Some property insurers have temporarily stopped selling insurance in areas affected by the Eagle Creek, Norse Peak and Jolly Mountain fires in Washington state.
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| Photo courtesy Washington state Department of Natural Resources |
What does that mean?
If you are in the process of buying real estate or if your homeowner insurance policy is up for renewal, you may have a hard time finding a policy.
What should I do?
Contact your agent or broker and ask what your options are. If you need a policy and don’t have one, shop around.
Consumers also have access to the property insurer of last resort in our state, called the Washington Fair Plan. The plan offers basic property insurance to consumer who are unable to obtain insurance in the standard insurance market. Consumers have to obtain coverage through a licensed insurance agent or broker, and you can work with whomever you choose. If your company won’t offer you coverage, your agent can help you get coverage through the Fair Plan.
- Find a licensed insurance agent
- What to do if you can't find homeowner insurance
- Read frequently asked questions about the Fair Plan
Other considerations about wildfires
Even if you maintain insurance coverage on your home, you should learn about ways to decrease your risk of losing your home to fire. Here are some resources in Washington state.
- Active wildfires in Washington - National Interagency Fire Center
- Defend your home against wildfire - WA DNR
- Firewise program - WA DNR
- Washington wildfire resources - Gov. Inslee
- Wildfires and homeowner insurance - OIC
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