Effective Date of Rule: February 1, 2009.

     Purpose: These new rules are procedural rules that designate the system for electronic rate and form filing (SERFF), developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as the method by which insurers must file property, casualty, disability, life and annuity products through. As part of this rule making, the insurance commissioner adopts rate and form filing procedures that are compatible with electronic filings. The commissioner has also adopted rules for filing motor vehicle service contracts under RCW 48.110.150.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 284-58-070 through 284-58-260, 284-20-100 and 284-20-150; and amending WAC 284-24-005, 284-24-060, 284-24-062, 284-24-065, 284-24-070, 284-24-080, 284-24-100, 284-24-110, 284-24-120, 284-58-010, 284-58-020, and 284-58-030.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 48.02.060, 48.110.150.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 08-14-055 on June 25, 2008.

     Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: WAC 284-20B-010, 284-20C-010, and 284-58-010, the office of insurance commissioner (OIC) changed the effective date to February 1, 2009.

     WAC 284-20B-030, 284-20C-020, and 284-58-030, editorial changes clarify that new and replacement forms must be filed with the OIC in final form displayed in ten-point type so they are legible for review and storage as a public record.

     WAC 284-20B-040, 284-20C-030, and 284-58-037, an editorial change clarifies that if the OIC rejects a filing, the date filed will be the date the OIC receives and accepts a new filing.

     WAC 284-20B-120, 284-20C-060, and 284-58-053, OIC clarified instructions for forms revised due to an OIC objection and forms filed to replace or update an old edition. "Strike through" may be used to show deletions to a form in lieu of brackets.

     WAC 284-20B-140, 284-20C-080, and 284-58-061, filers may provide a tracking number for the OIC to locate a previously approved amendatory endorsement in lieu of an actual copy of the form.

     WAC 284-20B-150, 284-20C-110, and 284-58-066, OIC edited and corrected rules for insurance policy forms translated from English to another language based on comments from interested parties.

     WAC 284-20B-120, the title was amended to be consistent with RCW 48.18.100(1) by referencing "insurance policy forms."

     WAC 284-20C-050, subsection (2) of the rule was edited to say it does not apply to affiliates or wholly owned subsidiaries.

     WAC 284-58-020 was edited to say that the OIC may withdraw approve [approval] of forms for cause.

     WAC 284-58-030 was edited to say that group insurance where different types of insurance are incorporated into a single certificate may be filed together.

     WAC 284-58-033 was edited to say that rate filings must be submitted separately but concurrently with forms form [from] filings when new forms are introduced.

     WAC 284-58-057 was edited to delete subsection (2).

     WAC 284-24-011, the OIC changed the effective date to February 1, 2009.

     WAC 284-24-016, an editorial change clarifies that if the OIC rejects a filing, the date filed will be the date the OIC receives and accepts a new filing.

     WAC 284-24-080, OIC removed fine arts dealers from the list in inland marine risks that are subject to rate filing requirements.

     WAC 284-24-115, the maximum interval for rates to take effect between new and renewal policies is increased to sixty days.

     A final cost-benefit analysis is available by contacting Kacy Scott, P.O. Box 40255 [40258], Olympia, WA 98504-0258, phone (360) 725-7041, fax (360) 586-3109, e-mail Kacys@oic.wa.gov.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 50, Amended 12, Repealed 20.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 50, Amended 12, Repealed 20.

     Date Adopted: October 15, 2008.

Mike Kreidler

Insurance Commissioner

OTS-1679.8

     (1) "Advisory organization" means an entity not licensed under RCW 48.19.180 that files advisory forms with the commissioner.

     (2) "Complete filing" means a package of information containing insurance forms, supporting information, documents and exhibits submitted to the commissioner electronically using the System for Electronic Rate and Form Filing (SERFF).

     (3) "Date filed" means the date a complete filing has been received and accepted by the commissioner.

     (4) "Filer" means a person, organization or other entity that files insurance forms with the commissioner for an insurer.

     (5) "Insurance" means the same as in RCW 48.01.040.

     (6) "Insurer" means an insurer defined in RCW 48.01.050 to which the commissioner has issued a certificate of authority under chapter 48.05 RCW.

     (7) "Member" or "subscriber" means an insurer that has granted filing authority to a rating organization under RCW 48.19.050, and includes service purchasers.

     (8) "NAIC" means the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

     (9) "Objection letter" means correspondence created in SERFF and sent by the commissioner that:

     (a) Requests clarification, documentation or other information;

     (b) Explains errors or omissions in the filing; or

     (c) Disapproves a form under RCW 48.18.110.

     (10) "Property and casualty insurance" means all types of:

     (a) Property insurance defined in RCW 48.11.040;

     (b) Marine and transportation insurance defined in RCW 48.11.050;

     (c) Vehicle insurance defined in RCW 48.11.060;

     (d) General casualty insurance defined in RCW 48.11.070; and

     (e) Title insurance defined in RCW 48.11.100.

     (11) "Rating organization" or "bureau" means an entity licensed under RCW 48.19.180 that files forms on behalf of its members, subscribers, and service purchasers.

     (12) "SERFF" means the System for Electronic Rate and Form Filing. SERFF is a proprietary NAIC computer-based application that allows filers to create and submit rate, rule and form filings electronically to the commissioner.

     (13) "Type of insurance" means a specific type of insurance listed in the Uniform Property and Casualty Product Coding Matrix published by the NAIC and available at www.naic.org.

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     (2) This chapter applies to insurers, advisory organizations and rating organizations that file property and casualty insurance forms under RCW 48.18.100 and 48.18.103.

     (3) This chapter is effective on February 1, 2009. All form filings received on or after February 1, 2009, must comply with this chapter.

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     (1) The SERFF Industry Manual posted on the SERFF web site (www.serff.com); and

     (2) The Washington State SERFF Property and Casualty Form Filing General Instructions posted on the commissioner's web site (www.insurance.wa.gov).

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     (1) Insurers must file property and casualty insurance forms under RCW 48.18.100(1) or 48.18.103(3). Filers may not use the certification process described in RCW 48.18.100(2) to file property and casualty insurance forms.

     (2) Filers must submit all insurance forms and related documents to the commissioner electronically using SERFF.

     (a) Every form filed in SERFF must be attached to the form schedule.

     (b) All written correspondence related to a form filing must be sent in SERFF.

     (3) All filed forms must be legible for both the commissioner's review and retention as a public record. Filers must submit new and replacement forms to the commissioner for review in final form displayed in ten-point or larger type.

     (4) Each form must have a unique identifying number and a way to distinguish it from other editions of the same form.

     (5) Filers must not submit combined rate and form filings.

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     (2) If the commissioner rejects a filing and the filer resubmits it as a new filing, the date filed will be the date the commissioner receives and accepts the new filing.

