Home Insurance - Blog | Wenatchee Insurance Agency

The springs winds are around the corner is your insurance ready?

Posted on February 19, 2024April 16, 2024 by Matt McColm

Ah, Washington! Land of coffee, rain, and the occasional trampoline taking flight like a misguided UFO during a windstorm. So, let’s talk about wind damage coverage.

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trampoline and homeowner insurance lability in Grant County

First off, most homeowner policies here are pretty solid. They’ve got your back when the wind decides to redecorate your yard or play bowling with your roof shingles. But, remember, it’s not just about the ‘whooosh’; it’s also about what the ‘whooosh’ brings along. We’re talking trees that suddenly believe they can walk, and yes, the legendary flying trampolines.

Now, if a trampoline decides to audition for the role of ‘Mary Poppins’ and lands on your roof, your policy usually steps in. It’s like, ‘Don’t worry, we’ve seen this episode before.’ They cover the damage to your house, maybe even the fence it crushed on its way down.

But here’s the kicker – if your own trampoline decides to go on an adventure and damages someone else’s property, you might need to check the liability part of your insurance. Because, let’s face it, nobody wants a neighborly dispute over a rogue trampoline.

And let’s not forget the ‘Wind-Driven Rain Ensemble’. This is when the wind plays maestro and directs rain to places it’s not supposed to be, like inside your house. Coverage here can get a bit tricky, but generally, if the rain’s invited in by wind damage, you’re covered.

Wind trampoline damage insurance wenatchee

One more thing – deductibles. In some cases, you might have a separate ‘wind deductible’. Think of it as the entry fee for the ‘wind damage club’. It’s often a percentage of your home’s value. So, if your home is worth a lot, maybe start a ‘wind deductible’ piggy bank.

In summary, yes, wind damage, including the acrobatic acts of trampolines, is generally covered. But policies vary, and it’s always a good idea to chat with your agent – especially if you own a trampoline. They might just have a frequent flier program!”

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Always check the specifics of your policy and talk to your insurance agent for personalized advice, especially if your backyard has a trampoline with a mind of its own!

Trampolines are one of the risks that we like to chat about so that our clients better understand their policy.

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#home #renters #deductible #wenatcheeinsurance

Topics: Home Insurance, Renter Insurance, Trampoline, Wenatchee Insurance, Washington, Wind Coverage, wind deductible, backyard, liability, shingles

Is your Homeowners Insurance Deductible a percentage?

Posted on January 2, 2024April 16, 2024 by Matt McColm

In tough times, not everyone has a pile of cash lying about to cover an unexpected loss. How much do you want to pay before the insurance company starts paying?

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Example: You are doing good and own a lovely $400,000 home. One day, to your surprise, you find that water has decided to throw a pool party in your basement without your permission. Oh no, it’s a water backup loss! But fear not, you have water backup insurance coverage with a 1% deductible.

Here’s how this plays out in a simple way:

The 1% Rule: Your insurance says, “We’ll help, but remember the 1% rule!” This means you’re responsible for 1% of your home’s value before the insurance kicks in. In your case, 1% of $400,000 is $4,000. So, you’re like a bank for the first $4,000.

The Water Backup Bill: Let’s say repairing all the water damage and evicting the unwanted pool costs $10,000. You might gasp, but hold on!

Your Share vs. Insurance Share: You pay the first $4,000 (because of the 1% rule). The insurance company, wearing a superhero cape, swoops in to pay the remaining $6,000.

Note if you have a $1000 deductible then you would only pay $1000 and the insurance company would pay the remaining $9,000!

The End Result:

Your basement is saved, and your wallet is lighter. You’ve learned a valuable lesson about water backups and probably consider buying a lifejacket for your basement.

In short, with a 1% deductible on a $400,000 home, you cover the first $4,000 of any damage, and then your insurance covers the rest, up to the policy limit. It’s like going to a fancy restaurant and paying for the appetizer, while insurance pays for the main course and dessert.

For many people in Central Washington, it is easier to find $1000 to pay for a deductible rather than 1%. At Wenatchee Insurance, focus on usable and affordable.

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Topics: Water Damage, Home Insurance, Wenatchee Insurance, Deductible, NCW, Central Washington, Chelan County, Sewer backup, Allstate, travelers, Hartford,

What happens if my home is underinsured?

Posted on November 15, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

We like to do cost estimators on property prior to quote. It reduces the chance of a property being underinsured. This is especially problematic when rewriting older policies that have not been maintained and periods of high inflation.

