What To Do After An Insurance Claim

Claims can be a very stressful process. I’ve worked with my clients after car accidents, home fires, storm damage, and even a death in the family. Insurance claims are tied to the most stressful events in our lives. 

That’s why it’s extremely important that you work with an agent and a company that you trust. 

After an insurance claim, you will be assigned an adjustor to evaluate your loss. Depending on the type of claim, they will examine the property and gather more information. The adjustor will then determine the settlement and answer any questions that you may have. 

So what happens if things don’t go smoothly at first? 

Maybe you don’t agree on the amount or can’t get the right documentation? 

That’s where I come in. My job, as your agent, is to also be your advocate. My office goes to work to help you communicate with your adjustor if there is a problem. That means that when you need help, we’re there. 

Yes, sometimes you can get cheaper rates with unknown companies. And you might love being able to buy online without talking to an agent. 

But when it comes down to those stressful moments, it’s great to have someone you know on your side. Call my office today at 360-452-9200 and let us protect your family next. For more information and to read our customer reviews, please visit www.allstate.com/mattelwood. 

What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance?

A lot people use the term full coverage when describing the amount of car insurance they desire. I have found that full coverage can mean different things to different people. Let’s review what full coverage car insurance looks like.Quick caveat: Every situation is different and as an insured, you assume some financial risk with the use of deductibles and different policy limits, but with that said, here are the main coverage’s to consider for full coverage:

Car Insurance Claim

Liability

This is what the State of Washington requires you to have. If you cause an accident and people are hurt, you could be held legally responsible for medical costs for everyone involved. The state minimums are 25,000 per person/$50,000 per occurrence with $10,000 property damage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

Washington State requires that drivers have insurance, but not everyone obeys the law. If a driver with minimum or no insurance runs into you, you could be left paying the bill. Uninsured motorist fills in that gap.

Medical Payments/PIP

This coverage can help pay for some of your medical costs or funeral expenses if you or anyone in your vehicle is injured in an accident. This coverage also applies if you are a pedestrian struck by a car.

Collision

Collision coverage pays for damage to your car if you collide with another car or something else such as a tree or building. Typically, a deductible paid by the insured applies. The lower your deductible is, the more expensive your premium, and vice versa.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage generally pays for damage to your car cause by something other than a collision, such as theft, storm damage or a rock chip to a windshield. Hitting an animal like a deer is also covered by Comprehensive.

Rental Car

Rental car coverage is triggered by a collision accident. We often are asked if rental car kicks in when someone’s car breaks down, but unfortunately it is not.

Towing

Towing is an important but often over-looked coverage. It is very inexpensive to add to your policy, and it covers not only towing, but refueling, jump-stars, tire changes and lockouts. So to summarize, it is important to review your car insurance policy at least annually to make sure you have all the coverage’s you thought you had. The last thing you want is to hit a deer and find out that it is not covered because you declined comprehensive.

To learn more about full coverage car insurance or to get a quote please call Matt Elwood at 360-452-9200 or visit his Allstate Agency Website at www.allstate.com/mattelwood

Knowledge is power

Sign up for Matt's monthly insurance newsletter and he will share with you how to better protect your family, save more money and achieve financial security. 

Your Choice Auto – Affordable Car Insurance by Allstate

Your Choice Auto Car Insurance

Looking for a great car insurance policy that can be tailored to fit your needs in Port Angeles, Sequim or anywhere in Washington State? Give the Elwood Benefits Allstate Agency a call. We offer Allstate’s Your Choice Auto with great features such as Safe Driving Bonus, Accident Forgiveness and Deductible Rewards.

Safe Driving Bonus

How would you like to get a check back from Allstate for being a safe driver? With our Platinum Protection Package, this gives you the opportunity to earn up to a 5% credit that can be applied to your next renewal premium. This is in addition to any other discounts you may already qualify for.

Accident Forgiveness

Accidents happen, but with Accident Forgiveness by Allstate, your car insurance rates won’t go up just because of it. Some policies make you earn this feature over time, but with Your Choice Auto, this feature is available on day one. In our Gold program, this feature can be applied to one accident every three years. In our Platinum program, multiple accidents are forgiven.

Deductible Rewards

The longer you are with an insurance company, the better your rates should be. With Allstate’s Deductible Rewards, you receive an immediate $100 off your collision deductible. Each year you go without a collision accident, another $100 will be subtracted with a maximum $500 reward off your collision deductible. It pays to be with Allstate.

