Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has fined three insurers and disciplined more than a dozen insurance agents for violations including false statements and failing to promptly investigate claims.

“Insurance can be complex, and it’s important for insurers and agents to play by the rules,” Kreidler said. “If consumers have an insurance problem, question or complaint, I’d encourage them to contact my office and we’ll do our best to help.”

From September through mid-December, Kreidler took action against insurance agents and brokers, including two from Sammamish.

Charles Leinas, of Sammamish had his License revoked for failing to inform the insurance commissioner’s office of a conviction for theft. Leinas was arrested in February 2010 for stealing more than $20,000 from the Spartan Baseball Club.

Steven H. Rowe, of Sammamish also had his license revoked for wrongly answering “no” on his license application when asked about criminal convictions, judgments or deferrals.

Kreidler’s consumer protection staff can be reached at 1-800-562-6900 or at AskMike@oic.wa.gov.

Consumers can also look up information on an agent or company or file a complaint at the Office of the Insurance Commissioner website.

Here’s a list of other agencies, agents and brokers penalized by Kreidler.

Lifewise Health Plan of Washington, of Mount Lake Terrace: Fined $20,000 for failing to promptly tell health insurance applicants that they had been denied coverage. An additional $15,000 fine was suspended as long as Lifewise fulfills a compliance plan.

Farmland Mutual Insurance Co. and Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Co.: Fined $10,000 for violations including charging premiums based on unapproved rating factors.

Universal Casualty Company, of Elk Grove Village, IL: Fined $5,000 and ordered to stop selling insurance in Washington state for violations including failing to timely respond to or investigate claims and misrepresenting facts of insurance policy provisions to consumers. Hunter Insurance Services, of La Mesa, Calif.: Fined $2,500 for failing to ensure that an affiliated agent was licensed.

Old Republic Title Ltd., Lynnwood: Fined $500 for improperly sponsoring a promotional function.

Karin C. Ruble, doing business as Bryant-Toups, Inc., of Woodinville: Fined $500 for violations including false statements on at least two insurance applications.

Robin V. Ruble, doing business as 1st National Group, Inc., of Bellevue: License revoked for violations including false statements on at least 9 insurance applications.

Darlene J. Schrank: Fined $500 for failing to leave a notice of replacement form with consumers.

Winslow B. Wheeler, of St. John, Fla.: License revoked due to Florida conviction for mail fraud.

Association Underwriters of Washington, LLC:  Fined $750 for failing to account for and promptly pay refunds to a policyholder.

Chicago Title Insurance, of Omaha, Neb.: Fined $500 for improperly sponsoring a promotional function and $2,000 for improper advertising.

Edward O. Conroy, of Burien: Fined $1,500 for failing to keep premium money in a separate account and document the transaction.

Bruce A. Longmeier, of Spokane: Fined $250 for wrongfully offering $100 gift cards to Washington consumers.

LSI Title Agency, Inc.: Fined $500 for failing to maintain a place of business accessible to the public in Washington.

Pablo J. Ponce, doing business as Fast & Easy Insurance Agency and Multiservices, Inc.: Fined $250 for using a fee disclosure form that didn’t comply with state law.

Petra Insurance Agency, Inc. and J.M. Petra, of Chehalis: Fined $12,000 for violations including repeatedly failing to disclose the amount of commissions.

Barbara Pilani Raper and Alliance West Insurance, Inc., of Lakewood: Fined $250 for using a fee disclosure form that didn’t comply with state law.

Rebecca A. Cates, of Vancouver: Fined $500 for wrongly answering “no” on her renewal application when asked about criminal convictions, judgments or deferrals.

Eagle Insurance Agency Holdings LLC, of Oklahoma City, Okla.: Licensed revoked since the company no longer has a license in its home state.

Dale M. Shigaki, of Seattle: Fined $2,000 for exerting undue pressure and influence over a consumer to sign a form without the consumer’s full understanding and consent, as well as for photocopying a client’s signature onto a document without the client’s knowledge or consent.