Rhode Island Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (December 2024)

Rhode Island's minimum coverage liability limits are 25/50/25. The average annual cost for state minimum car insurance in Rhode Island is $734, which is about $61 monthly for affordable coverage.

Updated: December 10, 2024

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Rhode Island mandates that drivers carry minimum car insurance requirements by state law, which includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Rhode Island operates on an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is liable for the damages. It is mandatory for all drivers to carry car insurance.

State minimum car insurance costs an average of $61 per month. For those seeking the cheapest car insurance in Rhode Island, comparing quotes can help ensure you're getting a financially sound deal without sacrificing essential coverage.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Rhode Island Minimum Coverage Requirements
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Rhode Island
Cheapest Companies in Rhode Island for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in Rhode Island
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Rhode Island
FAQ

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from the Rhode Island Insurance Division and Quadrant Information Services to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Rhode Island drivers.

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Rhode Island as of December 2024.

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Rhode Island Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

To legally drive in Rhode Island, drivers are required to carry minimum coverage auto insurance. The specific amounts are as follows:

$25,000 bodily injury liability per person
$50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$25,000 property damage liability per accident

As a fault state, Rhode Island allows the driver who was not at fault to pursue compensation from the driver who is at fault for the accident. This means that the at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for covering the costs of damages.

DOES RHODE ISLAND REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE?

Rhode Island does not mandate collision or comprehensive coverage as part of its state minimum auto insurance requirements. However, financing or leasing companies often require these coverages to protect their investment in the event of vehicle damage or loss. In Rhode Island, drivers who own their vehicle outright can choose whether to carry collision or comprehensive insurance, but those with leases or loans will likely need both for financial security.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?

What Liability Insurance Covers	What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover
Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident	Your injuries
Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident	Damages to your car
Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy	Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal
	Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

The table reflects Rhode Island's state minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Coverage specifics are defined by an individual's insurance policy's terms and conditions.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Rhode Island

While many factors influence the cost of minimum car insurance, age is often the most significant. In Rhode Island, drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest premiums because insurance companies usually consider younger drivers to be more risky.

The table below shows the average minimum coverage cost in Rhode Island per age group.


22-29	$837	$70
30-59	$734	$61
60 +	$800	$67

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Rhode Island

Rhode Island drivers seeking cost-effective state minimum coverage auto insurance can find the lowest rates with these providers:

Travelers: $475 per year; $40 per month
Amica Mutual: $491 per year; $41 per month

While securing affordable minimum coverage insurance aligns with budget priorities, it's also vital to ensure that your choice of insurer offers coverages that meet your individual needs. Investigate your options further to find the best car insurance in Rhode Island that provides both value and protection.

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Age Group:30-59


Travelers	$475	$40
Amica Mutual	$491	$41
American Family	$504	$42
State Farm	$508	$42
Progressive	$577	$48
Allstate	$832	$69
Nationwide	$1,230	$102
GEICO	$1,256	$105

Optional Add-On Coverages in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, optional add-on coverages include comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments and rental reimbursement. These options bolster protection beyond state minimum coverage, covering scenarios such as theft, accidents and personal injuries. These coverages are advantageous in reducing financial strain following unexpected events. Assess how much car insurance you need to tailor your policy to your situation.

Add-On Coverage	What It Covers	What It Doesn't Cover
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage	Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.	Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault.	Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.
Roadside Assistance	Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.	Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.
Gap Insurance	Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.	Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.
Rental Car Reimbursement	The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.	Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.
Collision Coverage	Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault.	Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters.
Comprehensive Coverage	Repairs to non-collision damages from events like theft, fire or hail.	Damages from a collision or personal injuries.
Towing and Labor Coverage	Towing and basic roadside-assistance labor costs at the site of your vehicle's breakdown.	More extensive repairs needed at a garage.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage	Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems.	Original parts that came with your vehicle.
Accidental Death Coverage	Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident.	Non-accidental death or injuries.
Classic Car Insurance	Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars.	Regular use like your daily commute.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, the cost of a ticket for driving without insurance can vary based on whether it is your first offense or a subsequent one. The penalties increase in severity for repeat offenses. For a first-time offender, the fine might be less harsh compared to someone who has been caught driving without insurance before, where the fine would generally be higher.

Additional penalties for driving without at least minimum coverage in Rhode Island include:

Vehicle impoundment: Unauthorized vehicles may be towed and stored, leading to extra fees.
Suspension of vehicle registration: Driving privileges can be withheld if you do not follow the state insurance laws.
License suspension: You might lose your driving privileges and face charges to get them back.
SR-22 filing: This is a certificate you may need to prove you have the insurance required by law.
Jail time: If involved in an accident while uninsured, you could face up to six months in jail

It is essential to adhere to the laws and maintain minimum coverage auto insurance in Rhode Island. Always make sure your insurance is up to date to avoid these serious consequences.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

After a car insurance policy is canceled in Rhode Island, drivers should immediately seek new coverage. Avoid driving without insurance, as Rhode Island law requires continuous insurance for registered vehicles. Contact your insurance agent to discuss options for new policies or address issues leading to cancellation.

When a policy is canceled, the Rhode Island DMV will be notified, and this could lead to penalties, such as fines or a suspended license. Ensuring that the DMV is informed about the acquisition of a new policy is important to avoid these consequences.

If traditional insurance is not an option, Rhode Island drivers may seek coverage through the Rhode Island Automobile Insurance Plan (RIAIP), which helps high-risk drivers obtain mandatory insurance. Always remember, driving without at least the state minimum car insurance in Rhode Island is illegal and carries serious risks.

WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Rhode Island may have been canceled for a few reasons:

Non-payment of premium: If you didn’t pay your premiums on time, the insurance company would cancel your coverage.
License suspension: Your policy could be canceled if your driver's license has been suspended or revoked.
False information: Providing incorrect information on your insurance application can lead to cancellation.
Too many claims: Filing too many claims in a short period might make your insurer see you as a high risk, resulting in cancellation.
Fraud: Any fraudulent activity associated with your claims or policy details will lead to immediate cancellation.

FAQ: Rhode Island Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

We provide clear answers to frequently asked questions about Rhode Island's state minimum car insurance requirements.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, the minimum car insurance coverage required by law includes $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability per accident. This basic coverage ensures that drivers can pay for damages or injuries they may cause to others in an accident.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not mandated by the state's minimum requirements. Drivers need to consider purchasing insurance that goes beyond these limits for better protection.

Why does Rhode Island require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Rhode Island mandates minimum coverage auto insurance to ensure motorists can cover costs associated with damages or injuries they may cause in an accident. This requirement provides financial protection for all parties involved in a collision, ensuring that victims receive compensation without the responsible party being overwhelmed by out-of-pocket expenses.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, while state law doesn't mandate comprehensive insurance, it is highly recommended for additional protection. State minimum coverage doesn't cover damages to your vehicle from non-collision events like theft or natural disasters. Comprehensive coverage safeguards against such occurrences, and it's wise to consider if you have a newer vehicle or live in an area prone to extreme weather or high theft rates.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Rhode Island?

Driving uninsured in Rhode Island can result in significant penalties. First-time offenders face a fine of $100 to $500, community service and a license and registration suspension of up to three months. Subsequent offenses lead to increased fines, longer suspension periods and the possibility of vehicle impoundment.

If you're caught driving without insurance in Rhode Island, your vehicle registration and driver's license may be suspended. To reinstate them, you'll have to provide proof of insurance and pay a reinstatement fee ranging from $30 to $50.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

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