1. (1) Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association promising, in exchange for dues, assessments, or periodic or lump sum payments, to furnish members or subscribers with assistance in matters relating to trip cancellation, bail bond service or any accident, sickness, or death insurance benefit program must:

   1. (a) Have a certificate of authority, issued by the insurance commissioner, authorizing the person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association to sell that coverage in this state; or
   2. (b) Purchase the service or insurance from a company that holds a certificate of authority, issued by the insurance commissioner, authorizing the company to sell that coverage in this state. If coverage cannot be procured from an authorized insurer holding a certificate of authority issued by the insurance commissioner, insurance may be procured from an unauthorized insurer subject to chapter 48.15 RCW.
2. (2) Travel or automobile related products or assistance including but not limited to community traffic safety service, travel and touring service, theft or reward service, map service, towing service, emergency road service, lockout or lost key service, reimbursement of emergency expenses due to a vehicle disabling accident, or legal fee reimbursement service in the defense of traffic offenses shall not be considered to be insurance for the purposes of Title 48 RCW.
3. (3) Violation of this section is subject to the enforcement provisions of RCW 48.02.080 and to the hearing and appeal provisions of chapter 48.04 RCW.

[ 1998 c 303 s 1.]