The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner published a news release revealing the results of a data call initiated after the Gray and Oregon Road Fires. The fires occurred in August 2023 and burned over 20,000 acres and destroyed 366 homes combined.
The data call was initiated in June 2024 and revealed that most of the victims of the wildfires were underinsured. Insurers paid out a total of over $200 million by July 31, 2024, with an average payout of $320,000.
Of 355 significant dwelling claims–meaning at least $10,000 in dwelling loss and $10,000 in personal property loss–244 paid out their full coverage limit, showing many insureds were likely not made whole after the loss. Of the 244 claims, 75 did not carry extended replacement cost coverage, which covers the increased cost of labor and materials.
Loss of use coverage varied among claimants. 154 policies had a dollar amount limit, 73 had a time limit ranging from 12 months to 36 months, and 98 policies had both a time limit and dollar amount limit.
The Commissioner recommends consumers review their policies to make sure their limits would fully replace their home and personal property and should carry at least 24 months of loss of use coverage if they live in an area at risk of wildfire.
The news release can be found here.