Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 49, December 6, 2024
Section 114-14-5 - Standards For The Acknowledgment Of Pertinent Communications5.1. Acknowledgment of notices of claims. -- Every insurer, upon receiving notification of a claim shall, within fifteen (15) working days, acknowledge the receipt of such notice unless full payment is made within such period of time. If an acknowledgment is made by means other than writing, an appropriate notation of such acknowledgment shall be made in the claim file of the insurer and dated. Notification given to an agent of an insurer shall be notification to the insurer.5.2. Answer of inquiries from Insurance Commissioner. -- Every insurer, producer or other licensee, upon receipt of any inquiry other than a notice of third-party administrative complaint from the Insurance Commissioner shall, within fifteen (15) working days of the date appearing on the inquiry, furnish the Commissioner with a complete written response to the inquiry. A "complete written response" addresses all issues raised by the claimant or the Commissioner and includes copies of any documentation requested. This subsection is not intended to permit delay in responding to inquiries by the Commissioner or his or her staff in conjunction with a scheduled examination on the insurer's premises.5.3. Replies to other pertinent communications. -- A reply shall be made within fifteen (15) working days of receipt by the insurer to all other pertinent communications from a claimant which reasonably suggest that a response is expected.5.4. Provisions of assistance to first-party claimants. -- Every insurer, upon receiving notification of a claim, shall promptly provide necessary claim forms, instructions, and reasonable assistance so that first-party claimants can comply with the policy conditions and the insurer's reasonable requirements. Compliance with this subsection within fifteen (15) working days of notification of a claim constitutes compliance with subsection 5.1. of this section.W. Va. Code R. § 114-14-5