SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — In August, two wildfires broke out in Spokane County, destroying hundreds of buildings, many of them primary homes. Many more homes were damaged in the Oregon Road and Gray Fires. Many months later, residents are still working to recover from the devastation.
Our Verify team has heard from several viewers affected by the wildfires, who had questions about their homeowners insurance.
THE QUESTION
Does homeowners insurance cover damage from wildfires?
THE SOURCES
David Forte, Senior Policy Advisor with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner for Washington State
THE ANSWER
Yes, damaged or destroyed homes from wildfires are covered under standard homeowners insurance, even if the fire is human-caused
David Forte, with the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner, explained that wildfires are treated the same as any other type of fire a homeowner may experience, like a kitchen or electrical fire. Even if the wildfire is human-caused or sparked by lighting, Forte says there’s no difference.
“Fire is fire,” he said. "But the thing with wildfire is that it's always covered under any homeowners policy."
Landscaping is also covered under homeowners insurance policies. This includes any trees, plants, shrubs, or lawns that may have been destroyed, according to the Northwest Insurance Council, a non-profit organization that provides up-to-date insurance information to residents in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
If homeowners run into any problems, Forte suggests they contact the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
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