PROPOSED RULES
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 07-19-105.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Claims settlement practices and automobile claims, repairs, and total loss settlements.
Hearing Location(s): Insurance Commissioner's Office, Room TR 120, 5000 Capitol Boulevard, Tumwater, WA 98504-0255, on March 2, 2009, at 1:00 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: March 16, 2009.
Submit Written Comments to: Kacy Scott, P.O. Box 40258, Olympia, WA 98504-0258, e-mail KacyS@oic.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-3109, by February 27, 2009.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Lorie Villaflores by February 27, 2009, TTY (360) 586-0241 or (360) 725-7087.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: These proposed amendments clarify and recodify several sections of chapter 284-30 WAC related to unfair practices in the settlement of insurance claims. The amendments to existing sections do not make substantive changes to these rules; the amendments refine or clarify current rules.
NOTE: These rules are not intended to and do not create any new unfair settlement or trade practice rules subject to the Insurance Fair Conduct Act (RCW 48.30.015).
Reasons Supporting Proposal: These proposed rules clarify and recodify several sections of chapter 284-30 WAC that the commissioner finds are confusing or difficult to understand or administer. These amendments are part of the commissioner's examination and consideration of all rules in TITLE 284 WAC for clarity and consistency. These rules are not intended to and do not create any new unfair settlement or trade practice rules subject to the Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA).
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Mike Kreidler, insurance commissioner, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Chris Carlson, P.O. Box 40258, Olympia, WA 98504-0258, (360) 725-7042; Implementation and Enforcement: John Hamje, P.O. Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0255, (360) 725-7042.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. None of the domestic insurers actively offering coverage in Washington state meet the definition of small business under the law.
A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Kacy Scott, P.O. Box 40258, Olympia, WA 98504-0258, phone (360) 725-7041, fax (360) 586-3109, e-mail KacyS@oic.wa.gov.
January 21, 2009
Mike Kreidler
Insurance Commissioner
OTS-1153.1
REPEALER
The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
| WAC 284-30-3901 | Definitions for settlement of vehicle claims. |
| WAC 284-30-3902 | When my vehicle is repairable, what can I expect from the insurer? |
| WAC 284-30-3903 | Can I get my vehicle repaired at a shop of my choice? |
| WAC 284-30-3904 | Will my insurer pursue collection of my deductible? |
| WAC 284-30-3905 | If my insurer collects my deductible back, will I recover the full amount of my deductible? |
| WAC 284-30-3906 | If another party is responsible for my vehicle damage, can that party's insurer refuse to settle my vehicle damage and force me to use my own collision coverage? |
| WAC 284-30-3907 | How can my insurer settle my vehicle total loss claim? |
| WAC 284-30-3908 | Are there factors that may adjust my settlement? |
| WAC 284-30-3909 | If my vehicle is determined to be a total loss, can I keep it? |
| WAC 284-30-3910 | Can the insurer move my vehicle prior to settlement of the claim? |
| WAC 284-30-3911 | What information must be included in the insurer's valuation report? |
| WAC 284-30-3912 | What if I, as an insured, accept the settlement based on my insurer's valuation and cannot find a comparable vehicle within a reasonable distance of my vehicle's principally garaged area? |
| WAC 284-30-3913 | What must the insurer do prior to the denial of storage and towing costs? |
| WAC 284-30-3914 | When I am dealing with someone else's insurer, what are my rights regarding a rental vehicle? |
| WAC 284-30-3915 | What if the other person's insurer offers a flat rental amount per day, week, or month? |
| WAC 284-30-3916 | In a total loss situation, what happens if I have a loan or lease on my vehicle and the outstanding balance exceeds the actual cash value of my vehicle? |
| WAC 284-30-410 | Effective date. |
OTS-1158.6
THE UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES REGULATION
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order R 78-3, filed 7/27/78,
effective 9/1/78)
WAC 284-30-300
Authority and purpose.
RCW 48.30.010
authorizes the commissioner to define methods of competition
and acts and practices in the conduct of the business of
insurance which are unfair or deceptive. The purpose of this
regulation, WAC 284-30-300 through ((284-30-410)) 284-30-400,
is to define certain minimum standards which, if violated with
such frequency as to indicate a general business practice,
will be deemed to constitute unfair claims settlement
practices. This regulation may be cited and referred to as
the unfair claims settlement practices regulation.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010. 78-08-082 (Order R 78-3), § 284-30-300, filed 7/27/78, effective 9/1/78.]
