Washington State Regulations & NAIC Insurance Law

Licensing

To apply for a Washington resident producer’s license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Washington resident before you submit your application

Pre-licensing course and exam

Washington does not have specific pre-licensing requirements, but a resident applicant must pass the examinations for the lines of authority applied for (Wash. Rev. Code § 48.17.090(2)).

Fingerprints/background check

The Commissioner reviews an applicant’s background before issuing a license, and many states require applicants to submit fingerprints for a state and FBI criminal history check as part of the application.

Controlled business

Controlled business is insurance written on the producer’s own life, property or interests, or on those of the producer’s family, employer or a business the producer controls. A producer may insure themselves and their family, but a license exists to sell insurance to the public, so states generally restrict obtaining or using a license principally to write controlled business.

Non-resident license

A producer licensed in another state can obtain a Washington nonresident license without taking Washington’s examination. Under the NAIC’s Producer Licensing Model Act, which most states have adopted in some form, a nonresident receives the license if the person:

• Is currently licensed as a resident, and in good standing, in the home state
• Has applied (the home-state application or the Uniform Application) and paid the fees
• Lives in a home state that grants nonresident licenses to residents of this state on the same basis (reciprocity)

Under the same model, a producer who moves to another state files a change of address, with certification from the new home state, within 30 days. A licensed producer who moves into a state applies for a resident license there within 90 days and does not repeat prelicensing education or the examination for lines already held.

Temporary license

Most states allow the insurance regulator to issue a temporary license, without an examination, when one is needed to keep an insurance business serviced. Typical cases are:

• The surviving spouse or personal representative of a producer who dies or becomes disabled, to allow time to sell the business or train new people
• A member or employee of a business entity producer, on the death or disability of its designated producer
• The designee of a producer entering active military service

The regulator may limit what a temporary licensee may do and may require a licensed sponsor who takes responsibility for the temporary licensee’s acts.

Washington may issue a temporary producer license for up to 180 days without an examination, where it is necessary to service an insurance business — for example after a licensed producer dies or becomes disabled (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.17.510(1)).

Military service

Under the NAIC’s model act, a producer who cannot meet license renewal requirements because of military service, or because of another extenuating circumstance such as a long-term medical disability, may request a waiver of those requirements and of any examination, fine or sanction for missing them.

Renewal and reinstatement

A producer license stays in effect only while the producer renews it on schedule: paying the renewal fee and completing continuing education by the due date.

Each state sets its own renewal cycle.

A producer who misses the deadline and lets the license lapse may be able to reinstate it without retaking the examination.

Under the NAIC’s model act, a lapsed license may be reinstated within 12 months of the renewal due date, for a penalty of double the unpaid renewal fee. Each state sets its own window and fee, and after the window closes the person must qualify for a new license. In Washington, a late renewal costs a surcharge of 50% of the renewal fee in the first 30 days and 100% in days 31 to 60; after 60 days the license and its appointments terminate, and it may be reinstated within 12 months of expiration for a 200% surcharge; no insurance may be transacted until the renewal or reinstatement is complete (Wash. Admin. Code 284-17-490).

Continuing education

All states, including Washington, have continuing education requirements that must be met to renew any major lines (life, health, property, liability) insurance license. Individuals licensed in the state of Washington must complete continuing education prior to renewing their license. The number of hours required is set by state law and published by the state insurance department.

Notice of change of name or address

Under the NAIC’s model act, the licensee reports a change of address to the regulator within 30 days of the change.

The model also requires a producer to report to the regulator within 30 days any administrative action taken against the producer in another state or by another government agency, counted from the final disposition, and any criminal prosecution in any jurisdiction, counted from the initial pretrial hearing date. A producer who does business under any name other than their legal name must notify the regulator before using it.

Company regulations

An insurance company must be authorized by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to conduct business in Washington. To receive a certificate of authority, the company applies to the Commissioner and files its charter or articles of incorporation, financial statements showing that it meets the state’s capital and surplus requirements, and the other documents and fees the state requires.

Capital and surplus requirement

A company that has been authorized to conduct insurance business in Washington must maintain minimum corporate standards. The certificate of authority allows the insurer to conduct business in the state only if it maintains the minimum capital or permanent surplus required. In Washington, the Commissioner must refuse to renew, revoke or suspend the certificate of a foreign insurer that no longer qualifies for its authority, and of a domestic insurer that fails to make good a deficiency of assets as the Commissioner requires (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.05.130(1)-(2)). After a hearing or with the insurer’s consent, the Commissioner may fine the insurer from $250 to $10,000 in addition to, or instead of, that action (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.05.185).

