2011-10-28 | I-11-04

I-11-04 — Board Member Life Insurance

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions issued Interpretive Letter I-11-04 to address whether state-chartered credit unions may provide life insurance to board members. The regulator confirms that the Washington State Credit Union Act does not prohibit such coverage provided it is generally available to employees. This permission is conditional on the coverage being reasonable, identical to employee offerings, and ceasing immediately upon the member leaving office.

Washington State Department of Financial Institutions logo

United States

Washington State Department of Financial Institutions

Click to view thumbnail

State of Washington DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS DIVISION OF CREDIT UNIONS P.O. Box 41200  Olympia, Washington  98504-1200 Courier Address: 150 Israel Rd. SW  Tumwater, WA  98501-6456 Telephone (360) 902-8701  TDD (360) 664-8126  (800) 372-8303  FAX (877) 330-6870  http://www.dfi.wa.gov October 28, 2011 ”A” RE: Board Member Life Insurance DCU Interpretive Letter I-11-04 Delivered by Email Dear ”A”: Issue You inquired if a Washington state chartered credit union (WSCCU) may provide life insurance to its board members, which is available to the credit union’s employees generally. Analysis The Washington State Credit Union Act does not prohibit a credit union’s directors or committee members from receiving insurance coverage or incidental services, available to the credit union’s employees generally. RCW 31.12.365 (1)(b) Conclusion Therefore, we do not object to a WSCCU purchasing life insurance for its board members or committee members with the following conditions:

  1. The insurance is reasonable in coverage and amount,
  2. The insurance is the same as offered to its employees, and
  3. The insurance ceases immediately upon the insured person's leaving office, except for any residual claims pending at the time the insured person leaves office. Of course, if the insured person continues as an employee of the credit union, he or she may still be eligible as other employees on such insurance. If you have further questions please contact Linda Jekel at (360) 902-8778. Sincerely, /s/ Linda Jekel Director of Credit Unions