Updated: November 21, 2024
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Usually, high-risk drivers pay more for car insurance than those with a clean record. Shopping around and comparing rates from different companies is the best way to lower the cost of your insurance.
According to MoneyGeek’s research, State Farm is the best option for high-risk drivers in Rhode Island who want a balance of cost and customer service. Its high-risk car insurance policy is the most affordable in the state, costing approximately $886 per year.
Best & CheapestAuto InsuranceHigh-RiskBest Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2023
There are various reasons why an auto insurance company may consider you as high risk. These include having a history of traffic violations, at-fault accidents or a DUI conviction. But your driving record isn’t the only thing that insurers take into account when assessing drivers for risk. Your age, credit score and type of vehicle also play a significant role.
Simply put, high-risk drivers are those who are more likely to file an auto insurance claim. Some insurance companies deny them coverage, while others charge higher rates to protect themselves. In Rhode Island, for instance, high-risk drivers pay around 27% more for a policy than those with a clean record.
High-risk drivers have serious violations on their driving records, such as driving recklessly, driving with a suspended or revoked license, driving under the influence of alcohol or drag racing.
However, there are some cases where you may be considered as high risk even with a clean driving record; for instance, being a student driver or having poor credit. MoneyGeek lists more examples of high-risk drivers below.
MoneyGeek’s research found that State Farm offers the lowest high-risk car insurance quotes in Rhode Island at an average cost of $886 per year.
Read MoneyGeek’s State Farm auto insurance review to find out more about the company’s pros, cons and rates.
| State Farm | $886 |
| Travelers | $1,854 |
| Allstate | $2,463 |
| Nationwide | $2,598 |
| Progressive | $2,898 |
| GEICO | $4,209 |
Drivers who commit a serious traffic violation or those caught driving without insurance may be required to get SR-22 insurance to show they meet their state’s minimum car insurance requirements.
Rhode Island drivers don’t need an SR-22, but they may have to file it if they are convicted of a DUI in a state where it is required.
According to MoneyGeek’s research, State Farm is the best high-risk auto insurance company in Rhode Island, receiving a score of 93 out of 100. The runner-up in the state is Travelers, which earned a score of 76 out of 100.
MoneyGeek delves further into the companies’ average rates, coverages and discounts in our State Farm auto insurance review and Travelers auto insurance review.
In Rhode Island, State Farm’s high-risk auto insurance costs roughly $886 per year. That is 11% more expensive than a policy for low-risk drivers.
High-risk drivers, such as young students and those with a traffic violation, may find State Farm as an affordable option for car insurance. In addition to inexpensive rates, the company also offers good student, distant student, defensive driving and driver’s education discounts.
However, State Farm notably lacks unique add-on coverages. Policyholders can only purchase common coverages such as roadside assistance, rental car and/or travel reimbursement and rideshare insurance.
Travelers offers high-risk auto insurance in Rhode Island at an annual average rate of $1,854, 22% higher than the rate for drivers with a low-risk profile.
Travelers allows its policyholders to purchase new car replacement coverage, accident forgiveness and gap insurance.
Although car insurance policies from Travelers are moderately priced, you can lower your insurance costs by earning discounts for being a loyal customer, owning a new or hybrid car, going paperless, completing a driver’s education course and more.
Low-income car insurance in Rhode Island can help you get quality coverage on a budget. The state doesn’t have a government car insurance program for low-income individuals and families, so purchasing state minimum coverage or pay-per-mile insurance is your next best option.
MoneyGeek found that State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for Rhode Island drivers with a DUI conviction, costing an average of $790 per year. Learn more about the company through our State Farm auto insurance review.
Alternatively, USAA is an affordable option in Rhode Island for active and former military members who committed a DUI.
| State Farm | $790 |
| Travelers | $2,289 |
| Progressive | $2,375 |
| Allstate | $2,658 |
| Nationwide | $3,269 |
| GEICO | $6,228 |
A look-back period refers to the length of time a DUI remains on a driver’s record. It varies from state to state, but look-back periods are usually long to determine how far back a sentencing court can look at a driver’s record for prior DUI convictions. In Rhode Island, a DUI will stay on your driving record for five years.
