Rhode Island Prejudgment Interest Rate
United States Rhode Island’s prejudgment interest rate — when a court awards it.
Set by statute Fixed by statute
Rhode Island prejudgment interest is 12% per year, as simple interest under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-21-10. Very broad but with key carve-outs. APPLIES to any civil action "in which a verdict is rendered or a decision made for pecuniary damages" — covers BOTH tort and contract, and both…
When Rhode Island prejudgment interest applies
Very broad but with key carve-outs. APPLIES to any civil action "in which a verdict is rendered or a decision made for pecuniary damages" — covers BOTH tort and contract, and both liquidated AND unliquidated claims (RI is notable for allowing prejudgment interest on unliquidated tort damages such as personal injury). Added automatically by the clerk; not discretionary and not a component of the damage award.
When it starts accruing
General rule (§ 9-21-10(a)): interest runs "from the date the cause of action accrued" (e.g., date of the accident/breach) to entry of judgment. Medical/dental malpractice (§ 9-21-10(b)): interest runs from the date of written notice of the claim by the claimant (or representative) to the malpractice liability insurer…
Simple or compound
Simple. Prejudgment interest is computed as simple interest on the verdict/pecuniary-damages amount from accrual to judgment (statute directs the clerk to add interest "to the amount of damages").
→ Compare with the Rhode Island post-judgment interest rate (interest after judgment)
Prejudgment interest under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-21-10 — 12% (simple interest). This is PREjudgment interest (accruing before entry of judgment) and is separate from Rhode Island’s post-judgment rate; availability is limited by claim type (see the page). Verify against the statute text. Not legal advice.
Effective-date history
| Effective date | Rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| July 9, 2026 | 12% | Statute |
Source & provenance
Latest value retrieved July 10, 2026 (02:55 UTC) from the official source:
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE9/9-21/9-21-10.HTM