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     (1) Filer must promptly send a new filing to the commissioner within the original thirty-day use and file period in RCW 48.18.103(3); or

     (2) Insurer must stop issuing policies using forms sent with the rejected filing and amend policies using approved forms.

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     (1) If an insurer delegates filing authority to a third-party filer, each filing must include a letter as supporting documentation signed by an officer of the insurer authorizing the third-party filer to make filings on behalf of the insurer.

     (2) The insurer may not delegate responsibility for the content of a filing to a third-party filer. The commissioner considers errors and omissions made by the third-party filer to be errors and omissions of the insurer.

     (3) If third-party filer has a pattern of making filings that do not comply with this chapter, the commissioner may reject a delegation of filing authority from the insurer.

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     (1) Include a statement of changes proposed by the insurer;

     (2) Provide the filing number used by the bureau when it filed the forms; and

     (3) Be received by the commissioner in a timely manner.

     (4) For purposes of this section, "timely" means:

     (a) Before the bureau effective date if the filing is made under RCW 48.18.100; or

     (b) Thirty days after the bureau effective date if the filing is made under RCW 48.18.103.

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     (1) If the forms are identical to the bureau forms, the filing must include this information:

     (a) A statement by the insurer of its intent to use the bureau forms; and

     (b) The filing number used by the bureau when it filed the forms.

     (2) Insurers must independently file any forms that are not identical in content to approved bureau forms.

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     (2) If an insurer decides to use approved advisory forms, the insurer must make an independent form filing. The filing must include:

     (a) A statement by the insurer of its intent to use the advisory forms;

     (b) The filing number used by the advisory organization when it filed the forms; and

     (c) Copies of the advisory forms attached to form schedule.

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     (1) Provide a complete response to an objection letter. A complete response includes:

     (a) A separate response to each objection; and

     (b) A description of changes proposed to noncompliant forms, and, if applicable, a replacement form or amendatory endorsement attached to the form schedule.

     (2) Respond to the commissioner in a timely manner.

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     (1) Application will be used under RCW 48.18.080; or

     (2) Policyholder notice amends or modifies policy provisions.

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     (1) If a form is revised due to an objection(s) from the commissioner, the filer must provide a detailed explanation of all material changes to the disapproved form.

     (2) If a previously approved form is replaced with a new version, the filer must submit an exhibit that marks and identifies each change or revision to the replaced form using one of these methods:

     (a) A draft form that strikes through deletions and underlines additions or changes in the form;

     (b) A draft form that includes comments in the margins explaining the changes in the forms; or

     (c) A side-by-side comparison of current and proposed policy language.

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     (2) The proposed effective date must be a specific date.

     (a) Vague statements, such as one that says the insurer will implement the filing thirty days after the commissioner's approval is not specific, and does not comply with this rule.

     (b) If an insurer is filing a new program or optional endorsement, the filer may request an effective date concurrent with the commissioner's approval.

     (3) The proposed effective date must be consistent with the law. Forms filed under RCW 48.18.103 must propose an effective date no more than thirty days before the date filed.

     (4) If an insurer revises the effective date, the commissioner must receive this request in SERFF before the original effective date of the filing.

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     (1) Provide a copy of the amendatory endorsement attached as supporting documentation; or

     (2) Include the SERFF tracking number under which the endorsement was filed and approved in the filing description; and

     (3) Explain how the insurer will use the amendatory endorsement with the new form.

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     (1) If an insurer translates an insurance policy form from English to another language, the insurer must:

     (a) File the translated version of the form with the commissioner.

     (b) Include written disclosure statements on the translated policy form that the insurer is issuing the translated form on an informational basis and the English version is controlling for the purposes of application and interpretation. The disclosure statements must be in English and the language of the translated form and printed in bold face type of at least twelve-point font.

     (c) Submit a certification with the filing by an officer employed by the insurer that the insurer will issue the English version of the policy form with the translated policy form.

     (2) When filing a translated policy form, the filer must:

     (a) Identify the approved English version of the policy form by providing, as applicable, the:

     (i) SERFF filing number;

     (ii) Form number, edition date or edition identifier; and

     (iii) Effective date of the filing.

     (b) Submit certification by a professional translator certified by the American Translators Association or a comparable organization that the:

     (i) Translator has translated the English version of the form; and

     (ii) Translation is accurate.

     (3) The commissioner will file but not review or approve translated insurance policy forms.

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     (2) For purposes of this section, "large commercial property and casualty account" means property and casualty insurance as defined in WAC 284-24-001(10) that is purchased by a business, not-for-profit organization, or public entity with enough insurance buying experience to negotiate with insurers in a largely unregulated environment and meets any two of the following criteria:

     (a) Annual premiums of one hundred thousand dollars or more, excluding workers compensation insurance issued by the department of labor and industries and types of insurance listed in subsection (3) of this section;

     (b) Net revenues or sales in excess of one hundred million dollars;

     (c) More than two hundred employees;

     (d) Net worth over fifty million dollars;

     (e) Is a not-for-profit organization or public entity with an annual budget or assets of at least forty-five million dollars;

     (f) Is a municipality with a population over fifty thousand.

     (3) The exemption provided by this section does not apply to:

     (a) Professional liability insurance policies, including all types of malpractice and errors and omissions insurance;

     (b) Reimbursement insurance policies that indemnify service contract providers or protection product guarantee providers for contractual obligations assumed under a service contract or protection product guarantee; and

     (c) Master policies under which insurers issue certificates of coverage to individual consumers, households, businesses, or other organizations.

     (4) Before an insurer issues an insurance policy under this section, the insurer or its insurance producer must send written notice to the insured that says the:

     (a) Insurer has not filed the forms with the commissioner; and

     (b) Commissioner has not reviewed and approved the forms.

     (5) The Washington insurance examining bureau will not audit property forms used to insure large commercial property and casualty accounts under WAC 284-20-006.

     (6) If grounds exist under RCW 48.18.110(1), the commissioner may disapprove a form used to insure a large commercial property and casualty account. If the commissioner disapproves a form under RCW 48.18.110(1), the insurer must construe the form under the provisions of RCW 48.18.510.

     (7) Each insurer must keep copies of forms used to insure large commercial property and casualty accounts for at least six years after the date the insurer issues a policy under this section. The insurer must make these records available to the commissioner upon request.

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OTS-1680.9

     (1) "Complete filing" means a package of information containing motor vehicle service contracts, supporting information, documents and exhibits.

     (2) "Contract" means a service contract covering motor vehicles, as described in chapter 48.110 RCW. Under this definition:

     (a) "Motor vehicle" means the same as in RCW 48.110.020(11), and only includes vehicles that are self-propelled by a motor; and

     (b) "Service contract" means the same as in RCW 48.110.020(16).

