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HB 7066

AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CASUALTY INSURANCE GENERALLY -- LIMITATIONS ON POLICY CANCELLATIONS AND RENEWALS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Azzinaro and 4 co-sponsors

HB 7066 restricts Rhode Island insurers from canceling or refusing to renew casualty insurance policies except under specified circumstances, aiming to protect consumer access to coverage.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7066

Legislative bill overview

HB 7066 proposes restrictions on insurance companies' ability to cancel or refuse to renew casualty insurance policies in Rhode Island. The bill aims to protect policyholders from arbitrary policy terminations by establishing limitations on when and how insurers can discontinue coverage. This represents a consumer protection measure in the insurance market.

Why is this important

Insurance cancellations and non-renewals directly affect consumers' access to necessary coverage and can create gaps in protection or force them into more expensive alternatives. In markets with tight capacity (such as homeowners insurance in some regions), restrictions on non-renewals can help stabilize coverage availability, though they may also influence insurers' underwriting decisions and market participation. The balance between consumer protection and insurer flexibility significantly impacts both individual households and the broader insurance market.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurer profitability and market participation: Restrictions on cancellations/non-renewals may reduce insurers' ability to manage risk and exit unprofitable markets, potentially causing some carriers to leave Rhode Island or raise premiums
  • Scope and definitions: Clarity needed on which circumstances justify cancellations (fraud, non-payment, increased risk), as overly broad restrictions could incentivize adverse selection
  • Interaction with rate regulation: Combined with other state insurance regulations, limitations on non-renewals could compress insurers' margins and affect their willingness to write new business in the state

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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