RI H7478

Creates a new "Homeowner Casualty Insurance Bill of Rights" (Chapter 8.4 of Title 27) requiring insurers to provide a plain-language notice to residential property insurance policyholders summarizing their claims-process rights within 14 days of receiving an initial claim communication, unless the claim follows a governor-declared state of emergency.

Establishes specific policyholder rights outlined in the notice, including acknowledgment of a claim within 14 days, confirmation of investigation within 20 days of submitting proof of loss, and full settlement payment, partial payment, or denial within 30 days.

Includes advisory guidance for policyholders such as contacting their insurer before contracting repairs, documenting emergency repairs and damage with photos and receipts, verifying contractor licensing, and requiring contractors to provide proof of insurance.

Failure to deliver the bill of rights may result in a penalty determined by the Director of the Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division, but the failure is not admissible as evidence in any civil action against the insurer.

Explicitly does not create a new civil cause of action for policyholders, does not enlarge or modify existing statutory requirements, and does not prohibit insurers from exercising their right to repair damaged property under policy terms.