Washington is still dealing with the aftermath of the Gray and Oregon Road fires, which combined to burn over 20,000 acres and destroyed 400 homes in the state. To protect and provide relief to insurance consumers, Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler had previously issued an emergency order on August 24th that gave a grace period for nonpayment of premium and increased the nonrenewal notice required of insurers. 

To further assist consumers, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler sent a letter earlier in the week asking insurance companies and adjusters working in the area to expedite the approval process for debris removal to allow for the rebuilding process to proceed quickly. Insurers and adjusters are advised to disclose to insureds how the debris removal additional coverage would interact with policy limits. 

The local authority has also required fire loss victims to test the debris for asbestos, which must be done prior to the debris removal and is necessary for the repair and replacement of covered property. The debris removal would be covered under the commonly used ISO Homeowners Special Form HO 00 03 or similar forms, with certain limits. The form offers additional coverage for the increased costs incurred due to the enforcement of an ordinance or law. However, there is an exclusion for costs to comply with an ordinance or law which requires the testing of pollutants–so homeowners will likely have to pay the testing cost out of pocket. Insureds should review their policies carefully to determine if coverage or an exclusion applies.