Chapter 521

2014 -- H 7978

Enacted 07/08/14

 

A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE - RHODE ISLAND TITLE INSURANCE ACT

Introduced By: Representatives Kazarian, Keable, and Kennedy

Date Introduced: March 26, 2014

 

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

 

SECTION 1. Section 27-2.6-13 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-2.6 entitled "Rhode Island Title Insurers Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

27-2.6-13. Duties of title insurers utilizing the services of title insurance agents. -- (a) The title insurer shall not accept business from a title insurance agent unless there is in force a written contract between the parties which sets forth the responsibilities of each party and, where both parties share responsibility for a particular function, specifies the division of responsibilities.

 (b) The title insurer shall, on at least a biennial basis, conduct an on-site review of the underwriting, claims and escrow practices of the agent which shall include a review of the agent's policy blank inventory and processing operations.

(1) If the title insurance producer is also an attorney, and asserts that any documents requested in connection with the review provided in subsection (b) are prohibited from disclosure by an ethical requirement, the producer shall identify in writing the particular document, the applicable privilege, and provide a redacted copy to the title insurer.

 (c) A domestic title insurer shall not appoint to its board of directors an officer, director, employee or controlling shareholder or any title insurance agent who wrote one percent (1%) or more of the title insurer's direct premiums written during the previous calendar year as shown on the tile insurer's most recent annual statement on file with the commissioner. This subsection shall not apply to relationships governed by section 27-35-1 et seq.

 (d) The title insurer shall maintain an inventory of all policy forms or policy numbers allocated to each title insurance agent.

 (e) The title insurer shall have on file proof that the title insurance agent is licensed by this state.

 (f) The title insurer shall establish the underwriting guidelines and, where applicable, limitations on title claims settlement authority to be incorporated into contracts with its title insurance agents.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC004464
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