The Rhode Island Appraisal Clause Playbook
Rhode Island treats the appraisal clause as a contractual right that survives even if the carrier marks your claim "closed." Once you invoke in writing, Rhode Island carriers are bound by 230-RICR-20-40-2 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices). to participate — Rhode Island auto policies include the binding appraisal clause.
Where to send the demand
Send the written demand by certified mail with return receipt to the claims address on your declarations page. Cc the adjuster by email so there is a same-day timestamp. In Rhode Island, keep a parallel copy ready for the Department of Insurance (1-401-462-9520) — you do not have to file it, but having it prepared accelerates carrier responses.
Umpire selection in Rhode Island
Umpire selection in Rhode Island is typically a phone call between the two appraisers from a short list of mutually-trusted names. Court appointment is rare and is reserved for cases where one side refuses to cooperate.
Timeline expectations
Most 36-day timeline: 1–3 days for the carrier to acknowledge the demand, 7–10 days to name their appraiser, 5–10 days for both appraisers to exchange numbers, and 5–14 days for either an agreement or umpire selection. Payment usually clears within 30 days of the signed award.
Who pays what
Cost is shared: each side covers its own appraiser, and the umpire (if needed) is paid equally by both parties. Most ACV appraisal-clause matters resolve before the umpire is even retained, so 60–70% of cases pay only their own appraiser's fee.
Two tactics that move Rhode Island carriers fastest
- Refuse to discuss ACV verbally after invocation. All communications should be written and copied to your file. The appraisal process is contractually a paper exercise.
- Document the request: send the demand by certified mail, retain the green card, and email a PDF copy to the adjuster the same day. Carriers regularly claim verbal invocations never happened.
Three pitfalls that void or weaken the clause in Rhode Island
- Walking away from the clause because the adjuster says "that's not how we do it." Adjusters say that on roughly half of all first invocations; the policy still controls.
- Calling the appraisal demand a "complaint" or "dispute." Use the exact phrase "I am invoking the appraisal provision of my policy" so the file routes correctly.
- Skipping certified mail. A demand sent by regular mail or email-only is a demand a carrier can later claim it never received.
Rhode Island appraisal-clause demand letter (copy-ready)
Replace bracketed fields with your claim details. Send certified mail with return receipt to the claims address on your declarations page. Cites 230-RICR-20-40-2 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices)..
[Date]
[Carrier name]
[Claims address from your declarations page]
Re: Claim No. [your claim number]
Policy No. [your policy number]
Insured: [your name]
Loss date: [date]
Loss location: Providence, RI
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the appraisal provision of the auto policy referenced
above, and consistent with 230-RICR-20-40-2 (Unfair Claims Settlement Practices)., I am hereby invoking the
appraisal clause to determine the actual cash value of my totaled
vehicle.
I have appointed [appraiser name, license, contact] as my appraiser.
Please identify your appraiser within ten (10) business days of receipt
of this letter so that the appraisal may proceed. If the two appraisers
cannot agree, they shall jointly select a competent and disinterested
umpire as the policy provides.
This letter is sent by certified mail with return receipt requested.
All further communications regarding ACV should be in writing.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Address, phone, email]This template is a starting point, not legal advice. We'll send a tailored demand on your behalf as part of every Auto ACV engagement in Rhode Island.