Reader’s question:
Can you give me information about SR-22 filing in Rhode Island?
Luke
Thank you for asking, Luke.
It is illegal to drive a car in roadways if you do not have liability insurance coverage in Rhode Island, the same thing if you let anyone drive your vehicle without auto insurance. Most States refer to this as mandatory liability policy or compulsory coverage.
The minimum liability coverage in Rhode Island is:
- $25,000 bodily injury for one person in one accident
- $50,000 for two or more persons in one accident
- $25,000 property damage incurred in one accident
You will be asked by the law enforcement officials for the proof of your insurance at the time of the accident. You will need to present the valid insurance card to provide proof of insurance coverage. If in any case the policy lapsed, the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV will suspend your license until you show proof of insurance to them.
Rhode Island DMV may also mandate proof of financial responsibility if in case you are charged with traffic violations such as driving under influence (DUI), fault accidents, or driving without any insurance. The insurance that you will need to carry is in the form of SR-22.
The Department of Motor Vehicle does not maintain databases of coverage of individual policy holders so the insurance companies have the responsibility to inform DMV if the individual’s insurance policy has been renewed or cancelled. Your license may be suspended if you fail to present proof of insurance and DMV may require for an SR-22 high risk car insurance policy to reactivate your license.
Goodluck!
-MariCAR