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.

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.

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.

Is It Ever Worth It to Add Insurance for an Individual Car Part or Component in Spokane, WA?

Auto insurance in Spokane, WA helps financially cover you and your vehicle against the costs associated with accidents and other situations. However, your car may have a part or component that, for some reason, has a price beyond what your insurance can cover. At Western Insurance Associates, we believe it’s in your best interest to have the necessary coverage for such parts and components. Here’s why it’s important.

The Whole Vs. The Part

What kind of part or component might need additional coverage? If the cost of repairing or replacing a particular part is higher than average, it would be wise to consider obtaining additional coverage for that specific part or component.

While your auto insurance policy provides vehicle coverage, you may have additional components not typically included in your car’s standard package. For example:

  • Specialized, custom-built, or aftermarket parts
  • Very expensive components, such as a very high-end or custom stereo system
  • Rare, unique, or irreplaceable parts or components
  • Expensive but easily damaged parts or components

You might want extra protection for a part or component for your peace of mind, regardless of its resale value.

Balancing Costs against Peace of Mind

Understand that insuring individual parts isn’t always a necessity. Adding coverage increases your premiums, so looking at the big picture when insuring individual parts is important.

Some things to think about include:

  • The actual monetary value of the part or component.
  • The risk factors associated with the part or component.
  • Your budget and financial comfort with paying for additional insurance.

You can and should work with your auto insurance company in Spokane, WA to figure out the feasibility of additional coverage. If in doubt, we’re here to help you look at the math, assess your risk, and give you an informed auto insurance recommendation. If you have questions about insuring individual car parts or components, contact Western Insurance Associates to learn more.

Driver Responsiblities

It is easy to start thinking of driving as a right we all have, but in reality, driving is a privilege that we must all earn through proper education and compliance with safety laws. Here at Western Insurance Associates, serving Spokane, WA, and the surrounding areas, we want to help our clients stay safe on the road. Keep reading to learn more about drivers’ responsibilities. 

Stay Properly Insured

One of your most important responsibilities as a driver is to stay adequately insured. Insurance coverage is not simply a good idea, it is a legal requirement to operate a vehicle on the road. You will face legal consequences if you fail to keep proper insurance in place. These consequences can result in license suspension, termination, and fines. This can have a significant impact on your life. 

Driver Education 

It is also your responsibility as a driver to get proper driver education on how to operate a vehicle effectively and safely. This does not necessarily mean you must take a driver’s course, but it does mean that you must invest the necessary time into learning how to drive well. Taking a driver’s course can be very helpful, but working with a trusted friend or relative can work just as well. 

Sober Undistracted Driving 

As a driver, it is always your responsibility to practice sober/undistracted driving. This is not only a legal responsibility that you have but also an ethical one you have. When you get out on the road, you take on a little responsibility for every other driver and pedestrian you encounter. Take this responsibility seriously, and never drive intoxicated or distracted. 

To learn about auto insurance, contact us at Western Insurance Associates, serving Spokane, WA, and the surrounding areas.   

What is Third-Party Auto Insurance and Why Should You Get One?

Your car is an asset but can become a liability in an accident. This can be the case, especially if you live in Spokane, WA, and have caused an accident. Without good insurance coverage, you must pay for all the damage you cause the other party. That’s why at Western Insurance Associates, we provide third-party auto insurance coverage to cover damages that you are involved in. This will ensure you don’t suffer financial loss when your car is involved in an accident.

Why You Should Get Third-Party Auto Insurance 

If you are in Spokane, WA, there are many benefits that you can gain from getting third-party insurance. One of the key benefits is you will be able to avoid penalties and fines imposed by the motor vehicle act. Further, you enjoy protection against the suspension of your driving license. 
Accidents are unpredictable, and they can happen at any time. When your car causes damage to a third-party vehicle, physical injury, and personal property, you will be responsible for the financial loss that individual suffers. However, with auto insurance, you get financial security as you will cover all the damage caused. 

The premiums for the third party are affordable and provide legal protection from the time-consuming legal hassle. If you are uncertain about how to make claims and get the cover, always contact us for more information. From a legal perspective, third-party insurance is sufficient to cover all the damage and ensure you fulfill the motor vehicle Act’s requirements.

Call West Insurance Associates Today

You must secure your car and fulfill your legal duty by taking the third-party policy. Contact us today at  Western Insurance Associates to get your third-party auto insurance coverage. Our coverage will ensure you don’t get stressed while driving. With years of experience, we offer great customer service and ensure all your needs are covered.

When should I add my teen driver to my auto insurance policy?

If you live in Spokane, WA, and have a teenage driver in the house, you may wonder when the right time is to add them to your auto insurance policy. Western Insurance Associates has answers.

