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Wenatchee, WA 98801

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What is the difference between personal and commercial auto insurance?

commercial auto for big trucks or small cars
We love our farm trucks

Alright, let’s break this down with a story. Meet Sofia. She lives in Waterville and loves two things: her dog, Diego, and her food truck, “Sofia’s Snack Shack Supreme,” which serves the best Burritos north of the Rio Grande. Now, Sofia drives her personal Subaru to pick up Diego’s favorite treats at Firehouse Petshop and her food truck to cater events over in Chelan. She would need both personal and commercial auto insurance, but why?

Personal auto insurance is like your trusty sidekick for everyday life. It covers you when you’re driving to pick up groceries at Safeway or heading to Lincoln Rock State Park for a hike. It’s all about personal use – commuting, road trips, and family outings.

But when Sofia hops into her food truck to cater a wedding at Ohme Gardens, she’s in the realm of commercial auto insurance. This is because commercial auto insurance covers vehicles used for business purposes. Whether you’re transporting goods, driving clients, or in Sofia’s case, serving up those mouth-watering burritos, commercial auto insurance has your back.

One day, Sofia’s food truck gets a dent while navigating the narrow streets of downtown Leavenworth. Because it happened during business hours while she was serving customers, her commercial auto insurance steps in. Her personal auto insurance would’ve thrown its hands up and said, “Not my job, no lettuce for you!”

Another difference? Liability limits. Commercial policies typically have higher liability limits because businesses face greater risks. If Sofia’s food truck accidentally bumps into the famous May Pole in Leavenworth, she’d need more coverage than if she just tapped a neighbor’s mailbox with her little Subaru.

Finally, let’s talk about employees. If Sofia hires a driver for her food truck, commercial auto insurance covers them too. Personal policies? Not so much. They’re like that one friend who never wants to share their fries – they only cover you and not anyone else driving your car for business.

So, next time you see Sofia cruising around in her Burrito truck, remember personal auto insurance is for personal rides, and commercial auto insurance is for business wheels. It’s the difference between a joyride and a job ride!

simple process for insurance
Wenatchee Insurance simple process

Topics: Progressive, Commercial Auto, company car, collision coverage, collision coverage, delivery, Wenatchee Insurance, Chelan County, Grant County, Douglas County, Okanogan,

Do I need commercial auto insurance for my small business?

commercial auto for your business

Picture this: You run a small but mighty landscaping business, Green Thumb Gurus, in beautiful sunny Wenatchee. You and your team zip around town, trimming hedges and mowing lawns from Eastmont Community Park to the Cashmere Pioneer Museum. Now, do you need commercial auto insurance for your small business? Simply put, yes!

Here’s why. If you’re using your pickup truck for business purposes, your regular auto insurance might not cover you if you get into an accident while hauling a load of mulch to a client’s yard. That’s right – your insurance could say, “Not my problem!” faster than a teenager ditching household chores. A commercial auto or business endorsement will save you headaches in the future.

We never want to give an insurance company an excuse not to cover a claim. When you are doing business on a personal policy they you are one step closer for them to do just that.

Commercial auto insurance is the brave big brother where personal auto insurance fears to walk. It covers vehicles owned by your business, whether it’s a shiny new pickup truck or that old grey panel van with the dented door you’ve lovingly nicknamed “The Battleship.” If it’s used for business, it needs commercial coverage.

Let’s say you’re driving through Leavenworth after a successful day of planting tulips, and you get rear-ended by a wine tourist bus. Without commercial auto insurance, you’d be on the hook for repairs and medical bills. Ouch!

Not convinced? Picture this: One of your employees, Greg, uses his own car to deliver a bigfoot chainsaw carving (because who doesn’t love bigfoot in Washington state?). If Greg gets into an accident, your business could be held liable. Commercial auto insurance can cover those costs, saving your business from financial ruin.

So, whether you’re delivering flowers, catering weddings, or running errands, if it’s business-related, get commercial auto insurance. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind, and it’ll keep your business running smoothly, from the woods of Lake Wenatchee to the hills of the Okanogan Highlands.

simple process for insurance
Wenatchee Insurance simple process

Topics: Progressive, Commercial Auto, company car, collision coverage, collision coverage, delivery, Wenatchee Insurance, Chelan County, Grant County, Douglas County, Okanogan,

What does commercial auto insurance cover?

commercial auto wenatchee insurance

So, you’re cruising around Chelan County in your trusty company van, delivering pastries from Pybus Public Market to the good folks of Wenatchee, when BAM! A deer leaps out from behind a tree. Your day just went from doughnuts to “Oh, sugar, honey, iced tea!” This is where commercial auto insurance swoops in like an osprey grabbing a river trout.

