Rhode Island General Laws Title 27. Insurance § 27-2.6-13. Duties of title insurers utilizing the services of title insurance agents

(a) The title insurer shall not accept business from a title insurance agent unless there is in force a written contract between the parties that sets forth the responsibilities of each party and, where both parties share responsibility for a particular function, specifies the division of responsibilities.

(b) The title insurer shall, on at least a biennial basis, conduct an on-site review of the underwriting, claims, and escrow practices of the agent that shall include a review of the agent's policy blank inventory and processing operations.

(c) A domestic title insurer shall not appoint to its board of directors an officer, director, employee, or controlling shareholder or any title insurance agent who wrote one percent (1%) or more of the title insurer's direct premiums written during the previous calendar year as shown on the tile insurer's most recent annual statement on file with the commissioner. This subsection shall not apply to relationships governed by § 27-35-1 et seq.

(d) The title insurer shall maintain an inventory of all policy forms or policy numbers allocated to each title insurance agent.

(e) The title insurer shall have on file proof that the title insurance agent is licensed by this state.

(f) The title insurer shall establish the underwriting guidelines and, where applicable, limitations on title claims settlement authority to be incorporated into contracts with its title insurance agents.