- Drivers in Rhode Island are required to purchase a minimum amount of auto insurance
- The minimum amount of coverage required by the state may not be adequate for your needs
- Many factors affect the cost of insurance in Rhode Island
Car insurance is a requirement in Rhode Island, but it can cost a small fortune. You may be one of the many drivers in this state looking for affordable coverage.
By learning more about the legal requirements for coverage in Rhode Island and factors that affect rates, you may be able to find a great auto insurance policy that meets your needs.
In fact, you can enter your zip code above right now to find great rates on car insurance from top providers in Rhode island!
Auto Insurance Laws in Rhode Island
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLN8Tf4Kz7o
Everything from a car accident to weather-related damage, theft and more can cause damage to your vehicle from time to time. These events can result in a financial loss for the driver.
More than that, you may be held liable for any damage that you cause to others when driving your car in Rhode Island. This means that you may be required to pay for another person’s vehicle repairs and medical expenses if you cause an accident.
– Auto Insurance Requirements
Auto insurance provides you with an affordable way to pay for mishaps and weather-related damage. State law in Rhode Island makes it mandatory for drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability auto insurance.
The requirement is for a 25/50/25 liability policy. This means that it includes coverage up to $25,000 per person or $50,000 per incident for bodily injury and up to $25,000 for property damage that you cause to another party.
Note that this type of policy does not pay for any of your own expenses related to an accident or other type of loss, such as medical bills or car repairs.
– An At-Fault State
Rhode Island is an at-fault state. This means that you are legally responsible for the damages you cause to others behind the wheel. Your liability auto insurance policy typically will pay for these expenses up to the coverage limits, and you will be held personally responsible for any expenses beyond these limits.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
– Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
As a driver in Rhode Island, you may face significant penalties for driving without car insurance.
The state actively searches a database to locate drivers who are not insured. They send out an initial warning to uninsured drivers by mail. Those who fail to act on the warning and who receive a second notice will face the loss of their license and registration, making it illegal for them to drive in Rhode Island.
There is a reinstatement fee that is more than $250, and this fee must be paid before you can obtain a new license and registration. As you can see, it can be expensive and inconvenient to get caught driving without the proper coverage in Rhode Island.
– Comparison Shopping
Auto insurance in Rhode Island can be expensive, and you may be looking for an exceptional way to save money on your required coverage.
Comparison shopping is a smart idea, and it is wise to compare at least three to four different quotes every six months. This is because insurance rates and qualifying factors fluctuate.
Before you compare rates, however, check the financial ratings of different providers to locate the top providers to request quotes from. The last thing you want to do is to rely on a company that is not financially sound to pay for your expenses if you need to file a claim.
Additional Coverage Options
After you have decided which auto insurance companies in Rhode Island to request quotes from, you need to determine the level of coverage that you want.
Collision and comprehensive insurance are optional for drivers, and these types of coverage pay for your own vehicle repairs or a full replacement if the car is severely damaged. Buying more than the required coverage can help you avoid paying out-of-pocket if a damaging event occurs.
Collision insurance pays for the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in a car accident. Comprehensive coverage also includes benefits for weather-related damage, fire damage, theft, and other types of loss events.
You can also opt for towing coverage, rental car reimbursement coverage, personal injury coverage, personal property insurance, and other options.
Factors That Influence Insurance Rates
There are many factors that can affect your car insurance rates, and you have the ability to adjust at least some of these factors to save money on your insurance premium. However, there are some factors that you cannot control. Some of the factors that you cannot control include:
- Your gender
- Your age
- Theft statistics in your zip code
Factors that you do have control over include:
- Your driving history
- Your credit score
- The type of vehicle you drive
For example, you cannot always prevent a car accident, but practicing safe driving behaviors and follow the rules of the road can prevent traffic citations and reduce your chance of being in an accident.
Likewise, there are steps you can take to bolster your credit rating for auto insurance savings.
Make an effort to reduce your debt balances, and avoid taking on more debt than you can handle. Always pay your bills on time to avoid having late payments on your credit report.
Your vehicle also affects your car insurance rates. For example, cars that have a more powerful engine or a higher repair or replacement cost are more expensive to insure. Safety ratings on the vehicle as well as safety equipment in the car can also affect your rates.
Discounts on Car Insurance
The good news is that you may qualify for a wide range of discounts on car insurance that could save you a substantial amount of money.
If you are an experienced or good driver with ample time behind the wheel, you may qualify for financial savings through select providers. Take note, however, that auto insurance providers offer various discounts, and each provider may have a different way to qualify you for a discount.
Some discounts available through providers include:
- Good student discount
- Safe driver discount
- Multiple vehicles discount
- Bundled policies discount
Remember that the qualifications for these discounts vary. For example, to qualify for a Good Student discount with some providers, you may need to be a full-time student or to document that your GPA is high. Some of these discounts are only available for high school students, and others are only available for college students.
Another variation in qualifications is for the safe driver discount. Many auto insurance providers offer a discount if you take a driver’s education course every year or two. Others offer a safe driving discount if you maintain an accident-free driving history for several years or longer.
While it can be expensive to purchase car insurance in Rhode Island, it is necessary.
You can save money on the coverage you need by comparing rates and looking for discounts you may qualify for. Because the penalties for being uninsured in Rhode Island are severe, now is a great time to begin looking for a new auto insurance policy.
Start your search for affordable car insurance today by entering your zip code below!