R.I. Senate Wants to Raise Liability Limits for Taxis, Shuttles

The Rhode Island Senate has approved legislation to require taxis and transport vehicles such as airport shuttles to carry $300,000 worth of personal injury and property damage insurance.

The bill, introduced by Sen. William A. Walaska (D-Dist. 30, Warwick), increases the coverage amount from the $25,000 currently required under state law. The new requirements would be a $300,000 combined single limit for both personal injury and property damage, or $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident bodily injury and $100,000 property damage split limit.

“An increase in our standards has been long overdue,” said Walaska. “Raising the insurance standards is an important step in making transportation safer in Rhode Island. Whenever a person steps into a cab, he or she should know that the vehicle has an adequate insurance policy. What exists now is not adequate. This bill will increase the requirement to a sensible level.”

The bill, (2006 – S2877Aaa), covers taxis, jitneys (a bus or van with a predetermined route, such as an airport shuttle) and LPMVs (limited public motor vehicles, such as taxi that has to dispatched).

The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.