Office address: 700 W State St 3rd floor, Boise, ID 83702
Website: doi.idaho.gov
Year established: 1901
Employees: 70+
Key people: Dean Cameron (director), Weston Trexler (deputy director), Genii Hamilton (program director), Lisa Tordjman (supervisor), Becky Barton-Wagner (IT resource manager), Javier Cervantes (chief deputy fire marshal), Knute Sandahl (state fire marshal)
Operating budget: $10 million (FY 2024)
The State of Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) regulates insurance in the state and enforces the Idaho Insurance Code and fire safety laws. It gives licenses, investigates fraud, helps with complaints, and runs the State Fire Marshal’s Office to prevent fires.
The Idaho DOI began in 1901 when the state created an agency to regulate the growing insurance market. It gained legal strength in 1961 when lawmakers updated and recodified the Idaho Insurance Code under Title 41.
In 1974, the agency became part of the state’s executive branch, reporting directly to the governor. Here are some major events in its journey:
The State of Idaho Department of Insurance also joined national efforts through NAIC to improve oversight while keeping control at the state level. Today, its leadership plays a key role in keeping Idaho’s insurance system strong and stable.
The DOI operates under Title 41 of the Idaho Code, which outlines its legal role in state insurance regulation. Its main purpose is to guard policyholders, oversee insurance company practices, and support a fair market.
The current director, Dean Cameron, was appointed in 2015 and reappointed in later years due to his experience and leadership. Along with the divisions, they support a balanced insurance system that benefits both businesses and consumers.
The State of Idaho Department of Insurance handles core tasks that protect consumers and regulate insurance operations in the state:
These duties are carried out to uphold Idaho law and protect policyholders. Each area supports safe and legal insurance use statewide.
The State of Idaho Department of Insurance has started new efforts to handle current problems and better protect people who buy insurance:
The Idaho DOI also plays a key role in the new House Bill 17, which proposes a wildfire risk pool and grant program. The DOI director must approve any insurer assessments to protect the public interest. This gives the DOI power to help manage wildfire risk without hurting insurance access in Idaho.
The State of Idaho Department of Insurance helps residents through its Consumer Affairs section, Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program, and public education campaigns. It resolves insurance complaints, runs Medicare workshops, and publishes complaint index reports and market share data.
The agency also issues wildfire alerts and disaster guides with help from the State Fire Marshal. People can file complaints online, attend SHIBA events, and review health rate changes on the DOI website. These tools and programs give Idahoans clear, direct support to make smart insurance choices and stay protected.
State crackdowns intensify following reports of insurers pulling back applications
State cracks down on commission cuts and application limits as open enrollment nears close
Workplace safety improvements continue to drive down claims
House Bill 17 aims to stabilize insurance rates and encourage wildfire risk mitigation efforts
Reduction in voluntary market rates underscores ongoing safety improvements
