Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Rhode Island in 2025
Rhode Island law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under Rhode Island General Laws Title 31, vehicle owners must maintain financial responsibility before operating a motor vehicle in the state. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance through the Rhode Island Insurance Verification System(RIIVS). The requirement applies to both initial vehicle registration and registration renewal.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Rhode Island General Laws establish the mandatory insurance requirement, which requires all motor vehicles registered in Rhode Island to maintain liability insurance or other acceptable proof of financial responsibility at all times. Rhode Island law prohibits the operation of any motor vehicle upon public highways unless financial responsibility has been provided for the motor vehicle.
Vehicle owners must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the registration period. Operating a vehicle without the required liability insurance constitutes a violation of Rhode Island law and may result in suspension of vehicle registration, suspension of driver license, fines, and reinstatement fees.
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 462-4368
Official Website: Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Rhode Island law establishes minimum amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation regulates insurance companies operating in the state. Rhode Island requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $50,000 total |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
The minimum coverage requirements apply to liability insurance only. Alternative methods of demonstrating financial responsibility include surety bonds filed with the Division of Motor Vehicles, certificates of deposit with the State Treasurer, or qualification as a self-insurer approved by the Administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation - Insurance Division
1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 462-9520
Official Website: Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation
Proof of Insurance Documents
Rhode Island requires vehicle operators to carry proof of motor vehicle insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. Vehicle owners must provide acceptable documentation during registration and maintain proof while driving. The following formats are accepted:
- Insurance identification card issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Rhode Island
- Copy of the liability insurance policy declarations page showing current coverage information
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device or other portable electronic device
- Certificate of self-insurance issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance when registering a vehicle for the first time in Rhode Island or when renewing an existing registration. The insurance identification card must show the vehicle identification number, policy number, coverage effective dates, and confirmation that coverage meets Rhode Island minimum requirements.
Rhode Island residents who establish residency must register their vehicles within 30 days of becoming a resident. New residents must obtain Rhode Island insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements before completing vehicle registration. A person who maintains a place of abode in Rhode Island or is gainfully employed in the state is considered a resident for registration purposes.
Rhode Island motorists may renew vehicle registration online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at DMV branches. The Rhode Island Insurance Verification System monitors all registered vehicles to ensure continuous compliance with insurance requirements.
Vehicle owners whose insurance lapses will receive a Notice of Insurance Cancellation from the DMV. If proof of insurance is not provided within the specified timeframe, the vehicle registration will be suspended and the license plates must be surrendered. To restore registration privileges after suspension, vehicle owners must obtain valid insurance coverage, submit proof to the DMV, and pay applicable reinstatement fees.
