State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler and more than two dozen insurance companies have launched a new program to help Green River Valley businesses struggling to find flood coverage.
The “Washington Flood Market Assistance Plan” will act as a matchmaker, pairing businesses needing coverage with insurers selling it. The Surplus Line Association of Washington has agreed to act as administrator of the plan.
Last year, concerns about potential flooding below the Howard Hanson Dam in south King County made it difficult for some area businesses to find adequate coverage. Kreidler worked with state lawmakers and Gov. Chris Gregoire to get the law changed to allow this program.
“The Green River Valley is a key part of the state’s economy,” said Kreidler. “Companies must be able to find adequate coverage, both for flood damage and for business interruptions due to flooding.”
To date, 26 companies have volunteered to take part in the program, at Kreidler’s request. Businesses seeking coverage must apply through and agent or broker.
“I appreciate the willingness of insurers to step forward and try to resolve this situation,” said Kreidler.
If the voluntary program isn’t effective, the legislation also gives the insurance commissioner the power to compel companies to form a “joint underwriting association.” The joint underwriting association would act as an insurer of last resort.
“It remains my goal to resolve this on a voluntary basis if possible,” said Kreidler.
He’s also urging anyone in the potential flood areas – including homeowners and renters – to strongly consider purchasing coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program.
“For many homeowners and renters, the federal flood program coverage may be all the coverage they need,” said Kreidler.
For businesses, however, federal flood coverage is limited to $500,000 per building and $500,000 for contents. Also, the program doesn’t provide business-interruption coverage.
Many state lawmakers from the area played key roles in getting the bill passed this spring. Among them:
• Sens. Karen Keiser, Jean Berkey, Claudia Kauffman, Tracey Eide and Adam Kline.
• Reps. Tina Orwall, Dave Upthegrove, Geoff Simpson, Steve Kirby and Sharon Tomiko Santos.
To learn more, visit www.surpluslines.org or call 206-682-3409. For frequently asked questions, the insurance commissioner’s office has set up a Web page at www.insurance.wa.gov/MAP.shtml.
