Why I’m running
The Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is unique among all the elected state offices, in that the OIC has rulemaking authority over what insurance policies must contain. This has a tremendous impact on your insurance rates by forcing them to cover, in health insurance, for example, procedures that you may not want. The current commissioner and my opponent want to continue implementing policy goals that could not pass the Legislature. I believe that the office is not a policy office but a consumer protection office regarding rates and coverage.
Why do insurance companies leave the state?
California has lost more insurance companies than any other state. One reason for that is the time it takes to get a rate increase approved. Other states like Idaho approve rates in 30 days and have seen smaller rate increases based on inflationary costs, cars and homes cost more to replace or repair for example. My goal is to increase the number of companies competing for your business, which would keep prices lower. Faster approvals would help do that.
Car insurance and uninsured motorists – As insurance rates skyrocket, fewer people are opting to buy car insurance pushing your uninsured motorist insurance rates higher and higher. In Washington you are required to show insurance to buy a car. You are not required to have insurance to register your car. We need to look at strengthening insurance requirements and penalties for uninsured motorists.
Fire Insurance in Forest fire-prone areas – As the cost of repair and replacement increase, more companies are declining to renew fire insurance policies. Since the state has the majority of the responsibility to manage the forests and mismanagement can result in catastrophic fires, the state should assume 20% of the liability. Washington State is also the only state in the union that does not allow insurance discounts for fire protection improvements.
Schools and insurance costs – Many school districts participate in “insurance pools” to cover minor claims before they file claims with insurance companies. If the state was to provide an additional 20% to the insurance pool, on the condition that the state’s 20% be used only after the district funds are expended, the district’s insurance cost could be significantly reduced, keeping more dollars in the classroom.
Insurance and firearm ownership – Unlike my opponent who wants you to purchase a rider on your homeowner’s policy to benefit a criminal home invader, I favor allowing firearm owners to purchase insurance to cover legal expenses when you use your firearm in self-defense.