We're here to protect insurance consumers
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Service of legal process

Understanding service of process

What is a service of process (SOP)?

It is the act of giving legal notice to a person. Notice is furnished by delivering a set of court documents to the person to be served.

 

Who can be served through the Office of Insurance Commissioner?

Authorized foreign (out of state) and alien (out of country) insurance companies, agencies and producers.

Unauthorized foreign and alien insurance companies, agencies and producers.

The Office of Insurance Commissioner cannot accept service of legal process for a domestic entity. Domestic companies may be served through an agent authorized by their company.

 

What is the difference between foreign, alien and domestic?

A foreign company is formed under the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia, but in a state or territory other than Washington state.

An alien company is formed under the laws of a nation other than the United States.

A domestic company is formed under the laws of Washington state.

 

How to serve a service of legal process

How do I serve a domestic entity?

You may serve domestic insurance companies through any authorized agent. You can use our Agent, agency and company lookup page to look up a company and find an agent in your area.

 

How do I serve a foreign or alien insurance company or agent/broker/producer?

Please deliver to us the following:

  1. A cover letter stating the name of the person or entity being served and which documents are attached (example attachments: summons, complaint, case schedule, etc.).
  2. Two sets of all documents for each entity or person you are serving. Example: If you are serving one insurer, submit two sets. If you are serving two insurers, submit four sets of documents = two insurers X two sets.
  3. $10 per entity being served. Please pay by check or money order made payable to Office of Insurance Commissioner. 

 

How do I deliver the service?

You can use any of the following options:

  • Certified mail with return receipt requested.
  • Registered mail.
  • A person competent to serve a summons who is 18 years or older.
Where do I deliver the service?
Mailing address
Messenger delivery

Office of Insurance Commissioner

Service of Process

PO Box 40257

Olympia, WA 98504-0257

Office of Insurance Commissioner

Service of Process

5000 Capitol Blvd

Tumwater, WA 98501

 

What happens to the service of process once it’s delivered?

Our goal is to process each service of legal process within three business days, once we have received proper paperwork and payment.

Once we have processed the service of process we will:

  • Send the service of process contact (as designated by the defendant insurer) a set of the documents and a certificate of service.

  • Send the plaintiff’s attorney a copy of the certificate of service.

  • Retain a complete set of records for six (6) years.

How long does the foreign insurer or agent/broker/producer have to respond to the Service of Process? 
The defendant insurer or agent/broker/producer has 40 days to plead, answer or otherwise defend the action.  The time starts as soon as we accept the documents and payment.

What if I have questions?

You can email our office or call us at 360-725-7009.

 




Updated 04/09/2012

Tell a friend |