Apart from liability insurance, which is required by Rhode Island law, an auto policy might include a variety of additional coverages.

Physical Damage to the Automobile

• Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle caused by practically any other cause, such as fire, hail, windstorm, vandalism, flood, and theft. It also covers broken glass, such as damage to a windshield. Because comprehensive coverage is less expensive than collision coverage, many people opt for it. The lender who is financing your car will almost certainly need you to carry comprehensive insurance.
• Collision coverage compensates you for damage to your car caused by a collision with another item, such as a tree or another vehicle. While it is optional under the policy, your lending institution or the firm from which you may be leasing the car may require it. It is a comparatively low-cost insurance policy. Again, the lender who is financing your car will very certainly need you to get collision coverage.Paying for collision insurance isn’t always worthwhile. The corporation must only compensate your cash losses under the automotive policy, not replace your vehicle. Repair costs on an older vehicle may, in some cases, exceed the vehicle’s worth. In such circumstances, rather than repairing the car, insurers will “total” it and pay you the value of the car. In some situations, the car’s value may be less than the premium you’re being asked to pay for collision coverage.

Other Optional Coverages

• Medical payments coverage covers medical and burial costs if you or others are wounded or killed while in, on, or exiting the vehicle. It also protects you or members of your household if you are hit by a car while walking, riding in, or alighting from a non-owned vehicle. Even if you caused the accident, you will be reimbursed for your medical bills. Only expenses spent within the first two years after the injury are reimbursed.
• The expense of hiring a car while yours is being repaired is covered under rental reimbursement coverage. The sum paid per day of rental, as well as the number of days for which payment will be made, are both limited.
• Towing and labor coverage covers the expense of towing your car if it becomes disabled. It will also cover the cost of repairing the car if it becomes disabled. It’s important to note that coverage won’t start until the car is disabled. In most cases, counter-disability coverage is limited. You should be aware that some coverages may conflict with other policies you may have.