1492-S AMH ROAD HEDE 032

SHB 1492 - H AMD 295

By Representative Roach

   Strike all material after the enacting clause and insert the following:

   "NEW SECTION. Sec 1. The insurance commissioner shall convene a task force to study the appropriateness and timeliness of payments under the personal injury protection coverage of automobile liability insurance policies. The insurance commissioner shall include representatives from the following groups in the task force: (1) Insurers that sell automobile liability policies; (2) insurance agents and brokers; (3) the Washington state trial lawyers' association; and the Washington defense trial lawyers. The task force must consider the impacts of allowing arbitration of all personal injury protection coverage claims. Among the impacts that must be considered are possible changes in: (1) The average amount to settle a claim; (2) the average time to settle a claim; (3) automobile liability insurance premiums; and (4) the rate of uninsured motorists due to any increase in premiums. The task force may compare the claims payment regulatory framework in Washington with systems used in other states. The task force may make recommendations to the legislature. The commissioner shall compile the findings of the task force in a report to the house insurance financial services, and consumer protection committee and the senate financial institutions and insurance committee by December 1, 2007."

   Correct the title

EFFECT: A task force is created to study the appropriateness and timeliness of payments under the personal injury protection coverage of an auto insurance policy. The task force must consider the impacts of allowing arbitration of all personal injury protection coverage claims. The insurance commissioner must report the findings of the task force by December 1, 2007.