Auto Insurance Requirements In Rhode Island: What You Need To Know

Rhode Island requires all motorists to carry liability auto insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This basic liability insurance covers bodily injuries and property damage to others in an accident caused by the policyholder. However, it does not cover the policyholder's injuries or damages to their own property. To enhance protection, additional insurance options like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can be added.

Minimum insurance requirements

In the state of Rhode Island, auto insurance is mandatory and drivers are required to have auto liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. The minimum insurance requirements in Rhode Island are:

• Bodily injury liability coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This covers injuries you cause to others in an accident, including their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Property damage liability coverage: $25,000 per accident. This covers damage you cause to other people's property in an accident, such as repairs or replacement of their vehicle or other property damaged in the accident (buildings, fences, etc.).
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This covers your medical expenses if you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

It is important to note that these are the minimum required coverages and limits. You may want to consider additional or higher coverages to better protect yourself and your assets. For example, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage can help pay for repairs or replacement of your own vehicle, while medical payments coverage can help with your own medical expenses after an accident.

Rhode Island also gives you the option to purchase a "combined single limit" policy with coverage of at least $75,000, which covers any combination of personal injuries and property damage up to the maximum amount.

Proof of insurance

In the state of Rhode Island, it is mandatory to have car insurance. You will need to provide proof of insurance when driving, which must be shown at the request of law enforcement officials. Failure to show proof of auto insurance in Rhode Island when asked by police could result in a fine of $500 and a suspension of your license for three months.

The minimum amount of Rhode Island auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. In the event of a covered accident, your limits for bodily injury are $25,000 per person, with a total maximum of $50,000 per incident. It also covers up to $25,000 for damage to another person's property.

Liability coverage provides for your legal defence if a lawsuit is brought against you as a result of a covered accident. As a resident of Rhode Island, there are two types of liability coverage your insurance policy must include: property damage and bodily injury.

Property damage liability coverage safeguards your assets if you are found legally responsible for a covered accident. It covers any damage you may cause to the property or vehicle of another party.

Bodily injury liability coverage safeguards your assets if you are found legally responsible for a covered accident, including certain expenses associated with bodily harm sustained by the other parties.

You must be ready to provide your insurance information, including the name of your insurance company and the start and end dates of your policy, on your RI vehicle registration application.

If you get into an accident that results in property damage, injury to another person, or even the death of someone, owning an insurance policy can exempt you from providing extra security or proof of financial responsibility.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

In Rhode Island, uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) are often bundled together by insurance companies. This coverage is not mandatory, but it is a prudent choice given the state's high percentage of uninsured drivers. While minimum liability insurance is required by law, you are not obligated to carry UM or UIM coverage.

The purpose of UM/UIM coverage is to fill in the financial gaps when an at-fault driver doesn't have enough or any insurance to cover the costs of an accident. In Rhode Island, insurance providers are required to offer a minimum of $25,000 worth of property damage coverage. However, if the at-fault driver causes damage exceeding this amount, you could be left footing the bill for the remaining expenses. This is where UIM coverage comes into play, protecting you from such financial burdens.

UM coverage, on the other hand, safeguards you from drivers who don't have any insurance at all. In the event of an accident with an uninsured driver, your UM coverage steps in to cover the expenses that the other driver's insurance would have covered. This includes medical expenses and property damage, up to the limits of your policy.

It's worth noting that UM/UIM coverage in Rhode Island also extends to hit-and-run accidents. Additionally, you have the option to purchase Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UM/UIMPD) coverage, which is specifically designed to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. However, this type of coverage is optional and may be redundant if you already have collision coverage in your policy.

When it comes to selecting your UM/UIM coverage limits, it's essential to consider your financial circumstances and the potential costs of an accident. While the minimum coverage limits in Rhode Island are set at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, you have the option to choose higher limits for added protection.

Collision coverage

When considering collision coverage, it is essential to evaluate your financial situation and the value of your vehicle. If you cannot afford to pay for repairs or a replacement vehicle out of pocket, collision coverage may be a worthwhile investment. Additionally, if your vehicle is new or has a high value, collision coverage can help cover expensive repairs or replacement costs. On the other hand, if your vehicle is older and has a lower value, the cost of collision coverage may outweigh the benefits.

In Rhode Island, drivers are required to have auto liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Collision coverage is not mandated by the state but may be required by lenders if you are leasing or financing your vehicle. When deciding on collision coverage, it is important to weigh the costs and benefits based on your specific circumstances.

Penalties for driving without insurance

Driving without insurance in Rhode Island can result in several penalties, including fines, suspension of driving privileges, and vehicle registration suspension. The specific penalties depend on the number of offences. Here is an overview:

First Offence:

• A fine ranging from $100 to $500.
• Mandatory suspension of your license and registration for up to three months.
• Reinstatement fees: You may need to pay a license reinstatement fee of $152.50 and a registration reinstatement fee of $252.50.

Second Offence:

• A fine of $500.
• Mandatory suspension of your license and registration for six months.
• Reinstatement fees: In addition to any outstanding fees, you will need to pay the same reinstatement fees as for the first offence.

Third and Subsequent Offences:

• A fine of $1,000.
• Mandatory suspension of your license and registration for up to one year.
• Civil violation: A third or subsequent offence is considered a civil violation.
• Reinstatement fees: You will need to pay the same reinstatement fees as for the first offence.

It is important to note that these penalties are separate from any financial consequences you may face if you are involved in an accident while uninsured. Additionally, violations will remain on your record, and you may be required to purchase a policy through the Rhode Island Automobile Insurance Plan if your driving history makes it difficult to obtain insurance through standard means.

Frequently asked questions