The Washington Office of Insurance Commissioner published a news release providing information on an emergency order issued in response to the recent wildfires in the state.
The order applies to all property and auto insurers in the state and is in effect from August 3, 2026, through September 30, 2026. The order applies to ZIP codes where wildfires have destroyed homes, including adjacent ZIP codes, or where evacuation orders have been issued.
The order asks insurers to provide a grace period of at least 45 days for nonpayment of premium and to waive otherwise applicable charges related to nonpayment of premium, such as late and reinstatement fees.
Insurers may not cancel a policy for nonpayment of premium unless requested by the consumer. Insurers must also extend the nonrenewal notice period from 60 days to 120 days before the expiration of a property policy and from 20 days to 60 days for an auto policy.
The news release can be found here.
Ray Sugrim
Ray Sugrim is an Insurance Editor with FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation, a division of National Underwriter Company and Arc Network. Ray is responsible for helping develop and edit content for subscribers. Ray is a St John’s University graduate with a degree in Risk Management & Insurance and is a CPCU candidate.