Who you can serve through our agency

You can serve insurance companies, agencies and producers through our office, including those that are:

  • Authorized or unauthorized
  • Foreign (out-of-state) or alien (out-of-country)

We can't accept service of legal process for a domestic company. You'll need to serve them through an agent they authorize.

How to serve an insurer

To serve a foreign or alien insurer, please mail or deliver the following to us:

  • A cover letter explaining who you're serving and the documents you're attaching (e.g., summons, complaint, case schedule).
  • Two sets of all documents for each insurer you're serving. For example, if you're serving one insurer, submit two sets. If you're serving two insurers, submit four sets.
  • A $10 check or money order for each insurer you're serving. Make them payable to Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. If you're serving multiple insurers, submit a separate payment for each.

Where to submit or mail your service of legal process

Use one of the following options to get your service of legal process:

  • Certified mail with a return receipt
  • Registered mail
  • A person who is 18 years or older and can serve a summons

Mailing address

Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Service of Legal Process
P.O. Box 40255
Olympia, WA 98504-0255

Street address

Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Service of Legal Process
5000 Capitol Blvd. SE
Tumwater, WA 98501

What to expect after you submit your service of legal process

We try to process your service of legal process within three business days after receiving your documents and payment. After processing, we will:

  • Send a set of documents and a certificate of service to the insurer's contact for legal notice
  • Send your attorney a copy of the certificate of service
  • Keep all records for one year

The insurer has 40 days to plead, answer or otherwise defend the action. This period starts the day we accept your service of legal process.

Service of legal process laws

 

Service of legal process laws in Washington state

RCW

Topic

RCW 1.12.060

Certified mail - Use

RCW 4.28.080(6)(7)

Summons, how served

RCW 48.02.200

When legal process against a person is served on the commission

RCW 48.05.200

Authorized foreign or alien insurers

RCW 48.05.215

Unauthorized foreign or alien insurers

RCW 48.10.170

Reciprocal insurer

RCW 48.15.150

Legal process against surplus line insurer

RCW 48.15.073 (4)

Nonresident surplus line broker

RCW 48.17.173 (9)

Nonresident insurance producer or title insurance agent

RCW 48.17.380

Adjusters

RCW 48.36A.350

Fraternal benefit society

RCW 48.92.040(1)(d)

Required acts - Prohibited practices (risk retention groups)

RCW 48.92.080 (3)

Purchasing groups - Notice and registration

RCW 48.94.010 (4)(b)

Reinsurance intermediary - broker or reinsurance intermediary

RCW 48.102.011(8)(a)

Life settlement providers

RCW 48.102.021(6)(a)

Life settlement brokers

RCW 48.110.030(3)

Service contract providers

RCW 48.110.055(4)

Protection product guarantee providers

RCW 48.155.020(2)(b)(xv)

Health care discount plan organizations