Homeowners Insurance in Washington
Checked against official sources · Last reviewed October 14, 2026
In Washington, an insurer that won't renew your home policy must deliver or mail you written notice at least 60 days before it ends and give the actual reason. If no regular insurer will take you, the Washington FAIR Plan sells basic fire coverage as a last resort. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) says nonrenewals and cancellations have doubled since 2021, and you can call its help line at (800) 562-6900 if you think your insurer broke the rules. [1][2][3][4]
At a glance
- Nonrenewal notice
- At least 60 days before the policy expires, with the insurer's actual reason (RCW 48.18.2901) [1]
- Cancellation notice
- At least 60 days with the actual reason 10 days for nonpayment (RCW 48.18.290) [5]
- Last resort
- Washington FAIR Plan: basic fire coverage, up to $1,500,000 per location, actual cash value only [6]
- Consumer help line
- OIC, (800) 562-6900, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday [4]
What homeowners insurance costs in Washington: average premium, 2023 $1,232 a year in Washington vs. $1,737 countrywide · 37th highest of 51 · All states (HO-3 policies; NAIC)
On this page
- At a glance
- The market right now
- If your insurer drops you
- 2026 wildfire emergency order
- Last resort: the Washington FAIR Plan
- Wildfire scores and mitigation: what changed and what didn't
- Protecting your home
- Flood is separate
- Where to get help
- Questions people ask
- FEMA disaster history
- Hail, wind and wildfire
The market right now
Wildfire is the main pressure on Washington home insurance. In a February 2026 open letter published by the OIC, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer and two co-authors said the number of homeowners nonrenewed or canceled by their insurer "has doubled since 2021, growing from 11,763 to 24,106," and that some of these were cancellations due to a wildfire risk score.
A wildfire risk score is a rating an insurer buys from an outside company. The OIC says insurers use these scores "to determine eligibility for coverage, pricing, and renewals," and that the scores are based on things like building materials, nearby vegetation, location and defensible space around your home.
The OIC also reports that in some higher-risk areas, policies now carry a separate, higher deductible for wildfire damage. Check your declarations page so the wildfire deductible doesn't surprise you. [2][3][7]
If your insurer drops you
Washington law sets these minimums for home policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025:
| Situation | Minimum written notice | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Insurer won't renew | 60 days before the policy expires, with the insurer's actual reason | RCW 48.18.2901 |
| Insurer cancels mid-term | 60 days before the cancellation date, with the actual reason | RCW 48.18.290 |
| Cancellation for nonpayment | 10 days | RCW 48.18.290 |
| Fire policy canceled under RCW 48.53.040 | 5 days | RCW 48.18.290, RCW 48.53.040 |
The insurer must "deliver or mail" the notice. The minimum for a nonrenewal or a cancellation (other than for nonpayment) used to be 45 days; a 2024 law, Substitute Senate Bill 5798 (Laws of 2024, ch. 244), raised both to 60 days for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025.
The 5-day rule is narrow. It applies only when two or more listed conditions exist, such as a building left unoccupied for more than 60 days without reasonable explanation, or one in danger of collapse.
The cancellation or nonrenewal notice must also explain how to apply to the FAIR plan, and it must give the OIC's consumer hotline number and website. If your insurer cancels, it must refund the unearned premium no later than 45 days after the cancellation notice.
The OIC notes that insurers often inspect newly insured homes and may cancel if they see trees close to the house, brush or debris on the ground, or flammable items stored outside. "Standards vary, so a property that one company won't insure might be fine with another." You always have the right to shop around. Our nonrenewal guide walks through next steps. [1][2][5][8][9][10][11]
Washington's FEMA disaster record since 2000
Federal disaster declarations for Washington, counted from FEMA's official declarations data. A "major disaster" declaration brings federal recovery aid; a "fire management" declaration helps pay to fight a wildfire that threatens homes.
Most recent
- Autumn Lane Fire Fire · Fire management · declared 2026-08-02
- Fairview Fire Fire · Fire management · declared 2026-08-02
- Sinlahekin Fire Fire · Fire management · declared 2026-08-01
- Old Trails Fire Fire · Fire management · declared 2026-08-01
- Modrite Fire Fire · Fire management · declared 2026-07-30
- Ransier Fire Fire · Fire management · declared 2026-07-26
Source: FEMA OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, downloaded 2026-10-14. Each declaration counted once, however many counties it covers. Flood history and flood insurance: FloodHawk.
