WA| Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer issued Emergency Order No. 26-01 on August 3, 2026 (filed as WSR 26-16-059), invoking RCW 48.02.060(4)(b) & (c) following Governor Ferguson’s Proclamation 26-03 declaring a statewide emergency for the 2026 wildfires. The order applies to all insurers authorized to transact property and/or automobile insurance in Washington and runs from August 3 through September 30, 2026, covering all zip codes — and adjacent zip codes — where wildfires have burned structures or official evacuation orders were issued, subject to possible extension by further order.
Key Points:
- Extended notice requirements — Statutory notice periods are suspended and lengthened: property insurers must give at least 120 days’ notice of nonrenewal or cancellation (up from 60 days under RCW 48.18.2901 and 48.18.290), and auto insurers at least 60 days (up from 20 days under RCW 48.18.292 and 48.18.291).
- Grace periods and fee waivers — Insurers must provide grace periods of at least 45 days for nonpayment of premium and waive related late and reinstatement fees.
- Cancellation moratorium — No property or automobile policy may be cancelled for nonpayment of premium unless the insured specifically directs it.