Do I Need Gap Insurance For My New Car Loan?

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When you finance a new or used car, you’ll be asked about adding gap insurance to your monthly payment. While you might be inclined to say no, it’s important to understand what gap insurance is and how it can be beneficial for you.

What is Gap Insurance?

Also known as guaranteed asset protection, gap insurance steps in if your car has been stolen or totaled and the value that you owe is more than what the car is worth. They will pay the difference in the loan for you, so you aren’t forced to continue paying on a loan for a vehicle you no longer have. It will usually add between $10 and $20 to your monthly payment if you decide to add it to your policy.

Did You Add a Down Payment?

Most people use the down payment as a guide to determine if gap insurance is required. If you did not put a down payment on your vehicle when it was financed, then gap insurance is needed for your loan. In the event of an accident, you would have financial coverage to cover the difference in the loan.

If you put up to $5,000 down on your car, you should probably still get gap insurance since there is still a chance that you could be upside-down on the car’s value. You don’t need gap insurance if you put down more than $5,000 on your vehicle. Should something happen while you’re driving the car, you’ll likely already have the difference paid down through the down payment.

If you are interested in a personal auto loan quote, contact our agents at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc today for more information. We offer services for customers in the surrounding area of Lynnwood, WA.

Have You Made a Home Inventory? You Should!

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Your home insurance is your resource for financial protection when a covered event occurs. However, using your home insurance policy to replace items that have been lost or damaged can be challenging, especially if you have difficulty remembering what is in your home. Creating a home inventory can help.

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a home inventory, this article will tell you what you need to know to start a home inventory. The professionals at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., servicing Lynnwood, WA, can also answer your questions.

What Is a Home Inventory?

A home inventory is a document, spreadsheet, or record of everything you own. You decide what information should be included in your home inventory, but many people record the approximate date of purchase, serial or model numbers, purchase price, and descriptive information.

Who Needs a Home Inventory?

Some home insurance companies require their policyholders to have a home inventory. Even if your insurance company doesn’t require you to have this type of inventory, you can still benefit from one. Having a home inventory makes it easier to recall what you own, making filing a home insurance claim easier.

How Can I Make a Home Inventory?

You can make a home inventory by downloading an app to help with the process. There are many home inventory apps available for download online. You can also make a home inventory by creating a spreadsheet on your own.

Some people make their home inventory by filming a video while walking through their home. Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. professionals servicing Lynnwood, WA, can help. Contact us today to learn more about how a home inventory can help you.

Commercial Insurance for Your Business Expansion Project

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Managing the Risks of Business Expansion with Upgraded Commercial Insurance

A business expansion project introduces new risks that could potentially result in financial loss. Learn how temporarily enhancing your commercial insurance policy could shield you as a business owner.

Protection for Commercial Tools and Equipment

Commercial tools and equipment are susceptible to damage during an expansion project. They could also be potential targets for theft while the project is in progress.

Adding extra protection to your existing policy can ensure the essential materials required to complete the expansion are covered. Your insurance policy should include any valuable items that are integral to your operations. If you need to file an insurance claim, your coverage will reimburse you for any out-of-pocket costs you’re responsible for.

Liability Protection

If you employ workers to perform upgrades at your business premises, it’s imperative to consider the risk of injuries. An active worksite can impose serious hazards.

Individuals working at elevated heights face the risk of falling. Injuries occurring on your property could result in lawsuits against you. Liability coverage shields you from bodily injury claims and also grants protection for any property damage occurring while the expansion project is in force.

You have the discretion to decide how much liability protection your commercial insurance policy offers. If you alter the expansion plans while the project is ongoing, you can also increase the amount of liability protection if necessary.

Insurance Agent Assistance

Never embark on an expansion project without the necessary insurance coverage. We advise consulting with an agent serving the Lynnwood, WA, area before starting. Feel free to contact our office and request to speak with one of our Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. agents. The agent will match you with suitable commercial insurance products.

Insurance for Race Cars

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Coverage for your hot rod can be challenging to get. But whether you live in Washington State, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Oregon, or South Carolina, Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. in Lynnwood, WA, can help you find the best coverage possible for your race car.

Coverage for Street-Legal Racing Cars

If your race car is legal on the street, Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. can help you find liability insurance, collision insurance, and comprehensive insurance to protect you in case of accidents, theft, vandalism, and other hazards. We can help you find the same kinds of coverage we offer classic car owners, even agreed-value insurance that considers your car worth more than the Kelly Blue Book value.

Limited Trailer and Paddock Coverage

If your car is not street legal, you can get LTP, limited trailer, and paddock coverage. LTP protects race cars, dragsters, hot rods, street rods, and many racing motorcycles when they are in the garage and when they are transported to an event. This kind of coverage covers your car when it is being loaded or unloaded, serviced, on display, or in storage.

