Fact CheckedNerdy takeaways
Chubb is the top-rated insurer in Rhode Island, offering coverage for the state’s high-value homes.
Andover Companies offers the best coverage for most homeowners.
Amica provides the best value for Rhode Islanders.
Cincinnati Insurance has the fewest complaints.
USAA is our top pick for military families.
Rhode Islanders in the market for a policy with extra coverage, great service or affordable rates have several top insurers to choose from. The best home insurance in Rhode Island will vary depending on your needs as a homeowner.
Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state. Even if an insurer serves your state, it may not write policies for all homes in all areas.
The best homeowners insurance in Rhode Island
best coverage for high-value homes
Chubb
- Far fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Standard coverage includes features that many companies offer only as extras.
- Perks to help you protect your home.
- Most consumers can't get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
Why it’s worth a look: Chubb’s policies are designed for affluent homeowners. They include generous coverage for your home and belongings, with high limits available. For example, you may be able to get up to $100 million of personal liability coverage in case someone sues you.
Standout feature: Chubb policyholders with secondary or seasonal homes in Rhode Island can use the company’s Property Manager service at no charge. With this service, a Chubb representative will check your home after a hurricane and report its condition to you. They can also help prevent further damage and submit a claim on your behalf.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: Chubb homeowners insurance review
best coverage for most people
Andover Companies
- Far fewer consumer complaints than expected.
- Includes more generous dwelling and personal property coverage than most insurers.
- Many additional coverage options to choose from.
- Limited online experience.
Why it’s worth a look: The Andover Companies’ home insurance usually comes with more coverage than a standard policy provides. For example, Andover provides guaranteed replacement cost coverage for most homes. This means Andover will pay to rebuild your home after a covered claim, no matter what it costs.
Standout feature: If you have an older home, you’ll appreciate Andover’s generous amount of ordinance or law coverage. This type of insurance pays to bring your house up to current building codes after a claim.
Average rates: Below are the average annual rates for a range of dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$300,000 | $2,610 |
$400,000 | $3,020 |
$500,000 | $3,615 |
$600,000 | $4,215 |
$700,000 | $4,815 |
» READ MORE: Andover Companies homeowners insurance review
best value
Amica
- High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
- Platinum Choice package offers extra coverage.
- Dividend policies can return a portion of your premiums.
- You can start a quote online but may have to finish the buying process by phone.
Why it’s worth a look: Amica has the most affordable rates of all our top companies in Rhode Island. But it’s also worth noting that in addition to offering lower premiums, the company is a perennial favorite in J.D. Power’s surveys on home insurance and customer satisfaction.
Standout feature: If you want a little more coverage, consider the Platinum Choice Home package. It includes extra coverage for your home and valuable belongings.
Average rates: Below are the average annual rates for a range of dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$300,000 | $1,305 |
$400,000 | $1,655 |
$500,000 | $1,985 |
$600,000 | $2,310 |
$700,000 | $2,625 |
» READ MORE: Amica homeowners insurance review
fewest complaints
Cincinnati Insurance
- Various coverage options.
- Far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Coverage available for higher-value homes.
- No online quotes.
- Very little information on website.
Why it’s worth a look: Cincinnati Insurance had one of the lowest rates of consumer complaints among all the companies we review. This suggests that most of its policyholders are happy with their coverage.
Standout feature: The insurer’s Private Client option may appeal to people with high-value homes and lots of valuables.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: Cincinnati homeowners insurance review
best for military families
USAA
- Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
- Fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
- Perks for military homeowners.
- Available only to active military members, veterans, some federal employees and their families.
Why it’s worth a look: USAA policies are available to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families. USAA’s homeowners policies come with perks for the military community. For instance, the company doesn’t charge a deductible for damage to your military uniforms or equipment while you’re deployed.
Standout feature: USAA covers your personal belongings on a replacement cost basis. That means you’ll get enough money to buy brand-new replacements for damaged items. Many companies pay only what your items are worth at the time of the claim.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: USAA homeowners insurance review
Other top home insurance companies in Rhode Island
These home insurance providers are also worth a look.
Company | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
|---|---|---|
$2,970 | ||
Not available | ||
$4,740 |
How much does homeowners insurance cost in Rhode Island?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Rhode Island is $2,650 per year, or about $221 per month. That's 12% less expensive than the national average of $3,005 per year for the same amount of coverage.