Let’s discuss when you should add your teen driver to your policy. If your child has a learner’s permit and occasionally drives your car with you present, it’s not required that you add them to your policy. However, if they have their license and will be driving without you present, it’s time to add them to the policy. 

It’s also important to note that even if your child only has a learner’s permit and doesn’t drive very often, it’s still a good idea to list them on your policy. That way, if they have an accident while driving your car (with or without you present), they’ll be covered by your insurance. In Washington, car insurance companies can’t refuse to insure you or charge you more just because you have a teenage driver in the family.

Adding a teen driver to your auto insurance policy can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember that in Spokane, WA car insurance companies can’t refuse to insure you or charge you more just because you have a teenage driver in the family. It isn’t required if they only have their learner’s permit and don’t drive very often, but it’s a good idea. If your child has a license and is driving without you present, it’s time to add them to your policy. Contact Western Insurance Associates, and we can answer all your questions.

Who should get an auto insurance plan in Spokane?

Owning a car in the Spokane, WA area is always a good idea as it will allow you to get around the community more efficiently. If you are in the market for a new vehicle here, getting a proper insurance plan would be wise. There are various situations when someone in this part of the state should get a full auto insurance plan.

Those that Want to Drive Legally

A situation when someone will want to get this coverage in Washington is when they want to drive legally. There are various laws surrounding the need to carry insurance in this state. All drivers must maintain a liability insurance plan that meets the state minimum insurance requirements. Without this coverage, you could be penalized and will not have proper support. 

Those with a Loan Outstanding

You will also want an auto insurance plan in this area if you have taken out a loan. Taking out a loan today can be a good idea as it will allow you to finance the purchase of the car over time. As long as the loan is outstanding, you will have to abide by the loan agreement. This will typically require you to carry a full collision and comprehensive plan.

Ensuring that your vehicle is adequately insured in the Spokane, WA area is very important. Once you are ready to start looking for coverage in this region, you will want to call the team with Western Insurance Associates. The insurance team with Western Insurance Associates can offer you any support needed to understand your options and build a plan. This can help ensure you comply with any requirements and that your car is adequately covered. 

Auto Insurance FAQ

Your car insurance is one of your most important expenses each month. You want to make sure you are making the best choice when it comes to an insurance provider. At Western Insurance Associates serving Spokane, WA, and the surrounding areas, we can help you better understand this insurance product so that you can make the best insurance choices. Here we will provide answers to our auto insurance FAQ. 

Is Auto Insurance A Big Deal?

Auto insurance is required by law to operate your vehicle legally. You can face serious legal consequences if you do not carry at least the legally required minimum of coverage. 

In addition to legal considerations, there are also financial factors that you should consider. If you do not carry adequate insurance, you could find yourself financially responsible for repairing or replacing your car in an accident. This could pose a financial challenge. 

Which Type of Coverage Do I Need?

Auto insurance provides the following two types of coverage:

  • Full Coverage– This type of coverage will pay for damage and medical bills that could result from a car accident or other claim event. This will pay for expenses for your vehicle and other vehicles or drivers involved. 
  • Liability Coverage– Liability coverage will only pay for expenses for another vehicle you caused damage to.

It is recommended to carry full coverage on your vehicles. This will protect you in any situation in which expenses occur. 

If you would like to learn more about auto insurance or any of our other insurance products, don’t hesitate to contact us at Western Insurance Associates serving Spokane, WA, and the surrounding areas.

What Should You Know About Auto Insurance?

Driving without auto insurance is illegal – it is considered a crime in most states of the US, including the state of Washington. If you have never owned a car before and never purchased auto insurance, it may be hard for you to choose the right policy. In order to help you, Western Insurance Associates serving clients in Spokane, WA and other surrounding towns prepared brief information about car insurance that everyone should know: 

What Should You Know About Auto Insurance?

Here is what you should know about car insurance:

  • There are certain factors that determine the price of your insurance. They are your age, marital status, driving record, location, and credit score. 
  • It is important to understand the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage. Thus, comprehensive coverage provides protection against theft and damage that are caused by an incident rather than a car accident. It can be vandalism, fire, falling trees or rocks, etc. Collision reimburses for damages caused by a car accident. 
  • You can always find ways to pay less for your insurance, You can raise your deductible, drop comprehensive coverage on an old car, and do some other things. 
  • If you use your personal car for commercial purposes, you will have to get separate commercial auto insurance. 

Getting auto insurance is important, but finding the right coverage may be complicated. If you are currently shopping for car insurance in Spokane, WA or any other nearby town in the state of Washington, do not hesitate to contact Western Insurance Associates. We will help you find the right insurance for your vehicle and answer your questions if there are any.