Around the PIA Western Alliance States – Week of October 19, 2026
Published October 20, 2026 at 2:03 PM · News Releases and Bulletins
Idaho — Insurance Fraud Investigation Leads to Conviction of Athol Man: The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) announced that Christopher Spellman, of Athol, Idaho, has been sentenced following a conviction for insurance fraud stemming from a false vehicle damage claim.
On July 9, 2026, Spellman pleaded guilty to one count of insurance fraud. A DOI Fraud Unit investigation found that Spellman purchased a 2001 GMC Yukon with existing damage and later added the vehicle to his Viking Insurance policy with collision and comprehensive coverage.
Shortly after adding the vehicle to the policy, Spellman filed a claim alleging the Yukon had been vandalized, causing $4,150 in damage. He claimed the vehicle had no prior damage.
The investigation determined the damage existed before Spellman purchased insurance coverage. Photographs from the previous owner showed the vehicle already had missing taillights, a damaged dashboard, and other preexisting damage when Spellman bought it.
On September 3, 2026, Spellman was sentenced in Kootenai County to three years in prison, suspended in favor of three years of probation. He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of community service and pay fines and restitution.
"Insurance fraud is a crime with real consequences," said Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean L. Cameron. "The Department is committed to holding individuals accountable when they attempt to obtain insurance benefits through false statements."
The DOI Fraud Unit investigates suspected insurance fraud throughout the state and works with law enforcement and prosecutors to protect Idaho consumers.
Idaho — Idaho’s Workers’ Compensation Rates to Drop Again in 2027: The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) has reviewed and accepted a filing from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) that will result in an overall average workers’ compensation rate decrease of 0.1%, effective January 1, 2027. While modest, the reduction continues Idaho’s long-term trend of stable and declining workers’ compensation costs for employers.
NCCI’s recommendation is based on multiple factors, including claims volume and utilization, workforce and wage data, and recent rule and legislative changes. With DOI’s acceptance of the filing, workers’ compensation insurers may adopt the NCCI rates or submit proposed adjustments for review by the Department. Although the average rate remained mostly flat, the individual rates may vary based on job type.
“Idaho employers continue to benefit from a strong and stable workers’ compensation system,” said Dean L. Cameron, Director of the Idaho Department of Insurance. “Workers’ compensation rates have declined in 11 of the past 12 years, including 10 consecutive years of reductions. While this year’s decrease is smaller than in recent years, it reflects continued improvements in claims frequency and projected claims costs across the state.”
Workers’ compensation insurance provides important protections for both employers and employees. The coverage helps pay medical expenses and replace lost wages for employees injured on the job, while also protecting employers from potentially costly litigation.
NCCI annually collects information about the workers’ compensation system and submits proposed rates to the Department of Insurance for review and approval. The Department continues working with the NCCI to keep rates low for Idaho businesses and Idahoans.
Oregon — Wildfire Emergency Order Extension: The Director has determined that the circumstances and conditions described in the Order still exist and that those circumstances and conditions warrant an extension of the effective period of the Order.
Accordingly, pursuant to ORS 731.870(2), the Director hereby extends the effective period of the Order for a period of 30 days (subject to further extension under ORS 731.870(2)) from the date of this Second Order Extending Wildfire Emergency Order.