Homeowner resources

Resources

Plain-English guides for Washington homeowners: better coverage, lower rates, wildfire, non-renewals, and more.

Topic
A shield protecting a house, representing home insurance coverage
Home Insurance 101

How much home insurance do you actually need in Washington?

Not what you paid for the house, and not last year's number carried forward. Here's how to think about coverage amounts so you're not under- or over-insured.

6 min read
A house key and closing documents on a desk
Closing & Escrow

What your lender requires before closing in Washington

Whether you're buying or refinancing, your mortgage lender has a short list of insurance boxes that must be checked before they'll fund the loan. Here's what they are.

6 min read
An umbrella sheltering a house, representing a last-resort insurance backstop
Wildfire & Risk

What is the Washington FAIR Plan, and when do you need it?

If your insurer won't renew you, or a new carrier won't write your home, the Washington FAIR Plan may be your backstop. Here's what it covers, what it costs, and how it works.

6 min read
A short checklist for getting a home insurance quote
Getting a Quote

What you need for a Washington home-insurance quote (and how to get one fast)

Getting a quote is quicker than most homeowners expect. Here's the short list of what to have handy so you can get a real number in minutes.

5 min read
A simple step-by-step path for reviewing home insurance coverage
Getting Started

When should you actually look at your home insurance in Washington?

Most homeowners only think about insurance once a year, at renewal, or after something goes wrong. Here's when it actually pays to take a closer look.

5 min read
An Eastern Washington hillside neighborhood near dry hills with smoke in the distance
Wildfire & Risk

How wildfire risk scores work in Washington, and why they matter for your coverage

In much of Eastern Washington, a property's wildfire score quietly shapes whether you can keep your insurance and what it costs. Here's what the number means and how to check it.

7 min read
A home in a residential neighborhood
Home Insurance 101

The home you're buying has an insurance history, here's how to check it

Before you fall in love with a house, know this: its past insurance claims can affect whether you can get covered and what you'll pay. Here's how to check.

6 min read