Ask us about insurance for cars used in high-performance driver’s training events, track days, and autocross. We can also help you get coverage for both street-legal and off-road cars you take to Canada.

Racing Car Insurance Isn’t Just for Racing Cars

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. in Lynnwood, WA, offers customers across the USA coverage for motorsports facilities, liability coverage in excess of the limits offered by sponsoring organizations, and commercial insurance for teams and repair shops.

Sound Choice can help you find the coverage you need. Call us today!

Contents and Outbuildings and Your Home Insurance

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Every home is worth protecting, including some of the beautiful homes in and around Lynnwood, WA. Home insurance is generally viewed as a way to protect your home’s structure from calamities like storms and fires. It is also important to cover your home’s contents and outbuildings. These are all important facets of home insurance that Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. wants you to be aware of.

Sound Choice will ensure that you are covered from your home’s structure to its contents, outbuildings, and even your liability risks.

Contents

Your home’s contents include items like furniture, appliances, paintings, clothing, bedding, housewares, electronics, toys, and more. For most families, this can amount to a significant sum.

The contents of a home are usually insured up to a percentage of the value of the structure itself. Homeowners should also be aware that if they have a large, valuable collection of coins, jewelry, antiques, or other collectibles, they may benefit from additional supplemental coverage. This is particularly important if the value of your collectibles exceeds the limits allotted by your policy.

Outbuildings

Homeowners’ insurance usually covers outbuildings as part of their basic coverage. Outbuildings include gazebos, detached garages, sheds, and even fencing.

Uncover The Details of Your Home Insurance

Reach out to us at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., serving Lynnwood, WA, for a complete homeowners insurance review. We can talk about your coverage, limits, deductibles, and where you may have gaps. We can answer your questions and provide a quote that can offer you greater peace of mind.

Make sure you are covered with home insurance from Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. We look forward to working with you to insure your Lynnwood, WA home.

How Commercial Insurance Benefits AgriTourism Businesses

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Agritourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the Washington area and other parts of the Northwest. Although this may not be a conventional business, securing commercial insurance and protecting your property is still beneficial.

1. Public Liability Coverage

Agritourism often means welcoming visitors to your farm or ranch. Thus, it’s crucial to have an extensive liability policy in case an accident occurs on your property. This policy lets the insurance company cover expenses and protect your business assets. Lack of sufficient liability coverage, or absence of it entirely, can risk having your business assets seized to cover related costs.

2. Protect Employees

In an agribusiness, you’ll likely need to hire employees, even temporarily, during different seasons. As they could suffer injuries on the job, ensuring their safety with worker’s compensation coverage is important. Adding this to your commercial insurance policy will help cover any accident-related expenses, enabling your employees to return to work once they’ve recovered.

3. Business Interruption Coverage

Business interruption coverage can be life-saving when uncontrollable events impact your agritourism business. This coverage allows you to obtain financial assistance to meet essential expenses and payrolls until your business recovers. It can serve as a lifeline, keeping your business afloat during challenging times that bring significant income loss.

As an agritourism business, it’s worth understanding the many benefits of commercial insurance. The protection it provides extends to your business, employees, and customers visiting your property, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone. If you’re in the Lynnwood, WA, area and require more information on commercial insurance, feel free to contact our team at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. today.

Your Specific Car and Your Auto Insurance Rate: What You Need to Know

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Several factors affect how much you pay for auto insurance coverage. For instance, some of your car’s features can play a role. Some of its features that can affect your insurance rate include:

  • Vehicle type: Your vehicle’s model and make can affect your insurance rates. For instance, sports cars and luxury cars are often more expensive to insure because they cost more to replace or repair.
  • Vehicle age: Older cars are cheaper to insure because they aren’t worth as much as new models. They’re also cheaper to replace or repair. This rule doesn’t apply to every car. However, some newer models with advanced safety features are beating the odds. 
  • Engine size: Cars with large, powerful engines, like sports cars, are often more expensive to insure. Insurance companies see them as a higher risk since they are more likely to be involved in speed-related accidents.
  • Safety features: Some policies grant insurance discounts to cars with safety features like anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, and airbags. These features reduce the vehicle’s risk of theft or injury, lowering the risk for the insurance company.
  • Car size: Large cars are usually cheaper to insure than compact cars because they fare far better in accidents. On the other hand, SUVs and other extremely large vehicles are expensive to insure since they typically cause more damage. 
  • Likelihood of theft: Some cars are more attractive to thieves than others. If your vehicle is one that’s frequently stolen, there’s a chance you’ll have high insurance premiums.
  • Cost of repairs and parts: If the parts on your car are expensive or rare, or if it’s costly to fix, your insurance rates will probably reflect that. 

