DMV Gets Ready to Crack Down on Uninsured Drivers Across Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles is preparing to crack down on residents who are driving without auto insurance even though the law requires it. According to a WPRI news report, DMV officials will use the Uninsured Motorist Identification Database to keep closer tabs on who does or does not have car insurance. This new system is fully funded and is expected to go into effect on Feb. 7, 2015.

Severe Penalties for Violators

Those who drive uninsured will first get a notice in the mail requiring them to obtain auto insurance. If the driver fails to do so, he or she will get a second notice. If there is still no response, the Department of Motor Vehicles will revoke their vehicle registration and block their ability to get a driver’s license.

Those who violate the state’s auto insurance requirement will also have to pay substantial fines – a lot more than what it will cost them to get auto insurance. There is a $251.50 reinstatement fee to provide proof of insurance as well. This new uninsured motorist tracking system is expected to raise about $4 million for the state of Rhode Island. This self-funded program will not result in tax or fee increases, officials say.

A Serious Problem in Rhode Island

Statistics show that thousands of motorists do not have auto insurance in Rhode Island, including East Providence. For many road users in the state this is a cause for concern. If you are involved in an injury crash with an uninsured driver, it can be an uphill task to get the compensation you rightfully deserve. According to the DMV’s statistics, 15 to 18 percent of about 950,000 registered vehicles in Rhode Island are uninsured. The only way the state identifies these uninsured drivers now is when they get involved in an auto accident or during a traffic stop when they are asked for their license and registration by a police officer.

If You Have Been Injured

In cases where uninsured or underinsured motorists are involved, injured victims can collect uninsured motorist benefits from their own auto insurance policy. But, in order to do this, you must have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your insurance policy. State law does not require uninsured motorist coverage. There is no question, however, that it protects you and members of your household when injured by drivers without insurance or even hit-and-run drivers. In cases where the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance coverage, you can file for compensation through your underinsured motorist coverage even if liability has been recovered from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, it is critical to seek the counsel and guidance of an experienced East Providence car accident lawyer who will help you analyze all possible options and avenues for fair compensation. A skilled lawyer can also help you avoid errors during the course of a complex claims process that could end up jeopardizing your claim.

Source: http://wpri.com/2014/12/17/dmv-to-crack-down-on-uninsured-drivers-across...