     (3) "Date filed" means the date a complete motor vehicle service contract filing has been received and accepted by the commissioner.

     (4) "Filer" means a person, organization or other entity that files motor vehicle service contracts with the commissioner.

     (5) "Objection letter" means correspondence sent by the commissioner to the filer that:

     (a) Requests clarification, documentation or other information;

     (b) Explains errors or omissions in the filing; or

     (c) Disapproves a motor vehicle service contract under RCW 48.110.073.

     (6) "Service contract provider" or "provider" means the same as in RCW 48.110.020(18).

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     (2) This chapter is effective on February 1, 2009. All motor vehicle service contract filings received on or after February 1, 2009, must comply with this chapter.

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     (1) Filers must submit complete filings that comply with the filing instructions and procedures in the Washington State Motor Vehicle Service Contract Filing Instructions posted on the commissioner's web site (www.insurance.wa.gov), which the commissioner incorporates into this section by reference.

     (2) Filers must submit every service contract to the commissioner in paper format with a completed motor vehicle service contract transmittal document.

     (3) Filers must not combine "prior approval" and "use and file" contracts in one filing. Filers must file these types of contracts separately:

     (a) Contracts filed under RCW 48.110.073(2); or

     (b) Contracts filed under RCW 48.110.073(3).

     (4) All filed contracts must be legible for both the commissioner's review and retention as a public record. Filers must submit new and replaced contracts to the commissioner for review in final printed form displayed in ten-point or larger type.

     (5) Each contract must have a unique identifying number and a way to distinguish it from other editions of the same contract.

     (6) Filers must submit a completed compliance checklist with each new motor vehicle service contract. If the filing includes more than one new contract, the filer may:

     (a) Complete a separate checklist for each motor vehicle service contract; or

     (b) Complete one checklist and submit an explanatory memorandum that lists any material differences between the filed contracts.

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     (2) If the commissioner rejects a filing and the filer resubmits it as a new filing, the date filed will be the date the commissioner receives and accepts the new filing.

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     (2) If the commissioner rejects a filing submitted under RCW 48.110.073(3) the:

     (a) Filer must promptly send a new filing to the commissioner within the original sixty-day use and file period in RCW 48.110.073(3); or

     (b) Provider must stop issuing motor vehicle service contracts sent with the rejected filing.

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     (a) An administrator as defined in RCW 48.110.020(1);

     (b) An insurer; or

     (c) A person or entity in the business of providing regulatory compliance services to providers.

     (2) If a provider delegates filing authority to a third-party filer, each filing must include a letter signed by an employee of the provider authorizing the third-party filer to make filings on behalf of the provider. This subsection does not apply to a third-party filer that is an affiliate or wholly owned subsidiary of the provider.

     (3) The provider may not delegate responsibility for the content of a filing to a third-party filer. The commissioner considers errors and omissions made by the third-party filer to be errors and omissions of the provider.

     (4) If a third-party filer has a pattern of making filings that do not comply with this chapter, the commissioner may reject a delegation of filing authority from the provider.

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     (1) If a contract is revised due to an objection(s) from the commissioner, the filer must provide a detailed explanation of all material changes to the disapproved contract.

     (2) If a previously approved contract is replaced with a new version, the filer must submit an exhibit that marks and identifies each change or revision to the replaced contract using one of these methods:

     (a) A draft contract that strikes through deletions and underlines additions or changes in the contract;

     (b) A draft contract that includes comments in the margins explaining the changes in the contract; or

     (c) A side-by-side comparison of current and proposed contract language.

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     (2) The proposed effective date must be a specific date.

     (a) Vague statements, such as one that says the provider will implement a filing thirty days after the commissioner's approval is not specific, and does not comply with this rule.

     (b) If a provider is filing a new program or optional coverage form, the filer may request an effective date concurrent with the commissioner's approval.

     (3) The proposed effective date must be consistent with the law. Contracts filed under RCW 48.110.073(3) must propose an effective date no more than sixty days before the date filed.

     (4) If the provider revises the effective date, the commissioner must receive the request before the original effective date of the filing.

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     (1) Provide a copy of the amendatory form as supporting documentation; or

     (2) Provide the company tracking number from the contract filing under which the endorsement was filed and approved; and

     (3) Explain how the provider will use the amendatory form with the new contract.

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     (1) Provide a complete response to an objection letter. A complete response includes:

     (a) A separate response to each objection; and

     (b) A description of changes proposed to noncompliant contracts, and, if applicable, a replacement contract or amendatory form.

     (2) Respond to the commissioner in a timely manner.

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     (1) If a provider translates a contract from English to another language, the provider must:

     (a) File the translated version of the contract with the commissioner.

     (b) Include written disclosure statements on the translated contract that the provider is issuing the translated contract on an informational basis and the English version is controlling for the purposes of application and interpretation. The disclosure statements must be in English and the language of the translated contract and printed in bold face type of at least twelve-point font.

     (c) Submit written certification by an officer employed by the provider that the provider will issue the English version of the contract with the translated contract.

     (2) When filing a translated policy form, the filer must:

     (a) Identify the approved English version of the contract by providing, as applicable, the:

     (i) Company tracking number under which the contract was filed;

     (ii) Contract number, edition date or edition identifier; and

     (iii) Effective date of the filing.

     (b) Submit written certification by a professional translator certified by the American Translators Association or a comparable organization that the:

     (i) Translator has translated the English version of the contract; and

     (ii) Translation is accurate.

     (3) The commissioner will file but not review or approve translated motor vehicle service contracts.

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OTS-1681.7

NEW SECTION
WAC 284-24-001   Definitions that apply to this chapter.   Unless otherwise specified in rule, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter:

     (1) "Advisory organization" means an entity not licensed under RCW 48.19.180 that files advisory rates with the commissioner.

     (2) "Complete filing" means a package of information containing rates, supporting information, documents and exhibits submitted to the commissioner electronically using the System for Electronic Rate and Form Filing (SERFF).

     (3) "Date filed" means the date a complete filing has been received and accepted by the commissioner.

     (4) "Filer" means a person, organization or other entity that files insurance rates with the commissioner for an insurer.

     (5) "Insurance" means the same as in RCW 48.01.040.

     (6) "Insurer" means an insurer defined in RCW 48.01.050 to which the commissioner has issued a certificate of authority under chapter 48.05 RCW.

     (7) "Member" or "subscriber" means an insurer that has paid a rating organization for services under RCW 48.19.050, and includes service purchasers.

