As we wrap up our summer series on the latest crop of laws from Smith Hill, we’re turning our attention to something nearly every Rhode Islander deals with: insurance. From the headache of a car crash to the health of our furry family members, the legislature passed a trio of significant bills aimed at rebalancing the scales between consumers and insurance carriers. These new rules could change how you get your car fixed and how you protect your pet’s health.Anyone who’s ever argued with an insurance adjuster knows it can feel like a losing battle. Two new laws aim to give consumers and auto body shops more leverage. First, a bill overhauling the vehicle appraisal process, S0901, creates a new system for when you and your insurer can’t agree on the cost of repairs. It establishes a more structured arbitration process and includes a powerful consumer protection: if the final award is more than 25% higher than the insurer’s initial offer, the company has to pay for your appraisal costs.
A second, more sweeping bill, H6053, part of the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act, tightens the screws on several fronts. It raises the damage threshold for a car to be declared a “total loss” from 75% to 80% of its value, meaning fewer cars will be forced off the road. It also compels insurers to pay for repairs done according to the manufacturer's documented recommendations, a huge win for vehicle safety and proper repairs.It’s not just cars getting new protections.
For the first time, Rhode Island will formally regulate the growing pet insurance market with the Pet Insurance Act, S0649. Set to take effect January 1, 2026, this law brings some much-needed clarity and consumer-friendly rules to the field. It defines key terms like "preexisting condition" and requires insurers to be transparent about exclusions and how they calculate payments. In a major win for consumers, the law grants a 15-day "free look" period, allowing you to cancel a new policy for a full refund, no questions asked. It also bans waiting periods for accident coverage and requires that so-called "wellness programs" be sold separately and clearly distinguished from actual insurance policies. These new laws represent a significant shift toward consumer rights in the insurance world. While our summer guide is ending, we’ll continue to track the implementation and real-world impact of these changes. Be sure to stick with us as we enter 2026 because our BillBuddy feature will be keeping you in the loop on all of the latest bills to hit the State House. Thanks for following along with us.