Rhode IslandInsurers would use an 85% repair-cost threshold for total losses
Vehicle insurers would generally need repair costs to reach 85% of a vehicle’s value before treating it as a total loss, while owners could choose that option at 75%.
What it does
Insurers would generally be unable to declare a vehicle a total loss below 85% of its fair market value. Owners could choose a total loss once repairs reach 75%, subject to stated conditions.
Argument forAllowing owners to choose a total loss at 75% to 85% of value could give them another option when major repairs are needed.
Argument againstThe 85% threshold could lead to more vehicles being declared total losses, which may reduce owners’ ability to keep and repair them.
More detail
Insurers would generally be barred from declaring a vehicle a total loss when repair costs are below 85% of its fair market value. The rule concerns motor vehicles, including Rhode Island-registered vehicles repaired in Rhode Island, and applies to covered claim settlements. Owners could choose to declare a vehicle a total loss when repair costs reach at least 75% but remain below 85% of fair market value. Insurers could still agree to declare a vehicle a total loss at the owner's request with the owner's express written consent when repair costs are below 85%. Fair market value would use a current nationally recognized vehicle-value guide. Any condition adjustments would need to be itemized and fair and reasonable. The provision would take effect upon passage and would apply to the total-loss decisions covered by the section.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 2606/26/2026 Effective without Governor's signatureLatest
- Jun 1806/18/2026 Transmitted to GovernorTo Governor
- Jun 1106/11/2026 Senate passed in concurrencePassed Senate
- Jun 906/09/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)Minor
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- Jun 906/09/2026 House read and passedPassed House
- Jun 806/08/2026 Placed on House Calendar (06/09/2026)Minor
- Jun 806/08/2026 Committee recommends passageMinor
- Jun 606/06/2026 Scheduled for consideration (06/08/2026)
- Apr 2804/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further studyMinor
- Apr 2404/24/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/28/2026)
- Mar 2303/23/2026 Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/26/2026)
- Mar 2003/20/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
- Feb 2702/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House CorporationsIntroduced
Consumer ProtectionTransportationForeign Policy