On May 20, 2025, WAS LEG reported governor signed bill, assigned Chapter 394.
Document dated May 20, 2025, was added on Jun. 10, 2025, due to editorial backfill.
On Apr. 25, WAS LEG reported bill to enhance consumer protections.
WAS LEG report SB 5721 / HB 1645 passed re enhanced protections for auto insurance
This bill adds a new section to WAS INS 48-48.18, entitled The insurance contract.
Bill Provisions
Requires every policy that includes first-party coverage for physical damage issued or renewed effective on or after Jan. 1, 2026, to include provision for right to appraisal.
To resolve disputes regarding actual cash value and amount of loss on damaged auto.
The bill specifies language to be included in the appraisal clause, but authorizes corresponding language that the insurer certifies is at least as favorable to the insured.
If insurer and policyholder unable to agree, either party may make written demand for appraisal, within ten days, each party must select competent, disinterested appraiser.
Additionally, if the appraisers are unable to agree on the losses, they must appoint a competent and disinterested umpire and submit their differences to the umpire.
The amount of loss must be determined either by agreement of the appraisers or by agreement of one appraiser and the umpire; an agreement of any two is binding.
Each party responsible for expenses, each party equally responsible for cost of umpire.
Legislative History
On Feb. 10, 2025, bill introduced in the Senate; on Mar. 7, 2025, bill passed Senate.
On Mar. 9, 2025, bill introduced into House; on Apr. 14, 2025, bill passed in House.
On Apr. 22, 2025, Senate concurred amendments; on Apr. 25, 2025, sent to governor.
Effectiveness
If approved, 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill passed, Jul. 27, 2025.
May 2025 WAS LEG Governor Approval
On May 20, 2025, WAS LEG reported governor signed bill, assigned Chapter 394.
Document dated May 20, 2025, was added on Jun. 10, 2025, due to editorial backfill.
Regulators
WAS LEG
Entity Types
CNSM; Ins
Reference
Ch. 394, 5/20/2025; Bill SB5721, HB1645, 4/25/2025; Citation: WAS INS 48-48.18;
