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Washington Insurance Council Consumer Alert Contact:
Karl Newman, Executive
Director Washington Insurance Council Thousands of earthquake insurance claims roll inSEATTLE – More than 5000 Washington homeowners have filed earthquake claims with their insurance companies and more claims are expected in coming weeks, according to the Washington Insurance Council, a non-profit consumer education organization funded by member companies. Washington Insurance Council’s member companies write 80 percent of the homeowners insurance policies in the state. While estimates show less than 20 percent of Washington homeowners had earthquake coverage before Wednesday’s shakeup, that percentage still translates into some big numbers. “We’re seeing thousands of loss reports,” said Karl Newman, executive director of the Washington Insurance Council. “As we continue to evaluate damages, it’s important to remember that Earthquake Insurance is there for very serious damage or total destruction of your home. As a result, most minor damage will fall below the deductibles that must be met before earthquake insurance kicks in.” Deductibles keep premiums lower and help make the coverage more affordable. Prices for earthquake insurance reflect the cost to rebuild severely damaged or completely destroyed homes. While earthquake insurance can double the cost of a homeowner’s policy, and is expensive compared to other property insurance, the cost is more affordable than people may think. “Most homeowners with wood frame homes can purchase earthquake insurance for less than $65 a month,” Newman said. “People have to evaluate their own risks and priorities and make a personal decision.” The potential for widespread, unstoppable damage directly affects the cost to provide earthquake insurance coverage. “When you have a fire, you can call the fire department to put it out and when you have a burglary, you can call the police to help you,” Newman said. “When an earthquake hits there isn’t anybody on earth you can call to stop it.” Claims Phone Numbers 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 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 ### |
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