Small business fair offers free resources on Sept. 26

Learn from the experts how to form and run a successful business at the 19th annual Washington Small Business Fair on Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Renton Technical College, 3000 NE 4th Street, in Renton.

The OIC will have consumer experts on hand who can answer your questions about finding health insurance for individuals or small businesses, and other questions you may have about insurance issues. 

Here's what else you can expect at the Small Business Fair:

• Attend seminars that cover important, up-to-date topics for all stages of business ownership. Savvy business experts share their knowledge and real-life experiences with you. 
• Connect with 30 federal, state and local government agencies, and business and trade associations to get the information you need. 

The fair is free, with plenty of free parking and no advance registration. For more information, visit www.bizfair.org or find the fair on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bizfair.

Are you protected against flood damage?

Floods are the most common natural disaster that Washington residents face, and are a threat to life, property and public services. This year, waters in the Eastern Pacific are experiencing what promises to be the strongest El Niño recorded. While the actual effect El Niño will have on weather here in the Northwest is hard to predict, there is a potential for more precipitation. In Eastern Washington, where fires have scorched hundreds of thousands of acres, there will be an increased risk of flooding, landslides, and mudslides due to increased run-off after even moderate rains. 

Despite that, most Washington consumers are not protected--standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and offers protection against flood hazards for homeowners, business owners, condo owners and renters. The average residential flood claim exceeds $39,000, while the average flood insurance policy premium is $700 per year.

You don’t have to be in a flood hazard zone to be affected by a flood. People outside of mapped flood-risk areas file 20 percent of all flood insurance claims. See Myths and Facts about the NFIP. Another benefit of purchasing flood insurance is that a policy holder may file a claim regardless of the declaration of a disaster. Check to see if your community participates in NFIP.

Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period before your flood insurance policy takes effect. Here is information on how to find an agent near you who sells flood insurance policies.

The Insurance Commissioner’s website has information for consumers about floods and homeowner’s insurance, including things you should talk to your insurance agent about and tips for protecting your home and belongings. We also have tips for filing a claim after a natural disaster and how to find disaster resources.

The Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division provides a number of tools and guides to help you prepare:

• Hazards
• Publications - Washington State Military Department
• Neighborhoods

Flooding may be extensive this fall and winter. Here are some tips for preparing for the risk of flooding and mudslides: 

• Review your policy to make sure you have enough coverage. Things like fine art, jewelry and computer equipment may have limited coverage under a standard policy. But you can buy special coverage that gives you more protection for those types of items, called a rider. Contact your insurance agent or broker to ask about supplemental policies. 
• Catalog your home’s belongings in case you need to make an insurance claim. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has a printable home inventory checklist or you can try free iPhone/iPad or Android apps. 
• Have an emergency kit and a family communication plan. Know the location of your valuable papers, including insurance policy and contact information, mementos and anything you can't live without, so you can evacuate with them, if needed. 
• Here's a list of recommended emergency supplies to keep on hand in the case of an evacuation. 
• Don’t forget about planning for your pets. Ready.gov has tips for pet owners. 

Consumers can seek help with their insurance or ask insurance-related questions by calling our consumer advocates at 1-800-562-6900 or contacting us online.

Consumer alert: If your insurance cancels your policy, you may have a hard time finding new coverage for a while

We recently received a call from a consumer who had paid the most recent homeowner insurance premium online, but the insurance company canceled the policy. When the consumer called the insurer to sort it out, the insurer said they are not issuing any policies because of the wildfires around the state.

The consumer called us, and we are working with the company to make sure the consumer has the coverage they paid for.

It is not uncommon for property insurers – they insure cars, buildings, homes, property and renters’ contents – to suspend issuing new policies during a natural disaster. President Obama issued an emergency declaration for Washington on Aug. 21. As of today, more than 920,000 acres have burned in our state.

This scenario underscores the need to be vigilant about the information your insurance sends you. Insurers are required to tell you in writing if they are canceling your policy for any reason, including nonpayment. Many homeowners don’t think about their insurance payments because they are rolled into your mortgage payment. If you have multiples insurance policies with the same company, it’s common for all of your premiums to be paid at the same time. For example, if you insure two cars and an RV through the same company, you probably pay for all three at once.

If your insurance company contacts you by mail, phone or email, you should carefully read what they send you. If you are unsure about the standing of your policies, contact your insurance company, agent or broker.

If you can't find homeowner insurance, ask your agent to get a quote through the Washington Washington FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) Plan. It provides basic property insurance up to $1.5 million to people who can't get coverage.

If you feel you have been treated unfairly or have questions about insurance in Washington state, contact our consumer advocates online or by phone at 1-800-562-6900.

Some insurance policies may cover living expenses for those displaced by wildfires

Families displaced from their homes due to wildfire evacuations may be eligible to be reimbursed for their additional living expenses if their insurance policy provides for such claims. Examples of those expenses include lodging, meals and purchasing toiletries if a consumer is displaced by the wildfire or as a result of an evacuation order.

One of several Blackhawk helicopters that is fighting wildfires in Eastern Washington. Photo courtesy of Washington state Emergency Management Division. 

Consumers in several areas in Eastern Washington have been ordered to evacuate at different points during the wildfires. We are hearing reports that some insurance companies are requiring consumers to provide a copy of the municipality’s emergency evacuation order before they will pay for additional living expenses. There is nothing in state laws or rules that prohibits an insurance company from asking for this information. If you need a copy of an evacuation order, contact the emergency management teams in your area.

