Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner

New producer rules - frequently asked questions

Categories

Producer Licensing | Lines of Authority | New Licensees |
Compensation and Disclosure | Miscellaneous

Producer Licensing

Questions

  1. There has been a great deal of discussion on Washington moving to a “producer model.” What does that mean?
  2. Why did Washington decide to go to the producer model?
  3. When does the move to the producer model take place?
  4. Will this only affect those individuals that have a license already or will it also affect someone seeking a new insurance license?
  5. Are other license types affected by the change to the producer model? Answer
  6. Will I get a new license mailed to me after the conversion?


Answers

1. There has been a great deal of discussion on Washington moving to a “producer model.” What does that mean?

It basically means we are moving from a dual-license system (our old agent/broker structure) to a single-license system (the new producer model).

The “producer model” is a suggested set of insurance licensing guidelines proposed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners which have been adopted in a majority of states. (back to top)


2. Why did Washington decide to go to the producer model?

The decision was based primarily on uniformity:

  • By adopting the producer model, the licensing structure is very similar to how other states license their resident and non-resident applicants.
  • We also have adopted laws and rules that create a more uniform method of issuing licenses and regulating the business of insurance across state lines. (back to top)


3. When does the move to the producer model take place?

The move to the producer model takes place July 1, 2009. (back to top)


4. Will this only affect those individuals that have a license already or will it also affect someone seeking a new insurance license?

It affects both groups. Let’s look at these separately:

  • If you already have an insurance license, your license will automatically be converted from an agent or broker (or both) to a producer.

Example: You hold an agent license with life and disability lines, a broker license with life and disability lines, or both.  On July 1 you will hold a single producer license with life and disability lines.

  • If you are seeking a new insurance license, there are many changes to fees, fingerprint requirements, the application accepted, pre-licensing education, licensing exams, requirements for maintaining your license, and the availability of online licensing.

These changes are detailed in the, “New licensees” section of this FAQ. (back to top)


5. Are other license types affected by the change to the producer model?

Yes. General agent licenses will be eliminated and converted to a producer license. The GA license may have had limited appointments.  These limited appointments have also been eliminated. More information regarding limited appointment changes are detailed in the "Lines of Authority" section of this FAQ.

The solicitor license will also be eliminated and converted to a producer license.  This means after the conversion, they must now complete continuing education requirements in order to renew. (back to top)


6. Will I get a new license mailed to me after the conversion?

You can actually print it directly through our Online Services. Log on to www.insurance.wa.gov after July 1 to print your new license. (back to top)



Questions?

Phone: 360-725-7144
Email: Licinfo@oic.wa.go


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