BILL REQ. #:  Z-0480.1 

Read first time 01/23/09.   Referred to Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance.

     AN ACT Relating to flood insurance coverage; and adding a new section to chapter 48.27 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 48.27 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Every insurer must provide written notice at policy issuance and annually thereafter to homeowner, condominium unit owner, residential tenant, and residential fire insurance policyholders that clearly and conspicuously discloses that the policy does not cover damage caused by flooding. The notice must also inform the policyholder how to contact the national flood insurance program ("NFIP"), or one of the NFIP's agents, or both.
     (2) The following language satisfies the notice requirements of this section:

     "This policy does not cover damage to your property caused by flooding. The federal government offers flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program to residents of communities that participate in its program. You can learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov or by calling (888) 379-9531."

     If the contact information for the NFIP or its agents changes after the effective of this section, then the current contact information must be inserted in this notice.