Allstate Donates $1,000 to Nor'Wester Rotary

Left to Right:  Andy Callis, President of Nor'Wester Rotary, Matt Elwood, owner of Allstate Insurance and Helen Arnold, Nor'Wester Rotarian.

I would like to recognize my mom, Helen, for her volunteer efforts with Nor’Wester Rotary for nearly 17 years now!

Allstate has also recognized her with a $1,000 Helping Hands in the Community grant from the Allstate Foundation. The Allstate Foundation offers these grants to charitable, social or humanitarian organizations where the Allstate agency owner or employee volunteers.

I submitted the application a while back in honor of Helen’s efforts as a community leader and her community involvement. Allstate recently sent the Rotary Foundation a check for $1,000 to benefit the organization as operating support or program funding.

Car Insurance For Teenagers

Is your teenager excited about getting his/her license? Are you absolutely terrified?

You have plenty of things on your mind about your newly licensed driver, but your insurance should not be one of them. We have many options to keep you and your child covered, but to also keep your premiums low. 

When purchasing a vehicle for your teenager there are a few things to consider. When having comprehensive and collision coverages on your vehicle, the premiums are higher. If you were to buy a vehicle that is older you have the choice of not buying these coverages. 

Comprehensive covers damage to your vehicle outside of a collision accident, such as a rock chip to your windshield or if you were to hit a deer. Collision covers to repair or replace your vehicle if you have an at-fault accident. You have the choice of both, one or none of these coverages.

We also have discounts to take advantage of including DriveWise®, Smart Student and Allstate eSmart. With Port Angeles High School starting on September 3rd, it’s a great time to talk to your teen about setting up an incentive plan to make sure they keep up those grades, which in turn will keep your premiums low!

While you are out shopping for vehicles, we can help you weigh the cost and risk of the vehicles you are looking at. Just give us a call with the year and the VIN # and we can give you a price estimate.

Still have questions? Please call our Agency at 360-452-9200 or visit us at 707 East Front Street, Port Angeles, WA to review your policy and help you manage the cost of having a teen driver. 

What is Rental Reimbursement Coverage (And Do You Really Need It)?

You may have noticed in your auto policy documents the term Rental Reimbursement. What is it? How does it work? Do you REALLY need it?

Essentially Rental Reimbursement is a coverage that helps you when your car is in the shop getting repaired from a covered claim. For example, a fender bender or a wind storm that caused a tree branch to fall on your car. 

What will you drive? How does it work?

This is where Rental coverage comes into play. The insurance company will pay a certain amount per day (based on your policy) towards a rental car. This way, you can still make it to work and family events. 

Do I really need it?

We highly recommend this coverage, however there are some instances that you may not need it. If you own multiple vehicles, live close to work or town, or work from home, you may not need the rental coverage.

If you are not sure what coverage is best for you, please give us a call at 360-452-9200, or visit our Allstate Website and we can discuss exactly how much the coverage will cost and the different levels that are offered. We look forward to helping you choose the right coverage for you!

Insuring Your RV, Boat, Motorcycle & Summer Fun

Summer is rapidly approaching, and the residents of Port Angeles will start enjoying barbeques, trips to the lakes and coast, and enjoying time with their loved ones.

Now is the perfect time to schedule an Insurance Review, and make sure all your summer toys are covered. There are a few things to consider before the big items come out of winter storage

recreational vehicle

Your motorhome or travel trailer needs to be insured, especially if you’ll be driving or pulling it this year. You will want your RV covered for theft or damage, even if you don’t have a loan on it. No matter the circumstance, being driving cross-country or having it parked at the lake all summer, we offer quite a few different RV policies that will fit your needs.

Boat

When you have made the large investment for your boats and jet skis, it’s important to keep them protected, and to make sure you have the appropriate amount of liability coverage. Don’t forget your life jackets, and to have fun!

Motorcycle

Ready to hit the road? Remember to wear your helmet and to brush up on your safety skills. Don’t forget that you need liability coverage on your motorcycle, just like your vehicle. We can help you determine how much coverage to have that fits your needs!

all-terrain vehicle

Ready to go ride your ATV on the back country roads? Just like your vehicle, you need to have liability coverage on your All-Terrain Vehicles. Remember to be safe and to wear your protective gear.

Summer is a lot more fun when you know you and your high-priced recreational vehicles are safe and protected. For more information, please call us at 360-452-9200 or visit Allstate Insurance: Matt Elwood. 

Important Things to Remember Before You Leave for Vacation…

The end of the school year is coming and everyone is ready for summer break. The weather is getting nicer and trips to the lake or coast are being planned. There are a few things that you should remember before you leave for that family vacation.

Don’t Advertise That You Will Be Out Of Town

Here are some ways to protect your home while you are away on vacation.

1. Contact the Post Office and the Peninsula Daily News, and put your services on hold. Having a full mailbox or a lot of papers on the porch is a sign to others that you’re an easy target!
2. Putting your household lamps on a timer is a great way to make it seem like you are home. Also, having motion sensitive lights on the porch and/or driveway is a great idea too.
3. If you trust a neighbor, let them know that you are going out of town and leave them your contact information and/or spare key, just in case. If there were to be a storm while you were away, your neighbor could check on the house and make sure everything was still in working order.

When You’re On The Road

The #1 thing that is important to remember while you are driving is to not leave valuables in the car.

Many people believe that their belongings are covered by car insurance, but that is not the case. The only coverage for your luggage or computer would be on your Homeowner’s Insurance, and that is still subject to your deductible.

Most policies offer coverage for road side assistance and towing. This can be priceless when you are stranded, or accidentally lock your keys in the car. This coverage is inexpensive and quick to add to your policy.

If you have any questions before your next trip, please give us a call anytime to discuss your policy or to get a quote! 

Create A Winter Weather Prep Kit

It’s the time of year for icy winter weather. And as your Port Angeles insurance agent, I have to share a few things to get you prepared before the winter storms hit!

First things first, you want to have the right supplies on hand. Create a basic
emergency kit that includes a battery powered radio and at least one week’s worth of
food and safety supplies. Also include:

Drinking Water
Canned/No-Cook Food
Non-Electric Can Opener
First Aid Kit
Prescription Medicine As Needed
Bag of Cat Litter or Sand to add traction on walkways
Battery Powered Lamps
Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm in working order

And what about when bad weather hits? Here are a few things to put on your winter
storm checklist:

• Leave water taps slightly open so they drip to prevent frozen pipes.
• Open kitchen cabinet doors under the sink to keep the pipes warm.
• Have an alternate heat source in case the power goes out. If you have a fireplace, make sure
you have plenty of dry firewood.

The most important thing you can do? Be prepared! A benefit to winter storms is that
you generally have plenty of warning that one is on the way. Don’t wait until the roads
are icy and dangerous. Get your supplies packed, your pipes protected, and a backup
plan in case of a power outage. And make sure that you have great Homeowners
Insurance! We can help with that. Call us for a free quote today at 360-452-9200.