In Rhode Island, in order to drive legally, drivers must maintain minimum levels of car insurance coverage for each vehicle they own and have registered with the state's Division of Motor Vehicles. The minimum amounts of coverage that are required under Rhode Island law are:
These minimum coverage requirements are just that -- the minimums that Rhode Island law requires. You may want to carry additional liability coverage, to avoid a situation where you cause an accident and the damages exceed your policy limits. If that happens, you could be personally on the financial hook to make up the difference.
You may also be contractually obligated to carry additional coverage, above and beyond what the law requires in Rhode Island. For example, if you lease or finance a vehicle, the terms of your contract may require you to add collision or comprehensive coverage to your policy, so that the vehicle is protected regardless of the cause of damage. Learn more about the different car insurance coverage options.
Rhode Island requires that car insurance companies doing business in the state offer UIM coverage to anyone purchasing a policy. You have the option of rejecting UIM coverage in Rhode Island, but you must do so in writing. Learn more about Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Underinsured Motorist Coverage.
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division, has a Consumer's Guide to Rhode Island Auto Insurance. In addition, our article Rhode Island's Auto Insurance Laws and Regulations is a helpful resource.