reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-16 - Unauthorized Insurance Business › Section 27-16-6. - Service of process on commissioner.

§ 27-16-6. Service of process on commissioner.
(a)
Service of process shall be made by delivering to and leaving with the insurance commissioner, or some person in apparent charge of the commissioner’s office, two (2) copies of the process and the payment to the commissioner of any fees prescribed by law. The insurance commissioner shall mail by registered mail one of the copies of the process to the defendant at its last known principal place of business, and shall keep a record of all process served upon the defendant.
(b)
The service of process is sufficient, provided notice of the service and a copy of the process are sent within ten (10) days thereafter by registered mail by the plaintiff or the plaintiff ’s attorney to the defendant at its last known principal place of business, and the defendant’s receipt, or the receipt issued by the post office with which the letter is registered, showing the name of the sender of the letter and the name and address of the person to whom the letter is addressed, and the affidavit of the plaintiff or plaintiff ’s attorney showing compliance with this section, are filed with the clerk of the court in which the action is pending on or before the date the defendant is required to appear, or within any further time as the court may allow.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3725, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 27-16-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-16 - Unauthorized Insurance Business › Section 27-16-7. - Service of process on agent or insurance producer.

§ 27-16-7. Service of process on agent or insurance producer.
Service of process in an action, suit, or proceeding shall, in addition to the manner provided in § 27-16-6, be valid if served upon any person within this state who, in this state on behalf of the insurer, is: (1) soliciting insurance or reinsurance; (2) making, issuing or delivering any contract of insurance or reinsurance; or (3) collecting or receiving any premium, membership fee, assessment, or other consideration for insurance or reinsurance; and a copy of the process is sent within ten (10) days after this by registered mail by the plaintiff or plaintiff ’s attorney to the defendant at the last known principal place of business of the defendant, and the defendant’s receipt, or the receipt issued by the post office with which the letter is registered, showing the name of the sender of the letter and the name and address of the person to whom the letter is addressed, and the affidavit of the plaintiff or plaintiff ’s attorney showing a compliance with this section, are filed with the clerk of the court in which the action is pending on or before the date the defendant is required to appear, or within any further time as the court may allow.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3725, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 27-16-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-16 - Unauthorized Insurance Business › Section 27-16-8. - Time allowed before default judgment.

§ 27-16-8. Time allowed before default judgment.
No plaintiff or complainant shall be entitled to a judgment by default, a judgment with leave to prove damages, or a judgment pro confesso under §§ 27-16-6 and 27-16-7 until the expiration of thirty (30) days from the date of the filing of the affidavit of compliance.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3725, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 27-16-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-16 - Unauthorized Insurance Business › Section 27-16-9. - Other methods of service preserved.

§ 27-16-9. Other methods of service preserved.
Nothing contained in §§ 27-16-5 — 27-16-8 shall limit or abridge the right to serve any process, notice, or demand upon any insurer in any other manner now or after this permitted by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3725, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 27-16-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-16 - Unauthorized Insurance Business › Section 27-16-10. - Security or certificate required before defensive pleadings.

§ 27-16-10. Security or certificate required before defensive pleadings.
Before any unauthorized foreign or alien insurer shall file or cause to be filed any pleading in any action, suit, or proceeding instituted against it, the unauthorized insurer shall deposit with the clerk of the court in which the action, suit, or proceeding is pending, cash or securities, or file with the clerk a bond with good and sufficient sureties, to be approved by the court, in an amount to be fixed by the court sufficient to secure the payment of any final judgment which may be rendered in the action, or procure a certificate of authority to transact the business of insurance in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3725, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 27-16-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-16 - Unauthorized Insurance Business › Section 27-16-11. - Defensive motions as to jurisdiction.

