Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep the car insurance I have from my previous state of residence?
Car insurance quotes, formats, and regulations vary across the country.

However, if you want to move from state to state and need to be flexible with your car coverage, you should get in touch with your car insurance agent and check if this is an option you could benefit from.

Many insurance companies do offer the inter-state option or may advise you on discounts and time-saving benefits when getting car insurance.

For more information: Rhode Island Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save

Do I need to cancel my insurance if I am moving to another state?
It is a usual practice that car insurance is obtained in the state of residency. Therefore, if you are moving to another state, you might want to get a new one.

Sometimes, there are insurance companies that offer transfer of the insurance nationwide. You may be able to use this possibility, and it is advisable if you check the option with your insurance agent.

Make sure to see if the previous state requirements are convertible into the car insurance policy of your current state.

For more information: Rhode Island Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save

How can I avoid a license suspension if I choose not to insure my vehicle?
Unfortunately, not getting car insurance or failing to respond to the request for insurance notification will result in having your drivers license suspended.

The only two options that will not result in suspended drivers license include:

  • Cancelingcar registration.
  • Providing proof that the vehicle is only used for active military, it is out of service or is used seasonally.

For more information: Rhode Island Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save

If I have been in an accident, what property damage do I have to report?
The insurance system in Rhode Island is a “tort system,” which means that if you are involved in a car accident, you are transferring all your responsibility to the car insurance company. For that reason, you should immediately get in touch with your licensed car insurance agent who will be able to advise you on the best further steps.

After a car accident, you should record as much information as possible about the other driver and the vehicle, obtain phone numbers of participants and witnesses and record the time, date, road and weather conditions, apparent damages and injuries. You may also choose to contact your insurance lawyer and remember any decisions or promises made.

For more information: Rhode Island Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save

If I live outside of the state for half the year, am I still required to have car insurance?
Car coverage is a mandatory legal responsibility for vehicle owners in Rhode Island.

There are exemptions to this rule which refer to vehicles being out of use because of the following factors:

  • Seasonal use
  • Out of service
  • Active military
  • Sold or registered out of state

If you decide to drive your vehicle,getting car insurance is a must.Otherwise, you need to cancel your car registration and turn the license plates in a DMV office nearby.

For more information: Rhode Island Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save

What is the minimum liability insurance coverage?
Minimum requirements for car insurance in Rhode Island are as follows:
  • Bodily injury: $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability: $25,000
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 or $50,000 per accident

Certain deductibles on these requirements are available if you also obtain additional comprehensive or collision coverage.

For more information: Rhode Island Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save

What proof of insurance can I provide when registering my car?
When you register a car in Rhode Island, you should provide valid Rhode Island car insurance as a proof that you are in line with the legal requirements. The actual format depends on thecar insurance company that issues it. Please note that valid car insurance in Rhode Island must be from the list of insurers authorized by the Department of Business Regulation. Additionally, the vehicle insurance must be in line with the RIIVS requirements for VIN and insurance number equivalence

Always ask your car coverage company about specific characteristics of yourcar insurance. A solid insurer will be able to provide you with all necessary information.

More information: Rhode Island Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save

What type of car insurance am I required to have?
Basic car coverage options in Rhode Island that you need to obtain to legally drive are as follows:
  • Bodily injury
  • Property damage liability
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Additionally, you may choose to include extra policy options such as, comprehensive coverage or collision coverage, which would provide greater protection for your vehicle and you.

For more information: Rhode Island Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save

What will happen if I fail to get or keep car insurance?
Getting car insurance is a mandatory legal requirement in Rhode Island. If you fail to get or keep one you may:
  • Get your car registration revoked.
  • Get your drivers license suspended.
  • Become subject to 12 months monitoring.

For more information: Rhode Island Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save

Which types of vehicles need to be insured?
All registered motor vehicles are subject to car insurance coverage in Rhode Island. As a result from the Insurance Verification System, all vehicles that have received an Insurance Notification Letter from the state authorities need to have matching car insurance and VIN numbers. This includes the following vehicles:
  • Cars
  • Trucks
  • Vans
  • Trailers
  • Motorbikes
  • Public transport vehicles
  • Mopeds and scooters that need to be registered

There is an exception to this rule, which pertains to vehicles not in use or service, seasonal vehicles, active military, or vehicles sold and registered out of state. It is always a good idea to speak to your insurance agent or to get in touch with the Department of Business Regulation of Rhode Island.

For more information: Rhode Island Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save