The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services Division of Financial Regulation published a Bulletin reminding insurers they are required to file underwriting guidelines with the division, per the Oregon Insurance Code.

ORS 737.205(1) requires that every insurer file with the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services copies of rates, rating plans, and rating systems. Specific to personal lines, insurers should file a tier rating system summary if tiers are part of their rating system, a histogram, and a full copy of their underwriting guidelines. If an insurer is filing to indicate revisions or changes, they should still file copies of rates, rating plans, and rating systems. Changes or revisions should be filed prior to implementation. 

ORS 727.035 lists exceptions to these requirements, which include: 

• Reinsurance, other than joint reinsurance
• Insurance against loss to aircraft or against liability arising out of ownership or use of aircraft
• Wet marine and transportation insurance
• Life insurance
• Health insurance
• Surplus lines insurance

As of January 1, 2024, insurers are required to communicate how their homeowners insurance underwriting guidelines and rating plans will reflect wildfire risk mitigation actions taken by policyholders. This includes things like home hardening, defensible space, community mitigation efforts, and certifying as a wildfire prepared home from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Insurers should have information on how wildfire mitigation actions will impact their underwriting and rates publicly available on their website.