     (8) "NAIC" means the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

     (9) "Objection letter" means correspondence created in SERFF and sent by the commissioner to the filer that:

     (a) Requests clarification, documentation or other information;

     (b) Explains errors or omissions in the filing; or

     (c) Disapproves the filing under RCW 48.19.100.

     (10) "Property and casualty insurance" means these types of insurance:

     (a) Property insurance defined in RCW 48.11.040;

     (b) Marine and transportation insurance defined in RCW 48.11.050;

     (c) Vehicle insurance defined in RCW 48.11.060;

     (d) General casualty insurance defined in RCW 48.11.070; and

     (e) Surety insurance defined in RCW 48.11.080.

     (11) "Rate" or "rates" means all classification manuals, loss costs, rate or rule manuals, rating plans, rating schedules, minimum rates, class rates, and rating rules that insurers must file under RCW 48.19.040 and 48.19.043.

     (12) "Rating organization" or "bureau" means an entity licensed under RCW 48.19.180 that files rates on behalf of its members, subscribers, or service purchasers.

     (13) "SERFF" means the System for Electronic Rate and Form Filing. SERFF is a proprietary NAIC computer-based application that allows insurers and other entities to create and submit rate, rule and form filings electronically to the commissioner.

     (14) "Type of insurance" means a specific type of insurance listed in the Uniform Property and Casualty Product Coding Matrix published by the NAIC and available at www.naic.org.

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     (2) Does not apply to insurers or insurance scoring model vendors that file insurance scoring models under RCW 48.19.035 and chapter 284-24A WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.19.080, 48.19.370 and 48.19.020. 98-20-102 (Matter No. R 98-4), § 284-24-005, filed 10/7/98, effective 11/7/98.]

     (1) The SERFF Industry Manual posted on the SERFF web site (www.serff.com); and

     (2) The Washington State SERFF Property and Casualty Rate Filing General Instructions posted on the commissioner's web site (www.insurance.wa.gov).

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     (1) Filers must submit all rate filings and related documents to the commissioner electronically using SERFF.

     (2) Filers must send all written correspondence related to a rate filing in SERFF.

     (3) Each rate filing must be:

     (a) Accurate and internally consistent; and

     (b) Submitted separately by type of insurance.

     (4) Filers must not submit combined rate and form filings.

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     (2) If the commissioner rejects a filing and the filer resubmits it as a new filing, the date filed will be the date the commissioner receives and accepts the new filing.

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     (1) Filer must promptly send a new rate filing to the commissioner within the original thirty-day use and file period in RCW 48.19.043(2); or

     (2) Insurer must stop using the rates sent with the rejected filing and amend policies using approved rates.

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     (1) If an insurer delegates filing authority to a third-party filer, each filing must include a letter as supporting documentation signed by an officer of the insurer authorizing the third-party filer to make filings on behalf of the insurer.

     (2) The insurer may not delegate responsibility for the content of a filing to a third-party filer. The commissioner considers errors and omissions made by the third-party filer to be errors and omissions of the insurer.

     (3) If a third-party filer has a pattern of making filings that do not comply with this chapter, the commissioner may reject a delegation of filing authority from the insurer.

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     (1) Bureau members or subscribers must follow instructions provided by the bureau when they implement, delay or nonadopt a bureau rate filing that has been approved by the commissioner.

     (2) If the insurer has authorized the rating organization to make filings on its behalf, the insurer is not required to file new bureau rates with the commissioner, except as provided under WAC 284-24-062.

     (3) The insurer must make a filing with the commissioner if an insurer delays the effective date, nonadopts or changes a filing in any way. The filing must:

     (a) Include a statement of the changes proposed by the insurer;

     (b) Provide the filing number used by the bureau when it filed rates with the commissioner; and

     (c) Be received by the commissioner in a timely manner.

     (4) Under this section, "timely" means:

     (a) Before the bureau effective date if the filing is made under RCW 48.19.040; or

     (b) Thirty days after the bureau effective date if the filing is made under RCW 48.19.043.

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     (2) If an insurer wants to use approved advisory rates, the insurer must make a rate filing that includes:

     (a) A statement by the insurer of its intent to use the advisory rates;

     (b) The filing number used by the advisory organization when it submitted the filing; and

     (c) Statistical and actuarial support for each component of the rate filing that is not part of the advisory filing.

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     (1) Provide a complete response to an objection letter. A complete response includes:

     (a) A separate response to each objection; and

     (b) If appropriate, revised exhibits and supporting documentation.

     (2) Respond to the commissioner in a timely manner.

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[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.19.080, 48.19.370 and 48.19.020. 98-20-102 (Matter No. R 98-4), § 284-24-060, filed 10/7/98, effective 11/7/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060. 94-20-059, § 284-24-060, filed 9/30/94, effective 10/31/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.19.080 and 48.19.370. 90-13-041 (Order R 90-5), § 284-24-060, filed 6/14/90, effective 7/15/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 (3)(e). 86-24-043 (Order R 86-7), § 284-24-060, filed 11/26/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060. 82-06-036 (Order R 82-1), § 284-24-060, filed 3/1/82.]

     (2) Under RCW 48.19.080, the commissioner may modify the rate filing requirements in chapter 48.19 RCW ((are modified as follows:

     (a) Rating organizations may)). This rule modifies the rate filing requirements to permit rating and advisory organizations to make reference filings of prospective loss costs.

     ((The)) (a) Prospective loss costs filings ((shall)) must contain ((the)) statistical data and supporting information for all calculations and assumptions underlying the prospective loss costs, but do not need to provide the information required by RCW 48.19.040 (2)(b) and (c). ((Filings of)) Prospective loss costs filings must be approved by the commissioner ((prior to)) before use by any insurer as a reference document.

     (b) To use rates based on loss costs, a member or ((subscribing insurer of a rating organization)) subscriber must make a loss cost adjustment filing, ((which is subject to)) under the applicable provisions of RCW 48.19.040 ((and/)) or ((RCW)) 48.19.043. The ((filing shall include the following forms, completed in their entirety, prescribed by and available from the commissioner)) filer must attach completed copies of these forms to the supporting documentation tab:

     (i) A Washington Reference Filing Adoption Form;

     (ii) ((For each loss cost adjustment,)) A Washington Summary of Supporting Information Form for each loss cost adjustment factor; and

     (iii) For each loss cost adjustment with which an expense constant is used, a Washington Expense Constant Supplement.

     (c) A member or ((subscribing insurer of a rating organization)) subscriber may use rates based on the bureau's or advisory organization's prospective loss costs ((filed by the rating organization and approved by the commissioner as a reference document)) without complying with the requirements of RCW 48.19.040 and 48.19.043 if the:

     (i) ((The)) Commissioner has approved the loss cost reference document;

     (ii) Insurer has an approved loss cost adjustment on file with the commissioner and proposes no changes to it; and

     (((ii) The)) (iii) Insurer will begin using the prospective loss costs on the date proposed by the rating organization and approved by the commissioner.

