Your Rhode Island condo insurance was non-renewed — Newport, South County, and the FAIR Plan

Rhode Island at a glance

A coastal non-renewal crisis

Newport, Aquidneck Island, and Washington County (South County) rank among the top US non-renewal zones; premiums there rose 25–40% over five years, at least two major carriers exited, and a specialized coastal insurer entered receivership. The Rhode Island Joint Reinsurance Association (RIJRA / FAIR Plan) has absorbed thousands of policies at rates 40–50% above the private market — so a non-renewed building often lands there.

Deductibles flow to owners

Since 2022, repair costs above insurance proceeds — after the master deductible — are a common expense, so a high coastal deductible becomes an owner special assessment after a storm. A 2025 law (S0507) now requires the association to give 30 days' notice before raising the master deductible and to have owners carry coverage up to the deductible — a useful warning and a real new cost.

What's required and flood

Associations must carry master property at 80% of actual cash value (§ 34-36.1-3.13). A deductible over ~5% can threaten conventional financing, and flood is excluded — buildings in FEMA A/V zones (much of the Rhode Island coast) need separate NFIP or private flood coverage. Reading the master policy against your HO-6 shows the real exposure.

Sources

• R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-3.13 — insurance(High)
• Rhode Island Joint Reinsurance Association (FAIR Plan)(High)
• R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-36.1-4.09 — resale of units(High)

Educational only — not legal, financial, or engineering advice. Confirm against the current statute and, where it matters, a Rhode Island-licensed professional.