Hail, wind and wildfire in Washington
Hail, thunderstorm wind and tornado reports
Severe weather reports logged by the National Weather Service in NOAA's Storm Events Database, July 2025 to June 2026 (the latest 12 months NOAA has published), next to the yearly average for 2016 to 2025.
Most reports of 1-inch-plus hail, 2016–2025: Stevens (7), Whitman (5), Asotin (4), Klickitat (4), Spokane (4).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, downloaded October 14, 2026. NOAA adds each month about 75 to 90 days after it ends. Tornadoes are counted in NOAA's segments: one that crosses a county line counts once per county, and one that briefly lifts and touches down again can count twice. Reports depend on people seeing and reporting storms, so busier areas log more of them: these counts show how often storms are reported, not the risk to any one home.
Wildfire
Homes in Washington have, on average, greater wildfire risk than 94% of states, and greater wildfire likelihood (the chance of a wildfire burning in any given year) than 94% of states, according to the USDA Forest Service.
Of Washington's 3,290,268 buildings, 33% are in the Forest Service's direct exposure zone (they may be ignited by flammable vegetation next to them, as well as by embers), 23% in the indirect exposure zone (embers or a neighboring burning building), and 44% have minimal exposure.
Source: USDA Forest Service, Wildfire Risk to Communities (state data table updated April 15, 2026). The Forest Service says its ratings describe communities, not individual homes; they don't reflect work owners have done to lower their risk, and the tool isn't designed for insurance companies, which do their own wildfire assessments.
| Year | Fires | Acres |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,863 | 674,222 |
| 2022 | 1,492 | 173,659 |
| 2023 | 1,707 | 151,316 |
| 2024 | 1,806 | 275,593 |
| 2025 | 1,874 | 247,066 |
Source: National Interagency Coordination Center annual reports (table "Wildland Fires and Acres Burned by State and Agency", from the SIT/209 reporting system). Each year counts only the agencies listed for Washington in that year's table, so a big change between years can come from which agencies reported.
2026 so far: 915,498 acres burned in wildfires reported to the national interagency fire-incident system (IRWIN) for Washington, as of October 14, 2026. Preliminary: from NIFC's year-to-date wildfire locations (WFIGS), which doesn't include every state and local fire and isn't comparable to the annual totals above.
2026 wildfire emergency order
After Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer issued Emergency Order 26-01. From Aug. 3 to Sept. 30, 2026, in ZIP codes (and adjacent ZIP codes) where wildfires burned homes or other structures or where evacuation orders were issued, it:
- stretched the nonrenewal notice for property insurance from 60 days to 120 days before the policy expires,
- required property insurers to send cancellation notices at least 120 days before the policy's expiration date,
- required 45-day grace periods for premium payments and waived late and reinstatement fees,
- barred cancellation for nonpayment unless you asked for it.
The OIC says the commissioner can extend an order like this 30 days at a time while the governor's emergency lasts. As of Oct. 13, 2026, the OIC's emergency orders page listed no extension of Order 26-01. If you are in a fire-affected area, ask the OIC whether any newer order applies to you. [12][13][14]
Last resort: the Washington FAIR Plan
If you can't find coverage for your home, the OIC points you to the Washington FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements), reachable at (425) 745-9808. It is an insurance pool that all property insurers in the state must join; it is not a state agency.
- It writes policies anywhere in Washington, as long as the home is occupied and reasonably maintained. - Coverage is basic: fire and lightning, with optional extended coverage (windstorm, hail, smoke and more) and vandalism. There is no liability or theft coverage and no coverage for most water losses. - It pays actual cash value (replacement cost minus depreciation), not replacement cost, up to $1,500,000 per location. - The plan says that in most situations its coverage costs more than a regular policy. - Any Washington-licensed property agent can help you apply.
The plan lists "They live in a wildfire area or on an island and can't find insurance" among the most common reasons people buy its policies. Full details, including how to apply and pay, are on our Washington FAIR Plan page. [2][6][15][16]
Wildfire scores and mitigation: what changed and what didn't
As of Oct. 13, 2026, Washington has no law requiring insurers to show you your wildfire risk score.