[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010. 78-08-082 (Order R 78-3), § 284-30-310, filed 7/27/78, effective 9/1/78.]
(1) (("Agent" means any individual, corporation,
association, partnership or other legal entity authorized to
represent an insurer with respect to a claim;)) "Actual cash
value" means the fair market value of the loss vehicle
immediately prior to the loss.
(2) "Claimant" means, depending upon the circumstance,
either a first party claimant, a third party claimant, or both
and includes ((such)) a claimant's designated legal
representative and ((includes)) a member of the claimant's
immediate family designated by the claimant((;)).
(3) "Comparable motor vehicle" means a vehicle that is the same make and model, of the same or newer model year, similar body style, with similar options and mileage as the loss vehicle and in similar overall condition, as established by current data.
(4) "Current data" means data within ninety days prior to or after the date of loss.
(5) "File" means a record in any retrievable format, and unless otherwise specified, includes paper and electronic formats.
(6) "First party claimant" means an individual,
corporation, association, partnership or other legal entity
asserting a right as a covered person to payment under an
insurance policy or insurance contract arising out of the
occurrence of the contingency or loss covered by ((such)) a
policy or contract((;)).
(((4))) (7) "Insurance policy" or "insurance contract"
mean any contract of insurance, indemnity, suretyship, or
annuity issued, proposed for issuance, or intended for
issuance by any insurer((;)).
(((5))) (8) "Insurer" means any individual, corporation,
association, partnership, reciprocal exchange, interinsurer,
Lloyds insurer, fraternal mutual insurer, fraternal mutual
life insurer, and any other legal entity engaged in the
business of insurance, authorized or licensed to issue or who
issues any insurance policy or insurance contract in this
state. "Insurer" does not include health care service
contractors, as defined in RCW 48.44.010, and health
maintenance organizations, as defined in RCW 48.46.020((;)).
(((6))) (9) "Investigation" means all activities of
((an)) the insurer directly or indirectly related to the
determination of liabilities under coverages afforded by an
insurance policy or insurance contract((;)).
(((7))) (10) "Loss vehicle" means the damaged motor
vehicle or a motor vehicle that the insurer determines is a
"total loss."
(11) "Motor vehicle" means any vehicle subject to registration under chapter 46.16 RCW.
(12) "Notification of claim" means any notification,
whether in writing or other means acceptable under the terms
of an insurance policy or insurance contract, to ((an)) the
insurer or its agent, by a claimant, which reasonably apprises
the insurer of the facts pertinent to a claim((; and)).
(((8))) (13) "Principally garaged area" means the place
where the loss vehicle is normally kept, consistent with the
applicable policy of insurance.
(14) "Third party claimant" means any individual,
corporation, association, partnership or other legal entity
asserting a claim against any individual, corporation,
association, partnership or other legal entity insured under
an insurance policy or insurance contract of ((an)) the
insurer.
(15) "Total loss" means that the insurer has determined that the cost of parts and labor, plus the salvage value, meets or exceeds, or is likely to meet or exceed, the "actual cash value" of the loss vehicle. Other factors may be considered in reaching the total loss determination such as for example, the existence of a biohazard or a death in the vehicle resulting from the loss.
(16) "Written" or "in writing" means any retrievable method of recording an agreement or document, and, unless otherwise specified, includes paper and electronic formats.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010. 78-08-082 (Order R 78-3), § 284-30-320, filed 7/27/78, effective 9/1/78.]
(1) Misrepresenting pertinent facts or insurance policy provisions.
(2) Failing to acknowledge and act reasonably promptly upon communications with respect to claims arising under insurance policies.
(3) Failing to adopt and implement reasonable standards for the prompt investigation of claims arising under insurance policies.
(4) Refusing to pay claims without conducting a reasonable investigation.
(5) Failing to affirm or deny coverage of claims within a
reasonable time after fully completed proof of loss
((statements)) documents have been ((completed)) submitted.
(6) Not attempting in good faith to effectuate prompt,
fair and equitable settlements of claims in which liability
has become reasonably clear. In particular, this includes an
obligation to ((effectuate prompt payment of)) promptly pay
property damage claims to innocent third parties in these
clear liability situations. If two or more insurers ((are
involved)) share liability, they should arrange to make
((such)) appropriate payment, leaving to themselves the burden
of apportioning it.
