Rhode Island Department of Insurance

Office address: Building 68, 1511 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02920  
Website: dbr.ri.gov/insurance-overview 
Year established: 1939 (under DBR), 1857 (regulatory origins) 
Employees: N/A 
Key people: Elizabeth Dwyer (superintendent), Beth Vollucci (chief consumer and filing services), Rachel Chester (chief of consumer and licensing services), John Tudino Jr. and Ted Hurley (chief insurance examiners), Matthew Gendron, Esq. (general counsel) 
Operating budget: N/A 

The Rhode Island Department of Insurance, formally the State of Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation Division of Insurance, regulates the state’s insurance industry. It monitors financial exams, consumer complaints, and NAIC standards to protect policyholders statewide. 

History of Rhode Island Department of Insurance 

Rhode Island’s insurance division traces its early role to 1857, when it operated as the Rhode Island Board of Insurance Commissioners. It became part of the Department of Business Regulation (DBR) in 1939 and has continued its oversight of insurers, licensing, and filings ever since.  

The Rhode Island Department of Insurance joined the NAIC accreditation system in 1993 and continues to meet its national standards today. Here are more important dates in its history: 

• 1998: received second NAIC reaccreditation with full five-year status 
• 2003: maintained NAIC accreditation and regulatory standards 
• 2004: adopted updated CSO mortality table for life policy reserves 
• 2009: earned fourth NAIC reaccreditation under full compliance 
• 2010: launched targeted market conduct exam for two major insurers 
• 2014: enabled public access to rate filings via NAIC’s SERFF system 
• 2019: revised bulletin to update SERFF public access rules 
• 2020: secured another five-year NAIC reaccreditation 
• 2024: issued bulletin on AI use in insurance operations 

In 2024, the Rhode Island Insurance Division’s Superintendent Elizabeth Dwyer became one of the new leaders of NAIC in the 2025 election. Dwyer now serves as NAIC’s vice president. 

Rhode Island Department of Insurance mandate 

This division works under state laws found in Title 27 and Title 42, Chapter 14 of the Rhode Island General Laws. Its main goal is to protect policyholders, allow fair insurance access, and make sure companies follow the rules set in partnership with the NAIC.  

It operates under the DBR, alongside other divisions like banking, securities and charities, and commercial licensing. The Rhode Island Department of Insurance carries out this work through several internal units: 

1. consumer and licensing services 
2. filing and consumer services 
3. insurance examinations 
4. insurance analysis 
5. legal services 

The agency is led by the superintendent of insurance, a position held by the director of the DBR. This role is appointed by the governor, not elected. Elizabeth Kelleher Dwyer was named to the post in May 2023 by Governor Dan McKee. 

Key responsibilities  

Below are the key responsibilities of the Rhode Island Department of Insurance: 

• licensing and renewals: approves companies, agents, adjusters, and appraisers 
• rate and form review: examines filings for life, health, and property 
• consumer complaint handling: investigates insurance complaints and policy disputes 
• regulatory enforcement actions: issues consent orders and penalties when needed 
• policy guidance and bulletins: provides rules and updates to the industry 
• legislative monitoring: tracks bills that affect insurance laws and standards 
• public access to filings: uses the NAIC’s SERFF system for transparency 

The Rhode Island Department of Insurance also supports national standards through its work with the NAIC. It handles both financial and market conduct oversight with separate exam units. 

Recent initiatives and regulatory focus 

The Rhode Island Department of Insurance recently told insurers to stop using non-chargeable accidents when setting auto premiums. Any rating plans that break this rule must be fixed and refiled with the department by November 30. This move affects big insurers like Progressive, Allstate, and USAA, who lead the state’s auto market. 

Through Insurance Bulletin 2025-1, the agency is also requiring insurers to strengthen how they protect customer data starting in 2025. Local insurers must submit annual cybersecurity certifications and report any breaches affecting 50 or more Rhode Island residents. It will review filings and will require companies to act accordingly. 

Consumer protection and outreach 

The Rhode Island Department of Insurance offers direct support and free public resources on a range of insurance topics: 

• Insurance Enforcement Actions: public database of penalties, consent orders, and violations 
• consumer FAQ tool: step-by-step licensing and background check guidance for residents 
• insurance bulletins and alerts: official notices on scams, unfair pricing, and market risks 
• topic-based guides: downloadable PDFs on auto, property, health, and retirement coverage 
• complaint support access: dedicated contact points for policy issues and licensee concerns 

The insurance division works with licensed insurers and agents to improve public access to coverage information. It also supports education on risks tied to policies, claims, and coverage terms.