Car crashes have gotten more severe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that 9,560 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the first quarter of 2022. That’s an increase of about 7% from the first quarter of 2021 and the highest number of first-quarter fatalities since 2002. Traffic deaths…

The costs of flooding exceed all other natural disasters in Washington state and in any given year, there’s more than an 80% chance of at least 10 flood events occurring, according to the Department of Ecology. As the climate changes, so does the frequency of floods. Even if your home…

Inflation hit 9.1 percent in July. Combine that with the supply chain issues and rising construction costs over the last two years, and it’s safe to assume the cost of replacing your home and property has also taken a big jump. It’s a good time to revisit your insurance situation…

Staff from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner took part in a July 14, 2022 webinar hosted by Insurance Journal covering insurance and climate change. Around the World: Insurance, Climate Change, Disclosures, and Risk — Insurance Journal Research The webinar, “Around the World: Insurance, Climate Change, Disclosures and Risk” covered: •…

Saturday, May 7 is National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. With wildfire season already underway, it’s not too early to get ready. Consider these tips to get started: Work with your insurance agent or company to review your insurance coverage. Do you have the right coverage and enough to rebuild? If…

Homeowners insurance is a type of property insurance that pays for losses and damages to your home if it is damaged or destroyed by fire, weather, theft, or another covered disaster. When those events happen, you’ll need to file a claim. What to consider Know when to file a claim…

Homeowners insurance is a type of property insurance that pays for losses and damages to your home if it is damaged or destroyed by fire, weather, theft, or another covered disaster. When those events happen, you’ll need to file a claim. What to consider Know when to file a claim…

In late January, a California city council voted to require gun owners to carry liability insurance, believed to be the first measure of its kind in the United States, according to the Associated Press. While gun liability policies are not required in Washington state, they have attracted attention because Commissioner…

With Gov. Inslee’s signature on legislation to modify and delay the WA Cares Fund long-term care program, some consumers may reconsider their decision to buy long-term care insurance on the private market. While we always encourage consumers to consider their options and evaluate their insurance needs, we also encourage people to weigh all of the pertinent factors when making such decisions. If you determined last October or November that a long-term care policy was the right for you, we urge you to consider the reasons you bought it before you cancel the policy — the temporary delay of the WA Cares Fund requirement is only one factor in that decision.