Kirkland man pleads guilty to filing a false auto insurance claim

03/30/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A Kirkland man pled guilty to committing insurance fraud after an investigation by Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU).

Jerame Thurik pled guilty to false claims or proof on March 27 in King County Superior Court. He was ordered to pay $500 in court fees, undergo a substance abuse evaluation, and serve 24 months’ probation. His jail sentence was suspended, aside from the day he spent in King County Jail.

Thurik purchased an insurance policy with GEICO on April 12, 2021. A month and a half later he filed a claim, stating…

OIC issues memo on Premera, EvergreenHealth negotiations

03/23/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — EvergreenHealth, a public hospital district serving north King and south Snohomish counties, is in contract negotiations to renew its health plan contracts with Premera Blue Cross. 

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner issued a memo on March 23, 2023, to provide details on the potential termination, which would go into effect on April 1 if the parties do not reach an agreement on a contract. The termination would not include the EvergreenHealth Monroe Medical Center.

Insurers are required to notify the OIC of any changes that could affect…

Rule proposed to require insurers tell you why your premium is going up

03/14/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A new regulation proposed by Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler requires insurance companies to explain premium increases to their policyholders in language they can understand. 

“If your insurance company is going to increase your premium, you have a right to know why,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “This is pretty basic information you should expect from your insurance company, but we hear from hundreds of consumers every year who cannot get a straight answer on why they’re being charged more.”

The number one complaint…

Kreidler issues $25,500 in fines for violations in February

03/06/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in February totaling $25,500 against insurance companies, producers, brokers and individuals who violated state insurance laws and regulations.

Unlicensed brokers and unauthorized insurers

Empire West Insurance Services, Inc.; fined $10,000 (order 23-0030).

Empire West obtained surplus lines insurance for consumers in Washington without being licensed to do so. Insurance companies

Esurance Insurance Company, Northbrook, Ill.; fined $5,000 (order 23-0016).

Esurance, part of the Allstate Insurance…