Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

WPRO News

Rhode Island’s Division of Motor Vehicles announced Wednesday that a new insurance verification system will commence operations in February, with a goal of helping to bring down insurance rates in the state.

“The emphasis here is to get compliance with the compulsory insurance law,” said Anthony Silva, DMV Administrator.

“We all know there are going to be many people out there who feel they’re going to beat the system, and I’m here to to tell you today, you can’t beat this system,” Silva said.

The DMV estimates up to 20% of motorists in Rhode Island are uninsured, or about 250,000 vehicles. Starting in February, the DMV will contract with a company in South Carolina to monitor driver compliance with the law that requires motorists to carry auto insurance.

The insurance verification system is expected to generate more than $4 million in fees each year, of which the contractor will receive 20%.