Yakima Insurance Agent Barred, Penalties Imposed by State Commissioner

A Yakima-based insurance agent and an unlicensed entity have been barred from conducting business in Washington, following actions by State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer. In the first quarter, Kuderer imposed penalties totaling $167,000 due to violations of insurance legislation.

The commissioner's office scrutinized Carol E. Perez of Perez Insurance Inc. in Yakima after allegations surfaced of premium collection without forwarding to an insurer. As a result, her and her agency's licenses were revoked, following consumer complaints and noncompliance with a financial examination notice.

Investigations commenced when a consumer, unable to obtain proof of insurance after a business liability claim submission, discovered their policy had lapsed in 2021. Despite consistent premium payments, Perez’s agency lacked an agreement with the insurer to issue policies on its behalf.

Additionally, an incident surfaced involving a canceled life insurance policy after premium payment. Although reassured by the agency, the consumer encountered a collection notice due to insufficient funds, highlighting operational deficiencies within the agency.

In further compliance actions, a cease-and-desist order alongside an $80,000 fine was imposed on Kangaroo Security LLC for marketing unauthorized insurance plans. These plans, integrated with its app and security cameras, collected over $58,000 from Washington consumers between 2019 and 2025.

Regulatory Actions and Fines

• Guideone Elite Insurance Co. in Iowa was fined $55,000 for incorrect policy details affecting 585 policies between 2023 and 2026.
• Integon National Insurance Co. in North Carolina received a $50,000 penalty for excessive claims processing complaints.
• Foremost Insurance Co. in Michigan was fined $20,000 for claims settlement errors.
• Cincinnati Insurance Co. in Ohio faced a $25,000 fine for incorrect coverage factors in policies.
• Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington was fined $4,000 for delayed large group rate filings.
• Metromile Insurance Co. in Delaware was fined $5,000 for missing notifications in adverse action letters.
• Dental Health Services in Seattle incurred a $3,500 penalty for delayed rate filings.
• VSP Vision Care in California was fined $3,000 for similar lateness in rate submissions.

Additional fines included $1,000 for Jackie McFarlin in Othello, Washington, and $250 each for Michael Lawson in Dallas, Texas, and Kristi Moran in Tacoma, Washington, for unspecified violations.