Someone Injured in Your Place of Business? Commercial Insurance to the Rescue!

 

business insurance
Commercial Insurance can make a difference

 

Accidents happen. The rain falls, the wind blows, ice forms unexpectedly, or someone simply trips over their own feet. Regardless of the cause, someone was injured on your business premises, and they want you to cover their medical expenses. As a business owner, you have a “duty of care,” meaning you have a responsibility to ensure there is nothing on your property that could harm a potential customer. But as the saying goes, “stuff happens.” Fortunately, this is why you have Commercial Insurance.

Commercial Insurance is important

What to Do if Someone Is Injured on Your Property

First and foremost, you must attend to the customer’s well-being. Call 911, describe the incident, follow the operator’s instructions, and wait for the paramedics to arrive. Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to call an ambulance. Apply necessary first aid. If the customer refuses an ambulance or the injuries aren’t serious, at least provide them a quiet place to rest and offer ice or a glass of water. Then, you must address the hazard. Block it off if necessary. Document the scene with pictures before you alter anything. Do not admit or imply anyone is to blame. Complete an incident report with the time and date of the accident. Collect statements from witnesses and the injured customer. Save any surveillance footage you may have. Once all of this is covered, you should contact your insurer as soon as possible.

Many types of Commercial Insurance

Commercial Insurance has been more than basic liability for years. Sometimes you need a business owners’ policy that can cover employee theft. Sometimes you need liquor liability, a bond, commercial auto, insuring your equipment on the job site for theft or completed goods. We like to have conversations so that if there is a claim that you understand your coverages better before you need them.

Contact Wenatchee Insurance Agency in Wenatchee, WA

If you are in the Wenatchee, WA area and need commercial insurance, please contact Wenatchee Insurance Agency. We’re here to help.

 

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Big rate increases requested for Individual Health Plans for 2026

health or medicare enrollment suzie makes it easier

Matt has been assisting people with Health Insurance since the first year of the ACA. Suzie and Matt ran the Enrollment Center for years in Wenatchee assisting people enroll in Health Insurance without adding fees. We work with Wenatchee Insurance which is an independent insurance agency.

It is that time of year when the Office of Insurance let’s people know what the health insurance rates could do for the following year. From our experience, we knew that big changes were going to occur for a couple of reasons.

  1. The Enhanced tax credits from the Inflation Reduction act were scheduled to end in December of 2025 unless Congress was going to extend them.
  2. The budget bill would be putting strain from additional 310,000 to 510,000 uninsured people being added with the loss of coverage from Medicaid.

Here are the health insurance raw numbers.

Asuris Northwest Health is requesting a 15.15%. With 964 people enrolled they lost $1.2 million with a claims of 85.81%. This is an off exchange plan that does not get additional help from premium tax credits. Here is where you comment.

Bridgespan Health Company is requesting a 18.38% increase. With 376 people enrolled they lost $1.1 million after the $2.2 million risk adjustment. Here is where you comment.

Community Health Plan of Washington is requesting a 27.57%. With 34,463 people enrolled they lost $16.9 million after a $44.2 million risk adjustment. They have eliminated broker commissions. Here is where you comment.

Coordinated Care Corporation is requesting a 21.95% With 107,649 people enrolled they lost $1.3 million after a risk adjustment loss of $68.1 million and a claims of 80.94%. They are maintaining broker commissions for customer service. Here is where you comment.

Kaiser Foundation Healthplan is requesting a 11.36%. With 7,000 people enrolled in Clark and Cowlitz the company made $5.5 million after the risk adjustment and a claims of 85.5%. Here is where you comment.

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington is requesting a 19.18%. With 40,266 enrolled they lost $360,419 after a $3.1 million loss in risk adjustment however the claims were 88.88%. Here is where you comment.

Lifewise Health Healthplan of Washington is requesting a 14.43%. With 23,727 people enrolled in this non-grandfathered plan, they made $3.5 million after a $13.3 million risk adjustment loss. However their claims were 89.39%. Here is where you comment.

