June 19, 2019
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler urges Washington state residents to be prepared for wildfires by offering some tips for insurance consumers.
“Washington’s wildfire season started in March this year, and most of Western Washington is experiencing a drought emergency,” said Kreidler. “It’s important to be prepared, no matter what part of our state you live in.”
Homeowner insurance covers damage from fires, but it is important to check your policy limits to make sure you have enough coverage to replace your possessions and repair or rebuild your property. Certain valuables, including jewelry, fine art and high-end electronics, may have limited coverage under your homeowner policy, so you may want to ask about special coverage for them. Create a home inventory now, which will make filing a claim easier if you ever need to.
“As residents go through the important process of reviewing their insurance coverage, it’s also a good time to look at the space around their homes and out-buildings to identify and remove dry, highly flammable debris to create a more fire-resistant and defensible perimeter on their property,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.
Here are some resources for people in Washington:
- It’s never too late to reduce your home’s fire exposure by creating a natural fire break between your home and the vegetation around it, which can fuel a fire. Get more fire-proofing advice from Firewise USA (nfpa.org).
- Most wildfires are caused by humans, and we all play a role. Check burn restrictions (dnr.wa.gov).
- Wildfires cause poor air quality, which can affect your health and ability to be outside. Watch for air quality and health updates (wasmoke.blogspot.com).
- Find state wildfire resources (governor.wa.gov), including status updates, shelter and housing, and statewide updates
- Get more information about wildfires and homeowner insurance.
- If you have questions about your homeowner or other insurance, contact Kreidler’s insurance specialists by phone, email or live chat.