Around the PIA Western Alliance States – Week of August 31, 2026

Oregon — Wildfire Emergency Order Update: 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/4x0MGhc

Oregon — Helping Consumers: 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.

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