services such as mechanical labor, towing, delivery of gas or oil and locksmith labor — State Farm has you covered in case your car breaks down.
The company's rental car reimbursement coverage can be beneficial if your car needs repairs after an accident. This coverage helps cover the cost of renting a temporary replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired. State Farm also offers travel expense coverage, which covers the cost of lodging, food and transportation if you're in an accident more than 50 miles from home.
MoneyGeek's comprehensive analysis of eight insurance companies in Providence found State Farm to be the best overall provider, thanks to its affordable average annual premiums of $797 and high customer service rating. While Amica ranked first for customer satisfaction and claims management, its rates are much higher than State Farm's.
These rates are for full coverage policies, and companies only received an overall MoneyGeek score if enough data could be found for each individual factor, including affordability, coverage, customer satisfaction, financial stability and claims management.
| State Farm | 76 | $797 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Travelers | 68 | $1,089 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Amica Mutual | 67 | $1,375 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| American Family | 66 | $1,223 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Progressive | 52 | $1,460 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Allstate | 51 | $1,424 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| GEICO | 47 | $1,635 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 43 | $1,694 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
The following car insurance providers in Providence provide outstanding customer service without considering cost:
Out of eight providers, Amica received the highest customer satisfaction and claims management scores. While Amica's rates are more expensive than some other insurers, it falls in the middle for affordability, so it provides decent value for money.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Customer Service was calculated with the following weights:
Ranked first for customer satisfaction and claims management
Offers identity theft and glass deductible modification coverage
Has a relatively average coverage score
Does not offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
Amica offers top-rated customer service to its clients in Providence at a reasonable price. One of its notable coverage options for auto insurance is identity theft coverage, which provides credit alerts to help prevent fraud.
Additionally, Amica's glass deductible modification coverage waives the deductible if you file a claim to repair your car's windshields or windows. Although this coverage costs extra, glass damage is fairly common, so it can be useful to know that you won't need to pay anything out of pocket for this type of damage.
Amica also offers key coverages such as accident forgiveness, which can be obtained by acquiring advantage points. Policyholders earn advantage points by referring others to Amica and staying claim-free for a year. Accident forgiveness prevents an increase in rates following an accident. For drivers with a new car that is under one year old and meets mileage requirements, Amica offers new car replacement coverage.
With high claims management and customer satisfaction scores based on studies from J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Amica provides exceptional service to its clients. Although American Family offers more essential coverage options than Amica, its lower claims handling and customer satisfaction ratings brought down its overall score.
These are MoneyGeek’s top choices for affordable providers that meet Rhode Island's minimum auto insurance requirements:
Compared to full coverage policies, the cheapest policies that meet the minimum requirements in Providence offer very little liability protection and do not cover damage to your own car in the event of an accident.
Drivers in Rhode Island should keep in mind that the minimum car insurance requirements are the same in every city across the state.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the Best Cheap company was calculated with the following weights:
An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $406 per year
Offers discounts for bundling policies and defensive driving
Ranked first for affordability and second for customer satisfaction score
No discount for paying in full or automatic payments
Has below-average claims management and coverage scores
State Farm is a top choice for drivers looking for affordable auto insurance in Providence — it has the cheapest minimum coverage rates in the city and a high customer satisfaction rating. Additionally, State Farm offers a range of discounts for cost-conscious customers.
Typical discounts offered by State Farm include bundling discounts, which allow customers to save money by purchasing multiple policies with the company, and safe driving discounts, which reward drivers for maintaining a clean driving record.
State Farm also offers rarer discounts that can be particularly beneficial for certain drivers. For example, the airbag discount is available to customers whose vehicles are equipped with factory-installed airbags, while the defensive driving discount is available to those who have completed a state-approved defensive driving course. Additionally, State Farm offers senior driver discounts, which can help older drivers save money on their premiums.
Minimum coverage policies are generally the cheapest auto insurance options, but they can sometimes come with worse customer service. However, this isn't always the case, as evidenced by State Farm — the company offers cheap minimum coverage policies in Providence and has a strong customer satisfaction rating. American Family has a higher claims handling rating and offers more essential coverages, but it has higher premiums.
