Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 40 of this title, private passenger motor vehicle insurance policyholders on either six (6) month or twelve (12) month policies shall have the option of paying any policy premiums in installment payments; provided that for a twelve (12) month policy the insurer may require a payment of fifteen percent (15%) of the annual premium at time of issuance with the balance to be paid thereafter in nine (9) subsequent and equal monthly installments thereafter for a six (6) month policy, the insurer may require a payment of thirty-five percent (35%) of the premium at time of issuance with the balance to be paid in three (3) subsequent and equal monthly installments thereafter. The insurer may levy a service charge of up to five dollars ($5.00) per installment period against those policyholders who choose the installment option. An insurer may levy and collect a maximum fee or charge of ten dollars ($10.00) for any late payment of premium by a policyholder. A late fee may not be imposed unless payment is received more than five (5) business days following the date payment is due. Policyholders shall be entitled to receive no less than thirty (30) days notice before a cancellation of an automobile insurance policy for any reason except nonpayment of premium, in which instance policyholders shall be entitled to receive no less than ten (10) days notice.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 115, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 261, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 27-29-14; P.L. 2003, ch. 315, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 334, § 1.