Around the PIA Western Alliance States – Week of August 24, 2026

Arizona — Earthquake Guidelines: CREW is pleased to announce the release of the Arizona Earthquake Guide for Insurance Agents. It's the latest in CREW's series of guides developed for western states with a high to very high earthquake hazard.

As you know, the guides are available for free at crew.org/earthquake-guides-for-insurance-agents/

Just like the other state guides, the Arizona guide provides a succinct, non-technical introduction to the state earthquake hazard. it also highlights potential risk factors to consider when making decisions about earthquake insurance and damage-mitigation measures.

A state earthquake guide for Washington is coming soon! Funding for this project was provided by grants from FEMA National Earthquake Hazards

Oregon — Oregon Division of Financial Regulation consumer advocates recovered almost $4 million in the first half of 2026

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), through its consumer advocates, recovered $3,889,996 through the first six months of 2026, including $2,440,687 in the second quarter (April to June) alone.

“My administration continues to focus on driving down costs for Oregonians, and ensuring families get their hard-earned money back in their pocket is a top priority,” said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. “DFR’s consumer advocates are putting in the work to get families what they’re owed.”

DFR’s consumer advocates field calls every day from Oregonians who are concerned and confused over insurance and financial issues from institutions and licensed professionals that are regulated by the division. These advocates have extensive industry knowledge, allowing them to analyze often complex issues.

Insurance continues to produce the majority of complaints filed with more than 1,000 complaints in each of the first two quarters, and 2,023 total over the first six months of 2026.

“Complaints continue to rise, and some are extremely complex, but we have a dedicated team of industry experts helping Oregonians with their issues,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “Our advocates, and DFR as a whole, continue to work for Oregonians, protecting them and helping them navigate the complex world of insurance and other industries.”

Below are a few examples of the work of DFR advocates during the first six months of 2026:

· A consumer bought a policy for his commercial truck in June 2024. There were many errors made when this policy was taken out, resulting in the correct truck not being listed appropriately on the policy. The consumer’s truck was totaled, and the resulting claim was denied because the vehicle was not properly listed on the policy. The consumer filed a complaint to address the issue. The error was determined and the consumer advocate pressed the managing general agent (MGA) and the insurance agent to file claims with their errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policies. Because of the consumer advocate’s actions, the E&O insurers for the agent and the MGA agreed to a 50/50 split of damages and sent the consumer a release for his $52,952 in damages.

· A borrower contacted the student loan ombuds in January 2025 looking for clarity on a refund she was due. Because the borrower made more than the required 120 payments toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), $1,017 was due back to her. The loans had been discharged in November 2024. After several communications with the servicer, and no explanation provided, the borrower received her refund in early 2026. Without the ombuds’ intervention, it is likely the refund would have gone unprocessed.

· A consumer suffered hail damage to their roof. The company denied there was any hail damage and closed the claim without payment. This caused the consumer to file a complaint. The consumer advocate discussed the situation extensively with the insurer and convinced the company to have an engineer inspect the roof. The results revealed there was one slope of the roof with definite hail damage, while other areas were noted as deteriorated due to wear and tear. As a result of the engineer inspection, the insurer issued payment of $15,306.21 for the replacement of one slope of the roof.

· A complaint was submitted as the consumer who had recently moved to Oregon believed they had contacted the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace to enroll in a health insurance plan to begin Feb. 1, 2026. The consumer later learned they had been enrolled in a health share plan they believe was misrepresented as health insurance, and that coverage began in December 2025 without their consent. The company first denied a request to refund February premiums to the consumer. The consumer then filed a complaint for help. Because of the investigation and formal complaint, the company agreed to refund the requested $854.

“I am proud of the work DFR does in protecting consumers and helping them get back some of their hard-earned money,” said Sean O’Day, director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “Their tireless efforts help families when it seems like the cost of everything continues to go up. Every penny helps, and to see nearly $4 million go back into the pockets of Oregonians is gratifying.”

Anyone who may need a consumer advocate can call 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for insurance questions

and dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for financial services questions.

Here is the list of the consumer advocacy complaints for the first two quarters of 2026:

Oregon — Wildfire Emergency Order to all admitted insurers: The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has issued a revised bulletin regarding affected areas subject to the Wildfire Emergency Order.

