Washington House Approves Right-to-Appraisal Bill, Enhances Consumer Claims Process

In a significant legislative move, the Washington House recently passed SB5721, a right-to-appraisal bill that empowers policyholders with the ability to seek an independent appraisal in disputes over the actual cash value and loss of a damaged vehicle.

The bill, which sailed through the House with a near-unanimous vote of 96-1, has sparked discussions surrounding the equitable treatment of insurance claims and consumer rights.

The bill initially included a provision requiring insurers to cover appraisal costs if the appraised loss was $500 greater than the insurer’s estimate, but this was removed following insurance industry opposition.

Despite this, advocates see the bill as a step forward in resolving the most common complaint to the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner—discrepancies in vehicle repair costs as estimated by insurers and repair shops. The bill must now return to the Senate for approval of the House amendments before it can be enacted. This legislative effort reflects a broader trend, as similar laws have been successfully implemented in other states such as Oregon.