§ 27-16-11. Defensive motions as to jurisdiction.
Nothing in § 27-16-10 is to be construed to prevent an unauthorized foreign or alien insurer from filing a motion to quash a writ or to set aside service of it made in the manner provided in § 27-16-6 or 27-16-7 on the ground either:
(1)
That the unauthorized insurer has not done any of the acts enumerated in § 27-16-5; or
(2)
That the person on whom service was made pursuant to § 27-16-7 was not doing any of the acts enumerated in that section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3725, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 27-16-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-16 - Unauthorized Insurance Business › Section 27-16-12. - Discretionary postponement of proceedings.

§ 27-16-12. Discretionary postponement of proceedings.
The court in any action, suit, or proceeding in which service is made in the manner provided in § 27-16-6 or § 27-16-7 may, in its discretion, order any postponement as may be necessary to afford the defendant reasonable opportunity to comply with the provisions of § 27-16-10 and to defend the action.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3725, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 27-16-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-16 - Unauthorized Insurance Business › Section 27-16-13. - Attorney fees.

§ 27-16-13. Attorney fees.
In any action against an unauthorized foreign or alien insurer upon a contract of insurance issued or delivered in this state to a resident of this state or to a corporation authorized to do business in this state, if the insurer has failed for thirty (30) days after demand prior to the commencement of the action to make payment in accordance with the terms of the contract, and it appears to the court that the refusal was vexatious and without reasonable cause, the court may allow to the plaintiff a reasonable attorney fee and include the fee in any judgment that may be rendered in the action. The fee shall not exceed twelve and one-half percent ( 12.5%) of the amount which the court or jury finds the plaintiff is entitled to recover against the insurer, but in no event shall the fee be less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00). Failure of an insurer to defend the action shall be deemed prima facie evidence that its failure to make payment was vexatious and without reasonable cause.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3725, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 27-16-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-16 - Unauthorized Insurance Business › Section 27-16-14. - Severability.

§ 27-16-14. Severability.
If any provision of §§ 27-16-3 — 27-16-14 or the application of any of these provisions to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the sections which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of §§ 27-16-3 — 27-16-14 are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3725, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 27-16-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-1. - Admission of foreign exchanges and interinsurers.

§ 27-17-1. Admission of foreign exchanges and interinsurers.
Any reciprocal exchange or interinsurer formed and doing business under the laws of any state of the United States, other than the state of Rhode Island, for the purpose of transacting any or all of the kinds of insurance which an insurance company may be authorized to transact in this state, other than life or title insurance, may be permitted to transact that business in this state upon complying with the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-2. - Power of subscribers to exchange reciprocal and interinsurance contracts.

§ 27-17-2. Power of subscribers to exchange reciprocal and interinsurance contracts.
(a)
Individuals, partnerships, trustees, and all corporations of this state, designated throughout this chapter as “subscribers”, are authorized to exchange reciprocal or interinsurance contracts with each other and with individuals, partnerships, trustees, and corporations of other states.
(b)
The right of a corporation to exchange those contracts is declared to be incidental to the purpose for which the corporation is organized and as much granted as the rights and powers expressly conferred. Whenever a trustee acting in a representative capacity insures property held in trust at a reciprocal exchange, the trustee may assume the liability and be entitled to the rights of a subscriber, but in doing this shall not personally or individually be liable under the power of attorney executed on behalf of the trust.
(c)
The contracts and the exchange of contracts and the subscribers, their attorneys in fact, and representatives, shall be regulated by this chapter and by no other statute of this state relating to insurance, except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-3. - Execution by attorney — Office in state.

§ 27-17-3. Execution by attorney — Office in state.
The contracts shall be executed by an attorney in fact, designated in this chapter as “attorney”, duly authorized and acting for the subscribers, and the attorney may be a foreign corporation. An office or offices of the attorney, referred to in this chapter as a reciprocal exchange or interinsurer, acting for subscribers in issuing contracts or policies insuring property or interests in this state, shall be maintained in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-5. - Service of process.

