Add-ons to consider adding to your auto policy

At Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. of Westerville, OH, we spend a lot of time helping our clients and potential clients compare auto insurance rates.

Automobile insurance premiums frequently change. Not comparing can result in inadequate coverage or perhaps even overpaying for coverage.

How Often Should You Compare?

Most professionals agree that consumers should compare car insurance rates annually. This is far more often than most drivers currently compare. But there are valid reasons.

Reasons for Comparing Annually

  • Validating Coverage. A review and price comparison keep you connected with your coverage.
  • Validates Personal Data. A comparison can also keep your address and personal information up-to-date, including additional licensed drivers who may be living in your home.
  • It helps ensure you Are Getting the Discounts You Qualify For. Various providers offer different discount opportunities, and new ones may become accessible.
  • Makes Sure You Are Paying Competitive Rates. Even small rate increases will add up through the years. While they may appear minor year by year, they can be significant over time. Comparing rates makes sure what you are paying is still competitive.
  • Provides an Opportunity to Adjust Coverage. As your car ages, you may decide comprehensive coverage is no longer needed. Perhaps you wish to add uninsured motorist coverage or raise your deductible. A policy review and price quote annually help ensure your policy is protecting you based on your current needs.

Get a Comparison Quote Today

Getting a comparison quote and even changing auto insurance providers is easier than you may think. If you live in the Westerville, OH, area, contact us at Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. We will happily answer any questions and even provide an updated price quote.

Don’t assume that because your quote from a few years ago was competitive that it still will be competitive today. Contact us for a review and comparative price quote today.

Get More Liability Coverage With Umbrella Insurance

Understanding the Importance of Umbrella Insurance

As an owner of a home and a vehicle, there are certain insurance policies that you must have. While you may have the required basic policies, there’s another type of policy you need – umbrella insurance. This type of insurance complements the other two types and provides you with extra protection. If you’re interested in getting umbrella insurance for the coverage you need, contact us at Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA.

More Liability Protection

Both your home and vehicle policies come with a level of liability coverage. This pays for someone else’s damages if they are injured in an accident. In your home policy, it covers medical bills and other expenses if someone has an accident in your home. For auto insurance, it covers someone’s medical bills and other damages after a vehicle accident. However, there may not be much of this coverage in those policies. To get more of it economically, you need an umbrella policy.

How Umbrella Insurance Works

Getting an umbrella policy adds more liability coverage to your two other policies. It adds a significant amount of coverage and costs less to do this than to add more liability coverage to your home and auto policies directly. Having a large amount of liability coverage means that a serious accident can be paid for. Once an accident with injuries has occurred, the home or vehicle policy comes into play. They will then pay up to their maximum. If there are any bills left over, the umbrella policy covers those.

Get Umbrella Coverage in Washington

If you want better liability coverage, we’re here to help. Contact Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA, to get started.

Recreational Insurance Add-Ons That May Benefit You

Securing extra recreational vehicle and gear coverage can provide necessary protection in unique circumstances. This blog will discuss a few types of recreational coverage that can augment your existing insurance policy.

Recreational Coverage

Recreational insurance safeguards a variety of recreational vehicles and equipment, from trailers and jet skis to snowmobiles.

A standard policy incorporates liability protection, which covers damage and injuries caused by you. For example, liability protection will shoulder the repair expenses if your RV damages someone else’s vehicle.

Total Loss Coverage

Your recreational vehicle or equipment may be seriously damaged during use. Total Loss Coverage compensates for the cost of replacing the damaged recreational item.

If an RV is beyond repair, total loss coverage gives the owner the flexibility to replace the vehicle. This coverage usually equals the insured value of the original item.

Property Damage Coverage

Sometimes, an uninsured individual might damage an RV or recreational equipment. Property damage coverage—an insurance add-on—supports the owner in seeking repairs and recovering any costs paid out-of-pocket.

Towing Coverage

Towing coverage offers protection for tow trucks, tow bars, and other towing essentials and reimburses the insured individual for the cost of towing services.

Insurance Agent Support in Spokane, WA

Speak with our Western Insurance Associates about your recreational items for further guidance. Serving the Spokane, WA area, our agents will understand your usage requirements and tailor your recreational insurance policy accordingly.

Could I Be Required to Have Renter’s Insurance?

One of the benefits of partnering with Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA is having access to genuine insurance professionals who can answer your questions.

These queries range across various domains, from car insurance to life, homeowners insurance, and even renters’ insurance. One common question we encounter is whether a tenant can be obligated to carry renters’ insurance. Here’s what you need to know:

Renters insurance is not a legal requirement.

