Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in Rhode Island (2024)

When shopping for car insurance in Rhode Island as a high-risk driver, you might find rates much higher than premiums for drivers with a clean record. Depending on your violation history, you might even struggle to qualify for a policy because some insurance companies don’t take on drivers with increased risk.

Plenty of insurance companies offer policies to high-risk drivers in Rhode Island, though. You should understand what to expect when signing up for coverage.

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Factors that determine high-risk status in Rhode Island

Though Rhode Island doesn’t have a legal definition of a “high-risk driver,” it’s a term insurance companies use to describe someone with a greater likelihood of filing an auto insurance claim.

“A high-risk driver can also be a newly licensed operator and/or someone with low liability limits on their insurance policy,” says Kristen Gryglik, a senior insurance agent with Comparion Insurance Agency.

You can’t simply divide drivers into categories of low-risk or high-risk, though. Drivers fall somewhere on a broad risk spectrum. Lower risk results in lower insurance rates, and greater risk leads to more expensive coverage.

The following factors could cause insurance companies to view you as a high-risk driver:^[1]

• Traffic violations, tickets, and DUIs: The presence of one or more driving violations on your record can indicate a certain level of risk — especially if your record demonstrates a pattern of tickets or you have a serious conviction, like a DUI or driving while uninsured.

• Accidents and claims: Recent or frequent at-fault accidents will make insurers wary of having to pay out future claims. A history of multiple claims indicates future risk.

• Credit score and financial history: Drivers with a poor credit history tend to earn higher rates than drivers with good or excellent credit because of how insurers calculate insurance scores.

• Age and driving experience: Teenagers and drivers younger than 25 typically pay the highest rates for car insurance by age group because their lack of experience leads to a greater likelihood of accidents.

• Location: Some factors tied to your location — like bad weather or high rates of vehicle theft, accidents, or uninsured driving — can cause average rates in your area to increase.

Best Rhode Island auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers by violation

High-risk drivers typically face higher premiums than drivers with clean records. Different violations and risk factors will increase your premiums by different amounts. For example, your premiums will likely increase a lot more after a DUI than after a single speeding ticket.

Best car insurance for Rhode Island high-risk drivers with an at-fault accident

Having an at-fault accident on your driving record typically increases your insurance rates — especially if you filed an expensive claim. Your liability insurance protects you financially from the cost of injuries and property damage you cause in an accident. If you have collision insurance, your policy pays for the cost of damage to your vehicle.

The cost of auto insurance for someone with an at-fault accident varies widely depending on your insurance company. For example, USAA offers the cheapest average rate for Rhode Island drivers with an at-fault accident, at $159 per month for full coverage. A Liberty Mutual customer with an at-fault accident on their record could see an average rate of $492 per month.

Best car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Rhode Island with a DUI

A driving under the influence (DUI) charge typically increases your rates more than any other driving violation.

In Rhode Island, a DUI results in license suspension, lasting anywhere from 30 days to three years depending on the offense.^[2] If you lose your license and cancel your insurance, the DUI will affect your rates if you reinstate your license and sign up for insurance again.

The cheapest average rates for full-coverage insurance following a DUI in Rhode Island range between $222 and $685 per month.

Best auto insurance for Rhode Island high-risk drivers with speeding tickets

A speeding ticket can also increase your insurance rates. Unlike an at-fault accident, a speeding ticket doesn’t necessarily cost your insurance company any money. But someone who drives over the speed limit may cause an accident and file a claim in the future.

In Rhode Island, the cheapest average full-coverage rates for drivers with speeding tickets start at $149 per month, from USAA.

Cheapest Rhode Island car insurance companies for high-risk drivers with poor credit

Your credit history is a factor that determines your insurance premiums. Data has shown a correlation between people with lower credit scores and an increased likelihood of filing insurance claims.^[3]

Some states prohibit insurance companies from using credit as a factor in setting insurance rates, but Rhode Island allows the practice. However, insurers in the state can’t penalize drivers due to an absence of credit history.

Drivers with a poor credit score tend to face higher rates than drivers with good and excellent credit history. Average quotes for drivers with poor credit start at $244 per month for full-coverage insurance.

How to find affordable car insurance for high-risk drivers in Rhode Island

If you have violations on your record or qualify as high risk for another reason, you’ll likely pay more for insurance.

However, you can still find ways to save money on car insurance when shopping for a policy:^[4]

• Comparison shop. The amount you pay for car insurance varies not only by violation but also by the insurance company. You can often save money on premiums by comparing quotes from a handful of different insurers before signing up for a policy.

• Work with an agent or broker. An insurance professional — especially an independent one — can help you find the best insurance rates. Based on their experience, they may have a better idea of which insurers will be most affordable based on your situation.

• Take advantage of discounts. Most insurance companies offer a variety of discounts to help customers save money on their policies. Common discounts include savings for maintaining low mileage, having vehicle safety features, or paying your premium up front.

• Bundle your policies. If you also have renters or homeowners insurance, purchase your auto insurance policy with the same insurer. Many insurance companies charge a lower premium to customers who bundle policies.

How to improve your driving record and lower your car insurance rates in Rhode Island

Improving your driving record is one of the best ways to lower your car insurance rates over time.

“There’s not much that can be done once the violation is on your record,” says Gryklik. “However, if you do get a surcharge notice for an accident or moving violation, I always advise to appeal if there is any chance you can be found less than 50% at fault for an accident.”

In Rhode Island, violations usually only affect your insurance premiums for three years.^[5] And you can take advantage of the state’s Good Driver’s Statute. This statute allows you to have a violation dismissed from your record if you’ve had an active driver’s license for at least three years and haven’t had any other violations on your record within the past three years.^[6]

You can improve your driving record and lower your insurance rates in a few other ways, as well:

• Take a defensive driving course. Many insurance companies lower insurance rates for someone who’s completed a defensive driving course.

• Maintain a good credit score. Your credit score is a major risk factor when it comes to your insurance rates. Even if you have a violation on your record, you could improve your rates by increasing your credit score.

• Sign up for accident forgiveness. Many insurance companies offer accident forgiveness, which means your rates won’t increase after your first accident. While this won’t help you with accidents already on your record, it’ll help improve your record in the event of any future accidents.

• Seek legal help. If you cause an accident or end up with a violation on your record, seek the help of an attorney to see if you can keep the violation off your driving record (or at least lessen its severity).

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