Federal Way, WA public adjuster for storm water, slope and fire claims
Acuity Adjusters represents Federal Way homeowners, landlords and businesses, from Twin Lakes and Steel Lake to Marine Hill and the Pacific Highway South corridor. The city has no mapped river floodplain, yet heavy storms still flood streets and yards here, and how that water reached your home decides which coverage applies. You pay nothing up front: we are paid only when you are paid.
We answer our phones 24/7/365. Licensed public adjusters for Oregon, Washington and California.
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Who we help in Federal Way
In Federal Way we work for:
- Homeowners on the slopes of Marine Hill and Redondo and near Lakota Park
- Families around Twin Lakes, Steel Lake and Mirror Lake and in West Campus
- Landlords and businesses along Pacific Highway South and around the city center
We can take over at the first report or reopen a claim that was underpaid or denied.
The public adjusters who handle your claim
Delano Howell, founder and public adjuster
A Stanford University graduate and former NFL starting safety with the Indianapolis Colts, Delano has eight years of adjusting experience advocating for policyholders.
Randy Gower, public adjuster, appraiser and umpire
Nearly 30 years in adjusting: Claim Supervisor with COUNTRY Financial over seven offices in Oregon and Washington, more than 17 years as an Executive Adjuster with Adjusters International, and owner of Gower Adjusting and Appraisal Services since 2000.
Every client gets a dedicated claim adjuster, so you always know who is handling your file. Meet the team or verify our California license.
Federal Way claim profile
City planning documents point to water and slopes, not rivers, as the main property risks in Federal Way:
No mapped floodplain, but seasonal flooding
Federal Way sits on lakes and streams that drain more than 36 square miles of southwest King County and northeast Pierce County. The Natural Environment chapter of the city comprehensive plan (effective December 11, 2024) says some areas struggle with seasonal flooding, yet there are no mapped floodplains inside current city limits; the only mapped flood risk is around Dolloff Lake, in a potential annexation area.
Street flooding on Pacific Highway South
The city’s draft West Hylebos stormwater action plan lists a $350,000 drainage project at S 324th St and Pacific Hwy S for recurring street flooding during intense storms, and undersized storm drain laterals on SW Campus Drive, west of 9th Ave SW, that flood the roadway.
Moving slopes and the 2017 drainage repairs
The comprehensive plan notes that many steep slopes in Federal Way are moving or show signs of ancient landslides, so building there needs extra soils and slope review. In 2017 the city replaced failing storm pipes beginning in the Marine Hill subdivision and rebuilt a failing berm at the Lakota Wetlands to reduce flooding of Lakota Park and Dash Point Road, the draft plan records.
Federal Way contacts after a loss
Keep these Federal Way contacts close while the claim is open:
- Life safety: Dial 911 for immediate danger.
- Fire service: South King Fire serves Federal Way.
- Repair permits: The Federal Way Permit Center handles building permits for repairs.
- Your rights as a policyholder: See the Insurance Commissioner steps for filing a home insurance claim.
How we handle a Federal Way claim
With Federal Way water losses we pin down early whether the water came from wind-driven rain, a failed drain line or surface runoff, because each is covered differently, then price the repairs at what contractors between Seattle and Tacoma charge and press the carrier on the gap; our water damage, fire damage, storm damage and vandalism and theft pages go deeper on each claim type.
Where we work
In Washington, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner licenses public adjusters and explains how to file a home insurance claim. Along with Federal Way we work across Washington from Everett to Lakewood, plus Oregon and Southern California; see all service areas.
Federal Way claim questions
Do I need flood insurance in Federal Way if my home is not in a mapped floodplain?
The city comprehensive plan says there are no mapped floodplains inside current city limits, yet some areas still flood seasonally. A standard homeowners policy excludes surface flooding wherever the home sits, so a separate flood policy is the only way to cover it. Water that enters through storm damage to the roof or a burst pipe is usually a homeowners claim.
Water from a clogged storm drain backed up into my Federal Way basement. Is that covered?
Only if your policy carries a water or sewer backup endorsement, which many basic policies leave out. Keep photos, cleanup receipts and the date of the storm, because they help show where the water came from and which part of the policy applies.
Does my policy cover a slope failure behind my Federal Way home?
Most homeowners policies exclude earth movement, including landslides. Damage that follows from it, such as a fire or a broken water line, can still be covered, so read the exact exclusion before accepting a denial. The city plan notes that many local steep slopes are moving or show signs of old slides.
How much does a public adjuster cost in Federal Way?
Nothing up front. Our fee is a percentage of your claim, and we are paid only when your insurance company pays you.
Talk to a Federal Way public adjuster about your claim
Tell us what happened. We’ll tell you what your policy owes you.
Call us any time, or send your claim details with the form. The first conversation is free.