Lifewise Health Plan of Washington is requesting a 10.4%. They have 1843 people enrolled in their grandfathered plan and made $1.0 million with this closed book. Here is where you comment.

Molina Healthcare of Washington is requesting a 24.59%. They have 43,346 enrolled and made $6.6 million after a $40.1 million loss from risk adjustment. Their claims was 83.1%. Here is where you comment.

Premera Blue Cross is requesting a 18.79%. With 9,460 enrolled, they made $8.1 million after a risk adjustment of $41.5 million. They had 92.57% in claims. Here is where you comment.

Providence Health Plan is requesting a 10.59%. With 254 people served, the company made $558,805 after the risk adjustment. Here is where you comment.

Regence Bluecross Blueshield of Oregon is requesting a 24.93%. With 10,029 people served in Clark County they lost $6.5 million after a risk adjustment of $5.3 million. With claims coming in at 86.87%. Here is where you comment.

Regence Blueshield is requesting a 9.6%. With 21,878 enrolled, they lost $14.3 million after a risk adjustment loss of $31.8 million. They also have a claims of 86.41%. Here is where you comment.

United Healthcare of Oregon is requesting a 37.35%. With 6180 enrolled they lost $9.2 million after a $2.6 million loss from risk adjustment. They also had a claims of 86.20%. Here is where you comment.

How to prepare for fall enrollment

Open Enrollment for Health Insurance runs from November 1st through December 15th.

  1. Set your appointment early.
  2. If you are not connected to Matt or Suzie then here is a good way to update your account early.
  3. Let people know how you feel about the rates.
  4. Be prepared to shop plans as there big changes.
Health Insurance Medicare Advantage Wenatchee Suzie
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Weatherproofing Tips That Could Save Your Home from Damage

weatherproofing

When the seasons change, your home becomes the frontline defense against whatever Mother Nature has in store. From heavy rain and snow to high winds and sudden temperature drops, your property is constantly exposed to the elements. At Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving the greater Wenatchee, WA area, we’ve observed how a few smart weatherproofing steps can prevent major headaches—and costly insurance claims—in the future.

Begin with Your Roof and Gutters

Your roof bears the brunt of most weather events, so maintaining it in good condition is crucial. Allocate time to inspect for loose or missing shingles and check the flashing around chimneys or vents. Clogged gutters might not seem like a significant issue, but when water backs up, it can damage your roof, siding, and even your foundation.

Seal the Gaps Before the Cold Sets In

Tiny gaps around windows and doors can let in cold air, moisture, and even pests. Weather stripping and caulk are inexpensive solutions that make a big difference. Not only do they help protect your home, but they also improve energy efficiency—something your heating bill will appreciate.

Don’t Overlook the Basement and Pipes

Basements are particularly susceptible to water intrusion, so ensure yours is properly sealed. During colder months, insulating your pipes can prevent them from freezing and bursting, which is one of the most common causes of winter home damage.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Protecting your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, proactive steps can make a huge difference. At Wenatchee Insurance Agency, proudly serving the community of Wenatchee, WA, we’re here to help you safeguard what matters most. Reach out today to discuss your home insurance options and how to weatherproof with confidence.

 

 

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Can you buy insurance by yourself online?

buy insurance by yourself online

I was asked years ago, if I could write an insurance policy myself then why would I use a another broker.

From the Washington Healthplanfinder, Neptune, Squaremouth, DeltaDental, etc there are a ton of places that I can buy insurance for myself. Why would I want another person?

1. I want their training. They get trained by the insurance companies on how the plans function. They have to keep up on their training and have an expertise that you don’t get casually. Your Aunt Betty who worked with insurance ten years ago may not have understand any updates to the industry.

2. They carry insurance on their decision that I don’t have. Professionals that advise people carry insurance. It provides an extra layer if things go wrong.