While the law mandates drivers to carry car insurance, there is no such legal requirement in place for renters’ insurance.

Can my landlord require me to carry it?

Property owners, landlords, or property managers can indeed require tenants to secure renters’ insurance. This stipulation is becoming increasingly common in lease agreements.

The landlord’s insurance does not protect your personal belongings.

While the property owner may have their own insurance policy, it likely does not cover the tenant’s personal belongings. This is one reason some landlords mandate tenants secure renters’ insurance.

What does renters insurance cover?

Renters insurance protects personal items such as furniture, kitchenware, clothes, bedding, jewelry, and others from theft, fire, and vandalism. Electronics may be covered according to the specifics outlined in the policy. Personal belongings may also be covered when the insured is traveling.

Another valuable aspect of renters insurance is the liability protection it can provide should a friend, visitor, or delivery person sustain an injury while on the rented property.

Contact Western Insurance Associates for a quote.

One of the often surprising aspects of renters insurance is its affordability. If you would like a quote, contact us at Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA. After a few simple questions, we can provide one.

We look forward to assisting you.

Benefits of Bundling Boat Insurance in Spokane, Washington

Investing in multiple boats and watercraft in Spokane, WA, is a way for you to explore different waterways, races, and recreational boating locations on demand. If you’re an avid boater or enjoy spending time on the water, consider bundling your boat insurance policies. Understanding the benefits of bundling boat insurance in Spokane, WA, with the help of Western Insurance Associates can help you find a comprehensive policy that best suits your needs.

Save on Premiums

Bundling your boating insurance policies with an agency can significantly reduce premiums. Seeing as boating is notably prevalent in the Spokane region, it is often feasible to secure substantial discounts and savings by working with the right agent to bundle your boating insurance.

Increased Protection

Bundling your boat insurance policies with the right agent is a way to ensure your investments are adequately covered. Bundled insurance policies give you the means to extend your coverage against potential risks such as property damage, theft, and even injury.

Customized Coverage Solutions

Whether you own several sailboats in the Spokane, WA, region or are interested in investing in jet skis and other unconventional watercraft, bundling boat insurance policies facilitate more comprehensive coverage tailoring.

Streamlined Communication and Claims Management

Working solely with one agent and agency significantly simplifies the process of managing policy claims and/or changes when necessary. With all policies in a single centralized location, handling individual needs is much more straightforward and accessible with a qualified agent’s assistance.

Bundling your boat insurance policies in Spokane, WA doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or stressful with the right agent by your side. To learn more about bundling your boat insurance policies in Spokane, WA, contact Western Insurance Associates today.

The Importance of Replacing Your Tires

Ensuring your vehicle’s tires are in good condition is crucial for safe driving. At Western Insurance Associates, which provides insurance solutions in the greater Spokane, WA, region, we want to emphasize the importance of replacing tires to maintain optimal performance and safety.

Safety First

Worn-out tires can be dangerous. They reduce your vehicle’s grip on the road, especially in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow, increasing the risk of accidents. Replacing your tires when they show signs of wear can significantly enhance your safety.

Improved Performance

New tires improve your car’s handling, braking, and overall performance. They provide better traction, which is essential for maintaining control on various road surfaces. This can make your driving experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Fuel Efficiency

Worn tires can negatively impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. New tires with proper tread depth reduce rolling resistance, helping your car use fuel more efficiently. This can save you money on gas in the long run.

Legal Compliance

Driving with bald or worn-out tires can result in fines and penalties. Most states have legal requirements for minimum tread depth. Regularly replacing your tires ensures you stay compliant with these laws and avoid unnecessary fines.

Prolonged Vehicle Life

Properly maintained tires can help extend the life of your vehicle. They reduce the strain on other components, such as the suspension and brakes, leading to fewer repairs and longer-lasting performance.

At Western Insurance Associates, serving the greater Spokane, WA area, we understand tires’ critical role in vehicle safety. Contact us today for more tips on maintaining your vehicle and ensuring you have the right auto insurance coverage. We’re here to help you stay safe and fully covered out on the road.

How Umbrella Insurance Boosts Your Liability Coverage

If you already have a home and auto insurance policy, you can get more coverage by adding an umbrella policy. This is a way to be better protected against a wide range of risks in your car and your property. To keep yourself protected, you can call us at Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA to learn more about umbrella insurance.

