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6/8/2026
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Assembly OKs legislation to require advance notification before nonrenewal of home and fire insurance policies
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STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly voted today to approve legislation sponsored by Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro and Sen. Victoria Gu to require insurers to provide customers with advance notice of nonrenewal for homeowners and residential fire insurance policies.
“Constituents of mine have seen their homes and sometimes their entire neighborhoods dropped by their home insurance company with as little as two weeks’ notice,” said Representative Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly). “This legislation provides a little breathing room for homeowners to find new insurance and make any necessary arrangements.”
The legislation (2026-H 7066A, 2026-S 2011A) would require insurers to provide written notice of nonrenewal at least 60 days before the renewal date for homeowners and residential fire insurance policies, beginning July 1, 2027.
“Insurance companies are being a lot more selective about the location and the condition of the houses they insure, declining to cover homes in coastal areas or with older roofs or water heaters,” said Senator Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown). “The 60 days’ advance notice will help homeowners find alternative insurance coverage and find tradespeople if they need to fix something at their house in order to continue insurance coverage.”
In recent years a number of insurers in Rhode Island have stopped providing home insurance, mirroring a national trend of higher prices and fewer options for homeowners.
The legislation now goes to the governor for his consideration.
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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