Insurance is confusing, but we’re here to help. This podcast from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) answers all kinds of questions...
One of the most basic questions around insurance is just how to use it. What do you do when it’s time to file a claim? How do you know if filing a claim is the right move? What’s the time limit to file a claim, and how quickly does your insurance company have to respond? In this episode of OIC Answers, the hosts and a guest from our Consumer Protection team discuss how to file a claim. Part 1 of this two-part episode covers filing an auto claim, while Part 2 will cover a homeowners claim.
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14:52
Commissioner Kreidler discusses his work on climate change
Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is stepping down from public office in January after a long and storied tenure. In this episode of OIC Answers, Kreidler sits down with OIC Senior Climate Policy Advisor Jay Bruns to discuss his work on climate change, how the insurance industry and regulators have adapted climate change, and his legacy after 24 years in office.
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37:02
What’s it mean to be underinsured?
Whether your mortgage demands it or you’re just proactive, having insurance is a good thing — but what if it’s not enough? In this episode of OIC Answers we ask, what does it mean if I’m underinsured?
Recurring guest David Forte joins the hosts to dive into the claims data from last year’s Gray and Oregon Road fires, discuss wildfire mitigation efforts, and review how to make sure your home has enough coverage in the event of a worst case scenario.
Check out the OIC’s Wildfire Symposium: https://www.insurance.wa.gov/wildfire-symposium
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32:13
How does flood insurance work?
Flood Awareness Week just wrapped up, but you should never stop being prepared for a flood. Most of the flood insurance in Washington comes through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Plan and more than 90% of Washington’s communities participate in the NFIP, meaning homes in those areas are eligible for coverage.
On this episode, Scott Van Hoff, a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Specialist with FEMA, discusses how the program works, why it exists, and FEMA’s role in helping people after a natural disaster.
More info on flood insurance (OIC
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24:03
What to expect when you’re open(ly) enrolling in Medicare
Medicare open enrollment starts on October 15 and runs through December 7. What’s new with Medicare this year? What should you do to get ready? What questions do you need to ask and who can you call if you don’t have all the answers? Tim Smolen from the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors Program returns to the podcast for an open enrollment preview.
About SHIBA: Washington’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) volunteers provide free, unbiased and confidential help with Medicare. Call 1-800-562-6900 or visit www.insurance.wa.gov/how-we-can-help-you-medicare.
Insurance is confusing, but we’re here to help. This podcast from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) answers all kinds of questions about insurance in the Evergreen State, from Medicare to homeowners insurance claims to car insurance premiums. Hosts Aaron and Matt interview OIC staffers with expertise in different types of insurance to help make a complicated subject a little more easy to understand.
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