Triple-I Media Advisory: Washington Property Insurers Helping Customers Recover from Devastating Spokane Fires

SPOKANE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Washington property insurers are acting as financial first responders to help their impacted customers recover from the wildfires devastating the Spokane metropolitan area, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

This includes providing immediate relief through additional living expenses (ALE) coverage for displaced policyholders. Losses to property and vehicles will be covered up to the limits contained within an insurance policy.

Triple-I offers the following insights on what’s typically covered under the policies most Washingtonians have:

Homeowners, Condo and Renters Policies Cover Fire and Smoke-Caused Damage

Damage caused by fire and smoke is covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies.

A standard homeowners insurance policy covers wildfire-caused property damage to a home’s structure and its outbuildings (e.g., garage) as well as the personal belongings housed on the premises.

A standard renters insurance policy covers the renter’s personal belongings.

Standard homeowners, condo and renters insurance policies also provide additional living expenses (ALE), sometimes referred to as Loss of Use, to policyholders who either relocated because of a mandatory evacuation order or had their residence rendered uninhabitable due to wildfire-caused property damage.

Water damage caused by firefighters extinguishing a fire is covered under homeowners, condo and renters insurance policies.

Auto Policies Cover Fire and Wind-Caused Damage If Driver Opted for Comprehensive

The optional comprehensive portion of a standard auto insurance policy covers vehicles against damage caused by fire, falling objects, and other hazards. Approximately 75% of U.S. drivers opt to purchase comprehensive coverage.

Claim-Filing Tips

Triple-I recommends following these simple steps to filing a claim:

• Contact your insurance carrier or agent as soon as possible to begin the claim-filing process. Many insurers have mobile apps where you can file a claim.
• Ask your insurance professional about claim-filing requirements and deadlines.
• Take photos of damaged items (if it is safe to do so) and don’t discard damaged items until your assigned insurance adjuster has completed their assessment.
• Keep all receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, such as temporary lodging.

Triple-I Media Contact Information – Washington

Reporters covering the wildfires can contact Triple-I for interviews and analysis.

Triple-I’s West Coast-based subject matter experts can discuss auto, business, business income (interruption), homeowners and renters coverage issues while also providing claims-filing tips.

• Janet Ruiz, Director, Strategic Communications, 707-490-9365, [e-mail]
• Pete Moraga, Spanish Language Media Spokesman, 310-921-0237, [e-mail]
• General media inquiries: [e-mail]

RELATED LINKS

• Wildfires: Insurance and Recovery Resources
• Facts About Wildfires

About the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I)

Since 1960, the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I®) has been the trusted voice of risk and insurance, delivering unique, data-driven insights to educate, elevate and connect consumers, industry professionals, policymakers, and the media. An affiliate of The Institutes, Triple-I represents a diverse membership accounting for nearly 50% of all U.S. property/casualty premiums written. Our members include mutual and stock companies, personal and commercial lines, primary insurers and reinsurers – serving regional, national and global markets.

Triple-I is a registered trademark of the Insurance Information Institute. All rights reserved.

About The Institutes

The Institutes® are a not-for-profit dedicated to helping people and organizations succeed in the essential disciplines of risk management and insurance. Through numerous affiliated business units and brands, we educate, elevate, and connect students, professionals, and organizations by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and collaboration they need to tackle the most complex risk management and insurance challenges. Backed by more than 115 years as a trusted knowledge partner, we empower people and organizations to create a more resilient world.

The Institutes is a registered trademark of The Institutes. All rights reserved.