Wyoming Ends Market-Based Insurance Code Exemptions

On January 22, 2026, the Wyoming Insurance Commissioner issued Bulletin No. OI-2026 announcing the immediate withdrawal of all insurance code exemptions that were previously granted due to non-competitive insurance market conditions. With Wyoming now maintaining a robust and competitive insurance market, these exemptions are no longer considered necessary. Insurers wishing to transact or continue doing business in Wyoming must now adhere to all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. This update has important implications for carriers, producers, and surplus lines brokers operating in the state.

Why Wyoming Issued This Bulletin

Historically, the Wyoming Department of Insurance granted limited exemptions from certain provisions of the insurance code when specific lines of business were deemed non-competitive. These exemptions were intended to encourage market participation and availability of coverage where options were limited.

According to the Department, Wyoming no longer faces those market conditions. The insurance market has strengthened, competition has increased, and the original rationale for these exemptions no longer applies. As a result, the Department has determined that full statutory compliance is now appropriate across all applicable lines of business.

What Exemptions Are Being Withdrawn

Effective immediately, all exemptions previously granted due to non-competitive market conditions have been rescinded. This includes, but is not limited to, exemptions related to:

• W.S. 26-11-104
• W.S. 26-11-105
• W.S. 26-15-110
• Other provisions of the Wyoming Insurance Code tied to prior market conditions

An official Order vacating these exemptions was entered concurrently with the Bulletin and is available on the Wyoming Department of Insurance website.

Who Is Impacted by This Change

This update applies broadly to:

• Insurance carriers
• Licensed producers
• Surplus lines brokers
• Any insurer seeking to write or continue writing business in Wyoming

All impacted parties must now operate in full accordance with Wyoming insurance statutes and Department regulations, without reliance on previously granted exemptions.

Operational Considerations for Insurers and Agencies

Organizations operating in Wyoming should take immediate steps to:

• Review internal processes for alignment with all applicable Wyoming statutes
• Confirm that licensing, filings, and operational practices meet current regulatory requirements
• Communicate changes internally to underwriting, compliance, and licensing teams
• Evaluate any reliance on past exemptions that may affect ongoing or future business

Failure to adjust practices promptly could result in regulatory exposure or delays in transacting business within the state.

Summary

Wyoming’s rescission of all insurance code exemptions tied to past non-competitive markets marks a significant regulatory shift. With the state now recognizing a fully competitive insurance environment, insurers must comply with all statutory and regulatory requirements without exception. Carriers, producers, and surplus lines brokers should act quickly to review their obligations and ensure continued compliance when operating in Wyoming.