Washington Commissioner of Insurance (2024)

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Washington Commissioner of Insurance

Washington Commissioner of Insurance (1)
General information
Office Type:Partisan
Office website:Official Link
Compensation:$137,700
2024-2025 FY Budget:$88,149,000
Term limits:None
Structure
Length of term: 4 years
Authority:Washington Code - 48.02.010
Selection Method:Elected
Current Officeholder
Mike Kreidler
Elections
Next election:November 5, 2024
Last election:November 3, 2020
Other Washington Executive Offices
GovernorLieutenant GovernorSecretary of StateAttorney GeneralTreasurerAuditorSuperintendent of Education• • Agriculture CommissionerInsurance CommissionerNatural Resources CommissionerLabor CommissionerPublic Service Commissioner

Contents

  • 1 Current officeholder
  • 2 Authority
  • 3 Qualifications
  • 4 Elections
    • 4.1 2024
    • 4.2 2020
    • 4.3 2016
    • 4.4 Full history
    • 4.5 2012
    • 4.6 2008
  • 5 Vacancies
  • 6 Duties
  • 7 Divisions
  • 8 State budget
  • 9 Compensation
    • 9.1 2022
    • 9.2 2021
    • 9.3 2020
    • 9.4 2019
    • 9.5 2018
    • 9.6 2017
    • 9.7 2016
    • 9.8 2015
    • 9.9 2014
    • 9.10 2013
    • 9.11 2012
  • 10 Historical officeholders
  • 11 Recent news
  • 12 Contact information
  • 13 See also
  • 14 External links
  • 15 Footnotes

The Washington Commissioner of Insurance is an elected state executive position in the Washington state government. The commissioner is responsible for overseeing the state insurance industry.

Current officeholder

The current officeholder is Mike Kreidler (D). He has served in this position since 2001.[1]

Authority

The office of insurance commissioner is established in the Washington Code.[2]

Washington Code - 48.02.010:

There shall be an insurance commissioner of this state who shall be elected at the time and in the manner that other state officers are elected.

Qualifications

Article 3, Section 25 of the state Constitution establishes the qualifications of the office:

  • a citizen of the United States
  • a qualified elector in Washington
Qualifications, Compensation, Offices Which May Be Abolished. No person, except a citizen of the United States and a qualified elector of this state, shall be eligible to hold any state office...

Elections

Washington Commissioner of Insurance (2)

Washington state government organizational chart

In Washington, the insurance commissioner is elected every four years. Elections are held in November and winners assume office the following January, serving until their successor is elected and qualified.

Washington elects insurance commissioners in presidential election years (2020, 2024, 2028, 2032).

2024

See also: Washington Insurance Commissioner election, 2024

General election candidates

Note: The list of general election candidates is incomplete pending results from the primary.

    Primary candidates

    Did not make the ballot:

    2020

    See also: Washington Insurance Commissioner election, 2020

    General election candidates

    Washington Commissioner of Insurance (4) = candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey
    Primary candidates

    Washington Commissioner of Insurance (7) = candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

    2016

    See also: Washington Insurance Commissioner election, 2016

    The general election for insurance commissioner was held on November 8, 2016.

    Incumbent Mike Kreidler defeated Richard Schrock in the Washington insurance commissioner election.

    Washington Insurance Commissioner, 2016
    PartyCandidateVote%Votes
    Democratic Washington Commissioner of Insurance (8) Mike Kreidler Incumbent58.34%1,763,134
    Republican Richard Schrock 41.66%1,258,827
    Total Votes3,021,961
    Source: Washington Secretary of State

    Full history

    To view the electoral history dating back to 2000 for the office of Washington Commissioner of Insurance, click [show] to expand the section.

    2012

    See also: Washington down ballot state executive elections, 2012

    Incumbent Mike Kreidler won re-election on November 6, 2012.

    Washington Commissioner of Insurance General Election, 2012
    PartyCandidateVote%Votes
    Democratic Washington Commissioner of Insurance (9)Mike Kreidler Incumbent58.3%1,662,555
    Republican John Adams 41.7%1,188,926
    Total Votes2,851,481
    Election results via Washington Secretary of State

    2008

    On November 4, 2008, Mike Kreidler won re-election to the office of Washington Commissioner of Insurance. He defeated John Adams (R) in the general election.

    Washington Commissioner of Insurance, 2008
    PartyCandidateVote%Votes
    Democratic Washington Commissioner of Insurance (10)Mike Kreidler Incumbent61.4%1,679,696
    Republican John Adams 38.6%1,056,693
    Total Votes2,736,389
    Election results via Washington Secretary of State.

    2004

    On November 2, 2004, Mike Kreidler won re-election to the office of Washington Commissioner of Insurance. He defeated John Adams (R) and Stephen D. Steele (L) in the general election.

