Bill > S1015

This bill clarifies and updates regulations surrounding unfair insurance claims practices, specifically focusing on auto insurance and repair processes. The legislation makes several key changes, including raising the damage threshold for requiring a licensed appraiser from $2,500 to $5,000, extending the initial appraisal timeline from three to four business days, and providing more detailed guidelines about total loss vehicle determinations. The bill strengthens consumer protections by requiring insurers to more transparently explain claim denials, honor "direction to pay" requests from insured parties to repair shops or rental car companies, and compensate auto body shops for documented procedures and industry-standard markups. It also specifies that when determining a vehicle's total loss status, insurers must use fair market value calculations from nationally recognized automotive industry compilations and provide clear written notification to vehicle owners about salvage and reconstructed title requirements. The legislation aims to create more standardized, fair, and transparent practices in auto insurance claims settlement, with particular attention to repair processes, appraisals, and consumer rights.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/