An analysis of the insurance claims paid out after the Gray and Oregon Road fires in Washington show that most of the homes destroyed were under-insured.
The fires burned more than 20,000 acres, and destroyed 366 homes, outside of Spokane in August of 2023.
Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s office initiated a data call in June of 2024 to collect information from insurance companies that had a loss associated with the fires.
The results showed 355 significant dwelling claims — consisting of $10,000 in dwelling loss and $10,000 in personal property loss. Of those claims, 244 had paid out 100% of their coverage for damage and 162 are still open and ongoing.
Kreidler urged homeowners to review their policies regularly to ensure coverage meets the costs to fully replace their home and possessions should a loss occur.