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Forgive us as we show some math in this example.

Here we break down the example where your house is valued at $500,000, insured for $400,000, and incurs partial damage worth $50,000 in a fire:

Policy Limit: Your insurance policy covers up to $400,000. This is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay in case of damage.
Damage Assessment: The damage to your home is assessed at $50,000.
Underinsurance Factor: Since your home is underinsured (it’s insured for $400,000 but is worth $500,000), you have only insured 80% of its value ($400,000/$500,000)×100=80($400,000/$500,000)×100=80.
Claim Settlement: Insurance companies often use the “coinsurance clause” in such scenarios. This clause means that if you have not insured your property to at least a certain percentage of its value (often around 80-90%), the insurance company may reduce the payout for partial losses.

Let’s calculate the potential payout:

If your policy has a coinsurance clause requiring at least 80% coverage, you are just at the threshold and your claim might be fully paid.
However, if the requirement is higher than 80%, your claim payment could be reduced. For example, if the requirement is 90%, the calculation would be:

Claim Payment=Damage Amount×(Insurance CoverageRequired Coverage)Claim Payment=Damage Amount×(Required CoverageInsurance Coverage)

So, it would be:

$50,000×($400,000$450,000(90% of $500,000))≈$44,444$50,000×($450,000(90% of $500,000)$400,000)≈$44,444

This means you would receive about $44,444, and you’d have to cover the remaining $5,556 out of pocket.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses: In the scenario where the full claim isn’t covered due to the coinsurance clause, you will need to pay the difference between the claim payment and the actual damage cost.
Policy Review: This example highlights the importance of regularly reviewing your insurance coverage to ensure it matches the current value of your property, especially after significant changes in market value or property improvements. Having a conversation with your local independent agency can save a lot of headaches prior to claims.

The specifics can vary based on the terms of your insurance policy and local regulations, so it’s crucial to understand the details of your insurance coverage and any coinsurance requirements.

If it has been more than two presidents since you have talked with an Insurance Agent then we want to talk with you.

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Chelan, Home Insurance, Fire Insurance, Claims, Coinsurance, Deductible, Independent Insurance Agent,

Is it Cheaper to insure a trailer or a manufactured home in Washington State?

Posted on September 11, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

The cost of insuring a trailer (such as a travel trailer or camper) versus a manufactured home (also known as a mobile home) can vary significantly based on several factors.

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Here are some key considerations:

Type of Coverage: The type of insurance coverage you need can impact the cost. Trailers are often insured with RV or travel trailer insurance, which typically covers liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage for the trailer. Manufactured homes, on the other hand, are typically insured with a mobile home insurance policy that provides coverage for both the structure and its contents, similar to traditional home insurance.
Value of the Property: Manufactured homes are usually larger and more valuable than trailers. The replacement cost of the structure and the value of your belongings will play a significant role in determining the premium. Generally, the higher the value, the higher the insurance cost.
Location: Where you park or place your trailer or manufactured home can affect insurance rates. Locations in regions prone to natural disasters like wildfires may result in higher premiums due to increased risk. We have seen an increase in cost and availability in our more forested areas of Chelan and Okanogan Counties.
Age and Condition: The age and condition of your trailer or manufactured home can also impact insurance costs. Older structures might have higher premiums because they could be more susceptible to damage and wear and tear.
Safety Features: Safety features like smoke detectors, security systems, and fire-resistant materials can help reduce insurance costs for both trailers and manufactured homes.
Usage: How you use your trailer or manufactured home can influence insurance rates. If you use your trailer for occasional vacations, it might have a lower premium compared to a manufactured home that serves as a primary residence.
Discounts: Insurance providers often offer discounts. For example, bundling your trailer or manufactured home insurance with other policies, having a good claims history, or belonging to certain organizations may qualify you for discounts. We like to have conversations with our clients to look for discounts.
Insurance Provider: Different insurance companies have varying rates and policies. It’s why we use as many insurance companies as we have access to shop for our clients.

In general, trailer insurance is often less expensive than manufactured home insurance due to the differences in size, value, and usage. However, the actual cost can vary widely based on the factors mentioned above. To determine which option is cheaper for you and to get an accurate insurance quote, it’s best to contact insurance providers and provide them with specific details about your trailer or manufactured home. This way, you can compare quotes and make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, Trailer Insurance, Auto Insurance, Wenatchee, Chelan, Manufactured Home Insurance, Home Insurance, Okanogan, Douglas County, Okanogan County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping

Will skipping Home Insurance in Eastern Washington save me money?

