Shaking Subsides in Washington State Quake Market

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said he expected all insurers offering earthquake insurance in the state to resume writing such coverage no more than 30 days after the Feb. 28 quake that rattled Western Washington and parts of Oregon.

Kreidler, speaking at the annual meeting of the Surplus Line Association of Washington, also said his office is having discussions with a carrier that wants to come into the state and write quake business.

Kreidler didn’t name the insurer, but he said he hopes the company will be able to sell policies in Washington as soon as possible.

“We might set a speed record in this state for getting a company admitted,” he said.