When it's hot and dry, everywhere is in danger of fires. And if you live in an isolated rural area, firefighters may have trouble reaching your home or getting water.
Your insurance
You always have the right to shop around for other coverage if your insurer cancels or doesn't renew yours due to wildfire risk. You can look up licensed insurance agents and companies on our website. You can also call us with any questions at 800-562-6900.
If you can't find coverage for your home, you can call the Washington state Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan at 425-745-9808. If you can't find coverage for your vehicle, you can call the Washington state Assigned Risk Plan at 800-227-4659.
Homeowner tips
Review your coverage. Check it regularly to make sure it can cover a loss. If you’ve lived in your home for a long time and/or made updates to your house, you should tell your insurer so they can increase your coverage.
Make sure you have enough coverage. Buy extra coverage to protect valuable items, such as jewelry, fine art and other items your homeowner insurance may not fully cover. If you’re not sure if an item is covered, ask your insurer or agent.
Make a list of what's in your home. If you file a claim, you'll need to give your insurer proof of the items you own. A quick way to get proof is to take a video of everything in your home. Open closets, drawers and cupboards while you film. Make sure the video shows the date and time, so it proves when you owned the items. Then copy the video to another device, like a thumb drive. Keep that device away from your home, such as in a safety deposit box at a bank. Consider downloading an app to help you keep a list of what you own.
Insurers may require your home to meet certain standards. They determine your coverage and rates using certain factors, including:
- Fire protection near your home, such as fire hydrants and fire departments.
- Whether your home has electricity and running water, etc.
Protect your home and lower your home's fire risk by:
- Clearing an area to prevent fire from spreading between your home and other buildings on your property, trees, bushes, leaves, wood piles, uncut fields and flammable materials.
- Getting a water pump or having a nearby water source if you're in a rural area without fire hydrants.
- Using fire-resistant roofing or building materials.
For more information on protecting yourself and your home from wildfires, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.