Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

 

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).

Two NASA astronauts have safely arrived back on Earth after a nine-month stay on the International Space Station. Suni [[ Sunny ]] Williams and Butch Wilmore had to stay far longer than planned aboard the ISS after issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. They returned home in a SpaceX capsule Tuesday afternoon, splashing down off the coast of Florida near Tallahassee.        President Trump and Russian President Putin are agreeing to begin talks on a limited ceasefire with Ukraine. The two leaders had a lengthy phone call today to discuss an end to the war. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the call as "very good and productive."        The last of the classified JFK assassination files are being made public. The National Archives released several files Tuesday at the direction of President Trump, who said Americans have been asking for this for a long time. John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas in 1963.        Frontier Airlines is flying checked bags for no charge after Southwest announced the end of its more than 50-year-old free bag policy. Frontier announced the new promotion on select flights in an effort to bring in "rebound" customers moving away from Southwest. Passengers will need to book a nonstop flight from now through August 18th.        The Navajo Nation president says the federal government has assured him content about the Navajo Code Talkers will be restored to Army and Defense Department websites. At least ten articles about the elite group of Marines were recently removed under the Trump administration's campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren says he's seeking further clarity on the issue.        The first trailer for "Happy Gilmore 2" is out. The film sees Adam Sandler reprise his role as the legendary golfer while dealing with facing the younger stars on the PGA Tour. As he makes his return to the course, things take a wild a turn.       

Old News Archives