    Washington Commissioner of Insurance, 2004
    PartyCandidateVote%Votes
    Democratic Washington Commissioner of Insurance (11)Mike Kreidler Incumbent54.5%1,393,764
    Republican John Adams 41.4%1,058,583
    Libertarian Stephen D. Steele 4.2%107,295
    Total Votes2,559,642
    Election results via Washington Secretary of State.

    2000

    On November 7, 2000, Mike Kreidler won election to the office of Washington Commissioner of Insurance. He defeated Don Davidson (R) and Mike Hihn (L) in the general election.

    Washington Commissioner of Insurance, 2000
    PartyCandidateVote%Votes
    Democratic Washington Commissioner of Insurance (12)Mike Kreidler 53.4%1,174,039
    Republican Don Davidson 42.4%933,568
    Libertarian Mike Hihn 4.2%92,185
    Total Votes2,199,792
    Election results via Washington Secretary of State.

    Vacancies

    Note: Ballotpedia's state executive officials project researches the constitutional or statutory text that details the process of filling vacancies for a state executive office. That information for the Washington Commissioner of Insurance has not yet been added. After extensive research, we were unable to identify any relevant information on state official websites. If you have any additional information about this office for inclusion on this section and/or page, please email us.

    Duties

    As of January 2021, the stated duties of the commissioner were:[3]

    The Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner protects insurance consumers and oversees the insurance industry.

    We make sure insurance companies follow the rules and people get the coverage they've paid for.

    Each year, we answer questions and investigate problems for nearly 100,000 people. Additionally, we maintain a statewide network of volunteers who advise consumers on health-coverage issues.[4]

    Divisions

    Note: Ballotpedia's state executive officials project researches state official websites for information that describes the divisions (if any exist) of a state executive office. That information for the Washington Commissioner of Insurance has not yet been added. After extensive research we were unable to identify any relevant information on state official websites. If you have any additional information about this office for inclusion on this section and/or page, please email us.

    State budget

    See also: Washington state budget and finances

    The budget for the Office of the Insurance Commissioner in Fiscal Year 2024-2025 was $88,149,000.[5]

    Compensation

    See also: Compensation of state executive officers

    2022

    In 2022, the officer's salary was $137,700, according to the Council of State Governments.[6]

    2021

    In 2021, the commissioner received a salary of $138,375, according to the Council of State Governments.[7]

    2020

    In 2020, the insurance commissioner received a salary of $133,250 according to the Council of State Governments.[8]

    2019

    In 2019, the insurance commissioner received a salary of $126,555 according to the Council of State Governments.[9]

    2018

    In 2018, the insurance commissioner received a salary of $125,302 according to the Council of State Governments.[10]

    2017

    In 2017, the insurance commissioner received a salary of $124,061 according to the Council of State Governments.[11]

    2016

    In 2016, the insurance commissioner received a salary of $121,628 according to the Council of State Governments.[12]

    2015

    In 2015, the insurance commissioner received a salary of $116,950 according to the Council of State Governments.[13]

    2014

    In 2014, the commissioner was paid an estimated $116,950 according to the Council of State Governments.[14]

    2013

    In 2013, the commissioner was paid an estimated $116,950 according to the Council of State Governments.[15]

    2012

    In 2012, the commissioner was paid an estimated $116,950 according to the Council of State Governments.

    Historical officeholders

    Note: Ballotpedia's state executive officials project researches state official websites for chronological lists of historical officeholders; information for the Washington Commissioner of Insurance has not yet been added because the information was unavailable on the relevant state official websites, or we are currently in the process of formatting the list for this office. If you have any additional information about this office for inclusion on this section and/or page, please email us.

    Recent news

    The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms WashingtonStateInsuranceCommissioner. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.

    Contact information

    Office of the Washington Insurance Commissioner
    Mailing address
    P.O. Box 40255
    Olympia, WA 98504-0255

    Street Address
    302 Sid Snyder Ave., SW, Suite 200
    Olympia, WA 98504-0255

    Phone: (800) 562-6900

    See also

    WashingtonState Executive ElectionsNews and Analysis

    Washington Commissioner of Insurance (13)

    Washington Commissioner of Insurance (14)

    Washington Commissioner of Insurance (15)

    Washington State Executive Offices
    Washington State Legislature
    Washington Courts
    202420232022202120202019201820172016
    Washington elections: 202420232022202120202019201820172016
    Party control of state government
    State government trifectas
    State of the state addresses
    Partisan composition of governors

    External links

    Footnotes

    1. Washington Commissioner of Insurance, "Home," accessed January 28, 2021
    2. Washington State Code, "RCW 48.02.010," accessed January 28, 2021
    3. Washington Commissioner of Insurance, "What we do," accessed January 28, 2021
    4. Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    5. Washington State Legislature, "Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5187," December 6, 2023
    6. Council of State Governments, "Book of the States 2022 Table 4.11: Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," provided to Ballotpedia by CSG personnel
    7. Issuu, "The Book of the States 2021," accessed September 28, 2022
    8. Council of State Governments, "The Book of the States 2020," accessed January 28, 2021
    9. Council of State Governments, "The Book of the States 2019," accessed January 28, 2021
    10. Council of State Governments, "The Book of the States 2018," accessed January 28, 2021
    11. Council of State Governments, "The Book of the States 2017," accessed January 28, 2021
    12. Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2016," accessed August 27, 2016
    13. Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2015," accessed August 27, 2016
    14. Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed December 8, 2014
    15. Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," January 31, 2014

