Home and auto insurance claims began flooding in Friday as storm-battered residents began picking up the pieces and assessing property damage.

The total damage cost to the region may top $181 million, which is the adjusted-for-inflation sum of the damage caused by a similar storm that wreaked havoc in 1993. The "mother of all wind storms" on Columbus Day in 1962 cost the region $1.6 billion in today's dollars, plus another $5 billion in downed timber.

The three top insurers in the state -- State Farm, Farmers and Safeco -- began making catastrophe preparations in advance of the windstorm.

Farmers flew in about 45 insurance adjusters from around the country and had already received 1,000 claims by noon Friday, said Susan Bithell, the company's state executive director.

"We are doubling the size of our adjusting force," she said. "The whole Interstate 5 corridor was hit pretty strongly."

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler advised Washingtonians to contact their insurance agents as soon as possible if they are thinking of making a claim.

"If you are going to file a claim, you want the insurance adjuster to come out, take a look at it, and say how much damage is there," he said.

But consumers should also consider that making a claim could raise insurance rates in the future, Kreidler said.

"It may be well worth your taking care of it yourself," he said. "It's best to have a clean record rather than one with multiple claims history."

Unlike earthquake damage, wind damage is covered by most homeowners' insurance policies. Comprehensive auto insurance also covers damage from wind or fallen trees, said Darrin Sanger, spokesman for the Seattle-based NW Insurance Council, a non-profit that represents insurance companies in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

It's too early to tell the total damage to the region, or whether insurance companies will label the storm as a catastrophe, Sanger said.

But the companies seem to be preparing for a high level of claims.

State Farm's office in Dupont lost power, but the company was taking calls at its 800 number, spokeswoman Vicki Harper said.

The company holds nearly 500,000 home policies in the state and 733,000 auto policies. It sent a truck full of computer equipment for processing claims from corporate headquarters in Illinois, she said.

The state's third-largest insurer, Safeco, is also gearing up.

"We're already answering claim calls right now," said spokesman Paul Hollie. "A lot of folks don't even have phone service. We expect to be hearing about damage ... for days on."

ASSESSING THE DAMAGE

Got damage? King County is requesting that everyone who suffers wind- or flood-related losses to report it. The information will help the county seek federal assistance. Call 800-523-5044.

A tree fell on my home or business. What do I do?

First, prevent further damage by making emergency repairs. Save all receipts. Second, call your insurance agent as soon as possible so an adjuster can visit to note the damage. Third, jot notes and take pictures if you can. The evidence will help if a dispute arises between you and the insurance company. Finally, don't throw out any damaged property before your insurance adjuster can look at it.

Will my insurance policy automatically cover the damage?

Generally, damage from wind and falling trees is covered. So is the cost of removal of trees that have fallen on a building. Damaged property inside your home or business is also covered.

What if I cannot live at home because of storm damage?

Under most policies, your hotel and storage policies will be covered. So are extra food and furniture rental costs. Save your receipts.

What if the tree belonged to my neighbor?

Call your insurance company anyway. Your neighbor is responsible for the damage only if he was somehow negligent and the tree was rotten. The neighbor should call his or her company as well, but that company is not necessarily obligated to pay up.

I am a renter, and my apartment was damaged. What can I claim?

Renters insurance only covers damage to your personal possessions.

What if the storm damaged my car?

Your insurance will cover it if you have purchased optional comprehensive insurance. If the cost of the damage is more than $100 higher than your deductible, you may want to file a claim.

Still have questions? Call the state's insurance hot line at 800-562-6900.

Sources: P-I reporting, NW Insurance Council, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner