Key Takeaways
- Washington P&C insurance licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics
- Licenses not renewed within 12 months of expiration require retaking the state exam
- Address and name changes must be reported to OIC within 30 days
- OIC can discipline licensees including suspension, revocation, or fines
Last updated: January 2026
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Washington P&C insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | Varies by license type |
| Late Renewal (within 12 months) | Additional penalty |
| Expired Over 12 Months | Must retake exam |
Continuing Education Requirements
Washington requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Electives | 21 |
| CE Period | 2 years (matches license term) |
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at OIC-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course within 2-year period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
Special CE Notes
- 3 hours of ethics is mandatory each renewal period
- CE courses must be relevant to lines of authority held
- First renewal period may have prorated requirements
- Some specialized topics may be required for certain lines
Reporting Requirements
Washington producers must notify OIC of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
Disciplinary Actions
OIC can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Letter of Warning | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Loss of license |
| Fine | Monetary penalty per violation |
| Restitution | Payment to harmed parties |
Common P&C Violations
- Misrepresentation of policy terms or coverage
- Failure to disclose material information
- Unfair claims practices
- Commingling of funds
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Conducting business without proper license
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively practicing |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License cancelled |
| Surrendered | Voluntarily gave up license |
Appointment Requirements
P&C agents must be appointed by insurers to sell their products:
- Appointment Required: Before selling an insurer's products
- Appointment Fee: Paid by insurer to OIC
- Termination Reporting: Insurers must report terminations to OIC within 30 days
- For Cause Terminations: May trigger OIC investigation
Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of continuing education does Washington require for P&C license renewal?
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Test Your Knowledge
Within how many days must a Washington producer report a change of address to OIC?
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Test Your Knowledge
What happens if a Washington P&C license expires and is not renewed within 12 months?
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