Paying attention to these guidelines is important, but you must also remember they are general trends. The exact impact on your insurance rates will vary based on your chosen insurance company and other factors like your driving history and where you live. If you live in Lynnwood, WA, it’s a good idea to contact your favorite local agent at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. to ensure you get the best rate.

First-Time Homeowner? Congratulations! Four Home Maintenance Tips You Need to Know

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As a first-time homeowner, you’re likely excited but may also feel overwhelmed by the maintenance tasks ahead. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., serving Lynwood, WA, we’re here to assist you in managing your homeowners’ insurance needs. This post will outline four fundamental home maintenance tasks to prioritize in your new home.

Regularly Check Your HVAC Filters

Maintenance of your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial. Replace your HVAC filters every two to three months to lower energy costs, reduce wear and tear on your system, and improve indoor air quality.

Maintain Your Refrigerator Coils

Small tasks, like cleaning the coils on the back of your refrigerator, can prolong its lifespan. It might be a less-known task, but it’s crucial for maintaining your appliance’s efficiency.

Replace Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Replace batteries and carbon monoxide detectors in your smoke as soon as you move in. Set a reminder to replace them again every six months to ensure your home’s safety.

Drain Your Water Heater

Sediment can accumulate in your water heater over time. To resolve this, connect a hose to the heater’s spigot and drain the water into a drain. This task can help improve the heater’s efficiency and lifespan.

Trust Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. for Your Insurance Needs

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. prides itself on serving Lynnwood, WA’s homeowners’ insurance needs. Whether you need homeowners insurance or need help with other insurance products, we’re ready to help. Our team is committed to meeting your insurance requirements. Reach out today to learn more about our insurance solutions.

Lifestyle Hacks for Car Insurance for Teens

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Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. has helped Lynnwood, WA residents find great car insurance for years. For example, we can make it easier for parents of teens to find insurance that doesn’t break the bank. Here are a few tips and hacks that may help out here. 

Track Their Driving 

Installing a telematics car app on your teen’s car lets you track their driving and show that they’re a safe driver. Of course, this might backfire if they don’t drive safely, so ensure you instill careful and defensive driving habits in your teen to prevent this issue.

Buy a Safe Used Car 

Typically, car insurance companies provide fairer policies as a car ages. That doesn’t mean you should buy a junker—that could worsen your policy—but find one with high safety ratings and various types of anti-theft features to improve the policy. 

Bundle Your Policies 

Add your teen’s car insurance to your current policy to streamline this process and minimize unnecessary issues. Coverage teams prefer when you do this and may provide strong packages with your home, life, health insurance, and car policies.

Park in a Garage

Try to clear out room to get your teen in your garage—doing so shows that their vehicle is safer and makes your car insurance company happier. Insurance companies prefer when their customers take these protective steps and reward them with better and more effective policies.

Take Great Care of Your Teen

If you have a teen worried about their insurance, try these hacks and call Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. immediately to get help. We can support Lynnwood, WA residents with strong insurance and will do what we can to ensure you’re happy with your service.

Shopping for Homeowners Insurance? Questions to Ask the Agent

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Protect Your Home with the Right Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance stands as the frontline defense for safeguarding your most prized asset – your home. Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc, servicing Lynnwood WA, dedicates its expertise to help you navigate through insurance complexities and settle on the most fitting policy for your unique needs.

Questions to Fuel Your Policy Shopping

Understanding your insurance needs can be quite puzzling. Here are a few carefully chosen questions that can guide you while shopping for your homeowner’s insurance policy:

What Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover?

A standard homeowners insurance policy typically shoulders the cost to repair or replace your home’s infrastructure and the valuable items within, arising from a covered event. Whether it’s a devastating fire, unfortunate theft, offensive vandalism, or disruptive windstorms, your policy will have your back. Some policies even extend coverage to detached structures like your garage or shed. Reviewing each policy carefully before purchase ensures you recognize your coverage boundaries.

Can I Rebuild and Replace My Possessions Affordably After a Covered Event?

Understanding the extent of coverage and its sufficiency can puzzle even the best of us. It’s paramount to ensure that your policy provides enough to rebuild and replace everything following a covered event. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., we work collaboratively to frame the ideal level of coverage that matches your needs. As homeowners insurance experts, we address all your doubts and clarify what homeowners insurance can and cannot do.

Want insurance assistance? Contact us today to ascertain your homeowner’s insurance coverage needs and discover the most fitting policy for your home.