§ 27-17-5. Service of process.
Concurrently with the filing of the declaration provided for by the terms of § 27-17-4, the attorney shall file with the commissioner an instrument in writing duly executed by the attorney for the subscribers, conditioned that upon the issuance of the certificate of authority provided for in § 27-17-6, an action may be brought in any county in which the cause of action arises or where the claimant resides, and service of process may be had upon the commissioner in all suits in this state arising out of any policies, contracts, or agreements issued, which service shall be valid and binding upon all subscribers exchanging at any time reciprocal or interinsurance contracts through the attorney. Three (3) copies of the process shall be served, and the commissioner shall file one copy in his or her office, forward one copy to the attorney, and return one copy with his or her admission of service. Service of process may also be had upon all subscribers by serving the attorney at the office. Service of process shall not be had upon subscribers or any of them in any suit or proceeding in this state, except in the manner provided in this section, and any suit or other proceeding may be begun and prosecuted or defended by them under the name or designation adopted by them. A service fee of five dollars ($5.00) shall accompany each service and be paid to the commissioner.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-5; P.L. 1960, ch. 71, art. 1, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-6. - Certificate of authority to do business.

§ 27-17-6. Certificate of authority to do business.
If it shall appear upon examination by the commissioner that an exchange or interinsurer has complied with all of the requirements of this chapter and that the persons holding positions of executive and managerial authority are of good repute and will conduct the affairs of the exchange with safety to the public and its policyholders, the commissioner shall issue a certificate stating that the exchange or interinsurer has complied with all of the requirements of this chapter which shall authorize the exchange or interinsurer to transact the kind of business specifically provided in the certificate. The certificate shall expire on the first day of April of the following year, and shall be renewed every year as of the first day of April of that year. The commissioner may, after a hearing, revoke or suspend any certificate of authority issued pursuant to this section, in the case of violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, after reasonable notice of the hearing has been given to the attorney in fact in writing, which notice shall be sufficiently adequate to allow the attorney in fact to appear and show cause why the action should not be taken.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-7. - Reinsurance reserve.

§ 27-17-7. Reinsurance reserve.
There shall be maintained at all times by the exchange a reinsurance reserve in cash or securities authorized by the laws of the state in which the principal office of the attorney is located for the investment of similar funds of insurance companies doing the same kind of business, in an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the net annual premium deposits collected and credited to the accounts of subscribers on policies having one year or less to run and pro rata on those for longer periods or, in lieu of this amount, one hundred percent (100%) of the net unearned premium deposits collected and credited to the accounts of subscribers calculated separately for each policy in force as of any given date.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-8. - “Net premium deposits” defined.

§ 27-17-8. “Net premium deposits” defined.
“Net premium deposits,” as used in this chapter, mean the premium deposits made by subscribers after deduction from them of the amount paid as return premiums upon cancelled contracts and reinsurance in companies or associations licensed to do business in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-9. - Contingent reserve.

§ 27-17-9. Contingent reserve.
In addition to the reserves provided for in §§ 27-17-7 and 27-17-10, there shall also be maintained at all times by the exchange, as assets, a contingent reserve in cash or securities as stated in § 27-17-7 of not less than the amount of minimum capital required of a stock insurance company incorporated under the law of any other state of the United States to do the kind or kinds of insurance which the exchange is authorized to write under § 27-17-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-10. - Claim or loss reserve.

§ 27-17-10. Claim or loss reserve.
There shall also be maintained at all times in the hands of the attorney, as a claim or loss reserve, in cash or securities as stated in § 27-17-7, assets sufficient to discharge all liabilities on all outstanding or accrued losses arising under policies issued, which are to be calculated in accordance with the laws of this state relating to similar reserves for companies insuring similar risks.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-11. - Advance of funds for reserves — Maintenance.

