Bastion Law founding attorney Dan McLafferty recently joined New Day Northwest to discuss what Washington homeowners should know after a fire damages their home and how to protect themselves during the insurance claim process.
Dan shared practical guidance for homeowners, including the importance of documenting damage as soon as it is safe, understanding what their insurance policy may cover, and paying attention to damage that may not be immediately visible.
During the segment, Dan discussed:
- Taking photos and videos of damage and personal belongings
- Understanding Additional Living Expense, or ALE, coverage
- Watching for smoke, soot, chemical contamination, asbestos, and other hidden damage
- Keeping receipts and records for damaged personal property
- Creating a home inventory before a loss occurs
- New Washington insurance claims-handling rules taking effect October 18, 2026
One of Dan’s key recommendations is to document as much as possible. Photos, videos, receipts, and other records can help establish what was damaged and provide important support during the claim process.
He also emphasized that fire damage is not always visible. Smoke, soot, and other contaminants can travel throughout a home, making professional evaluation important when determining whether a property is safe and what needs to be repaired or replaced.
Dan closed the segment by discussing new Washington insurance regulations that will give policyholders greater access to portions of their insurance claim files, adding another layer of transparency to the claims process.
Bastion Law appreciates the New Day Northwest team for the opportunity to share practical information with Washington homeowners.
Watch the full segment below.
If your insurance company has delayed, denied, or underpaid a fire or property damage claim, Bastion Law may be able to help.