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

With the national average of homeowners insurance rising 20% to $1400 more people are choosing to go without. Twelve percent are choosing to ‘go bareback’ without home insurance and about half of the uncovered homes have an income of $40,000. We created Wenatchee Insurance to provide more people access to shopping an independent agency.

My grandmother instructed me to always pay the fire insurance after the mortgage as she saw too many people lose everything. In 2014 Central Washington had the Carlton Complex fire with 553 structures lost and nearly half were uninsured. Nine years later not everything has recovered.

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Home insurance is like a safety net for your house. It helps protect you in case something bad happens, like a fire, a big storm, or a robbery. If you’re thinking about not getting home insurance, here are some things to think about:

Rules from the Bank: If you have a loan for your house, the bank might say you have to get insurance. They want to make sure their investment is safe. In some cases, if you default then they will purchase coverage in their favor at your expense.

Being Ready for Trouble: If something really bad happens to your house, like a big fire, having insurance could help you pay for fixing things. If you’re confident you could pay for repairs yourself, you might consider skipping insurance. Do you have the thousands in the bank to rebuild your losses?

Where You Live: If you live in a place where things like floods, earthquakes, or fires can happen, it’s riskier. Insurance could help you if these things damage your house. In the Pacific Northwest, some studies are pointing to dryer, warmer summers which lead to more wildfires.

Stuff You Have: If you have valuable things in your house, like expensive electronics or jewelry, insurance could help replace them if they’re stolen or destroyed.

Someone Gets Hurt: If someone comes to your house and gets hurt, insurance could help pay if they sue you. Liability is a big issue.

Remember, skipping insurance could be risky. If something bad happens, you might have a hard time paying for repairs or replacing your things. It’s a good idea to talk to someone who knows about money and insurance before deciding. Wenatchee Insurance Agency shops multiple companies to make sure our neighbors can rebuild from a loss.

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, Home Insurance, Manufactured Home Insurance, Mobile home insurance, Wenatchee, Chelan, Fire Insurance, Okanogan, Douglas County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping, Wild Fire, Carlton Fire, BLM, Eastern Washington, Climate Change, Drought, Independent Insurance Agency,

Tips for insuring reducing the cost of insurance for your manufactured home.

Posted on August 2, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

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Insuring manufactured homes can be cost-effective. These are not the old mobile homes of the past. They are definitely not a stick built. We have a couple of companies that we quote with at Wenatchee Insurance. Here are more tips to help you save money while insuring your manufactured home:

Maintain a good claims history: Avoid frequent or unnecessary claims. Insurance companies often reward policyholders with lower premiums if they have a history of few or no claims.
Consider the location: The location of your manufactured home can impact your insurance premium. The companies are looking at high fire dangers and high theft areas. When possible, choose a location that is less risky and more affordable to insure.
Improve home safety: Enhance the safety features in your manufactured home to reduce risks. Installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers may not only keep you safer but also qualify you for discounts on your insurance policy.
Pay annually or semi-annually: If your budget allows, consider paying your insurance premium in one lump sum annually or semi-annually instead of monthly. This is always worth the ask.
Review your policy annually: As your needs and circumstances change, your insurance requirements may also evolve. The annual conversation is important, we don’t know if you added a pool to your backyard if you don’t tell us.
Inquire about discounts: Don’t hesitate to ask your insurance provider about available discounts that you might qualify for, such as early shopping, multi-policy discounts, or discounts for retirees.
Consider additional security measures: If you’re in a high-crime area, investing in additional security measures like security cameras, motion sensor lights, or a monitored alarm system might lead to premium discounts.
Avoid underinsuring: Make sure you have the right amount of coverage for your manufactured home. Being underinsured may leave you vulnerable in case of a claim. In the last couple of years inflation has really changed some values.

Remember, it’s essential to strike a balance between cost savings and having adequate coverage. Always discuss your specific needs and circumstances with your insurance provider to find the best insurance plan for your manufactured home.

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What are fires doing to the price of my Home Insurance?

Posted on July 17, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

Wildfires were one of the reasons that we set up Wenatchee Insurance. Folks West of Sunnyslope and up to Lake Wenatchee have been requesting quotes because their old company has been asking for significant increases. Well, this is what is going on with the underwriters.

