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Boat Modifications & Insurance Coverage

Posted on January 24, 2024April 16, 2024 by admin

Here at Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving North Central Washington, protecting your boat with comprehensive insurance coverage is a top priority. Understanding how modifications can affect your boat insurance is essential for safeguarding your investment effectively.

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Assessing Boat Modifications

Before undertaking any upgrades or modifications to your boat, it’s crucial to comprehend how these alterations might impact your insurance coverage. Significant modifications such as engine enhancements, additional equipment installations, or structural modifications can influence the risks and value of your vessel.

Informing Your Insurance Provider

Transparency is key. Notify your insurance provider about any changes made to your boat. Failing to disclose modifications can lead to coverage gaps or claim denials. It’s essential to understand that certain modifications may increase your insurance premiums. This could be due to higher replacement costs or increased risks associated with enhanced features. Assess how modifications might affect your premium rates.

Coverage Adequacy for Modifications

Ensure that your insurance policy adequately covers the added value of modifications. Custom equipment or enhancements should be accounted for in your coverage to ensure it is fully protected in the event of damage or loss.

Compliance and Safety Standards

Consider the impact of modifications on your boat’s compliance with safety regulations. Some enhancements might affect the boat’s safety or adherence to maritime regulations. Confirm that your modifications comply with safety standards to maintain full coverage.

Contact Us Today!

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To safeguard your boat with tailored coverage, connect with Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving Wenatchee, WA and surrounding areas. To discuss, your boat insurance needs modifications and enhancements by our experts. We’ll ensure your policy effectively protects the true value of your modified boat. Contact us to secure comprehensive protection for your vessel today.

What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

Posted on January 23, 2024April 16, 2024 by Matt McColm

Not the Annual Enrollment Period!

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) takes place every year from October 15th through December 7th. Every year Medicare Eligible people can enroll or change plans that start January 1st.

This runs January 1st through March 31st

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to change for whatever reason. Maybe you changed during the enrollment period and the new plan isn’t working. Maybe you missed changing your Medicare Advantage Plan during the AEP.

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Imagine Medicare as a big, bustling supermarket of health care plans. Now, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is like this special three-month-long festival in the supermarket, starting January 1st and ending on March 31st, where you can swap your shopping cart (your current Medicare Advantage plan) for a different one.

Switching Carts (Plans): Let’s say you’re wheeling around a cart (your current Medicare Advantage plan) and you spot another cart that looks sleeker, has better wheels (better benefits), or maybe even a built-in cup holder (extra perks). You can ditch your old cart and grab the new one! Just make sure it’s still in the Medicare Advantage aisle.
Back to Basics with a Handbasket (Original Medicare): Maybe you’re tired of pushing around these fancy carts. You miss the good old days of a simple handbasket (Original Medicare). Well, you can swap your cart for a handbasket during this festival. And if you miss having a place to put your soda (prescription drugs), you can always grab one of those trendy little clip-on cup holders (Medicare Prescription Drug Plan).
Adding a Cup Holder (Prescription Drug Plan): If you switch to your handbasket and suddenly realize, “Oh no, where will I put my soda?” (prescription drugs), you can pick up one of those nifty cup holders (join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan) to clip onto your basket.

Remember, this festival is only for folks who already have a shopping cart (are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan). If you’re still contemplating the merits of a basket or a cart (if you’re on Original Medicare), this isn’t your festival, but don’t worry, your time will come during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7)!

So, during this special festival, feel free to peruse the aisles, compare the carts, and make sure you’re wheeling around the one that fits your shopping list (healthcare needs) the best! Just don’t try to check out with more than one cart, or you might set off the security alarms (confuse the system)! 🛒😄

Medicare has a bunch of Enrollment Periods, from Initial Enrollment Period, General Enrollment Period, Special Enrollment Period, in addition to the Annual Enrollment Period and the Open Enrollment Period. If you have questions then let us know as we are always glad to lend a hand at Wenatchee Insurance.