     (d) ((Once they have been approved and have)) After the commissioner has approved a loss cost reference document filing for an advisory organization or bureau and the filing has become effective, the ((latest)) new prospective loss costs ((filed by a rating organization are considered to)) supersede all earlier loss cost filings by that ((rating)) organization. Insurers ((are)) must not ((permitted to)) make loss cost adjustment filings using prospective loss costs that have been superseded.

     (((2) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

     (a) "Rating organization" means an organization licensed under RCW 48.19.180.

     (b) "Member or subscribing insurer" means an insurer that has granted filing authority to a rating organization under RCW 48.19.050 or has purchased loss cost services from a rating organization.

     (c) "Prospective loss cost" means that portion of a rate that provides only for losses and loss adjustment expenses and does not include provisions for expenses (other than loss adjustment expenses) or profit, and is based on historical aggregate losses and loss adjustment expenses adjusted through development to their ultimate value and projected through trending to a future point in time.

     (d) "Loss cost adjustment" means a factor by which prospective loss costs are multiplied to obtain final rates. It takes into account:

     (i) Operating expenses;

     (ii) Underwriting profit (or loss) and contingencies;

     (iii) Investment income;

     (iv) Dividends, savings, or unabsorbed premium deposits allowed or returned to policyholders, members, or subscribers;

     (v) Variations in loss experience unique to the insurer making the filing; and

     (vi) Other relevant factors, if any.

     (e) "Rate" means the cost of insurance per exposure unit, whether expressed as a single number or separately as prospective loss cost and loss cost adjustment, prior to any application of individual risk variations as permitted by WAC 284-24-100, and does not include minimum premiums or supplementary rating information.

     (f) "Supplementary rating information" means any manual or plan of policy writing rules, rating rules, classification system, territory codes and descriptions, rating plans, and any other similar information needed to determine the applicable premium for an insured. It includes factors and relativities, such as increased limits factors, package modification factors, classification relativities, and deductible relativities.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.19.080, 48.19.370 and 48.19.020. 98-20-102 (Matter No. R 98-4), § 284-24-062, filed 10/7/98, effective 11/7/98.]

     (2) For the purposes of this section, "operating ratio" means the sum of after-tax underwriting profit (or loss) and after-tax investment income on assets corresponding to unearned premium reserves and loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, divided by premium.

     (3) For liability insurance, if the increased limits factors include risk loads, the proportion of the expected premium (net of expenses) arising from the risk loads for all policy limits ((shall)) must be included in the expected underwriting profit or loss.

     (4) ((Rates are not considered)) The commissioner will not consider rates excessive if the expected operating ratio corresponding to the proposed rate level is less than or equal to five percent.

     (5) ((Rates are not considered)) The commissioner will not consider rates inadequate if the expected operating ratio corresponding to the proposed rate level is greater than or equal to zero.

     (6) When an insurer, advisory organization, or rating organization files rates for which the expected operating ratio corresponding to the proposed rate level is less than zero or greater than five percent, it must demonstrate that the proposed rates are consistent with the principles stated in subsection (1) of this section. In other words, the insurer or rating organization must show how it has accounted for all expected costs, including claims, claim settlement expenses, operational and administrative expenses, and the cost of capital.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.19.020, 48.19.080. 05-22-061 (Matter No. R 2003-05), § 284-24-065, filed 10/31/05, effective 1/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.19.080, 48.19.370 and 48.19.020. 98-20-102 (Matter No. R 98-4), § 284-24-065, filed 10/7/98, effective 11/7/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.19.080. 91-01-073 (Order R 90-13), § 284-24-065, filed 12/17/90, effective 1/17/91.]

     (a) A class in which risks are so different from each other that no rate or range of rates could be representative of all;

     (b) A class that does not develop enough loss experience to warrant any credibility for ratemaking purposes; ((and)) or

     (c) Policies involving a new product or coverage for which there is no appropriate analogy to similar exposures for ratemaking purposes.

     (2) ((Every)) A rating rule for ((such classes of policies shall)) the classes of insurance described in subsection (1) of this section must be ((included in an appropriate rate manual and)) filed with the commissioner. ((Such a)) The rating rule ((shall consist only of a notation of)) must display the symbol "(a)" or include a statement that risks in the class ((shall)) must be submitted to the insurer for rating.

     (3) The insurer's rating of a refer-to-company risk ((shall)) must be based on a documented underwriting analysis of:

     (a) Specific ((definable)) characteristics related to potential for loss ((potential characteristics,));

     (b) Analogy to similar exposures((,)); and

     (c) Available loss frequency and severity data.

     (4) Examples of unclassified risks for which "(a)" or refer-to-company rating is appropriate ((refer-to-company)) risks include but are not limited to:

     (a) Manufacturing and construction risks, such as:

     (i) Ammunition manufacturing((,));

     (ii) Dam construction((,));

     (iii) Irrigation works operation((,)); and

     (iv) Logging railroad -- operation and maintenance.

     (b) Owners, landlord and tenants risks, such as:

     (i) Amusement devices, designed for small children only, not otherwise classified (NOC)((,));

     (ii) Christmas tree lots -- open air((,));

     (iii) Bleachers or grandstands((,));

     (iv) Dude ranches((,));

     (v) Firing ranges -- indoor((,));

     (vi) Parks or playgrounds((,)); and

     (vii) Zoos.

     (c) Product risks, such as:

     (i) Aircraft or aircraft parts manufacturing((,));

     (ii) Ball or roller bearing manufacturing((,));

     (iii) Chemical manufacturing -- household -- NOC((,));

     (iv) Discontinued operations -- products((,));

     (v) Electronic component manufacturing((,));

     (vi) Firearms manufacturing -- over .50 caliber;

     (vii) Instrument manufacturing -- NOC((,));

     (viii) Levee construction((,));

     (ix) Machinery or machinery parts manufacturing((,));

     (x) Pharmaceutical or surgical goods manufacturing((,));

     (xi) Products -- NOC((,));

     (xii) Sign manufacturing -- NOC((,));

     (xiii) Tank manufacturing -- metal -- not pressurized((,));

     (xiv) Textile coating or impregnating((,));

     (xv) Tool manufacturing -- hand type -- powered((,));

     (xvi) Valves manufacturing((,));

     (xvii) Wheels manufacturing((,));

     (xviii) Wire goods manufacturing -- NOC((,)); and

     (xix) Wood products manufacturing -- NOC.