These rates are based on a sample home insurance policy with $500,000 in dwelling coverage, $300,000 in liability coverage, a $1,000 deductible, and no recent claims.
Did you know...
The dwelling coverage limit on your policy should be the amount it would take to rebuild your home, based on the cost of labor and construction in your area. It won't necessarily be the price you paid for the house or how much you could sell it for now. Use our calculator to estimate your home's rebuilding cost.
The median rebuilding cost for Rhode Island homes is $487,198, according to data from First Street, a climate risk modeling firm.
Below are the average rates for policies with various dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$300,000 | $1,760 |
$400,000 | $2,230 |
$500,000 | $2,650 |
$600,000 | $3,055 |
$700,000 | $3,465 |
The rates above are for homeowners with good credit. In Rhode Island, policyholders with poor credit pay an average of $4,755 per year — an increase of 79%.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in Rhode Island by city
The amount you pay will vary depending on where you live in the state. For example, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Providence is $2,905 per year, while Cranston homeowners pay $2,440 per year, on average.
City | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
Central Falls | $2,670 | $223 |
Cranston | $2,625 | $219 |
East Providence | $2,725 | $227 |
Newport | $2,440 | $203 |
Pawtucket | $2,675 | $223 |
Providence | $2,905 | $242 |
Warwick | $2,935 | $245 |
Woonsocket | $2,720 | $227 |
The cheapest home insurance in Rhode Island
Here are the insurers we found with the cheapest rates for a variety of dwelling coverage limits.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
NLC Insurance
Not rated
$950
$1,305
Narragansett Bay
Not rated
$1,530
$2,095
$2,610
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
NLC Insurance
Not rated
$1,195
$1,655
Narragansett Bay
Not rated
$1,930
$2,630
$3,020
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
NLC Insurance
Not rated
$1,435
$1,985
Narragansett Bay
Not rated
$2,345
$2,970
$3,615
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
NLC Insurance
Not rated
$1,670
$2,310
Narragansett Bay
Not rated
$2,770
$3,345
$4,215
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
NLC Insurance
Not rated
$1,900
$2,625
Narragansett Bay
Not rated
$3,170
$3,655
$4,815
Common discounts
Make sure to ask your home insurance company about any discounts you may be eligible for. Here are some of the most common:
Many insurers offer savings if you buy more than one policy, such as home and car insurance. See our picks for the best home and auto insurance bundles.
Got a burglar alarm, smoke detectors or a smart device that alerts you if you have a leak? Safety and security features like these could earn you a discount.
Sign up for paperless billing or set your premiums to autopay, and you could get a discount.
Many insurance companies give discounts to customers who’ve gone a certain number of years without filing a home insurance claim.
Some insurers offer discounts to new policyholders or reward those who’ve stuck around for a while.
Teachers, doctors, members of the military and others may be eligible for discounts from certain insurers.
Learn more about common home insurance discounts.
Common Rhode Island home insurance problems
Rhode Island residents have a few things to keep top of mind when shopping for a homeowners policy.
Winter storms. Rhode Island may not get as much snow as its northern neighbors, but the state sees plenty of wind, ice and blizzard conditions. Homeowners insurance typically covers most damage caused by winter storms, but your policy may have limitations or exclusions. For example, water damage caused by snowmelt may only be covered by a separate flood insurance policy.
Hurricanes. Hurricanes don’t often hit New England but when these storms do make landfall on the eastern coast, it’s likely to significantly affect Rhode Island’s 400 miles of shoreline. There are two primary risks associated with coastal storms and hurricanes: wind and flooding. Wind is usually covered by standard homeowners policies but flood damage is not included.
Flooding. Rhode Island can experience both inland and coastal flooding. Regardless of the cause, home insurance typically doesn't cover flood damage. If you’re concerned about flood damage, consider buying flood insurance. You can buy flood insurance at any time, but there’s typically a 30-day waiting period before the coverage takes effect.
To check your flood risk, start with the federal government’s flood maps. However, these maps don’t always capture all types of flood risk. You may want to check another source such as First Street, a company that models climate hazards. Enter your address at the top of the page to see your home’s flood risk rating.
