If an insured person wants to sue his or her insurance company under the Insurance Fair Conduct Act, the policyholder must mail written notice of the potential lawsuit to the insurance company and to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner at least 20 days before the lawsuit is filed.

The notices can be sent by regular mail, registered mail or certified mail with return receipt requested.

Notices should include a cover sheet and should clearly state the reason for the lawsuit.

Note: Do not provide medical information or records with your notice.

Send notices to:

Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Insurance Fair Conduct Act Claim Notification
Attn: Christine M Tribe, Paralegal
P.O. Box 40255
Olympia, WA 98504-0255

Note: If you fail to use a cover sheet or your notification isn't clearly identified as a claim under the Insurance Fair Conduct Act, there is a risk that agency staff might inadvertently not recognize it or fail to record it properly. If the agency has no record that you filed the required notice, you could lose the right to sue your insurer under the act.

Remember, once you have mailed your notice, to wait at least 20 days before filing your lawsuit.

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