What Is the Washington Second Opinion Rule for Car Insurance Claims?
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The Washington second opinion rule (also known as SB 5721) is a newly passed law that makes it easier to get fair insurance payouts from a car insurance claim by letting you get a second opinion with the appraiser of your choice. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2026.
What is the Washington second opinion rule?
The Washington second opinion rule is a new law passed in Washington State. It makes it easier to get a second opinion about the cost of car repairs after an accident if you don't like your insurance company's initial offer. The rule lets you hire an independent appraiser to inspect your car and push for a fair settlement.
If your appraiser's estimate is higher than your insurance company's, you can take your insurance company to arbitration. The new rule lets a third-party “umpire," or neutral person , make the final call.
Why the Washington Second Opinion rule was passed
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), nearly 18% of car insurance companies use AI tools to review claims. These tools may create repair estimates that leave you with a smaller payout.
The new rule makes it easier for you to negotiate a better settlement with your insurance company without having to go to court. This can save you time, money and stress in the long run while getting you the settlement you need faster.
What the rule means for car insurance customers
The second opinion law helps you get a fair settlement by:
- Letting you choose an independent appraiser
- Avoiding costly court hearings
- Splitting the cost between you and your insurance company
- Reaching decisions faster
What makes this different from other Washington insurance laws?
Washington already has strong laws in place to keep insurance companies from using unfair claims practices like taking too long to process your claim. But before this rule, the state had very few rules and regulations covering how you handle disputes with your insurance company.
The second opinion rule guarantees that you're able to work through common disputes with your insurance company without taking it to court. It also provides clear steps that you and your insurance company must follow.
What you can do until the second opinion rule goes into effect
The new second opinion rule won't go into effect until January 1, 2026.
There are a few things you should do if you need to file a car insurance claim before then.
Document the damage
Take detailed pictures of any damage to your car or your property after the accident. Write down as much information about the accident as you can remember. Be as detailed as possible, and consider submitting your written statement and your pictures to your insurance company when you file a claim.
Get estimates from experienced mechanics
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect your car and give an estimate on the cost of repairs. For a number of reasons, their estimates may be lower than they should be. Schedule an appointment with a mechanic you trust and ask them to give you a written estimate for any repairs. You can send that estimate to your insurance company if it offers a low payment.
If you don't already have a mechanic you trust, ask your friends, family or coworkers for recommendations. Ask each mechanic you're considering working with about their expertise and whether they've provided estimates for damage before. The best mechanics should be familiar with the insurance claims process and understand how to document damage thoroughly to help you get the best settlement possible.
Read through your policy
When you file a claim, it's a good idea to make sure you understand exactly what you're covered for. Read through your declarations page and look for information about:
- Your coverage limits
- The types of damage you're covered for
- Your deductible
If you're not comfortable reading through your policy's terms and conditions, call your agent or your insurance company's customer service line. They'll walk you through your policy's details and can answer any questions you may have.
Be ready to appeal
Once your insurance company reviews your claim and the adjuster's notes, it'll make a decision on how much money to give you. Ideally, it will give you enough money to make any necessary repairs (up to your policy's limit). If the payment is too low, consider appealing its decision.
Frequently asked questions
Does the WA second opinion rule apply to health or homeowners insurance?
No. The state's second opinion rule only applies to car insurance claims disputes. If you have an issue with your health insurance company or your home insurance company, talk to your insurance agent.
What should I look for in an appraiser?
You'll want to choose an appraiser who has professional experience in car repairs and insurance adjustment and valuation, or both. The person you choose should be impartial and not an employee or contractor for your insurance company. This way, you'll know that your appraiser is working for you and has your best interests in mind, not the insurance company's.
How much time will I save by following the second opinion process?
It varies depending on the claim. However, taking your insurance company to court could take months. The second opinion rule should help you and your insurance company reach a decision faster.
Can my insurance company refuse to follow the process?
The Washington second opinion rule doesn't go into effect until January 1, 2026. Your insurance company doesn't have to follow the rule until then. But since it is a law, it'll have to follow the process starting on January 1, 2026.
Will my rates go up because of the rule?
It's possible that the new rule will cause insurance companies to raise rates. But since the rule isn't in effect yet, it's too soon to tell how the new law will impact auto insurance rates across the board.
Sarah Jones
Writer
Sarah Jones is a Staff Writer focused on helping readers understand complex insurance topics. She joined Value Penguin in 2025 after working for over a decade in marketing, where she specialized in writing for financial services firms, law firms and real estate companies. She's written for leading mortgage lenders, online banks, virtual payment services and insurance companies.
When she isn't writing, she enjoys hiking the mountains of northern New Mexico with her dog and her family and trying every local coffee shop she can find.
How insurance helped Sarah
Sarah became passionate about car insurance after a particularly big sneeze caused her to back her car into a stone wall. In her defense, the wall came out of nowhere.
Expertise
- Car insurance
- Home insurance
- Renters insurance
Education
- BA, English Language and Literature, Smith College
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