Topics: Medicare Advantage, Original Medicare, Prescription Drug Plan, Open Enrollment Period, Local Insurance Broker, Wenatchee Insurance

Local insurance agents helps out in Central Washington

Posted on January 9, 2024January 9, 2024 by Matt McColm

We have a lot of fun around Wenatchee insurance. Let’s add a humorous twist to the importance of a local independent insurance agent from Chelan County:

Knows Your Neighbors Better Than You Do: Your Wenatchee insurance agent is like the neighborhood gossip guru but for insurance. They know everyone’s business – in a good way! Need to know if Mrs. Johnson’s cat really did cause that tree to fall? They’re on it.
Weather Wizard: They have an uncanny ability to predict local weather risks. It’s like they have a sixth sense for when the next big hailstorm will hit Wenatchee, saving you from the dreaded ‘hail-dented car’ look.
Apple Insurance Expert: In Wenatchee, the apple capital of the world, they’re not just insurance experts; they’re apple insurance connoisseurs. They’ll insure your apples, apple trees, and even your apple pies!

4. Mountain Man/Woman Vibes: Living in the gateway to the Cascades, they know all about insuring your hiking gear, bear-proofing your camping insurance, and making sure your mountain bike is covered, even if you’re just riding it to the local coffee shop.

5. Coffee-Spilling Coverages: They understand the local habit of sipping coffee non-stop. Spilled coffee on your laptop? They’ve got a policy for that.

6. Personalized Service with a Smile (and Maybe a Pie): They’re so friendly that every policy discussion could end with a smile and a shared recipe for the best apple pie in Wenatchee.

7. Bigfoot Coverage?: Only in Wenatchee would your insurance agent seriously discuss coverage options for a Bigfoot sighting on your property. Just in case, right?

In short, a local independent insurance agent from Wenatchee isn’t just an expert in policies; they’re an integral, quirky part of the community fabric, blending local charm with professional expertise – and possibly holding the secret recipe to the perfect apple pie! 🍎🥧

Topic: Wenatchee Insurance, Lake Wenatchee, Entiat, Chelan, local agent,

Can Renters Insurance cover a wild senior party in NCW?

Posted on January 5, 2024April 16, 2024 by Matt McColm

Renters insurance typically provides coverage for certain risks or perils like theft, fire, or water damage. It is affordable and handy coverage to have when you rent an apartment or home. However, the coverage for incidents arising from a Senior’s party blowout can vary depending on the specific terms of the policy and the nature of the damage or liability involved.

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Example:

If you do not have event insurance, here’s how renters’ insurance might (or might not) cover a the shenanigans of a party that has gone overboard:

Property Damage: If your crazy party turns a bit too wild and results in accidental damage to your rented property, renters insurance might come to the rescue. Imagine a scenario where someone enthusiastically demonstrates their dance moves and accidentally crashes into a wall, creating a cartoon-like human-shaped hole. Your renters insurance may cover the cost of repairing the wall after the deductible.
Liability Coverage: Suppose a guest at your wild party decides to reenact a scene from a superhero movie and ends up injuring another guest. If you’re held liable for the guest’s medical expenses, your liability coverage in your renters insurance could help cover the costs. Just don’t expect it to cover any attempts at actual superhero landings.
Personal Property: If during the chaos of the party, your expensive sound system is accidentally damaged or stolen, renters insurance could help replace or repair it. However, it won’t cover the emotional trauma of not being able to play the party’s theme song on repeat.
Additional Living Expenses: In a very extreme scenario, if your party results in damages making your rental uninhabitable (like an impromptu indoor fireworks show gone wrong), your policy might cover temporary living expenses. But it won’t cover the cost of continuing the party at a five-star hotel.

Not all things are covered:

Remember, insurance policies have exclusions. Damage caused by intentional acts or gross negligence (like deciding it’s a good idea to indoor-ski down the staircase) typically isn’t covered. Also, the insurer might not see the humor in the situation like we do! Always walk through your insurance plan with your independent agent.

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Topics: Renters Insurance, Party Insurance, Event Insurance, Wenatchee Insurance, Liability, Property Damage,

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,

Here’s Why You Need Umbrella Insurance for Your High-Risk Business

Posted on December 22, 2023April 19, 2024 by admin

You run a high-risk business in Wenatchee, WA, but aren’t sure if you need umbrella insurance or not. We at Wenatchee Insurance Agency can tell you that you absolutely do! There are many reasons why this policy type is so important, so please read on to learn more about why.

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What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is an overarching protection policy (hence its name) that expands your liability. It’s usually chosen by businesses that want to avoid expensive liability costs. When used properly, it can minimize the danger of expensive lawsuits and improve your financial situation.