Duties of the Insurance Commissioner

The Washington Insurance Commissioner is an elected state executive position in the Washington government. The Commissioner is the chief executive of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, which regulates insurance companies operating in Washington.

The Commissioner is elected every four years. Elections are held in November, and winners assume office the following January, serving until their successor is elected and qualified (RCW 43.01.010).

The Commissioner is responsible for establishing and enforcing regulations in the Washington insurance market in a manner that protects consumers and encourages economic development.

Duties of the Commissioner include:

• Investigate all claims and complaints of legal violations relating to insurance.

• If the Commissioner finds that laws have been violated, the findings and supporting documents may be referred for criminal prosecution. In Washington, the Commissioner reports a violation to the public prosecutor of the jurisdiction in which the offense was committed (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.02.080(2)).

• Monitor transactions of all companies including domestic, foreign, and alien insurance companies.

• Audit the books and records of any resident producer as frequently as necessary.

• Collect all fees associated with producers and insurers.

• Determine and administer fines associated with violations for insurers and producers.

• Issue reports pertaining to the suspension and revocation of licenses of producers and certificates of authority for insurers.

• Approve documentation used by insurance companies such as forms and rates.

Sidenote

Know this...

The Commissioner does not have the authority to arrest, issue injunctions, or sentence jail time. The Commissioner can start the process, but it takes a law officer to arrest and a judge or court of law to issue injunctions or sentence jail time. The Commissioner may refer illegal activity for criminal prosecution.

In Washington, fraud program investigators who have obtained certification as peace officers have the powers and status of limited authority Washington peace officers (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.135.040(2)).

Suspend, revoke or non-renew

The Commissioner has the authority to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license for:

• Providing false information on the application for an insurance license.

• Omitting any relevant information on an application that would have disqualified the individual from being eligible to receive a license.

• Being found guilty of a violation or the noncompliance of insurance regulations and laws…

• Committing fraud while attempting to obtain an insurance license.

• Improperly withholding, misappropriating or converting any money or property received in the course of doing insurance business.

• Providing false information in reference to the terms and conditions of an insurance contract.

• Having been convicted of a felony.

• Having admitted or been found to have committed any insurance unfair trade practice or fraud.

• Having engaged in activities of a fraudulent nature which allowed the person to involve themselves in dishonest, coercive, untrustworthy, and financially irresponsible practices.

• Having had a prior insurance license revoked or suspended in a state other than Washington.

• Using another person’s identity and forging their name on an insurance application.

• Being found guilty of using unethical practices or cheating on an examination for an insurance license.

Cease and desist

If the Commissioner finds that a producer has violated the state’s insurance laws, the Commissioner may order the producer to cease and desist. A cease and desist order does not suspend or revoke the recipient’s registration, but it does require the recipient to stop or limit the activity addressed in the order.

Hearing and penalties

A person facing action by the Commissioner is entitled to notice and an opportunity for a hearing, within time limits set by Washington law, and may ask a court to review the final order. In Washington, the Commissioner may issue a cease and desist order when the Commissioner has cause to believe a person is violating, or is about to violate, the insurance code (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.02.080(3)). A person aggrieved by an order may demand a hearing within ninety days (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.04.010(3)), and a demand received before the order’s effective date stays it pending the hearing, except for certain orders such as a temporary license suspension (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.04.020(1)). A license may be suspended, revoked or not renewed by an order served at least fifteen days before it takes effect, subject to the right to a hearing, or by an order on a hearing under the Administrative Procedure Act (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.17.540(2)), which requires at least seven days’ written notice (Rev. Code Wash. § 34.05.434(1)).

A violation of the insurance laws can bring a civil penalty in addition to action against a license. State law sets the maximum, usually per violation and often with a cap on the total, and a higher tier commonly applies to a violation that was knowing or flagrant. Some violations are also crimes. In Washington, after a hearing or by the licensee’s stipulation, the Commissioner may fine a licensee up to $1,000 for each offense, in addition to or instead of license action (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.17.560(1)).

Unfair claims settlement practices

Under the NAIC’s model act, these practices are violations when committed flagrantly and in conscious disregard of the law, or often enough to indicate a general business practice.

• The intentional obstruction and delay of claims payment or the delay of a claims investigation is a violation of regulation.

• Neglecting to provide a prompt response and written explanation of insurance policy terms, conditions, and laws related to the contract are examples of unfair claims settlement practices.

• Failure to provide claims without launching a thorough investigation is a violation of regulation.

• Making settlement claims based on information contained on an application that has been altered without the insured’s consent is a violation of regulation.

• Denying a claim without conducting a thorough investigation.

• Attempting to settle a claim for less than fair market value.

Policy forms

Insurers file their policy forms with the Commissioner.