The best auto insurance companies for young adults in Providence are:
State Farm's combination of affordability and customer satisfaction makes it a great choice for young adults who want to protect their vehicles without breaking the bank.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Young Adults was calculated with the following weights:
Has the cheapest premium at $977 per year
Offers distant student and good student discounts
Ranked second for customer satisfaction
Has below-average claims management and coverage scores
For young adults, finding an affordable car insurance policy that also delivers quality customer service can be difficult. With an average annual premium of $977, State Farm ranks as the most affordable option among major insurance providers in Providence and ranked second in customer satisfaction.
The company also offers a range of discounts that young adults may be able to take advantage of, including a good student discount for students who maintain a B average or 3.0 GPA, and a driver's education discount for those under 21 who complete an approved driver education course. In addition, students under the age of 25 who move away to school and only use their car while they are back home may qualify for a discount.
State Farm also has useful coverages for young adults, including roadside assistance and rental reimbursement. The former can help get you back on the road if your car breaks down, while the latter covers the cost of a rental car if you get into an accident and your car is temporarily out of commission.
When looking for car insurance, young adults should consider cost as well as available coverages and discounts. State Farm offers several discounts that can add up to significant savings for young drivers. While Travelers has more essential coverage options and a more efficient claims management process, it's more expensive than State Farm.
These are the best auto insurance companies for teens and their families in Providence:
Compared to other insurers, State Farm offers the most competitive prices for teens on a family policy and ranks second in terms of customer satisfaction. By enrolling in their parent's policy instead of buying their own, teenagers in Providence can save an average of $6,594 a year. In addition, teens under 18 are legally required, in most cases, to have their parent or guardian co-sign if they purchase an individual policy.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Teens was calculated with the following weights:
Has the most affordable premiums for family policies at $2,461 per year
Offers plenty of discounts for young drivers
Ranked second for customer satisfaction
Has below-average claims management and coverage scores
State Farm ranked highest for affordability and second for customer satisfaction for teen car insurance in Providence, offering cost-effective and reliable car insurance.
Teen drivers can save on car insurance with State Farm’s student-related discounts, such as the distant student discount for students under the age of 25 who live away from home and attend school full-time. A good student discount is also available for those who maintain a B average or higher.
In terms of coverage options, State Farm offers roadside assistance, providing help for unexpected events on the road. This coverage can be particularly helpful for teen drivers who may be less experienced and more likely to encounter such situations. Services include towing, locksmith labor, flat tire changes and fuel delivery.
Affordable rates, discounts and comprehensive coverage options are crucial for young drivers who tend to face higher premiums. State Farm is a top-rated option that offers affordable rates and discounts for teens and students, along with helpful coverages such as roadside assistance. GEICO, our runner-up, is more expensive but offers accident forgiveness, which State Farm lacks and can be useful for new drivers.
The top insurance providers for senior drivers in Providence are:
State Farm earned high scores for affordability and customer satisfaction, making it a reliable and cost-effective choice for seniors. Car insurance rates remain relatively stable for drivers in their 30s through 60s, but premiums start to increase for drivers in their 70s.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Seniors was calculated with the following weights:
Offers the cheapest rates at $805 per year
Has roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverage
Earned high customer satisfaction and affordability scores
Has a poor claims management rating
Offers limited essential coverages
State Farm provides reliable and affordable auto insurance coverage for seniors in Providence, earning high ratings for both affordability and customer satisfaction in our study.
The company has limited coverage options available but offers two essential coverages, roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement, that can be useful to seniors who get into an accident or need help while on the road. Roadside assistance helps provide peace of mind in the event of a breakdown and covers services for common issues like flat tires and dead batteries.
Additionally, State Farm's rental car/travel reimbursement helps pay for a rental car up to the chosen limits on the policy and also covers temporary lodging and meals up to $500 while your car is being repaired.
Seniors should look for a provider that offers senior-specific discounts and responsive service. State Farm is an excellent choice for seniors seeking reliable and affordable auto insurance coverage, receiving high ratings for affordability and customer satisfaction. Although Travelers, our runner-up, ranks better for coverage and claims management, its premiums are more expensive.
These are the best auto insurance companies in Providence for drivers with offenses:
State Farm is our top pick for drivers with traffic violations as it has the cheapest rates in the city for full coverage and scored second-highest for customer satisfaction.
