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.

How Can My Business Benefit from Business Interruption Insurance?

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If you have commercial insurance already, consider adding business interruption to protect your resources further. A commercial property policy typically reimburses you for physical damage to your equipment, business property, and inventory. However, it won’t replace lost income if you have to close your business. Business interruption covers lost revenue and overhead costs until you can continue doing business. That can help you cover the lease or mortgage, pay your employees, and keep up with your taxes. Talk to a Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. agent in Lynnwood, WA, to learn more about business interruption.

What You Get From Business Interruption Insurance

BI can help your small to midsize business recover quickly from forced closures beyond your control. Every policy varies, but many BI policies include wildfires, for example. So, you may receive assistance with costs associated with operating offsite while your business property undergoes repairs. Ask your insurance agent about bundling BI with your existing commercial insurance policy. If the unthinkable happens, and you have to shut down your business temporarily, business insurance can make recovery more feasible. 

Business Interruption Versus Commercial Insurance

If you’re still confused about the difference between commercial property and BI, here’s an easy way to remember the difference. Commercial policies cover physical losses, but you need business interruption to receive reimbursement for lost revenue and ongoing expenses. Ask your agent to present policies covering relocation costs, employee wages, loan payments, etc. Keep in mind that BI doesn’t cover events not listed in the policy. You’ll need separate coverage for earthquakes, floods, and mudslides. Losses due to pandemics are also excluded from many policies.

Want a free quote? Contact the Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. team in Lynnwood, WA, to set up an appointment today! 

Tailored Auto Insurance Tips for Lynnwood Residents

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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.

How to Protect Your Roof From Strong Wind Gusts

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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. 

Do Small Businesses Need Commercial Insurance and Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

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Insurance covers business owners’ legal and contractual obligations and limits risk to acceptable levels. Unfortunately, some small business owners do not recognize the risks they take by relying on personal insurance policies to cover business risks. If you own a small business and want to ensure you are covered adequately, contact our Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. team serving Lynnwood, WA, to create a commercial insurance plan that meets your business’s needs.

Commercial Versus Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Businesses come in all shapes and sizes across many industries and have varying needs. Still, most business owners recognize the need for workers’ compensation, commercial property, general liability, and commercial insurance coverage specific to their industry or profession, even when running a small, work-from-home operation. Likewise, commercial rather than personal insurance should cover your business assets.

The same logic applies to motor vehicles used for business purposes. A personal insurance policy does not cover vehicles your company owns or operates for work purposes. Individual policies also do not cover an owner’s or employee’s vehicle when transporting goods, tools, or people for work-related purposes. While an insurance provider might unknowingly cover a work-related fender bender under a personal policy, accidents leading to substantial liability face more scrutiny and may not be covered if business-related.

Regardless of your business, consider talking with your insurance agent about adequately protecting yourself, your employees, and your business. Don’t wait until after an accident happens to learn you are not fully protected.

Working with Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. handles many happy clients’ business and personal insurance needs in the Lynnwood, WA, area. Drop by or call us today to build an insurance plan that protects your business and personal assets.

Three Tips to Get Great Auto Insurance

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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.

Home Insurance for High-Value Items

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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.

Protect Your Business with Commercial Auto Insurance

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As a business owner in Lynnwood, WA, you rely on your vehicles to transport goods, equipment, and employees to various locations. But have you considered the potential risks and liabilities of operating these vehicles on the road? That’s why Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc sells commercial auto insurance.

What is commercial auto insurance?

Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles that are used for business purposes. These include cars, trucks, vans, and other vehicles owned, leased, or rented by businesses. Commercial auto insurance covers liability, collision, comprehensive damages, passenger medical payments, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Why do you need commercial auto insurance?

Unlike personal auto insurance, commercial auto insurance protects your business operations, vehicles, and drivers from financial losses. If an accident occurs while driving for work, your business can be held liable for damages and injuries caused by your drivers. Commercial auto insurance helps cover these costs and protect your business assets from lawsuits.

What does commercial auto insurance cover?

Commercial auto insurance covers a wide range of risks unique to business operations. These can include liability for bodily injury and property damage, collision, comprehensive damages, medical payments to passengers, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and more. Depending on your business operations and vehicles, other endorsements may be needed to fully cover your needs.

As a business owner in Lynnwood, WA, you need to ensure that your vehicles and drivers are protected from risks and liabilities that can arise on the road. Commercial auto insurance provides comprehensive coverage for your business vehicles and drivers, allowing you to focus on growing your business without worrying about potential losses from accidents and lawsuits. Contact Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc to get started and give your business the protection it deserves.

Can You Add a Person to Your Policy Before Renewal?

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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. 

Does home insurance cover termites?

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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.