Oregon expert: How to make sure wildfire insurance pays off

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(Oregon News Service)
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More than 2 million acres have burned in Oregon so far this year and with the increased risk of wildfire damage to homes and businesses, experts said now is the time for people to make sure their wildfire insurance is set up to work for them.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has issued an emergency order stopping insurers from canceling policies in the next 30 days and giving anyone in wildfire evacuation zones more time to file claims.

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Michelle Luedtke, communications and engagement director for the advocacy group Oregon Consumer Justice, said while insurance can feel overwhelming, the first step is to take a detailed inventory of your home and belongings.

"They can start today. They can do one room at a time. There's apps and templates you can use but you can also just use your phone camera feature and save that inventory up to a digital drive so you have access to it in the instances that you need it," Luedtke outlined.

Luedtke noted Oregon Consumer Justice has released “Insurance Coverage and Wildfires,” a pocket-sized guide for consumers with clear steps and resources to safeguard their coverage before disasters occur.

Luedtke added after taking an inventory, the next step is for people to make sure they’re familiar with their policies and what they cover, especially when it comes to rebuilding after an event, as the cost of materials has increased in recent years. Luedtke stressed people should reconsider their coverage regularly.

"Either when you have a major life event that might change your policy needs or annually to make sure you've adjusted your home inventory to account for anything you may have acquired or gotten rid of in the last year," Luedtke advised.

Oregon Consumer Justice is hosting a free event August 12 in Portland, bringing together experts and the public for a discussion on wildfire insurance rates. Luedtke explained the conversation will focus on how rising premiums and coverage challenges are affecting residents across Central Oregon and invited anyone interested to attend.