About us
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner oversees the insurance industry to make sure that companies follow the rules and that Washington citizens get what they pay for. We cover all types of insurance, including auto, home, life, disability and health insurance.
Unlike most state agencies, we are not funded by public tax dollars. Insurance companies pay an administrative fee to cover all of our costs.
With about 200 employees, we are one of the smaller state agencies in Washington, but we cover a lot of ground. For example, we:
- Answer questions, provide information, investigate claims and address problems for more than 100,000 people a year who need help with their insurance.
- Test, license and monitor the almost 98,000 individuals and businesses that handle insurance in Washington state.
- License and audit the 56 insurance companies that are based in Washington state to make sure they follow all the rules.
- Collect about $450 million a year in taxes that fund a wide array of public services.
- Have built a statewide network of volunteers who provide individual education and assistance on health care issues to more than 23,000 people each year.>
- Step in and run insurance companies that have severe financial troubles to make sure their customers aren’t left to fend for themselves.
- Maintain more than 200 publications that explain the types of insurance that are available and help consumers decide what is right for them.
Note: Figures updated in April 2008
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