Rhode Island Car Insurance: A Quick Guide to Car Insurance Requirements for Residents

Understanding the ins and outs of the car insurance field can be very complex, and whether you are a new resident to Rhode Island or have lived there for years chances are you need some help trying to find your way around the system. There are some key facts you need to know to make your job easier.

First, any question you have can be addressed to either a personal insurance agent at an auto insurance agency (just make sure that it is a company from whom you feel you may be interested in purchasing a policy, because the moment you make contact with their telephone personnel they will attempt to see you one) or the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation in Providence, (401) 222-2246. Do not be afraid to ask questions; whichever organization you choose will have operators who are trained to assist you with any issues you may be unsure on.

Rhode Island requires all of its citizens to carry both a liability policy and an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. Liability will pay for damages inflicted upon the body or vehicle of the other driver and their passengers in the event that the insured is responsible for an accident to the tune of twenty five thousand dollars to cover the medical expenses of a single driver, fifty thousand dollars to cover the medical expenses of all of the occupants of the car, and twenty five thousand dollars to pay for any property damage resulting from the accident, including but not limited to damages to the victim’s car.

Requiring their drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance was a sensible choice on the part of the state, as its neighbors to the north and south do not all require their drivers to purchase liability insurance, and even those that do require it may not enforce it to the extent necessary to ensure one hundred percent compliance. As a result it can be almost guaranteed that at any given point in time at least of the vehicles traveling on a highway in RI will be being driven by a driver who chose not to purchase liability insurance. Without uninsured motorist coverage the owner of the vehicle that was struck will be left holding the bag for all of the repairs on their car and any medical expenses they may have incurred. This also offers recompense for those drivers who find themselves the victims of a hit and run.

While it is not required for vehicles not under lien it is strongly recommended that all drivers maintain a good RI collision and comprehensive policy on their vehicle. This coverage will allow for any necessary repairs to be made following an accident caused by the insured (liability is only extended to the other driver). Collision will also pay for any damages caused by the local wildlife or other unusual factors. Drivers who purchase collision insurance may also elect to purchase gap coverage if their insurance company offers it. This is helpful in the event that the blue book value of the vehicle damaged is below the cost of repairs if the vehicle is under lien, and will make available to the owner the difference in the event that the car must be totaled.