WSR 07-19-105

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

OFFICE OF

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

[ Insurance Commissioner Matter No. R 2007-08 -- Filed September 19, 2007, 8:46 a.m. ]

     Subject of Possible Rule Making: Claims settlement practices and automobile claims, repairs, and settlements. This rule-making notice is supplemental to the CR-101 filed on July 2, 2007.

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

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The commissioner will review chapter 284-30 WAC to determine if the current claims settlement regulation can be clarified, simplified, and made more effective. One goal is to give consumers, insurers and adjusters a better understanding of their rights and obligations and to provide clearer expectations of what should occur in the claims settlement process.

     A CR-101 was filed on July 2, 2007, under this same insurance commissioner matter number with the stated purpose to review WAC 284-30-390 only. During that review it was decided that the subject of this rule making should be broadened to include additional sections in the chapter. Several sections of chapter 284-30 WAC will be amended for clarity or rearranged for ease of understanding. It is possible that a few changes to the chapter may be needed.

     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; and by sending written comments by November 3, 2007.

     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, fax (360) 586-3109, e-mail KacyS@oic.wa.gov.

September 19, 2007

Mike Kreidler

Insurance Commissioner

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