Return home when it's safe to
Once local officials have determined it’s safe to return home, evaluate your home’s damage. If you’re able to, you can make emergency repairs yourself. Keep your receipts for any repair materials, such as plywood to cover broken windows or tarps to cover a damaged roof.
Determine if your loss is covered
Home or renters insurance policies typically cover damage from wildfire the same as any other fire. However, not all weather events are covered. Damage from flooding (including mudflows), landslides, or earthquakes generally isn’t covered unless you purchase a separate flood, landslide, or earthquake policy.
You can contact your insurance agent or company to ask if you are covered before filing a claim. If the loss is not covered, you do not want a filed claim on your record.
Filing a claim
Follow these general tips if you're filing a home, renter, condo, or auto insurance claim:
- Contact your agent or company. Ask what information they need to process your claim. Provide that information promptly, including contact information, if you cannot live in the home.
- If your claim is related to a flood, landslide, or earthquake, contact the company that wrote your policy.
- Be ready to provide receipts, photos, or any other documentation to prove your loss.
- Keep copies of everything.
- If your home is unlivable, keep track of any expenses related to housing, food, or laundry. Most home policies cover additional living expenses coverage if you are displaced.
After you file a claim
Your insurance company:
- May send an adjuster, contractor, or other professional to inspect the damage to your home, but sending someone out is not a legal requirement.
- Should inspect the damage to your home within 30 days from the date you filed your claim. In some cases, the company may ask for photos or conduct a virtual inspection via an app.
- May recommend contractors who can complete your home repairs within their estimated costs, but you have the right to select your own contractor. Your insurance company also isn’t required to provide you with a list of contractors.
- Must issue payment for the covered repairs to your home.
- Is not responsible for delays in repairs by contractors or the availability of parts and materials needed to make repairs.
Be aware of assignment of benefit requests
If your contractor asks you to sign an “assignment of benefit,” be aware this could affect your rights to your claim. This form could allow the contractor to negotiate, make decisions and settle the claim directly with the insurance company — without your approval. To understand your rights, talk to your agent or company before you sign this form.
Your rights when you file a claim
As a policyholder, you're entitled to:
- A clear explanation of what's covered. See WAC 284-30-330.
- A prompt response from the insurance company. See WAC 284-30-360.
- Timely payments and a claim decision. See WAC 284-30-380.
- An appraisal if you disagree with the amount of your loss. See WAC 284-30-330.
- You can work with the adjuster your insurance company sends, or hire a public adjuster (a licensed professional who works on your behalf to appraise and negotiate your property insurance claim). Before you hire a public adjuster, make sure they are licensed in Washington state. Shop around because rates vary from adjuster to adjuster. See WAC 284-30-330.