(7) Compelling ((insureds)) a first party claimant to
((institute)) initiate or submit to litigation, arbitration,
or appraisal to recover amounts due under an insurance policy
by offering substantially less than the amounts ultimately
recovered in such actions or proceedings.
(8) Attempting to settle a claim for less than the amount
to which a reasonable ((man)) person would have believed he or
she was entitled by reference to written or printed
advertising material accompanying or made part of an
application.
(9) Making a claim((s)) payment((s)) to ((insureds)) a
first party claimant or ((beneficiaries)) beneficiary not
accompanied by a statement setting forth the coverage under
which the payment((s are being)) is made.
(10) Asserting to ((insureds or)) a first party
claimant((s)) a policy of appealing ((from)) arbitration
awards in favor of insureds or first party claimants for the
purpose of compelling them to accept settlements or
compromises less than the amount awarded in arbitration.
(11) Delaying the investigation or payment of claims by
requiring ((an insured,)) a first party claimant, or ((the))
his or her physician ((of either)) to submit a preliminary
claim report and then requiring subsequent submissions which
contain substantially the same information.
(12) Failing to promptly settle claims, where liability has become reasonably clear, under one portion of the insurance policy coverage in order to influence settlements under other portions of the insurance policy coverage.
(13) Failing to promptly provide a reasonable explanation of the basis in the insurance policy in relation to the facts or applicable law for denial of a claim or for the offer of a compromise settlement.
(14) Unfairly discriminating against claimants because they are represented by a public adjuster.
(15) Failure to expeditiously honor drafts given in
settlement of claims. A failure to honor a draft within three
working days ((of)) after notice of receipt by the payor bank
will constitute a violation of this provision. Dishonor of
((any such)) a draft for valid reasons related to the
settlement of the claim will not constitute a violation of
this provision.
(16) Failure to adopt and implement reasonable standards
for the processing and payment of claims ((once)) after the
obligation to pay has been established. Except as to those
instances where the time for payment is governed by statute or
rule or is set forth in an applicable contract, procedures
which are not designed to deliver a check or draft to the
payee in payment of a settled claim within fifteen business
days after receipt by the insurer or its attorney of properly
executed releases or other settlement documents are not
acceptable. Where the insurer is obligated to furnish an
appropriate release or settlement document to ((an insured
or)) a claimant, it ((shall)) must do so within twenty working
days after a settlement has been reached.
(17) Delaying appraisals or adding to their cost under insurance policy appraisal provisions through the use of appraisers from outside of the loss area. The use of appraisers from outside the loss area is appropriate only where the unique nature of the loss or a lack of competent local appraisers make the use of out-of-area appraisers necessary.
(18) Failing to make a good faith effort to settle a claim before exercising a contract right to an appraisal.
(19) Negotiating or settling a claim directly with any
claimant known to be represented by an attorney without the
attorney's knowledge and consent. This does not prohibit
routine inquiries to ((an insured)) a first party claimant to
identify the claimant or to obtain details concerning the
claim.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.44.050 and 48.46.200. 87-09-071 (Order R 87-5), § 284-30-330, filed 4/21/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010. 78-08-082 (Order R 78-3), § 284-30-330, filed 7/27/78, effective 9/1/78.]
[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010. 78-08-082 (Order R 78-3), § 284-30-340, filed 7/27/78, effective 9/1/78.]
(a) If payment is made within ((such)) that period of
time, acknowledgement by payment constitutes a satisfactory
response.
(b) If an acknowledgement is made by means other than
writing, an appropriate notation of ((such)) the
acknowledgement ((shall)) must be made in the claim file of
the insurer ((and dated)) describing how, when, and to whom
the notice was made.
(c) Notification given to an agent of ((an)) the insurer
((shall be)) is notification to the insurer.
(2) ((Every insurer,)) Upon receipt of any inquiry from
the ((office of the insurance)) commissioner ((respecting a
claim shall, within fifteen working days of receipt of such
inquiry,)) concerning a complaint, every insurer must furnish
the ((department)) commissioner with an adequate response to
the inquiry within fifteen working days after receipt of the
commissioner's inquiry.
(3) For all other pertinent communications from a
claimant which reasonably suggest that a response is expected,
an appropriate reply ((shall)) must be ((made)) provided
within ten working days for individual insurance policies, or
fifteen working days with respect to communications arising
under group insurance contracts((, on all other pertinent
communications from a claimant which reasonably suggest that a
response is expected)).
