Author: Matt McColm

Types of Insurance:

Homeowner’s Insurance: If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, it may provide coverage for fireworks damage to your property. Typically, this coverage falls under the “perils” section of the policy, which includes fire, explosions, and certain types of accidental damage. If your property is damaged due to a fire caused by fireworks, you may be eligible to file a claim and receive compensation for the repairs or replacement of the damaged items.

Personal Property Coverage: Homeowner’s insurance policies often include personal property coverage, which protects your belongings from various risks, including fire damage. If your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, or other items, are damaged by fireworks, you may be able to file a claim to receive compensation for their repair or replacement.

Liability Coverage: Another aspect of insurance coverage to consider is liability protection. If you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property with fireworks, your liability coverage may help cover the costs of repairs or replacement. For example, if a firework ignites a neighbor’s house and burns the garage down, your insurance could cover the expenses.

Additional Home Insurance Info:

The average Home value in Wenatchee is over $500K so if you went cheap or started a large fire then your liability may not be enough. Fireworks cause a majority of problems around the 4^th of July.

Some policies may completely exclude fireworks-related incidents, while others may have specific restrictions on the types of fireworks covered or the circumstances under which they’re covered. Always go over coverage with your insurance agent.

Always follow local laws and regulations when handling fireworks and use them responsibly to minimize the risk of accidents and potential damage. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that intentionally caused damage or illegal use of fireworks may not be covered by insurance policies.

Topics: Fireworks, Independent Insurance Agency, 4^th of July, Wenatchee Insurance, Bundle, Wenatchee, Deductible, Chelan County, Douglas County, Okanogan, Liability

How can I lower the cost of my manufactured home?

Posted on June 29, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

Manufactured homes have been around for a while.

Yes, we have come a long way from calling them trailer parks, and mobile homes. Manufactured Homes are just about everywhere in Central Washington. However, they are not insured the same way as a stick built. Not every insurance company will insure them.

As your local independent insurance agency, Wenatchee Insurance Agency has multiple companies that cover manufactured homes. consider the following tips:

Bundle your policies: If you have other insurance policies, such as auto or life insurance, consider bundling them with your manufactured home insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts for bundling multiple policies together.

Update your insurance coverage periodically: Regularly review your insurance coverage to ensure it accurately reflects the value and condition of your manufactured home. At the very minimum shop and adjust every four years. Every time that I vote for President, I shop my insurance to avoid inflation creep.

Increase your deductible: The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. By opting for a higher deductible, you can lower your insurance premium. Just make sure you choose a deductible amount that you can comfortably afford in case you need to make a claim.

Improve home security: Enhancing the security of your manufactured home can reduce the risk of theft or damage, which may qualify you for lower insurance premiums. Install security systems, smoke detectors, and deadbolt locks.

Maintain a good credit score: Insurance companies often consider your credit score when determining premiums.

Trailer overlooking mountains with porch.

Inquire about discounts: Ask Wenatchee Insurance about any discounts they offer specifically for manufactured homes. They may have discounts for certain safety features, early shopping discounts, or other factors.

Remember to read the policy carefully and ask questions to ensure you understand the coverage provided. It’s essential to strike a balance between cost savings and adequate coverage to protect your manufactured home.

With fire season heating up fast this year, we want to make sure that all of our neighbors are adequately covered.

Topics: Manufactured Home, Mobile Home, Independent Insurance Agency, Wenatchee Insurance, Bundle, Deductible, Chelan County, Douglas County, Okanogan,

When can I enroll in Medicare?

Posted on June 27, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

Turning 65 then we can help with Medicare — You can enroll in Medicare before your 65th Birthday.

Suzie McColm has been assisting people to enroll in health insurance and Medicare for over a decade. If you are local in the Wenatchee Valley, then you might have even seen her during her Safeway or Shopko days as a Pharmacy Technician. She is a licensed insurance producer in the state of Washington.

appointment with Suzie

The top question that she gets is when can I enroll in Medicare?

To enroll in Medicare, including the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), here is what you need to know:

The initial enrollment period for Medicare typically starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your birthday month. This seven-month period is called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). During the IEP, you can enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).

For example: if your Birthday was July 4, 2023 then you could start enrolling with your IEP starting in April and have Medicare coverage starting July 1^st. You would have until all the way until the end of October for your Initial Enrollment Period.

