Minimum requirements and how to get cheap auto insurance in Rhode Island
When it comes to car insurance, Rhode Island requires drivers to carry a policy to legally drive on its roads. And you’ll want to find a policy that works for your needs at a rate that fits your budget. Read on to learn about car insurance in Rhode Island, from rules and regulations to getting the best rates possible.
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Like most states in the US, Rhode Island requires its drivers to carry liability insurance. But it also requires a handful of other types of coverage, like uninsured motorist insurance and personal injury protection. These requirements can increase the cost of coverage for a lot of this state’s motorists.
Drivers in Rhode Island tend to pay around $1,800 annually, which is significantly above the national average of $1,200 to $1,300. These higher rates reflect the high amount of coverage required by law.
The most expensive areas to insure a car can be found in big cities like Providence, given the additional risk for car accidents, vandalism and theft. In small towns and rural areas of the state, you’re likely to find lower insurance rates because the risk of damage to your car is lower.
However, if you take the time to shop around before signing up with an insurance provider, you could end up paying less than the state average for your car insurance policy.
Looking for ways to save money on your auto insurance in Rhode Island? No matter what state you’re in, consider general car insurance tips for lowering your premiums and getting better value out of your coverage.
Unless you live in Massachusetts, Hawaii or California — states in which the practice is banned — many US car insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to help determine risk.
To legally drive in the Ocean State, you’ll need insurance that includes at least:
Two other types of coverage that are typically optional in other states but among the requirements for Rhode Island:
For extra coverage that takes care of you beyond the minimum, look for these options when you buy a policy:
You also might be required to add extras, like collision coverage, if you’re leasing or financing a vehicle.
About 15% of all drivers in Rhode Island are uninsured, reports the Insurance Information Institute. While this might not sound like a lot of drivers, it’s above the national average of 12.5%. If you ever collide with an uninsured driver, you could end up saddled with extra costs that you wouldn’t have if the other driver were properly insured.
To better protect yourself and your vehicle, look into uninsured motorist coverage. This protects you if someone without insurance collides with your vehicle or you’re the victim of a hit-and-run.
If you have $75,000 on hand and don’t want to sign up for a conventional insurance policy, you can deposit that money with the state’s department of motor vehicles for a certificate of self-insurance. For some people, this is a better option than purchasing car insurance.
However, it’s good to remember an accident can wipe out your self-insurance fund with the state entirely, depending on its severity. If that happens, any outstanding medical or repair costs will come out of your pocket.
Yes. But you might have a tough time getting temporary coverage from standard insurance providers. You’re also likely to find it’s more expensive than if you had a conventional policy.
Driving without car insurance is a misdemeanor in Rhode Island, and it can carry some hefty penalties.
In addition to the state suspending your vehicle registration and plates, you’re fined up to $500 for your first offense, with that fine increasing up to $5,000 for repeat offenders.
All US states share similar traffic laws, but Rhode Island has a few rules of its own worth noting.
In Rhode Island, standard BAC laws apply: A limit of 0.08% is enforced for drivers, except for commercial or professional drivers, who must follow a limit of 0.04%. In addition, a lower limit of 0.02% is enforced for any drivers younger than 21.
| First offense | Second offense | Third offense | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail | Up to 1 year | 10 days to 1 year | 1–5 years |
| Fines and penalties | $100–$500 | $400–$1,000 | $400–$5,000 |
| License suspension | 2–18 months | 1–2 years | Minimum of 2 years |
| IID required | No | Yes | Yes |
Yes. Your insurance provider might file an SR-22 form on your behalf if you’re convicted of a DUI, have a lapse in your car insurance coverage or accumulate too many violation points on your driving record.
Ideally, you’ll never have to deal with this situation. But it’s a risk you take when you get behind the wheel.
Rhode Island is what’s called an at-fault state, meaning the driver who’s responsible for an accident pays for damages afterward.
You must file an Accident Report Form in Rhode Island within 21 days if the accident caused an injury or death or if property damages exceed $1,000. If you fail to report such an accident, you could face consequences from a driver’s license suspension to criminal charges.
When should I contact a lawyer?
You may want to contact a lawyer after a car accident if:
A lawyer can help guide you through any legal issues that could arise after a crash, as well as advise you on any potential grounds for filing a suit if you’re injured or a victim of negligence.
Getting the right car insurance can protect you, your passengers, your vehicle and everyone else on the road. Rhode Island requires a minimum standard of auto insurance coverage. And by shopping around and comparing your options, you can find a policy that works for you at a reasonable rate.
To learn more about insuring your car, from rules and regulations to better rates and policy options, read our comprehensive guide to auto insurance.
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