Commercial auto insurance covers quite a bit – think of it as a superhero with many powers. First up, we have liability coverage. If you cause an accident (like that time you bumped into a statue at Riverfront Park because you were distracted by a squirrel), liability coverage pays for the damages to the other person’s car and their medical bills.

Next, there’s collision coverage, which helps pay for the repairs to your own vehicle if you’re involved in an accident. So, when that white tail deer incident happens, your insurance can help fix your van faster than you can say “New York Minute .”

Comprehensive coverage is like the Swiss Leatherman multitool of your policy. It covers theft, vandalism, and those pesky natural disasters. For example: You parked your delivery truck at the Apple Blossom Festival, and someone decides to graffiti a masterpiece to raccoons on your side door. Comprehensive coverage has you covered!

Don’t forget about uninsured motorist coverage. If some nincompoop without insurance hits you, this part of your policy makes sure you’re not stuck paying the bills. Washington state has a fair amount of these so we do not recommend skipping this coverage.

And last but not least, we have medical payment coverage. This one’s straightforward – it helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers if you’re hurt in an accident, no matter who’s at fault. Whenever, you go to the doctors and they ask if this was because of an accident, this is the coverage that they are looking for. Think of it as a little band-aid for your wallet.

So, next time you’re driving on 97 to Entiat for a delivery, remember that your commercial auto insurance is your trusty sidekick, ready to jump in and save the day when things go awry.

Topics: Progressive, Commercial Auto, company car, collision coverage, collision coverage, delivery, Wenatchee Insurance, Chelan County, Grant County, Douglas County, Okanogan,

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Commercial Insurance: What Is It, and What Can It Do For You?

There are so many things that could put your business in peril. If your stock is particularly tempting, someone could steal a good portion of it. Customers and employees can trip and fall on the premises. If your business requires someone to drive, that opens a whole new line of risks. A clever and devious hacker could cause mischief even if your business is completely online. That’s why you need commercial insurance.

What Commercial Insurance Is

Commercial insurance aims to provide coverage for a business in the event of the financial consequences of unplanned events. Various types of commercial insurance policies are available. These include coverage for liability, property damage, business interruption insurance, and much more. Commercial insurance can cover a wide range of potential issues that could arise in the course of running a business.

How Does It Work?

When your business has experienced a significant loss, you file a claim that explains what you’ve lost. Your insurer will then issue a payment to aid you in recovering your losses. Your insurance company might handle your legal representation in the event that you’re being sued. You pay a premium every month to maintain your coverage. Before your insurance policy kicks in, you will have to pay the deductible.

Wenatchee Insurance Agency Serving Wenatchee, WA

If you have a business in the Wenatchee, WA, area and would like to protect it with commercial insurance, please call Wenatchee Insurance Agency. Our helpful, perceptive, and courteous agents will do all they can to help you find the insurance policy that best suits your individual needs.

Do I need a surety bond in Washington state?

Unleashing the Power of Surety Bonds: The Unsung Heroes of Guarantee

Welcome to the quirky world of surety bonds, where the unsung heroes of business and construction come to shine! Surety bonds might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to exciting topics, but they play a crucial role in ensuring projects and professional services go off without a hitch. Here’s a lighthearted look at who can use a surety bond and why you might consider becoming their biggest fan!

The Fearless Contractor

Imagine hiring someone to build your dream house, only to find out they’ve mistakenly included a moat around your home. Enter the surety bond! These bonds act as a promise that the contractor will not only complete the job but will adhere to certain standards. No moats—unless you specifically ask for one, of course.

Contractor needing a surety bond for L and I

The Daring Business Owner

Opening a new business can be as nerve-wracking as performing a tightrope walk over a bustling city intersection. Surety bonds guarantee that the business will comply with local laws and regulations, ensuring that the business owner doesn’t accidentally turn their new bakery into an all-night rave (unless, again, that’s the plan).

The Adventurous Importer

Ever wonder how exotic goods make their way to your local market without turning into an episode of “When Imports Go Wrong”? Surety bonds are there to ensure that importers comply with government regulations, helping to prevent those chocolate bars from being nothing more than cleverly disguised, inedible replicas.

The Courageous Notary Public

Notaries public might not wield swords or wear capes, but their stamps wield a lot of power. A surety bond for a notary ensures that they handle your documents properly and don’t accidentally certify your cat as the next legal heir to your estate—unless, of course, that’s your wish.

