48.05.200 - Commissioner as attorney for service of process -- Exception.

Commissioner as attorney for service of process — Exception.

(1) Each authorized foreign or alien insurer shall appoint the commissioner as its attorney to receive service of, and upon whom shall be served, all legal process issued against it in this state upon causes of action arising within this state. Service upon the commissioner as attorney shall constitute service upon the insurer. Service of legal process against such insurer can be had only by service upon the commissioner, except actions upon contractor bonds pursuant to RCW 18.27.040, where service may be upon the department of labor and industries.

     (2) With the appointment the insurer shall designate by name and address the person to whom the commissioner shall forward legal process so served upon him or her. The insurer may change such person by filing a new designation.

     (3) The appointment of the commissioner as attorney shall be irrevocable, shall bind any successor in interest or to the assets or liabilities of the insurer, and shall remain in effect as long as there is in force in this state any contract made by the insurer or liabilities or duties arising therefrom.

[1985 c 264 § 3; 1947 c 79 § .05.20; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 45.05.20.]