Why You Need Renter’s Insurance

If you are looking to rent or currently renting your home or apartment in Port Angeles, it’s time that you learn more about renter’s insurance!

You’ve probably heard about Homeowner’s Insurance, which covers the house itself and the items inside. But if you are renting all you need is to cover your personal belongings. 

It may not seem like a lot, but all the little things start to add up! When you think about how much it will cost to replace your furniture, dishes, sheets, clothes, books, electronics, and everything else that is filling up your home, it’s probably a lot more than you thought!

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

Renters Insurance will cover personal belongings within your home, as well as a limited amount of personal property off premises, including storage units and your personal belongings inside your car, according to policy limits. 

It 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 harmful lawsuit. In fact, many landlords now require that tenants carry a certain amount of liability insurance before they approve the lease. 

So if you’re renting, it’s time to look at protecting your valuables. Give us a call at 360-452-9200, visit us at 707 East Front Street in Port Angeles, or visit our Allstate Website today, for a quote! And don’t forget to find out how much you will save on your auto insurance too!  

Insurance For Your Wedding Rings

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

I’ve seen many of my 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 new rings.  Make sure they’re covered!  

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 or stolen.

Here’s what I recommend.  Get an appraisal of your rings from a local jeweler. A lot of our customers like to go to Cole’s Jeweler’s in Sequim. Then bring in a copy and we’ll add the rings to your policy.  (We can also 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 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 insurance agent you can trust!  We’ll look out for you and help you get the right coverage at an affordable rate.  Call us today at 360-452-9200 or visit our Allstate Website to get a quote.

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! 

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.