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also known as the Fall Open Enrollment Period, occurs every year from October 15th to December 7th. During this period, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. Set an appointment early if you would like assistance.

Here are some actions you can take during the AEP:

Switch from Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.
Join, drop, or switch Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

It’s important to note that the AEP is primarily for making changes to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans. If you are satisfied with your current Medicare coverage and don’t need to make any changes, you don’t have to do anything during the AEP.

appointment with Suzie

Remember we answer questions year-round about Medicare and Healthcare. The state of Washington does not contract with us regarding SEBB or PEBB options for those questions please go directly to the Health Care Authority.

Topics: Suzie Health Solutions, Medicare, Chelan County, Health Insurance, Wenatchee Insurance, Enrollment Period, Wenatchee Medicare Insurance, Pharmacy, Enrollment Center, PEBB, SEBB

With my business logo on my car do I need a commercial auto policy?

Posted on June 26, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

As an insurance agent at Wenatchee Insurance Agency in Wenatchee, Washington, I would advise you on the need for a commercial auto policy if you had your logo on your car. We look for policies that when a customer needs them, they will be available to make a claim.

If you have your logo displayed on your car, it indicates that you are using the vehicle for business purposes. In such cases, it is generally recommended to have a commercial auto insurance policy. Personal auto insurance policies usually exclude coverage for vehicles used for business activities.

Insurance companies are looking to deny claims. A few years ago, I had a friend that was delivering flowers for their company. They hit some ice and wrecked the car. Since it was written for personal use the insurance company denied the claim. A proper policy and the insurance company would have been required to pay and my friend would still have their flower shop.

Here’s why you should consider a commercial auto policy:

Proper Coverage: A commercial auto policy is specifically designed to protect vehicles used for business purposes. It provides coverage that may not be included in a personal auto insurance policy.

Liability Protection: Commercial auto insurance offers higher liability coverage limits to safeguard your business in case of an accident where you or your employees are at fault. This coverage protects against potential lawsuits and claims for bodily injury or property damage caused to others.

Business Assets: Commercial auto insurance can help protect your business assets by providing coverage for damages to your vehicle(s) used for business. It helps you recover the costs of repairs or replacement, minimizing the financial impact on your business.

While personal auto insurance policies may provide coverage for vehicles used occasionally for business purposes, having a dedicated commercial auto policy ensures that you have appropriate coverage tailored to your business needs.

If you are delivering pizzas or doing Ride Shares from your car then you really need to let your insurance agent know. Please keep in mind that insurance requirements and policy details may vary based on your specific location and circumstances. It’s always a good idea to consult with a licensed insurance agent at Wenatchee Insurance Agency. We can provide personalized guidance based on your unique situation and help you choose the right insurance policy to protect your business.

Topics, Wenatchee Insurance, Auto Insurance, Car Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Pizza Delivery, Ride Share, Flower delivery, Chelan County, Douglas County, Independent insurance agency

Renters’ insurance is cheap protection.

Posted on June 21, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

We rent an apartment in Wenatchee. We have all the normal stuff, cars, clothes, pots and pans and if we have a fire then we don’t have to worry. We have renters’ insurance because it is cheap in addition to giving me a discount on my car insurance. I wouldn’t dream of going without coverage.

Renters’ insurance is important for several reasons, as it provides crucial coverage and financial protection for tenants. Seriously, your landlord’s policy won’t cover your flatscreen let alone your jeans. Here are four key reasons why renters’ insurance is important:

1. Personal Property Coverage: Renters insurance protects your personal belongings from loss or damage due to covered events such as fire, theft, vandalism, or certain natural disasters. It helps replace or repair your possessions, including furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and other valuable items. Do I want an insurance company to replace my stuff, or do I want to fool around with running a GoFundMe or other crowdsource campaign?

2. Liability Protection: Accidents can happen anywhere, including your rented home. Renters’ insurance typically includes liability coverage, which protects you if you accidentally cause property damage or bodily injury to someone else. If a guest is injured on your rented property and holds you responsible, renters’ insurance can help cover legal expenses and potential damages awarded in a lawsuit.

3. Additional Living Expenses: In case your rented home becomes temporarily uninhabitable due to a covered event, such as a fire or natural disaster, renters’ insurance can help cover additional living expenses. It may include the cost of hotel stays, meals, and other necessary expenses while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. When they put out your apartment fire and you are wrapped in a Red Cross blanket, who do you want to pay for the hotel room, to figure out what comes next?

