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Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Homeowner insurance claims and disaster preparedness tips

  • File your claim quickly. Call your insurance company or agent. Your policy may require you to notify the insurer within a certain timeframe.
  • Cooperate with the insurance company. Ask what documents, forms and data you'll need to file a claim. Keep a diary of all conversations with insurers, creditors or relief agencies.
  • Give your insurer all the information requested.
  • Ask your insurer about additional living expenses.
  • Take photos or video of the damage.
  • If you can do it safely, make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property. You may need to cover broken windows or leaking roofs, or patch damaged walls. Don’t make permanent repairs until your insurer inspects the property and you reach an agreement on the cost of repairs. Keep your receipts for the claim adjuster.
  • Keep any damaged belongings for the adjuster to inspect.
  • Ask the adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer.
  • Save all receipts.
  • If you can do it safely, properly contain and dispose of any hazardous materials. This could include items such as chemicals, paints, antifreeze, bug and weed killers.
  • Be wary of contractors who demand partial or full payment before work starts or is completed. If the contractor needs payment to buy supplies, go with the contractor and pay the supplier directly.
  • Check out the contractor on the Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries website. Ask for proof of necessary licenses, building permits, insurance and bonding. Record the license plate number and driver’s license number of the contractor. Ask for references.
  • If there's a disagreement about a claim, talk it over with the insurer. Ask the insurer to cite specific language in the policy. If you still need help, contact our office at 800-562-6900.
  • If the insurer's offer seems too low, be prepared to negotiate to get a fair settlement.



Updated 05/07/2012

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Need more help? Call our FREE Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900
or Email us at cap@oic.wa.gov.