MoneyGeek’s pick for the cheapest car insurance company in Rhode Island for teen drivers is State Farm, costing an average of $3,106 per year. However, your actual rate will be determined by your age and other factors, such as discounts you may qualify for, like good student. Our State Farm auto insurance review can help you learn more about this insurer.
| State Farm | $3,106 |
| Allstate | $5,103 |
| Nationwide | $8,270 |
| GEICO | $10,764 |
| Progressive | $13,662 |
Although students pay more for car insurance, MoneyGeek still recommends choosing full coverage over the state minimum. The additional protection can provide peace of mind in case of an accident. Compare quotes from different providers to find the cheapest car insurance for students.
State Farm offers the cheapest auto insurance in Rhode Island for drivers with bad credit at an average cost of $1,590 per year. That is around 52% more expensive than a policy for those with good credit.
Visit our State Farm auto insurance review to learn more about its policies for people with different credit scores.
| State Farm | 1,590 | 52% |
Individuals with bad credit often face higher auto insurance rates. Since credit score is considered when determining premiums in Rhode Island, it may be challenging to find coverage if yours is less than stellar. Fortunately, there are ways to get the best car insurance with bad credit. Shop around for quotes to find the option that’s suitable for your needs.
Your car insurance rate depends on your driving profile and history. Student drivers and those with a history of traffic violations or bad credit often have more expensive premiums because they are considered risky by insurance companies.
For example, high-risk drivers in Rhode Island pay roughly $802 more for car insurance than low-risk drivers, with an average cost of $2,485 per year.
Low-Risk Driver
$1,895High-Risk Driver
$2,463This is 30% more expensive.
Our Rhode Island car insurance calculator can help you estimate how much you’ll pay for a policy in the state. The estimate considers the personal details you enter in our online tool, such as age, gender, credit score and vehicle type.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Nov 21, 2024
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
If you have a history of traffic violations, at-fault accidents or a DUI conviction on your driving record, you may be considered risky to insure by companies. Consequently, you may have a harder time purchasing car insurance.
In the event that insurers refuse to cover you, you can look for a residual market plan through the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO). This non-profit corporation has been around since 1972 to help high-risk drivers find coverage based on where they live.
Rhode Island drivers are required to carry a policy that meets the state’s minimum car insurance requirements. However, high-risk drivers in the state may find it difficult to purchase insurance. If so, their best option for coverage is the Rhode Island Automobile Insurance Plan (RIAIP).
To qualify for the RIAIP, applicants need to declare and certify that they have tried and failed to obtain car insurance in Rhode Island within the preceding 60 days.
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
riaip@aipso.com
Phone
(401) 946-2600
Fax
(401) 528-1409
Mailing Address
Rhode Island Automobile Insurance Plan, P.O. Box 6530, Providence, RI 02940-6530
It can be challenging to purchase car insurance if you’re considered a high-risk driver. To make this process easier, MoneyGeek answered some frequently asked questions about high-risk car insurance in Rhode Island.
In Rhode Island, State Farm offers the best car insurance for high-risk drivers.
Car insurance rates in Rhode Island vary depending on the type of high-risk driver. MoneyGeek’s research uncovered the average rates as follows:
High-risk drivers are usually those who are more likely to file an auto insurance claim. Examples include student drivers, those with poor credit and those who committed serious traffic violations.
You can look for a residual market plan if you can’t find car insurance in the voluntary market. In Rhode Island, the residual market plan is called the Rhode Island Automobile Insurance Plan. You can get in touch with this insurer by calling its hotline at (401) 946-2600 or emailing riaip@aipso.com. You may also visit its office Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.
To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.
To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.
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.
