RCW 48.99.020 Delinquency proceedings—Domestic insurers.

(1) Whenever under the laws of this state a receiver is to be appointed in delinquency proceedings for an insurer domiciled in this state, the court shall appoint the commissioner as such receiver. The court shall direct the commissioner forthwith to take possession of the assets of the insurer and to administer the same under the orders of the court.

(2) As domiciliary receiver the commissioner shall be vested by operation of law with the title to all of the property, contracts, and rights of action, and all of the books and records of the insurer wherever located, as of the date of entry of the order directing him or her to rehabilitate or liquidate a domestic insurer, or to liquidate the United States branch of an alien insurer domiciled in this state, and he or she shall have the right to recover the same and reduce the same to possession; except that ancillary receivers in reciprocal states shall have, as to assets located in their respective states, the rights and powers which are hereinafter prescribed for ancillary receivers appointed in this state as to assets located in this state.

(3) The filing or recording of the order directing possession to be taken, or a certified copy thereof, in the office where instruments affecting title to property are required to be filed or recorded shall impart the same notice as would be imparted by a deed, bill of sale, or other evidence of title duly filed or recorded.

(4) The commissioner as domiciliary receiver shall be responsible on his or her official bond for the proper administration of all assets coming into his or her possession or control. The court may at any time require an additional bond from the commissioner or his or her deputies if deemed desirable for the protection of the assets.

(5) Upon taking possession of the assets of an insurer the domiciliary receiver shall, subject to the direction of the court, immediately proceed to conduct the business of the insurer or to take such steps as are authorized by the laws of this state for the purpose of liquidating, rehabilitating, reorganizing, or conserving the affairs of the insurer.

(6) In connection with delinquency proceedings the commissioner may appoint one or more special deputy commissioners to act for him or her, and may employ such counsel, clerks, and assistants as he or she deems necessary. The compensation of the special deputies, counsel, clerks, or assistants and all expenses of taking possession of the insurer and of conducting the proceedings shall be fixed by the receiver, subject to the approval of the court, and shall be paid out of the funds or assets of the insurer. Within the limits of the duties imposed upon them special deputies shall possess all the powers given to, and, in the exercise of those powers, shall be subject to all of the duties imposed upon the receiver with respect to such proceedings.

[ 2009 c 549 § 7159; 1947 c 79 § .31.12; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 45.31.12. Formerly RCW 48.31.120.]