WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2633

AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE -- UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Ciccone and 1 co-sponsor

Rhode Island expands uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to include property damage, matching UM/UIM limits to bodily injury limits, with elections and deductible features.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2633

Bill overview

  • Bill: SB 2633
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- LIABILITY INSURANCE -- UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE
  • Introduced: February 13, 2026 (Senators Tikoian and Ciccone)
  • Referred to: Senate Judiciary
  • Status: Scheduled for consideration (as of May 26, 2026)
  • Effective date: Upon passage

Main purpose and intent

  • To expand uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provisions under Rhode Island law to explicitly include property damage in addition to bodily injury under uninsured/underinsured motorist protections.
  • To clarify and update requirements for how UM and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, and to address scenarios involving solvent/insolvent carriers.

Key provisions and changes

  • Expansion of coverage (Section 1(a) and (g)):
    • Uninsured motorist coverage must provide protection for property damage, in addition to bodily injury or death, arising from ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle.
    • UM/UIM coverage amount must be equal to the insured’s bodily injury liability limits, with the insured allowed to elect lower limits in writing, subject to minimum statutory limits. If the insured purchases only the minimum required by law, the limit can be reduced to zero only after signing an advisory notice about uninsured/underinsured motorist risks.
    • The coverage must apply when the at-fault party’s liability insurer is insolvent or becomes insolvent after the accident.
  • Property damage election and optional coverage (Section 1(b)):
    • The named insured may reject UM coverage for property damage in writing. If the insured has collision coverage for property damage, UM property damage coverage is not required unless the insured elects to add it.
  • Definitions and scope (Section 1(c)):
    • Defines “Policy insuring against loss” as primary coverage for the insured motor vehicle.
    • Defines “Property damage” to include injury to or destruction of the insured vehicle, its loss of use, and other non-business property contained in the vehicle.
  • Renewal notifications and options (Section 1(d)):
    • After selecting limits or rejecting property-damage coverage, insurers must notify policyholders at renewals or other policy changes about the availability of coverage and options for higher limits or added coverage.
  • Deductible and rate structure (Section 1(e)):
    • Property damage due to collision is subject to a $200 deductible per claim unless otherwise agreed.
    • Claims must include identifying information to establish the at-fault party is uninsured.
    • The rate for UM property damage coverage will be set as a percentage of the base collision rate, determined by the insurance commissioner.
  • Subrogation and recovery (Section 1(f)):
    • If the insurer collects a casualty loss through subrogation, the insurer must first reimburse the insured for the deductible portion (net of subrogation expenses) before retaining any excess recovery.
  • Aggregation of coverage across policies (Section 1(i)):
    • If an insured has multiple premiums for UM coverage within a single policy or across multiple policies with the same insurer, the insured can collect up to the aggregate coverage amount for all insured vehicles, notwithstanding policy language to the contrary.

Who is affected

  • Individuals and policyholders in Rhode Island purchasing liability insurance for motor vehicles.
  • Insurers issuing motor vehicle liability policies in Rhode Island.
  • Policyholders who want or opt to adjust UM/UIM coverage limits, including those seeking property-damage-related UM coverage.
  • Consumers with multiple UM premiums within a single policy or across policies with the same insurer, who rely on aggregate UM limits.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Take effect: Upon passage of the act.
  • Ongoing requirements:
    • Insurers must provide advisory notices and renewal notifications regarding UM/UIM coverage and limits (especially when changes occur or at renewals).
    • Insurers must facilitate insureds’ ability to request higher limits or additional coverage.
  • Legislative action history:
    • Committee recommended holding for further study on March 3, 2026.
    • Scheduled consideration referenced for May 28, 2026.

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

Sign in to ask a question.