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.  

Port Angeles Event Insurance

When planning a special event, the furthest thing from your mind should be the chance of any accidents occurring. 

At Matt Elwood’s Allstate Agency we specialize in insuring wedding, parties, non-profit functions and many more. Many of the venues that you will be working with now require additional liability insurance. 

Our event policy includes Bodily Injury Liability up to $2 million total amount, Property Damage, and Host Liquor Liability included. This insurance can be purchased up to 1 day prior to the event. 

The best part of this liability insurance, is it can be purchased for as little as $75!

We also offer “Special Event Cancellation Insurance”. This insurance can be added to the policy, as long as it was purchased a minimum of 14 days prior to the event. This coverage will reimburse for lost deposits and nonrefundable amounts if the event is canceled or postponed due to unexpected situations. This coverage is available for as little as $130. 

When you purchase both the Special Event Liability Insurance plus the Special event Cancellation Insurance, you receive a 15% discount. 

If you or someone you know is planning a special event, please call our agency at 360-452-9200 or come to our office located at 707 East Front Street, Port Angeles, WA. 

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. 

Why Pet Health Insurance?

Sixty-Two percent of U.S. Households have pets. Caring for a pet goes above and beyond just routine annual vet visits, unfortunately sometimes there is an accident or an illness. 
Some pet owners have purebreds, like the Boxer, and they have many genetic or hereditary conditions that follow them. Those conditions can be very expensive, and can be a financial hardship. 
At Matt Elwood’s Allstate Agency, we strive to help everyone (their pets too!) stay happy, healthy and financially secure. 

We offer a great Pet Health Insurance policy with many customizable options that will make it easier to afford your pets veterinary bills! We have a variety of annual policy limits, deductibles and reimbursement options. This basically means that you would pay less out of pocket then you would if your pet wasn’t protected!

Coverages: 
•    Accidents
•    Cancer
•    Breed-Specific and Genetic conditions
•    Chronic and Recurring conditions
•    Emergency and Specialist Vet Visits
•    Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests
•    Surgery
•    Hospitalization
•    Nursing Care
•    Alternative Therapies (such as Acupuncture and Rehabilitation)

There are also additional levels of coverage that would help with the cost of dental care, prescription diet food, OFA and PennHIP exams, as well as prescription medications.

We also offer discounts, such as: Multiple Pet, Annual Payment, Spay or Neutering Pet, Active or Retired Military. 

Please call our agency at 360-452-9200 or come into our office at 707 East Front Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362 and let us quote your pet’s health insurance!

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. 

Best of the Peninsula 2015

 

It’s that time of year, Peninsula Daily News is holding their annual Best of the Peninsula contest. Here are the three places that you can vote. 

Vote NOW through MONDAY, JULY 6!

You can vote online by clicking on the linked images below!

Thank you for trusting Allstate Insurance - Matt Elwood with your insurance needs.