How Does An Accident or Ticket Affect Your Insurance?

Questions like this come up all the time. Tickets and accidents can affect your auto insurance a great deal. 

When you get a ticket or are involved in an at fault accident, these will be reported to your driving record which can affect your premium. 

Tickets and accidents can remain on your insurance for 3-5 years. 

At Matt Elwood’s Allstate Agency, we strive to help you save money and make sure you are covered. We offer our Platinum Package, which includes Accident Forgiveness and a Safe Driving Bonus check every 6 months as long you don’t have an accident. 

Depending on the type of ticket, you may be able to get enrolled in a Defensive Drivers class, and have the ticket removed from your record and policy. This decision is up to the court. 

If your rates do go up, call us and we can make sure you are taking advantage of all discounts available to you to offset the increase. 

One way to make sure you are taking advantage of your discounts is to bring all of your insurance to one company. Another way of saving money is to raise your deductibles for a while so you pay more when an accident occurs but pay less each month. 

Have questions? We’re here to help! Just give us a call at 360-452-9200 or visit our agency at 707 East Front Street in Port Angeles and we can assist you with your insurance questions. 

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. 

Car Burglaries on a Rise

As you have probably read in the Peninsula Daily News article, there have been a rise in car burglaries in Port Angeles.

Things to remember….

In the event of a burglary, any damage to your vehicle will be covered under your Comprehensive Coverage. Comprehensive covers the broken glass, damage to the car from vandalism and in the event of a theft, the fair market value if the car is not recovered. All coverage is subject to your deductible.

If your personal belongings inside the car are stolen, then those items would be covered under your renters or homeowners insurance policies, also subject to deductible. It is always best to check with your insurance agent to make sure the claim makes financial sense.

The best way to deal with car burglaries is to lock your car doors, don’t leave valuables inside and be vigilant. Report all suspicious activity to the Port Angeles police department using their anonymous online tip form.

If you notice that your vehicle has been burglarized, please notify the police, and then call your Allstate Insurance Agency at 360-452-9200.  

9 Ways To Save on Auto Insurance

Are you looking for ways to keep your auto insurance premiums manageable? Here are 9 ways you can save on your insurance (without sacrificing coverage.)

1.    Driving Record

Your driving record plays a big role in how much you pay for insurance. By keeping a clean record for 3-5 years, you can save hundreds of dollars! Being a cautious driver can help save on your insurance premiums. 

2.    Driving Course

Defensive driving courses are an easy way to achieve an extra discount. Make sure to call us before taking the class if you’re using it for a discount so we can verify that your policy qualifies. 

3.    Anti-Theft Devices

Installing an alarm or other anti-theft device can lower premiums on your vehicle. Make sure to discuss all features with us, sometimes even power locks and a remote can count!

4.    Your Credit Score

While insurance uses a different formula then the credit bureaus, your credit still affects the rate you pay. Good credit can save you hundreds (even thousands) on your premiums! Make sure to review your report on a regular basis and have any mistakes corrected.

5.    Where You Live

Rural areas pay less for insurance than the big cities do. It’s all about risk and with a large population, there are more chances for an accident. Therefore, where you choose to live can impact your rates. Consider visiting us before purchasing a home if you’re concerned about the costs (it is based on the zip code). 

6.    Your Vehicle

The vehicle you choose to purchase also makes a difference! Some vehicles cost a lot more to repair than others, which drives up their rates. Easy way to avoid buying a money-sucker? Call us first and let up quote the vehicle before you sign on the dotted line. 

7.    How Often You Drive

If you take public transportation and only drive on the weekends, you’ll pay less than someone with a long commute. Make sure to review your annual mileage and daily commutes with us (especially if they change) so that you can receive the extra savings. 

8.    Raise Your Deductible

A higher deductible (your out of pocket cost in a claim) means a lower monthly rate. If you have enough in savings to comfortably cover your deductible, then you’ll save on your insurance costs and benefits in your specific situation. 

9.    Your Agent

And the best way to save? Work with a local agent! You’ll get the coverage you need plus you’ll have an advocate working on your behalf to find the best rate, all the discounts, and an easy explanation of any gaps in your coverage. It’s the #1 way to control your risk, maximize your savings, and protect your family. 

We want to be your agent! Call us at 360-452-9200, visit our Agency Website, or come into our office at 707 East Front Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362 to discuss your policy today. 

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! 

Insurance Discounts....Are You Getting Them?

Discounts are the best way to save on your insurance bill each and every month.  But a lot of people are missing out on them!  With a little documentation, you could see great savings.

Security Discounts

Does your home have a security system or fire protection system?  Some of these devices will help you save on your home or renters insurance.  If you have a certificate of installation or current bill from your provider, let us know and we’ll see if you qualify.

Defensive Driving

Are you over the age of 55 and did you take a Defensive Driving course?  These classes will typically qualify for discount.  Just bring in a copy of your completion certificate and we’ll get it added to your policy.

Teenage Driver With Good Grades

Good grades will help you save on your car insurance!  Some of our car insurance policies offer a discount for students who maintain good grades.  Give us a call to see the requirements for your policy.  

Payment Discounts

There are many different options when it comes to paying your premiums.  Some policies offer discounts for paying in full or a reduced installment fee if you put the payment on auto-draft.  We can advise you of all the payment options so you pay as little as possible.

Multi-Policy Discounts

When you have all of your insurance in one place, you save more!  If your auto and home insurance is spread out between multiple companies or agencies, let us help you consolidate.  You’ll be better protected while closing possible gaps in coverage and save money.

What is the number one way to save? 

Talk to your agent!  When we schedule regular annual reviews, we can review your policy discounts and make sure you are receiving the best coverage at the best price.  Call 360-452-9200 today to schedule an appointment.