3. If the insurance company goes sideways then I have someone to assist me in filing a complaint. This is why I use someone contracted with multiple companies. I want my agent to be able to use options.

4. They would be able to tell you particulars about what is going on for a brand in an area. For example, they would know if there is any problems with the local clinic’s contract with Kaiser.

5. They do not fall into the brand trap. You may have had a particular dental plan for years. Folks around you use the same named company with great success. What happens if you grab the cheap version that doesn’t cover what you need?

6. There are differences that you should know.

In Washington State a Producer or agent is what most people will work with. They can be contracted with one or multiple companies.

For Health Insurance, you can work with a navigator who is unlicensed and can not advise you what plans that you can pick. You can also work with a broker, who is licensed, can advise you and fill in any gaps with additional coverage. Both are called in person assisters.

An Insurance Broker is commonly thought as someone who works with multiple companies. Some will have a Surplus Lines Broker to work with more exotic policies. Health Insurance Agents that work with the State Exchange are referred to as brokers. Since brokers don’t represent insurance companies, they can’t bind coverage on behalf of an insurer when purchasing insurance. They must hand over the account to an insurer or insurance agent to complete the transaction.


If you are not able to get a Health Insurance plan now because it is special enrollment then you would be in a better position November 1st when Open Enrollment begins.

An agent (producer) is a vital tool in assisting you shop for an insurance plan. They will have insight into plans from their training and experience. If you can have a conversation with them then you are off to a good start in finding a plan that suits your needs.

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Renters Insurance After a Disaster: Getting Back on Your Feet

Renters Insurance

Washington State experiences diverse weather conditions throughout the year, ranging from thunderstorms and tornadoes to earthquakes and wildfires. Renters in Wenatchee, WA, must equip themselves with protection against these disasters. Renters insurance is the sole insurance protection for tenants, but it comes with certain limitations.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?

The coverage depends on the type of natural disaster and the damage it inflicts. Renters’ insurance provides coverage for belongings and injuries within the rental space. It also offers temporary housing if the rental area is damaged. However, it does not cover structural damage to the rental area; that’s the landlord’s responsibility. It also doesn’t cover vehicle damage; your auto insurance covers that.

Renters insurance from Wenatchee Insurance Agency covers most natural disasters, but not all. These include:

  • Hail storms
  • Tornadoes
  • Cyclones
  • Wildfires
  • Blizzards
  • Fire and smoke
  • Lightning strike
  • Ceiling collapse

Renters insurance doesn’t cover floods, earthquakes, mudslides, landslides, and sinkholes. You need separate flood insurance for floods and earthquake insurance for earthquakes. Add-on riders may be available for the others.

Claiming Renters Insurance Compensation

Wenatchee Insurance Agency simplifies the process of filing a renters insurance claim. However, we require your photos, videos, and documentation of injuries, belongings, and property damage. Injuries indicate the amount you need in liability, personal belongings damage shows the amount you need to replace those items, and property damage suggests how much you need for temporary housing.

One of our adjusters will survey the area with you and document injuries, property damage, and damaged belongings. Then, find temporary housing and keep track of receipts. Also, keep track of medical bills for injuries and other important information. We will meet again to discuss and exchange the additional documentation. After verification, we send you a check for everything.

Damage after a natural disaster can disrupt your life, so you need a hassle-free, streamlined process to get you back on track. Renters’ insurance plays a crucial role in this. Visit our Wenatchee, WA office or call us for more information on what renters insurance can do for you.

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How to Find Cheap Home Insurance in North Central Washington

Family home insurance washington state

So, you finally bought your dream home—whether it’s a charming craftsman in Wenatchee, a cozy cabin in Leavenworth, or a fixer-upper in Okanogan that “just needs a little love” (aka a total gut job). Now, before you get lost debating which shade of “rustic sage” to paint the kitchen, let’s talk about home insurance—because you’re going to need it when a windstorm turns your backyard trampoline into your neighbor’s new patio furniture.

