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.

Documents that you should always have in your vehicle when driving

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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.

 

How to Get the Best out of Your Home Insurance Policy

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How can you make the most of your home insurance? A few tweaks here and there can help you harness the power of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. in Lynnwood, WA, we are dedicated to educating our clients on insurance matters to ensure they make informed decisions when investing in insurance. Today, let’s help you get the best bang for your bucks regarding home insurance.

Know what your home insurance covers

You can’t get the best out of your policy if you don’t know what it covers. Typical home insurance covers the following areas:

  • Liability protection
  • Dwelling protection
  • Contents coverage
  • Loss of use

Please refer to your fine print or clarify with your insurance agent about the specific risks covered by your policy for better clarity.

Know your home insurance exclusions

It is essential to know what your home insurance covers. It’s also important to understand what your policy excludes. This way, your claim insurance will be smooth. Plus, it helps to understand “add-ons” you should consider to boost your home insurance. Typical home insurance doesn’t cover floods, earthquakes, intentional damage, sewer backup, or normal wear and tear.

Review your home insurance policy periodically.

You should review your home insurance at least once every year. This ensures that your current needs are well-covered in your policy. However, sometimes you don’t have to wait for a year to lapse to sit with your insurance agent. If the below happens, talk to your insurer ASAP to adjust your policy:

  • Inclusion of a pet
  • Significant renovations
  • Changes in local building costs
  • Inclusion of a swimming pool or trampoline
  • Starting a home-based business

Were you looking for a trusted insurance agent in Lynnwood, WA? You can’t go wrong with Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. Get in touch with us today to get the conversation started.

Types of commercial insurance most business can benefit from

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Every business faces risks, Not all businesses face the same risks, Having an insurance agent who understands your particular business and the types of risks you face is important. In Lynnwood, WA, Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc is an independent insurance agency with almost 40 years of experience making sure our customers have the insurance they need at a price they can afford. 

Liability coverage

Businesses are particularly vulnerable to legal actions against them. About one-third of businesses are involved in some sort of suit every year. That means that pretty much every business can benefit from having liability coverage. This coverage will pay not only for a judgment but for legal expenses. It can mean the difference between being forced to close and continuing. 

Property coverage

Property coverage protects the building where your business is located if you own it, but it also covers much more than that. It covers the things you need to conduct your business. If you own a store, that can mean inventory and display racks and your cash register. If you are a plumber, it is your tools and any inventory that you have. Different businesses will have different items to cover, but this is the insurance that will provide that protection. 

Business interruption insurance

If your business is hit by a covered peril, you may not be able to operate for a while while the damage is repaired or until you find a new location. Just because your income has dried up doesn’t mean the obligations on your business have gone away. This coverage can pay bills as well as salaries. 

In Lynnwood, WA, Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc is here to make sure you get the insurance that you need. Give us a call or stop by the office for a no-obligation quote. 

Types of Auto Insurance

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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!

What Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover?

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The truth is that it can be overwhelming when you are shopping for homeowners’ insurance. There are many different plans, all with their own prices. They all cover different things, for different amounts. 

That being said, most standard homeowners’ insurance will cover the same thing. These include: 

Damage due to fire and smoke. They will cover any damage to your home if you have a fire in your home. Even if you have smoke damage, they should cover that too. Some plans even cover damage due to wildfires. 

Damage from storms. Most plans cover storm damage, whether it is caused by severe thunderstorms, snow, or even ice storms. They will cover any damage caused by lightning, wind, or even hail. 

Damage to your roofs. Though a leaky roof doesn’t sound too bad, the truth is that it can cause substantial water damage. You may even find yourself dealing with mold and other unsafe living conditions. 

Plumbing issues. Most homeowners insurance will cover anything to do with plumbing. The most commonly cover issues that occur from frozen pipes. 

Electrical problems and power surges. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover electrical problems and power surges.

Damage caused by other people. Homeowners’ insurance policies often cover theft and vandalism. It will also help you replace your possessions if someone steals some of your things. Many plans will also cover damage that may occur due to riots or vandalism. 

