R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-2-13
No insurance company not incorporated under the authority of this state shall directly or indirectly issue policies, take risks, or transact business in this state until it has first appointed, in writing, the insurance commissioner of this state to be the true and lawful attorney of the company in and for this state, upon whom all lawful process in any action or proceeding against the company may be served with the same effect as if the company existed in this state; provided, that if the insurance company shall make no appointment, the issuance or delivery of a policy or contract of insurance to, the taking of a risk for, or the transacting of business with a citizen of this state or a resident of the state or a corporation authorized to do business in this state by the company shall be equivalent to an appointment for the service of all lawful process in any action or proceeding arising out of the policy or contract. The written power of attorney shall stipulate and agree on the part of the company that any lawful process against the company which is served on the attorney shall be of the same legal force and validity as if served on the company, and that the authority shall continue in force so long as any liability remains outstanding against the company in this state. A certificate of the written appointment, duly certified and authenticated, shall be filed in the office of the insurance commissioner, and copies certified by him or her shall be received in evidence in all of the courts in this state. Service upon the attorney shall be deemed sufficient service upon the principal; service of process may also be effectuated in accordance with the procedures set forth in Rule 4 of the Rules of Civil Procedure.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-2-13