For Consumers

Kreidler orders property insurers to give grace periods, halt cancelations until May 9

Contact Public Affairs: 360-725-7055

March 25, 2020

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler ordered all property and casualty insurers in Washington state to take steps to make sure policyholders retain coverage for their homes, vehicles, other property and liability policies during Washington state’s coronavirus state of emergency. 

Specifically, the order requires insurers that sell property and casualty policies in our state to: 

  • Provide a grace period for policyholders to pay their insurance premiums.
  • Waive fees related to any late payments, including late fees and reinstatement fees.
  • Refrain from canceling any policy for nonpayment of premium, unless the policyholder requests the policy to be canceled.

The order will remain in effect for 45 days, until May 9, 2020.

“Many Washington state citizens are unemployed and many businesses have suspended operations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and state of emergency, and it’s imperative for them to keep their insurance coverage to protect them from further economic harm,” said Kreidler. “If you need some time to pay your insurance premiums, contact your company and they will work with you.”