§ 27-17-11. Advance of funds for reserves — Maintenance.
If it appears that the amount of funds required in §§ 27-17-7 — 27-17-10 has not been accumulated or maintained, then the subscribers, or the attorney for them, shall immediately advance any sums needed to comply with the provisions of §§ 27-17-7 — 27-17-10 and the advanced funds shall not be treated as a liability of the exchange, and the advances shall be repaid only out of the surplus over and above the minimum required by §§ 27-17-7 — 27-17-10. If the subscribers, or their attorneys for them, shall fail to advance sums necessary for the maintenance of the minimum reserves and surplus within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice from the commissioner, the commissioner may revoke its license to transact business in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-12. - Deficiencies in reserves.

§ 27-17-12. Deficiencies in reserves.
If at any time the amounts on hand are less than the requirements specified in this chapter, the subscribers, or their attorney for them, shall make up the deficiency.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-12; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-13. - Certificate of deposit by foreign exchange or interinsurer.

§ 27-17-13. Certificate of deposit by foreign exchange or interinsurer.
A foreign reciprocal exchange or interinsurer shall, before being authorized to do business in this state, furnish to the commissioner a certificate issued by a state treasurer or other state financial officer of the state where its principal place of business is located, that there has been deposited with him or her either in cash or securities the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the benefit of all policyholders.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-14. - Cash premium deposit and contingent liability of subscriber.

§ 27-17-14. Cash premium deposit and contingent liability of subscriber.
The power of attorney under which any contracts of insurance are exchanged pursuant to this chapter shall provide for a cash premium deposit and a contingent liability of the subscriber during each annual period of the term of each contract of insurance issued to the subscriber to be fixed in the power of attorney, but in an amount not less than one nor more than ten (10) times the amount of the annual portion of the cash premium deposit stated in the contract, except that exchanges which have a required surplus equal to three hundred fifty thousand dollars ($350,000) or to the minimum capital, if any, required of a stock insurance company transacting the same kind or kinds of business, whichever is greater, may issue policies without contingent liability; provided, that the exchange which shall have issued policies without contingent liability after the acquisition of the surplus may continue to do so only so long as it maintains a surplus in the amount required by this section, and no exchange shall issue any non-assessable policies, except during a time as it shall continue to maintain the surplus.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-14; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-15. - Reports and examination of affairs of exchanges.

§ 27-17-15. Reports and examination of affairs of exchanges.
The attorney shall, within the time limited for filing the annual statement by insurance companies transacting the same kind of business, make a report under oath to the commissioner for each calendar year in any form the commissioner may prescribe, showing the financial condition of the affairs at the office where the contracts are issued, and shall at any reasonable time furnish any additional information and reports required by the commissioner. The records, affairs, and financial condition of the exchange shall be subject to examination by the commissioner, and the examination shall be at the expense of the office examined. The commissioner may, in lieu of the examination provided for in this section, accept a certified copy of the report of examination made by the insurance department of the state where the principal office is located.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-16. - Penalty for doing business without compliance.

§ 27-17-16. Penalty for doing business without compliance.
Any attorney who exchanges any contracts of insurance of the kind and character specified in this chapter, or any attorney or representative of the attorney who solicits or negotiates any applications for the attorney without the attorney first complying with the provisions of this chapter, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be subjected to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-17. - Permits to solicit powers of attorney and applications.

§ 27-17-17. Permits to solicit powers of attorney and applications.
For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this chapter as set forth in § 27-17-4(6) and upon issuance of a permit by the commissioner and under any conditions as he or she may impose, powers of attorney and applications for the insurance contracts may be solicited without compliance with the provisions of this chapter, but no attorney or other person shall execute or issue the contracts of insurance until all of the provisions of this chapter have been complied with and a certificate of authority issued by the commissioner.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-18. - Insertion of provisions in standard policies.

§ 27-17-18. Insertion of provisions in standard policies.
The attorney may insert in any form of policy prescribed by the laws of this state or adopted by this state, any provisions or conditions required by the plan of reciprocal or interinsurance; provided, that the provisions or conditions shall not be in conflict with the laws of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-19. - Fees and taxes.

