The bill amends existing Washington state insurance laws to extend the required notice period for cancellation or nonrenewal of certain insurance policies from 45 days to 60 days. Specifically, it modifies RCW 48.18.290 and RCW 48.18.2901 to require insurers to provide written notice of cancellation or nonrenewal to the named insured at least 60 days prior to the effective date of cancellation for most insurance policies, and 90 days for medical malpractice insurance policies. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if an insurer cancels a policy for nonpayment of premium, the notice must still be sent at least 10 days before cancellation.

The bill also introduces a new section that specifies the effective date for these changes, stating that they will apply to all affected policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. This legislative change aims to provide policyholders with more time to secure alternative coverage and to ensure transparency regarding the reasons for cancellation or nonrenewal.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 48.18.290, 48.18.2901, 48.18.291, 48.18.292
Substitute Bill: 48.18.290, 48.18.2901, 48.18.291, 48.18.292
Bill as Passed Legislature: 48.18.290, 48.18.2901
Session Law: 48.18.290, 48.18.2901