Advisory notice regarding COVID-19 claims

MIKE KREIDLER

Phone: 360-725-7000

STATE OF WASHINGTON

STATE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

www.insurance.wa.gov

OFFICE OF

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

March 25, 2020

TO:

All authorized and unauthorized property and casualty companies and licensees that

conduct insurance business in Washington state

FROM:

Mike Kreidler, Insurance Commissioner

RE:

Advisory notice regarding COVID-19 claims

The disruption and damage caused by the COVID-19 outbreak has contributed to widespread

suspension of business operations and loss of business income for many insureds in Washington

state.

When you are contacted by an insured regarding a claim under their policy, I fully expect that you

will follow the minimum standard of claims handling regulations found in WAC 284-30-330

through WAC 284-30-380.

This includes implementing a prompt investigation and fully disclosing all pertinent benefits and

coverages of the insurance policy under which the claim is presented.

If a claim is denied, the Insurer must provide a written communication to their insured that cites the

specific policy provision, condition, or exclusion that is the basis of the denial.

When a claim is accepted, the Insurer will promptly pay what it owes as soon as it knows a payment

is owed under the policy.

If you have questions please contact my office at Policy@oic.wa.gov.

Insurance Commissioner

Mike Kreidler

Mailing Address: PO Box 40255 Olympia, WA 98504-0255

Street Address: 5000 Capitol Blvd Tumwater WA 98501