Kreidler thanks insurance professionals for their work after Gray, Oregon Road fires

09/14/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler sent out a letter Thursday thanking insurance professionals for their work helping consumers after the Gray and Oregon Road fires in Eastern Washington in late August.

“I appreciate the extra effort many insurers are extending to put trained adjusters onsite to begin the claim process,” Kreidler said in the letter, adding that his office has registered more than 50 emergency adjusters and expedited dozens of independent adjuster licenses to support adjusters already in the field.

“Thank you,” he added, to the local…

Average rate increase of 8.9% approved for 2024 individual health insurance market

09/13/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Fourteen health insurers have been approved to sell in Washington's 2024 individual health insurance market.  Insurers requested an average increase of 9.11% but 8.94% was approved. How much premium someone pays will depend on the plan they select, the number of people covered, their age, whether or not they smoke and where they live. 

"I'm relieved to see that our competitive health insurance market is continuing and that people in every county will have choices," said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. "But I'm deeply concerned at what these…

Kreidler issues emergency order directing insurers to extend protections to policyholders impacted by Washington wildfires

08/24/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued an emergency order today requiring all property and casualty insurers to provide additional protections for policyholders impacted by the Gray and Oregon Road fires. 

“We’ve all seen the devastation caused by the ongoing wildfires in Eastern Washington,” said Kreidler. “People are worried about their own and their families’ safety and protecting their property. I don’t want them to have to worry about losing their insurance coverage while the emergency is ongoing and the difficult recovery for the…

Consumer alert: Kreidler’s advice for claims from wildfire damage

08/21/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A hot, dry summer has opened the door for another intense wildfire season in Washington state. 

Whether your home is in the city, the suburbs or a rural area, your homeowners insurance policy should cover your home in the event of a fire — unless you intentionally set the fire yourself.

Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler offered advice to consumers whose homes may be endangered by wildfires this summer and looking to protect themselves going forward.

“Wildfire season is becoming a more dangerous, and regularly occurring,…