Section 230-RICR-30-05-1.2 - PurposeA. The purpose of this Part is to: 1. Provide definitions for terms related to the imposition of storage fees;2. Establish reasonable maximum rates that may be charged by automobile body repair shops licensed pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-38-1 et seq . for storage of automobiles;3. Clarify different categories of storage fees and charges; and4. Provide standard procedures for the notice and imposition of storage fees.B. This Part applies to all automobile body repair shops licensed by the Department. This Part does not apply to non-consensual tows prior to the owner of the automobile signing an authorization to repair the vehicle. This Part does not require an automobile body repair shop to charge for storage nor does it prohibit an automobile body repair shop from charging less than the maximum rates established herein.C. The purpose of this Part is also to provide insurers subject to R.I. Gen. Laws Title 27 with information and criteria for the imposition of storage fees and charges by licensed automobile body repair shops. While insurers must comply with Part 20-40-2 of this Title, any issues related to the payment of storage fees by insurers and the determination of unfair claims settlement practices must be directed to the Insurance Division of the Department for processing consistent with the statutes, regulations, and policies of the Insurance Division. Any violation of this Part by automobile body repair shops is subject to enforcement under § 1.9 of this Part.230 R.I. Code R. 230-RICR-30-05-1.2
Amended effective 5/26/2019