CERTIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5417

Chapter 14, Laws of 2009

61st Legislature
2009 Regular Session

FLOOD INSURANCE COVERAGE--DUTY OF INSURER--DISCLOSURE

EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/26/09

Passed by the Senate March 6, 2009 YEAS 47 NAYS 0 BRAD OWEN ________________________________________ President of the Senate Passed by the House March 13, 2009 YEAS 92 NAYS 0 FRANK CHOPP ________________________________________ Speaker of the House of Representatives		CERTIFICATE I, Thomas Hoemann, Secretary of the Senate of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5417 as passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on the dates hereon set forth. THOMAS HOEMANN ________________________________________ Secretary
Approved March 25, 2009, 1:42 p.m. CHRISTINE GREGOIRE ________________________________________ Governor of the State of Washington		FILED March 26, 2009 Secretary of State State of Washington

_____________________________________________

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5417
_____________________________________________
Passed Legislature - 2009 Regular Session

State of Washington

61st Legislature

2009 Regular Session

By Senate Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance (originally sponsored by Senators Berkey, Franklin, Shin, and Roach; by request of Insurance Commissioner)

READ FIRST TIME 02/18/09.

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 issuing a homeowner, condominium unit owner, residential tenant, and residential fire insurance policy that does not cover damage caused by flood must notify the policyholder that the policy does not cover damage caused by flood. The notice must also inform the policyholder how to contact the national flood insurance program ("NFIP") or one of the NFIP's agents. This notice must be provided:
     (a) At the time the policy is issued; and
     (b) At the time the policy is renewed.
     (2) The following language, when combined with current information about how to contact the NFIP or its agent, 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."

     (3) Nothing in this section invalidates a flood exclusion, or any other exclusion, in an insurance policy subject to this section.

         Passed by the Senate March 6, 2009.
         Passed by the House March 13, 2009.
         Approved by the Governor March 25, 2009.
         Filed in Office of Secretary of State March 26, 2009.