Scenarios That Warrant Short-Term or Temporary Insurance

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Temporary Insurance Policies in Seattle, WAWhile our agency does not specialize in short-term insurance policies, there are a few scenarios that can warrant the need for short-term insurance policies. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these.

Traveling to Mexico:

If you’re driving into Mexico it is likely that your existing auto insurance policy excludes travel to Mexico. You’ll want to find an agency that offers Mexico Auto Coverage. Your typical coverages are available to cover your vehicle and can include roadside assistance. Talk to an agent about what might be the best fit for you if you’re traveling to and from Mexico.

Renting A Vehicle

If you plan to rent a vehicle as a temporary replacement while on vacation, your existing auto coverage should transfer to the rental vehicle. However, items like loss of use are not covered and could cause you to accrue some out-of-pocket expenses should you be found at fault for an accident that removes the vehicle from the rental fleet. Talk to an agent before you rent a vehicle and ensure your existing coverage will transfer to the temporary replacement. You can always purchase the rental agency’s coverage as a primary coverage as well.

Vacation or Travel Insurance

If you’re going on vacation you might want to consider travel insurance if your plans get interrupted. Things like sickness, injury, and lost luggage can be covered with a simple policy. You can even find coverage for “cancel for any reason” which could help with some unusual circumstances for having to cancel a trip. Be sure to ask your agent about the coverage details so you fully understand your coverage.

Wedding & Special Event

If you are planning on hosting a special event such as a wedding, bar mitzvah, baby shower, charity auction, Easter egg hunt, or even a cocktail party, you should consider special event insurance. Getting a one-day (multi-day also available) special event insurance policy is an easy chore.

Even if you don’t serve alcohol at your party, by inviting guests and children onto your property you have a liability that needs to be protected. Consider trip and fall accidents, food poisoning, or even a dog bite. Many things can happen during an event that should be planned for.

As an independent insurance agency, we not only represent a variety of great insurance carriers but we can help you plan for these temporary insurance policies. Purchasing a policy can be as simple as a quick phone call with your travel or plan details and we can provide you with a quote.

5 Things to Consider Doing This Spring

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Spring Activities to Consider in Seattle, WashingtonSpring is in the air! Plants are starting to bloom, days are feeling longer and the weather is getting warmer. There are many things to be excited about when it comes to a new season. Our agency shares five things to consider doing this spring.

Plan a fun, local spring activity

Spring can be known for beautiful flowers. One of the best spring activities to do is to visit a tulip garden or your local arboretum. Visiting a tulip festival could be a family outing or a great date night with your partner. Your local arboretum can also allow out to see the season’s change. Plan a picnic or just enjoy a stroll in the park.

Change Out Your Wiper Blades on Your Car

Spring is a great time to change out your wiper blades. Your wiper blades have worked hard to keep your windshield clear of grit and grime on the roadways. If you need help changing out your blades many locally-owned auto parts stores can help. Changing them out usually only takes a minute and can keep you safe on the road if inclement weather strikes.

Consider Growing a Vegetable or Flower Garden

Growing a vegetable garden not only helps you save on groceries, but it gives you the satisfaction of growing your own food. Many people feel like vegetables from their garden taste better too. Flowers also provide many gardeners with joy. As a bonus, maintaining a garden can be relaxing and a great hobby to add to your lifestyle.

Choose a Day to Spring Clean Your Home

We all have heard about spring cleaning. Sometimes this is easier said than done. Spring cleaning doesn’t necessarily mean you have to commit a whole weekend to cleaning. You could start by doing one task only.

Consider one below:

  • Clean out your closet & donate clothes you haven’t worn in over 12 months.
  • Organize your pantry.
  • Vacuum out your car and wipe down the interior.
  • Dust your house including your blinds if you have them.
  • Clean out your fridge. Not only discarding bottles that may have expired, but actually wipe down drawers and shelves. Make it sparkle again!
  • Change your smoke detector batteries.
  • Organize your garage.