But don’t worry! Shayla at Wenatchee Insurance is here to save your budget, your sanity, and maybe even that questionable fence you keep saying you’ll fix “next summer.”

1. Bundle Up Like It’s January in Winthrop

You wouldn’t survive a Methow Valley winter in just a T-shirt, so why would you buy home insurance without bundling it? If you’ve already got auto, life, or even farm insurance, Shayla can combine them to save you money—like when you buy apples by the box at Smallwood’s Harvest instead of one at a time.

2. Raise That Deductible—But Not Too High

A higher deductible means a lower premium, but let’s not get crazy. If your deductible is so high that you’d have to sell your fishing boat to cover it, you might want to reconsider. Shayla can help you find that perfect balance—somewhere between “too expensive” and “I’ll just live with the hole in my roof.”

insurance deductibles are important to the policy

3. Home Improvements = Lower Rates

You might be fixing up your home to impress the in-laws, but some upgrades can also slash your insurance bill. Things like a new roof, better wiring, or an anti-burglar system can earn you major discounts. Plus, if you’ve been putting off replacing that 1970s avocado-green carpet, now you have an excuse.

4. Shop Around Like It’s the Chelan Farmers Market

You wouldn’t just grab the first apple cider bottle you see—you compare prices and samples first. The same goes for insurance. Shayla has access to multiple providers and will do the price-hunting for you, so you don’t have to spend hours on hold with an insurance company in another time zone.

5. Only Pay for What You Need

Do you need hurricane insurance in Wenatchee? No. Do you need wildfire coverage? Absolutely. Shayla helps you customize your policy, so you’re paying for protection against things that could actually happen—like an elk crashing through your fence, not a tsunami.

Wildfire around Central Washington can make insurance tough
Wild Fire along the Columbia River

6. Discounts Are Everywhere—If You Know Where to Look

There are discounts for first-time buyers, retirees, having good credit, and even installing a fire extinguisher. Shayla knows how to uncover these hidden savings, so you can keep more money for important things—like gas money for your next Leavenworth trip.

Call Shayla at Wenatchee Insurance—Your Wallet Will Thank You!

Finding cheap home insurance doesn’t have to be a headache. With Shayla’s expert advice, a few smart decisions, and maybe some minor home upgrades, you’ll get the coverage you need without breaking the bank.

Give Shayla a call today—she’ll help you save money, avoid insurance headaches, and maybe even find a way to finally afford that dream deck with a view of the Columbia River.

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Turning 65? Don’t Panic—Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance Has Your Back!

So, you’re turning 65. Congratulations! You’ve officially leveled up in life. Along with senior discounts at restaurants and the ability to yell at kids to get off your lawn with newfound authority, you now have to deal with something equally exciting (or terrifying): Medicare enrollment.

Turning 65 Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance can help you with Medicare
Suzie helps with important birthdays year round.

Before you run away screaming, let me introduce you to your new best friend—Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance. She’s the kind of insurance expert who can turn Medicare mayhem into something that actually makes sense.

Wait… Do I Even Have to Sign Up for Medicare?
Great question! If you’re already drawing Social Security, the government enrolls you in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. Boom. Done. Easy.

But if you’re still working or have insurance through a spouse, you might need to make some decisions. Do you delay Part B? Do you enroll right away? Do you flip a coin and hope for the best? (Hint: Don’t do that last one.)

Suzie can help you figure it out so you don’t get slapped with penalties later. Yes, Medicare penalizes procrastination. Who knew?

Medicare: The Alphabet Soup of Insurance
Medicare comes in four parts, and much like choosing between sugar and salt for your morning coffee, picking the wrong one can be a disaster.

Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and some home health services. Usually free if you worked long enough.
Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. This one comes with a monthly premium.
Part C (Medicare Advantage): A bundle of A & B (and sometimes D) offered by private insurance companies. These can include perks like dental, vision, and even gym memberships—because apparently, seniors are required to be more active than they were at 40.
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Because medications aren’t free, and no one wants to take out a second mortgage for allergy pills.
Suzie will help you navigate these options without making your head explode. She’ll translate all the Medicare jargon into normal human language—so you can focus on more important things, like enjoying retirement.

Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage—Which One’s Right for You?
If Original Medicare (Parts A & B) was a basic car, you’d probably want to add insurance so you’re not left paying for repairs (aka, giant hospital bills). That’s where Medicare Supplements (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage plans come in.

Medigap helps cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage, on the other hand, rolls everything into one plan, including some extras. It’s like deciding between buying car insurance or getting an all-in-one ride-sharing subscription with bonus perks.

Suzie can break it down for you without using confusing sales talk. She’ll compare plans from different companies and find one that fits your needs, not the one that gives her a bigger commission (because that’s not how Wenatchee Insurance rolls).

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute!
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts three months before your 65th birthday and lasts until three months after. Miss it, and you might have to wait until the next General Enrollment Period—plus, penalties could be lurking in the shadows.

But don’t stress. Suzie’s got this. Whether you need a plan, a translator for Medicare lingo, or just someone to remind you that yes, you are still incredibly cool at 65—she’s here to help.

Call Suzie at Wenatchee Insurance—Because Medicare Shouldn’t Be Scary
Want to skip the stress and actually enjoy turning 65? Call Suzie. She’ll handle the hard part, and you can get back to celebrating your milestone birthday—preferably with cake. Lots of cake.

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RV Insurance Upgrades That May Benefit You During Your Travels

RV Insurance made simple

 

Will you be using your RV differently than you are accustomed to? Are you headed up to Barter Faire or down to Burning Man. If so, explore coverage options that will protect your RV, RV equipment, and other travel essentials you will be bringing along during a trip.

RV Towing Equipment and More

You may have decided to bring a four-wheeler or other recreational equipment with you. However, your standard RV insurance policy may only cover the RV itself and its personal possessions.

Add-on coverage for recreational equipment, towing equipment, tow bars, and other essentials will cover you if your RV is damaged in a vehicular accident. This type of coverage can also protect against criminal activity or a natural disaster that causes extreme damage or loss.

Keep track of all the items you need to transport your equipment safely. Then, seek add-on coverage that will enhance your RV insurance policy.

Floor Plan Upgrades

If you have upgraded your RV’s floor plan, you may use the space to store new items.

Review the floor plan upgrades you have made. Decide which new items you would like to cover with your RV insurance policy. You can add building materials, appliances, furnishings, or any other value items within your recreational vehicle.

Questions About Your RV Insurance Policy

If you have questions about your RV insurance policy, contact one of our Wenatchee Insurance Agency representatives. An agent who serves the Wenatchee, WA region will discuss your policy and ensure that you understand the type of coverage that your RV and personal possessions are equipped with.

 

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Why You Should Use Suzie of Wenatchee Insurance for a Notary

Suzie is Wenatchee Insurance notary

So, you need a notary. Maybe you’re buying a house, transferring a title, or dealing with paperwork so complicated it makes your head spin. Whatever the reason, you need someone reliable, professional, and—let’s be honest—someone who won’t make the experience feel like a trip to the DMV. That’s where Suzie at Wenatchee Insurance comes in.

1. She Actually Cares About Your Paperwork

You ever meet one of those notaries who barely glances at your documents, stamps them with the enthusiasm of a sleepy sloth, and sends you on your way? Yeah, that’s not Suzie. She knows how important these papers are to you—whether it’s a real estate closing, a power of attorney, or an affidavit stating that, yes, you did in fact sell your cousin’s 1998 Honda Civic. Suzie makes sure every detail is correct so you don’t end up in a mess later.

2. No Judgment Zone

Let’s be real, notary documents are often tied to life’s big moments—buying a home, starting a business, dealing with legal matters. Maybe you’ve had to Google what “jurat” means three times. That’s okay! Suzie isn’t here to make you feel like you should’ve gone to law school. She explains what you need in plain English and ensures you walk away confident that everything is in order.

