PEMCO Poll: Top 5 Insurance Questions PNW Residents Get Wrong

New survey reveals widespread confusion about common insurance scenarios in the Pacific Northwest.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:03am

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A high-end studio photograph featuring a stack of insurance documents, a pen, and a calculator arranged elegantly on a clean, white background, conveying the abstract concepts of insurance coverage and financial protection through polished, geometric objects and dramatic lighting.A minimalist still life captures the complexities of insurance policies and the importance of understanding coverage details.Seattle Today

A new poll from PEMCO Mutual Insurance found that many Pacific Northwest residents misunderstand basic insurance concepts like liability, rate factors, and claims. Across most questions, fewer than one-third of respondents chose the correct answer, highlighting widespread confusion about how common scenarios are actually covered.

Why it matters

Understanding insurance coverage is crucial for protecting oneself financially, yet this survey shows that many PNW residents lack key knowledge about their policies. This could lead to costly surprises down the road if people make incorrect assumptions about what is and isn't covered.

The details

The poll quizzed Washington and Oregon residents on topics like liability when borrowing a friend's car, who is responsible when a neighbor's tree causes damage, what personal belongings are covered, and factors that affect insurance rates. In most cases, fewer than 1 in 3 respondents answered correctly. For example, only 22% knew that liability when driving a friend's car depends on the situation, while 38% wrongly thought their own insurance would pay. Similarly, just 26% correctly identified that their own homeowners policy typically covers damage from a neighbor's tree, while 35% incorrectly said the neighbor's insurance is liable.

  • The PEMCO Northwest Poll was conducted in April 2026.

The players

PEMCO Mutual Insurance

A mutual insurance company that has been serving the Pacific Northwest for 75 years, providing auto, home, renters, boat, and pet insurance. PEMCO was recently named one of America's Best Insurance Companies by Forbes for five straight years and recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Midsize Workplaces in 2025.

Jennifer Hawton

A spokesperson for PEMCO Insurance.

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What they’re saying

“Insurance shouldn't feel like a guessing game. Our poll shows that many Pacific Northwest residents aren't always sure how coverage works in common scenarios — from borrowing a car to damage caused by a neighbor's tree. Taking time to review your policy and talk with your insurer can help avoid surprises down the road.”

— Jennifer Hawton, PEMCO Insurance spokesperson

What’s next

PEMCO encourages PNW residents to review their insurance policies and speak with their insurers to better understand their coverage and avoid potential gaps.

The takeaway

This survey highlights the need for better consumer education around insurance in the Pacific Northwest. By improving their understanding of common scenarios and policy details, residents can make more informed decisions to protect themselves financially.