RI H7517

Clarifies that bad faith insurance claims are independent of breach of contract claims, allowing insureds to pursue bad faith remedies without first proving contract breach, and makes such claims assignable

Creates a new private right of action allowing insureds or claimants to sue insurers in superior court for violations of unfair claims settlement practices, with potential recovery of actual damages, attorneys' fees, and enhanced damages up to 2x actual damages for knowing or reckless violations

Expands unfair claims practices to include depreciating labor costs in cash value calculations, failing to account for overhead and profit, and failing to notify claimants of their right to invoke policy appraisal provisions

Requires insurers to use only properly licensed, registered, or authorized individuals (home inspectors, adjusters, engineers, attorneys, contractors) for investigating, inspecting, or appraising homeowners or property damage claims

Defines insurer good faith obligations to include conducting reasonable investigations using competent, licensed personnel, with use of unlicensed or unauthorized individuals potentially constituting evidence of bad faith