Rhode Island requires every registered vehicle to carry liability insurance, but the state’s minimum limits are far below what is needed to cover serious injuries. Understanding how Rhode Island’s insurance system works, and where its gaps are, is the first step toward making sure you are protected both as a driver and as a potential accident victim.
At the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano, we regularly handle cases where victims are left scrambling because the at-fault driver’s policy does not come close to covering their medical bills and lost wages. Call us at (401) 288-3888 to find out what your options are. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
$25K/$50K
Rhode Island minimum bodily injury liability limits per person and per accident
$25,000
Rhode Island minimum property damage liability coverage required
Required offer
Uninsured motorist coverage must be offered by all Rhode Island auto insurers
Rhode Island Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
Under Rhode Island General Law 31-47-2, every motor vehicle registered in Rhode Island must be covered by a liability insurance policy that meets the following minimum limits:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury or death when multiple people are injured
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
This is commonly written as 25/50/25. These minimums have not kept pace with real-world medical costs. A single emergency room visit, surgery, and a week of hospitalization can easily exceed $100,000. When the at-fault driver carries only the minimum, victims are left with a significant gap.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Rhode Island
Rhode Island law requires all insurers to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to every policyholder. While drivers can formally waive this coverage in writing, accepting it is strongly recommended.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
UM coverage pays your damages if you are hit by a driver who has no liability insurance at all, or by a driver who flees the scene and cannot be identified. Rhode Island has one of the higher rates of uninsured drivers in New England. Without UM coverage, victims of uninsured drivers have very limited recovery options.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
UIM coverage pays the gap when the at-fault driver’s liability limits are not enough to cover your damages. For example, if your medical bills and lost wages total $150,000 but the at-fault driver only carried $25,000 in liability coverage, your UIM policy can cover the remaining $125,000 up to your own UIM limits.
This is the most commonly overlooked coverage in Rhode Island, and among the most important. We encourage every client to carry UM/UIM limits that match or exceed their liability coverage.
$25,000 is the minimum per-person liability limit in Rhode Island.
One surgery can exceed that amount in a single day. Minimum coverage is rarely enough.
Rhode Island's At-Fault Insurance System
Rhode Island is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for all resulting damages. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance pays the injured victim’s medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering, up to the policy limits.
This is different from no-fault states, where each driver’s own insurer pays their initial medical bills regardless of who caused the crash. In Rhode Island, establishing fault is central to every car accident claim.
What Happens When the At-Fault Driver's Coverage Is Not Enough?
Exhausting the Liability Policy
When the at-fault driver’s liability coverage is exhausted, your own UIM coverage can step in. For this to work, your UIM limits must be higher than the at-fault driver’s liability limits. For example, if the at-fault driver carries $25,000 and you carry $100,000 in UIM coverage, you can potentially recover up to $75,000 from your own policy after the at-fault policy is exhausted.
Multiple Parties at Fault
In some accidents, more than one driver is partially at fault. Under Rhode Island’s comparative negligence rules, each at-fault party is responsible for their proportionate share of your damages.
Third-Party Sources of Recovery
In some cases, parties beyond the drivers carry liability. A municipality responsible for a dangerous road defect, a bar that over-served a drunk driver, or a vehicle manufacturer whose defective product contributed to the crash may all be additional sources of recovery. MFC Law investigates all angles.
Common Coverage Disputes and How We Handle Them
“You Waived Uninsured Motorist Coverage”
Some insurance companies claim that a policyholder waived UM/UIM coverage and therefore cannot recover under those provisions. We review the waiver documentation carefully. Under Rhode Island law, a valid waiver requires a clear written acknowledgment from the policyholder. Improper or unclear waivers can be challenged.
“Your Claim Exceeds Policy Limits”
When a claim exceeds available coverage, we evaluate every possible avenue: the at-fault driver’s liability policy, your own UM/UIM coverage, umbrella policies, third-party liability, and any other applicable coverage. We are thorough because leaving money on the table is not acceptable when our clients have serious injuries.
“The Damage Is Not That Severe”
Insurance adjusters undervalue claims to protect their bottom line. We document the full scope of your damages through medical records, expert opinions, wage loss documentation, and your personal account of how the injuries have affected your life.
