Little Rhody boasts immaculate beaches, first-rate hiking trails, celebrated restaurants and a vibrant arts scene. There's no doubt about it: big things do come in small packages. The same goes for Rhode Island auto insurance. In area, The Plantation State is the smallest U.S. state but its residents were paying more than most of the nation for auto insurance in 2007. According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), Rhode Islanders paid $1,017 for car insurance which was $222 more than the U.S. average. Keeping Rhode Island auto insurance rates below that average is simpler than you might think. First of all, figure out what factors might cause your rates to be higher and then shop around and find out if you qualify for discounts.

Baffle Bandits
Rhode Island isn't overridden with motor vehicle thefts, but with 3,213 auto thefts in the Providence-New Bedford-Fall River Metropolitan Statistical Area in 2009 (according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau) having your car stolen in The Ocean State is not out of the question. Furthermore, safety component theft is on the rise. According to the I.I.I., more than 75,000 air bags are stolen every year which is costing insurers and vehicle owners more than $50 million a year. Cars equipped with anti-theft devices not only thwart thieves, but their owners reap discounts on their Rhode Island auto insurance rates. Rhode Island is one of nine states required to offer discounts on the base rates for comprehensive insurance for anti-theft devices, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Car owners can earn discounts of 15 to 20 percent on passive devices, which turn on when a vehicle is locked. Armoring your car with a tracking device could save you even more on your Rhode Island auto insurance rates. If you car is stolen a tracking device can help police recover your vehicle which lessens the likelihood you will need compensation to replace your vehicle. These devices also help police bust the culprit who stole your vehicle and can sometimes uncover illegal chop shops in your area.

A Quick Fix for Congestion
Congested areas tend to have more car accidents, theft and vandalism, therefore car insurance premiums are more likely to be higher for policyholders who drive or reside in these areas. The Providence Metropolitan Area earned a spot on the 2009 INRIX National Traffic Scorecard for most congested metro areas. To avoid stressful traffic situations and steering clear of other potential vehicle hazards, try out the RIPTA's bus, trolley or RIde vans. Public transportation reduces air pollution, traffic congestion and your Rhode Island auto insurance rates. Auto insurers take into consideration your annual mileage, where you drive and how often you drive to assess your premium. By cutting down on these factors you could save big bucks on your insurance premium.

Don't Concede
You don't want to compromise coverage to get cheaper Rhode Island auto insurance rates, but you don't want to break the bank either. Using a free service like LocalInsurance gives you an opportunity to see how insurance companies are competing for business. Fill out a quick form online and soon you'll see several quotes with affordable, high-quality coverage.

To find more information on the auto insurance requirements in Rhode Island, visit these useful links: