SPOKANE, WASH. — As fire victims in Spokane work to rebuild their lives, insurance claims have become a critical lifeline for those who lost their homes and belongings in the firestorm.
Courtney Hawxhurst, who lost her home in the Rifle Club neighborhood, said the firestorm devastated more than just her house. “We had the most amazing neighbors and sense of community, so it’s pretty devastating that it wiped us all out and took our sense of security from us,” she said.
Despite that loss, she said her insurance company moved quickly to provide financial relief.
“I have an amazing local agent who, the day after, brought me a small advance to get the things that we needed because we left our house with really two shoes on our feet and the clothes on our backs,” Hawxhurst said. “When they opened up down here at Shadle, we were able to come here and I got a check the same day for personal property. The next day, I got one for a part of our structure.”
State Farm says they’ve distributed $23 million across more than 700 claims for customers impacted by the Spokane firestorm.
Liberty Mutual has received 400 claims, and PEMCO Insurance has processed 65 claims.
Beyond immediate financial assistance, insurance companies are offering additional support programs to help residents transition to temporary housing. Hawxhurst said her insurance company assigned housing specialists to help her find a place to stay while she rebuilds.
“We’ve got housing people that are provided from our insurance company. They’re helping us find a place to stay temporarily while we rebuild,” she said.
Most insurance companies operating at the Shadle Park High School parking lot say they will remain through Friday, and then some will move onto other locations in the county.
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