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    Washington Commissioner of Insurance (2024)

    FAQs

    How much does the Washington state Insurance Commissioner make? ›

    $137,700

    Is it legal for insurance companies to use credit scores? ›

    Yes. A federal law, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), states insurance companies have a “permissible purpose” to look at your credit information without your permission. Insurance companies must also comply with state insurance laws when using credit information in the underwriting and rating process.

    Can insurance companies use your credit score in Washington state? ›

    On Aug. 29, 2022, the court issued a final order overturning the ban on credit scoring and the commissioner has chosen not to appeal the decision. Your insurance company is allowed to use your credit to determine your insurance premium.

    Who oversees insurance companies in Washington state? ›

    The Office of the Insurance Commissioner, headed by Commissioner Mike Kreidler, oversees Washington state's insurance industry to protect consumers and make sure that companies, agents and brokers follow the rules.

    What type of insurance pays the highest commissions? ›

    Whole life insurance commission rates

    Insurance agents receive the highest commission rates for whole life insurance plans, often more than 100% of the total premiums for the policy's first year. The exact percentage depends on the age of the policyholder.

    How much do insurance agents make in Washington state? ›

    Insurance Agent Salary in Washington
    Annual SalaryHourly Wage
    Top Earners$112,693$54
    75th Percentile$87,200$42
    Average$69,073$33
    25th Percentile$50,400$24

    What is a good insurance score? ›

    Insurance scores range between a low of 200 and a high of 997. Insurance scores of 770 or higher are favorable, and scores of 500 or below are poor. Although rare, there are a few people who have perfect insurance scores. Scores are not permanent and can be affected by different factors.

    Can you be turned down for insurance because of your credit score? ›

    California

    Insurance companies in California don't use credit-based scores or your credit history for underwriting or rating auto policies, or setting rates for homeowners insurance. As a result, your credit won't impact your ability to get or renew a policy, or how much you pay in premiums.

    Can a bad credit score affect your insurance? ›

    How much your score affects your rates varies between states. Four states — California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan — ban companies from using your credit report to determine insurance rates. Instead, companies in these states base rates on your driving record, location and other characteristics.

    What states don't use credit scores for insurance? ›

    Most major car insurance companies like GEICO, Progressive and State Farm factor in your credit score when giving you a quote. However, if you live in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, or Michigan, you're in luck—these states don't allow credit history to affect your auto insurance rates.

    Why does your credit score have anything to do with your car insurance? ›

    The III says they use factors like your payment history and the length of your credit history to assess your insurance risk level. Car insurance companies use them to help determine the likelihood of an insurance claim in the future.

    What is a good LexisNexis insurance score? ›

    What's a good insurance score? Insurance scores using the LexisNexis Risk Classifier range from 200 to 997. According to the company, a score of 770 or better is considered good and will get you favorable rates.

    How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in Washington state? ›

    Insurance companies in Washington have 45 working days to settle a claim after it is filed. Washington insurance companies also have specific time frames in which they must acknowledge the claim and then decide whether to accept it, before paying out the final settlement.

    What is unfair claims practice? ›

    Key Takeaways. An unfair claims practice is what happens when an insurer tries to delay, avoid, or reduce the size of a claim that is due to be paid out to an insured party. Insurers that do this are trying to reduce costs or delay payments to insured parties, and are often engaging in practices that are illegal.

    Can someone sue you for a car accident in Washington? ›

    Washington is not a no-fault state. Instead, Washington has a traditional "fault-based" insurance system. What does this mean? If you're injured (or your property is damaged) in an auto accident, you're free to bring an insurance claim or file a lawsuit against whoever's legally to blame.

    How much money does a Washington state senator make? ›

    Washington State Senate
    Redistricting:Commission
    Salary:$57,876/year + per diem
    Members
    Total:49
    18 more rows

    How much does a county commissioner make in Washington state? ›

    How much does a County Commissioners make in Washington? As of Jun 5, 2024, the average annual pay for a County Commissioners in Washington is $98,623 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $47.42 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,896/week or $8,218/month.

    What state do insurance agents make the most money? ›

    Income Classification by State

    As mentioned above, the highest-paying state in the US for insurance agents is New York, with an hourly mean wage rate of $45.01. Similarly, Florida being the lowest paying state in the US with $28.19 hourly mean wage rate and $58,620 annual mean wage rate.

    How much do insurance adjusters get paid near Washington DC? ›

    $54,400 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $113,300 is the 75th percentile.

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