Your teenage son borrowed your truck to move some furniture, was involved in a collision on Route 95, and suffered some injuries. Now you're dealing with claims from your auto insurance policy, health insurance, and possibly others. Multiple adjusters are calling with different explanations about who pays what and when.
At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, Attorneys at Law, our Warwick auto accident attorneys regularly help Rhode Island families understand that yes, multiple insurance policies can cover the same car accident. We guide clients through the coordination process to ensure they receive appropriate compensation while avoiding potential gaps in protection.
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What Are Rhode Island's Insurance Requirements?
Rhode Island law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. Many residents carry higher limits or additional coverage types that can create multiple layers of protection when accidents occur.
Our state follows a pure contributory negligence rule. This means you can seek compensation for damages even if you were partially or mostly to blame for the incident. However, your total recovery is reduced by your assigned percentage of fault.
Primary vs. Secondary Coverage in Rhode Island
When multiple insurance policies exist, insurers must determine the order of payment responsibility.
Your Auto Policy Coverage Order
Policies typically establish coverage hierarchy based on these factors:
- Named insured status. The person listed on the policy receives primary coverage.
- Household member coverage. Family members living in the same household receive secondary coverage. So, if your son is a household member, this affects how the policies coordinate and which one takes primary responsibility.
- Permissive use coverage. Non-household members driving with permission receive the lowest priority coverage.
Coordination of Benefits Process
Rhode Island law discourages combining identical coverage types from multiple policies to increase total benefits—a practice known as “stacking”—except in cases involving uninsured/underinsured coverage. However, different coverage types can coordinate to provide broader protection. Here’s how it might work:
- Primary insurance pays first. The primary insurer handles the claim up to its policy limits. This typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage within the coverage amounts.
- Secondary coverage fills gaps. If damages exceed the primary policy limits, secondary insurance coverage begins paying additional amounts up to its limits.
- Additional policies provide further coverage. Umbrella policies or other excess coverage may provide additional protection beyond standard auto insurance limits.
What Are Common Multiple Insurance Coverage Scenarios?
Rhode Island car accidents often trigger coverage from several different insurance sources beyond the basic teenage driver situation. Understanding these various coverage types and their coordination helps you maximize protection and avoid coverage gaps when filing claims.
Your Personal Auto Coverage
This includes multiple types of coverage that work together:
- Liability coverage pays for damages you cause to others.
- Collision coverage handles damage to your vehicle.
- Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision damage.
- Medical payment coverage pays medical bills regardless of fault.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects when other drivers lack adequate insurance.
Household Member Coverage
When multiple family members have separate auto policies, coordination becomes more detailed:
- Named insured coverage provides the highest level of protection.
- Spouse coverage typically receives equal treatment to the named insured.
- Dependent children coverage follows specific rules based on household status and policy language.
Medical Coverage Sources
Multiple sources may cover medical expenses from your Rhode Island car accident:
- Auto insurance medical payments provide immediate coverage regardless of fault.
- Health insurance covers accident-related medical treatment.
- Personal Injury Protection or MedPay if you carry this optional coverage.
- Workers' compensation if the accident occurred during work activities.
The Other Party's Insurance
Depending on the level of fault determined in the accident, this insurance creates another layer of potential coverage:
- Their liability coverage pays for damages up to policy limits.
- Their property damage coverage handles vehicle repair costs.
- Coordination with your coverage when their limits prove insufficient.
Umbrella and Excess Coverage
Additional policies may provide extra protection:
- Personal umbrella policies offer coverage beyond standard auto limits.
- Excess coverage provides additional liability protection.
- Homeowner's insurance may include some auto-related coverage in specific situations.
How Our Rhode Island Auto Accident Lawyers Clarify Multiple Insurance Coverage Options
When multiple insurance policies apply to your Rhode Island auto accident, professional guidance helps ensure proper coordination and maximum benefit utilization. Our Warwick auto accident attorney can review your various policies, communicate with all relevant insurers, and work to secure appropriate compensation through the available coverage sources. Don't let multiple insurance coverage options create confusion about your rights and benefits after a car accident.