The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (the “OIC”) has issued a new regulation, WAC 284-30-770, which mandates that insurers include specific advisory language in “adverse notifications” sent to insureds. Beginning on August 1, 2020, insurers will be required to include the mandatory language in any notice, statement, or document, wherein the insurer denies a claim, issues final payment for less than the amount of the claim submitted, makes an adverse benefit determination, or rescinds, terminates, cancels, or does not renew a policy. In any such notice, the insurer must include the following language:

“If you have questions or concerns about the actions of your insurance company or agent, or would like information on your rights to file an appeal, contact the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s consumer protection hotline at 1-800-562-6900 or visit www.insurance.wa.gov. The insurance commissioner protects and educates insurance consumers, advances the public interest, and provides fair and efficient regulation of the insurance industry.”

Reprinted courtesy of Gordon & Rees attorneys Kyle Silk-Eglit, Stephanie Ries and Sally Kim
Mr. Silk-Eglit may be contacted at ksilkeglit@grsm.com
Ms. Ries may be contacted at sries@grsm.com
Ms. Kim may be contacted at sallykim@grsm.com