§ 27-17-19. Fees and taxes.
The exchanges shall be subject to the same fees and taxes provided by the laws of this state, now or after this enacted, applicable to insurance companies organized or admitted to do the same kind or kinds of business under the laws of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-20. - Applicability of insurance producers’ laws.

§ 27-17-20. Applicability of insurance producers’ laws.
The provisions of the general insurance laws of this state regarding the appointment, licensing, qualification, and regulation of insurance producers shall not apply to an exchange or its attorney, or to a traveling salaried employee, or to an executive officer or the attorney if a corporation, but shall apply to any other person, partnership, or corporation representing the reciprocal or interinsurance exchange in soliciting, negotiating, or effecting of business in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-20; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-21. - Applicability of rating laws.

§ 27-17-21. Applicability of rating laws.
The provisions of the laws of this state regulating the making and applying of insurance rates and providing for the licensing of rating organizations as set forth in chapters 6 and 9 of this title and §§ 27-2-13, 27-5-1 — 27-5-11 and 27-8-4 — 27-8-6 shall apply to reciprocal or interinsurance contracts, but nothing contained in those sections shall be construed to prohibit the return of savings or dividends to subscribers or policyholders.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-22. - Maximum liability on policy.

§ 27-17-22. Maximum liability on policy.
No reciprocal exchange or interinsurer shall issue or deliver any policy insuring property or interests in this state, the liability on which shall exceed an amount equivalent to ten percent (10%) of its surplus, unless the excess of liability over the ten percent (10%) is reinsured in a company which maintains financial standards at least equal to those required by the laws of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-23. - Exchange of workers’ compensation insurance.

§ 27-17-23. Exchange of workers’ compensation insurance.
Employers are expressly authorized to exchange contracts of workers’ compensation insurance, at any reciprocal exchange licensed in this state to do that kind of business, but all these exchanges shall be subject to the provisions of the laws of this state relating to the business of workers’ compensation insurance.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-24. - Retaliatory laws.

§ 27-17-24. Retaliatory laws.
The retaliatory laws of this state shall be applicable to reciprocal or interinsurance exchanges.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-25. - Hearings on rules and decisions of commissioner.

§ 27-17-25. Hearings on rules and decisions of commissioner.
Any party in interest aggrieved by any order or decision of the commissioner or by any rule or regulation adopted and promulgated by the commissioner may, within thirty (30) days after notice of it to other known parties in interest, make written request to the commissioner for a hearing. Within twenty (20) days after receipt of the written request, the commissioner shall hear the party or parties and shall give not less than ten (10) days’ written notice of the time and place of the hearing. Within fifteen (15) days after the hearing, the commissioner shall affirm, reverse, or modify his or her previous action, specifying his or her reasons for the action. Pending the hearing and decision on the hearing, the commissioner may suspend or postpone the effective date of his or her previous action. At any hearing before the commissioner, observance of formal rules of pleading or evidence shall not be required.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-26. - Judicial review of orders and decisions of commissioner.

§ 27-17-26. Judicial review of orders and decisions of commissioner.
Any final order or decision of the commissioner shall be subject to review by petition filed within twenty (20) days after notice of it at the instance of any party in interest in the superior court for the counties of Providence and Bristol, and the matter shall be heard de novo in the superior court and decisions on issues of fact shall be in accordance with the preponderance of the evidence presented there. The court shall determine whether the order or decision of the commissioner shall be stayed pending the review. The court may, in disposing of the issue before it, modify, affirm, or reverse the order or decision of the commissioner in whole or in part. Appeal may be taken from the decision of the superior court to the supreme court, and the appeal shall follow the course of equity.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-17 - Reciprocal Exchanges and Interinsurers › Section 27-17-27. - Severability.

