Rhode Island § 27-1-37 - Domestic Insurance Companies

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 27-1-37 — Domestic Insurance Companies, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 27-1-37. Domestic Insurance Companies

R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-1-37

§ 27-1-37. Minimum capital and surplus requirement — Charters.

(a) No domestic insurance corporation shall commence business and write, issue, or effect any policy of insurance unless the capital stock of the company is at least equal to one million dollars ($1,000,000) and the gross paid in and contributed surplus of the company is at least equal to two million dollars ($2,000,000), or, if a mutual company, its net assets over all liabilities amount to not less than three million dollars ($3,000,000), or, if a mono line business company, has a combined capital and surplus of two million dollars ($2,000,000), and until it has secured from the commissioner of insurance a certificate in compliance with the provisions of its charter and this section. “Commence business” as used in this section means the date of issuance of a certificate in compliance by the insurance commissioner.

(b) The provisions of this section relating to capital and surplus requirements shall also apply to all charters for domestic insurance companies that have not commenced business prior to June 18, 1991. The provisions of this section relating to capital and surplus requirements shall also apply to domestic insurance companies that have undergone a change in control subsequent to August 1, 1995, except that the commissioner of insurance may require lesser capital and surplus, but in no event less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) as the commissioner deems appropriate for the protection of all policyholders and the general public, based upon the commissioner’s review of the transaction resulting in the change in control of the insurer. “Control” as used in this section shall be defined in accordance with § 27-35-1.

History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 144, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 186, § 1: P.L. 1978, ch. 349, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 348, § 5; P.L. 1996, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 122, § 1.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 27-1-37

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 27-1-37 cover?

Section 27-1-37 ("Domestic Insurance Companies") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 27-1-37?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 27-1-37" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 27-1-37 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.