What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Rhode Island?
While how much car insurance you need in Rhode Island is typically dictated by several factors, your policy should at least meet the state's minimum liability requirements. This includes:
- $25,000 in bodily injury per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage
When searching for a policy, insurers may refer to these limits as 25/50/25.
What Does This Minimum Coverage Mean?
Like most states, car insurance is required in Rhode Island. To legally drive within the state, drivers must have a policy with at least 25/50/25 in liability insurance.
Liability insurance includes bodily injury and property damage coverage. Drivers in Rhode Island should have at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 per accident to pay for the medical bills and wages lost by the other driver and their passengers. Individuals must also have $25,000 in property damage coverage to pay for any damages made to a third party’s property, including their vehicle or the personal belongings within.
How Much Does the Minimum Car Insurance Cost in Rhode Island?
Several factors can affect the cost of auto insurance policies in Rhode Island. Insurers consider details like your age, zip code, driving history and credit score — but not all factors hold the same weight with each provider. Some insurers may care more about your credit score or driving history, which can strongly affect your premiums.
According to MoneyGeek's study on insurance costs, the cheapest insurer in Rhode Island is State Farm, with premiums costing an average of $430 per year. Conversely, the most expensive option in the state is MetLife, with premiums averaging $1,739 a year.
These prices are only estimates based on rates for an average Rhode Island driver and should not be used to compare insurance prices.
We collected auto insurance policy costs from insurers in Rhode Island, conforming to the state’s 25/50/25 minimum requirement. MoneyGeek used a driver’s profile of a 40-year-old male resident of Rhode Island with a good driving record and credit score who drives a 2010 Toyota Camry.
MoneyGeek also ranked the best car insurance companies in Rhode Island for those who want strong service and affordable rates.
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Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Rhode Island While Leasing a Car?
Drivers in Rhode Island who are leasing their car will have another minimum to follow on top of the state’s minimum requirements. Leasing companies typically require you to possess full coverage auto insurance paired with 100/300/50 in liability limits. To find out the minimum coverage you need, contact your financial leasing company.
Although Rhode Island requires that all drivers have auto insurance, the minimum required limits may be insufficient in the event of an actual accident. As auto body repair costs an average of $4,548 in Rhode Island, MoneyGeek recommends getting 50/100/50 full coverage insurance to protect drivers from vehicle repair costs. However, note that how much car insurance you need will ultimately depend on your situation.
Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance in Rhode Island
If you are caught driving without auto insurance by law enforcement, you are liable to receive a no car insurance penalty in Rhode Island. Penalties and fines can increase based on your number of offenses — the more times you are caught without insurance, the higher the fine you have to pay.
Below are the penalties and fines Rhode Island drivers may receive if they have no car insurance:
- A fine of $100 up to $1,000, depending on the offense
- Suspension of drivers license for up to one year, depending on the offense
- Suspension of vehicle registration for up to one year, depending on the offense
- Reinstatement fee of $30 up to $50
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in Rhode Island
To help readers understand Rhode Island’s car insurance requirements, MoneyGeek answers some frequently asked questions.
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sources
- CARCO. "CARCO FAQs." Accessed September 21, 2021.
- Consumer Federation of America. "Penalties for Driving without Auto Insurance by State." Accessed September 20, 2021.
- Insurance Information Institute. "Background on: Compulsory Auto/Uninsured Motorists." Accessed September 20, 2021.
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists." Accessed September 21, 2021.
- Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. "Consumer’s Guide to Auto Insurance." Accessed September 20, 2021.
- Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. "Elimination of SR-22." Accessed September 21, 2021.
- State of Rhode Island General Assembly. "TITLE 31. Motor and Other Vehicles. CHAPTER 31-47. Motor Vehicle Reparations Act. SECTION 31-47-9." Accessed September 20, 2021.
- The Providence Journal. "Opinion/O'Brien: Auto-body bills driving costs higher for RI drivers." Accessed September 20, 2021.