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Rep. Corvese introduces bill to prohibit auto insurers from using ZIP codes to determine premiums

 

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Arthur J. Corvese has introduced legislation to prohibit auto insurers from using ZIP codes as a factor in determining their customers’ rates.

The legislation (2025-H 5104) is intended to halt an inequitable practice that can be discriminatory and leads to higher insurance premiums for many of those who can least afford them.

“The ZIP code where a driver lives is not a valid measure of their risk to the insurance company. Using ZIP codes as a factor to increase premiums is a pretext to boost profit and it’s harmful to whole communities. In particular, it’s inequitable, targeting neighborhoods, cities and towns with lower incomes, serving as one more factor exacerbating income inequality,” said Representative Corvese (D-Dist. 55, North Providence). “Auto insurance is mandatory here in Rhode Island. As such, our state has a duty to make sure our citizens are not being subjected to inequitable pricing practices like this one.”

California has prohibited the use of ZIP codes to determine auto insurance premiums for more than 30 years, and Michigan has done so since 2020.

Representative Corvese also introduced the legislation last year. It was supported by both the Rhode Island Commission on Human Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island.

A 2015 Consumer Federation of America study determined that nationwide, good drivers who lived in ZIP codes whose populations were predominately Black were charged more for auto insurance than those who lived in ZIP codes with mostly white populations.

The legislation was introduced Jan. 22, and was assigned to the House Corporations Committee. Its cosponsors include Rep. William W. O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence), Rep. Thomas A. Slater (D-Dist. 10, Providence), Rep. Rebecca Kislak (D-Dist. 4, Providence), Rep. Raymond A. Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence), Rep. Robert D. Phillips (D-Dist. 51, Woonsocket, Cumberland), Rep. Anthony J. DeSimone (D-Dist. 5, Providence), Rep. Jon D. Brien (D-Dist. 49, Woonsocket, North Smithfield), Rep. Nathan W. Biah Sr. (D-Dist. 3, Providence) and Rep. Cherie L. Cruz (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket).

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