48.05.210 - Service of process -- Procedure. - Washington Statutes

Service of process — Procedure.

(1) Duplicate copies of legal process against an insurer for whom the commissioner is attorney shall be served upon him or her either by a person competent to serve a summons, or by registered mail. At the time of service the plaintiff shall pay to the commissioner ten dollars, taxable as costs in the action.

     (2) The commissioner shall forthwith send one of the copies of the process, by registered mail with return receipt requested, to the person designated for the purpose by the insurer in its most recent such designation filed with the commissioner.

     (3) The commissioner shall keep a record of the day and hour of service upon him or her of all legal process. No proceedings shall be had against the insurer, and the insurer shall not be required to appear, plead, or answer until the expiration of forty days after the date of service upon the commissioner.

[2009 c 549 § 7018; 1981 c 339 § 3; 1947 c 79 § .05.21; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 45.05.21.]