     (5) Insurers writing risks subject to this ((regulation shall maintain)) section must keep separate documentation, including loss experience, on each risk written and ((shall be prepared to)) must provide ((such)) the documentation to the ((insurance)) commissioner upon request.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.19.080, 48.19.370 and 48.19.020. 98-20-102 (Matter No. R 98-4), § 284-24-070, filed 10/7/98, effective 11/7/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060. 82-06-036 (Order R 82-1), § 284-24-070, filed 3/1/82.]

     (1) Accounts receivable ((and valuable papers and records,)) coverage;

     (2) Agricultural machinery, farm equipment and livestock ((floaters,)) coverage;

     (3) Bicycle floater((,));

     (4) Boatowners' insurance or coverage for pleasure boats twenty-six feet and under in length;

     (5) Camera((s,)) floater;

     (((5))) (6) Camera and musical instrument dealers((,));

     (((6))) (7) Commercial articles coverage (photographic equipment and musical instruments);

     (8) Communications equipment, including cell phones, pagers, and portable personal computers;

     (9) Equipment dealers((,)) coverage;

     (10) Film coverage form;

     (11) Fine arts private collections;

     (12) Floor plan merchandise coverage;

     (13) Fur dealers;

     (((7))) (14) Hardware ((and implement dealers floater,)) dealers;

     (((8))) (15) Implement dealers ((stock floater,

     (9) Fine arts (private collections),

     (10) First class mail,

     (11) Floor plan,

     (12) Furriers' block,

     (13) Furriers' customers,));

     (((14))) (16) Garment contractors((,));

     (((15))) (17) Golfer's equipment floater((,

     (16) Musical instruments,

     (17) Negative film floater,

     (18) Neon signs,));

     (((19))) (18) Jewelry dealers;

     (19) Mail coverage;

     (20) Personal articles floater((,));

     (((20))) (21) Personal effects((,)) floater;

     (((21))) (22) Personal furs or fur floater((,));

     (((22))) (23) Personal jewelry or jewelry floater((,));

     (((23))) (24) Personal property floater((,));

     (((24))) (25) Physicians' and surgeons' equipment ((floater,)) coverage;

     (((25) Registered mail,)) (26) Signs coverage;

     (((26))) (27) Silverware floater((,));

     (((27))) (28) Stamp and coin collection floater((,

     (28) Theatrical floater,

     (29) Tourist baggage,));

     (((30))) (29) Travel ((baggage (issued in combination with)) coverage other than accident and sickness ((insurance),));

     (((31) Wedding presents,)) (30) Valuable papers and records; and

     (((32) Boatowners' and/or boats twenty-six feet and under in length that are used for pleasure.)) (31) Wedding presents.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.19.080, 48.19.370 and 48.19.020. 98-20-102 (Matter No. R 98-4), § 284-24-080, filed 10/7/98, effective 11/7/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 (3)(e). 86-24-043 (Order R 86-7), § 284-24-080, filed 11/26/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060. 82-06-036 (Order R 82-1), § 284-24-080, filed 3/1/82.]

     (g) Commercial property.

     (2) A schedule rating plan ((shall)) must provide for no more than a twenty-five percent credit (reduction) or debit (charge). A schedule rating plan ((shall)) must not be combined with other rating plans or rating rules in such a way that the schedule rating affects the premium by more than twenty-five percent.

     (3) ((Any)) If an expense modification rule ((which)) does not prescribe specific credits or debits for particular situations ((is considered to be)) the commissioner will consider it similar to schedule rating. In ((such a)) this case, the combined effect of schedule and expense modifications ((shall)) must not exceed twenty-five percent.

     (4) If an expense modification plan prescribes specific credits for particular situations, ((())such as various premium size ranges or commission levels(())), the insurer is not required to include these credits or debits ((are not included)) in the twenty-five percent schedule rating maximum.

     (5) A schedule rating plan must provide for an objective analysis or risk by the insurer ((of the risk)) and be based on specific ((factual)) information ((supporting)) that support the rating decision. ((Items such as the following may be considered:)) An insurer may consider these types of risk factors:

     (a) Management capacity for loss control and risk improvement, including financial and operating performance.

     (b) Condition and upkeep of premises and equipment.

     (c) Location of risk and suitability of occupancy.

     (d) Quality of fire and police protection.

     (e) Employee training, selection, supervision, or similar elements.

     (f) Type of equipment.

     (g) Safety programming.

     (h) Construction features and maintenance.

     (i) Classification variances, including differences from average hazards.

     (6) If a risk is rated below average (debited) under a schedule rating plan, the insurer must advise an insured or applicant, upon timely request, ((will be advised by the insurer)) of the factors ((which resulted in)) that led to the adverse rating so that the insured or applicant ((will be fairly apprised of any)) can take appropriate corrective action ((that might be appropriate with respect to the insurance risk)).

     (7) ((A)) The insurer must administer each schedule rating plan ((shall be administered)) equitably and ((applied)) apply it fairly to every eligible ((risk which an insurer elects to insure)) applicant or insured.

     ((Records supporting)) (8) The insurer must keep documentation that supports the development of individual risk modifications ((shall be retained by the insurer)) for ((a minimum)) the later of three years or ((until)) the ((conclusion)) end of the next regular examination conducted by ((the)) its home state insurance ((department of its domicile, whichever is later, and made)) regulator.

     (a) The insurer must make these documents available ((at all reasonable times)) for ((the commissioner's)) examination by the commissioner upon request.

     (b) The records must include copies of all documentation used in ((making each particular determination)) the development of each individual risk modification, even ((though)) if a credit or debit ((may)) does not result.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.19.080, 48.19.370 and 48.19.020. 98-20-102 (Matter No. R 98-4), § 284-24-100, filed 10/7/98, effective 11/7/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.19.080 and 48.19.370. 90-13-041 (Order R 90-5), § 284-24-100, filed 6/14/90, effective 7/15/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060. 85-23-031 (Order R 85-4), § 284-24-100, filed 11/14/85.]

     (2) The zip code boundaries ((in effect at the time an insurer makes a rate filing defining the territories shall)) approved by the commissioner determine the physical boundaries of ((these territories)) each territory. ((These)) The insurer must make a new rate filing to change the physical boundaries ((can be changed only by the insurer's subsequent rate filings)) of a rating territory.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.19.080, 48.19.370 and 48.19.020. 98-20-102 (Matter No. R 98-4), § 284-24-110, filed 10/7/98, effective 11/7/98.]

     (2) The proposed effective date must be a specific date.

     (a) Vague statements, such as one that says the insurer will implement a filing thirty days after approval is not specific, and does not comply with this section.

     (b) If an insurer is filing a new program or optional coverage, the filer may request an effective date concurrent with the commissioner's approval.

     (3) The proposed effective date must be consistent with Washington law. Rates filed under RCW 48.19.043 must propose an effective date no more than thirty days before the date filed.

