Winterizing your Vehicle in Seattle, WA – Secord Insurance

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Going outside during the winter months can be a production. You may need gloves, a hat, a heavy coat, boots and maybe more depending on the weather. Your car, the vehicle you rely on to get you to and from home and work, needs some winter prep as well. While you can’t put a coat on your car, you can do some simple winterizing to help ensure that your vehicle will run smoothly and help keep you safe in the cold and inclement weather.

Winterizing your vehicle in Washington:

  • The Basics: There are a few things that your car should have during the winter: an emergency kit that contains: bottled water, energy bars or other non-perishable food, first aid supplies, gloves, a blanket, road flares, a “Help” sign and a flashlight are just a few things that make up a great emergency kit. Should your vehicle stop working and you are stranded, this kit could keep you safe and comfortable.
  • Sight and Traction: It is crucial to be able to see where you are going at all times while on the road. If your line of sight is blocked due to rain, snow or debris, you could be in danger of an accident. Before the weather turns poor, replace your windshield wipers and check to make sure that your defroster is in working order. Snow tires and chains are an option for areas that see snowfall. Plan ahead and make an appointment early to get your snow tires on (once snow tire use is permitted by law) because once the first snow falls, tire centers tend to get much busier.
  • Under the hood: Before your car is truly ready for winter, there are a few more things you should consider. When was the last time you changed your battery? Typically, batteries have a three to five year lifespan, however the winter months can be quite hard on them. The pull of defrosters and heaters may cause an older battery to fail, leaving you stranded. Replacing your battery in the fall before the weather turns is a safe bet. Check all fluids, like oil, anti-freeze/coolant. Anything that is low, should be topped off and/or changed. This is also a great time to do a visual check for leaks. Speaking of topping off, it is best practice to keep a full to mostly full gas tank during the cold months. Due to the daily temperature fluctuations in the winter time, condensation can form on the inside of a gas tank. If that happens, water can get into the fuel lines, potentially freezing, blocking the line and causing damage.

Help keep yourself and others safe on the road this season by winterizing your vehicle. A few extra tasks could help save you from an accident, auto damage and a costly insurance claim. A change of season is also a great time to look at your insurance coverage. If you need to update or change your auto insurance policy, let the experts at Secord Insurance Agency in Seattle, WA know! They can also assist you with other types of coverage like year-round motorcycle insurance and more. Visit their insurance website24/7 for more information about the insurance products they offer.

Fall Dangers in Seattle, WA – Secord Insurance Agency | Secord Insurance Agency in Seattle, Washington

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Fall is one of our favorite seasons! The leaves, the cooler, shorter days and of course, pumpkin spice everything. There are some seasonal dangers associated with fall that can be quite hazardous if one is not prepared. Knowing what these dangers are and how to anticipate them can mean the difference between a lovely, relaxing fall and having to file a potentially costly insurance claim.

Seasonal Fall Dangers in Washington:

  • The Road: A drive to see the fall colors can be relaxing and enjoyable for all. You should be aware of changing weather conditions. Fall brings rain, wind and fog. Standing water on the roadways can create a slick, ice-like surface making it difficult to control the vehicle or hydroplane. If you happen to be in an area where leaves are falling, the leaves have a similar ice-like effect on the car. Another potential danger while in the car is fog. Fog can seemingly roll in from nowhere and impede your ability to see road hazards like traffic, debris, etc. For all these dangers, the best course of action is attentive driving. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance and stay alert to changing conditions.
  • The Wind: The winds returns, sometimes with a vengeance, during the fall. The wind can blow cars around the road and debris into the road, so during an episode of high winds, be alert to debris that may be entering the roadways. Trees and tree branches can also be a hazard. Trees that are diseased or branches that are low-hanging can become dislodged and cause massive amounts of damage to homes, garages and cars. The best way to try and stave off falling trees and branches is to trim all low-hanging branches that reside over dwellings. If your neighbors have tree branches that sit over your dwellings, work with them to get the branches removed. Also, if you suspect your trees to be diseased, have them inspected and removed.
  • The Water: A gentle fall rain can be soothing, but let’s be honest the rain in the fall tends to be more torrential. Fast moving storms can overwhelm storm drains (that could already be blocked with leaves or other debris) and the oversaturated ground cannot absorb the water resulting in large amounts of standing water or a flash flood. Remember that a standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover outside water entering your home due to rain or flood. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, having sandbags on hand in case of a storm could be the difference between just mopping off your front porch and filing a flood insurance claim.

With a little preparation, you may be able to avoid an unpleasant situation and a costly insurance claim. The insurance experts at Secord Insurance Agency in Seattle, WA can assist you with setting up policies like auto insurance, home insurance and flood insurance. If you have questions about your current insurance policies or about the potential fall dangers in the Seattle area, give your Secord agent a call. You can also visit their insurance website 24/7!

Home Danger Protection in Seattle, WA – Secord Insurance

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The home is a safe haven that is often impenetrable from the troubles and dangers of the outside world. We don’t often think about the unseen risks that could be lurking in homes, although there are a few gases that can be potentially hazardous to your health. All three of these gases are colorless and two are odorless, so you may not be aware that you could be in danger.

Hidden home dangers in Washington:

  • Radon: Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can seep into a home through cracks in the walls or foundation and through other gaps in the structure of the home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency radon “comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils…and…nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels.” Radon can contribute to the development of lung cancer if one is exposed for long periods of time. Fortunately, testing for radon in the home is relatively easy and cheap. If it is found that you do have radon in your home, repairs can be done either by you or a contractor. Check out the EPA’s Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction for more information about radon testing and repair. It is important to note that if you do find radon in your home and you plan on selling it, you will need to disclose this information to the buyers and may be asked to take care of the issue prior to the close of the sale.
  • Carbon Monoxide: We have all heard about the dangers of carbon monoxide in the garage, but it can get into your house through various sources. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can make you feel dizzy, nauseated and sleepy. If exposed for too long, CO can cause suffocation. Sources that can leak CO include gas space heaters, chimneys, furnaces and gas generators. Most new homes and apartments have CO detectors installed, however if your home does not have one, they are relatively inexpensive. To help keep CO levels in your home down, make sure that all gas appliances are in proper working order. Ensure your chimney flues are open and the chimney is clear when lighting a fire and never use a generator in an enclosed space. If you suspect that you have a CO leak or CO poisoning call 911.
  • Natural Gas: You know the smell of natural gas, while colorless, smells like rotten eggs. Natural gas leaks can occur when pilot lights for stoves or furnaces go out. The can also occur when there is a leak or puncture in the line. Natural gas is a highly combustible material, so if you suspect a leak, you’ll want to leave your home and call the gas company. They will send out a technician to shut off the gas and determine the problem.

While these gas intrusions do not happen often and can be remedied quite quickly, being prepared with carbon monoxide monitors and testing for radon can help stave off a potentially hazardous situation before it starts. Ask the local insurance experts at Secord Insurance Agency in Seattle, WA about any discounts for which you may be eligible. They can assist you with discounts, amending an existing policy or setting up a new policy. Visit their insurance website 24/7 to learn more about home insurance or the other insurance products they offer like auto insurance or flood insurance.