4. Peace of Mind: Renters’ insurance provides peace of mind by offering financial protection and reducing uncertainty. Knowing that your personal belongings are insured and that you have liability coverage can alleviate worries and allow you to focus on enjoying your living space. In the event of an unexpected incident, renters’ insurance provides a safety net, helping you recover and rebuild without significant financial strain.

Specific coverage and policy details can vary among different insurance providers, so it’s important to review the terms and conditions of any renters insurance policy you consider to ensure it meets your needs with your agent.

simple process for insurance — Wenatchee Insurance simple process

What about insurance for business?

Posted on June 16, 2023June 9, 2025 by Matt McColm

Chef in Restaurant covered with Wenatchee Insurance — Wenatchee Insurance has your back

Congratulations, you have taken the leap and started a business. Did you remember your insurance?
Your situation changes the moment that money changes hands. You get a business license immediately so that you can cover taxes and connect with an insurance policy.

Without special endorsements, your home or renters’ policy will exclude losses of business equipment. If you have customers visit your home, then you are looking at increased exposures that your insurance company needs to know about.

Useful types of business insurance policies

If you are making a delivery and your car insurance is only set up for personal use, then yes the insurance company can deny a claim. Commercial auto policies cover a wide range of exposures.

If you are doing a pop-up, maker’s market, or another short-term store front then an event or vender’s insurance policy will cover needed liability risks and can provide you with a Certificate of Insurance for the landlord/organizing community.
If you a contractor then you want to look at a builder’s risk policy for your job site. Without insurance, a loss can be catastrophic financially.

If digital information is important to your business such as credit card information or customers’ personal data then cyber coverage quickly becomes important.

A business insurance policy is a top priority for a business owner as it protects their business and, in some cases, their personal assets.

set appointment with Suzie

It’s important to note that the specific insurance needs for your business may vary depending on factors such as your industry, size, location, and specific risks involved. Consulting with an insurance professional or broker can help you determine the most appropriate coverage options tailored to your business needs. Wenatchee Insurance writes most of our policies in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan. We also write for the rest of Washington State as requested.

Our four step policy for insurance quotes

When do I sign up for Health Insurance?

Posted on June 14, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

If you don’t have health insurance for some people the answer is right now. We will do the enrollment and if you have a special enrollment then it will start quickly. If you do not qualify then you are ready for the next enrollment period.

Suzie and Matt McColm for six plus years ran the Enrollment Center located in Wenatchee. We felt that everyone should be able to understand their plan, get help year round if there was a problem and not add any additional fees. We kept those functions while we added Medicare, Car Insurance, Home Insurance and options for clients needing assistance.

Some folks work a job where health insurance has an enrollment period as dictated by the employer. It is usually a couple of weeks a year. If you are under 26 then you can still be included in your parents’ health insurance plan. However, there may be some cases that you are better off with your own plan. For example, if you are going to school in another state. Ask your Human Resources Department when their open enrollment is.

Special Enrollment is year round. In addition to folks with low income that qualify for Apple Health, Native American Health Enrollments are year round. There is also special Enrollments. Some of them are:

Losing Health Insurance from a job.
Getting married when one of you has health insurance.
Moving and your health insurance plan is no longer in the network.
Giving birth or adopting a child opens a special enrollment.
Losing Apple Health or aging out of your parent’s plan opens a special enrollment.

These are just a few as we see some for emergencies. Also, a person making 250% of the poverty level that qualifies for Cascade Care Savings is able to enroll in the Special Enrollment. It is why we enroll everyone and if they don’t qualify then they are prepared for the next open enrollment.

Cascade Care Savings plans can have some additional savings to customers. It is an exciting program that Washington State has done to lower healthcare for thousands of us.

We are not Healthcare Authority employees nor do they contract with us for services. Here is a blog can can assist in simple questions for PEBB, SEBB, or other retirement health plans.

Starting November 1st, 2023, we will be enrolling people in health insurance regardless of immigration status. (Also called the 1332 Waiver) The details are still being worked out however if you do not have access to an employer plan then selecting an appointment today would be to your advantage.

The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare runs from October 15th through December 7th of Each year. If you have a Medicare Plan (aka none Healthplanfinder plan) then each year, you can review and update plans. Select an appointment early as.

The Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period runs November 1st through December 15th for plans starting January 1st.
The Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period from December 15th through January 15th is for plans starting February 1st.

set appointment with Suzie

The Wenatchee Office takes appointments for Health and Medicare Insurance.

If you want to make a comment about the 2024 individual health plans, then you usually can make statements through August. We encourage people to review the proposed rates.

My car insurance lapsed, what next?

Posted on June 13, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

We had a first-time client approach us the other week without coverage for a quote. They had not driven their car for a couple of weeks and had let their insurance lapse. It was an eye-opening experience for them.

Continuous coverage is important for auto insurance for several reasons:

Gaps cost money: If you let your auto insurance coverage lapse, even for a short period, it can result in a coverage gap. A coverage gap means that there is no insurance in place during that time. Insurance companies may view coverage gaps unfavorably, resulting in higher premiums when you reinstate your policy or even difficulty in obtaining coverage in the future. With the hard market, insurance companies are less likely to accept a driver with a gap in coverage.

Legal Requirement: In Washington State, having auto insurance liability is mandatory by law. Continuous coverage ensures that you meet this legal requirement and avoid any penalties or fines that may be imposed for driving without insurance.

Personal Protection: Auto insurance provides liability coverage for injuries or damage caused to others in an accident. Continuous coverage ensures that you have this protection in place consistently, minimizing the risk of facing a significant financial burden due to an unforeseen event.

Financial Protection: An important question to ask is how much you want to pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts to pay. When you move beyond liability coverage, auto insurance provides financial protection against potential losses and damage resulting from accidents, theft, vandalism, or other covered events. It is why we recommend talking with an agent so that you understand the coverage in an insurance policy prior to purchasing.

Uninterrupted Benefits: Some auto insurance companies offer additional benefits or discounts based on continuous coverage. These benefits can include lower premiums, loyalty rewards, accident forgiveness, or coverage extensions. By maintaining continuous coverage, you can take advantage of these benefits over time.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and benefits of continuous coverage may vary depending on your insurance provider, local regulations, and the terms of your policy. It’s always recommended to review your insurance policy and consult with your insurance agent to understand the details of continuous coverage in your specific situation.

As an independent insurance agency in Central Washington when policies come up for renewal, we like to review and shop for lower rates. Time is your friend in this case as we are able to find new carriers as you have established continuous liability with your auto insurance

The LGBTQIA community and us.

Posted on June 9, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

We received our first harassing calls by an unlisted number for the first time. We have been running an insurance office in the Wenatchee Valley for years. As we saw the increase in outrage against the LGBTQIA+ community by extremists, we were waiting for the terrorism to start.

Shayla Winter with Wenatchee Insurance ad in Homefinder's Guide under Inclusive Flag

As a Veteran, Matt grew up defending American Values. While there may be debates and differences of opinion on specific human rights issues within the United States, the general commitment to human rights as a core value remains a significant aspect of American society and its national identity. The recognition and protection of individual freedoms and human dignity are considered essential components of American values.

Matt supported Gay marriage because of the difference that was occurring with annuities. Without marriage, gay couples were being discriminated against by being forced to cash out annuities instead of married couples that were allowed to transfer to another partner if one died early. It wasn’t until the Washington State voters passed Referendum 74 in November of 2012 that discrimination end in Washington State. Suzie & Matt even have the pleasure of meeting the first Wenatchee Couple that was married under that update a few years later thanks to Rotary.

Enter the ACA.

I have been a part of the ACA rollout since the beginning in Washington state. First as a producer then supporting the Enrollment Center in Washington. The ACA contains Section 1557 which granted protection nationwide for the first time for the LGBTQIA+ community for the first time.

Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) aimed to protect the LGBTQ community, among other groups, from discrimination in healthcare. The section prohibited discrimination based on various factors, including sex, in any health program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a rule in 2016 interpreting Section 1557 to include protections for transgender individuals and other LGBTQ individuals. The rule explicitly prohibited discrimination based on gender identity and sex stereotyping, which provided important protections for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.

The rule required healthcare providers and insurers to treat individuals consistent with their gender identity and prohibited the denial of healthcare services or coverage based on a person’s transgender status. It also protected individuals from being subjected to discriminatory practices, such as the denial of care or coverage, harassment, or being treated less favorably due to their gender identity or transgender status.

Enter the Burning of Pride Flag at Pybus Public Market 2020.

This was the moment that we realized that we were not doing enough in the community. By being quiet, hate was festering in North Central Washington.

