What Creditors Can't Take in Rhode Island
Money, home and vehicle exemptions that protect your property from creditors in Rhode Island.
Short answer: $500 in savings or other deposits in a bank or financial institution. R.I. Gen. Laws 9-26-4(18)
| Money protected in a bank account | $500 in savings or other deposits in a bank or financial institution. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 9-26-4(18) |
|---|---|
| Homestead exemption | $500,000 in a home (land and buildings, or personal property used as a residence) occupied or intended as the principal residence. It applies automatically without filing, but not to debts contracted before the homestead was acquired, the purchase-money mortgage, taxes and certain other liens, or debts owed to banks and other institutions regulated under Title 19. Since January 1, 2026, no attachment may be filed against a principal residence for a judgment based on medical debt. Medical debt rule: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE10/10-5/10-5-2_10-5-2.htm |
| Vehicle exemption | Motor vehicles up to a total of $12,000 in value. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 9-26-4(13) |
Where to get help in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Banking Division (registers debt collectors)
- File a complaint or claim
More Rhode Island debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Rhode Island
- Wage Garnishment in Rhode Island
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Rhode Island
- Medical Debt Protections in Rhode Island
- All Rhode Island debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much money in a bank account is protected from creditors in Rhode Island?
$500 in savings or other deposits in a bank or financial institution.
What is the homestead exemption in Rhode Island?
$500,000 in a home (land and buildings, or personal property used as a residence) occupied or intended as the principal residence. It applies automatically without filing, but not to debts contracted before the homestead was acquired, the purchase-money mortgage, taxes and certain other liens, or debts owed to banks and other institutions regulated under Title 19. Since January 1, 2026, no attachment may be filed against a principal residence for a judgment based on medical debt.
Can a creditor take my car in Rhode Island?
Motor vehicles up to a total of $12,000 in value.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.