§ 27-17-27. Severability.
In the event any section, part, or provisions of this chapter is held to be illegal, that section, part, or provision shall not affect any other section, part, or provision of the chapter, but the remaining sections, parts, and provisions shall be and remain in full force and effect.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 3003, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 27-17-27.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-1. - “Policy of accident and sickness insurance” construed.

§ 27-18-1. “Policy of accident and sickness insurance” construed.
“Policy of accident and sickness insurance,” as used in this chapter, includes any policy or contract covering against loss resulting from sickness or from bodily injury or death by accident, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3808, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 27-18-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-2. - Form of policy.

§ 27-18-2. Form of policy.
No policy of accident and sickness insurance shall be delivered or issued for delivery to any person in this state unless:
(1)
The entire money and other considerations for it are expressed in the policy;
(2)
The time at which the insurance takes effect and terminates is expressed in the policy;
(3)
It purports to insure only one person, except that a policy may insure, originally or by subsequent amendment, upon the application of an adult member of a family who shall be deemed the policyholder, any two (2) or more eligible members of that family, including husband, wife, dependent children or any children under a specified age which shall not exceed nineteen (19) years, and any other person dependent upon the policyholder;
(4)
The style, arrangement, and overall appearance of the policy give no undue prominence to any portion of the text, and unless every printed portion of the text of the policy and of any endorsements or attached papers is plainly printed in light faced type of a style in general use, the size of which shall be uniform and not less than ten-point with a lower case unspaced alphabet length not less than one hundred and twenty (120) point; the “text” shall include all printed matter except the name and address of the insurer, name or title of the policy, the brief description if any, and captions and subcaptions;
(5)
The exceptions and reductions of indemnity are set forth in the policy and, except those which are set forth in §§ 27-18-3 — 27-18-10 are printed, at the insurer’s option, either included with the benefit provision to which they apply, or under an appropriate caption such as “EXCEPTIONS,” or “EXCEPTIONS AND REDUCTIONS”; provided, that if an exception or reduction specifically applies only to a particular benefit of the policy, a statement of the exception or reduction shall be included with the benefit provision to which it applies;
(6)
Each form, including riders and endorsements, shall be identified by a form number in the lower left-hand corner of the first page of the form; and
(7)
It contains no provision purporting to make any portion of the charter, rules, constitution, or bylaws of the insurer a part of the policy unless the portion is set forth in full in the policy, except in the case of the incorporation of, or reference to, a statement of rates or classification of risks, or short rate table filed with the insurance commissioner, referred to in this chapter as “the commissioner.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3808, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 27-18-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-2.1. - Uniform explanation of benefits and coverage.

§ 27-18-2.1. Uniform explanation of benefits and coverage.
(a)
A health insurance carrier shall provide a summary of benefits and coverage explanation and definitions to policyholders and others required by, and at the times and in the format required, by the federal regulations adopted under section 2715 [42 U.S.C. § 300gg-15] of the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the federal Affordable Care Act. The forms required by this section shall be made available to the commissioner on request. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the commissioner under existing state law.
(b)
The provisions of this section shall apply to grandfathered health plans. This section shall not apply to insurance coverage providing benefits for: (1) hospital confinement indemnity; (2) disability income; (3) accident only; (4) long term care; (5) Medicare supplement; (6) limited benefit health; (7) specified disease indemnity; (8) sickness or bodily injury or death by accident or both; and (9) other limited benefit policies.
(c)
If the commissioner of the office of the health insurance commissioner determines that the corresponding provision of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has been declared invalid by a final judgment of the federal judicial branch or has been repealed by an act of Congress, on the date of the commissioner’s determination this section shall have its effectiveness suspended indefinitely, and the commissioner shall take no action to enforce this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the commissioner under existing state law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 256, § 2; P.L. 2012, ch. 262, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-3.1. - Alternative coverage by employer.