Typically, your policy comes into play the moment you max out your liability coverage. For example, let’s say you pay your total liability out to help someone after an injury. Instead of paying out of your pocket, your umbrella protection will kick in and pay the rest of the costs (up to a certain limit).

How Does It Help You?

If you have an umbrella insurance policy, your liability protection for your high-risk business is significantly increased. Let’s say you run a hunting company, and someone gets shot by accident on a trip. With umbrella insurance, you can pay for their recovery without worrying about maxing out your policy.

Furthermore, you can even use your umbrella insurance as an advertising tool or as a way of mitigating your company’s risk. It might even improve your value or decrease your insurance price, depending on a myriad of factors. That makes umbrella insurance essential.

Who Can You Call?

If you live in Wenatchee, WA and want to work with an insurance provider you can trust, call us at Wenatchee Insurance Agency. We’ll talk with you about your policy, discuss potential upgrades to your coverage, and make sure that you get the high-quality help that you need to stay strong.

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Winter is coming is your Semi Truck Insurance Ready?

Posted on December 20, 2023April 19, 2024 by Matt McColm

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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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!

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simple process for insurance — Wenatchee Insurance simple process

How do I pay for my Health Insurance on the Healthplanfinder?

Posted on December 19, 2023April 19, 2024 by Matt McColm

Suzie & Matt help run the Enrollment Center in Wenatchee and they get a lot of questions. How to make a payment is a big one. This year we are seeing a bunch of new folks as Cascade Care has introduced Immigrants to the Healthplanfinder.

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During the open enrollment period the Healthplanfinder allows for an initial payment once your plan has been selected. The open enrollment period runs from November 1^st through December 15^th.

Since Washington State has it’s exchange the Washington Healthplanfinder they can add additional enrollment periods. For this year, we are going to January 15^th for plans starting February 1^st.

Some companies will not ship your insurance policy information before they have received payment so it is an important step.

Your main screen will look like this:

Go to the Payment tab, push the Green button, and process the payment. Some companies will allow you to set up the automatic monthly payment here.

Here is the payment tab.

After the enrollment period

You will want to work directly with the insurance companies. Some will allow for automated payments and some insurance companies work well with brokers to allow for payment processing. (Talk to your insurance broker if this is an option).

The current list of insurance companies and their payment links:

Ambetter from Coordinated Care

Washington Apple Health

Companion Life

If you enrolled using the Washington Healthplanfinder then you can make an immediate payment using the Washington Healthplanfinder during the enrollment period. If you want to use the insurance company’s webpage then it may take a couple of days for the files to transfer. Making a call to the insurance company can speed up the process.

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Do not hesitate if you have questions about your insurance plan on the Washington Healthplanfinder to contact Suzie and Matt.

Top 5 things that Seniors look for a local insurance agent in NCW

Posted on December 19, 2023April 19, 2024 by Matt McColm

We love our Seniors from Suzie assisting with Medicare plans to Shayla finding discounts on home and auto. It’s why we have a friendly office that is easily accessible off Mission Street.

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Top Five Reasons

Age Is Just a Number, Especially When Forgetting Yours: Find an agent who doesn’t just offer senior policies, but also reminds you of your age – preferably someone who celebrates your “29th” birthday with you, annually. We love you checking in, reviewing policies and shopping.

Experience in Senior Discounts, Including Early Bird Specials: An agent who knows the ins and outs of senior discounts is a gem. Bonus points if they can also guide you to the best early bird specials in town. (We like Shakti’s).

A Walking, Talking Medical Dictionary: You want an agent who understands senior health plans better than they understand their grandchildren’s slang. If they can explain your policy options without needing a nap afterward, you’ve struck gold. (As a former pharmacy technician, Suzie can spell Ozempic in her sleep).

Technologically Savvy, But Not Too Savvy: Look for someone who’s tech-savvy enough to email you your policy but still prints out directions from Google Maps. By using an appointment app, it gives us more time to chat.

The Patience of a Saint: This agent doesn’t just have patience; they have the kind of zen-like calm that could rival a tortoise in meditation. They’ll explain the fine print so many times, even your forgetful cousin could recite it.

