Rhode Island Proposes Major Updates to Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act

Rhode Island Senate Bill S1015, introduced in May 2025, proposes major updates to the state's Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act, imposing stricter standards on insurance claim handling, vehicle repair processes, and settlement transparency. It outlines over 30 specific unfair practices, such as delayed appraisals and refusal of direct payments authorized by policyholders, aimed at enhancing regulatory compliance and claims efficiency. The bill extends auto body shop appraisal windows, raises thresholds for appraisal requirements, and limits insurer inspection rights if deadlines are missed, restricting disputes to specific cost categories.