It will also cover any liabilities. If someone gets injured on your property, you may be held liable. Your policy will cover any medical bills, as well as any legal fees if you are sued. 

If you want to make sure that you have the best policy, don’t hesitate to contact us at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc in Lynnwood, WA. 

Who should get home insurance in Washington?

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Those that are in the Lynnwood, WA area are going to find that owning a home is a good long-term housing option. With owning a home, you are going to have a stable place to live and can enjoy the long-term advantages that come with property ownership. Along with buying a home, you also need to choose the right insurance plan. There are a few situations in which someone should get home insurance.

Intent to Comply with Requirements

The first situation in which someone will want to get a home insurance plan will come when they want to comply with insurance requirements. It is very common to finance a purchase of a home with a mortgage. If this is how you financed your home purchase, you will undoubtedly need to get an insurance plan for it to comply with your lender’s requirements. In many cases, they will require that you have your payments escrowed each month. 

Obtain Coverage for Assets

You also should get this coverage to ensure your assets are protected. When you buy a home, you will be making a major investment that you will want to enjoy for a long time. The best way you can do this is by getting a home insurance plan as it will offer you support if you incur a loss due to a fire, bad weather, or other challenging situation. This plan can also include a coverage provision for your personal assets.

As you are looking to get coverage in the Lynnwood, WA area, it would be helpful to call Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. The team with Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc understands the complexities that come with home insurance. They can offer the support you need to build a plan and maintain proper coverage moving forward. 

Required Commercial Insurance in Washington

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Owning a business in Washington comes with a lot of rules and regulations, and one of those is the type of commercial insurance that your business must have. There are two types that are mandated, and there are several more that are very helpful to business owners without being required by the state. If you have a business in Washington and you need commercial insurance, call us at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc in Lynnwood, WA.

Workers’ Compensation

This type of insurance is required for most businesses that have any number of employees. They can be part-time or full-time, and there can be just one of them, and the insurance is mandatory, though there are a few exceptions to this law. In Washington, workers’ compensation insurance is purchased directly from a state fund rather than from an insurance company. When an employee is covered by workers’ comp insurance, there is protection for your business in case a worker has an accident while working. The policy pays for the medical bills so that your business doesn’t have to. 

Commercial Auto Coverage

This insurance type covers a vehicle that is owned by a Washington business. There are three types of coverage that are required to be in the auto policy, and there are required minimums for each type. The state requires a certain amount of bodily injury liability coverage for one person who is injured in a vehicle accident. There is another required amount for everyone who is injured in a vehicle accident. Another amount is mandated for property damage liability. All of these amounts are fairly low in Washington, so it’s often recommended to get more than the minimum amount of coverage. 

Commercial Coverage

If your business doesn’t have the insurance that it needs, call us at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc in Lynnwood, WA.

Do I Need Auto Insurance In Lynnwood, WA?

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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 home insurance needed in Lynwood?

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Anyone that is in the Lynnwood, WA area will find that this can be a great place to put down roots and buy a home. As you are assessing your home purchase decision, you will always want to ensure that you have the right coverage in place. A great form of coverage that you could need for your property is home insurance. This type of protection could be needed for several reasons.

Coverage Protects Your Asset

A primary reason to get a home coverage plan in this area is so you can protect your asset. If you want to purchase a home, you can find that there are several risks that could lead to a loss including fire, vandalism, or other forms of accidents. With a home insurance plan, you will get the coverage needed to offset this risk.

Coverage is a Requirement

People also will need to have this coverage as it will likely be a requirement. Anyone that is going to purchase a home will consider taking out a mortgage. If you do finance your property, your mortgage lender will require that you carry proper insurance throughout the loan term. To stay in compliance with your loan agreement, you will need to continue to carry this coverage until the loan is repaid. 

Those that are looking to build long-term equity and have a consistent place to call home should consider buying their next home. As you are looking for a home in Lynnwood, WA, you should make sure you also get a good insurance plan. To ensure you choose the best plan for your situation, it would be wise for you to call Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. Those that work with Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc can get the support they need to choose an ideal policy.