Wash. Rev. Code » Title 48 · Chapter 48.18
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 48.18.140 (2026)

Contents of policies in general

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) The written instrument, in which a contract of insurance is set forth, is the policy.
(2) A policy shall specify:
(a) The names of the parties to the contract. The insurer's name shall be clearly shown in the policy.
(b) The subject of the insurance.
(c) The risk insured against.
(d) The time at which the insurance thereunder takes effect and the period during which the insurance is to continue.
(e) A statement of the premium, and if other than life, disability, or title insurance, the premium rate where applicable.
(f) The conditions pertaining to the insurance.
(3) If under the contract the exact amount of premiums is determinable only at termination of the contract, a statement of the basis and rates upon which the final premium is to be determined and paid shall be specified in the policy.
(4)(a) Periodic payment plans for private passenger automobile insurance shall allow a specific day of the month for a due date for payment of premiums. A late charge may not be required if payment is received within five days of the date payment is due.
(b) The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this subsection and shall take no disciplinary action against an insurer until ninety days after the effective date of the rule.
(5) This section shall not apply to surety insurance contracts.
[ 2002 c 344 s 1; 1989 c 25 s 2; 1957 c 193 s 11; 1947 c 79 s .18.14; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 45.18.14.]

Notes:

Effective date—1989 c 25: See note following RCW 48.18.100.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 5 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1964–2021 · leading case: Ritter v. Shotwell, 388 P.2d 527 (Wash. 1964).
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Ritter v. Shotwell, 388 P.2d 527 (Wash. 1964). “(2d) 172, after pointing out that numerous sections of the Washington code do not apply to surety insurance (RCW 48.18.140, 48.18.180, 48.18.080, 48.30.”
Washington Physicians Serv. v. Marquardt, 838 P.2d 142 (Wash. Ct. App. 1992). “1 The term "policy" is defined by RCW 48.18.140(1) as follows: "(1) The written instrument, in which a contract of insurance is set forth, is the policy.”
State v. Mau, 308 P.3d 629 (Wash. 2013). “, RCW 48.18.140(1) (“The written instrument, in which a contract of insurance is set forth, is the policy.”
Granite State Ins. Co., V. Pope Resources Lp (Wash. Ct. App. 2021). “” See RCW 48.18.140 (distinguishing between written instrument and contract).”
State v. Mau (Wash. 2013). “140(1) ("The written instrument, in which a contract of insurance is set forth, is the It is a closer question whether the Safemove policy could have been the "contract of insurance" underlying Mau's allegedly false claim.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 48.18.140(1) — 3 cases
Washington Physicians Serv. v. Marquardt, 838 P.2d 142 (Wash. Ct. App. 1992). “1 The term "policy" is defined by RCW 48.18.140(1) as follows: "(1) The written instrument, in which a contract of insurance is set forth, is the policy.”
State v. Mau, 308 P.3d 629 (Wash. 2013). “, RCW 48.18.140(1) (“The written instrument, in which a contract of insurance is set forth, is the policy.”
State v. Mau (Wash. 2013). “140(1) ("The written instrument, in which a contract of insurance is set forth, is the It is a closer question whether the Safemove policy could have been the "contract of insurance" underlying Mau's allegedly false claim.”
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