Washington homeowners insurance
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Is home insurance required in Washington?
Homeowners insurance is not legally required by the state of Washington. However, if you have a mortgage, your lender may require you to carry homeowners insurance to protect their investment in your property.
Is home insurance worth it in Washington?
Even if you’re not required by law to carry homeowners insurance in Washington, it’s a smart investment for protecting your most valuable asset. Homeowners insurance provides financial security in the face of unexpected events — such as fire, theft, or liability claims — that could otherwise result in significant out-of-pocket expenses. Without coverage, you could be left vulnerable to costly repairs or replacements that may strain your finances.
Washington’s unique environment makes insurance especially important. The state is known for its frequent rainstorms, which can lead to water damage and flooding, as well as windstorms that may cause property damage. In some regions, wildfires and even earthquakes are real risks for homeowners. With these environmental factors in mind, having homeowners insurance offers peace of mind and helps ensure you’re prepared for whatever nature may bring.
What does home insurance cover in Washington?
While every policy is different, the following coverages are typically included in a Washington home insurance policy.
Coverage for your home
Dwelling coverage (Coverage A) protects your home – think roof, walls, floor, siding and windows.
For example, if a severe rainstorm causes a large branch to break off and shatter your living room window, your homeowners insurance policy’s dwelling coverage can help pay for the repairs, subject to your policy limits and deductible.
Coverage for other structures
Other structures coverage (Coverage B) protects structures such as detached garages, sheds, fences or pools.
For instance, if a powerful windstorm in Washington causes a large tree branch to fall and severely damage your newly renovated Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), this portion of your homeowners insurance policy can help cover the repair costs, up to your policy limits and after your deductible.
Coverage for your things
Personal property coverage (Coverage C) helps replace or repair items such as clothing, jewelry, appliances, furniture and electronics.
If your laptop, television, or other items were stolen while you were at work, this portion of your homeowners insurance helps you replace them, up to policy limits.
Coverage for living expenses
Loss of use coverage (Coverage D) helps pay for expenses such as hotel stays and food should your home become unlivable.
For example, if a kitchen fire causes extensive smoke and structural damage, making your home unsafe to occupy during repairs, your homeowners insurance policy’s loss of use coverage can help pay for your temporary housing and food expenses, up to your policy limits.
Coverage when accidents happen
Personal liability (Coverage E) provides financial protection if you’re found legally responsible for property damage or injury to others.
For example, if a guest slips and falls on your icy front steps during a typical Washington winter, this coverage can help pay for their medical expenses or legal costs if you’re held liable, up to your policy limits.
Optional add-on homeowners coverages in Washington
Looking for extra protection against unexpected and costly home repairs? Washington homeowners can benefit from optional coverages like equipment breakdown, flash flood and hidden water damage. These add-ons help safeguard your home from mechanical failures, water-related issues, and back-ups — providing peace of mind for your family’s unique needs, no matter what the Pacific Northwest weather brings.
Add-ons for more events & parts of your home
Add-ons based on how you use your home
Add-ons for personal property & identity
Get homeowners insurance today
Contact your local American Family Insurance agent for a personalized home insurance quote or get a custom quote online.
This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information. Please check your state and local laws.
The information on this webpage represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Coverage features and limits vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Discount availability and eligibility vary by state and policy terms. (Discounts apply to auto and property policies.) Please check with your agent and read the policy for exact details on coverages and exclusions. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites that may be linked in this article.
References
Insurance Information Institute. (n.d.) Can I own a home without homeowners insurance? https://www.iii.org/article/can-i-own-home-without-homeowners-insurance