Step 2 — Insurance
Handle your insurance claim
You don't need to become an insurance expert — our policy reviewer does this for you. Below are the specific things to do and the specific traps to avoid, in order. If you'd rather someone just read your policy for you, we do that too, free.
Free help that does not come from us: United Policyholders — 2026 Spokane fires · WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner 800-562-6900
Check your coverage gap
Three quick questions. You'll see your rebuild cost and your gap in plain dollars, plus a checklist for your adjuster. No signup.
This is a rough estimate to help you prepare — not a settlement figure or insurance advice.
Or have our policy reviewer read it for you
Send us your declarations page and we'll go through it with you. Free for fire-affected families, and yours to keep whether you rebuild with us or not.
- Read your policy and declarations page line by line
- Tell you in plain English what you actually have — and what you don't
- Check your Ordinance & Law limit, the coverage most people are short on
- Show you what to ask your insurer for, and what to get in writing
Ask for an advance on your living expenses — in writing
Your policy pays for a place to stay while you're out of your home. You can ask for money up front instead of waiting. Send the request by email so there's a record.
ALE / Loss of Use = the part of your policy that pays for temporary housing, food, and extra costs while you can't live at home.
Get your full policy in writing
Ask your insurer for a complete copy of your policy and your declarations page. You can't check what you're owed until you can see it.
Declarations page = the one-page summary that lists all your coverage limits and dollar amounts.
Check whether you have code-upgrade coverage
Spokane now requires fire-resistant building standards. Rebuilding to today's code costs more, and this coverage pays that difference. Look for it on your declarations page.
Ordinance & Law coverage = money for bringing your rebuilt home up to current building code. Common amounts are 10%, 25%, or 50% of your main coverage — and many people don't have enough.
Don't assume the payout number is enough
About two-thirds of homeowners in the 2023 Gray & Oregon Road fires were underinsured. The safest check is a real rebuild estimate from a contractor, compared against your insurer's figure.
Understand what they're actually paying
Insurers often pay you a lower amount first and hold the rest until you rebuild. Taking a one-time cash payout can mean giving up that held-back money. Ask for both numbers before you decide.
ACV vs. Replacement Cost = ACV is the depreciated value paid up front; Replacement Cost is the full amount, usually paid only once you rebuild.
Contents inventory
List what was inside the house, room by room. Contents are a separate part of your payout from the building.
Contents / Personal property = everything that wasn't part of the building itself — furniture, clothes, tools, kitchen things.
Mortgagee on the cheque
If you have a mortgage, the cheque for the house is usually made out to you and your lender together. Call your servicer early so you know their process.
Mortgagee = your lender. Named alongside you on the cheque, so they have to sign before you can use the money.
This is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Your policy is what governs your claim — always confirm details with your insurer or a licensed professional.