Do I Need Gap Insurance For My New Car Loan?

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.

Insurance for Race Cars

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 facilitiesliability 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!

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

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.

Lifestyle Hacks for Car Insurance for Teens

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.

Tailored Auto Insurance Tips for Lynnwood Residents

Lynnwood, WA motorists who are looking to protect their most important investments will often turn to the experts at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. We are here to provide all of the necessary guidance, and thanks to our help, Washington motorists are able to learn everything that they need to know. Be sure to take a closer look at the following tips and pointers.

Auto Insurance Is Required In Washington State

Those found to be driving without it will be subjected to some pretty significant penalties. In addition to paying hefty fines and being left without a license for an extended period, the state of Washington will also require you to keep an SR-22 on file. These documents will prove that you have obtained and maintained your auto insurance policy.

Insurance Policies Will Follow The Vehicle

Contrary to popular belief, Washington state law dictates that the insurance policy follows the vehicle. In other words, your policy will still be valid even if an accident takes place when you have allowed someone else to drive your car. The other driver and their passengers will remain protected at all times.

Add a New Vehicle To An Existing Policy Quickly

In Washington, there is a grace period of 2 to 30 days for you to add the vehicle to your existing policy, depending on the specifics of your current terms. Be sure to add the new vehicle as quickly as possible so that any accidents are not as demanding as they may be otherwise.

If you reside in the Lynnwood, WA area and have further questions about your auto insurance policies, speak with Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. as soon as possible. Our team of professionals is happy to take your call or sit down for a helpful consultation.

Three Tips to Get Great Auto Insurance

Having the right auto insurance is very important to protecting yourself and others on the roadways. If you’re in the Lynnwood, WA area and need of insurance for your vehicle, Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc can help you get the right coverage for your needs. That will protect you and your car, other drivers and their vehicles, and your peace of mind. Here are three tips for having the best car insurance for your situation.

1. Work With a Trusted Agent

When you look at all the options for insurance, you might feel overwhelmed, but working with a trusted agent makes it easier and less stressful to find the coverage you need. Your agent can also give you important insight and information, which will help you know what to look for and decide on a good policy for any specific considerations you have.

2. Compare Options From Insurers

One of the things your agent will do is give you options from multiple insurers so you can see how their coverage plans compare with one another. That allows you to decide on areas that may or may not be important to you and look at the levels of coverage you can choose from with each company.

3. Review Your Policy at Least Once Per Year

Even if nothing has outwardly changed with your vehicle or driving record, it’s a good idea to review your policy with your agent at least once every year. That way, you can ensure you’re getting the best deal for your driving habits, vehicle, and specific needs and feel confident in your policy.

Ready to get the best auto insurance for your needs? Contact us at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc today if you’re in the Lynnwood, WA area. We’re here to help you find the right policy for your vehicle.

Can You Add a Person to Your Policy Before Renewal?

If you have a vehicle on the road, you’ll need insurance to protect yourself from various risks. In many cases, more than one individual is listed on an insurance policy. However, you may choose to add them during the effective period of your policy rather than when you make your initial purchase. If you would like to learn more about auto insurance, trust the professionals at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc to provide the residents of Lynnwood, WA, with information. 

Adding a Driver

Most insurance policies allow you to add someone to your policy, even if it’s during the effective period of the policy. You can check with your insurance agent to find out if you can add a person to your policy. They can explain the conditions and any changes to your policy after the addition of another driver. You may notice more significant changes for teen drivers. 

If you want to secure a policy and work with an agent who knows the ins and outs of each policy and can explain the terms and conditions or red tape, count on Sound Insurance Agency Inc’s team of insurance professionals. They can help you understand any protocols or changes to the policy to suit your needs so you always stay informed. 

Reach Out Today

If you would like to work with one of our agents to find a policy or to make changes to your existing policy, call to schedule a consultation or stop by our office services serving Lynnwood, WA. Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc offers exceptional insurance products and services to help you stay protected. 

