How to Prepare, What to Watch For, and When to Take Legal Action
As summer approaches in Washington, so does the heightened risk of wildfires. Over the past decade, fire season has intensified, threatening homes, rental properties, and commercial investments throughout the state. While physical damage can be devastating, what happens next often catches property owners off guard—delayed, denied, or underpaid insurance claims.
At Bastion Law, we represent homeowners, landlords, and real estate investors across Washington when their insurance companies fail to deliver on their promises. If you’re preparing for fire season, now is the time to take action—not just to prevent loss, but to ensure you’re protected if something goes wrong.
Step 1: Review Your Insurance Coverage
Preparation begins with understanding your current protection.
- Confirm Fire Coverage: Ensure your policy includes fire damage and covers not just the structure, but business interruption and loss of rental income if applicable.
- Review Exclusions: Terms like “wear and tear” or “earth movement” can be used to deny claims. Know what’s excluded and where you may be vulnerable.
- Evaluate Coverage Limits: Rising construction and repair costs could leave you underinsured. Make sure your policy reflects today’s market values.
- Request Full Policy Documentation: You’re entitled to a complete copy of your policy. This includes the declarations page and all endorsements or exclusions.
Step 2: Create a Fire-Prepared Property Record
Strong documentation can protect you before and after a claim.
- Take clear, dated photographs of all buildings—inside and out.
- Save receipts for recent improvements or major repairs.
- Make an inventory of equipment, furnishings, or fixtures.
- Store your insurance policy and claim documentation digitally, in the cloud or offsite.
This documentation can help prove your losses, rebut underpayment, and defend against denial.
Step 3: Recognize Signs of Insurance Bad Faith
Insurance companies in Washington have a legal duty to act in good faith. But during fire season, we often see the following warning signs:
- Delayed Communication: If weeks pass without updates or your adjuster avoids giving clear answers, your claim may be intentionally stalled.
- Inadequate Payouts: Offers that don’t match the actual cost of repair or rebuilding—with little to no explanation—are a red flag.
- Inconsistent Explanations: If your adjuster provides inconsistent information or requests for documents seem to change frequently, it may be a delay tactic.
- Questionable Denials: Coverage exclusions should be clearly stated and applied fairly. Misinterpreted or vague language is often used to avoid payment.
- Settlement Pressure: If you’re urged to accept a quick payout that limits your ability to pursue full recovery later, get legal advice before signing anything.
You Have Legal Options Under Washington Law
When an insurance company delays, underpays, or wrongfully denies your claim, it may be acting in bad faith. Washington’s Insurance Fair Conduct Act allows you to pursue the full value of your claim—and potentially additional compensation for the insurer’s misconduct.
At Bastion Law, we’re not here for paperwork reviews—we’re here to take action when your insurer doesn’t.
If Your Claim Is Denied, Delayed, or Undervalued — Take Action Now
We don’t charge by the hour or bill for consultations. If your insurer is stalling, lowballing, or denying your fire damage claim, we step in quickly—with no upfront cost to you.
- Document your damage and all communication with your insurer
- Avoid signing settlement agreements without reviewing your rights
- Contact Bastion Law if your claim is being mishandled
We work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay us unless we recover money for you. No legal fees. No financial risk. Just focused, trial-ready advocacy when you need it most.
Schedule your free consultation today.