Natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. Dealing with insurance claims should not add to the frustration. Get some tips for filing a homeowner or auto claim after a natural disaster, and find out how we can help if you run into trouble.
Filing a claim
If your home is damaged due to some type of natural disaster, you should take immediate steps to protect it and your possessions from further destruction. Then call your insurance company to get the claims process started as soon as possible.
You may need to file claims with more than one insurance company. Floods and earthquakes are generally not covered under a standard homeowner policy. Damage to vehicles may be covered under your auto policy – even if the damage occurs in a garage or carport. Find out more about filing:
How we can help you
If a natural disaster occurs, even damage from winter weather, we’re here to answer your questions about the claims process. We can also help answer your questions about what to expect after you file a claim, and how to file a complaint against an insurer.
- Call our Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-562-6900 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays)
- Send us a message with your insurance questions
- File a complaint online and check the status of your complaint 24/7
- Contact your company or agent, or check the license status of an agent or company using our online agent, company lookup tool
Watch out for scams
Fraudsters often take advantage of the chaos after a disaster, so we urge consumers to verify licenses and check references before hiring contractors and others to make home repairs.
Disaster resources
Washington Military Dept. Emergency Management Division
Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources
Washington State Office of the Governor
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America guidance for wildfire claims
Federal Emergency Management Agency