Five Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Auto Insurance

Shopping for auto insurance can be confusing and even a little bit overwhelming. There are so many different companies and coverage options to choose from, and it can be tough to know if you’re getting the best deal. To help you make the right choice, here are five mistakes to avoid when buying auto insurance.

1. Not Shopping Around

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when buying auto insurance is not shopping around. Comparing rates from multiple companies is crucial to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Don’t just accept the first quote you get – be sure to compare rates from a few different insurers before making your decision.

2. Skimping on Coverage

Another mistake to avoid is skimping on coverage. Just because you’re trying to save money doesn’t mean you should sacrifice coverage. Make sure you have enough insurance to protect yourself financially in an accident.

3. Not Understanding Your Policy

One mistake many people make is not taking the time to understand their policy. Knowing what your policy covers and doesn’t cover is important, so you’re not caught off guard if you have to make a claim. Ask your agent or insurer for clarification if you don’t understand something in your policy.

4. Failing to Disclose Important Information

When applying for auto insurance, it’s essential to be honest and disclose all relevant information. If you fail to disclose something important, it could invalidate your policy or cause problems if you have to make a claim.

5. Buying the Bare Minimum

Finally, don’t buy the bare minimum amount of coverage required by your state. While this may save you some money in the short term, it could cost you a lot more if you have an accident and don’t have enough coverage. Make sure you have enough insurance to protect yourself financially.

Auto insurance is a necessary purchase for all drivers. By avoiding these five mistakes, you can be sure that you’re getting the best coverage possible for your needs. Contact Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc today for more information on auto insurance in Lynnwood, WA. We’re here to help you find the right policy for your needs and budget. Call us today to get a free quote.

Documents that you should always have in your vehicle when driving

Many people forget that driving is a privilege. It is not a right. You don’t have the right to drive a vehicle. You have to earn that right by learning to drive safely and then passing a test. Only then can you legally drive in the state of Washington and any other state. In Lynnwood, WA, the experienced agents at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc are here to make sure you understand the other legal requirements for driving in Washington. 

Your driver’s license

Most people carry their driver’s license with them at all times. It is a required form of identification for many things. It is also required if, for any reason, you are pulled over by the local or state police. It is a vital document and should be treated with care, and you should always know where it is. It is almost as important as your social security number, so never loan it out to friends or family and keep it with you when driving. 

Vehicle registration

When you own a vehicle, you need to have it registered with the state where you live. Usually, if you buy a new car, the dealership will take care of all the paperwork and give you the paperwork. After that, you will need to pay your registration to the state, most likely every two years. In Washington, the vehicle registration office is not the same place where you get your driver’s license. You can do many things online. 

Insurance card

When you have auto insurance, the company will provide you with an auto insurance card that you should keep in your vehicle. You may get it in the mail, or you can print it off online. Each of your vehicles has its own card. 

Contact Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc in Lynnwood, WA to discuss your auto insurance needs and requirements.

 

Types of Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is a must if you have wheels on the road; it can mitigate damage or loss from an auto accident with financial cover. Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc, serving Lynnwood, WA, wants you to know about the types of auto insurance available.

Mandatory Auto Insurance

In WA, there is some mandatory auto insurance. These are bodily injury liability and property damage liability insurance. Both serve to protect you if you are liable for damaging someone else’s property or their person as a result of an auto accident.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and under/uninsured motorist coverage are not mandatory insurances, but your insurer must offer it to you. If you want to reject these insurances, you must do so in writing.

Collision Coverage

This type of insurance provides financial cover in the event of an auto accident or collision.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive auto insurance covers damage or loss sustained from something other than a collision. The policy should usually provide financial protection against theft and vandalism.

If your vehicle is still being paid off, the lender may require you to have certain insurance in place. Review the insurance requirements carefully before purchasing a car.

Rental Reimbursement Coverage

If being in an accident is likely to leave you without a way of getting around, then this insurance is nice to have. It pays for your rental vehicle after an accident.

Roadside Assistance Coverage

This insurance is to pay for a tow truck if you have a breakdown on the side of the road. Often, this type of policy requires you to pay for the tow truck upfront, and the insurer reimburses you afterward.

Contact Us!

Don’t be left stranded without auto insurance. Speak to Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc serving Lynnwood, WA, today!

Do I Need Auto Insurance In Lynnwood, WA?

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc is a company that provides Auto Insurance Policies in Lynnwood, WA. The policy covers damages or theft of a car, legal responsibility to others for bodily or property damage. The insured does not need to pay cash from their savings for the expenses of the damages. Please visit us today at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc, and our charismatic agents will help you get outstanding auto insurance coverage matching your needs and budget. 

Is Auto Insurance Mandatory in Washington?

