Stacked vs. Single-Limit UM Coverage in Rhode Island

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Stacking adds the uninsured motorist limits of several vehicles together. In Rhode Island, whenever you paid two or more separate premiums for UM coverage in one policy or under several policies with the same insurer, you may collect up to the aggregate coverage for all the insured vehicles, regardless of any contrary policy language.

What stacking means

A household may have more than one vehicle with UM. Stacking adds those limits after one injury, so $100,000 and $50,000 become $150,000. Single-limit coverage pays only the one limit that applies.

What Rhode Island law says

R.I. Gen. Laws 27-7-2.1(i) says whenever an insured has paid two or more separate premiums for uninsured motorists' coverage in a single policy, or under several policies with the same insurance company, the insured is permitted to collect up to the aggregate amount of coverage for all of the vehicles insured, regardless of any language in the policy to the contrary.

What it leaves open

The rule is triggered by separate premiums. The statute does not say what happens with policies from different insurers or a single premium for several vehicles; we did not read Rhode Island court decisions, so ask an attorney.

A worked example

Suppose you pay separate UM premiums for two vehicles with $100,000 and $50,000 of limits, the at-fault driver paid $25,000, and your damages are $250,000. UM can pay up to $150,000. If only one premium was charged, one limit applies and it pays up to $100,000. Try your own numbers in the Rhode Island UM/UIM stacking calculator.

What to check

Look at your declarations page for a UM premium on each vehicle. See what section 27-7-2.1 says and how Rhode Island UM covers underinsured drivers.

This is general information, not legal advice, and the state comparisons above are illustrative, not an exhaustive survey. Confirm how Rhode Island's rules apply to your specific case with a licensed Rhode Island attorney.