Purpose

This revised bulletin lists the Affected Areas subject to the July 31, 2026, Wildfire Emergency Order by ZIP code.

As the wildfire situation changes and as evacuation orders continue to be adjusted, the Division of Financial Regulation will make updates as needed to the listed ZIP codes on a timely basis.

https://bit.ly/3UDk28q

Oregon — To admitted insurers: The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has issued a revised bulletin regarding affected areas subject to the Wildfire Emergency Order.

Purpose

This revised bulletin lists the Affected Areas subject to the July 31, 2026, Wildfire Emergency Order by ZIP code.

As the wildfire situation changes and as evacuation orders continue to be adjusted, the Division of Financial Regulation will make updates as needed to the listed ZIP codes on a timely basis.

https://bit.ly/3SyrwsO

Oregon — Revised Wildfire Emergency Order: The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has issued a revised bulletin regarding affected areas subject to the Wildfire Emergency Order.

Purpose

This revised bulletin lists the Affected Areas subject to the July 31, 2026, Wildfire Emergency Order by ZIP code.

As the wildfire situation changes and as evacuation orders continue to be adjusted, the Division of Financial Regulation will make updates as needed to the listed ZIP codes on a timely basis.

https://bit.ly/4xkYJXI

Oregon — Back to School: As students head off to college and many teens begin driving daily with the start of school coming up, this is a good time to review your insurance policies to protect your family from unexpected costs.

“Back-to-school season brings a lot of changes for families, including a student moving into a dorm and a new teenage driver in the house,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “A quick call to your agent or insurance company now can prevent an expensive surprise later.”

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) reminds Oregonians that having proper insurance coverage can provide greater peace of mind and protect your family. Here are some insurance tips to help your back-to-school season go smoothly.

Homeowners and renters insurance

If your student is moving into a dorm room, your homeowners policy will likely cover their personal property in case of a loss. Ask your child to tell you if they buy a new computer or other pricey items and have them keep receipts. Check with your agent or insurance company to make sure these items are covered.

Students living off campus should consider renters insurance. This coverage will protect students’ personal property and provide liability coverage if someone is injured on the property. Renters insurance is typically inexpensive and provides valuable protection. A home inventory is always a good idea, whether they live on or off campus. This list of items will make a future insurance claim much quicker and easier to settle. You can learn more about home inventories on DFR’s website.

Auto insurance

Oregon requires every vehicle on the road to have auto liability coverage. Auto liability insurance pays – up to your policy's limits – for property damage and bodily injury to someone else if you are found responsible for an accident. If the title to the vehicle is in your student's name, they will generally need their own policy. If your college student is driving a vehicle you own, your child can likely stay on your policy and be listed as a driver.

Tell your insurance agent or company where the vehicle will be stored if the address differs from what is on your policy.

Health insurance

Students have several options for health insurance coverage while away at college. If your children are now covered under your insurance, they will still be covered while at school. Any insurance plan that offers dependent coverage must make that available until the dependent is 26 years old. If you are currently enrolled in a health maintenance organization (HMO), your child may need to return to your home area for routine care and may have emergency care only while at school.

Many colleges and universities also offer their own student health insurance plans. The premiums and features vary widely by school. Check with your student's school health center to see available coverage options.

Denied insurance claims

If your family experiences a claim denial or settlement disagreement, and you are unable to resolve the issue with your insurance company, you can file a complaint on the DFR website. The division's advocates are also available to help answer general questions. Call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. DFR’s website also has resources available at dfr.oregon.gov.

Oregon — Division of financial Regulation finalizes 2027 health insurance rates, acts to preserve coverage choices statewide: The Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued final 2027 rate orders for Oregon’s individual and small group health insurance markets. As the trend continues to show decreased enrollment of the individual market and greater than expected financial losses in recent months, DFR is taking action to stymie even higher rates by using available state dollars for the state’s reinsurance program.

In the individual market, DFR approved individual market increases that averaged 21.6 percent based on the new data and updated rate requests. DFR scrutinized the rate requests under actuarial standards to ensure that the rates were actuarially sound and justified based on additional market changes.