(4) ((Every insurer,)) Upon receiving notification of a
claim, ((shall)) every insurer must promptly provide necessary
claim forms, instructions, and reasonable assistance so that
first party claimants can comply with the policy conditions
and the insurer's reasonable requirements. Compliance with
this paragraph within the time limits specified in subsection
(1) of this section ((shall)) constitutes compliance with that
subsection.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010. 78-08-082 (Order R 78-3), § 284-30-360, filed 7/27/78, effective 9/1/78.]
[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010. 78-08-082 (Order R 78-3), § 284-30-370, filed 7/27/78, effective 9/1/78.]
(2) If a claim is denied for reasons other than those
described in subsection (1) and is made by any other means
than in writing, an appropriate notation ((shall)) must be
made in the claim file of the insurer describing how, when,
and to whom the notice was made.
(3) If the insurer needs more time to determine whether a
first party claim should be accepted or denied, it ((shall
so)) must notify the first party claimant within fifteen
working days after receipt of the proofs of loss giving the
reasons more time is needed. If after that time the
investigation remains incomplete, the insurer ((shall,)) must
notify the first party claimant in writing stating the reason
or reasons additional time is needed for investigation. This
notification must be sent within forty-five days ((from))
after the date of the initial notification and ((no later
than)), if needed, additional notice must be provided every
thirty days ((thereafter, send to such claimant a letter
setting forth the reasons additional time is needed for
investigation)) after that date explaining why the claim
remains unresolved.
(4) Insurers ((shall)) must not fail to settle first
party claims on the basis that responsibility for payment
should be assumed by others except as may otherwise be
provided by policy provisions.
(5) Insurers ((shall)) must not continue negotiations for
settlement of a claim directly with a claimant who is neither
an attorney nor represented by an attorney until the
claimant's rights may be affected by a statute of limitations
or a policy or contract time limit, without giving the
claimant written notice that the time limit may be expiring
and may affect the claimant's rights. ((Such)) This notice
((shall)) must be given to first party claimants thirty days
and to third party claimants sixty days before the date on
which ((such)) any time limit may expire.
(6) ((No)) The insurer ((shall)) must not make statements
which indicate that the rights of a third party claimant may
be impaired if a form or release is not completed within a
((given)) specified period of time unless the statement is
given for the purpose of notifying the third party claimant of
the provision of a statute of limitations.
(7) Insurers are responsible for the accuracy of evaluations to determine actual cash value.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010. 78-08-082 (Order R 78-3), § 284-30-380, filed 7/27/78, effective 9/1/78.]
(1) Failure of the insurer to make a good faith effort to communicate with the repair facility chosen by the claimant and must not arbitrarily deny a claimant's estimate for repairs.
(a) A denial of the claimant's estimate for repairs to be completed at the chosen repair facility based solely on the repair facility's hourly rate is considered arbitrary if the rate does not result in a higher overall cost of repairs.
(b) If the insurer pays less than the amount of the estimate from the claimant's chosen repair facility, the insurer must fully disclose the reason or reasons it paid less than the claimant's estimate, and must thoroughly document the circumstances in its claim file.
(2) Requiring the claimant to travel unreasonably to:
(a) Obtain a repair estimate;
(b) Have the loss vehicle repaired at a specific repair facility; or
(c) Obtain a temporary rental or loaner vehicle.
(3) Failure of the insurer to prepare or accept an estimate provided by the claimant that will restore the loss vehicle to its condition prior to the loss.
(a) If the insurer prepares the estimate, it must provide a copy of the estimate to the claimant.
(b) If a claimant provides the estimate and the insurer, after evaluation of the claimant's estimate, determines it owes an amount that differs from the estimate the claimant provided, the insurer must fully disclose the reason or reasons for the difference to the claimant, and must thoroughly document the circumstances in the claim file.
(c) If the claimant chooses to take the loss vehicle to a repair facility where the overall cost to restore the loss vehicle to its condition prior to the loss exceeds the insurer's estimate, the claimant must be advised that he or she may be responsible for any additional amount above the insurer's estimate.
(4) If the insurer prepares the estimate, failure of the insurer to provide a list of repair facilities within the claimant's principally garaged area that will complete the vehicle repairs for the estimated cost of the insurer prepared estimate, upon request of the claimant.
