Washington Commissioner Tells Insurers to Give Relief on Premium Payments, Cancellations

Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer issued an emergency order that includes asking insurers in the state to provide grace periods for premium payments and a cancelation moratorium.

The order was drafted to provide relief to Washington policyholders after the recent atmospheric river and winter weather event last week. The order is in effect from December 15 to February 12, 2026, and it applies to all property/casualty insurers operating in Washington state.

The order directs insurers to:

• Provide 45-day grace periods for premium payments and waive all late fees and reinstatement fees.
• Not cancel a policy for nonpayment unless directed to do so by the policyholder.
• Extend the nonrenewal notice period from 45 days to 120 days before the expiration date of the policy.

Kuderer also opened registration for out-of-state adjustors and sent guidance to insurers and the public on investigating and adjusting flood damage to covered property.

Kuderer is using powers granted to her following the statewide emergency that Gov. Bob Ferguson declared on Dec. 10 in response to the widespread flooding in Washington. When the governor issues an emergency proclamation, the commissioner can issue an emergency order related to insurance policies to ensure access to coverage. The order can be extended by the commissioner for 30 days at a time as long as the governor’s emergency proclamation remains in effect.

Topics Carriers Washington