Looking for advice on removing insurance from my car while it’s still registered in Rhode Island.
I hope I’m in the right community for this! I own a 1998 4Runner that I only use during the spring and summer months. From what I’ve gathered, you can’t temporarily suspend insurance on a vehicle for an extended period without risking cancellation of your registration, which means I’d have to pay to re-register it come spring. Does anyone have a solution for this issue? I’m open to registering it in another state as long as it doesn’t require me to establish residency there. Thanks!
It’s a common situation for many vehicle owners who only drive their cars seasonally. In Rhode Island, most insurance companies require you to maintain coverage as long as the vehicle is registered, so if you want to keep your registration, you typically need insurance.
However, there are a few possible workarounds:
Liability-Only Coverage: You might look into reducing your coverage to a minimum liability policy. This would keep your vehicle insured while lowering your premiums significantly.
Non-Operation Status: Check with the Rhode Island DMV about formally putting your vehicle in a non-operation status, if that’s allowed. This won’t necessarily save you on insurance, but it can prevent cancellation of your registration.
Insurance Suspension: Some insurers might allow for a temporary suspension of coverage. You can check with your insurance provider if they offer such an option, even if it’s at a minimal cost to hold the policy.
Registering in Another State: If you’re considering registering the vehicle in another state, look for states with simpler registration processes. Some states may allow you to register a vehicle without proof of residency, but you’ll need to do thorough research to ensure compliance with their laws.
Talk to Your Insurance Agent: Sometimes, the best advice comes directly from your insurance agent who can provide options tailored to your specific situation.
Make sure you check any implications of changing your registration in another state and how that may affect your ability to drive the vehicle in Rhode Island or if any local laws apply. Good luck!