On Aug. 18, 2026, WAS INS issued final insurance claims handling rule amendments.
Final version removed the new definition of undisputed amounts and removed for property and vehicle damage when describing the insurer's nondelegable duty.
Final rules are effective Oct. 18, 2026.
Document dated Aug. 18, 2026, received from WAS INS Aug. 31, summarized Sep. 3.
On Jul. 24, WAS INS proposed rules on standards for claims handling.
WAS INS issued prepublication draft of proposed rules on insurance claims handling.
Amends multiple provisions under WAS INS 284-30 (unfair claims settlement rules).
Proposed Amendments
Adds definition for claim; amends definition of notification of claim; revises requirements on claimant requests for claim files and documentation from insurer.
Clarifies provisions on acts or practices defined as unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices of the insurer in the business of insurance.
Amends requirements associated with insurer notices of investigations of claims.
Modifies provisions on settlement standards; revises requirements on settlement of motor vehicle claims, total loss vehicle claims, total loss vehicle valuation reports.
Consultation
Comments on proposed rules clarifying, updating claims handling due Aug. 8, 2025.
Jan. 2026 Third Prepublication Draft
On Jan. 8, 2026, WAS INS published third prepublication draft of rulemaking to update the minimum standards to comply with during any claim investigation and adjustment.
Document dated Jan. 8, 2026, received from WAS INS Feb. 3, summarized Feb. 6.
Mar. 2026 WAS INS Proposal
On Mar. 26, 2026, WAS INS published proposed rule; comments by Apr. 24, 2026.
May 2026 WAS INS Supplemental Notice
On May 5, 2026, WAS INS published supplemental notice to proposed rulemaking clarifying and updating the minimum standards related to claims handling.
Defines unfair trade practices and helps clarify minimum standards for claims handling, allows insurance industry, consumers to have more fair and transparent claim process.
Clarifies unfair claim practices, particularly when insurer is considering coverage determinations, and if coverage is available, loss and damage valuation that is owed.
Additionally, the proposed rules would add additional requirements for the insurer to provide detailed information to the claimant at certain points in the claim process.
Public hearing scheduled for Jun. 11, 2026; written comments due by Jun. 12, 2026.
Intended date of adoption of proposed rulemaking set for Jun. 18, 2026.
Aug. 2026 WAS INS Final Rulemaking
On Aug. 18, 2026, WAS INS issued final insurance claims handling rule amendments.
Final version removed the new definition of undisputed amounts and removed for property and vehicle damage when describing the insurer's nondelegable duty.
Final rules are effective Oct. 18, 2026.
Document dated Aug. 18, 2026, received from WAS INS Aug. 31, summarized Sep. 3.
Regulators
WAS INS
Entity Types
Ins
Reference
RF, WSR 26-17-089, 8/18/2026; RF 26-10-078, 5/5/2026; RF, WSR 26-07-077, 3/26/2026; RF, 1/8/2026; RF R 2025-05, 7/24/2025; Citation: WAS INS 284-30;
