To our Clients.
Like so many families in our community, my family has also been impacted by the Spokane wildfires and evacuation orders. We understand firsthand how stressful and uncertain this situation can be—especially when you’re trying to care for children, pets, and everything else that comes with being unexpectedly displaced from your home for an undetermined amount of time.
We’re in the peak of fire season in the northwest, and while the Spokane situation is evolving, I wanted to reach out with some information that may be helpful to all of our clients during this difficult time, and address some of the coverage questions we’re fielding as it pertains to the widespread evacuation orders.
- If you’ve been displaced because of a mandatory evacuation, many homeowners, renters, and condominium insurance policies we offer include Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage. This coverage helps to pay for reasonable expenses you incur while you’re unable to return home, including hotel accommodations, meals, clothing, and other necessary living expenses
- Each insurance company and policy is different. Coverage limits can vary based on your policy and the circumstances of your loss. Because of those differences, I don’t want to provide specific guidance on coverage limits in this email. Just know, our carriers are eager to help.
If you’ve been affected by the evacuations, we strongly encourage you to visit your insurance carrier’s mobile claims team at Shadle Park High School. Most of our carriers have catastrophe response teams on-site that can often provide immediate financial assistance, answer coverage questions, help you open a claim, and explain what benefits may be available under your policy. Even if you aren’t sure what you need yet, it’s a great resource to take advantage of.
If you’re wondering whether filing a claim makes sense for your situation, that’s a separate conversation we’re happy to have. Feel free to give us a call, and we’ll talk through your circumstances, explain the potential impacts of filing a claim, and help you make an informed decision.
Additionally, while largely well-intentioned, the internet is currently full of conflicting and misleading information.
- Please reach out with any questions. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner is also a great resource for factual and useful information regarding the mechanics of a claim, and property insurance policies.
Although our office is currently operating remotely because of the evacuation, we’re still here for you. If you need assistance contacting your insurance company or navigating the claims process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach us by phone at (509) 747-2531 or by email at conrad@lilacinsure.com.