How a fire claim actually works in Washington
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We've got your information and are on it. Keep your phone handy - we'll be in touch right away.
Or call (844) 543-5757 nowA fire claim has three parts, the building, your belongings and the cost of living elsewhere, and each is paid on what is documented. These guides explain what to do and what to expect, written for families who have just had the worst week of the year.
These guides describe how standard Washington homeowners, condo and renters policies usually handle fire losses. Your own policy language controls and your adjuster makes the coverage decisions; the aim here is that you go into those conversations knowing what to expect.
The first 72 hours after a fire
Safety, the insurer call, securing the house, receipts, retrieval and who to be careful of, in the order that protects you.
ReadAdditional living expenses
What loss-of-use coverage pays while you are out of the house, what to keep receipts for and the mistakes that cost families money.
ReadContents inventory & claims
Building the inventory, replacement cost versus ACV, recoverable depreciation, sub-limits and proof of ownership.
ReadSmoke damage from a neighbor's fire
The fire was somewhere else and your house smells like it: how coverage works for neighbor fires, condo fires and wildfire smoke.
ReadQuestions homeowners ask us
Should I call my insurer or a restoration company first?
Both the same day. Call your insurer to open the claim and get a claim number; call for mitigation so the house is secured tonight. Your policy requires you to protect the property from further damage, and adjusters expect board-up and drying to begin before they inspect.
Will the restoration contractor deal with my insurance company for me?
The contractor documents the loss in the format adjusters use, sends estimates and inventories directly, meets the adjuster on site and bills the insurer directly on covered work. The claim itself is yours: you report it, sign the paperwork and receive the coverage decisions. Nobody can promise an outcome.
Is there anything a contractor is not allowed to do with my claim in Washington?
Yes. Washington law prohibits contractors from waiving, rebating or absorbing your deductible and from offering anything of value to induce a claim. Be cautious of anyone who arrives uninvited at a fire with a contract or an assignment of benefits to sign.
Not sure what to do first? Call and ask.
Dispatch has walked hundreds of families through the first day. You will get a straight answer about your situation before anyone rolls a truck.