- 2025: Substitute House Bill 1539 created a work group, a joint project of the OIC and the Department of Natural Resources. Its Dec. 1, 2025 report recommended a voluntary state grant program to help homeowners retrofit their homes, and asked lawmakers to consider having insurers track wildfire-related nonrenewals. - 2026: Senate Bill 5928 would have required insurers that use a wildfire risk score to disclose it, explain the factors behind it, and list steps to improve it, with a right to appeal after mitigation work. It passed the Senate 48-1 but was not acted on by the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee. - 2026: Senate Bill 6079 would have created the Strengthen Washington Homes grant program, paid from OIC regulatory funds, to help homeowners pay for wildfire retrofits; homeowners who completed it would be protected from nonrenewal or cancellation due to wildfire risk. It passed the Senate 37-11 and also stalled in the same House committee.
The OIC says updated versions of both bills are among the commissioner's priorities for the 2027 legislative session. [3][7][17][18][19][20]
Protecting your home
The OIC notes that the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Wildfire Prepared Home designation is available to Washington homeowners. It has two levels, Base and Plus. You do the work on IBHS's checklist, apply online with a $125 fee and photos, and pass a third-party review. A designation is valid for three years and transfers if you sell the home.
The OIC's own starting tips: keep tree branches and shrubs at least 10 feet from the house, create a 5-foot gravel or concrete strip around the home if you can, clear leaves and needles from roofs and gutters, and cover attic vents with metal mesh. If you live in an HOA or condo, Washington law gives you the right to use fire-resistant building materials. See our wildfire home hardening guide for more.
No state grant program for wildfire retrofits exists yet (see above). [2][18][21]
Flood is separate
The OIC says a typical home insurance policy specifically excludes damage from flooding; you need a separate flood policy from an agent, broker or the National Flood Insurance Program. Our sister site FloodHawk covers flood zones and flood insurance. [22]
Where to get help
The OIC's consumer advocates answer insurance questions and take complaints.
- Call (800) 562-6900, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, or use the Ask an insurance expert form. - File a complaint if you think an insurer or agent broke the law or treated you unfairly. The OIC sends your complaint to the insurer or agent and asks for a response. [4]
Questions people ask
How much notice does a Washington insurer have to give before not renewing my home policy?
At least 60 days before the policy expires, in writing, and the notice must include the insurer's actual reason (RCW 48.18.2901). The notice must also explain how to apply to the Washington FAIR Plan and give the OIC's consumer hotline number. [1][11]
Can my insurer drop me because of my wildfire risk score?
The OIC says insurers use third-party wildfire risk scores to decide eligibility, pricing and renewals, and some recent cancellations were based on a score. A 2026 bill to make insurers disclose and explain the score did not pass; the commissioner plans to try again in 2027. You still get the 60-day notice with the actual reason. [1][3][7]
What if no company will insure my house?
The OIC points you to the Washington FAIR Plan at (425) 745-9808. It sells basic fire coverage, actual cash value only, up to $1,500,000 per location, through any Washington-licensed property agent. It has no liability or theft coverage. [2][6][16]
Does Washington require insurers to give a discount for wildfire mitigation?
We found no such law as of Oct. 13, 2026. The 2026 bills on wildfire scores and a retrofit grant program passed the Senate but stalled in the House. Ask your insurer directly whether it credits mitigation or an IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home designation. [7][18]
Sources (22)
- RCW 48.18.2901: Renewal required, exceptions, Washington State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Wildfires and insurance, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Washington consumers most at risk from wildfires deserve our help (Feb. 6, 2026), Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Complaints, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- RCW 48.18.290: Cancellation by insurer, Washington State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Customers, Washington FAIR Plan. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Wildfire risk score transparency, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Substitute Senate Bill 5798, Laws of 2024, ch. 244 (session law), Washington State Legislature. Accessed October 14, 2026.
- RCW 48.53.030: Cancellation of policy, conditions required for, Washington State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- RCW 48.53.040: Cancellation of policy, procedure, Washington State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- WAC chapter 284-19: Washington essential property insurance inspection and placement program, Washington State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Kuderer issues emergency order to provide relief to people affected by Washington wildfires (Aug. 3, 2026), Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Emergency Order No. 26-01 (2026 Wildfires), Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Technical assistance advisories and emergency orders, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- WA FAIR Plan: Property Insurance in Washington, Washington FAIR Plan. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- FAQ, Washington FAIR Plan. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Wildfire Mitigation and Resiliency Standards Working Group: Report to the Washington State Legislature (Dec. 1, 2025), Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner and Department of Natural Resources. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Strengthen Washington Homes grant program, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- SB 5928 - 2025-26: Concerning wildfire risk models and score disclosure (bill history), Washington State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- SB 6079 - 2025-26 (bill history), Washington State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home designations, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Flood insurance, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Accessed October 13, 2026.