Allstate Value Plan

Are you on a budget, but still want quality car insurance at an affordable rate? The Allstate Value Plan is just that with strait forward coverage and the convenience of Allstate’s Easy Pay Plan. Bundle the Allstate Value Plan with your homeowners insurance and save even more.

Ready to get a quote or learn more? Contact us at 360-452-9200 or visit www.allstate.com/mattelwood for more information.

Knowledge is power

Sign up for Matt's monthly insurance newsletter and he will share with you how to better protect your family, save more money and achieve financial security.

Why Washington State Car Insurance Minimums Are Not Enough

Cheap car insurance can leave you broke

These days, money is tight more than ever. That mounting pile of bills that stare at you each month doesn’t get any smaller. Sometimes it’s all you can do to stay current on your credit cards. The last thing you want to do is pay a lot for car insurance. However, by going with just the state minimums, you may be saving a little now, but could be paying a lot later.

Liability Insurance

Liability coverage protects you if you are in accident and it is your fault. This money goes to pay the other party’s injuries, property damage and even personal damages. In the state of Washington, the minimum limits of liability are 25/50/10. This means you have $25,000 of liability per person, $50,000 per occurrence and $10,000 in property damage.

Let’s say you get in an accident and either seriously hurt or kill someone. They could turn around and sue you. If they died, the family could seek millions in a lawsuit for damages. That $50,000 of liability coverage is not going to cut it. They can come after your personal assets and even garnish your future wages. This is why it is critical to have proper limits of liability.

Uninsured Motorist Insurance

Let’s turn that scenario around and let’s say you are the one seriously hurt in an accident caused by someone else, yet that other person is uninsured. Now what? Well, if you didn’t purchase uninsured motorist coverage you would be in financial trouble. There would be no money to fix your car, pay your medical bills and go after the other party.

Uninsured motorist, also underinsured motorist insurance, covers you if the other party does not have insurance and you suffer personal and property damages. This coverage is not required by the state, but you can see why it is important.

Comprehensive and Collision Car Insurance

Comp and Collision are optional coverages that protect your car. Comprehensive covers damages due to things like theft, vandalism, fire and glass. Typically, comprehensive claims are not your fault, but still cost you money. On the other hand, collision provides coverage when it is your fault like hitting another car or backing into a pole. You can save money on comp and collision by having higher deductibles so ask your agent.

Get a Full Quote

So the next time you are shopping for car insurance, think twice before going with just liability. You may be satisfying your legal requirement, but you are exposing yourself to financial hardship should the unexpected happen.

If you would like me to review your current policy and explain what you have or give you a competitive quote, please contact me at 360-452-9200

Want more information? Please visit my official Allstate Agency Website to get more information on the Allstate products and services I can offer in Port Angeles, Sequim or anywhere Washington State.

8 Things To Do If You Are In A Car Accident

Summer is more than half over and the dreaded 1st day of school is coming for kids. Mom and Dad may be rejoicing, but with school comes the taxi service from Mom and Dad.

Imagine that you are taking your kids to school and you get in an accident along the way. Many thoughts may be running through your head like:

• Are my kids ok?
• Did I pay the insurance bill this month?
• Do I have collision coverage on my policy?

Keeping these 8 things in mind will help make a bad situation go a little better.

1. Remain calm

By remaining calm, not only will you think more clearly, but you will calm your kids.

2. Check to see if you are OK

Your safety and health is most important. If you or your passengers are injured, call 911 immediately. The same goes for the people in the other car.

3. Move to the side

If it is feasible, move your car to the side of the road for your safety. If you don’t want to end up with two accidents

4. Get information

Exchange names, cell phone numbers, emails and addresses of everyone involved.

5. Insurance

Get the other drivers’ license plate number and insurance information. Make sure you write down the insuring company, policy number, address and phone number.

6. Take Photos

If you have a camera, take photos to document the accident. If you don't have a camera on your cellphone, think about keeping a cheap disposable camera in your glove box.

7. Call the police

Call the police to report an accident.

8. Call your Agent!

Call your insurance agent! They are there to help and assist you with your claim.

These are just a few tips to make an unfortunate experience run as smoothly as possible. Is there anything you would add?

Knowledge is power - Sign up for Matt's monthly insurance newsletter and he will share with you how to better protect your family, save more money and achieve financial security.

Or for more information, please visit my official Allstate Agency Website to get more information on the Allstate products and services I can offer in Port Angeles, Sequim or anywhere Washington State.