OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has adopted a rule that requires insurance companies to explain premium increases to their policyholders in language they can understand. 

“If your insurance company is going to increase your premium, you have a right to know why,” Kreidler said. “This is pretty basic information you should expect from your insurance company, but we hear from hundreds of consumers every year who cannot get a clear, understandable answer on why they’re being charged more.”

When consumers’ auto or homeowners insurance…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Claims denied without a suitable explanation. Frustrating delays in hearing back from insurance companies. Initial app-based repair estimates coming in thousands of dollars below the final cost.

Washingtonians have been filing complaints about their auto and homeowners insurance issues at a record pace, and Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler announced Monday he’s hosting a workshop next month to hear from consumers, insurers and other parties on the reasons for the increase. 

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner has reported a historic volume of…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in April and May totaling $398,500 against insurance companies that violated state insurance laws and regulations.

Insurance companies

LifeWise Health Plan of Washington, Mountlake Terrace, Wash.; fined $250,000 (order 23-0068).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, LifeWise incorrectly processed 4,133 virtual mental health claims for 871 consumers, which resulted in $75,366 in overpayments to providers.  LifeWise also incorrectly coded 6,591 COVID-19 testing claims in 2020 and 2021. Of those claims, 4,357…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A Seattle man was found guilty of committing insurance fraud in King County Superior Court after an investigation by Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU).

Issa Mohamed, of Seattle, pled guilty on May 8, 2023 to the felony charge of attempted fraudulent insurance claim. He was sentenced to 179 days in jail, with 178 days suspended. He was also ordered to undergo a substance abuse evaluation, serve 24 months probation, pay $500 in court fees and pay restitution of $4,237.61.

On August 16, 2021, Mohamed purchased an…