The bill amends Section 27-9-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-9 entitled "Casualty Insurance Rating" with several key changes. It introduces a new provision that, for any policy written, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, widowed persons shall not be treated differently than married persons when establishing or maintaining rates or classifications for personal motor vehicle insurance. This insertion aims to prevent discrimination against widowed individuals in terms of their vehicle insurance rates. Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions that prevent insurance companies from considering certain types of losses or incidents when setting rates for personal motor vehicles, particularly those involving bus drivers, law enforcement officers, and commercial vehicle drivers while in the course of employment.

The bill also includes clauses that protect older drivers from being penalized solely due to age if they have a clean driving record, and it sets out rules against non-renewal of policies based on age or certain loss occurrences. It prohibits insurance companies from imposing premium surcharges or penalties based on accidents where the insured is 50% or less at fault, and it prevents surcharges for property damage claims under $3,000. Furthermore, the bill protects volunteer drivers from being refused insurance or facing increased rates solely because of their volunteer status. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
2269: 27-9-4