(5) Failure of the insurer to consider any additional loss related damage the repair facility discovers during the repairs to the loss vehicle.
(6) Failure of the insurer to limit deductions for betterment and depreciation to parts normally subject to repair and replacement during the useful life of the loss vehicle. Deductions for betterment and depreciation are limited to the lesser of:
(a) An increase in the actual cash value of the loss vehicle caused by the replacement of the part; or
(b) An amount equal to the value of the expired life of the part to be repaired or replaced when compared to the normal useful life of that part.
(7) If provided for by the terms of the applicable insurance policy, and if the insurer elects to exercise its right to repair the loss vehicle at a specific repair facility, failure of the insurer to prepare or accept an estimate that will restore the loss vehicle to its condition prior to the loss at no additional cost to the first party claimant other than as stated in the applicable policy of insurance.
(8) If liability and damages are reasonably clear, recommending that claimants make a claim under their own collision coverage solely to avoid paying claims under the liability insurance policy.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.30.010. 03-14-092 (Matter No. R 2002-06), § 284-30-390, filed 6/30/03, effective 10/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.44.050 and 48.46.200. 87-09-071 (Order R 87-5), § 284-30-390, filed 4/21/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 (3)(a). 85-02-019 (Order R 84-8), § 284-30-390, filed 12/27/84. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010. 78-08-082 (Order R 78-3), § 284-30-390, filed 7/27/78, effective 9/1/78.]
(1) Replacing the loss vehicle: The insurer may settle a total loss claim by offering to replace the loss vehicle with a comparable motor vehicle that is available for inspection within a reasonable distance from where the loss vehicle is principally garaged.
(2) Cash settlement: The insurer may settle a total loss claim by offering a cash settlement based on the actual cash value of a comparable motor vehicle, less any applicable deductible provided for in the policy.
(a) Only a vehicle identified as a comparable motor vehicle may be used to determine the actual cash value.
(b) The insurer must determine the actual cash value of the loss vehicle by using any one or more of the following methods:
(i) Comparable motor vehicle: The actual cash value of a comparable motor vehicle based on current data obtained in the area where the loss vehicle is principally garaged.
(ii) Licensed dealer quotes: Quotations for the cost of a comparable motor vehicle obtained from two or more licensed dealers within a reasonable distance of the principally garaged area not to exceed one hundred fifty miles (except where there are no licensed dealers having comparable motor vehicles within one hundred fifty miles).
(iii) Advertised data comparison: The actual cash value of two or more comparable motor vehicles advertised for sale in the local media if the advertisements meet the definition of current data as defined in WAC 284-30-320(4). The vehicles must be located within a reasonable distance of the principally garaged area not to exceed one hundred fifty miles.
(iv) Computerized source: The insurer may use a computerized source to establish a statistically valid actual cash value of the loss vehicle. The source used must meet all of the following criteria:
(A) The source's data base must produce values for at least eighty-five percent of all makes and models for a minimum of fifteen years taking into account the values of all major options for such motor vehicles.
(B) The source must produce actual cash values based on current data within a reasonable distance of the principally garaged area, not to exceed one hundred fifty miles.
(C) The source must rely upon the actual cash value of comparable motor vehicles that are currently available or were available in the market place within ninety days prior to or after the date of loss.
(D) The source must provide a list of comparable motor vehicles used to determine the actual cash value. If more than thirty comparable motor vehicles are located, the insurer need list only thirty but may list more.
(v) Cash settlement search area: If none of the methods in subsection (2)(b)(i) through (iv) of this section produce a comparable motor vehicle to establish an actual cash value within the principally garaged area, the search area may be expanded in increasing circles of twenty-five mile increments, up to one hundred and fifty miles, until two or more comparable motor vehicles are located. If no comparable motor vehicles can be located within one hundred fifty miles, the search area may be expanded with the agreement of the first party claimant.
(3) Appraisal: If the first party claimant and the insurer fail to agree on the actual cash value of the loss vehicle and the insurance policy has an appraisal provision, either the insurer or the first party claimant may invoke the appraisal provision of the policy to resolve disputes concerning the actual cash value.
(4) Settlement requirements: When settling a total loss vehicle claim using methods in subsections (1) through (3) of this section, the insurer must:
(a) Communicate its settlement offer to the claimant by phone or in writing and information about this communication must be documented in the claim file, including the date, time, and name of the person to whom the offer was made.