     (4) If an insurer revises the effective date of a filing, the commissioner must receive the request in SERFF before the original effective date of the filing.

[]

     (2) For purposes of this section, "large commercial property and casualty account" means property and casualty insurance ((coverage)) as defined in WAC 284-24-001(10) that((:

     (a) Involves the lines of property and casualty insurance defined in RCW 48.11.040, 48.11.050, 48.11.060, 48.11.070, and/or 48.11.080; and

     (b))) is purchased by a business, not-for-profit organization, or public entity with enough insurance buying experience to negotiate with insurers in a largely unregulated environment and that meets any two of the following criteria:

     (((i))) (a) Annual premiums of one hundred thousand dollars or more, excluding workers compensation insurance issued by the department of labor and industries and types of insurance listed in subsection (6) of this section;

     (((ii))) (b) Net revenues or sales in excess of one hundred million dollars;

     (((iii))) (c) More than two hundred employees;

     (((iv))) (d) Net worth over fifty million dollars;

     (((v))) (e) Is a not-for-profit organization or public entity with an annual budget or assets of at least forty-five million dollars;

     (((vi))) (f) Is a municipality with a population over fifty thousand.

     (3) Before an insurer issues coverage ((in reliance on)) under this section, the insurer or its ((agent shall)) insurance producer must notify the insured in writing that the rates have not been and will not be filed ((for the commissioner's)) with the commissioner for approval.

     (4) ((Property)) The Washington Insurance Examining Bureau will not audit rates used on large commercial property casualty accounts ((will not be audited by the Washington Insurance Examining Bureau)) under WAC 284-20-006.

     (5) The commissioner ((retains the right and ability to)) may examine ((the)) rates used ((on)) for pricing large commercial property and casualty accounts to ((ascertain whether)) determine if they meet the requirements of ((RCW 48.19.020 and other statutes)) chapter 48.19 RCW and Title 284-24 WAC. ((The insurer shall maintain records supporting)) If an insurer relies on this section to issue a policy, the insurer must keep supporting documentation for the ((rating)) underlying rates and final premium determination ((of each policy issued in reliance on this section. These records shall be retained by the insurer)) for a minimum of three years after the policy is issued and ((made)) make it available ((at all reasonable times for)) to the commissioner(('s examination)) upon request.

     (6) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to:

     (a) Professional liability insurance, including ((medical malpractice)) all types of malpractice and errors and omissions insurance;

     (b) ((Directors' and officers' liability insurance purchased by individuals;

     (c))) Reimbursement insurance policies that ((reimburse)) indemnity service contract providers or protection product guarantee providers for contractual obligations assumed under a service contract or protection product guarantee; and

     (((d))) (c) Master policies under which certificates of coverage are issued to individual consumers, households, businesses, or other organizations.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.19.080. 07-09-085 (Matter No. R 2006-12), § 284-24-120, filed 4/17/07, effective 5/18/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.18.100(6), and 48.19.080. 04-01-175 (Matter No. R 2003-04), § 284-24-120, filed 12/23/03, effective 1/23/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.18.100, 48.19.080. 02-02-068 (Order R 2001-09), § 284-24-120, filed 12/28/01, effective 12/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.19.080. 99-23-068 (Matter No. R 99-5), § 284-24-120, filed 11/15/99, effective 12/16/99.]

OTS-1697.6

     (1) "Complete filing" means a package of information containing insurance forms, supporting information, documents and exhibits submitted to the commissioner electronically using the System for Electronic Rate and Form Filing (SERFF).

     (2) "Credit insurance" means the types of insurance defined in RCW 48.34.030 (1) and (2).

     (3) "Date filed" means the date a complete filing has been received and accepted by the commissioner.

     (4) "Disability insurance" means the same as in RCW 48.11.030.

     (5) "Filer" means a person, organization or other entity that files insurance forms or rates with the commissioner for an insurer.

     (6) "Insurance" means the same as in RCW 48.01.040.

     (7) "Insurer" means an insurer defined in RCW 48.01.050 that has been issued a certificate of authority by the commissioner under chapter 48.05 RCW.

     (8) "Life insurance" means the same as in RCW 48.11.020.

     (9) "NAIC" means the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

     (10) "Objection letter" means correspondence created in SERFF and sent by the commissioner to the filer that:

     (a) Requests clarification, documentation or other information;

     (b) Explains errors or omissions in the filing; or

     (c) Disapproves a form under RCW 48.18.110.

     (11) "Rate" or "rates" means all classification manuals, rate or rule manuals, rating plans, rating schedules, minimum rates, class rates, and rating rules that insurers must file under RCW 48.19.010(2) and 48.34.100.

     (12) "SERFF" means the System for Electronic Rate and Form Filing. SERFF is a proprietary NAIC computer-based application that allows insurers and other entities to create and submit rate, rule and form filings electronically to the commissioner.

     (13) "Type of insurance" means a specific type of insurance listed in the Uniform Life, Accident and Health, Annuity and Credit Coding Matrix published by the NAIC and available at www.naic.org.

[]

     (((2))) The purpose of this chapter is to adopt processes and procedures for insurers and filers to use when submitting life, disability and credit insurance products with the commissioner. Rules in this chapter:

     (((a))) (1) Establish the necessary contents of a form filing((, including the documents to be used in connection with a form filing;

     (b) Designate the types of policy forms which may not be filed by certification under RCW 48.18.100(2); and

     (c) With respect to disability insurance,));

     (2) Establish the filing requirements ((with respect to manuals of classification, manual of rules and rates, and modifications thereof)) for credit and disability insurance classification plan and rate and rule manuals; and

     (3) Effective February 1, 2009, designate SERFF as the method by which filers must submit life, credit and disability filings to the commissioner.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060. 98-13-094 (Matter No. R 98-11), § 284-58-010, filed 6/16/98, effective 7/17/98; 82-23-009 (Order R 82-5), § 284-58-010, filed 11/5/82.]

     (2) Under RCW 48.18.100 ((establishes three basic types of form filings. The first type contemplates the approval of the commissioner. The second type contemplates a filing containing a certification, which permits the insurer to use the form without approval, immediately after the filing. The third type, for commercial property casualty forms, permits the insurer to use forms thirty days before filing. The first, or approval, type of filing requires the commissioner to act within thirty (or forty-five days, if extended under RCW 48.18.100(3)), and, if the form has not been either approved or disapproved during such time period, the form is deemed approved and may be used by the insurer. In either case)), the commissioner is required to act within thirty days to approve or disapprove a form. The commissioner may extend the review period to forty-five days under RCW 48.18.100(3). If the commissioner does not act within the review period, the form is deemed approved and the insurer may use the form. The commissioner may subsequently withdraw approval ((or stop the use)) of a form for cause.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060. 98-13-094 (Matter No. R 98-11), § 284-58-020, filed 6/16/98, effective 7/17/98; 82-23-009 (Order R 82-5), § 284-58-020, filed 11/5/82.]

