Washington Commissioner Kuderer Town Hall Meeting in Spokane August 5th

Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer is hosting an insurance town hall in Spokane on Wednesday, August 5th to answer questions about homeowner insurance and the OIC’s wildfire mitigation work.

State Sen. Marcus Riccelli (D – Spokane) and Spokane City Council member Kate Telis will join Kuderer to talk about community resilience and their work to address wildfire risk.

“I’m excited to meet with folks in Spokane and learn more about their insurance concerns,” Kuderer said. “This is a great chance to hear directly from your elected officials about what we’re doing to address wildfire risk, insurance costs and anything else insurance related.”

PIA Western Alliance Executive Vice President Kim Legato is encouraging Spokane area agents and company personnel to attend.

“When the chance presents itself, it is critical that agents and company personnel attend a Q&A session with the commissioner,” she told Weekly Industry News. “When questions arise, and when a question is asked, it’s always important for consumers to hear our perspective on all things insurance as well as Commissioner Kuderer’s. This is especially true when issues like wildfire risk, or claims associated with a wildfire are discussed.”

Northwest Insurance Council President Kenton Brine agrees and addressed the wildfires currently burning in the Spokane area.

“We are pleased to serve as liaisons between your agency, local and state officials and insurance companies as we work together in response to this terrible, and still unfolding, tragedy for the people and community of Spokane,” Brine said.

He noted insurers already have people on the ground to help.

The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. Staff from the OIC’s Consumer Protection team will be on hand to answer consumers’ questions about insurance policies and claims.

The town hall is part of Kuderer’s Community Connect initiative to meet people where they live, help them learn about insurance, and hear their insurance questions and concerns.

Kuderer will request legislation again in 2027 to create a voluntary grant program to help at-risk homeowners make their homes more resistant to wildfire threats, and to increase transparency around wildfire risk scores that insurance companies use to determine eligibility and pricing for home insurance.