Common optional coverage
A standard homeowners policy can sometimes fall short, so it's worth looking for ways to make it more comprehensive. For example, we recommend asking if your insurer offers extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your home. These add-ons give you extra dwelling coverage in case it costs more than you expect to rebuild your home after a disaster. Having this coverage can be a useful hedge against inflation.
Here are a few additional types of coverage you may want to buy.
Floods are the most common weather disaster in the U.S. and can happen anywhere, not just coastal areas. You can buy flood insurance through the federal government or from private companies. Learn whether you need flood insurance.
Homeowners policies generally won’t cover damage if a drain backs up into your home or your sump pump fails. Adding water backup coverage can help with these issues.
Homeowners policies may cover your stuff on an actual cash value or replacement cost basis. With actual cash value, the policy will pay less for older items that have lost value over time. To get enough of a claim payout to buy brand-new items, opt for replacement cost coverage.
If you have expensive jewelry, fine art or other valuables, you may need extra insurance for them. Learn more about scheduled personal property coverage.
Service line coverage pays to fix damaged water, gas, sewer or other underground lines on your property.
If your HVAC system or another major appliance fails, equipment breakdown coverage can help pay for repairs.
Rhode Island FAIR Plan
Also known as the Rhode Island Joint Reinsurance Association (RIJRA), the Rhode Island FAIR Plan helps consumers who are unable to get private insurance. Residential coverage is available in Rhode Island but policies are capped at $1.25 million. Insurance for commercial properties is also available through the RIJRA.
As part of the application process, inspections are required and provided at no charge. Like many FAIR Plans, you’ll have to work with an agent or broker licensed in Rhode Island to apply for a policy.
Get home insurance quotes in minutes
Answer a few questions to see custom quotes and find the right policy for you.Rhode Island Division of Insurance
The state’s Division of Insurance (part of the Department of Business Regulation) oversees the insurance industry in Rhode Island. In addition to providing answers to common questions about insurance, the agency's website also includes an online form to file a complaint against your insurer. Contact the division with questions by email at DBR.Insurance@dbr.ri.gov or by phone at 401-462-9520.
How we review home insurance
Our editorial team considers these factors when rating homeowners insurance companies:
This part of our star rating is based largely on consumer complaints to state regulators, as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. When available, we also include each company’s performance in the most recent J.D. Power Home Insurance Study. Other factors in our consumer experience score include customer-friendly features such as online claims filing and quotes.
We use AM Best and Demotech ratings to confirm each insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims.
Companies score higher if they offer many common endorsements and include more comprehensive coverage in their standard plans. In particular, we look at features such as extended coverage for the structure of your home and replacement cost coverage for personal belongings.
We evaluate how many of the most common home insurance discounts each company offers.
See our complete homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Homeowners insurance isn't required by Rhode Island state law. However, your lender may require you to buy home insurance. For more information, read Is Homeowners Insurance Required?
There are several ways to save money on homeowners insurance in Rhode Island:
Shop around to make sure you’re getting the best rate.
Choose a higher deductible. In case of any claims, you’ll pay more out of pocket, but your premiums will be lower.
Bundle your home and auto insurance for a lower overall rate. See the best home and auto insurance bundles.
Ask your insurer if you qualify for any home insurance discounts.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.The University of Rhode Island. Mapping RI’s shoreline access. Accessed .
Star rating methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverage, discounts, claims process and website functionality. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews or star ratings.
Here’s how we weighted each category to come up with our list of the best home insurance companies:
Consumer experience (40%).
Financial strength (30%).
Coverage (25%).
Discounts (5%).
Read our full home insurance ratings methodology for more details.
Homeowners insurance rates methodology
NerdWallet calculated median rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in ZIP codes across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$500,000 in dwelling coverage.
$50,000 in other structures coverage.
$250,000 in personal property coverage.
$100,000 in loss of use coverage.
$300,000 in liability coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.
In states where credit is a rating factor, we changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit.
In select states, we added a single wind damage claim to see rates for homeowners with a claim on their record.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2022-2024. To assess how insurers compare with one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period.
NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Rebuilding cost methodology
The median home rebuilding cost referenced above is based on 2025 replacement cost data from First Street, a climate risk modeling firm. Actual replacement costs may vary based on factors like location, square footage, construction materials, the age of your home and local labor costs.