More Liability Coverage

Your home insurance and auto insurance policies each have different types of coverage in them. One of these is your liability coverage. Home insurance has it in case someone has an accident and is injured while on your property. This coverage pays for the medical bills that would result from those injuries. Your auto insurance has liability coverage in case someone else is injured in an accident with you. The issue is that these insurance policies often don’t have much liability coverage. This can mean they can’t pay for a serious accident that causes high medical expenses. There is umbrella insurance to get more liability coverage for both of these policies. It adds an extra protective layer to both of these policies all at once. 

Paying Overages

It’s important to have umbrella insurance because it pays for the overage after your home or auto policy has already come in and paid what it can. When there are still medical bills after your home or auto policy has maxed out, it’s great to have umbrella insurance to pay the rest of them. Paying these overages can protect you from a severe financial emergency from paying sky-high medical bills. 

Get an Umbrella Policy

If you want more liability coverage with a very high maximum payout, call Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA, to discuss umbrella insurance.

Three Questions to Ask When Getting Health Insurance

Health insurance is an essential part of staying healthy. At Western Insurance Associates, servicing Spokane, WA, we’re committed to helping our customers find the right health insurance plan.

When you contact us to discuss health insurance, we’ll do our best to review the important details you need to know. But we always recommend asking your own questions to learn more about the insurance plan that you’re considering. Below are three smart questions for you to ask. 

1. Are my doctors covered by the plan?

If you already have doctors in your area and you’re considering a change of health insurance plans, it’s important to find out if the plan you’re considering buying covers your doctors.

Most health insurance plans primarily pay for services from doctors inside of a network. Finding a plan that encompasses the network you’re already in means less transition for you. 

2. Will my healthcare be affordable, given my current health status?

Whether you’re healthy or not, it’s important to know if the health plan you’re considering will be affordable, given how often you see the doctor. Take into consideration your current prescriptions, how often you visit the doctor, and for what purposes. 

3. Will my healthcare be affordable if my health status worsens?

If you should become sick or if your health status changes for the worse, it’s important to know whether you’ll continue to be able to afford your healthcare. 

At Western Insurance Associates, servicing Spokane, WA, we help our patients decide which health plans are best for them. We’ll answer your questions to ensure that your health plan is right for you. 

Safe Driving Includes Auto Insurance

Despite daily mundane drives, we seldom contemplate the risks associated with driving. The importance of being ready for the unexpected cannot be overstated, which is why Spokane, WA drivers entrust their auto insurance needs to the reliable team at Western Insurance Associates.

Insurance: A Safe Driver’s Battleground

It isn’t easy to consider yourself a safe driver without the security of adequate insurance. Safe drivers prepare—defensive driving techniques, adherence to laws, and anticipatory measures define their driving methodologies.

Preparation also extends beyond alertness and includes appropriate insurance coverage for you and your vehicle. Before hitting the gas pedal, ensure your auto insurance is current and provides adequate coverage for eventualities.

Auto Insurance Solutions for the Safety-Conscious

If you’re located in or around Spokane, WA, and looking for comprehensive auto insurance options, the friendly team at Western Insurance Associates is eager to assist. Our experienced agents can help you find the right insurance coverage that fits your driving needs and your budget.

The road is fraught with risks, including unpredictable drivers. But with the right insurance solutions, you can focus on driving safely and worry less about the uncontrollable. Contact us today for the insurance coverage you deserve, and drive safely with Western.

Should all people get an umbrella insurance plan?

Maximize Your Personal Liability Protection with Umbrella Insurance in Spokane, WA

For residents in the Spokane, WA area, managing and enhancing personal insurance needs is critical. Investing in umbrella insurance is one of the most effective ways to augment your personal liability protection. Here’s why it’s beneficial to have an umbrella insurance policy in this part of Washington:

1. Shield Against Serious Claims

An umbrella insurance policy in this region helps you protect yourself against potential large-scale liability claims. Accidents in Washington can lead to serious liability cases, and while homeowners or auto insurance can provide some coverage, their policy limits may not extend far enough. An umbrella insurance plan offers the assurance of additional support above and beyond your existing policies.

2. Broad Spectrum of Coverage

An umbrella insurance plan is also appealing because it offers extensive coverage. Liability risks are omnipresent, and some can catch you off guard. While home or auto insurance plans are restricted in their coverage capabilities, umbrella insurance provides overarching protection against virtually any form of personal liability claim.

Ensuring you have an umbrella insurance plan in the Spokane, WA region is always advantageous. This type of coverage caters to various scenarios and equips you with coverage if you face a personal liability claim. So, when you find yourself navigating the insurance market, reach out to our knowledgeable team at Western Insurance Associates. We specialize in offering well-rounded advice and will be more than happy to assist you in crafting the perfect policy.