Why You Might Love Surety Bonds

Surety bonds provide peace of mind in a chaotic world. They make sure everyone sticks to their promises and that professional standards are met. Plus, they prevent potentially hilarious yet undesirable outcomes from becoming a reality in your personal and professional projects.

fast access to a surety bond

So next time you embark on a business venture, sign a contract with a contractor, or deal with a notary, remember the surety bond—your invisible hero ensuring that everything goes exactly as planned. Just remember, they can’t actually make you fly or turn invisible; they’re magical, but only in the metaphorical sense!

Surety bonds might not be the topic of blockbuster movies or bestselling novels, but in the world of business and legal affairs, they’re absolutely crucial. Who knew something so serious could also be a little bit fun?

Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Business, Chelan, Grant, Notary, Contractor, Painter, Bond, Surety, Independent Agency, Washington,

Winter is coming is your Semi Truck Insurance Ready?

You need insurance coverages for the wind, snow and ice. Between Blewett, Snoqualmie Pass and the Vantage Bridge, the roads can get rough. Let’s sprinkle in some winter-themed humor with snow and ice into our semi truck insurance coverage list for your trucking business that we should talk about.

  1. Primary Liability Insurance: From Wenatchee Insurance Agency, it’s like giving your truck a superhero cape, but with extra padding for those slippery snowball fights on the highway.
  2. Physical Damage Coverage for Icy Encounters: This is like kitting your truck out in a snowsuit. Perfect for those chilly days when your truck decides to go ice skating across the road.
  3. Cargo Insurance for a Winter Wonderland: Whether you’re hauling apples or timber, Wenatchee Insurance Agency has you covered like a warm, fluffy snow blanket on a cold winter night.
  4. Bobtail Insurance for Snowy Solos: Ideal for when your truck wants to make snow angels on its day off, ensuring it can frolic in the winter wonderland without a worry.
  5. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage with a Frosty Flair: It’s like having a friendly yeti guarding your truck against drivers who think insurance is as mythical as a snow dragon.
  6. General Liability Insurance for Slippery Situations: Watch out for those ice patches! This coverage is like having a team of penguins on standby to guide anyone who might slip on an icy patch at your business.
  7. Non-Trucking Liability Insurance for Joyrides in a Winter Fantasy: Even when your truck is just exploring the snowy landscape of Grant County, this semi truck insurance ensures it’s as protected as a hibernating bear.
  8. Occupational Accident Insurance for Those Braving the Cold (No Squirrels Included): Ideal for your human team members who are out there braving the icy roads, ensuring they’re covered faster than you can say “hot chocolate break!”.

Additional:

Incorporating a bit of snowy humor makes the topic of insurance a bit more fun, especially with the Wenatchee Insurance Agency potentially familiar with the unique challenges of insuring trucks in snow and ice. Just remember, while the snow and ice jokes are light-hearted, ensuring you have the right coverage for all seasons is seriously important. Stay safe and maybe keep your chains and a snow shovel handy, just in case!

simple process for insurance
Wenatchee Insurance simple process

Contractors have special needs when it comes to insurance in Central Washington

As a contractor, it’s crucial to have insurance to protect your business from various risks.

Here are seven types of insurance you should consider:

1. General Liability Insurance: This insurance provides coverage for damage or injuries that might occur due to your job. For instance, if you accidentally damage someone’s property while working, this insurance can pay for repairs. In Washington State, Labor, and Industries will want to have proof on file.

Link to L & I

2. Professional Liability Insurance: Also known as Completed Operations Coverage, this coverage protects you against claims where your work is alleged to have caused a financial loss. If a client claims that an error in your work caused them to lose money, professional liability insurance would cover your legal costs and any settlements.

3. Commercial Auto Insurance: If your business involves the use of vehicles, commercial auto insurance is necessary. This provides coverage for accidents, injuries, and property damage related to company-owned or leased vehicles.

4. Builders Risk Insurance: This insurance, also known as Course of Construction Insurance, provides coverage for the project itself from damage or loss due to events like fire, theft, or severe weather conditions. It can be done for new construction or a remodel job.

5. Tools and Equipment Insurance: This insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your equipment due to theft or unexpected breakdowns. It does not cover normal wear and tear.

6. Commercial Umbrella Insurance: This insurance provides an extra layer of protection beyond the limits of your other policies. If a claim exceeds the coverage limits of your other insurance, commercial umbrella insurance can cover the excess costs.