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In areas where there is a high risk of wildfires or other fire-related hazards, insurance companies may take certain measures to manage their exposure and minimize potential losses. While practices can vary among insurance providers and regions, here are some common actions that insurance companies may take:

Moratoriums: Insurance companies may implement temporary moratoriums on issuing new policies or making policy changes during periods of high fire danger. This is done to prevent individuals from obtaining coverage when a fire is imminent or already occurring. During large fires, we have seen multiple zip codes blocked by some companies.
Non-Renewals: Insurance companies may choose not to renew policies for homeowners located in areas with a high risk of fire. If the risk of fire in a specific region is deemed too high, an insurance company may decide to discontinue coverage for existing policyholders when their policies expire.
Increased Premiums: In high-risk areas, insurance companies may charge higher premiums to reflect the increased risk of fire. These higher premiums are intended to offset the potential cost of claims in fire-prone regions.
Risk Assessments: Insurance companies may conduct thorough assessments of individual properties in high-risk areas. They may consider factors such as proximity to trees or brush, the availability of fire protection systems, and other risk mitigation measures. Insurance companies may choose to offer coverage, limit coverage, increase price, or decline coverage altogether.

It’s important to note that these actions are typically taken by insurance companies to manage risk and maintain their financial stability. If you live in an area prone to fires, it’s advisable to have a conversation with your agent to understand the conditions. It is why we shop multiple companies for our clients to find a good rate.

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, Home Insurance, Auto Insurance, Wenatchee, Chelan, Fire Insurance, Okanogan, Douglas County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping, Wild Fire

Does my home insurance policy cover fireworks?

Posted on July 3, 2023April 26, 2024 by Matt McColm

Central Washington Dangers

With the fire dangers high in Central Washington, local governments have been banning the sale and use of fireworks in favor of Community displays. In Wenatchee Valley, there is a great display visible from Walla Walla Point Park, every year.

The coverage for fireworks damage can vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of the insurance policy. However, I can provide you with a general overview of how an insurance policy might cover fireworks damage.

If you don’t have a policy then let us know and we will be glad to assist as an independent insurance agency.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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

3 Benefits of Bundling Home and Auto Insurance

Posted on June 16, 2023April 26, 2024 by admin

Many people purchase their auto insurance and home insurance separately. This is often simply because they may not be a homeowner when they purchase vehicle insurance. The car often comes first, and then later on, the home purchase. At that time, it’s worth revisiting the insurance plan and having them with the same company. Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving North Central Washington, offers the ability to bundle your home and auto insurance.

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Here are three of the many benefits of doing this:

1. Simplicity

Life is complicated enough, and it’s helpful to make things simple whenever possible. When you bundle your home and auto insurance, you can keep all your insurance files and information in one place. Also, you will be working with one insurance agent instead of two. Your one insurance agent will be able to help you with both your home and auto insurance questions, changes, claims, etc.

2. Better Understanding of the Company

Every insurance company has its own procedures. Rather than you having to keep track of how two different insurance companies operate, bundle your home and car insurance so you only need to be familiar with one company’s policies.

3. Easier Payments

When you have two separate insurance companies, you have to make two insurance premium payments separately. This will entail the necessity of logging into two websites and managing bill payments for two separate calendar dates. When you bundle your home and car insurance, you may have only one payment to make that covers both your home and vehicle. And even if they are separate payments, you only have to deal with one company for both policy payments.

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There are even more benefits to bundling your various insurance policies. Contact Wenatchee Insurance Agency, exclusive to Washington state to learn more about how to bundle your home and car insurance.

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Category: Home Insurance

The springs winds are around the corner is your insurance ready?

topics:

Is your Homeowners Insurance Deductible a percentage?

Here’s how this plays out in a simple way:

The End Result:

What happens if my home is underinsured?

Forgive us as we show some math in this example.

This means you would receive about $44,444, and you’d have to cover the remaining $5,556 out of pocket.

Is it Cheaper to insure a trailer or a manufactured home in Washington State?

Will skipping Home Insurance in Eastern Washington save me money?

Tips for insuring reducing the cost of insurance for your manufactured home.

What are fires doing to the price of my Home Insurance?

Does my home insurance policy cover fireworks?

Central Washington Dangers

Types of Insurance:

Additional Home Insurance Info:

How can I lower the cost of my manufactured home?

3 Benefits of Bundling Home and Auto Insurance

Here are three of the many benefits of doing this:

1. Simplicity

2. Better Understanding of the Company

3. Easier Payments

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