Subject of Possible Rule Making: Automobile total loss settlements.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 48.02.060, 48.30.010.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Automobile total loss settlement is the single largest source of consumer inquiries and complaints received by the property and casualty section of the consumer advocacy division. The commissioner will review WAC 284-30-390 and determine if the current regulation can be clarified, simplified, and made more effective. One goal is to give consumers a greater understanding of their rights and clearer expectations of what may occur in the claims process. Another goal is to create more certainty in the standards for compliance for the industry representatives who administer the claims process.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     Process for Developing New Rule:      Agency study.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kacy Scott, P.O. Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0255, e-mail Kacys@oic.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-3109.

July 24, 2002

Mike Kreidler

Insurance Commissioner

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