WA| Washington State Insurance Commissioner issues guidance to property owners and insurers following the December 2025 flood emergency, emphasizing safety, prompt claim reporting, thorough documentation, timely inspections, mold prevention, and safe cleanup practices, while directing consumers to OIC and FEMA resources for additional help and complaints.
Key Points:
- Property owners should only return when local authorities say it is safe, promptly contact their insurer (private or FEMA), extensively photograph damage, and make properties available for inspection.
- Insurers are expected to quickly arrange inspections, use emergency-registered adjusters, and clearly instruct insureds on protecting property, including photographing and removing damaged items while retaining samples to mitigate mold.
- Consumers are advised on safe cleanup (generator placement, not mixing cleaning products) and referred to the OIC and FEMA websites for flood insurance information, claim and appeal tips, and complaint filing.
Click here to see the December 15, 2025 letter to insurers and property owners