In Washington, drivers must have an Auto Insurance Policy. They must provide proof of financial responsibility. A dire fine is imposed on those found driving around without the required policy. Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc is a company that sorts potential auto insurance members. One needs auto insurance to be in a position to compensate for any accidents caused to someone else. These occurrences are usually unpredictable. Therefore, it is also essential to help fix your car in case of an unpredictable incident.

Moreover, it is a requirement by the law. Laws are meant to be followed. Therefore, auto insurance is a worthwhile asset because it harbors many benefits, including:

Liability Protection. 

In Lynnwood, in case of an accident, auto insurance policyholders get the privilege to keep their financial contributions off. The company comes through to cover for all the passengers and any other person hurt due to the accident. In addition, they cover the property damage and prevailing medical bills.

Asset Protection.

A car is essential for daily tasks around Lynnwood WA. In case of an accident, the insurance company covers the car. You do not lose your car. Auto insurance will repair or replace your vehicle if you get engaged in an accident and your car is physically damaged. 

Instilling Peace of Mind for the Policy Holders.

Citizens in Lynnwood, WA live peacefully, knowing their asset is protected. They work freely and save wisely and heavily, focusing on other family projects. Having prolific auto insurance gives you confidence in hitting roadways without stress by knowing that you get covered in any unexpected eventuality. 

The Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc is the solution to avert property loss from accident-related scenarios in Washington. Unfortunately, some accidents can be fatal, hence, the need for auto insurance. Please call or visit us today to get more information about auto insurance.

Is a Dead Battery Covered by Auto Insurance?

Car batteries tend to die when you least expect it, sometimes leaving you scratching your head wondering how you can afford to fix it in Lynnwood, WA. A dead battery often brings up the question, “Does my auto insurance policy cover a dead battery?” The answer to the question is “No.” Unfortunately, auto insurance policies do not cover car batteries that die from wear and tear. 

Though your auto insurance does not cover your dead battery, call our agents at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc to learn what is covered. 

Car Battery Costs

Depending upon the vehicle and brand of battery purchased, it can cost between $50 and $200 to replace a dead battery. This amount is typically far less than most deductibles, which means that it would not be worth filing a claim even if your auto insurance policy covered it. 

Roadside Assistance

If you have roadside assistance with your car insurance company, should your battery die, you do have coverage for help jump-starting your vehicle or towing it to a repair shop. However, there may be a mileage limit to your roadside assistance towing coverage, which means you may have a bill to cover any additional mileage. 

In addition to helping jump your battery or tow your car, roadside assistance also covers fuel deliveries, lockout services, and changing a flat tire. Purchasing roadside assistance with your insurance plan can range from $20 to $40 or more per year, with prices varying by car insurance plan and company. 

Though you cannot buy car insurance to cover a dead battery in Lynnwood, WA, the experts at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc can help you find the best car insurance available for your vehicle.

Do I need auto insurance in Lynwood?

People that live in the Lynnwood, WA area will find that it is easier and more efficient to live in the area if you are a vehicle owner. While there is a lot of conveniences that come with owning a car, there is a responsibility as well. Those that are going to buy a vehicle in this area of the state need to get auto insurance for a few different reasons. 

You Need Coverage to Protect Car

A reason that you may need to have an auto insurance plan here is to ensure you are able to protect your vehicle. A car is a very important investment that you need to protect as well as you can. When you get an auto insurance plan, it can come with collision and comprehensive coverage. When you do receive this protection, it will provide you with coverage so you can repair or replace it following an accident, theft, or other incidents.

Having Coverage is Required

You will also need to get an auto insurance plan because it could be a requirement for you. When you own and drive a car, you are legally required by state law to have liability insurance. Further, if you have taken out a bank loan to buy the car you may be required to have a full collision and comprehensive policy. Having auto insurance will help to keep you in compliance. 

Having an auto insurance plan in the Lynnwood WA area is needed for most people. If you are looking for a new insurance plan here, it would be wise for you to call Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. The team with Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc understands how important it is that you have this coverage. They can help you build a plan that protects you appropriately. 

What is Covered in Auto Insurance?

