Rhode Island Auto Insurance

Whether you’re discovering America’s Colonial history in Pawtucket, hunting pheasant in Mapleville, boating on the East Bay out of Tiverton, following the Mohegan Trail, sailing out of Newport, heading towards Bristol or doing business in Providence, there’s plenty to see and do in Rhode Island. From Woonsocket to Westerly, E. Greenwich to Warwick and all points in between, car insurance is crucial to being a responsible Rhode Island driver.

 

Auto Insurance Resources for RI State Residents

As of 2010, there were nearly 800,000 drivers in the Ocean State. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 14% of Rhode Island drivers are uninsured. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s 2007 Strategic Highway Safety Plan reported that there were 43,085 total traffic accidents in 2006; 1,316 resulted in injuries; 81 people died. The state estimates traffic accidents cost Rhode Island $3.9 billion between 2001 and 2006. Speed, aggression and following too closely were the leading causes of all accidents during that year. Uninsured, aggressive and reckless drivers are good reasons to make sure you have enough car insurance while living and driving in the Ocean State.

 

Rhode Island State Minimum Car Insurance

Rhode Island state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance or face severe penalties. The Ocean State has a tort-based system. That means if you cause an accident, you can be sued. While Rhode Island does not require you to carry additional personal liability or Collision and Comprehensive, if you own property or other valuable assets, you would be wise to supplement the minimum requires shown below:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident
• $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability
• $25,000/$50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage

 

Rhode Island Car Insurance Laws

Rhode Island law requires that you carry proof of Rhode Island auto insurance in your vehicle and produce it if a law enforcement officer asks to see it. Driving without car insurance in Rhode Island is a misdemeanor and carries a first-offense fine between $250 and $500. Your driver’s license and registration may be suspended and you will have to pay a reinstatement fee and file an SR-22 with the Rhode Island DMV for 3 years to restore your driving privileges.

If you are in accident without insurance, regardless of fault, your license and registration will be suspended, you will receive a minimum $500 fine and will be required to keep an SR-22 on file for 3 years. You will also be required to pay for damages and injuries caused to others. Failure to do so will result in indefinite suspension of your driver’s license and registration until you can show that the judgment against you has been satisfied.

 

Regulating Agency and References

Rhode Island Insurance Division/Department of Consumer & Business Services
This agency is responsible for regulating vehicle insurance policies sold in Rhode Island. For more information, visit their website at www.dbr.state.ri.us/divisions/insurance/consumers.php

Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
This is the agency responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can learn more about Rhode Island auto insurance requirements, penalties and related information at www.dmv.ri.gov/

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This is an organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. NAIC provides a forum for the development of uniform policies when appropriate. NAIC members are elected or appointed state government officials who regulate the conduct of insurance companies and agents in their respective states or territories. Visit NAIC at www.naic.org

Insurance Information Institute (III)
This organization’s mission is to improve public understanding of insurance – what it is and how it works. Visit III at www.iii.org/

 

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