The bill amends Section 27-7-2.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-7, titled "Liability Insurance," to mandate that all motor vehicle liability insurance policies issued in the state for vehicles registered or principally garaged there must include uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage must be for bodily injury or death and must be at least the minimum limits set forth in § 31-47-2(13)(i)(A), but it can be equal to the insured's bodily injury liability limits unless the insured opts for a lower amount in writing. The option to reduce coverage to zero after signing an advisory notice, as previously allowed for those purchasing only the minimum compulsory insurance, has been removed. The coverage also applies if the at-fault party's insurer is insolvent at the time of the accident or becomes insolvent subsequently.

The bill further specifies that the named insured no longer has the option to reject uninsured motorist coverage for property damage in writing if they have collision coverage. It defines terms such as "policy insuring against loss" and "property damage," and outlines the process for selecting coverage limits and the insurer's obligation to inform policyholders of available coverage options upon policy renewal or changes. A $200 deductible is set for property damage claims, and the bill details the procedure for subrogation and recovery of deductibles. It also includes provisions for underinsured motorists, the right to recover damages without first claiming or suing the uninsured or underinsured tortfeasor, and the right to collect up to the aggregate amount of coverage for multiple vehicles insured under a single policy or with the same insurer. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
1046: 27-7-2.1