What's New in Washington - Week of August 24, 2026

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.