Seattle area warned about landslide risk

Today, the Seattle Times published a warning about the risk of landslides due to recent heavy rains: Heavy rains bring increased risk of landslides, SPU warns. "With rain late Thursday and Friday morning, Seattle exceeded the official U.S. Geological Survey’s landslide threshold."

In addition to taking the steps outlined in the article, homeowners should take a look at the insurance policies. Homeowner policies typically do not cover damage caused by land movement or a landslide if the underlying case is excessive water.

There are options for homeowners who wish to have coverage in the event of a landslide. Consumers can purchase a rider that covers the contents of their home from all perils, including landslides. Some companies also sell earth-movement coverage for any structures on your property. Flood insurance may cover landslide damage that is due to heavy rains. Your insurance agent or broker can tell you what type of coverage is best for your situation.

Read more about flood insurance on our website. If you have questions, contact our consumer advocates at 1-800-562-6900.

Insurance tips for consumers affected by Longview tornado

Yesterday, people in the Longview area experienced a tornado, a rare occurrence in Washington state. Luckily, there are no reports of injuries but there was some property damage to buildings and vehicles, according to news reports. Read more about the tornado in The Columbian newspaper.


Photo courtesy KING5.com

Standard homeowner and commercial property policies typically cover damage caused by tornados or wind. Damage from tornados can damage building exteriors and roofs, which can leave them susceptible to water damage from rain, and can cause trees to fall on buildings and cars. Personal auto and commercial auto policies would need to have comprehensive coverage in order pay for damage caused by wind.  

If you experienced any damage from yesterday’s tornado, contact your agent or broker to discuss what coverage you actually have and to get your claim started. If you have questions, you can contact our consumer advocates online or at 1-800-562-6900.