How Much Car Insurance Should You Actually Carry in Rhode Island?
As a general rule, higher coverage limits protect you both as a driver and as a potential victim. Consider the following:
- Liability limits of at least $100,000/$300,000/$100,000, well above the state minimums
- UM/UIM limits that match your liability limits, so you have the same protection when hit by an underinsured driver
- Medical payments (MedPay) coverage, which pays your immediate medical bills regardless of fault and without a fault determination requirement
An umbrella policy for additional protection above your standard coverage limits
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Real Stories. Real Results.
What truly impressed me was the amount of compensation I received. It's significantly more than what I got from other cases where I treated for twice as long, and those took much longer to resolve. The efficiency and effectiveness of this team are truly commendable.
Communication was top-notch throughout the entire process. I felt informed and involved every step of the way, and I was particularly pleased that I could reach out to Mike directly whenever I had questions. His accessibility made a world of difference and reassured me that I was in good hands.
If you're looking for a dedicated team that delivers results quickly and effectively, I highly recommend this firm. They exceeded my expectations, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my case!
I’m in a new whip, watch, kicks, it was the little jumpstart I needed to get me going. 5 months and I got it. Hit em up and be patient call every now and then and that’s it, be patient ock you’ll get paid.
Their team went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and informed every step of the way. They handled everything—from paperwork to negotiations—seamlessly, which completely eased my anxiety. What could have been an incredibly stressful and daunting lawsuit turned into a smooth and almost effortless process, thanks to their dedication and professionalism.
I was especially impressed with how they fought for my case. They didn’t settle for the first offer but instead pushed for what I truly deserved. In the end, they secured a settlement that was far beyond anything I ever expected. Their persistence and expertise showed me that I was in the best hands possible.
Lawsuits can be stressful, but Michael F. Campopiano and his team made the entire experience not only bearable but even empowering. If you’re looking for a legal team that genuinely cares, works tirelessly, and delivers outstanding results, look no further. I am so thankful for their help and would recommend them to anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you for everything!
Areas We Serve
- Throughout Rhode Island & Massachusetts, helping victims of personal injury get the care they deserve.
“When you choose us, you can be rest assured that you will receive personalized attention and a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Our skilled lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process, explaining your rights and options in clear, straightforward language.
We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and falls, Dog Bite, and more. No matter the complexity of your case, we have the expertise and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.”
Frequently Asked Questions: Rhode Island Car Insurance
1. What is the minimum car insurance required in Rhode Island?
25/50/25: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. These are the legal minimums. In serious injury cases, these limits are often exhausted quickly.
2. Does Rhode Island require uninsured motorist coverage?
Rhode Island requires all insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage. Drivers can waive it in writing, but doing so leaves you unprotected against uninsured drivers. We strongly recommend keeping this coverage at the highest limits you can afford.
3. What is the difference between liability coverage and UM/UIM coverage?
Liability coverage pays the other party’s damages when you are at fault. UM/UIM coverage pays your damages when the other driver is at fault but lacks sufficient insurance. Both types are important, and in Rhode Island you typically need both to be fully protected.
4. Can I still recover compensation if the at-fault driver's policy limits are exhausted?
Yes. Your own UIM coverage, third-party liability claims, and other avenues may still be available. Contact an attorney before accepting any settlement so we can identify every possible source of recovery.
5. What happens if I drive without insurance in Rhode Island?
Driving without insurance in Rhode Island can result in fines, license suspension, and registration revocation under RI General Law 31-47-2. If you cause an accident without insurance, you are personally liable for the victim’s damages.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano
for Your Car Accident Case?
Why Choose the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano for Your Car Accident Case?
Founded in 2007, MFC Law has spent nearly two decades fighting for injury victims throughout Rhode Island. Michael F. Campopiano built this firm on a simple belief: advocacy with compassion, when clients need it most. That means being accessible, honest, and relentless. Mike answers client calls directly, moves quickly to preserve evidence, and does not back down when insurance companies push back.
Our team speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese, so every client feels fully understood and supported through every step of the process.
We represent car accident victims in:
And all surrounding Rhode Island communities.
For a complete overview, visit our Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer page.
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