Whenever an insurer is required by law to give the reason for its canceling, denying, or refusing to renew insurance, as, for example, pursuant to RCW 48.18.291, 48.18.292, or 48.30.320, it shall give the true and actual reason for its action in clear and simple language, so that the insured or applicant will not need to resort to additional research to understand the real reason for the action. It is not sufficient, for example, to state that an insured "does not meet the company's underwriting standards." The reason why the individual does not meet such underwriting standards is what must be given. If the actual reason relates to medical information, the insurer may make a broad reference thereto and limit specific disclosure of details to the applicant's or insured's physician.
Wash. Admin. Code § 284-30-570
Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060(3)(a). 85-02-019 (Order R 84-8), § 284-30-570, filed 12/27/84.