Rhode Island Auto Insurance

The state of Rhode Island uses a Tort insurance system. Whoever is found at fault in an accident must compensate the other parties for their material losses and, eventually, pay for their medical expenses.

Minimum Liability Requirements in Rhode Island

As of April 2026, Rhode Island requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25 — at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability per injured person, up to $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is required only if you choose liability limits higher than the state minimum.

Source: CarInsurance.com, "US State Minimum Liability Car Insurance Requirements," updated April 15, 2026.

Average Car Insurance Premiums in Rhode Island

Drivers in Rhode Island pay an average of $3,281 a year for full-coverage car insurance — 12% above the national average of $2,922 a year.

Source: Experian, "Car Insurance Average Costs by State," published September 9, 2026.

Use of cellphones when driving

The state of Rhode Island has taken stance against distracted drivers. Every form of text-based communication is banned in RI and, should you be caught texting and driving, you can be fined between $100 and $350. Moreover, school bus drivers and teenage drivers under 18 aren’t allowed to use a cellphone altogether when operating a vehicle.

Teenage driving regulations

Rhode Island uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system for teenage drivers between sixteen and eighteen. Provisional permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver of legal age at all times, may not drive between 1 am and 5 am unless on their way to/from school, work or a religious event and may not carry more than one underage passenger except for immediate family members.

Penalties for driving without insurance in Rhode Island

Rhode Island laws require continuous coverage for all registered cars. Letting an insurance policy lapse will have the DMV suspend your driving privileges and you will get a $500 fine (amount as of February 2012). In addition, the court will ask you to file a SR22 certificate for three years.

AutoInsuranceQuery editorial team. Last reviewed: September 16, 2026.