7. Surety Bonds: These act as a guarantee that you will fulfill the terms of your contract. If you fail to do so, the bond can pay to have the job completed. Some jobs will require additional bonds if you win the bid.

Remember, the specific insurance requirements can vary depending on the nature of your work and where you operate. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consult with your independent insurance agent to ensure you have the right coverage.

Topics: Contractor Insurance, Business Liability, Surety Bond, Builder’s Risk, Commercial Auto, Completed Operations, General Contractor, Sub, Handyman, LandI Labor and Industries, Tools and Equipment,

What are four coverages that a restaurant needs in North Central Washington?

In North Central Washington, a restaurant should have several insurance coverages to protect its business, employees, and customers from various risks. Running a Pizza place in Wenatchee is going to have different risks than a Mexican Restaurant in Winthrop or a Café in Leavenworth. We quote every business is uniquely.

Here are four essential insurance coverages for a restaurant:

  • General Liability Insurance: This insurance is essential for any business, including restaurants. It covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims that may arise from accidents or incidents on the restaurant premises. For example, if a customer slips or suffers food poisoning, general liability insurance can help cover legal expenses and settlements.
  • Property Insurance: Property insurance, sometimes known as commercial property insurance, protects a restaurant’s physical assets, including the building, equipment, inventory, and furnishings, from damage or loss due to events like fire, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. It can also include coverage for business interruption, which can compensate for lost income if the restaurant needs to close temporarily due to covered damage. Business Interruption was a tremendous asset for the COVID shutdowns.
  • Liquor Liability Insurance: If your restaurant serves alcohol, liquor liability insurance is essential. It provides coverage for claims related to alcohol-related incidents, such as fights, accidents, or DUI incidents, that occur on or because of your premises. This coverage can protect your restaurant from costly lawsuits and damages.
  • Food Contamination or Spoilage Insurance: Restaurants rely on fresh ingredients and food products. Food contamination or spoilage insurance helps cover the costs of replacing spoiled or contaminated food due to power outages, equipment failures, or other unforeseen circumstances. This coverage ensures that you can maintain food safety standards and avoid financial losses.

Additional coverages

Additionally, depending on the specific circumstances and location of your restaurant, you may need other insurance coverages such as cybersecurity insurance, commercial auto insurance (if you have restaurant-owned vehicles), or employment practices liability insurance (for protection against employment-related lawsuits). There are cases where these can be bundled together in a Business Owner Policy.

If you are catering or hosting large events then Event Insurance is an affordable way for hosts to fill in coverage gaps.

It’s crucial to work with your local insurance agent to assess your restaurant’s unique needs and select the appropriate insurance coverage to provide comprehensive protection for your business.

Topics: Restaurant Insurance, BOP, Small Business Insurance, General Liability, Pizza, Café, Chelan Insurance, Event Insurance, Business Interruption, Liquor Liability, Wenatchee Insurance, Local Insurance Agent,

How do I get insurance for my Restaurant in Washington State?

Wenatchee has been a Foodie destination for years. Wenatchee Insurance loves insuring restaurants new and old.  

A restaurant typically needs the following types of insurance:

General Liability Insurance: Covers accidents and injuries on the premises

Property Insurance: Protects against damage or loss to the building and assets.

Liquor Liability Insurance: Necessary if the restaurant serves alcohol. The fast rule is the higher of percentage of alcohol over food then the more expensive the insurance.

Business Interruption Insurance: Covers income loss during temporary closures. (This was a big miss for some that dropped this coverage prior to COVID shutdowns to save money).

Commercial Auto Insurance: For restaurant-owned vehicles. If you are making deliveries or have a logo then have the conversation about commercial auto insurance with your agent.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI): Protects against employment-related claims.

Specials:

Wenatchee Insurance does insurance for restaurants and businesses.

Many of the needed coverages can be found bundled together in a Business Owners’ Policy or BOP.

If you are new to Washington State or are starting a business. Washington State has programs regarding Worker’s Compensation, Long Term Care, and Family Medical Leave. With the individual health insurance marketplace being strong many small employers use the Washington Healthplanfinder for insurance by adding an allowance to payroll and having a local Enrollment Center walk through the plans.  

At Wenatchee Insurance Agency, we are an independent broker and customize coverage based on your restaurant’s needs and local regulations.

Topic: Wenatchee Insurance, Business Insurance, Restaurant Insurance, Liquor Liability, Healthplanfinder, Wenatchee, Foodie, General Liability, Chelan, Okanogan, Douglas

What about insurance for my business?

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.


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.

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