Credit Ban Update

Earlier this year, the Washington State Insurance Commissioner used his emergency powers to eliminate the use of credit scores in determining automotive insurance rates. Maybe you’re one of our clients who noticed a change when your policy renewed. For many, the difference was not significant and we may have recommended you wait until the dust settles before you considered changing carriers.

The order was temporary and has been challenged in court. Last month a Thurston County Superior Court Judge ended the emergency ruling because he didn’t see “good cause” to file this as an emergency. But it’s not over until it’s over. Insurance carriers initially had to scramble to comply and now are taking more of a wait and see approach before changing rates again.

We’ll keep you posted on this in future newsletters. There may be an appeal in the works and it could take some time for a final determination to be made. In the meantime, you’re welcome to call if you have questions. As an independent insurance agency, we work for you and will always strive to find the best value for your unique situation.