Senate Bill 3115, which would raise the vehicle total loss threshold in Rhode Island to 85%, is now awaiting Gov. Dan McKee’s signature after making it through both houses of the General Assembly.
Introduced by Sens. Frank A. Ciccone III and Hanna M. Gallo, S.B. 3115 would amend Rhode Island’s Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act by expanding the list of actions considered unfair claims practices and establishing new requirements governing vehicle appraisals, repair reimbursements, total loss decisions and consumer choice.
If enacted, the legislation would provide collision repairers with additional protections related to repair procedures, paint and materials reimbursement, sublet services and direct payment of claims, while also increasing the threshold at which insurers may declare a vehicle a total loss.
Higher Total Loss Threshold Could Keep More Vehicles Repairable
One of the most significant provisions in the bill would increase Rhode Island’s total loss threshold from 80% to 85% of a vehicle’s fair market value…