No, Rhode Island does not rely on a no-fault insurance system. It is an at-fault or tort-based state, meaning whoever caused an automobile accident is liable for covering other people’s medical expenses and property damages resulting from the crash.
Likewise, unlike no-fault jurisdictions, Rhode Island allows drivers to file lawsuits to seek reimbursement for any accident-related costs.
In a typical no-fault state, drivers are compelled to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to cover their medical costs following an automobile collision, regardless of who was at fault. Rhode Island does not impose PIP.
Keep reading to learn about Rhode Island’s vehicle insurance requirements, the kind of fines you may anticipate if you drive without coverage there, and how a Rhode Island car accident attorney may help.
Rhode Island Is a Fault Car Accident State
When it comes to bearing financial responsibility for damages resulting from an automobile accident, such as injuries, lost wages, vehicle damage, etc., Rhode Island conforms to a typical fault-based approach.
That means whoever caused the automobile collision is liable for any damage that results from it. From a practical point of view, the at-fault driver’s insurer will cover these costs per coverage limits.
In Rhode Island, an individual who sustains any damage or physical injury as a result of a car accident often has three options:
- File a claim with their insurer, assuming that the policy covers the losses (in this case, the injured person’s insurer may turn around and file a subrogation claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer).
- File a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- File a personal injury lawsuit in court against the at-fault driver.
Note: A claimant doesn’t get access to the same range of choices in jurisdictions with no-fault auto insurance. When involved in a car accident in a no-fault state, you must utilize your personal injury protection coverage to cover your medical and other out-of-pocket costs.
If your injuries are severe enough, you can only leave the no-fault zone and file a claim directly against the at-fault motorist. But Rhode Island drivers don’t have to worry about no-fault after an accident within the state.
What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Rhode Island?
Under Rhode Island law, every motorist must be financially responsible in the case of an auto collision. That is why they must have liability car insurance coverage. The minimum coverage required in Rhode Island includes the following:
- $25,000 in liability coverage for someone’s physical injuries or death in a collision caused by the driver or owner of the covered vehicle.
- $50,000 in liability coverage for severe injury or death in a crash caused by the owner or driver of the covered vehicle.
- $25,000 in property damage liability protection per incident caused by the owner or driver of the covered vehicle.
PS: When looking for an insurance policy, providers may refer to these limits as 25/50/25.
What Does This Minimum Coverage Mean?
Car insurance is mandatory in Rhode Island, as in most states. Drivers need at least 25/50/25 in liability insurance coverage to drive legally across the state.
Liability insurance covers the hospital expenses, property damage costs, and other expenses of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians involved in an auto accident you cause up to the policy limitations.
Carrying additional insurance can (and sometimes may) protect you if a catastrophic accident causes substantial vehicle damage and injuries.
Higher insurance limits can assist in safeguarding your assets in the case of a significant accident since once policy limitations are used up, you are personally responsible for the remaining costs.
Your liability coverage comes into play if a family member is operating your car or you’ve permitted someone else to drive it. It will most likely cover you if you’re involved in an accident while in a rental vehicle.
Remember that liability coverage does not cover your injuries or property damage after an automobile collision. If you’re in an accident and no one else’s insurance covers your damages, you’ll need other (extra) coverage.
For instance, collision coverage, which is optional in Rhode Island, might cover the cost of replacing or repairing your damaged automobile after an accident.
Be aware that the conditions of a car lease or loan arrangement may stipulate that collision or comprehensive coverage be needed.
If you decide to get liability insurance in Rhode Island that satisfies the aforementioned minimal standards, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is unnecessary.
You’ll still have to reject UM in writing. You may need a Rhode Island car accident attorney to help with this.
However, UM is nearly always a wise choice for a policy since it safeguards you and your passengers if the at-fault driver is uninsured or if you are hurt in a hit-and-run accident. Remember that UM will not cover damage to the car.
How Much Does the Minimum Car Insurance Cost in Rhode Island?
The cost of car insurance in Rhode Island varies based on several factors.
Insurance companies take such details as your age, zip code, driving record, and credit score into account, but not all of these factors receive equal importance from each insurer.
Your driving record or credit score may be more critical to some insurers, which might significantly impact your prices.
State Farm offers insurance in Rhode Island at the lowest rates, with yearly premiums averaging $430. In contrast, MetLife has the highest rates in the state, costing $1,739 annually.
What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Rhode Island While Leasing a Car?
Drivers in Rhode Island who lease their vehicles must also adhere to another requirement in addition to the minimum standards set by the state.
Most leasing firms demand that you have 100/300/50 in liability limits and full car insurance coverage. Contact your financial leasing agency to see what minimum coverage you require.
Although it is a legal requirement in Rhode Island for all motorists to have car insurance, the minimum coverage may not be adequate in the case of a collision.
Legal Giant advises motorists to purchase 50/100/50 full coverage insurance to protect themselves against auto body repair costs, which in Rhode Island is approximately $4,548.
But remember that your specific scenario will ultimately determine how much auto insurance you require.
Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, you might face a fine if police authorities find you driving without vehicle insurance. The more often you are found driving without insurance, the higher the fine you must pay.
Penalties and fines may also escalate per the number of offenses. The fines and penalties that you risk incurring if caught driving without insurance, according to Rhode Island General Laws section 31-47-9, include:
- A fine ranging from $100 to $1,000, depending on the offense
- A year-long driver’s license suspension, depending on the offense
- Up to a year of vehicle registration, depending on the offense
- A year-long license suspension for drivers depending on the offense
- Up to $50 reinstatement fee
Of course, these fines will probably be insignificant compared to the financial hardship you would experience if you got into a car accident without insurance.
Contact a Rhode Island Car Accident Attorney
Speak with an experienced lawyer to learn about your rights if someone else’s negligence resulted in your injuries.
A local car accident attorney can assist in establishing liability in your case and advise you on the kind of compensation for which you could be eligible.
If the other driver is at fault, they are responsible for covering your medical expenses, lost income in the past, and any further ones in the future.
If a fair settlement cannot be achieved, your attorney can assist you in dealing with the insurance companies and filing a lawsuit, if necessary.
At Legal Giant, we can connect you with a local Rhode Island car accident attorney. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and review of your case.