We became the first in-person assisters within 50 miles to train with Out2Enroll for specialized training with the LBBTQIA+ community.

We set down money to be a vendor at the 2021 Pride Festival which was moved to 2022. In 2022, we added our voice by contributing our outreach marketing to let everyone know that we were going to be at Wenatchee Pride. We handed out 800 bags and got in some great conversations about insurance.

We participated in the Inclusive Banners for 2022 and 2023 for the Elvis Foundation.

We saw that we could do more. When we did outreach for the American Rescue Plan Act, it was identified that LGBTQIA households were twice as likely to be uninsured than CIS households.

Enter Wenatchee Insurance.

We saw that more work needed to be done locally across insurance lines. Our vision for Wenatchee Insurance is to create a safe space so that everyone can understand and select needed coverage free from judgment. Shayla, Suzie, and Matt have spent years building an Insurance Agency from the ground up. Shayla had been doing account management with a crop insurance company, working with Progressive Devilry to update the region with human rights concerns, and was a member of the Wenatchee Pride board.

Keep an eye out for safe space businesses at Friends of Stella and OutNCW.ORG for resources.

We became the first business in Wenatchee to join the GSBA. GSBA is Washington State’s LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce, and the largest in North America. As we saw a means to recruit additional resources into Eastern Washington.

We did our first of it’s kind business networking event to provide Headshots to the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in April of 2022.

June and July of 2022, we began our Pride Tour. We are working with Pride Festivals in Washington State. We wanted to make sure that they had funds while we did our outreach to drive down the uninsured rates. Sometimes we tabled and sometimes we were able to do a sponsorship as funds allowed.

Pride Festivals we are directly supporting.

Snohomish Pride

Yakima Pride

Tri-Pride

The outreach is incredibly important as hundreds of thousands of people are having to verify their Apple Health for the first time in years. There are only 10 Enrollment Centers for the Washington Healthplanfinder and we are the only one located in North Central Washingto

Back to the harassing call.

It shows us that we are needed and that our support of LGBTQIA+ and allies is more important than ever. If you want insurance then let us know and if you want to take potshots from unlisted numbers well, we are still standing tall after 30+ years of supporting the Great Melting Pot that is America.

Rainbow bags for Central Washington Pride tour

How To Get Cheap Insurance For My Teen Driver

Posted on June 8, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

Wenatchee Insurance was set up to get cheap insurance for teen drivers . We recognized that it can be a challenge because teens are considered high-risk drivers due to their lack of experience. Suzie and Matt have a teen driver in their household, so we understand how tough it is to get good coverage that is affordable.

Here are several strategies you can consider to potentially lower the cost of insurance for a teen driver:

Compare Multiple Insurance Quotes: We use and internal exchange to shop for and obtain quotes for our clients. Prices can vary significantly, and as an independent insurance agency, we do the work of multiple applications and present you with options. We are your personal shopper.

Insurance for young drivers

Add the Teen Driver to an Existing Policy: Instead of purchasing a separate policy for the teen driver, consider adding them to an existing family policy. This can often be cheaper than getting an individual policy. As long as everyone is in the same household or all garage addresses are listed, a family policy is often the cheapest approach.

Take Advantage of Good Student Discounts: Many insurance providers offer discounts for teen drivers who maintain good grades. Encourage your teen to work hard in school and provide the required documentation to the insurance company to access this discount.

Opt for a Safe Vehicle: The type of car your teen drives can affect insurance rates. Choose a safe and reliable vehicle with good safety features, as insurance premiums tend to be lower for such cars. There are cars that insurance companies refuse to cover or have higher rates do to their theft potential.

Increase Deductibles: Increasing the deductible—the amount you pay out of pocket in the event of a claim—can lower insurance premiums. The question to ask yourself is how much you want to pay out of pocket before the insurance company takes over.

Limit Coverage: Evaluate the coverage options you need and consider excluding certain coverage types that may not be necessary for your teen driver. Be cautious, though, as it’s important to maintain adequate coverage for protection.

Telemetrics: Some companies will use an application on a smartphone. Depending on when a person drives, how a person brakes and starts, and how fast they go is tracked and this can lead to some significant savings.

Remember that insurance rates vary based on factors such as location, driving record, and the insurance company’s policies. It’s essential to discuss your specific situation with insurance providers to get accurate quotes and determine the best options for your teen driver.

Let’s chat and see what we can do.