- Arctic outflow winds
- Frozen pipes
- Snow & ice
- Atmospheric river rain
- Falling trees
Housing mix: Historic Fairhaven and Eldridge homes, student rentals, newer subdivisions and rural properties.
Fraser outflow and atmospheric rivers
Bellingham is the seat of Whatcom County, near the Canadian border. In winter, cold arctic air can pour out of the Fraser River valley in British Columbia and sweep across the county, bringing strong northeast winds and temperatures far colder than the rest of western Washington. Those events cause frozen pipes and wind damage that can catch homeowners by surprise.
In November 2021, a series of atmospheric rivers caused record flooding on the Nooksack River. Everson and Sumas were among the hardest hit, with many homes and businesses flooded. Flood damage is excluded from standard homeowner policies, but wind and other covered damage from the same storms can still lead to claims.
Whatcom County housing
Fairhaven and the Eldridge neighborhood have historic homes. Neighborhoods near Western Washington University include many older homes now used as rentals. The north end, Ferndale and Lynden have newer subdivisions, and rural Whatcom County has farms and homes on acreage.
Common Bellingham claims
- Frozen and burst pipes during arctic outflow events.
- Wind damage to roofs, siding and fences.
- Tree damage from windstorms and heavy snow.
- Rental property claims involving landlord policies.
Services available in Bellingham
Every Washington Insurance Appraiser service is available to property owners in Bellingham and across Whatcom County, including:
- Appraisal Clause Representation
- Homeowner Claim Appraisal
- Condo, HOA & Commercial Appraisal
- Roof & Hail Damage Appraisal
- Windstorm & Tornado Appraisal
- Fallen Tree Damage Appraisal
- Water & Rain Intrusion Appraisal
- Fire & Smoke Damage Appraisal
Questions from Bellingham property owners
Do you serve all of Whatcom County?
Yes. We cover Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, Birch Bay, Everson, Sumas and the Mount Baker foothills.
I own a rental near the university. Can you help?
Yes. Landlord (dwelling fire) policies have their own terms, but the appraisal process for the amount of loss is similar.
