Rhode Island has a tort car insurance system. This means that you buy car insurance for the protection of other drivers, if you are responsible for the accident. In other words, the driver responsible for the accident is legally responsible for the other drivers medical expense, property damage and any other expenses incurred from the accident. Under the Rhode Island tort car insurance system, your car insurance for Rhode Island protects you only by covering all the expenses in an accident for which you are responsible for. It does not cover expenses for your injury and loss or damage to your property. As of November 1st, 1993 Rhode Island requires all drivers and vehicle owners to have financial responsibility or to have the required minimum liability car insurance. Those who are caught not complying with this law will have to face the penalties. Under Rhode Island state law, you must also sign a statement saying that you will maintain your car insurance for as long as you are using and registering the vehicle.

Rhode Island state minimum requirements are liability car insurance coverage for $25,000 bodily injury protection per person and $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage coverage. When requested, you are required to present your proof of car insurance to law enforcement.

Although Rhode Island only requires you to have the minimum liability coverage, it is advisable to have the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. In case you are hit by a driver who has no insurance or in case of hit and run, this will take care of all your expenses, such as medical bills. With this additional coverage, you will not have to worry about your expenses, even your loss of income while you are recuperating. You should check with your Rhode Island car insurance agent about the rates of the additional coverage since the increase is generally not that much more.

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