Rhode Island insurance laws
Insurance regulations, rate filing requirements, department info, and recent bulletins for Rhode Island. Updated Mar 31, 2026.
Department of Insurance
Rhode Island's insurance regulatory framework is overseen by the Department of Business Regulation's Insurance Division, with health insurance specifically regulated by the separate Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC). The state employs a prior approval rate filing system for most insurance lines, with flex rating provisions available for certain personal lines. Rhode Island has been progressive in consumer protection, particularly in auto insurance claims settlement and health insurance coverage mandates.
Auto Insurance
Notable Laws
- UM/UIM coverage required unless rejected in writing (R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-7-2.1; 230-RICR-20-05-1)
- Rental vehicle coverage must be provided for at least 7 days after total loss payment (2023 H6027/S1106)
- OEM parts required for vehicles 48-72 months old with owner consent (2024 H7264/S2440)
- Direction to pay required for licensed auto body shops and restoration companies (2024 H7507/S2681)
- Total loss threshold set at 75-80% at consumer's election (2025 H6053/S902)
Homeowners Insurance
Notable Laws
- Windstorm deductibles capped at 5% for residential property (R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-76-2; 230-RICR-20-05-13)
- Aerial imagery must be clear, current, and accurate; cannot be used for cosmetic issues (2025 Bulletin 2025-3)
- Condominium unit owner policy is primary for losses not covered by association policy due to deductible (2022 H7526/S2786)
- Fire scene solicitation by adjusters and contractors prohibited until property released to owners (2022 H7976/S3030)
- Credit scoring allowed but regulated under property and casualty insurance rating laws
Recent Bulletins
2025 Legislative Changes
Outlines comprehensive legislative changes affecting insurance industry including cybersecurity model law adoption, pet insurance act, prohibition of premium surcharges for policy inquiries, rental vehicle coverage expansions, and workers' compensation updates.
View bulletinAerial Imagery Used by Homeowners Insurers
Provides guidance on proper use of aerial and satellite imagery by homeowners insurers, requiring images to be clear, current, and accurate. Prohibits using imagery showing only cosmetic issues for underwriting or nonrenewal decisions.
View bulletinImplementation of Insurance Data Security Statute
Provides implementation instructions for insurance data security requirements modeled after NAIC standards. Requires data security programs, cybersecurity event notifications, and annual compliance certifications from insurers.
View bulletin2024 Legislative Changes
Summarizes insurance legislative changes from 2024 session including electronic producer appointments, NAIC Insurance Data Security Model Law adoption, motor vehicle replacement parts requirements, and casualty insurance rating protections for widowed persons.
View bulletinVehicle History Used in Private Passenger Automobile Insurance Rating
Discusses the application and regulation of vehicle history scores in rating private passenger automobile insurance. Provides guidance on proper use and disclosure requirements for insurers using vehicle history data.
View bulletinRecent Law Changes
Voluntary Restructuring of Solvent Insurers
Adopts NAIC model law for cybersecurity insurance, increases covered first-party property claim limit to $1 million for insolvencies after January 1, 2026, and removes insurance business transfer prohibition.
Pet Insurance Act
Adopts the NAIC Pet Insurance Model Act to standardize definitions and policy provisions, and establishes training requirements for insurance producers marketing pet insurance.
Total Loss Threshold and Auto Body Repair Compensation
Amends total loss threshold from 75% to a range of 75-80% at consumer's election and expands compensation requirements for autobody repairers to include OEM and paint manufacturer recommended procedures.
Prior Authorization Pilot Program
Implements three-year pilot program prohibiting insurers from requiring prior authorization for services (except prescription drugs) ordered by in-network primary care providers.
Insurance Data Security Act
Adopts main provisions of NAIC Insurance Data Security Model Law requiring insurers to implement data security programs, enhances examination authority, and establishes cybersecurity event investigation and notification requirements.
Health Insurance
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