Environment
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
StateRhode IslandTo Governor
SB 3115: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES ACT
Hanna Gallo
SB 3115 status: To Governor — 06/26/2026 Effective without Governor's signature (updated Jun 26, 2026).
Source
OpenStates
Confidence
Low
Analysis basis
OpenStates summary
01
What this bill does
Official summary alongside an AI-generated read on where it stands and why.
Overall Score
58OUT OF 100
Score:58/100 civic fit
Risk:Moderate Risk
Impact:Moderate Impact 40/100
Constitutionality100%
Bipartisan50%
Public opinion50%
Bill summary
What changes
The threshold for declaring a vehicle a 'total loss' in Rhode Island is increased from 80% to 85% of the vehicle's value.
Who is affected
Insurance companies, vehicle owners, and auto body repair shops.
Requirements and enforcement
Insurers must adjust their claims assessment methodology to reflect the higher threshold before writing off a vehicle.
Costs and funding
Potentially increases repair costs for insurance companies; could affect future premiums.
When it takes effect
Effective as of June 26, 2026.
Potential benefits
Provides more opportunity for vehicle owners to repair and retain their existing vehicles rather than having them declared total losses.
Risks and tradeoffs
Potential for inferior repair outcomes, safety risks with heavily repaired vehicles, and impact on consumer asset value.
What is still unknown
How this change will specifically influence insurance premium calculations over the long term is not stated.
02
Impact analysis
✦ AI analysisModeled effects across six domains, estimated from bill text and comparable legislation.
Economy
Positive outlook
60%
Benefits
- Allows vehicle owners to retain ownership of cars that are slightly less damaged.
- Potentially reduces the number of vehicles entering the salvage/scrap stream prematurely.
- Encourages more repairs versus total replacement for border-line damaged vehicles.
Risks
- Increases the likelihood that owners will hold 'rebuilt' or 'salvaged' title vehicles.
- Potentially higher repair costs for insurers might shift burden to consumers through premium adjustments.
- Complexity in adjusting claim assessment protocols for insurers.
Society
Mixed / Neutral
55%
Benefits
- Increases flexibility for consumers to keep their current vehicle after an accident.
- Reduces the immediate pressure to purchase a replacement vehicle for some.
- Provides a higher buffer for owners who prefer repairing over replacing.
Risks
- Increases the financial risk of owning a vehicle that has been repaired multiple times.
- May lead to consumer dissatisfaction if repairs do not restore the vehicle to pre-accident quality.
- Could decrease the resale value of vehicles that hover just below the 85% total loss threshold.
Technology Industry
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
Civic Accountability
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
Public Health & Safety
No direct effect
Neutral — no direct effect identified.
Benefits
- No material direct effect identified.
Risks
- No material direct effect identified.
03
How trustworthy & consequential it is
Sourcing already shown above, this is what the analysis found worth flagging.
Source
OpenStates
Official bill text or data from OpenStates.
Confidence
Low
Information is limited or incomplete.
Analysis basis
OpenStates summary
Source used for this bill's analysis.
Source note
Consumers should be aware that the 85% threshold increases the likelihood of keeping a severely damaged vehicle, which may have long-term safety or resale implications.
Analysis scope
The analysis is based solely on a brief OpenStates summary.
04
Where it stands
Official record- IntroducedComplete
- CommitteeComplete
- Chamber votesComplete
- Final agreementComplete
- GovernorCurrent
- EnactedUpcoming
05
How it affects your district
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06
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