Bill > HB1645

This bill enhances consumer protections for automobile insurance by mandating that all auto insurance policies with first-party physical damage coverage (issued or renewed after January 1, 2026) include a standardized appraisal clause to resolve disputes between insurers and policyholders about the actual cash value and amount of loss for a damaged vehicle. The bill specifies a detailed dispute resolution process where each party selects an appraiser, and if those appraisers cannot agree, they jointly select an umpire (or have the insurance commissioner select one). The appraisers must make separate loss assessments, and if they cannot agree, the umpire helps determine the final loss amount. If the appraisal process results in a loss determination that is $500 or more higher than the insurance company's initial assessment, the insurer must reimburse the policyholder for appraisal costs, including professional fees and attorneys' fees. The bill also defines key terms like "appraiser," "competent," "disinterested," and "umpire" to ensure clarity and fairness in the appraisal process, and allows the insurance commissioner to adopt rules to implement these provisions.

Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1645&Year=2025&Initiative=false