What Should You Expect When Buying Your First Auto Insurance Policy?

You may be in the market for your first auto insurance policy if you are a new driver. Here at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc, serving the greater Lynnwood, WA area, we want to help you learn what to expect when buying your first insurance policy. Here are a few things that you should be prepared for. 

You Can Expect to Have to Provide Personal Information

When you purchase an auto insurance policy, you can expect to have to provide a lot of information. The insurance company will want your full legal name, address, date of birth, and phone number. They may also ask for information such as your social security number, how many miles you anticipate driving a year, and how many years you have been driving. All of this information can play a role in how much you are quoted for auto insurance. 

You Can Expect to Have Many Questions About Limits

Another thing you can expect is to have many questions. Insurance terms are not always terms people are familiar with, and people have questions about policy limits and how much coverage they need. Taking the time to ask an insurance agent questions or researching how much coverage the average person should have can help you overcome this obstacle. 

You Can Expect to Pay More Than an Experienced Driver

Lastly, you can expect to pay more for your first auto insurance policy than an experienced driver would pay. However, you can anticipate your rates dropping after a few years of good driving. 

Buying your first auto insurance policy can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you are not familiar with insurance terms or do not know how much coverage is right for you. However, this is not something you have to navigate on your own. The Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc team, serving the greater Lynnwood, WA region, can help answer any questions and help you find the right auto insurance policy. Call us today to start the process of buying your first auto insurance policy. 

What can happen if I do not have auto insurance in Lynnwood?

People all over the Lynnwood, WA area will find owning or leasing a car important. With access to a reliable vehicle, you will have a much easier time getting around the community. If you are going to buy a car, you also need to get the right insurance for it. If you do not have this coverage, various risks could emerge.

No Financial Protection

One of the risks that come when you do not have proper auto coverage is that you can lose all of your financial protection. If you are insured, you will have financial resources if you are at fault in an accident or need to repair or replace your vehicle. If you are not insured, you will still have to cover these damages but may not have the necessary financial resources. 

Default of Various Rules and Agreements

Another risk you face if you do not carry the correct type of insurance for your car is that you could be found in default of various rules and agreements. If you own a car, legal requirements will obligate you to at least carry liability insurance in this state. You also will need coverage to comply with any requirements your mortgage lender sets. If you are not insured, you could be found liable. 

Those that are going to own or lease a car in the Lynnwood, WA area clearly need to have insurance for the vehicle. When you get this type of insurance, you should call Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. There are a lot of choices to make when evaluating your options, and Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc can help you create your next plan. 

Common Add-Ons and Policies for Auto Insurance Purchase

Purchasing auto insurance is a necessary step in owning a car. However, with so many different add-ons and policy options available, it can be challenging to know what you need and what is just a waste of money. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc in Lynnwood, WA, we offer affordable car insurance with the coverage you need.

Here are some of the most common add-ons and policy options to consider when purchasing auto insurance:

Roadside Assistance

You never know when you may have a flat tire or run out of gas. Roadside assistance can help you by providing a tow truck or bringing you gas. Many auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an add-on to your policy.

Rental Car Reimbursement

If your car is in the shop for repairs, rental car reimbursement can help cover the cost of a rental car. This add-on is beneficial if you rely on your vehicle for work or other important commitments.

New-Car Replacement

If your car is totaled in an accident, new-car replacement coverage can help you replace it with a new car. This add-on is not required, but it can give you peace of mind knowing that you can replace your vehicle if it is totaled.

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

This type of insurance covers the cost of repairs to your car if it breaks down due to a mechanical issue. It is not required, but it can be a good option if you have an older car or one that is prone to breaking down.

Get the Right Auto Insurance Coverage in Lynnwood, WA

Purchasing auto insurance can be confusing, but our Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc team in Lynnwood, WA, can help. Contact us today to get a quote and learn more about our coverage options. We can help you find the right auto insurance to fit your needs and budget.