§ 31-47-13. Insurers and sureties.
(a) A finding by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles or traffic tribunal, or court that a person is covered by financial responsibility in the form of an insurance policy or surety bond is not binding upon the named insurer or surety or any of its officers, employees, agents, or representatives and has no legal effect except for the purpose of administering this section.
(b) The preparation and delivery of a document authorized to be used as financial responsibility under this division does not do any of the following:
(1) Create any liability or estoppel against an insurer or surety, or any of its officers, employees, agents, or representatives;
(2) Constitute an admission of the existence of, or of any liability or coverage under, any policy or bond;
(3) Waive any defenses or counterclaims available to an insurer, surety, agent, employee, or representative in an action commenced by an insured or third party claimant upon a cause of action alleged to have arisen under an insurance policy or surety bond or by reason of the preparation and delivery of a document for use as financial responsibility.
(c) Whenever it is determined by a final judgment in a judicial proceeding that an insurer or surety, which has been named on a document accepted by a court or the administrator of the division of motor vehicles as financial responsibility covering the operation of a motor vehicle at the time of an accident or offense, is not liable to pay a judgment for injuries or damages resulting from that operation, the administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall, notwithstanding any previous contrary finding, immediately suspend the operating privileges and registration rights of the person against whom the judgment was rendered as provided by this chapter.
History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 167, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles
Chapter 31-47 - Motor Vehicle Reparations Act
Section 31-47-1. - Short title and declaration of purpose.
Section 31-47-1.1. - Legislative findings and intent.
Section 31-47-1.2. - Subpoena.
Section 31-47-2. - Definitions.
Section 31-47-3. - Regulations authorized — Access to court and agency records.
Section 31-47-3.1. - Registration application.
Section 31-47-4. - Notice of termination.
Section 31-47-5. - Acceptance of financial security deposits.
Section 31-47-6. - Release of financial security bonds or deposits.
Section 31-47-7. - Self-insurers.
Section 31-47-8. - [Repealed.]
Section 31-47-8.1. - [Repealed.]
Section 31-47-9.1. - Penalties — Illegal evidence of financial security.
Section 31-47-10. - [Repealed.]
Section 31-47-11. - Reinstatement of suspended license or registration.
Section 31-47-12.1. - Right to choose auto body repair facility.
Section 31-47-13. - Insurers and sureties.
Section 31-47-14. - Notice to other jurisdictions.
Section 31-47-15. - Exceptions.
Section 31-47-15.1. - Exception for seasonal vehicles.
Section 31-47-15.2. - Exception — Vehicles owned by active duty military personnel.
Section 31-47-16. - Assigned risk plans.
Section 31-47-17. - Insurance companies.