When a wildfire impacts your home, there’s a lot of information coming at you at once—and not all of it is accurate.
You may hear what happened to a neighbor, what someone experienced with their insurance company, or advice from friends and family. While those experiences can be helpful, your Spokane wildfire insurance coverage and claim are specific to your policy and your situation.
In our Wildfire Myth video series, North Town Insurance is addressing three common questions Spokane-area homeowners may have after a wildfire:
Who gets to rebuild my home? Does my neighbor’s insurance coverage apply to me? And should I file an insurance claim?
Here’s what Spokane homeowners should know.
Myth #1: Does Your Insurance Company Choose Who Rebuilds Your Home?
Generally, you can choose your own contractor.
However, every insurance company has its own claims process, and covered repair or rebuilding costs still need to be coordinated with your insurance carrier.
If your home has been damaged by a Spokane wildfire, it’s important to understand your insurance company’s process before hiring a contractor or signing a repair or rebuilding agreement.
Watch: Can I Choose My Own Contractor After a Wildfire?
Before moving forward with repairs or rebuilding, check with your insurance company or adjuster to understand:
- What documentation your insurance company needs
- Whether estimates are required
- How repair or rebuilding costs will be evaluated
- How covered costs will be handled
- What steps you should take before work begins
The important takeaway is that you generally have a choice in who works on your home, but you should understand your insurance company’s claims process before moving forward.
If you’ve experienced wildfire damage, taking time to understand the process can help you make informed decisions about your home and your Spokane wildfire insurance claim.
Myth #2: If Your Neighbor’s Insurance Covered It, Yours Will Too
Not necessarily.
One of the most common sources of confusion after a wildfire is comparing your insurance claim to your neighbor’s.
A typical homeowners insurance policy covers wildfire damage, but the details of that coverage can vary from one policy to another.
Two homes right next door to each other could have different:
- Insurance companies
- Coverage limits
- Deductibles
- Policy provisions
- Endorsements
- Additional coverage
Those differences can affect what is covered, how much is covered, and how the wildfire insurance claim is handled.
Watch: Why Your Neighbor’s Claim May Look Different
Your neighbor’s experience can be helpful, but it may not be a good predictor of what will happen with your own claim.
Instead of asking:
“What did my neighbor’s insurance cover?”
A better question is:
“What does my policy cover?”
Your homeowners insurance policy, coverage limits, deductible, endorsements, and the specific circumstances of your wildfire damage all matter.
If you’re trying to understand your Spokane wildfire insurance coverage, start with your own policy rather than comparing your situation to someone else’s.
Myth #3: Should You File a Spokane Wildfire Insurance Claim?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
After a wildfire, you may be unsure whether the damage is significant enough to involve your insurance company. You may also be wondering how your deductible, coverage, and potential claim could affect your situation.
Before making a decision, gather information about your specific circumstances.
Consider:
- The type and extent of wildfire damage
- Whether your property has smoke or other related damage
- Your homeowners insurance deductible
- What coverage may apply under your policy
- What documentation may be needed to support a claim
Watch: Should You File a Wildfire Insurance Claim?
Filing an insurance claim is an individual decision. Understanding your damage, deductible, and available coverage can help you make a more informed decision for your specific situation.
If you’re unsure what to do next after wildfire damage, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Have Questions About Spokane Wildfire Insurance?
If you’ve been affected by the Spokane wildfires and have questions about homeowners insurance, wildfire damage, smoke damage, deductibles, rebuilding, contractors, coverage, or the claims process, North Town Insurance is here to help. Call us at (509) 483-3030, email us, or visit us online.
You don’t have to be an NTI client to reach out for guidance.
Our goal is to help you better understand your insurance coverage and the steps you may want to consider as you navigate this difficult situation.
Spokane Wildfire Resource Center
We’ve created a dedicated Spokane Wildfire Resource Center with information and support for Spokane-area residents affected by the wildfires:
Fine Print: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Insurance policies vary significantly by carrier and state. To understand your actual coverage, exclusions, and deductibles, please review your specific policy documents or schedule a consultation with your licensed insurance agent.