Recovering from a fire, flood, storm, or wildfire is stressful, and scammers often take advantage of homeowners during this vulnerable time. After any disaster, people may show up claiming to be contractors, cleanup crews, or insurance professionals. Some may not be licensed, bonded, or even legally allowed to work in Washington.
When it’s safe to begin recovery, take a moment to confirm who you’re dealing with before you agree to any work or hand over money. These steps will help you avoid dishonest businesses and keep any insurance claims you've made on track.
Four key steps to avoid becoming a fraud victim
These steps can help you stay safe and protect your finances as you recover from a home or property loss:
Step 1: Understand the insurance claims process
Your insurance policy is a contract. Understanding what your contract provides and requires from you gives you an idea of what to expect. If you know what to expect, you’ll be better prepared to tell if someone’s trying to mislead you.
Check out these guides on the claims process:
- Filing a homeowner insurance claim
- Filing a renter insurance claim
- Filing an auto insurance claim
- Filing a condo unit insurance claim
- Filing a National Flood Insurance Program claim
- Filing a FEMA assistance claim
- Filing a commercial flood insurance claim
If you need help understanding your policy or claim, give us a call or send us a message.
Step 2: Know who you're dealing with
After a disaster, many people present themselves as professionals. Always confirm their role and credentials.
Insurance adjusters
Adjusters investigate claims and decide payout amounts. You may encounter different types of insurance adjusters after a loss, including:
Staff adjusters
- Employees of your insurance company
- Not required to be licensed
- You don't pay them
- Ask for company ID and contact information to verify they're with your insurer
Independent adjusters
- Hired by insurance companies to handle claims
- Must be licensed by our office
- Represent the insurer, not you
- You don't pay them
Public adjusters
- Hired by you, the policyholder, and it's optional
- Represent your interest, not the insurer
- Must be licensed and bonded in Washington state
- You must sign a contract, and they take a percentage of your settlement
Emergency adjusters
- May work during a declared state emergency
- Must register with our office if not licensed in Washington and only after the governor issues an emergency proclamation
Cleanup or mitigation services
These services provide emergency actions to prevent additional damage.
Debris removal companies
Specialize in the safe collection, hauling, and disposal of waste materials, rubble, etc. from disaster-stricken areas.
Contractors
Professionals who provide construction, repair, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and related services.
Step 3: Verify before you hire anyone or sign anything
Before you agree to any services or sign any paperwork, verify the professional or company’s credentials. Taking a few extra minutes to verify can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress during recovery. Always ask for:
- Proper identification that shows the service they offer
- Proof of required licenses, bonds, or registrations, and do your own homework too
- Confirmation they’re legally allowed and licensed to work in Washington state
Verify insurance adjusters
Verify an insurance adjuster is licensed with our agent and company lookup tool. Select "independent adjuster" or "public adjuster" as the license type when you search.
Verify contractors, cleanup, and debris removal services
- Look up the status of a business or professional license
- Verify a contractor, tradesperson, or business
- Look up business information
Red flag: If someone refuses to show credentials or pressures you to sign quickly, walk away.
If you suspect someone is unlicensed, report them immediately to the appropriate agency. Doing so helps protect both you and others in your community.
Step 4: Know your rights
Signing an "Assignment of Benefits" gives your contractor the right to work directly with your insurance company and collect payments without your approval. This can leave you responsible for extra costs if the contractor overcharges or does poor work and also limits your right to negotiate with your insurer.
Some scammers use these agreements to inflate bills or commit fraud, which could lead to higher premiums or denied claims. Always read the agreement carefully and talk to your insurance company before signing.
What to do if something goes wrong
If a contractor or service provider doesn’t complete the work, overcharges you, or fails to meet their agreement, report them to the appropriate agency:
Complaints about contractors, cleanup, and debris removal
- File a complaint against a licensed professional or business
- Tips for dealing with unregistered contractors and issues with contractors
Business-related complaints
File a complaint with the Washington State Office of the Attorney General