Short answer: Pierce County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Tacoma tracts. The Washington FAIR Plan is the residual property market.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Tacoma area (Pierce County). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Pierce County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Pierce County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Pierce County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Pierce County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 21 major disaster declarations that included Pierce County since 1964, led by flood events (10), severe storm events (8) and earthquake events (2). The most recent: Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2026, Severe Winter Storm, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2012, Severe Winter Storm and Record and Near Record Snow, 2009 and Severe Winter Storm, Landslides, Mudslides, and Flooding, 2009. FEMA also lists 2 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Tideflats, faults and tsunami
Tacoma Public Utilities' draft addendum to the 2025–2030 Pierce County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan singles out the Tacoma Tideflats as especially prone to liquefaction and tsunami. It says local sources such as the Seattle or Tacoma faults, the Cascadia Subduction Zone or underwater landslides could send water inland within minutes. It also cites Washington Geological Survey modeling showing waves above 20 feet in some Puget Sound inlets.
A lahar down the Puyallup
The same plan describes a Mount Rainier lahar coming down the Puyallup River valley into the Tideflats as a fast surge of mud, debris and boulders that would bury power lines, rail yards and bridges. Earthquake damage isn't covered by standard homeowners policies and needs its own policy or endorsement. Flood policies have their own terms for mudflow. If you live in the Puyallup valley or near the waterfront, ask your agent which of these events your policies actually cover.
The lahar warning system
The USGS says the west flank of Mount Rainier could collapse and send a large lahar down the Puyallup and other drainages. Such a lahar could reach residential areas outside the park in 15 to 60 minutes. Since 1998, sensors in the Carbon and Puyallup valleys have fed an automated warning system run with Pierce County Emergency Management, and its sirens are meant to trigger immediate evacuation. Ask your agent how your homeowners and flood policies treat mudflow.
Residual market: Washington FAIR Plan
The Washington FAIR Plan offers basic property coverage for eligible homes; see its FAQ.
Auto: Washington 25/50/10
Washington DOL: 25/50/10 minimum.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Washington.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lahar covered by homeowners insurance?
It depends on policy wording; flood and earth-movement exclusions may apply—ask your insurer.
Does Washington have a FAIR Plan?
Yes.
What auto liability does Washington require?
25/50/10.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.