§ 27-18-3.1. Alternative coverage by employer.
(a)
Each employer or other organization which contributes to a group health insurance contract or dental benefit plan covering twenty-five (25) or more persons, which restricts the covered persons in selecting the providers of dental care services to a single dentist or limited number of dentists, shall also offer its employees or eligible dependents at the time a dental benefits plan is offered or renewed at least one alternative cover of comparable benefits which permits covered persons to obtain dental care services from the licensed dentist of their choice if the alternate coverage is proposed to the employer or other organization by either an insurance company licensed to do business in the state of Rhode Island or a hospital, medical, or dental service corporation chartered in the state of Rhode Island. The licensed dentist shall conform to the quality assurance, utilization, and review programs of the party providing alternative coverage.
(b)
The employer or other organization shall pay or contribute for the employee or member for the provision of alternative coverage, an amount equal to the lesser of:
(1)
The premium or cost which it pays or contributes for the employee or member to the group health insurance contract or dental benefit plan which limits the number of providers of dental services; or
(2)
The actual cost or premium of the alternate coverage obtained by the employee or member.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 163, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-3.2. - Rules and regulations.

§ 27-18-3.2. Rules and regulations.
The department of business regulation shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purpose of this chapter, including procedures for notice to covered persons, employers, and other organizations of the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 163, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-3.3. - Penalties.

§ 27-18-3.3. Penalties.
In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person, firm, or corporation who violates §§ 27-18-3.1 — 27-18-3.5, after a hearing held in accordance with the provisions of § 42-35-9 by the department of business regulation, shall be fined civilly not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 33.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-3.4. - Judicial review.

§ 27-18-3.4. Judicial review.
Any person, firm, or corporation aggrieved by a decision or order per § 27-18-3.3 shall have a right of appeal pursuant to the provisions of § 42-35-15.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 163, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-3.5. - Non-applicability.

§ 27-18-3.5. Non-applicability.
Sections 27-18-3.1 — 27-18-3.5 shall not apply to dental plans offered by any health maintenance organization, its parent, or subsidiary, which as of December 31, 1985, was licensed or had filed an application for a license, under the laws of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 163, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-5. - Inapplicable or inconsistent provisions.

§ 27-18-5. Inapplicable or inconsistent provisions.
If any provision of §§ 27-18-3 — 27-18-10 is in whole or in part inapplicable to or inconsistent with the coverage provided by a particular form of policy, the insurer, with the approval of the commissioner, shall omit from that policy any inapplicable provision or part of a provision, and shall modify any inconsistent provision or part of the provision in a manner as to make the provision as contained in the policy consistent with the coverage provided by the policy.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3808, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 27-18-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-6. - Sequence of provisions.

§ 27-18-6. Sequence of provisions.
The provisions which are the subject of §§ 27-18-3 and 27-18-4, or any corresponding provisions used in lieu of them in accordance with those sections, shall be printed in the consecutive order of the provisions in the section or, at the option of the insurer, the provision may appear as a unit in any part of the policy, with other provisions to which it may be logically related, provided the resulting policy shall not be in whole or in part unintelligible, uncertain, ambiguous, abstruse, or likely to mislead a person to whom the policy is offered, delivered, or issued.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3808, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 27-18-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-7. - Third party ownership.

§ 27-18-7. Third party ownership.
The word “insured”, as used in this chapter, shall not be construed as preventing a person other than the insured with a proper insurable interest from making application for and owning a policy covering the insured or from being entitled under the policy to any indemnities, benefits, and rights provided in the policy.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3808, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 27-18-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-8. - Filing of accident and sickness insurance policy forms.

