S-4613.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 6577
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State of Washington 53rd Legislature 1994 Regular Session
By Senators Moore, Newhouse, Deccio, Vognild, Prince, Wojahn, Fraser and Sheldon
Read first time 01/31/94. Referred to Committee on Labor & Commerce.
AN ACT Relating to earthquake insurance; 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, in connection with the solicitation of dwelling fire and homeowner insurance in this state, shall directly notify the prospective insured in writing whether earthquake coverage may be included in the proposed insurance, and if it may be included shall set forth in the notice a succinct explanation of what damages resulting from earthquakes are covered with and without the added earthquake coverage, together with a clear explanation as to how the additional earthquake coverage applies to structures and contents, including the effect of the pertinent policy limits and deductibles.
(2) Every insurer, at time of delivery of a dwelling fire or homeowner insurance policy providing coverage in this state, shall include a notice stating whether earthquake coverage is included in the policy. Such notice shall provide a clear explanation as to how the additional earthquake coverage applies to structures and contents, including the effect of the pertinent policy limits and deductibles.
(3) The notices required by this section shall be written and phrased in simple language that is readily understandable to a person of average intelligence, education, and reading ability.
(4) The insurance commissioner may make reasonable rules to implement this section and may require the disclosure of additional or alternative information useful to consumers considering the purchase or desirability of earthquake insurance coverage.
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