Rhode Island Auto Insurance - (RI)

Like every other state in the Union, Rhode Island has laws that govern when and under what conditions motor vehicles may be operated safely, and part of those rules set in place by Rhode Island mandate the use of auto insurance by all drivers. All motor vehicles in operation in the state must have minimum levels of insurance coverage provided by the vehicle owners — even those vehicles that are being driven by visitors to the state must have liability insurance. In order to avoid costly fees and penalties for noncompliance with this law, it is recommended by the state of Rhode Island that vehicle owners regularly check and maintain their policies to make sure they are consistent with the requirements of the law.

State of Rhode Island Liability Insurance Minimum Requirement Levels

In order to maintain compliance with state law and avoid penalties and punitive action, the following levels of insurance are the minimal amounts of coverage required before operating a vehicle in Rhode Island:

• Single Person Bodily Injury coverage at $25,000 per accident.
• Multiple Person Bodily Injury coverage at $50,000 per accident to cover all persons involved.
• Property Damage coverage at $25,000 to repair or replace damage done to the property of others in an accident.

Though Rhode Island does not require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it is recommended in order to provide extra protection in case you get into an accident with another person that is in violiation of the law and driving without adequate insurance coverage. This special type of insurance is generally inexpensive and will give you recourse to cover the cost of injuries and damage if you ever have an accident with a motorist who either has no insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your costs.

Insurance Proof Requirements

Proof of insurance is required at all times while operating a vehicle in the state of Rhode Island. If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer you will be required to provide proof of proper insurance coverage for your vehicle. Usually this proof takes the form of an insurance card sent by your insurer for you to keep with the vehicle. If you are unable to provide this proof of coverage, you will receive a citation that requires you to provide proof of insurance to the state within 15 days. If you are unable to provide proof of coverage that was active at the time you received the citation, your license will be suspended and your vehicle’s registration will be revoked.

If your license is suspended and your registration revoked, you will have to provide proof of coverage to the state in order to get both restored in addition to paying significant penalties and fines to the state which can total more than $500. In addition, you will be required to file an SR-22 notice through your insurance company which serves as a guarantee that you will maintain minimum requirement levels or the insurance company will notify the state any time your coverage is cancelled or not renewed.

Department Of Rhode Island (RI) State Government That Regulates Auto Insurance:
Website: www.dbr.state.ri.us
Email:albert_smith@dbr.state.ri.us
OR InsuranceInquiry@dbr.state.ri.us

How To Contact Directly:
Rhode Island Dept. of Business Regulation
Div. of Insurance Regulation
233 Richmond St.
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-222-2246
Fax: 401-222-6098

Rhode Island (RI) Mandatory Auto Insurance Minimums

• Liability: 25/50/25 = Bodily Injury Individual/Bodily Injury Total Per Accident/Property Damage.
• Other Mandatory auto insurance: Uninsured Motorist.
• Regulations Regarding Insurance Proof: No proof required.
• Penalties For Not Carrying Mandatory Insurance: First Offense = $500 fine maximum, 3 months suspension of license or registration maximum.

How To File A Complaint About An Insurer:

Download a form, fill out and mail:
Consumer Protection Unit
150 South Main Street
Providence, RI 02903