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

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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 to know about changing homeowners insurance policies in Washington

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 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.

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

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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. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Wild Animal Removal?

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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.

Do Online Businesses Need Commercial Insurance?

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While most business owners in Lynnwood, WA know they need some form of insurance, they may need to realize that online businesses also need commercial insurance. This insurance protects businesses from risks, including property damage, liability, and even data breaches. While commercial insurance may seem unnecessary, it could save your business a lot of money in the long run. Keep reading from Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc to learn more about the importance of insurance for eCommerce businesses.

What is commercial insurance?

Commercial insurance is a policy that protects business owners and operators from financial losses resulting from claims or lawsuits related to their business operations. Commercial insurance policies can be customized to fit the specific needs of a business. They can cover a wide range of potential risks, including property damage, liability for injuries or damage caused by the company, product liability, and professional liability.

Do online businesses need commercial insurance?

Commercial insurance is vital for online businesses. The internet has enabled companies to reach a global audience, increasing the risks associated with running a business. Commercial insurance can help protect your online business from various risks, such as cybercrime, data breaches, and reputational damage.

How do I get commercial insurance for my online business?

At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc, we understand that your business is essential to you. That’s why we offer commercial insurance policies that can help protect your company in Lynnwood, WA. Whether you’re looking for property, liability, or commercial insurance, we can help you find the right policy for your business. Please contact us today to learn more about our commercial insurance options.

Common Add-Ons and Policies for Auto Insurance Purchase

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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.

Review your current policy before putting an addition on your Lynnwood home

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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!

Is Commercial Insurance Necessary for a Washington Resident?

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Starting a thriving and productive business venture in Washington presents unique risks. Different risks ranging from a client’s injuries, a client filing a lawsuit, to a natural peril striking are probable propagators of loss to your business. Without commercial insurance, it may force you to settle costly damage and legal suits out of pocket culminating in detrimental financial consequences. Some scenarios may impact your business negatively, culminating in a shutdown. Are you at an impasse about finding the right commercial coverage for your business entity in Lynnwood, WA? Please visit our agents at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc today.

Is commercial insurance necessary?

Buying good commercial insurance from Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. provides a broad spectrum of benefits, including:

Covering of advertising liability

If your business entity infringes on any copyright rule of other existing businesses or parties, liability insurance, comes in and caters to any legal liability against such accusations.

Safeguarding your employees

Worker’s comp insurance is mandatory in Washington for several business entities harboring employees. Hence, it’s paramount to have workers’ comp insurance that caters to work-related injuries or sickness for employees working on your premises. They are also guaranteed missed wages and funeral benefits.

Protection from lawsuits

In the litigious society we thrive in, especially in Lynnwood, WA, there is a likelihood of being sued by either a client or an employee. Any business is prone to impending expensive lawsuits. There is no reason to get stressed because your workers’ comp insurance chips in and settle the lawsuit fees.

It protects business assets.

Businesses are subject to unanticipated phenomena like vandalism and hailstorms ravaging your business assets. Procuring prolific commercial insurance from Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. will cushion your business assets like computers and furniture from imminent perils.

Are you a business owner searching for salient commercial insurance in Lynnwood, WA? Please don’t hesitate to speak to our dedicated agents at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. and get more information about commercial insurance.

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Auto Insurance

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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.

Do I Need Separate Insurance for My Backyard Shed?

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If you’re planning to buy a shed or build one yourself, you’ll have to think about many things. You’ll need to decide where to build it, how much space it will take up, and what materials you’ll use. You might even want to add extra features, like a window or a door. But no matter how much research you do, one thing might be on your mind: what happens if your shed is damaged or destroyed?

At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., we’re here to help you protect your home and belongings, including your shed. If you have a shed on your property in Lynnwood, WA, read more to learn how we can help you protect it.

Understanding "Other Structures" Coverage

You might already know that your homeowner’s policy covers your home and the things inside it. But did you know that it also covers other structures on your property?

Most homeowner’s policies have an ‘other structures’ coverage covering the costs of repairing damage to structures other than your home. These can include fences, detached garages, and, yes, sheds.

This vital coverage protects your other structures from the perils affecting your home. For example, if a fire damages your shed, the insurer will pay to repair or replace it as if your home was damaged.

Other structures’ coverage limit is about 10% of your home’s dwelling coverage. However, this coverage can be higher or lower depending on the policy. You can find out more about this coverage by contacting your local Lynnwood, WA, insurance agent. Contact Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. today.