In the small group market, final orders reflected DFR’s 1.5 percent reduction of insurer’s proposed average rates of 17 percent to 15.5 percent, including some reductions of up to 8 percent.

The finalization of rate orders comes as carriers gained more experience in the market and re-evaluated their market presence. Continued marketplace uncertainty with the loss of the enhanced federal Affordable Care Act subsidies, heightened medical costs, tariff pressures on durable medical equipment and pharmaceuticals all caused greater cost pressures that were reflected in the rates. Statewide, in the individual market, two carriers are available statewide, seven counties will see four choices, 23 counties will see three choices, and six counties will have two choices. A table of county participation and final rate decisions for both the individual and small group markets can be found on our website.

To help stabilize the market in 2027, DFR is budgeting for an additional $15 million in reinsurance funds from the Oregon Reinsurance Program to offset anticipated higher-than-usual claims costs. DFR will also explore enrollment caps to certain plans to balance consumer choice with marketwide financial stability.

The Oregon Reinsurance Program is one of the tools Oregon uses to hold down health insurance premiums. The state helps insurers absorb the cost of the most expensive medical claims, which reduces their risk and means lower premiums for people who buy insurance on their own. The reinsurance program lowered rates by an average of 10.7 percent, including 1 percent reduction due to the additional budgeting of $15 million for the 2027 plan year. Reinsurance minimizes the price increases felt by consumers and operates to lowered rates for the ninth straight year. Oregon has resubmitted a renewal request to the federal government to maintain this program. The Oregon Legislature adopted Gov. Kotek’s 2025-27 funding plan, which continued revenue streams that keep the reinsurance program stable.

Consumers seeking information and assistance with individual market plans can reach out to the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace at OregonHealthCare.gov or by phone at 855‑268‑3767 (toll‑free).

Washington — Additional transparency rights coming to insurance consumers in March 2027: Insurance companies that increase premiums when your home or auto policy renews will be required to disclose up to three primary reasons for the change, starting in March 2027.

“This is basic information that should be available to anyone with an insurance policy,” Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer said. “If your premiums are going up, you deserve to know why. This is an important rule and a key change in how it's implemented.”

The change to Washington’s transparency rule applies to auto and home insurance policies, including manufactured home, condominium, and renter insurance.

The transparency rule originally took effect on June 1, 2024, and was the first of its kind in the country. It requires that:

Insurance companies must provide a reason for increasing consumers’ premiums upon renewal when consumers ask in writing. Companies must provide a clear, concise response in writing within 20 days.

Renewal notices and billing statements must include a disclaimer that tells consumers how to request the information.

Starting in November 2026, insurance companies must provide an email address for consumers to send their requests.

The final stage of the rule’s adaptation takes effect in January 2029 and will require insurance companies to proactively communicate to consumers when they increase premiums by 10% or more.

Washington — Clarifying and updating the minimum standards for claims handling (R 2025-05): Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer has adopted rules to define unfair trade practices and to help clarify the minimum standards for claims handling in Washington state. The rule allows the insurance industry and Washington state consumers a more fair and transparent claim process. The rule clarifies and adds definitions and specific unfair claim practices concerning claims handling, particularly when the insurer is considering coverage determinations, and if coverage is available, the loss and damage valuation that is owed under the policy. The rule adds additional requirements for the insurer to provide detailed information to the claimant at certain points in the claim process.

For more information, including the adopted rule and the concise explanatory statement,please visit the rule's webpage.

Washington — Continuing care retirement community actuarial reviews (R 2026-07): We are considering rules to establish standards for the review of actuarial analyses submitted by continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) that issue “type A” or “life care” contracts. The rule may also clarify additional elements of the actuarial review process, including communications between the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) and the CCRC.

Second Substitute House Bill 2384 passed during the 2026 legislative session. The bill requires the OIC to review actuarial analyses submitted by CCRCs, communicate the results of the review, and administer appeals. Section 6 of the bill grants the commissioner general rulemaking authority to implement the new law.

The comment period for this rule began on August 19, 2026, at 8 a.m. and will close at 11:59 p.m. on September 2, 2026. Please send comments to rulescoordinator@oic.wa.gov.

For more information, including the rulemaking announcement (CR-101), please visit the rule webpage.