(b) Base all offers on itemized and verifiable dollar amounts for vehicles that are currently available, or were available within ninety days of the date of loss, using appropriate deductions or additions for options, mileage or condition when determining comparability.
(c) Consider relevant information supplied by the claimant when determining appropriate deductions or additions.
(d) Provide a true and accurate copy of any "valuation report," as described in WAC 284-30-392, if requested.
(e) As part of the settlement amount, include all applicable government taxes and fees that would have been incurred by the claimant if the claimant had purchased the loss vehicle immediately prior to the loss. These taxes and fees must be included in the settlement amount whether or not the claimant retains or subsequently transfers ownership of the loss vehicle.
(5) Settlement adjustments: Insurers may adjust a total loss settlement through the following methods only:
(a) The insurer may deduct from a first party claim the amount of another claim payment (including the applicable deductible) previously made to an insured for prior unrepaired damage to the same vehicle.
(b) Deductions other than those made pursuant to (a) of this subsection may be made for other unrepaired damage as long as the amount of deduction is no greater than the decrease in actual cash value due to prior damage.
(c) If the claimant retains the total loss vehicle, the insurer may deduct the salvage value from the settlement amount, as used in subsection (4)(e) of this section. Upon a request by the claimant, the insurer must provide the name and address of a salvage entity or dismantler who will purchase the salvage for the amount deducted with no additional charge. This purchase option must remain available for at least thirty days after the settlement agreement is reached but the claimant must be advised that the salvage entity may not honor its offer if the condition of the salvage has changed.
(d) Any additions or deductions from the actual cash value must be explained to the claimant and must be itemized showing specific dollar amounts.
(6) Reopening a claim file:
(a) The insurer must reopen the claim file if within the first thirty-five days after the date final payment is sent to the first party claimant, lienholder, or both, the claimant is not able to purchase a comparable motor vehicle for the agreed amount but was able to locate, but did not purchase a comparable motor vehicle that costs more than the agreed settlement amount.
(b) If the claimant has satisfied (a) of this subsection, and if the appraisal section of the policy has not been utilized, the insurer must do one of the following:
(i) Locate a comparable motor vehicle that is currently available for the agreed settlement amount;
(ii) Pay the claimant the difference between the agreed settlement amount and the cost of the comparable motor vehicle;
(iii) Purchase the comparable motor vehicle for the claimant; or
(iv) Conclude the loss settlement in the manner provided in the appraisal section of the insurance policy in force at the time of the loss.
(c) The insurer is not required to reopen the claim file if:
(i) The claimant received written notification of the location of a specific comparable motor vehicle available for purchase for the agreed settlement amount and the claimant did not purchase this vehicle within five business days after the date final payment is sent to the claimant, lienholder, or both; or
(ii) The appraisal provision was previously exercised.
[]
(1) All information collected during the initial inspection assessing the condition, equipment, and mileage of the loss vehicle;
(2) All information the insurer used to determine the actual cash value of the loss vehicle;
(3) A list of the comparable motor vehicles used by the insurer to arrive at the actual cash value. This list must include:
(a) The source of the information used;
(b) The date of the information;
(c) Contact information for the seller, the comparable motor vehicle's vehicle identification number, or both;
(d) The seller's asking price;
(e) The sold price, if available; and
(f) The location or contact information for each comparable motor vehicle at the time of the valuation.
(4) When the insurer uses a computerized source for determining statistically valid actual cash values meeting the requirements of WAC 284-30-391 (2)(b)(iv):
(a) The source must provide a list of comparable motor vehicles used to determine the actual cash value. If more than thirty comparable motor vehicles are used, only thirty must be listed.
(b) Any supplemental information must be clearly identified with a separate heading.
(c) Any weighting of identified vehicles to arrive at an average must be documented and explained.
[]
[]
(1) Advise the first party claimant by phone or in writing before it stops payment for storage of the loss vehicle. This communication must be documented in the claim file. If it is a phone call, the documentation must include the date, time, name of the person contacted and a summary of the conversation;
(2) Before stopping payment for storage, provide reasonable time for the claimant to move the loss vehicle. Five calendar days is considered reasonable time unless the claimant agrees to a shorter time period;
(3) Pay any and all reasonable towing charges unless otherwise provided in the applicable insurance policy.
[]
[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010. 78-08-082 (Order R 78-3), § 284-30-400, filed 7/27/78, effective 9/1/78.]