§ 27-18-8. Filing of accident and sickness insurance policy forms.
(a)
Any insurance company authorized to do an accident and sickness business within this state in accordance with the provisions of this title shall file all accident and sickness insurance policy forms and rates used by it in the state with the insurance commissioner, including the forms of any rider, endorsement, application blank, and other matter generally used or incorporated by reference in its policies or contracts of insurance. No such form shall be used if disapproved by the commissioner under this section, or if the commissioner’s approval has been withdrawn under § 27-18-8.3, or until the expiration of the waiting period established under § 27-18-8.3. Such a company shall comply with its filed and approved forms. If the commissioner finds from an examination of any form that it is contrary to the public interest, or the requirements of this code or duly promulgated regulations, he or she shall forbid its use, and shall notify the company in writing as provided in § 27-18-8.2.
(b)
Each rate filing shall include a certification by a qualified actuary that to the best of the actuary’s knowledge and judgment, the entire rate filing is in compliance with applicable laws and that the benefits offered or proposed to be offered are reasonable in relation to the premium to be charged. A health insurance carrier shall comply with its filed and approved rates and forms.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3808, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 27-18-8; P.L. 1988, ch. 564, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 256, § 3; P.L. 2012, ch. 262, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-8.1. - Waiting period — Effective date of filings.

§ 27-18-8.1. Waiting period — Effective date of filings.
Each filing shall be on file for a waiting period of sixty (60) days before it becomes effective. The commissioner may authorize a filing that he or she has reviewed to become effective before the expiration of the waiting period or any extension of the waiting period. A filing shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this chapter and become effective unless disapproved by the commissioner within the waiting period.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 564, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-8.2. - Notice of disapproval.

§ 27-18-8.2. Notice of disapproval.
If within the waiting period the commissioner finds that a filing does not meet the requirements of this chapter, he or she shall send to the insurer which made the filing written notice of disapproval of the filing, specifying in the notice in what respects he or she finds that the filing fails to meet the requirements of this chapter, and stating that the filing is disapproved.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 564, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-8.3. - Withdrawal of approval.

§ 27-18-8.3. Withdrawal of approval.
After proper notice and a hearing in accordance with chapter 35 of title 42, the commissioner may withdraw his or her approval of any form approved under § 27-18-8.1 if he or she finds that the form does not meet the requirements of this chapter. If approval is withdrawn, the form or rate shall not be used in this state after the date of withdrawal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 564, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-8.4. - Rules as to filing.

§ 27-18-8.4. Rules as to filing.
The commissioner may make any reasonable rules and regulations concerning the procedure for the filing or submission of policies subject to this chapter as are necessary, proper, or advisable to the administration of this chapter. This provision shall not abridge any other authority granted the commissioner by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 564, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-9. - Policies of foreign insurers.

§ 27-18-9. Policies of foreign insurers.
Any policy of a foreign or alien insurer, when delivered or issued for delivery to any person in this state, may contain any provision which is not less favorable to the insured or the beneficiary than the provision of this chapter and which is prescribed or required by the law of the state under which the insurer is organized.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3808, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 27-18-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-10. - Compliance by domestic insurer with laws of other states.

§ 27-18-10. Compliance by domestic insurer with laws of other states.
Any policy of a domestic insurer may, when issued for delivery in any other state or country, contain any provision permitted or required by the laws of that other state or country.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3808, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 27-18-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-11. - Application of provisions to policy issued to nonresident.

§ 27-18-11. Application of provisions to policy issued to nonresident.
If any policy is issued by an insurer domiciled in this state for delivery to a person residing in another state, and if the official having responsibility for the administration of the insurance laws of the other state has advised the commissioner that the policy is not subject to approval or disapproval by the official, the commissioner may by ruling require that the policy meet the standards set forth in §§ 27-18-2 — 27-18-10.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3808, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 27-18-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 27 - Insurance › Chapter 27-18 - Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies › Section 27-18-12. - Less favorable provisions prohibited.

§ 27-18-12. Less favorable provisions prohibited.
No policy provision that is not subject to §§ 27-18-3 — 27-18-10 shall make a policy, or any portion of a policy, less favorable in any respect to the insured or the beneficiary than the provisions of the policy which are subject to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3808, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 27-18-12.