Untrustworthy Insurance Agents Will Lose Licenses in Washington
Insurance agents in Washington state can lose their licenses if they are deemed “untrustworthy.”
In an important decision, the Washington State Court of Appeals ruled that Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler was correct in revoking insurance agent Jack Chandler’s license based on the fact that he had shown himself to be untrustworthy in his sales conduct with elderly consumers.
The court also agreed with the Commissioner that Chandler attempted to exploit senior citizens by using misleading marketing tactics to get them to buy reverse mortgages, living trusts and long-term care insurance. He also misrepresented himself on his Washington licensing application when he failed to disclose complaints against him in California.
As a result of Chandler’s actions, the Insurance Commissioner revoked his insurance license in 2002. Chandler appealed that decision on the grounds that the term “untrustworthy” is unconstitutionally vague and subjective. The court disagreed and upheld the license revocation. Chandler then attempted to appeal to the Washington State Supreme Court, but his petition for review was denied.
“Mr. Chandler preyed on some of our most vulnerable citizens and I cannot allow that to happen,” Kreidler said. “While this case took several years to reach conclusion, it was worth every minute. I am very satisfied with the result.”
For more information, visit www.insurance.wa.gov.
Source: DOI
- EPA Designates PFAS Chemicals as Superfund Hazardous Substances
- Florida’s Home Insurance Industry May Be Worse Than Anyone Realizes
- California Sees Two More Property Insurers Withdraw From Market
- 4,800 Claims Handled by Unlicensed Adjusters in Florida After Irma, Lawsuit Says
- Millions of Recalled Hyundai and Kia Vehicles, With Dangerous Defect, Remain on Road
- Poll: Consumers OK with AI in P/C Insurance, but Not So Much for Claims and Underwriting
- Ship Owner in Bridge Collapse Seeks to Limit Its Liability
- California Chiropractor Sentenced to 54 Years for $150M Workers’ Comp Scheme