[]

     (1) The SERFF Industry Manual posted on the SERFF web site (www.serff.com); and

     (2) The Washington State SERFF Life and Disability Rate and Form Filing General Instructions posted on the commissioner's web site (www.insurance.wa.gov).

[]

     (6) Any additional data or information requested by the commissioner)) electronically using SERFF.

     (a) Every form filed in SERFF must be attached to the form schedule.

     (b) Filers must send all written correspondence related to a form or rate filing in SERFF.

     (2) All filed forms must be legible for both the commissioner's review and retention as a public record. Filers must submit new or revised forms to the commissioner for review in final form displayed in ten-point or larger type.

     (3) Filers must submit complete filings that comply with the SERFF Industry Manual posted on the SERFF web site (www.serff.com) and the Washington State Life and Disability Form Filing General Instructions posted on the commissioner's web site (www.insurance.wa.gov).

     (4) Filers must submit separate filings for each type of insurance. This section does not apply to:

     (a) Credit insurance filings made under RCW 48.34.040; or

     (b) Group insurance where different types of insurance are incorporated into a single certificate.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.44.050, 48.46.200, 48.18.100, 48.19.040, 48.19.050, 48.19.070, 48.20.012, 48.21.045(2), 48.29.140, 48.43.055, 48.44.023(2), 48.44.040, 48.44.070, 48.46.030, 48.46.060, 48.46.066(2), 48.46.243, 48.96.025, 48.102.020. 96-11-004 (Matter No. R 96-1), § 284-58-030, filed 5/2/96, effective 6/2/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060. 82-23-009 (Order R 82-5), § 284-58-030, filed 11/5/82.]

     (a) Separate from any corresponding form filing; and

     (b) Concurrently with the corresponding form filing if new forms are being introduced.

     (2) Each rate filing must include, if appropriate:

     (a) Rates, manuals of classification, manuals of rules and rates and modifications thereof;

     (b) Actuarial memorandum of nonforfeiture values;

     (c) Actuarial demonstration of anticipated loss ratio; and

     (d) Any additional data or information requested by the commissioner.

[]

     (2) If the commissioner rejects a filing and the filer resubmits it as a new filing, the date filed will be the date the commissioner receives and accepts the new filing.

[]

     (1) If an insurer delegates filing authority to a third-party filer, each filing must include a letter as supporting documentation signed by an officer of the insurer authorizing the third-party filer to make filings on behalf of the insurer.

     (2) The insurer may not delegate responsibility for the content of a filing to a third-party filer. The commissioner considers errors and omissions made by the third-party filer to be errors and omissions of the insurer.

     (3) If a third-party filer has a pattern of making filings that do not comply with this chapter, the commissioner may reject a delegation of filing authority from the insurer.

[]

     (1) Provide a complete response to an objection letter. A complete response must include:

     (a) A separate response to each objection, and if appropriate;

     (b) A description of changes proposed to noncompliant forms, and a replacement form attached to the form schedule; or

     (c) Revised exhibits and supporting documentation.

     (2) Respond to the commissioner in a timely manner.

[]

     (1) If a form is revised due to an objection(s) from the commissioner, the filer must provide a detailed explanation of all material changes to the disapproved form.

     (2) If a previously approved form is replaced with a new version, the filer must submit an exhibit that marks and identifies each change or revision to the replaced form using one of these methods:

     (a) A draft form that strikes through deletions and underlines additions or changes in the form;

     (b) A draft form that includes comments in the margins explaining the changes in the forms; or

     (c) A side-by-side comparison of current and proposed policy language.

[]

     (2) Filers may submit a request to change the approval date of a filing as a note to reviewer.

[]

     (1) Provide a copy of the amendatory endorsement attached as supporting documentation; or

     (2) Include the SERFF tracking number under which the endorsement was filed and approved in the filing description; and

     (3) Explain how the insurer will use the amendatory endorsement with the new form.

[]

     (1) If an insurer translates an insurance policy form from English to another language, the insurer must:

     (a) File the translated version of the form.

     (b) Include written disclosure statements on the translated policy form that the insurer is issuing the translated form on an informational basis and the English version is controlling for the purposes of application and interpretation. The disclosure statements must be in English and the language of the translated form and printed in bold face type of at least twelve-point font.

     (c) Submit a certification with the filing by an officer employed by the insurer that the insurer will issue the English version of the policy form with the translated policy form.

     (2) When filing a translated policy form, the filer must:

     (a) Identify the approved English version of the policy form by providing, as applicable, the:

     (i) SERFF filing number;

     (ii) Form number, edition date or edition identifier; and

     (iii) Effective date of the filing.

     (b) Submit certification by a professional translator certified by the American Translators Association or a comparable organization that the:

     (i) Translator has translated the English version of the form; and

     (ii) Translation is accurate.

     (3) The commissioner will file but not review or approve translated insurance policy forms.

[]

     The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:

WAC 284-58-070	General designation of life and disability forms which may not be filed by certification.
WAC 284-58-080	Individual disability insurance forms, certification not permitted.
WAC 284-58-090	Group disability insurance forms, certification not permitted.
WAC 284-58-100	Group disability insurance forms which may be filed by certification.
WAC 284-58-110	Blanket disability insurance forms, certification not permitted.
WAC 284-58-120	Blanket disability insurance forms which may be filed by certification.
WAC 284-58-130	Individual life insurance and annuity forms, certification not permitted.
WAC 284-58-140	Individual life insurance and annuity forms which may be filed by certification.
WAC 284-58-150	Group life insurance and annuity contract forms, certification not permitted.
WAC 284-58-160	Group life insurance and annuity forms which may be filed by certification.
WAC 284-58-170	Credit insurance forms, certification not permitted.
WAC 284-58-180	Fraternal benefit society forms.
WAC 284-58-190	Certification form to be used for disability insurance form filings.
WAC 284-58-200	Form to be used for certification of disability insurance form or rate filings.
WAC 284-58-210	Certification form to be used for life insurance and annuity form filings.
WAC 284-58-220	Form to be used for certification of life insurance or annuity form filings.
WAC 284-58-250	General contents of a form filing for property and casualty insurance and kinds of insurance other than life and disability.
WAC 284-58-260	Designation of forms for insurances which may not be filed by certification.

OTS-1700.1

REPEALER

     The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:

WAC 284-20-100	Modification of form filing requirements.
WAC 284-20-150	Rules that exempt certain commercial property casualty forms from filing requirements.

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office