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Washington Court Allows Recovery For Residual Diminished Value Following Vehicle Repairs

One by one, states have begun to recognize a vehicle owner’s third-party claim for residual diminished value damage, or ‘stigma damage’, which is the loss of value of an automobile that remains after it is completely and professionally repaired. It is the loss of value that results from the simple fact that the vehicle has been in an accident.

March 9, 2023 Auto Subrogation Washington

Seattle Suing Kia And Hyundai Over Massive Spike In Car Thefts

The City of Seattle filed a lawsuit against automakers Kia and Hyundai this week, saying they disregarded public safety for profitability by failing to install immobilizers on their cars.

January 31, 2023 Auto Litigation Washington

Building Must Fall To Trigger Collapse Coverage

Allstate alleged that the property damage was not covered as a "collapse" and was excluded from coverage because it resulted from faulty construction and maintenance. The trial court granted summary judgment dismissing Windcrest’s claims. Windcrest appealed.

January 13, 2023 Litigation Property Washington

Freezing Fog Contributed To 30-Vehicle Pileup On Washington Interstate

Thirty vehicles collided early Wednesday morning on Interstate 90, forcing an eight-hour closure of the eastbound lanes of the freeway east of Ellensburg.

December 8, 2022 Auto Washington

Seattle Homeowners Win Lawsuit After New Home Nightmare

Settling in a new home can take months, but how long should a new homeowner have to notice big problems and sue? The Washington Supreme Court weighed in this week.

October 31, 2022 Liability Washington

California Leads the Nation in Rising Catalytic Converter Thefts

State Farm has released an update to a previous report it has made regarding recent trends in auto insurance claims having to do with catalytic converter thefts. The trend, though already bad in the last report, has only managed to worsen across the country.

October 5, 2022 Auto California Illinois Minnesota Texas Washington

WA Supreme Court Rules Coverage Excluded for Washington Bridge Tunnel Delays

Insurance companies don’t have to reimburse Washington state for the two years drivers couldn’t use the new Highway 99 tunnel, as a result of the boring machine Bertha’s breakdown during construction, the Washington State Supreme Court has ruled.

September 15, 2022 Litigation Washington

Judge Strikes Down State Ban on Credit-based Insurance Scores

A Washington state judge has struck down a state rule banning the use of credit-based insurance scores. On Monday, Judge Indu Thomas rendered a final order declaring that Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler exceeded his authority when he issued a permanent rule prohibiting the use of credit-based insurance scores.

August 31, 2022 Auto Legislation & Regulation Liability Property Washington

Insurers Win, Lose COVID-related Business Interruption Rulings

The Washington Supreme Court became the fifth state supreme court to rule in insurers’ favor Thursday in COVID-related business interruption litigation when it unanimously ruled against a dental practice.

August 29, 2022 Litigation Property California Washington

More Sweeping Cellphone Laws Reduce Crash Rates

It’s common knowledge that texting while driving is illegal in most places. But what about tapping the screen of your cellphone to accept a faster route suggested by Google Maps? What if your phone is mounted on the dashboard? What if you’re stopped at a red light?

August 9, 2022 Auto Legislation & Regulation California Oregon Washington

Climate And Wildfire Risk: A Conversation With Dr. Craig Clements

‘Climate change has its fingerprints all over’ the increasingly costly wildfire activity we’ve seen in recent years, says Triple-I non-resident scholar Dr. Craig Clements, even though most fires are ignited by people.

July 26, 2022 Catastrophe Property California Oregon Texas Washington

Whistleblower From Staff Of Washington Insurance Commissioner Fired

The office of Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has fired a top aide who in February formally complained that Kreidler had bullied him, used crass language and was increasingly ‘antagonizing staff.’

June 20, 2022 Insurance Industry Washington

Washington Commissioner Again Bans Use Of Credit Scores For Underwriting

Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has again banned the use of credit ratings in insurance pricing.

February 2, 2022 Legislation & Regulation Washington

Ruling Is Instructive Of Biometric-Related Claims And Insurance

As part of the larger trend of invasion of privacy claims asserted by employees or consumers against businesses, several states have recently passed legislation that sets forth requirements for the collection, storing and dissemination of biometric information such as fingerprints, voice recordings and even keystroke patterns.

December 1, 2021 Liability Litigation Illinois New York Washington