When it comes to obtaining auto insurance, it is important that you know details about auto insurance. Whether you want the minimum auto insurance legally required by your state or you want full coverage that will cover as much as possible, it will behoove you to know what all is covered in auto insurance. It is also important to know what is covered in your state for every state has its own regulations concerning different types of auto insurance coverage. Thus, the following are various types of auto insurance and what each one covers: 

  • Bodily injury liability- this applies to someone’s injuries caused by the designated driver, you.  When driving another person’s vehicle with their permission, you and your loved ones are covered. 
  • Medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP)- the policyholder’s vehicle covers passengers and the driver’s injuries. 
  • Property damage liability- covers the other person’s property damages from a car accident caused by you or a driver who you permitted to drive your car. 
  • Collision-whether you are at-fault or not, your damages, you and your passengers’ injuries,  and the other party’s injuries and damages are covered. This coverage is also for damage caused by potholes.  Also, if the accident was not your fault, your insurance company can fight for you in getting reimbursed from the other party who is at fault.
  • Comprehensive- you will get reimbursed for losses due to accidents caused by an object or another vehicle, acts of nature, such as a windstorm, earthquake, or hail,  and other derivatives of damages, such as fire, or vandalism. 
  • Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage- this covers you, your family, and someone you permitted to drive your car when an accident is caused by a driver with no or not enough insurance. 

Conclusion

If you live in the Lynnwood, WA, or any area in Washington and you need assistance with auto insurance, contact Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc has been serving Lynnwood, WA and surrounding areas for decades. Thus, they will steer you in the right direction with auto insurance. Contact them now!

Why should you maintain your car battery?

If you have a dead battery, you have a dead car. Nearly everyone has had the inconvenience of turning on the ignition only to hear the sickening sound of the engine not turning over. A dead battery means a jump or a tow truck and a trip to the dealer to get a replacement, not to speak of a check to see if you have a fault in the charging system that is draining the battery.

Clearly, as Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc serving Lynnwood, WA is pleased to explain, maintaining your battery and your car’s charging system is important to prevent you from getting stranded.

Keep the terminals clean by checking them about once a month and, if you find dirt or rust, disconnecting the battery and applying a wire brush.

Make sure that accessories such as the car radio are turned off when you first start the car.

If you are not driving for a lengthy period, for instance, because you are going on vacation, disconnect the battery. Some accessories such as the clock use a little bit of charge even when the car is not in use. Also, you should drive your car at least twice a week for about 30 minutes to keep the battery charged.

Make sure that the battery and charging system is checked when you take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.

Usually, a battery comes with a predetermined life, such as three years or five years. Consider getting a replacement even if your old battery seems to be working well when it nears the end.

For questions on car insurance contact Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc serving Lynnwood, WA.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is something that you, as a car owner, should have. It protects you, your family, and the vehicle in case you got involved in a car accident, or if your car is stolen or damaged. However, if you are unfamiliar with the process of choosing and buying insurance, you might be at risk of making a mistake. Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. in Lynnwood, WA has prepared the list of mistakes you should avoid when searching for auto insurance:

Not Shopping Around

You may think that all insurance companies offer the same type of auto insurance. However, it is not true. Each insurance company is different in terms of their offers and discounts. Therefore, it is extremely important to shop around and to call at least a few companies to choose the one you can trust. 

Not Getting Enough Coverage

We understand that you want to save some money and do not want to spend a lot on your car insurance. It might be tempting to get a minimum level of coverage. However, you might regret your decision later if you have a really expensive accident or repair.  When buying insurance, make sure you have at least minimum coverage recommended by your insurance agent.

Not Knowing Your Policy

One of the most common mistakes people do is signing the papers before reading them carefully. It is extremely important to know and understand what exactly is covered and what is not before getting insurance. It will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on other more important areas of your life. 

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. in Lynnwood, WA is a company with almost 40 years of experience that is here for you and is ready to help to find the best coverage for your vehicle. Contact us today to find out more about insurance options and policies we offer. 

Is Washington a No-Fault State for Auto Insurance?

The state of Washington is an “at-fault” state. This means that the court determines who is the person at-fault, for causing an accident, and makes that party responsible. There is a legal requirement in the state of Washington for anyone operating a vehicle within the state to have auto insurance that is at least a bare minimum.

Shared Fault

Sometimes an accident is caused by the fault of more than one person. In such a case, the court will decide of what percentage is each party’s fault and divide the fault up between all the parties that the court decides had some part in causing an accident.

These types of accidents are the ones that typically are heavily disputed. Assigning fault is somewhat of an arbitrary decision. Some facts and decisions about them can be rule-based; however, much of the final determination may come down to a matter of a judge’s opinion.

The Advantages of No-Fault Insurance

No-fault insurance does not require a determination to be made by the court regarding who caused the accident. The insurance provides coverage for the insured party, up to the limits of the policy, regardless of who is at fault. If there is other insurance available to help pay for the claim, then the insurance company will seek reimbursement from the other insurance company.

Ask your agent at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc, serving Lynnwood, WA and the surrounding area, to give you good advice about no-fault coverage.

Even though there is no legal requirement to carry no-fault insurance in the state of Washington it may still be a wise decision to have it for protection if the driver causing the accident is operating the vehicle illegally without insurance or is underinsured.

Contact your agent at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc in Lynnwood, WA to get an auto insurance review and a quote for no-fault auto insurance.