Detailed answer — what to do if an insurer stops communicating or threatens to close your claim (Rhode Island)
If your insurance company stops updating you or says it will close your claim, act promptly and methodically. Rhode Island policyholders have rights under state insurance law and can pursue administrative complaints or private counsel if the insurer engages in unfair claim settlement practices. This section explains practical steps to protect your claim, the state resources you can use, and when to consider an attorney.
Step-by-step actions to protect your claim
- Read your policy carefully. Identify the claims notice, proof-of-loss, cooperation, and notice deadlines. Your policy controls many requirements for keeping a claim open.
- Document every contact. Keep dates, names, phone numbers, email copies, and short notes describing what was discussed. If the insurer tells you it will close the claim, get that statement in writing (email is fine).
- Send a written status request. Promptly send the insurer a short, clear letter or email that: (a) asks for the current status of the claim, (b) asks what specific information the insurer still needs, and (c) states that you do not consent to closure without prior written notice. Keep a copy and send by a trackable method (certified mail or read-receipt email).
- Provide any requested documentation quickly. If the insurer says it lacks records you already provided, resend the documents and note that you are resubmitting them. Mark copies as “resubmission” and keep proof of delivery.
- Request a written explanation before closure. If the insurer threatens to close the claim, request in writing the legal reason for closure, the effective date, and the contact person. Ask what steps you can take to keep the claim open and the deadline to respond.
- File a formal complaint with the state regulator. If communications stall or you suspect bad faith, file a complaint with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (Insurance Division). The division can review whether the insurer followed state rules and may ask the carrier for a response. See the Insurance Division homepage: https://dbr.ri.gov/divisions/insurance/.
- Send a demand or reservation-of-rights letter if appropriate. If the insurer’s position is unclear or you fear a denial, a short letter that documents your position and reserves your rights may help. If the insurer threatens to close the claim despite your cooperation, tell them you dispute the threatened closure and ask them to put any denial or closure in writing with the specific policy provisions cited.
- Keep timelines in mind and act quickly. Even if you are cooperating, failing to respond within a policy deadline can be used as a basis to close or deny a claim. Act promptly on any insurer requests and on any deadlines the insurer sets.
- Consider legal help for serious disputes. If the insurer denies coverage or ignores repeated requests, consider consulting an attorney experienced in insurance disputes. An attorney can evaluate whether the carrier engaged in unfair claim settlement practices or bad faith under Rhode Island law and advise about litigation or settlement options.
Law and regulator resources in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s insurance laws are codified in Title 27 of the Rhode Island General Laws. Title 27 governs insurer conduct and the authority of the state’s insurance regulator. For the statutes and further legal detail, see the Title 27 table of contents: https://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE27/INDEX.HTM.
To file a consumer complaint or get contact information for the Insurance Division, use the Department of Business Regulation (Insurance Division) main page: https://dbr.ri.gov/divisions/insurance/. The Insurance Division can open an inquiry, request the insurer’s file, and sometimes mediate disputes.
When a legal claim may be appropriate
If the carrier repeatedly fails to communicate, unreasonably delays, or denies coverage without a reasonable basis, those facts may support a claim for unfair claim settlement practices or bad faith. Rhode Island’s insurance statutes and regulatory rules prohibit unfair practices; the regulator enforces those rules and may discipline carriers. If the matter involves significant money or an important coverage question, consult a lawyer to discuss whether to pursue administrative remedies, negotiation, or litigation.
Helpful hints — quick checklist to protect a stalled or threatened insurance claim
- Keep a single claim file (digital + printed) with every letter, email, photo, and note.
- Use written communications whenever possible; confirm important phone conversations by email.
- When sending documents, use a tracked method and keep receipts.
- Ask the insurer for the specific policy provision it relies on if it intends to close or deny your claim.
- Request deadlines in writing — ask how long you have to submit additional information before closure.
- File a complaint with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation if the insurer is nonresponsive: https://dbr.ri.gov/divisions/insurance/.
- If you consider hiring an attorney, bring your complete claim file, a timeline of events, and copies of all communications.
- Act quickly — delay can limit your options and can be used by the insurer to justify closure.