Car insurance rates tend to increase depending on the severity of the violation. If you get a speeding ticket in Providence, you can expect to pay an extra $441 per year for car insurance compared to a driver with a clean driving history. If you have a DUI, your rates will increase by about $1,342 per year. However, it's still possible to find affordable car insurance for drivers with violations on their records.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Drivers With Offenses was calculated with the following weights:
Offers affordable rates at $797 per year
Has roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverage
Ranked highly for affordability and customer satisfaction
Has below-average claims management and coverage scores
Lacks new car replacement and accident forgiveness coverage
State Farm is an excellent option for drivers with poor driving records in Providence. Its affordable average rate of $797 per year makes it possible for drivers with past violations to secure affordable coverage, which can sometimes be a challenge.
In addition to reasonable rates, State Farm also offers rental car reimbursement, which is particularly useful for those who have a history of accidents. Drivers can easily rent a car while their vehicle is being repaired without having to worry about extra costs.
State Farm's roadside assistance will come in handy for drivers who experience car trouble on the road. Whether you have a flat tire, need a jump start or run out of gas, the company will provide the services you need to get you back up and running.
Drivers with on-record violations should look for car insurance companies that offer reasonable rates following an offense and discounts that can help further lower costs. State Farm is a good option for drivers with poor driving records in Providence due to its affordable rates and basic coverage options. However, it does not offer accident forgiveness, which may be particularly valuable to those with a history of violations. American Family provides this coverage and has a better claims management rating, but its rates are much higher.
The best company for those with a new car in Providence is Travelers. Here are our top picks:
Analysis for this category was based on cost and service quality for Providence drivers with a 2022 model car. The rankings only included insurers with better or new car replacement coverage, which covers the cost of a brand-new car if yours is totaled in a covered incident. Travelers is our top pick due to its high affordability and coverage scores.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for New Cars was calculated based on insurers offering new or better car replacement coverage and the following weights:
Offers the most affordable rates at $1,546 per year
Offers new car replacement
Has high affordability and coverage scores
Has an average customer satisfaction score
Lacks original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
Travelers has the lowest rates in our comparison group for this category and offers plenty of coverage options for drivers with new cars. The company's Premier New Car Replacement coverage will pay to replace a car with a brand-new car of the same make and model if it's totaled within the first five years, offering peace of mind for drivers who have recently purchased a new car.
Travelers also offers roadside assistance and accident forgiveness coverage, which are both useful add-ons to a car insurance policy. Roadside assistance can provide services such as towing and fuel delivery if your car breaks down, while accident forgiveness forgives one accident within a specified period, preventing your insurance rates from increasing.
For drivers with new cars, having new or better car replacement coverage is particularly important as it provides financial protection for a major purchase. Travelers is the best option for new car drivers in Providence as it offers this coverage and has reasonable rates. While some other companies, such as State Farm, may have scored better overall, they did not offer new car replacement coverage and therefore weren't included in these rankings.
Everyone has different priorities when searching for the best car insurance. We answered some common questions to help you in your decision-making process.
MoneyGeek conducted research into customer service quality using J.D. Power studies and NAIC complaint ratios. If you wish to delve deeper into customer service, these are excellent sources to consult. You can also visit the Rhode Island Insurance Division website for further information, since customer service data is collected on a state level.
Rates provided by MoneyGeek are averages for sample drivers in Providence, but your rate will be determined by factors such as your age, driving history and the type of car you own. We recommend that you gather quotes from at least three different companies to get a more accurate idea of how much you'll pay.
Insurance companies have different coverage options and discounts available in different states, so it's important to confirm whether the insurer you're considering offers the specific coverage you need in your area.
A company's financial strength rating indicates how likely it is to meet its financial obligations, such as paying out claims. It's crucial to consider this factor when selecting an insurer because if the company is not financially stable, there may be issues with claim payments or other services down the line. While larger insurance companies tend to be more financially stable, regional insurance companies available in Providence may have lower ratings.
Everyone has different priorities when searching for the best car insurance. We answered some common questions to help you in your decision-making process.
State Farm is the best overall provider for car insurance in Providence according to MoneyGeek's analysis, with a score of 76 out of 100 and an average annual rate of $797 for full coverage. State Farm also won for the best cheap insurance and the best for young adults, teens, seniors and drivers with offenses. State Farm offers a balance of affordability and customer satisfaction, with high scores in those individual categories, making it a top choice for car insurance in Providence.
The best cheap car insurance in Providence is offered by State Farm, which earned a MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 and has an average annual rate of $406, making it one of the cheapest minimum coverage insurance options on the market. The company is also the best overall insurance provider in the city, as well as the best for young adults, teens, seniors and drivers with offenses.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
