Homer Smith Insurance Blog

Damage from a Seattle earthquake

No matter where you live in the world, you are not safe from Mother Nature and the Evergreen State is no exception. This is one of the reasons obtaining and maintaining a Washington home insurance policy is so vital. What sort of natural disasters will you need coverage for? Washington State actually experiences quite a few because of its unique geographic position and composition.

• The most deadly natural disasters in the state are avalanches, which have taken the lives of almost 200 people in the past century.
• Did you know Washington State boasts five volcanoes – Glacier Peak, Mount St Helens, Mount Baker, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainer? While these volcanoes can lay dormant for centuries, there is always the potential for one to erupt.
• Over 1,000 earthquakes shake the state each year, but most of them are not felt.
• The state is also at risk for tsunamis, which can be caused by earthquakes elsewhere. Residents on the Pacific Coast, Puget Sound, or Strait of Juan de Fuca may be especially at risk.
• Flooding can also plague the state. Flooding probably causes the most damage to the homes and businesses of Washington State residents out of all the dangers threatened by Mother Nature.

Before settling for a typical Washington home insurance policy, it is vital to consider how much risk the above natural disasters pose to your house and your family. Individuals who do not take the time to consider their unique danger could find themselves weighed down by a hefty repair bill because they lacked adequate insurance coverage.

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