If you have access to your insurance policy, read it to find specific information about what is covered, your deductibles, what kind of documentation is required and policy limitations or exclusions. If you don’t have a copy available to you, contact your insurance company, agent or broker.

Here are more resources from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner:

• For general insurance questions, call an insurance expert at 1-800-562-6900.
• Learn about wildfires and homeowner’s insurance.
• Get information about filing a claim after a disaster.
• If you have a problem with your insurance company, you can file a complaint.

OIC is hiring IT Specialist 5 in Tumwater

OIC is seeking a highly motivated IT Specialist 5 (IT Security/ Network/ Server Administrator) in our Tumwater headquarters. The IT Specialist 5 is the lead IT security specialist for the agency and is responsible for planning, designing, configuring and supporting the agency’s network infrastructure and servers. The ideal candidate must have strong knowledge of IT network and server infrastructure, Microsoft Active Directory, LAN/WAN administration, configuring network hardware and software and enterprise backup software.

OIC supports employees through regular training and opportunities to implement new technologies and participate on multiple projects teams. We also offer tuition reimbursement, free parking and participate in the state's commute trip reduction program.

If you are interested in joining our team, view this and other jobs at OIC.

Fires continue to devastate Eastern Washington

More than 780,000 acres have burned in 11 counties and tribal lands in Eastern Washington. President Obama has signed an Emergency Declaration that authorizes FEMA to assist with equipment and resources.

The fires have claimed an estimated 80 homes and displaced families and affected agriculture, businesses and countless communities. The weather forecast calls for rain over the weekend, but there's also a possibility of lightning in some areas. Several of the fires were started by lightning.

A photo from a wildfire in Wenatchee in July 2015 (OIC photo)

The Insurance Commissioner’s website has information for consumers about wildfires and homeowner’s insurance, including things you should talk to your insurance agent about and tips for protecting your home and belongings. We also have tips for filing a claim after a natural disaster and how to find disaster resources.

Here are resources from other agencies:

• Follow news about the fires on Twitter at #WaWILDFIRE.
• The Washington Department of Natural Resources has the most recent fire information available on its website and through its @waDNR_fire Twitter feed. 
• Governor Inslee has declared a state of emergency and instituted a statewide burn ban in June. You can view the Governor’s Wildfire Resource Page at http://bit.ly/WAwildfire. 

Some experts are predicting wildfires will continue into September. Here are some tips for preparing for wildfire risk:

• Check your policy to make sure damage from wildfires is covered. Some policies include coverage for emergency shelter, such as a hotel, if a home is uninhabitable. 
• Review your policy to make sure you have enough coverage. Things like fine art, jewelry and computer equipment may have limited coverage under a standard policy. But you can buy special coverage that gives you more protection for those types of items, called a rider. Contact your insurance agent or broker to ask about supplemental policies. 
• Catalog your home’s belongings in case you need to make an insurance claim. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has a printable home inventory checklist or you can try free iPhone/iPad or Android apps. 
• You can help protect a rural home and limit the danger by clearing a natural fire break between your home and surrounding trees, brush and uncut fields. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has information on how to protect yourself and your home before, during and even after a wildfire. 
• Have an emergency kit and a family communication plan. Know the location of your valuable papers, including insurance policy and contact information, mementos and anything you can't live without, so you can evacuate with them, if needed. 
• Here's a list of recommended emergency supplies to keep on hand in the case of an evacuation. 
• Don’t forget about planning for your pets. Ready.gov has tips for pet owners. 

Consumers can seek help with their insurance or ask insurance-related questions by calling our consumer advocates at 1-800-562-6900 or contacting us online.

Grant aids veterans in need of mental health services in Tacoma area

A $1.6 million grant and expansion of a Tacoma-area golf course that is a second home for many wounded veterans took center stage Aug. 18 at an event focused on the importance of mental health counseling services.

Commissioner Kreidler joined veterans, their families and representatives of the United Health Foundation in the gathering at the American Lakes Golf Course in Pierce County.

The event centered around the presentation of a $1.6 million grant to benefit "Give an Hour," a national nonprofit organization providing free confidential  mental health services to military members and their families.  The award from the United Health Foundation will be split between Tacoma and Houston.

The grant will help "Give an Hour" raise awareness of available programs, grow its mental health care provider network, and help veterans and their families access services.

"No one deserves more than those who wear the uniform," said the commissioner, a retired Lt. Colonel of 20 years in the Army Reserves.

Others speaking at the event were Dr. John Mateczun, president of UnitedHealthCare Military and Veterans; Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, president and founder of Give an Hour; and Lourdes "Alfie" Alvarado-Ramos, secretary of Washington state Department of Veteran Affairs.

The featured speakers, though, were veterans and devoted golfers Jim Martinson and Aaron Boyle.  Both noted the importance of mental health services for wounded vets.

Martinson lost his legs to a "Bouncing Betty" land mine in Vietnam in 1968. Another land mine blew off the right leg and arm of Boyle in Afghanistan several years ago. Both cited the availability of mental counseling in helping them through their lengthy recoveries, physical and spiritual.

"These services are desperately needed by many veterans and their families in our community," Boyle said.  "Give an Hour will benefit so many who need help."