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(Effective until October 18, 2026)
Prior to denying storage and towing costs, the insurer must do all of the following:
(1) Advise the first party claimant by phone or in writing before it stops payment for storage of the loss vehicle. This communication must be documented in the claim file. If it is a phone call, the documentation must include the date, time, name of the person contacted and a summary of the conversation;
(2) Provide reasonable time for the claimant to move the loss vehicle before stopping payment for storage. Five calendar days is considered reasonable time unless the claimant agrees to a shorter time period;
(3) Pay any and all reasonable towing charges unless otherwise provided in the applicable insurance policy.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060 and 48.30.010. WSR 09-11-129 (Matter R 2007-08), § 284-30-394, filed 5/20/09, effective 8/21/09.]
(Effective October 18, 2026)
A violation of any of the following is hereby defined as an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice of the insurer in the business of insurance, specifically applicable to the settlement of motor vehicle claims:
Prior to denying storage or towing costs, the insurer must do all of the following:
(1) Advise the claimant by phone or in writing before it stops payment for storage of the loss vehicle. This communication must be documented in the claim file. If it is a phone call, the documentation must include the date, time, name of the person contacted and a summary of the conversation;
(2) Provide reasonable time for the claimant to move the loss vehicle before stopping payment for storage. Five calendar days is considered reasonable time unless the claimant agrees to a shorter time period; and
(3) Pay any and all reasonable towing charges unless otherwise provided in the applicable insurance policy.