Depending on the line of insurance and the form, a state may require approval before a form is used, often with a period after which a filing that has not been acted on is deemed approved, or may allow the form to be used as soon as it is filed (“file and use”). In Washington, a policy form filed without a certification must be filed at least 30 days before it is used, and is deemed approved at the end of that period unless the Commissioner has approved or disapproved it, with one extension of up to 15 days (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.18.100).

If a policy provision conflicts with Washington law, the policy is read as amended to conform to the law.

The interest rate an insurer may charge on a life insurance policy loan is also limited by state law.

Record maintenance

A producer keeps records of each transaction (the policies placed, the insureds, the premiums received and any changes) and makes them available for the Commissioner’s inspection.

Washington requires a licensee’s records of each transaction to be kept open to the Commissioner’s inspection for five years after the transaction is completed; the rule does not apply to life or disability insurance (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.17.470(2)-(3)).

Fraudulent producer representation

An insurance producer who represents to the public that they are licensed to conduct insurance business in Washington, but has not passed the appropriate licensing examination, is in violation of regulation.

Any means of public communication is included, such as advertisements, letterheads, circulars, business cards, and other methods of representation.

A producer found guilty of conducting business in Washington in any line of insurance for which they are not properly licensed may have any other insurance license suspended or revoked.

Misrepresentation

• Misrepresentation involving the creation or distribution of policies, quotes, and illustrations designed to provide inaccurate information about the terms and conditions of a policy is prohibited.

• Providing inaccurate or incomplete information or comparisons regarding the benefits of a policy is an example of misrepresentation.

• Providing inaccurate or incomplete information for the purpose of inducing, or tending to induce, the lapse, exchange, conversion, forfeiture, or surrender of a policy is a violation as well (twisting).

False advertising

Making, publishing or circulating an advertisement, announcement or statement about the business of insurance that is untrue, deceptive or misleading is an unfair trade practice under state law, based on the NAIC’s model act. The medium does not matter: the rule reaches newspapers, magazines, radio and television, and also notices, circulars, pamphlets, letters, posters and any other way of placing the statement before the public. The model act’s test is whether the statement is untrue, deceptive or misleading, not whether the person meant to deceive. Washington’s statute applies to a person who knowingly makes, publishes or disseminates a false, deceptive or misleading representation or advertisement (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.30.040).

Defamation

Defamation of an insurer is an unfair trade practice under state law, based on the NAIC’s model act: making, publishing or circulating an oral or written statement that is false, or maliciously critical of or derogatory to the financial condition of an insurer, and that is calculated to injure that insurer or any other person engaged in the business of insurance. Washington’s defamation rule protects insurers: it reaches statements designed to injure an authorized insurer, or a domestic company being formed to become one, in its reputation or business (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.30.080); a knowingly false statement about any other person engaged in insurance is covered by the false advertising and representation rule (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.30.040). Spreading an untrue rumor that a competing insurer is about to fail is the classic example.

Boycott, coercion and intimidation

Entering into an agreement to commit, or by concerted action committing, any act of boycott, coercion or intimidation that results or tends to result in unreasonable restraint of, or monopoly in, the business of insurance is prohibited.

False financial statements

In Washington, knowingly filing or publishing a financial statement of an insurer that does not accurately state its financial condition is prohibited (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.30.030), and a person who knowingly makes a false or misleading statement, or willfully fails to reveal a material fact, in or relative to an application for insurance commits a gross misdemeanor and may have the license revoked (Rev. Code Wash. § 48.30.210).

Illegal inducements

Offering anything of value not specified in the policy (money, a service, a favor or a gift) as an inducement to buy insurance is prohibited unless state law expressly allows it, and any agreement made as part of the sale must be written into the policy.

States differ on promotional gifts. The NAIC’s model act lets producers and insurers give customers non-cash gifts, meals or charitable donations up to an amount the state considers reasonable, as long as the gift is not conditioned on buying or renewing a policy and is offered without unfair discrimination. Each state sets its own limit. In Washington, promotional prizes, goods, gift cards or merchandise may not exceed $100 in value per person in any twelve-month period, and must be offered to all insureds or prospective insureds under similar qualifying circumstances (Rev. Code Wash. §§ 48.30.140(4), 48.30.150(1)©).

Unfair discrimination

Unfair discrimination is treating people or risks that present the same hazard differently. The NAIC’s model act, on which state unfair trade practices laws are based, prohibits:

• Unfair discrimination between individuals of the same class and equal expectation of life in life insurance and annuity rates, dividends, benefits or terms
• Unfair discrimination between individuals of the same class and essentially the same hazard in health insurance premiums, benefits or terms
• Refusing, limiting or canceling coverage because of a person’s sex, marital status, race, religion or national origin
• In property and casualty insurance, refusing or limiting coverage solely because of a risk’s geographic location, unless sound underwriting and actuarial principles justify it, or solely because the applicant or insured is physically or mentally impaired

Many states also expressly forbid refusing or limiting coverage solely because a person is blind or partially blind.

