Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Seniors in Rhode Island
Rhode Island doesn't require uninsured motorist coverage, but for a senior driver it often matters more than it did at thirty.
Yes, and age is a reason to keep it, not drop it
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries and sometimes your car when the other driver is at fault and has no insurance or not enough of it. Rhode Island has a meaningful number of uninsured drivers on the road, so this isn't a remote risk.
For an older driver, the case for keeping it is usually about health costs. Recovery from a crash tends to take longer and cost more as you age, and your own health insurance or Medicare may not cover everything a liability claim would. Uninsured motorist coverage fills that gap when the other driver can't pay.
Your health insurance changes what you actually need
If you're on Medicare, it will cover a lot of your medical bills after a crash regardless of who caused it. That can make it tempting to drop uninsured motorist coverage to save on premium.
But Medicare doesn't cover everything. It won't pay for a totaled car, lost income if you still work, or the kind of long-term care or in-home help that sometimes follows a serious injury. Uninsured motorist coverage can cover those costs when the at-fault driver has nothing to offer.
Before you make any change to this coverage, look at what your current health plan actually pays for after an accident, not just in general. A Medicare supplement plan covers differently than Medicare alone, and a retiree health plan from a former employer is different again.
What people get wrong about who it protects
Many drivers think uninsured motorist coverage only matters if they're hit by a driver with no insurance at all. It also applies when the other driver has insurance that isn't enough to cover your bills, which is more common.
It also doesn't just apply when you're driving. In Rhode Island, this coverage typically follows you as a pedestrian and as a passenger in someone else's car, which matters if you walk more or drive less than you used to.
Some policies let you stack uninsured motorist coverage across multiple vehicles on the same policy, which raises the amount available if you're badly hurt. Ask your insurer whether your policy does this and what it would cost to add if it doesn't.
Questions people ask about this
Does uninsured motorist coverage cost more for older drivers in Rhode Island?
It depends on your insurer and your driving record more than your age alone. Insurers price this coverage based on risk factors that vary by company, so the only way to know is to ask yours directly or compare quotes from a few.
Can I drop uninsured motorist coverage if I rarely drive anymore?
You can, but remember this coverage often protects you as a pedestrian and passenger too, not just behind the wheel. If you've cut back on driving but still walk or ride with others, dropping it removes protection you may still use.
What happens if I'm hit by an uninsured driver and don't have this coverage?
You would need to pursue the other driver directly for your medical bills and car damage, which is often difficult if they have no insurance and little money. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you're relying on your own health insurance and savings to cover the gap.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Rhode Island?
No, Rhode Island does not require it, which is different from many other states. Because it's optional here, check your current policy to see whether you already carry it or whether it was declined at some point.
Does uninsured motorist coverage cover my spouse or other family members in the car?
Typically yes, it covers people listed on your policy and often resident relatives riding with you, but the exact terms depend on your policy language. Ask your insurer who specifically is covered under your uninsured motorist provision.
See how your rate compares before you decide what to keep or drop.
Pull out your current policy and find the uninsured motorist section, or call your insurer and ask them to read it to you. Ask specifically what it pays for medical costs versus car damage, and whether it covers you as a pedestrian or passenger. Then check what your health insurance, Medicare or otherwise, actually covers after a crash caused by someone else. If there's a gap between the two, that's the amount of risk you're carrying on your own. Compare a few quotes to see what it would cost to close that gap before your next renewal.
