Although the insurance industry in Washington got a narrow and favorable court ruling about an emergency rule banning the use of credit scoring, the real question is this: Will insurers take advantage of an opportunity to do right by their policyholders?
Insurers here hiding behind their lobbyists, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), have been fighting to hold on to the unjust use of credit scores to determine what you pay for auto, home and renter insurance. …
Many people, including the media, have been speculating why the insurance commissioner in Washington would call out an anti-abortion law in Texas that greatly restricts women’s rights and threatens their health.
There are more than a few reasons.
Reason 1. Commissioner Kreidler is one of just 11 elected insurance commissioners…
A lawsuit in King County Superior Court is challenging a mental health exclusion in some travel insurance policies.
The state of Washington is challenging insurers’ practice of excluding mental health conditions in travel insurance policies, arguing that it is discriminatory.
This article from USNews.com describes a few cases where consumers’ travel insurance claims were denied by Allianz for mental health reasons:
… cases cited by Ferguson’s office showed…
Washington state has a new program to fund a statewide long-term care program that is causing confusion and frustration for some people.
The program, called the WA Cares Fund, was established by the state Legislature to create a long-term care benefit for all eligible workers to address the future long-term…
The insurance commissioner’s emergency rule temporarily banning insurers’ use of credit information took effect on June 20, 2021, and the formal rule-making process is underway. The ban applies to all private auto, homeowner, and renter insurance sold in Washington state.
Now is the best time to shop for auto or…
Kreidler looks at rulemaking to prevent the practice; what homeowners should know in the meantime
Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is taking steps to close a little-known loophole in homeowner insurance policies but encourages homeowners to check their policies in the meantime.
At issue is some insurers’ use of depreciating labor costs for homeowner insurance claims that involve repairs. Depreciation in insurance terms means…
You’re watching the housing market soar and thinking about that equity you’re building. Great! But now think about what it would cost to rebuild your home if it were destroyed — or even partially damaged.
And lumber costs are up. Way up. A local construction company reported to us that…
For the first time in more than two decades in Washington, the insurers selling you auto insurance cannot use your credit information to determine how much you’ll pay. …
The top 10 companies offering auto insurance in Washington have filed new rating factors without the use of credit scores, complying with an emergency rule that takes effect June 20.
Combined, these 10 companies command 60% of the market share in the state. Their filings — which were due May…
April is National Volunteer Recognition Month and every year we recognize the volunteers in Washington state who help people make decisions about Medicare.
Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors, also known as SHIBA, are part of the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner. A network of trained volunteer counselors help…
