Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 48.17.475 — Licensee to reply promptly to inquiry by commissioner., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 48.17.475. Licensee to reply promptly to inquiry by commissioner.
(1) Every insurance producer, title insurance agent, adjuster, or other person licensed under this chapter shall timely respond in writing to an inquiry of the commissioner sent to a person's mailing address relative to the business of insurance. A timely response is one that is received by the commissioner within 15 business days from receipt of the inquiry. Failure to make a timely response constitutes a violation of this section and may result in a penalty under either RCW
48.17.530 or
48.17.560, or both.
(2)(a) Every insurance producer, title insurance agent, adjuster, and other person licensed under this chapter shall timely respond in writing to an inquiry of the commissioner sent to a person's email address relative to the business of insurance. A timely response is one that is received by the commissioner within 15 business days from receipt of the inquiry. Failure to make a timely response constitutes a violation of this subsection if the requirements under (c) of this subsection are met.
(b)(i) When an email from the commissioner requires a response, the commissioner shall:
(A) Send no fewer than two separate emails with a subject line stating "Response Required"; and
(B) Prominently display in large font type in the body of each email the following: "FAILURE TO TIMELY RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL IS A VIOLATION OF RCW
48.17.475 AND IS SUBJECT TO PENALTIES UNDER RCW
48.17.530 AND 48.17.560 INCLUDING FINES AND LICENSE REVOCATION. A TIMELY RESPONSE IS ONE RECEIVED BY THE COMMISSIONER WITHIN 15 BUSINESS DAYS OF YOUR RECEIPT OF THIS INQUIRY."
(ii) If the commissioner sends an inquiry by email and is notified that the email is undeliverable, the commissioner shall resend the notice once by mail to the person's last known address on record with the commissioner.
(c) A person is in violation of this subsection only if: (i) The commissioner complies with the requirements under (b) of this subsection; (ii) the commissioner sends a third and final written inquiry by certified mail to the person's last mailing address registered with the commissioner that follows the requirements of (b)(i)(B) of this subsection; and (iii) the commissioner fails to receive a response within 15 business days of the licensee's receipt of the inquiry.
Notes
Effective date—2023 c 27: See note following RCW
48.17.170.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 48.17.475
What does Revised Code of Washington § 48.17.475 cover?
Section 48.17.475 ("Licensee to reply promptly to inquiry by commissioner.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 48.17.475?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 48.17.475" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 48.17.475 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.
