Bill > H7478

This bill establishes a "Homeowner Casualty Insurance Bill of Rights" in Rhode Island, aiming to clarify the rights of homeowners when filing an insurance claim for property damage. It requires insurance companies to provide policyholders with a notice summarizing these rights in simple terms within fourteen days of receiving an initial claim, unless a state of emergency has been declared. The bill specifies that this "bill of rights" is limited to the claims process, does not create new legal actions for policyholders against insurers, and does not alter existing policy terms or an insurer's right to repair damaged property. It also outlines specific rights for policyholders, such as receiving acknowledgments of claims, confirmation of investigations, and timely settlement payments or denials, and advises homeowners on steps to take during the claims and repair process, including contacting the state's Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division, for assistance. Failure by an insurer to properly deliver this bill of rights may result in a penalty, but this failure cannot be used as evidence in a civil lawsuit.

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