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.

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.

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.

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.

Protecting your roof from strong wind gusts is vital for maintaining your home’s integrity and avoiding potential damage. Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., located in Lynnwood, WA, provides valuable advice on how to keep your roof secure during windy weather.

Tips to Shield Your Roof From Strong Winds

1. Regular Inspections: Schedule routine roof inspections to identify and address any existing damage, like loose or missing shingles or damaged flashing. A well-maintained roof is better equipped to withstand strong winds.

2. Secure Shingles: Ensure that shingles are correctly installed and adequately fastened. Strong winds can easily lift Loose or damaged shingles, leading to further damage.

3. Trim Overhanging Branches: Overhanging tree branches can become projectiles during high winds. Trim or remove them to prevent potential roof damage.

4. Inspect Flashing: Check and maintain roof flashing to prevent leaks and wind-driven rain from entering your home.

5. Install Roof Clips or Straps: If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or high winds, consider installing roof clips or straps to enhance your roof’s structural integrity.

6. Seal Roof Sheathing: Ensure the roof sheathing is adequately sealed to prevent wind-driven rain from infiltrating the roof structure.

7. High-Quality Materials: When replacing or repairing your roof, use high-quality, wind-resistant materials and ensure proper installation.

8. Anchored Roofing: Ensure your roof is securely anchored to the building’s structure to prevent uplift during strong winds.

9. Roof Bracing: Consider adding roof bracing or reinforcing trusses for extra support in regions with frequent high winds.

For guidance on securing your home against wind damage and to ensure your insurance coverage is comprehensive, contact Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., serving the greater Lynnwood, WA area today. Act now to protect your home and your peace of mind. 

For homeowners with valuable items like jewelry, art, and antiques in and around the Lynnwood, WA area, standard home insurance may not adequately protect these treasures. In the event of loss, theft, or damage to these high-value possessions, homeowners may face significant financial losses if they haven’t taken the necessary steps to schedule these items separately. 

The Importance of Scheduling High-Value Items

Scheduling high-value items is a process of listing and separately insuring each valuable possession on the home insurance policy. By doing so, homeowners can ensure that these items receive adequate coverage and are protected against a broader range of risks. Critical considerations for scheduling valuable items include:

1. Accurate Valuation: Scheduling valuable items requires an accurate appraisal or valuation to determine their worth. This valuation ensures that the item is insured for its total value and can be replaced or repaired in case of loss or damage.
2. Specific Coverage: Scheduling items separately allows homeowners to specify the coverage needed for each possession. When dealing with insurance, everything must be specific. This can include coverage for accidental loss, theft, mysterious disappearance, and even coverage for damage caused by regular wear and tear.
3. Comprehensive Protection: High-value items may be more risky than standard household belongings. Scheduling these items separately can provide complete protection, even if the damage or loss occurs outside the home, such as while traveling or on loan for the exhibition.
4. No Deductibles: Scheduling valuable items often comes with the advantage of no deductibles. In the event of a claim, homeowners won’t have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses before receiving compensation.

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc Can Help You

Here at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., we can answer all your questions concerning homeowners’ insurance. We assist the Lynnwood, WA region. Contact us today.

Your Lynnwood, WA home probably means a lot to you. Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. wants you to understand homeowner’s insurance and what it covers and doesn’t. Most home policies do not cover termite damage because it happens over the long term.

Homeowners Can Prevent Termites

Unfortunately, if you found termites and they’ve caused damage, your home policy probably does not cover it. Check your policy to see if it does cover it.

Here’s why most home policies do not cover termites.

Underwriting companies expect homeowners to upkeep their homes and undergo regular termite inspections regularly.

A home cared for properly does not develop termites. They require an entry point and a moist environment, so by conducting regular home maintenance, homeowners avoid providing such entry points.

Consider purchasing a termite protection plan, a reasonably priced preventative measure that includes an annual visit from termite inspectors. Termite protection plans cost between $50 to $280.

How Else Could You Find Out Your Home Has Termites?

