Bill > S0084

This bill amends Rhode Island's insurance laws to prohibit insurance groups, carriers, or companies that provide personal lines insurance from imposing a premium surcharge or penalty against an insured individual solely for inquiring about the specific terms of their insurance policy. The legislation specifically clarifies that while insurers cannot penalize customers for asking about policy details, they can still assess surcharges, change ratings, or impose penalties if an actual policy change or loss occurs. The bill is designed to protect consumers from potential financial penalties that might discourage them from seeking clarity about their insurance coverage. The new provision will be added to the existing section of law governing casualty insurance ratings and will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving insurance companies time to adjust their practices to comply with the new requirement. By preventing insurers from financially punishing customers for seeking information about their policies, the bill aims to promote transparency and encourage open communication between insurers and policyholders.

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