News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. — An analysis of the insurance claims paid out after the Gray and Oregon Road fires shows that most of the homes destroyed were under-insured.

The fires burned more than 20,000 acres, and destroyed 366 homes, outside of Spokane in August of 2023.

Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s office initiated a data call in June of 2024 to collect information from insurance companies that had a loss associated with the fires. 

The results showed 355 significant dwelling claims — consisting of $10,000 in dwelling loss and $10,000 in…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has announced that expanded coverage for human donor milk, hearing aids and artificial insemination will be included in the state’s essential health benefits plan. 

Some benefits were also revised to ensure plans do not discriminate based on disabilities or health conditions. The changes take effect in plan years starting on or after January 1, 2026.

The benefits include:

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines totaling $302,500 against insurance companies, agents, brokers and unlicensed entities in July, August and September of 2024 for violations of state insurance laws and regulations. 

Among those actions was a $40,000 fine issued to Allstate Fire & Casualty Insurance Company. After an internal referral, Kreidler’s office randomly selected 95 Allstate auto insurance claims from April to September 2022 for review. On four separate claims, Office of the Insurance Commissioner staff found that…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Ten health insurers have been approved to sell group health plans to small employers in 2025. 

Insurers requested an average premium increase of 11.9%, which was approved. The new rates take effect after Jan. 1, 2025, when the employer's plan renews. 

About half of small employers nationwide offer their employees health insurance. Nationally, 53% of small employers offer health insurance to their employees.

The average annual premium for an individual employee is $1,368, up 6% from 2023; the average annual premium for an employee with family…