WSR 00-23-058

OFFICE OF THE

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

[ Filed November 14, 2000, 1:35 p.m. ]


Technical Assistance Advisory

T 2000-06



     RCW 48.05.190 and 48.30.050 require a company to identify itself by the individual company name in its advertisements, contracts, and correspondence, both to the general public and to this agency. Many companies have fallen into a pattern of identifying themselves by the "group" name rather than as the specific company within that "group." This may lead to confusion for insureds and impact the efficiency and efficacy of the Office of Insurance Commissioner.

     Companies may comply with these statutes by identifying the specific company in the signature line on a letter or other document. It is also allowable to provide a list of companies under a group name and identify which entity is involved.

     There is no objection to a company identifying itself as a part of a group or to the use of the group name for brand identification or general purposes, but specific product lines must be identified with the individual company name.

     Should you have any questions please contact staff counsel, Mary Cotter, (360) 407-0604, MaryC@oic.wa.gov.

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