Kreidler hosting workshop to address historic increase in auto insurance complaints?

OLYMPIA, Wash. ? Claims denied without a suitable explanation. Frustrating delays in hearing back from insurance companies. Initial app-based repair estimates coming in thousands of dollars below the final cost.??

Washingtonians have been filing complaints about their auto and homeowners insurance issues at a record pace, and Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler announced Monday he?s hosting a workshop next month to hear from consumers, insurers and other parties on the reasons for the increase.??

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner has reported a historic volume of complaints since 2021. The OIC?s Consumer Advocacy Program received 467 complaints in April 2023, up from the historic average of 287 a month ? a 63% increase.

?Most of the time, the claims process works as intended when insureds and claimants alike are made whole,? Kreidler said. ?But when there are disputes, the industry needs to step up and do more to help resolve them in a timely, accurate manner.??