Insurance Articles

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You purchase home insurance and hopefully will never face a claim to your property.  But statistically a homeowner files a claim ever 10 years.
When you deal with a claim, one of the biggest challenges is documenting home improvements and personal belongings.  It is always a great idea to keep receipts on your larger purchases.  Some people keep written records of their belongings too.  But too often these records are kept at the residence.  If there is a major fire at the residence, we see these records being destroyed.
The big challenge is preparing for a total loss of the home.  You will need to document your property for the claim.  This is difficult when dealing with the stress of the disaster, being displaced, and trying to remember what was in each room.  Some claims can be open for several years as people remember what they owned.
If you own a video camera you could record each room and open every drawer to assist with your documentation.  You should do the same for any outbuildings or storage units.  Then take the recording off site for storage.  Some people keep them at their office or in their safe deposit box.
Smartphones make it so easy now – take pictures, take videos, store it in the cloud.
Whichever way works best for you is great.  Just make a commitment to get your property documented before a claim.
If you have any questions or need assistance with any insurance need, give us a call.
 

Happy New Year!
With the changing of the season, it is a good time to discuss homeowner coverages.

One important coverage that is commonly overlooked on homeowner insurance is Water and Sewer Service Line coverage. 
The service line between the home and utility hookup is the homeowner’s responsibility for events such as breakage or blockage by tree roots.  These types of events can cost thousands of dollars to repair. 

This coverage is typically not included in the basic homeowner policy, but most carriers now offer an endorsement to add the coverage.

Give our office a call to discuss this important coverage for your account.

With the holidays behind us, some people might be enjoying the gift of a new pet.  Whether it's a new pet or an old trusted friend, we have the best gift for them.
Get the best for your best friend.

Now offering policies for your pets.  Coverage available for accidents and illnesses with the option to add preventive coverage for wellness exams, dental cleanings and vaccines.  You have the freedom to choose your veterinarian or emergency clinic.  No waiting period on most conditions.

Simply choose your annual limit of coverage, deductible, reimbursement amount and average coverage cost range from $30 - $60 a month.  There are discounts for multiple pets.  A small price to pay for unconditional love.

Save yourself the heartache of making difficult decision on your pet care due to the cost of treatment.  Call today for a quote on your pets.

 This month we would like to highlight Flood Insurance before the chance of storms begins this fall and winter.

With the recent wildfires in Washington State there is an increased risk of flooding since the vegetation is no longer available to soak up the rain.  Now is the time to plan for this important coverage. 

Many people think flood is not a threat to their property, almost nobody is immune.  Flooding has affected 99% of US counties since 1996, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  And even a little flood water can be highly destructive; FEMA says an inch can cause as much as $25,000 in damage.  Most homeowner policies exclude coverage for Flood.

Don’t wait until the storm is coming to secure coverage.  You’ll typically need to buy flood insurance at least 30 days in advance of a flood loss.  Coverage is available for the structure and contents of a home or apartment.

This is a good time to do an insurance checkup.  Give us a call to discuss Flood insurance or any of your insurance needs.  We are here to help and advise.

Thank you and we hope you are keeping your family safe.
 

 With every new year there comes new laws.  Below is a list of a few laws in the State of Washington that took effect on 1/1/2021.
In addition to the new year we would like to reach out to see if there are any changes for your insurance coverage.  If you have made any life changes that could effect your insurance, such as, purchases, sold items or lifestyle changes, please give our office a call to review your coverage.

New laws: 
Traffic
HB 1116 – Motorcycle permits and endorsements
To get a motorcycle permit, drivers must pass a basic knowledge and skills test. Previously, drivers did not need to pass a skills test to obtain a motorcycle permit. To get a motorcycle endorsement, drivers must pass an advanced knowledge and skills test. Previously, motorcyclists could either take an exam or complete a training and education program to become endorsed. The length of time a motorcycle permit is valid increases from 90 days to 180 days.
An additional $250 fine for driving without a driver's license with a valid endorsement is also enacted. Drivers can now be fined a total of $386 with fees and assessments, up from $136.

SB 5723 – Road safety
Increases the penalty for some infractions for drivers and dedicates those fines to fund education for officers, prosecutors, and judges regarding opportunities for traffic violation enforcement. Drivers who improperly overtake and pass, follow to closely, or fail to yield to pedestrians, cyclists, or other "vulnerable" user of public right of way will be fined an additional penalty.

Pets
HB 1026 – Breed-based dog regulations
Breed bans aren't entirely blocked under the new law, but cities and counties do need to go through a specific process before enforcing restrictions on dog ownership based on breed. Owners who prove their pooch is well-behaved through a program like the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program can get an exemption for their dog for at least two years. Dogs that fail the program can also retest during a reasonable amount of time.

SHB 1012 – Car seat restrictions
Children under 2 years old must be secured in rear-facing car seats. Kids under 4 years old must be secured in a front-facing car seat with a harness. Youth who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall and younger than 16 must be secured in a booster seat. The one exception to the booster seat rule is if the car only has lap belts.

Health
HB 1074 – Raising the smoking age
The smoking and vaping age is raised to 21 years old. Anyone who sells tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vape products to underage buyers will be penalized.

Car emissions testing will cease in 2020.
The program began in 1982. A new plan to phase out emissions testing passed in 2005 with the idea that air quality would improve enough by 2020 to completely end the program. (Vehicles requiring emissions testing and still in need of a 2019 tab will still need to take an emissions test.


 

 This month we would like to discuss Scheduled Personal Property.

With the holidays just around the corner and online shopping at hand, you need to be aware of limitations of coverage in your homeowner and renter’s insurance policies.
Most policies have internal limits for items such as: cash, jewelry, coins, stamps, guns, collectables, silverware, boats, trailer, etc.

If Santa brings you a gift in one of these categories, make sure you give us a call to discuss the appropriate coverage.
While the basic policy will limit these coverages, there are schedules available for purchase to provide this coverage.  These schedules usually provide full value of the item without a deductible and broad coverage.

Let's keep the holidays merry and bright with the appropriate coverage for your gifts.

We appreciate your business and let us know if we can help any of your family or friends with their insurance needs. 

 This month we would like to feature Umbrella coverage.

Accidents happen!  Are you and your family prepared if you unintentionally cause one?  An Umbrella policy provides an extra layer of coverage, so if one of life’s surprises happens to you or a family member, you’re not caught off guard.

Most people think their biggest risk is an automobile accident.  While an umbrella is important in protecting against lawsuit due to an automobile accident, there are many additional risks in everyone’s life.  Imagine you are driving a few members of your child’s soccer team and have an accident or your new teen driver makes a mistake when driving.  Or your big friendly dog knocks down an elderly neighbor who breaks a hip.  What if you’re sued for something entirely frivolous?  An Attorney charges $250/hr, but you can protect yourself for about that much money per year with umbrella insurance.
You don’t have to be a millionaire to be sued like it.  Umbrella policies provide coverage of $1 million and higher, include defense cost on top of the limit of coverage and protect you worldwide.  Give our agency a call to discuss or add this important family protection to your account.
Thank you for your business and remember referrals are the best compliment.

Stay safe!