Are You Considering Buying a Used RV?

RVs are great for outdoor enthusiasts. If you are shopping for a used RV, be sure to look for water damage before making the purchase. RV’s are very susceptible to water damage. Truth is many manufacturers in the US don’t build the RVs with as much quality as they could.

Water damage is usually easy to spot or smell. If the RV smells musty or feels damp, this is a big indicator. Look for mineral stains or water stains on wood towards the floor, around skylights, and air conditioners or vents located on the roof. Also, go around the RV or trailer and push in on all the sides all the way around. If water has gotten into the walls, it could quickly rot the structural portions of the RV and will feel spongy. Pushing on the sides will identify any areas that may be compromised. An RV should be stiff and hard, if it flexes, it is possible there is water damage. This quick inspection could save you thousands in repairs.

We hope you enjoy your spring! If you ever have questions regarding your auto, home, boat, RV, or motorcycle insurance, be sure to reach out to us.

How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance

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Choosing the right pet insurance can save you money in the long run. Here are four steps and strategies to help you find the right policy and get the most out of it.

Woman and dog looking at laptop

As any pet parent that’s ever been stuck with an unexpected vet bill can attest, pet insurance can be a lifesaver, both literally and financially. With policies available to cover everything from beloved dogs and cats to more exotic companions like snakes and rabbits, the right policy can make an annual checkup into something that you – if not your pet – may even look forward to. 

Just as with human health insurance or life insurance policies, however, it’s important to know what you need before picking a plan for your furry, feathered, or scaled companion.

Step 1: Compare Several Pet Insurance Providers

With several “big names” already in the industry as well as new providers emerging frequently, you’ll have a choice when it comes to picking an insurance policy for your pet. Take the time to research the company or companies that have the best mix of costs and benefits for your needs. 

If you need help, try talking to an insurance agent – perhaps even the one you already trust with your human policies – that works with pet insurance. They’ll be able to steer you towards a reputable company, particularly when they’ve been briefed on your pet(s) and their expected medical needs. 

Step 2: Start Your Pet Insurance Policy ASAP

Insurance is meant to be an assurance against — meaning, it’s supposed to serve as preparation for potential issues, rather than a solution after the fact. 

Buying an insurance policy while your pet is young and healthy not only helps keep costs down and the likelihood of acceptance up, it will deliver valuable peace of mind as your pet ages and their health needs become more complex. While a from-birth route may not always be possible, such as in the case of an older rescue adoption, aiming to get a policy immediately is always a smart move.

Step 3: Make Sure Your Coverage is Complete

It’s important to be transparent and honest when initially securing coverage for your pet – hiding a chronic diagnosed condition can affect your policy’s ability to protect your pet. 

Depending on the provider you select, you may want to ask about additional “add ons” that will expand on and enhance the base coverage to make it more appropriate for you. When in doubt, ask your insurance agent what combination of coverage you need to address a specific condition or procedure. Remember, “what if?” questions are completely normal and expected – ask away!

Step 4: Familiarize Yourself With Coverage and Payments

The right policy can ease the sting on your wallet or bank account if expensive pet surgery is needed, but it’s not necessarily a golden ticket. Be sure to read your entire policy to determine if the provider will pay upfront costs, or if you’ll need to submit bills for reimbursement after the fact. 

This is also a good time to ensure your preferred vet or animal care provider takes your selected insurance and has the policy information on file. 

No matter which provider and policy you select for your pet’s insurance, make sure to keep the paperwork somewhere convenient, such as scanned and sent to an online drive. This will allow you to consult plan benefits anytime you need to, all while keeping important information in a format that’s easy to copy to vets and other animal care providers for billing. 

Millions of pets experience medical emergencies each year, even under the careful watch of loving owners. An appropriate pet insurance policy can be a life-changing benefit for your companion, and a huge financial weight off your shoulders as well.