Remember, finding the right insurance agent should be as satisfying as finding that last piece of candy at the bottom of your purse – a delightful surprise that makes your day just a bit sweeter!

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Topics: Senior, independent insurance agent, Medicare, Care insurance discounts, Early Bird Special, Wenatchee Insurance

Are my doctors in network with my health insurance?

Posted on December 10, 2023April 19, 2024 by Matt McColm

PPO or HMO how does your health plan work

At the Enrollment Center, we get asked a lot about networks from people wanting to understand their plans. There are a lot of assumptions about networks and this is intended to dispel some of those assumptions.

If you want assistance then let us know. It costs nothing to work with us.

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Domestic medical tourism refers to the practice where individuals travel within their own country to access medical treatments or healthcare services that are not available or are of a different quality or more affordable in another region or city within the United States. This can include a wide range of medical services, from major surgeries and specialized treatments to elective procedures and wellness services.

Key aspects of domestic medical tourism include:

Accessibility of Specialized Care: Patients might travel to another part of the country to access specialized medical expertise and advanced treatment options that are not available in their local area.
Avoiding Long Wait Times: In countries where healthcare systems face high demand, patients may face long wait times for certain procedures. Traveling to another region where the wait times are shorter can be an appealing option.
Combining Treatment with Leisure: Some patients might combine their medical treatment with leisure activities, turning their medical trip into a more pleasant experience. This is particularly common in areas known for their natural beauty, cultural significance, or relaxation facilities.
Quality of Care: Patients may perceive healthcare providers in certain cities or regions as being of higher quality than those available locally, prompting them to travel domestically for treatment.

Domestic medical tourism is influenced by factors such as the availability of healthcare services, the cost of care, the quality of facilities, and the reputation of medical practitioners in different regions of a country.

Domestic medical tourism has forced insurance companies to limit their networks to reduce provider costs. There has been a shift from the individual marketplace from Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans to Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO).

Every year during early summer, people have the right to make comments on the health plans during the public comment part of the plans.

It takes providers and insurance companies working together to build networks. Some options in Central Washington for Individual plans.

On our state’s exchange the Washington Healthplanfinder.

Want help in picking a plan? Here you go.

Coordinated Care Corporation/ Ambetter

Ambetter for 2024 Network. For a current list of network providers then please go to guide.ambetterhealth.com.

Networks in Washington State

Coordinated Care across the United States.

Community Health Plan of Washington

In Wenatchee, the most popular clinic is Columbia Valley Community Health Service (CVCH) however there are over 21 Community Health Centers operating 200 Primary Clinics and over 70 Hospitals operating in the Community Health Plan of Washington‘s network.

Family Health Centers in Okanogan and Douglas Counties

Moses Lake Community Health Center in Moses Lake

New Health in Ferry, Pend Oreille, Spokane and Stevens Counties

Yakima Neighborhood Health Services and Yakima Valley Farm Workers in Yakima

Lifewise Health Plan of Washington

Lifewise has a variety of different levels, especially pay attention to the Cascade and Cascade Select plans as not every doctor is contracted with every Lifewise Network.

One of the Big advantages to Lifewise is the exclusive access to the Kinwell Clinics located throughout Washington State.

While domestic medical tourism has played a role in reshaping the Washington State Insurance and provider networks, we do have the ability with the three plans to travel to different parts of the state and still be with in network.

Please double check coverage prior to selecting a plan and prior to medical procedures as networks can shift with contracts.

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Topics: Healthplanfinder, Washington, Coordinated Care, Community Health, Lifewise, HMO, PPO, Medical Tourism, Hospital Networks,

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Assessing Boat Modifications

Informing Your Insurance Provider

Coverage Adequacy for Modifications

Compliance and Safety Standards

Contact Us Today!

Not the Annual Enrollment Period!

This runs January 1st through March 31st

Example:

Not all things are covered:

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

The End Result:

What is Umbrella Insurance?

How Does It Help You?

Who Can You Call?

Additional:

Here is the payment tab.

After the enrollment period

The current list of insurance companies and their payment links:

Top Five Reasons

Key aspects of domestic medical tourism include:

On our state’s exchange the Washington Healthplanfinder.

Coordinated Care Corporation/ Ambetter

Community Health Plan of Washington

Lifewise Health Plan of Washington

WE return calls & are here for appointments..OR you can start your free online quote now!

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