120+ moreCar insurance is a crucial part of owning and operating a vehicle, but legal requirements for coverage vary by state. Rhode Island drivers must purchase bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage to drive legally in the state.
If you’re a driver in Rhode Island, understanding the specific coverage you need is essential. You could face penalties, fines, or even the suspension of your driving privileges if you overlook Rhode Island’s car insurance requirements.
No matter what kind of coverage you end up buying, always compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers before deciding on a policy.
Your Rhode Island auto insurance policy must meet specific requirements for you to drive legally. If you’re buying coverage for the first time or comparing quotes to find a better deal, you’re looking at a minimum of 25/50/25 liability protection. You can also opt for a single-limit policy of $75,000.1
Bodily injury liability coverage protects you financially if you’re responsible for injuring someone in a car accident. If you cause an accident, your bodily injury coverage steps in to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs for another person. It has one crucial caveat — it doesn’t cover anyone in your car.
The first two numbers in a 25/50/25 policy spell out the minimum bodily injury liability protection you need. In Rhode Island, you need at least $25,000 for one person’s injuries and $50,000 for two or more people in a single accident.1
The last number in your 25/50/25 policy is for property damage liability coverage. This covers the costs of damage you may cause to someone else’s property with your vehicle. For example, if you’re at fault, property damage insurance would pay to fix other cars, buildings, fences, or mailboxes you may have damaged.
Rhode Island requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 in property damage coverage.1 While that’s the minimum, it’s important to consider whether it’s enough to cover potential damages. In serious accidents, expenses can quickly add up to more than this amount, and you’re on the hook for expenses the insurance company doesn’t cover.
A state-minimum insurance policy in Rhode Island also requires uninsured motorist coverage.2 It kicks in if you’re in a hit-and-run or if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your medical bills and other losses. It acts as a buffer, preventing you from shouldering hefty costs due to someone else’s lack of coverage. Your limits for uninsured motorist coverage must match your bodily injury liability limits.
While you don’t legally need to purchase more than the state-minimum coverage in Rhode Island, deciding whether to opt for more than liability-only insurance depends on your circumstances. Rhode Island’s minimum coverage pays for damages and injuries you’re responsible for in an accident, but it doesn’t cover your vehicle or injuries.
The state’s minimum liability coverage might be enough if you’re driving an older car with a lower value. But full coverage is a good idea if you have a newer, high-value car or are still paying off your vehicle. Full-coverage car insurance upgrades your protection to cover a broad range of incidents through collision and comprehensive coverages.
Rhode Island drivers spend an average of $146 on liability-only car insurance per month, or $1,756 per year. The table below shows the companies offering the cheapest auto insurance quotes for liability-only policies in Rhode Island.
The average car insurance rate for full coverage in Rhode Island is $222 per month, or $2,667 per year. The table below shows the companies offering the cheapest quotes for full-coverage car insurance in the state.
In addition to having coverage, you must carry proof of insurance while driving in Rhode Island. You face a steep $500 fine if you’re caught without it.7 And if you don’t have insurance coverage at all, the penalties are much more severe and depend on your insurance history.
First offense: Drivers face losing their driving privileges for up to three months. They may also have to pay a fine ranging from $100 to $500.
Second offense: The second time a driver doesn’t have car insurance, the state will suspend their license for six months. The fine for a second offense is $500.
Third offense: For a third or subsequent violation, drivers can lose their license for up to one year. Rhode Island law considers these offenses to be civil violations, and the fine increases significantly, to $1,000.1
Minimum required coverages aren’t usually enough to fully protect you, especially if you’re involved in a severe accident. You may want to explore these additional coverage options for peace of mind and greater financial security.