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Key Takeaways

  • The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) regulates all insurance activities under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 48
  • The Insurance Commissioner is elected by Washington voters to a 4-year term and has broad regulatory authority
  • OIC handles licensing, enforcement, consumer complaints, rate review, and market conduct examinations
  • Washington requires fingerprinting and background checks for all insurance license applicants
  • The OIC can impose fines up to $25,000 per violation for insurance code violations
Last updated: January 2026

Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC)

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The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is the state agency responsible for regulating the insurance industry in Washington State. Like California, Washington's Insurance Commissioner is elected by voters.

The Insurance Commissioner

The Insurance Commissioner is:

  • Elected by Washington voters to a 4-year term
  • One of only 11 states where the commissioner is elected
  • Responsible for enforcing the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 48
  • Authorized to adopt regulations, investigate violations, and discipline licensees

Commissioner Powers and Duties

PowerDescription
LicensingIssue, suspend, and revoke producer licenses
RulemakingAdopt Washington Administrative Code (WAC) regulations
EnforcementInvestigate and prosecute violations
Rate ReviewApprove or disapprove insurance rates
Consumer ProtectionHandle complaints and protect policyholders
Market ConductExamine insurer business practices

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 48

Washington insurance law is found in RCW Title 48 - Insurance. The RCW contains:

  • Licensing requirements for producers and insurers
  • Policy standards and required provisions
  • Consumer protections and disclosure requirements
  • Prohibited practices and penalties
  • Claims handling requirements

Exam Tip: Remember that the Insurance Commissioner is ELECTED in Washington (one of only 11 states). Washington insurance law is in RCW Title 48.

OIC Organization

OIC operates through several divisions:

  • Producer Licensing Division - Handles agent/broker licensing
  • Rates and Forms Division - Reviews insurance rates and policy forms
  • Company Supervision Division - Monitors insurer financial health
  • Consumer Protection Division - Handles consumer complaints
  • Investigations Unit - Investigates fraud and violations
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Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner Structure
Test Your Knowledge

How is the Washington Insurance Commissioner selected?

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Test Your Knowledge

Where is Washington insurance law primarily found?

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1.2 Washington Producer Licensing Requirements

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