Washington Commissioner Urges Insurers to Provide Relief on Premium Payments and Cancellations

Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer has taken decisive action by issuing an emergency order aimed at providing much-needed relief to policyholders in the state. This order requests insurers to implement grace periods for premium payments and to enforce a moratorium on policy cancellations.

The emergency order comes in response to the recent atmospheric river and severe winter weather that impacted Washington last week. Effective from December 15, 2025, to February 12, 2026, this directive applies to all property and casualty insurers operating within the state.

Key directives outlined in the order include:

• Insurers must provide a 45-day grace period for premium payments, waiving all late fees and reinstatement fees.
• Policies cannot be canceled for nonpayment unless the policyholder specifically requests such action.
• The notice period for nonrenewal is extended from 45 days to 120 days prior to the policy’s expiration date.

In addition to these measures, Kuderer has opened registration for out-of-state adjusters and has issued guidance to insurers and the public regarding the investigation and adjustment of flood damage to covered properties.

This emergency order is made possible by the powers granted to Kuderer following the statewide emergency declared by Gov. Bob Ferguson on December 10, 2025, in response to the extensive flooding across Washington. Under such circumstances, the commissioner is authorized to issue emergency orders related to insurance policies to ensure that residents have continued access to necessary coverage. The order may be extended by the commissioner for 30-day increments as long as the governor’s emergency proclamation remains active.

Topics
Carriers
Washington

Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer has taken decisive action by issuing an emergency order aimed at providing much-needed relief to policyholders in the state. This order requests insurers to implement grace periods for premium payments and to enforce a moratorium on policy cancellations.

The emergency order comes in response to the recent atmospheric river and severe winter weather that impacted Washington last week. Effective from December 15, 2025, to February 12, 2026, this directive applies to all property and casualty insurers operating within the state.

Key directives outlined in the order include:

• Insurers must provide a 45-day grace period for premium payments, waiving all late fees and reinstatement fees.
• Policies cannot be canceled for nonpayment unless the policyholder specifically requests such action.
• The notice period for nonrenewal is extended from 45 days to 120 days prior to the policy’s expiration date.

In addition to these measures, Kuderer has opened registration for out-of-state adjusters and has issued guidance to insurers and the public regarding the investigation and adjustment of flood damage to covered properties.

This emergency order is made possible by the powers granted to Kuderer following the statewide emergency declared by Gov. Bob Ferguson on December 10, 2025, in response to the extensive flooding across Washington. Under such circumstances, the commissioner is authorized to issue emergency orders related to insurance policies to ensure that residents have continued access to necessary coverage. The order may be extended by the commissioner for 30-day increments as long as the governor’s emergency proclamation remains active.

Topics
Carriers
Washington