Errors & omissions

Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance is a type of professional liability insurance that protects insurance agents if they are sued for negligent performance of their duties. E&O covers negligence and unintentional mistakes that cause financial harm to clients. It does not cover intentional misconduct, criminal acts, or regulatory fines.

Rebating

Washington licensed producers are prohibited from directly or indirectly giving any refund, discount, favor, or credit to reduce premiums to induce the purchase of insurance.

Sidenote

Know this...

To “solicit” or “negotiate” insurance implies that the person is licensed.

Sharing commission

The splitting or sharing of commissions with a licensed producer is allowed. Both parties must be licensed in the line of business in which the proposed commission is to be split. Under the NAIC’s model act, a commission may also be paid to an insurance agency, or to a person who does not sell, solicit or negotiate insurance.

Twisting

Providing false information or expressing derogatory ideas about the financial conditions of a competitor company with the intent to lapse or surrender an existing policy is a violation of the law. Any written or oral statements used to induce the lapse, termination, exchange, or surrender of an insurance contract based on inaccurate information is prohibited.

Under the NAIC’s model act, twisting is a misrepresentation made to induce a policyholder to lapse, forfeit, surrender, exchange or convert a policy. A false or maliciously critical statement about a competing insurer’s finances, made to injure it, is defamation.

Unfair marketing practices

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner is responsible for establishing minimum standards for the full and fair disclosure of policy content. The Department also requires the standardization and simplification of the terms used to describe insurance coverage. Advertising may not involve the following:

• Any statement or implication that policies are approved, or that the financial condition of a company is endorsed, by any government agency or by any independent group, individual, organization or society, unless that is the fact.

• Any statements regarding advertising that are false or untrue in reference to the time frame in which claims are paid.

Gramm-Leach Bliley Act (GLBA)

This law repealed the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, allowing consolidation of commercial banks, investment institutions and insurance companies. GLBA established a framework of responsibilities of federal and state regulators for these financial industries. It permits financial services companies to merge and engage in a variety of new business activities, including insurance, while attempting to address the regulatory issues raised by such combinations.

McCarran-Ferguson Act

Federal law signed in 1945 in which Congress declared that the insurance industry would be regulated at the state level. Grants insurers a limited exemption from federal antitrust legislation. Since 2021 the exemption does not cover the business of health insurance, apart from narrow activities such as sharing historical loss data (15 U.S.C. § 1013©).

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)

The U.S. standard-setting and regulatory support organization is created and governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer review, and coordinate their regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally. NAIC members, together with the central resources of the NAIC, form the national system of state-based insurance regulation in the U.S.

Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681) regulates consumer reporting agencies and the use of consumer reports, such as credit reports, MIB records and investigative reports, including in insurance underwriting.

• When an insurer requests an investigative consumer report, it must disclose that to the consumer within 3 days of the request
• When an insurer takes adverse action based on a consumer report, it must notify the consumer and identify the reporting agency. The consumer then has 60 days to request a free copy of the report and may dispute inaccurate information

Privacy Act of 1974

The federal Privacy Act of 1974 governs how federal agencies handle personal information. It does not apply to private insurers. An insurer’s use of an applicant’s personal information is governed by the FCRA, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and state insurance privacy law.

In states that adopted the NAIC’s Insurance Information and Privacy Protection Model Act, an authorization to collect personal information signed with an application is valid for no more than 30 months for life, health or disability insurance and one year for property or casualty insurance.

Telemarketing

The National Do Not Call Registry is a list of telephone numbers whose owners do not want to receive telemarketing calls. Telemarketers may not call registered numbers without the person’s permission or an established business relationship, and unsolicited sales calls:

• May be made only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in the recipient’s local time under federal rules; Washington’s own law is narrower, barring a telephone solicitor’s calls received before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m. at the recipient’s local time, and an insurance agent who keeps a separate calling list is treated as a telephone solicitor (Rev. Code Wash. § 80.36.390(2)(a), (8))
• Must disclose the caller’s identity, the company the caller represents and that the purpose is a sale

CAN-SPAM

A commercial email must:

• Be identified clearly as an advertisement
• Carry accurate header information and a subject line that is not deceptive
• Include the sender’s valid physical postal address
• Offer a way to opt out, and the sender must honor an opt-out within 10 business days