3. Convenience is Key

Need a notary today? No problem. Wenatchee Insurance isn’t some giant, impersonal office where you have to wait weeks for an appointment. Suzie works with your schedule and makes things as easy as possible. Need her to notarize something fast? She’s got you. Need a friendly face to reassure you that, yes, this is the right document? She’s got you there, too.

4. Local Expertise with a Smile

Suzie knows Wenatchee and North Central Washington like the back of her hand. She understands what documents people in this area commonly need notarized—whether it’s property-related, business agreements, or those all-important DMV forms that could make or break your weekend plans. Plus, she’s actually friendly, which is more than we can say for most bureaucratic processes.

5. One-Stop Shop for Insurance and Notary Needs

Why stop at just a notary? If you’re at Wenatchee Insurance, you might as well have Suzie check out your home, auto, or health insurance while you’re there. Because nothing says “I’m an adult who has my life together” like knocking out two important tasks in one stop.

The Bottom Line

When you need a notary in Wenatchee, Suzie is the one to call. She’s reliable, fast, and makes the process easy. Plus, she won’t judge you if you accidentally bring the wrong form the first time. So, skip the hassle, head to Wenatchee Insurance, and let Suzie take care of business!

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How do I get a surety bond in North Central Washington?

Yes, we do surety bonds at Wenatchee Insurance

Why You Should See Shayla at Wenatchee Insurance for a Surety Bond (And Avoid the DIY Disaster)

Let’s talk about bonds. No, not the kind James Bond carries around in his secret spy wallet—though that would be cool. We’re talking about surety bonds, contractor bonds, notary bonds, and all the other fun financial guarantees that businesses and individuals sometimes need. If that sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry, don’t worry—Shayla at Wenatchee Insurance makes the process painless, simple, and, dare we say, almost enjoyable.

Surety Bonds Are Confusing. Shayla Is Not.

If you’ve ever tried to Google “how to get a surety bond in Washington state,” you probably ended up in a confusing rabbit hole of legal jargon, application forms, and requirements that make no sense. That’s because bonds involve three parties—the principal (you), the obligee (the entity requiring the bond), and the surety (the insurance company backing it). Still with us?

Good news: You don’t need to memorize any of this. Shayla already knows it all. She translates “insurance-speak” into plain English so you understand exactly what you need and why. No more guesswork, no more frustration—just straightforward answers.

Speed Matters—And Shayla Delivers

Need a bond fast? Maybe you just landed a big job as a contractor and need a license bond yesterday. Or perhaps you suddenly realized that your business permit requires a specific bond you didn’t even know existed. Instead of panicking, just call Shayla. She works quickly to get you bonded ASAP so you can move forward with your business (and avoid that scary fine from the state).

Plus, trying to go it alone can lead to mistakes. A small paperwork error could mean delays, rejections, or worse—paying too much for a bond that doesn’t even cover what you need. Shayla knows how to navigate the system, ensuring you get the right bond at the best price, with zero headaches.

construction bonds

Local Expertise, Personal Touch

Sure, you could go online and try to get a bond through some faceless website. But do you really want to deal with a call center in who-knows-where when something goes wrong? With Shayla, you’re working with someone who understands Wenatchee, North Central Washington, and all the specific requirements of our state.

More importantly, she actually cares. Need a reminder when your bond is about to expire? She’s got you covered. Not sure if your business needs additional bonding? She’ll walk you through it. Try getting that level of service from a random internet company.

The Bottom Line: Call Shayla

If you need a bond, don’t make it harder than it has to be. Skip the stress, save time, and go straight to the expert. Call or visit Shayla at Wenatchee Insurance—because when it comes to bonds, it’s always better to have a local expert in your corner.

Need help today? Shayla’s ready—give her a call before you find yourself tangled in a web of bond confusion!

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