The phrase “insurance desert” has been making headlines across the country. In states like California and Florida, some homeowners are finding it nearly impossible to get affordable property insurance—or any coverage at all. So what about the Pacific Northwest? More specifically: is Washington on its way to becoming an insurance desert?
The short answer: not yet—but there are warning signs.
Washington currently has around 130 companies writing homeowners insurance policies, according to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. That means there are still plenty of options, and insurers haven’t pulled out of the state entirely. Most homeowners who receive a non-renewal notice are able to find a replacement policy.
But that doesn’t mean things are smooth sailing. Insurers are starting to get more selective, especially in areas with high wildfire risk. Some counties, like Benton and Franklin, have seen a growing number of non-renewals. Homeowners in these regions are reporting tougher underwriting standards, fewer policy options, and in many cases—higher premiums.
Several factors are putting pressure on Washington’s insurance market:
Washington does have safeguards in place. The FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) acts as an insurer of last resort for homeowners who can’t find coverage in the standard market. It’s not meant to replace private insurance, but it ensures that people in high-risk areas aren’t left completely without options.
The state has also extended the non-renewal notice period from 45 to 60 days, giving homeowners a little more time to find new coverage if their policy is dropped. Regulators are also collecting data on non-renewals to keep tabs on whether certain regions are becoming harder to insure.
Not at this point. Most Washington homeowners still have choices, and insurers remain active in the state. But the situation is shifting. In high-risk wildfire zones, coverage is harder to come by, more expensive, and subject to stricter requirements.
The best advice? Stay proactive. Review your coverage, talk to your insurance agent early if you receive a non-renewal, and explore all available options—including state programs if necessary. While Washington isn’t an insurance desert yet, some areas are starting to feel the heat.
At Sea Mountain Insurance, we’re here to help you navigate these changes, compare policies, and make sure you have the coverage you need—no matter where in Washington you call home.
