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Rhode IslandH60542025 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MOTOR VEHICLE APPRAISAL .

Sponsored By: Jacquelyn M. Baginski (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger protections in car damage disputes

Rhode Island policyholders and claimants can request independent appraisal when they and the insurer disagree on a vehicle loss amount. The insurer no longer has an express right to demand appraisal, and agreements between the parties are binding. Each side must choose a Rhode Island-licensed appraiser who received no payment or compensation from either side in the previous 60 days. The insurer’s appraiser must inspect within 3 business days after receiving the written demand, provided the vehicle is at the repair shop when requested. Missing that deadline means the insurer loses its right to inspect before repairs. Negotiations then cover only labor and parts prices; disputes over damage or repair methods require objective evidence. Both sides can agree to extend time limits. If the appraisers disagree on the loss amount, the parties select an independent, Rhode Island-licensed umpire. If no umpire is agreed upon within 3 business days, each side exchanges a list of five qualified appraisers. Each side picks one name from the other’s list. If neither remaining name is agreed upon, the appraiser who submitted a list first chooses between them. The umpire must decide within 3 business days; agreement by two of the three appraisers sets the final loss amount. Insurers cannot use intimidation, coercion, threats, or false statements about consumer rights during appraisal. These rules took effect upon passage.

Claimants pay half of umpire costs

When a Rhode Island vehicle appraisal dispute uses an umpire, the policyholder or claimant must pay half the umpire’s cost. The insurer pays the other half. The law sets no dollar amount for that charge. This requirement took effect upon passage.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jacquelyn M. Baginski

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Stephen M. Casey

    Democratic • House

  • Arthur J. Corvese

    Democratic • House

  • Katherine S. Kazarian

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 167 • No: 13

Senate vote • 6/21/2025

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- MOTOR VEHICLE APPRAISAL In Concurrence Passage

Yes: 30 • No: 4

House vote • 6/20/2025

MOTOR VEHICLE APPRAISAL PASSAGE PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT

Yes: 72 • No: 1

House vote • 6/20/2025

MOTOR VEHICLE APPRAISAL PASSAGE AS AMENDED

Yes: 65 • No: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 448

    7/2/2025Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/27/2025Governor

  3. Senate passed as amended in concurrence

    6/21/2025Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/20/2025)

    6/20/2025Senate

  5. House passed as amended (floor amendment)

    6/20/2025House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/20/2025)

    6/20/2025House

  7. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/25/2025

  8. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/25/2025)

    3/21/2025

  9. Introduced, referred to House Corporations

    3/12/2025House

Bill Text

  • H6054 - As Amended

    3/12/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • H6054 - As Introduced

    3/12/2025

    HTMLPDF

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