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Washington Insurance Council Consumer Alert Contact:
Karl Newman, Executive
Director Washington Insurance Council Settling insurance claims in earthquake aftermathSEATTLE – In the aftermath of yesterday’s 6.8-magnitude quake, it’s time to assess the damage to your home and property and begin the claims process. Standard homeowners insurance policies normally do not cover damage caused directly by an earthquake. A separate earthquake insurance policy or endorsement is needed. Secondary damage from causes such as fires from ruptured gas lines, water damage from broken pipes, or damage to your home from broken windows is usually covered under your standard homeowners policy. Also, automobiles damaged by falling bricks or trees are protected under Comprehensive Coverage in an auto insurance policy. The Washington Insurance Council offers these tips to help homeowners and renters get back on their feet: · Prevent further weather-related or looting damage by covering damaged roofs, walls, ceilings, doors and windows with plastic or plywood. · Report the damage to your insurance agent or insurance company representative immediately after surveying the damage. · Make comprehensive lists of the damaged items. If possible, take photographs of the damage, and put together a set of records – old receipts, bills and photos. · Do not make extensive, permanent repairs until after the claims adjuster has been to your home and assessed the damage. · Be sure repair companies are licensed and bonded. · Don’t throw out damaged furniture, as the adjuster will want to see it. · Identify the structural damage to your home and other buildings on your premises such as a garage, tool shed or in-ground swimming pool. · Evaluate your future earthquake insurance needs. Most insurance companies will not issue earthquake policies during or immediately after an earthquake. Call your company or agent to find out how to obtain earthquake insurance in the coming weeks. · To ensure eligibility for Federal Funds, be sure to report your loss to your county emergency management authority. The phone numbers for your county will be posted on the Insurance Commissioner’s website at www.insurance.wa.gov. · For a free brochure Settling Insurance Claims After A Disaster, contact the Washington Insurance Council at (206) 624-3330 or 1-800-664-4942. To help you begin your claims process, here is a list of the Washington Insurance Council’s member companies and their claims phone numbers. These companies represent more than 60 percent of the homeowners insurance policies written in Washington state. Allstate Insurance 1(800) 597-9001 CGU/North Pacific 1(800) 873-6742 Country Companies 1(800) 846-0100 Farmers Insurance (360) 254-3900 Grange Insurance (206) 448-4911 Kemper Insurance 1(800) 753-6737 Liberty Mutual Insurance 1(800) 633-1833 MetLife Auto & Home 1(800) 854-6011 Mutual of Enumclaw 1(800) 621-5410 Oregon Mutual Insurance 1(800) 765-3211 PEMCO Insurance 1(800) 552-7440, Ext. 7928 SAFECO Insurance 1(800) 332-3226 State Farm Insurance 1(800) SF-Claim USAA 1(800) 531-8222 Unigard Insurance 1(800) 456-1626, Ext. 5264 Western National Assurance (206) 526-5900 The Washington Insurance Council is a nonprofit, consumer education organization funded by member insurance companies. ### |
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