The Division of Motor Vehicles in Rhode Island requires drivers to have auto liability insurance. Those who choose not to carry this minimum coverage must provide evidence of financial responsibility in the form of a surety bond or an SR-22 filing with the DMV.
Auto Insurance Requirements
To drive in the state, you must have at least $15,000 in coverage for bodily injury or death of one person, $30,000 for two people and $5,000 for property damage per accident. You must have proof of insurance when you drive. If you are pulled over by a police officer and you don’t have it with you, your license will be suspended until you can show the DMV satisfactory proof of insurance.
Rhode Island auto insurance companies offer the following types of coverage
- Bodily injury liability
- Property damage liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
- Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage
- Collision coverage, which pays for damages to your car when you are at fault in an accident
- Comprehensive coverage, which pays for damages to your car due to non-accident events, such as fire or theft.
The state sets minimum liability requirements by law, but you can purchase more insurance than the mandatory levels. If you are sued after causing bodily injury or death in a car accident, the amount paid by your auto insurance policy will be subtracted from any court award. This is called “limited personal liability.” If you are in an accident with no coverage or proof of insurance, the DMV can suspend your driver’s license until you have satisfied all fines and fees. You risk incarceration if this happens.
If you cause a car accident with damage to another person’s vehicle, you may be required to pay for the damages. This is a civil case and the court will order you to pay. If your insurance company pays for these damages, they can recover that money from you in a later civil action called subrogation. Rhode Island has some of the highest insurance premiums in the country. According to the zip code, the average yearly auto insurance cost is $420.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Rhode Island
If you are looking for the cheapest car insurance in Rhode Island, compare quotes from multiple companies. AutoMD’s comparison tool lets you submit your information and receive free quotes from up to three leading companies or agents.
Best Car Insurance Companies
There is no official list of the best car insurance companies in Rhode Island. However, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, these companies had the fewest consumer complaints in 2013.
- Liberty Mutual
- AAA of Southern New England
- Allstate’s local agent, Huntley & Huntley
- Geico Insurance Company
- Auto Insurance Rate Transparency Act (AIRTA)
The state passed the Auto Insurance Rate Transparency Act in 2012 to make rates more clear to consumers. Under AIRTA, insurers may not charge different rates for personal vehicles based on credit history, driving record, marital status or occupation. Claims experience, geography and the number of miles driven in a year are all factors used to determine rates in Rhode Island.
Drivers With a DUI in Rhode Island
A first-time DUI in Rhode Island carries a fine of between $100 and $500, plus court costs. You will also have your license suspended for three months to one year. Your auto insurance rates will likely skyrocket even if you cause an accident after driving under the influence, whether or not anyone is injured.
Drivers With Tickets in Rhode Island
Drivers who receive traffic tickets will appear on their DMV records and insurance companies can access those records. Points on your record will impact the rates you pay.
Drivers With Bad Credit in Rhode Island
You may be able to get a better rate with a low credit score if you shop around for car insurance quotes. Higher risk usually means higher rates, but there are some companies that will give lower rates to drivers with poor scores.
Seniors in Rhode Island
Most insurance companies offer different rates for seniors than they do for drivers under 25 due to the higher risk of injury and accidents. However, many drivers over the age of 55 get excellent rates by maintaining a good driving record, using one vehicle and taking a safe driver course.
Student Drivers in Rhode Island
You can drive with your permit for 120 days before you must pass the driving test to get a graduated driver’s license. Rhode Island has different rules for drivers under 18 than other states, so check with DMV before you start practicing. There are also specific requirements for high school students if they wish to maintain their GDL status.
Car Insurance in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has some of the highest rates for car insurance in the country, but insurers base those rates on several factors. Personal injury protection and bodily injury liability are included as standard coverage at $10,000 per person and $20,000 per incident. Coverage for medical payments is optional up to $5,000 per person.
Auto Insurance Rate Transparency Act (AIRTA) – The state passed the Auto Insurance Rate Transparency Act in 2012 to make rates more clear to consumers. Under AIRTA, insurers may not charge different rates for personal vehicles based on credit history, driving record, marital status, or occupation. Claims experience, geography and the number of miles driven in a year are all factors used to determine rates in Rhode Island.
Conclusion
You can find the cheapest car insurance in Rhode Island by comparing quotes online. When you’re a driver with a DUI, tickets, bad credit or any other driving-related issue that might affect your rates, it pays to shop for coverage from multiple providers instead of settling on one company because they have the “lowest price”. We hope this guide helped answer some questions about how much Rhode island auto insurance costs and what factors determine those prices. Good luck choosing an affordable plan!
