Insurance Requirements for Driver’s License in Puerto Rico

1. What auto insurance requirements must drivers meet in Puerto Rico?


In Puerto Rico, drivers must have liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements set by the local government. This includes the following:

– Bodily Injury Liability: $10,000 per person/$20,000 per accident
– Property Damage Liability: $5,000 per accident
– Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident

Drivers are also required to carry proof of financial responsibility in the form of a valid motor vehicle liability policy issued by a licensed insurer.

2. What proof of insurance is required to obtain a driver’s license in Puerto Rico?


In Puerto Rico, proof of insurance is required to obtain a driver’s license. To obtain a license in Puerto Rico, drivers must show proof of liability insurance for a minimum of $10,000 per person/$20,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $5,000 in property damage liability. All policies must be issued by a licensed insurance company.

3. Are there any exceptions to the minimum auto insurance limits for drivers in Puerto Rico?


Yes, there are exceptions to the minimum auto insurance limits for drivers in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico drivers are allowed to purchase additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision, that will increase their coverage limits beyond the state minimums. Additionally, some drivers may be eligible for discounts on their premiums if they have taken a defensive driving course or if they have a clean driving record.

4. What is the minimum bodily injury liability limit for drivers in Puerto Rico?


The minimum bodily injury liability limit for drivers in Puerto Rico is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.

5. Is personal injury protection (PIP) required for drivers in Puerto Rico?


Yes, personal injury protection (PIP) is required for drivers in Puerto Rico.

6. How long do drivers in Puerto Rico have to provide proof of automobile insurance after registering their vehicle?


In Puerto Rico, drivers must provide proof of automobile insurance when registering their vehicle, and must maintain it for the duration of the registration period. The registration period typically lasts for one year, so drivers should maintain proof of automobile insurance for at least that long.

7. Does Puerto Rico require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?


Yes, Puerto Rico requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

8. What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Puerto Rico?


In Puerto Rico, operating a vehicle without insurance carries a penalty of at least $125 and up to $500 or a prison term of up to 15 days. Additionally, the vehicle may be seized if the driver cannot provide proof of insurance.

9. Is it legal to operate a motor vehicle without insurance in Puerto Rico?


Yes, it is legal to operate a motor vehicle without insurance in Puerto Rico, provided the vehicle is registered and the driver holds a valid driver’s license. However, drivers in Puerto Rico are strongly encouraged to purchase auto insurance, as it is the best way to protect yourself financially if you are involved in an accident.

10. Does Puerto Rico offer low-cost auto insurance plans for drivers?


Yes, Puerto Rico does offer low-cost auto insurance plans for drivers. The Puerto Rico Automobile Accident Insurance Plan (PRAIPS) is the official provider of auto insurance in Puerto Rico and offers some of the lowest rates in the region.

11. How does a driver reinstate their license after being convicted of driving without insurance in Puerto Rico?


In order to reinstate a driver’s license after being convicted of driving without insurance in Puerto Rico, the driver must surrender his or her license, pay a reinstatement fee, and provide proof of financial responsibility such as proof of insurance. Additionally, the driver must complete any other requirements set by the court.

12. What forms of proof of auto insurance are accepted by the DMV in Puerto Rico?


The Puerto Rico Department of Motor Vehicles accepts proof of auto insurance that is provided by an insurance company authorized to do business in Puerto Rico. Proof includes a copy of the policy, insurance card, registration certificate, or digital copy.

13. Are there any restrictions placed on auto insurers in Puerto Rico regarding the minimum amounts of coverage they must offer?


Yes. In Puerto Rico, auto insurers must offer a minimum of $10,000 worth of bodily injury liability coverage per person, $20,000 total for all persons involved in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage. In addition, uninsured motorist coverage must be offered with a minimum coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 total for all persons involved in an accident.

14. Does Puerto Rico require motor vehicle operators to carry liability coverage on their vehicles?


Yes, Puerto Rico does require motor vehicle operators to carry liability coverage on their vehicles. All vehicles registered in Puerto Rico must carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, and $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons.

15. How often must drivers in Puerto Rico update their proof of auto insurance with the DMV?


Proof of auto insurance must be updated with the DMV in Puerto Rico whenever the policy is renewed.

16. Does Puerto Rico require drivers to purchase uninsured motorist property damage coverage?


Yes. In Puerto Rico, all motor vehicle owners are required by law to purchase uninsured motorist property damage coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This coverage pays for damages to the insured’s vehicle caused by an uninsured driver.

17. Are there any special discounts available for drivers who purchase auto insurance in Puerto Rico?


Yes, there are special discounts available for drivers who purchase auto insurance in Puerto Rico. Discounts may include discounts for good driving records, multi-policy discounts, and discounts for low mileage.

18. Is there a grace period for providing proof of auto insurance to the DMV in Puerto Rico?


Yes, there is a grace period for providing proof of auto insurance to the DMV in Puerto Rico. The grace period is thirty (30) days from the expiration date of the insurance policy. After thirty (30) days, if proof of insurance cannot be provided, the license plates and/or the registration will be suspended.

19. How much does the average auto insurance policy cost for drivers in Puerto Rico?


The average cost of auto insurance in Puerto Rico is approximately $1,212 per year.

20. What type of documentation do I need to provide when getting a driver’s license in Puerto Rico?


To obtain a driver’s license in Puerto Rico, you will need to provide valid documentation such as a valid driver’s license from another state, identification card, passport, birth certificate, social security card, and proof of residency. You must also provide proof of completing a driver’s education course (if required). Additionally, you must pass a vision test and written exam to receive a license.