2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 48.01.050: "Insurer" defined.

"Insurer" as used in this code includes every person engaged in the business of making contracts of insurance, other than a fraternal benefit society. A reciprocal or interinsurance exchange is an "insurer" as used in this code. Two or more hospitals that join and organize as a mutual corporation pursuant to chapter 24.06 RCW for the purpose of insuring or self-insuring against liability claims, including medical liability, through a contributing trust fund are not an "insurer" under this code. Two or more local governmental entities, under any provision of law, that join together and organize to form an organization for the purpose of jointly self-insuring or self-funding are not an "insurer" under this code. Two or more persons engaged in the business of commercial fishing who enter into an arrangement with other such persons for the pooling of funds to pay claims or losses arising out of loss or damage to a vessel or machinery used in the business of commercial fishing and owned by a member of the pool are not an "insurer" under this code.

[2003 c 248 § 1; 1990 c 130 § 1; 1985 c 277 § 9; 1979 ex.s. c 256 § 13; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 13 § 1; 1947 c 79 § .01.05; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 45.01.05.]

Retrospective application -- 1985 c 277: "This act applies retrospectively to group self-funded plans formed on or after January 1, 1983." [1985 c 277 § 10.] "Domestic," "foreign," "alien" insurers defined: RCW 48.05.010. Merger, rehabilitation, liquidation situations -- "Insurer" defined: RCW 48.31.020, 48.99.010. "Reciprocal insurance, insurer" defined: RCW 48.10.010, 48.10.020.