Port Angeles Insurance Tips for June

Last month we talked about some of the special insurance you need to consider during the summer.  Today we'll dive into a few more special situations that might require a phone call to your agent.

When summer arrives, many people leave the day-to-day routine behind and go on vacation in June.  Hopefully you're planning a trip sometime soon too!

But there are a few things you need to know before you hit the road. Consider these special situations:

Rental Cars

If you choose to rent a car, make sure you understand how your insurance works. A rental car company will want to sell you special coverage to cover the car while you are driving it. The insurance will cost you a certain amount each day. But here's the deal. Your current insurance will typically also cover you at no additional cost.

However, if you have a claim filed on your current policy, your rates could go up in the future. And rental car companies could file a claim for very minor damage. Obviously it is a risk either way, but make sure you know your options. And please contact your insurance agent before renting a car to find out what is specifically covered on your policy.

Rental Boats

Similar to rental cars, you need to make sure you're covered. Your auto policy won't cover a boat, but you may have coverage available on your homeowner's policy (or if you have a boat insurance policy). Call your agent first and see what your options are BEFORE you show up at the marina.

Hosting A Barbecue

It's always fun to throw a party. It's even more fun when you aren't worried about your insurance! Your homeowner's and renter's insurance covers you if someone is injured on your property due to your negligence. That means that if they trip on a step, fall on the patio, or cut their hand on a glass, you don't have to worry.

But, as always, you need to discuss this with your agent and go over exactly what coverage you have. If you have a lot of assets, then you might need additional umbrella liability coverage too.

Notice a pattern here? The general rule is that you need a personal insurance agent who is looking out for your particular needs! There is not a "one size fits all" approach when it comes to protecting your family and your belongings.

Take 2 minutes to call us at 360-452-9200 and schedule a short phone review of your coverage today. And then make plans to enjoy your summer worry free! 

Want more information? Please visit Matt Elwood - Allstate Insurance to get more information on the Allstate products and services we can offer in the Port Angeles area or anywhere Washington State.

Getting Married? Port Angeles Insurance Tips For Your Wedding Rings

Did you know that June is the most popular month for weddings?  

I’ve seen many clients planning weddings over the next few weeks.  So I thought I’d share an insurance tip this week just for engaged couples and newlyweds.

You’re spending a lot of money on your wedding and those rings.  Make sure they’re covered by your insurance!  

Jewelry is covered under your Homeowners or Renters insurance.  But the coverage amount can be limited.   If you don’t cover the individual piece of jewelry specifically, you might not have enough insurance if it were to be lost of stolen.

Here’s what I recommend.  Get an appraisal of your rings from the jeweler.  Then bring in a copy and we’ll add the rings to your policy.  (We can discuss deductibles or special coverage.)  Depending on the value of the ring, you might spend only a few dollars a year to know that your valuable jewelry is insured.

If you are renting or getting ready to purchase a home and don’t have a policy, now is a great time to schedule a free consultation to discuss what coverage you’ll need and give you a ballpark figure for what it will cost.  Renters Insurance is very inexpensive and can give you a lot of peace of mind as you combine your two households.

But the best tip I can give?  Get a local Port Angeles insurance agent you can trust!  We’ll look out for you and help you get the right coverage at an affordable rate.  Call today for a free quote at 360-452-9200.

Do You Need Rental Reimbursement Coverage?

I often get phone calls from clients in Port Angeles and beyond who are looking to save a few dollars on their car insurance. They look at the various coverages on their policy and want to drop anything that isn't totally necessary. And rental reimbursement coverage is one I hear about
frequently.

So, do you really need it?

Rental reimbursement will pay for a rental vehicle while your car is in the shop due to a
covered claim. If you would be in big trouble without your car for a few days, then YES you want to
keep your rental coverage. If not having your car would mean not going to work or
being unable to get the kids to school then it's pretty important.

However, if you have three cars and one is never driven, it's probably not as big of a deal.
You need to look at your own situation and weigh the cost of the coverage. For many of
my clients, rental coverage is less than a cup of coffee each month and worth a whole
lot more when they have a claim.

Look at your situation and then call us at 360-452-9200 to schedule a review of your
car insurance and let us look for personalized ways to help you control your costs without sacrificing coverage. 

Want more information? Please visit Matt Elwood - Allstate Insurance to get more information on the Allstate products and services we can offer in Port Angeles, Sequim or anywhere Washington State.

Why You Need Renters Insurance in Port Angeles

If you are currently renting your home or apartment, it’s time to learn more about renters insurance!  

Here’s the deal.  Homeowners insurance covers the house itself and the items inside.  But if you don’t own the home, you don’t need insurance to cover it.  All you need is coverage for your personal belongings.

It might not seem like a lot, but all those little items add up!  When you think about the cost to replace your furniture, dishes, sheets, clothes, books, and everything else filling up your home, it’s probably more than you thought.  

Renters insurance is an affordable way to protect what you’ve worked hard to acquire.  And it’s probably a lot cheaper than you’d expect!  In fact, many times the discount you receive on your car insurance for having multiple policies can almost pay for the entire renters policy! 

Renters insurance also includes important liability coverage.  If you accidentally cause a fire that burns down the property, your insurance pays the landlord to replace it (protecting you from a damaging lawsuit).  

So if you’re renting in Port Angeles, it’s time to look at protecting your valuables.  Give us a call at 360-452-9200 today and ask for a no obligation quote on renters insurance.  And don’t forget to find out how much you’ll save on your car insurance too! 

Allstate Term Life Insurance in Port Angeles, WA

If you are looking for a simple and affordable protection that gives you the most amount of life insurance coverage for a low cost, a term life policy may be right for you.

Here are six groups of folks that may need term life insurance:

1)    Recently Married – Term life insurance can provide income protection for a spouse
2)    New Parent- Term life insurance can provide coverage for dependents
3)    Homeowners- Term life insurance can provide mortgage protection
4)    Self-employed- Term life insurance can provide the most insurance on a limited budget
5)    Corporate Employee-Term life insurance can supplement a group policy at work
6)    Business Owner-Term life insurance can cover business assets and expenses, help secure loans or help with succession planning.

For more information on term life insurance, call Matt Elwood at 360-452-9200, email at mattelwood@allstate.com or online at Matt Elwood – Allstate Insurance. 

Five Ways You Are Rewarded for Safe Driving with Allstate Insurance

It pays to be insured with Matt Elwood, Allstate agent in Port Angeles, WA 98362. Here are five ways you are rewarded with Allstate car insurance:

1)      Accident Forgiveness

With Allstate’s Platinum package, you immediately get multiple accidents forgiven so your car insurance rates won’t go up just because of an accident.

2)      Safe Driving Bonus Check

Allstate gives you the opportunity to earn up to a 5% credit that can be applied toward your next renewal premium.

3)      Deductible Rewards

Your safe driving will get an immediate $100 off your collision deductible – with the opportunity to increase the reduction over time to as much as $500.

4)      Drivewise

Rewards safe drivers with the following discounts. 1) Enrollment Discount of 10% on major coverages during first full policy period for each vehicle enrolled in the program.  2) Performance Rating discount ranging from 0% to 30% for driving safely as measured by the Drivewise device for each vehicle enrolled in the program.

5)      Low Rates

By being a great driver, there will be no need for an SR-22. Staying accident free will avoid claim surcharges and keep your rates low!

For a car insurance quote call Matt at 360-452-9200 or to learn more visit Matt Elwood – Allstate Insurance.