Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7863

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Provides for mandatory uninsured motorist coverage.

Impact

The introduction of H7863 signifies a significant change in the insurance landscape of the state, ensuring that all drivers have a basic level of protection against uninsured motorists. This is particularly important, as it addresses the growing concern over hit-and-run incidents and financial burdens placed on victims of such accidents. This coverage must match the bodily injury liability limits set forth in state regulations, ensuring that the minimum level of protection is available to all insured individuals.

Summary

House Bill 7863 aims to amend the existing laws regarding liability insurance by providing mandatory uninsured motorist coverage for vehicles registered in the state. The bill specifies that no insurance policy may be issued in the state without including coverage for bodily injury or death caused by uninsured or hit-and-run motorists. This requirement is intended to protect drivers and passengers who are at risk of financial loss due to accidents involving drivers without sufficient insurance.

Contention

While supporters of the bill argue that it provides essential security for drivers and passengers, there may be concerns regarding potential increases in insurance premiums as insurers adjust to these new requirements. The bill allows the named insured to select lower limits than the bodily injury coverage, which could mitigate some of the cost increases. However, opponents might argue that mandating such coverage could place additional financial burdens on drivers, particularly those already struggling to afford insurance.

Implementation

Should the bill pass, it is slated to take effect on January 1, 2027, applying to all new or renewed policies issued after this date. This timeline should allow insurers ample time to adjust their policies and inform clients about the forthcoming changes to their coverage options.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5932

Increases the minimum claim amount necessary to require a matter involving motor vehicle liability be submitted to mandatory arbitration.

RI H6079

Restricts private vehicle property damage insurance coverage for a rental passenger vehicle, to the named insured and drivers on that private policy, unless the designated driver is specifically excluded.

RI S0985

Restricts private vehicle property damage insurance coverage for a rental passenger vehicle, to the named insured and drivers listed on that private policy, unless the designated driver is specifically excluded.

RI S0574

Provides that a hearing required before a judge or magistrate may adjudge a motorist in contempt for failure to comply with the court's orders regarding a conditional hardship license, and defines penalties for violation of a hardship/interlock order.

RI H5896

Provides that a hearing required before a judge or magistrate may adjudge a motorist in contempt for failure to comply with the court's orders regarding a conditional hardship license, and defines penalties for violation of a hardship/interlock order.

RI S0905

Prohibits dental insurers from refusing to honor directions to pay from insured, modifying benefits to be paid. Requires providers to accept payment by virtual credit card as unfair claims practices.

RI H6155

Prohibits dental insurers from refusing to honor directions to pay from insured, modifying benefits to be paid. Requires providers to accept payment by virtual credit card as unfair claims practices.

RI H6158

Mandates insurance coverage for scalp cooling treatments for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatments.

RI S0015

Requires homeowner’s insurance providers to provide two months’ notice before increasing any policy more that 20%. Also caps rate increases for policy holders that are 65 years of age or older and meet certain income limits.

RI H5333

Requires homeowner’s insurance providers to provide two months’ notice before increasing any policy more that 20%. Also caps rate increases for policy holders that are 65 years of age or older and meet certain income limits.

Similar Bills

CA SB1352

Property taxation: newly constructed: reconstructed property.

CA AB245

Property taxation: application of base year value: disaster relief.

CA SB1053

Property taxation: transfer of base year value: disaster relief.

HI HB1398

Relating To Property.

HI HB1398

Relating To Property.

CA SB603

An act to amend Section 69 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, relating to taxation, to take effect immediately, tax levy.

TX HB2011

Relating to the right to repurchase from a condemning entity certain real property for which ad valorem taxes are delinquent.