08/25/2026
As wildfire season continues, Abeyta Nelson staff and attorneys send strength to our neighbors affected by the Colwash Fire near Mabton and Prosser, as well as those in Spokane, Leavenworth, Tonasket. If you’ve endured evacuations and devastating losses this summer, first and foremost, make sure your family and pets are taken care of.
Next, when you're ready, call your insurance company and start asking questions. Your homeowner's policy likely covers more than you think, and it's the insurer's job to explain what you bought. Three things you should ask about:
Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Funds which pay for a place to live while your home is repaired or replaced, plus immediate needs like food, clothing, and toiletries. If you're in a hotel, start looking for a rental, as you may be there a long while. Rental furniture can be covered too.
Dwelling Coverage: This is reimbursement to repair, rebuild, or in some cases replace your home. You'll need contractor estimates, and your insurer has to approve the work. If you have a mortgage, call your lender right away and be sure to include them in this process.
Personal Property Coverage: To replace personal items, your insurance company will ask you to list everything you lost, either from previous video footage, or by memory. Make a list, room by room, recreating contents according to location, drawer or shelf, and be as detailed and descriptive of items as possible. Also, inquire if your policy includes replacement cost coverage.
As you’re rebuilding your life after a fire, save every receipt, keep a copy of everything you send and everything you receive, write down who you talked to and when, and follow up until you get an answer. Claims run long, adjusters change, and your notes will be an important record.
If you have any questions about losses to your home or property, call us any time. The wildfire attorneys at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law have helped hundreds of families recover after wildfire loss and stand ready to help you, too.
