Claims Inquiry
Get reimbursed if we accidentally damage your property.
Mistakes happen. And if we make one, we'll compensate you quickly and fairly. We aim to reach a decision on your claim within 30 days of receipt. However, it may take longer, depending on the issue. When the investigation is complete, we'll call or send you a letter informing you of the outcome.
Download and complete a claim inquiry form (PDF)
Include any supporting documentation. Examples that can support your claim include:
- Property Damage — Detailed repair estimates and/or invoices or purchase records
- Personal Injury — Copy of medical records and receipts
- Lost Wages — Verification of lost time from your employer, payroll stubs showing your hourly or daily pay rate. The time you spend to pursue your claim is not eligible for compensation
- Lost Revenues — Tax records and/or bank statements, payroll records, revenue and expense statements, sales receipts
- Miscellaneous Losses — Hotel and restaurant receipts, car rental receipts
- Food Spoilage* — An itemized list of the cost and type of spoiled perishable food, with receipts or other documentation
* Food spoilage complaints based on the recommended guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- A fully stocked freezer will usually keep food frozen for two days after losing power.
- A half-full freezer will usually keep food frozen about one day.
- In the refrigerator, food will usually keep cold up to four hours if the door remains closed
Send the information one of three ways:
Email:
claimsinquiry@avistacorp.com
Fax:
(509) 495-4962
U.S. Mail:
Avista Claims Department
MSC 22, PO Box 3727
Spokane, WA 99220-3727
We'll need to determine the following information:
- How the incident happened
- Confirmation it was caused by Avista
- The extent of your damages
- What's considered fair legal compensation
An investigation will include:
- Review of records
- Interviews of employees or witnesses
- Technical evaluation
If you have suffered damages, we recommend you do the following:
- Retain copies of all receipts for a full and accurate assessment of any loss or damage suffered
- Minimize your damages such as obtaining ice to prevent food spoilage during extended outages
- Make sure losses or expenses incurred because of an incident are not accumulating needlessly and are reasonable in relation to the loss
We will not cover:
- Weather-related conditions such as ice, wind, lightning, heat, snow
- Animal contacts with equipment
- Equipment failure
- External causes such as motor vehicle accidents, trees, construction activity