When you sell your home, it must undergo an inspection to find any problems with it and a valuation to determine its worth. This inspection checks for termites. The mortgage lender can require a termite warranty or bond if the inspection finds termites. The warranty pays for termite treatment for the future homeowner. These warranties cost an average of $2,000.

Don’t Let Termites Catch You Off Guard

Take action today to check for termites in your home and begin remediation if you do. Contact Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. for a home policy to protect your home from damage from named perils. We serve the greater Lynnwood, WA area with the insurance its residents need to protect their financial security.

 Homeowners’ insurance is a necessary part of owning a home in the Pacific Northwest. Sometimes changes in life warrant changing your homeowners’ policy to suit your growing needs better. No matter what the life event, refreshing and renewing your policy can be a great choice to save you money and provide the assurance you need that you’ll be covered in any event.

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc of Lynnwood, WA has some tips on changing policies that can help you.

Ask your Agent

If you are changing homeowners insurance by choice, ask your agent to help you shop for a new policy that meets all of your home and insurance needs. Insurance agents can help you compare and contrast your new policy vs. the old to understand your updated coverage and costs. If you have difficulty meeting the qualifications for an insurance plan, your agent may also be able to work directly with your lender to find new insurance options.

Request Notice in Writing

If your insurance policy does not plan to renew, they legally have to give you written notice in Washington. Policies can choose not to renew for various reasons, including an exchange in company ownership or if the homeowner cannot pay the premiums. For non-renewal of current accounts, you will get a 45-day written notice. A 10-day written notice is required for cancelation if premiums are behind, and you should always receive a clear explanation for the denial of benefits.

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc of Lynnwood, WA is an experienced insurance provider for a diverse group of Washington homeowners. Contact us today for a quote.

Are you living in Lynnwood, WA, and have discovered a wild animal in your home? Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc explains what you should know about home insurance and wildlife removal.

Homeowners’ insurance covers certain types of damage to property and people, but it does not cover every type of incident that could occur. Depending on the specific policy, homeowners insurance may cover fire damage, theft, personal liability for injuries or damage caused by you or family members living in your home, weather-related damage such as lightning strikes, and vandalism or malicious mischief.

Generally speaking, most homeowners insurance policies do not cover removing animals from your home unless deemed medically necessary due to an animal-born illness or injury. So, if you discover a wild animal in your house—such as a raccoon in the attic—it is likely not covered under homeowner’s insurance.

Who Can Help with Wildlife Removal?

If your home insurance policy does not cover removing wild animals from your home, then who can help?  Fortunately, several companies specialize in humane wildlife removal services throughout Lynnwood, WA. These companies provide various services to safely remove unwanted critters from homes and businesses without harming them or risking further damage to the property. 

In conclusion, homeowners in Lynnwood, WA need to understand what their home insurance covers regarding wild animal removal from their homes. Most policies do not cover this service, but several companies are available that specialize in humane wildlife removal services at additional costs. Taking these steps can ensure that you and any unwanted critters will be safely removed without putting anyone at risk of harm or further damage to the property. Contact Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc today – we can help you find the right policy.

Lynnwood, WA area residents can rely on Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. We are a full-service insurance agency that is proud to serve our community. Call or stop by today to learn more about homeowners’ policies and all other types of insurance. 

Review your insurance before starting a home addition

It is common to outgrow the space provided by a family home. If your needs exceed your square footage, an addition is often an effective solution to the problem. If you have decided to add to your home rather than move, double-check your current policy before beginning the renovation.

When your project is underway, you’ll want additional liability coverage to protect the workers in your home. This protection may also help to cover any damage that occurs during the construction. Once your addition is complete, the value of your property will likely be higher. 

A higher property value could also mean that there needs to be an increase in insurance protection as well. Be sure to review your current policy levels to ensure that you will have adequate coverage once the project is complete. These are just a few examples of how your home insurance needs can change. Even if you aren’t planning a large addition or renovation project at your home, it’s always a good idea to review your homeowner’s policy regularly.

Give us a call today!

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc is here to help! If you live in the Lynnwood, WA area and have questions about home insurance, let us know. We can help you review your current policy to ensure it provides the protection you need. Call or stop by today!