Lynnwood WA

Summer Home Cleaning Tips

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Keeping your home safe from intruders and making sure you have the proper amount of insurance is the best way to keep your home protected. In Lynnwood, WA, Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. can get you started on a home insurance policy.

Every season there are always tasks that need to get done so your home looks and feels brand new. With these quick and easy home-cleaning tips for this summer, you’ll never spend too much time scrubbing again.

Start with the Bathroom

The bathroom seems to be the most difficult and well-avoided area to clean. Remove any dust from corners or tight spaces with a vacuum, then wash the bathroom mat or rug. Depending on the type of tub you have, you may want to use a cleaning material that is safe for all types of tubs. With deep stains and a porous surface, you should use Borax and water to clean the stains. The sink and toilet can be cleaned with bleach and water, but don’t mix bleach with any other chemicals.

Mopping and Dusting the Floors

For people with hardwood flooring, it may seem easy to clean, but there is a lot to think about. You cannot just use any floor cleaning material, or you will risk stripping the wood. The first step would be to get a Swiffer dust mop to remove any dust. If you decide to vacuum, the wheels may scratch the flooring. You could do a test before going that route. Once you’ve removed all of the dust bunnies, then you can mop the floor with a cleaner specifically designed to clean wood floors. If part of your home is tile, you should get a multipurpose floor cleaner that can be used on wood and tile.

Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. in Lynnwood, WA have representatives available to help you secure your home’s insurance policy today. Reach out to our offices to get a quote and get started on a policy.

What Can Be Covered by Commercial Insurance?

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Commercial insurance in Lynnwood, WA can protect your business from lawsuits or other catastrophic events. There are plenty of insurance options that will help protect businesses and cover a wide variety of problems. Depending on your business, you may need different types of insurance and an agent at Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc can help you with your options.

  • Liability insurance will cover a business against harm due to mistakes of their products or services. Every industry has certain concerns that are addressed in a professional liability policy so that you have maximum coverage.
  • Property insurance will cover the space. No matter if it’s a leased or owned space, this will include events like fire, storms, or theft. This will not cover events that cause mass destruction, like foods and earthquakes.
  • If a business has employees, workers comp will cover medical treatment and any death benefits if an employee suffered an injury as a result of work performed in that business.
  • Product liability covers your business if a product you manufacture is involved in a lawsuit. Coverage should be tailored to the type of product.
  • If you have company vehicles, commercial auto insurance will protect your business, similar to how the individual is protected with regular auto insurance. If employees are using their own vehicles, they will be covered under their own policies. However, if they are delivering goods for a fee, there is an exception to them using their vehicles.
  • If an event happens where a business cannot operate, business interruption insurance will help compensate for any lost income during this event. For businesses that operate at a location, such as a retail store, this type of insurance coverage should be necessary to prevent losses. It is important to note that home-based businesses will not be covered by their typical homeowner’s insurance policy.

Contact an agent at Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc serving Lynnwood, WA to get a quote on commercial insurance. Our agents are ready to answer your questions and work with you to get the coverage your business needs.

Aside From Drunk Driving, What Reasons Require You to Get SR-22 Insurance?

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If you have been convicted of drunk driving, you will be required to obtain SR-22 auto insurance when your driving privileges are once again reinstated. SR-22 insurance is a type of auto insurance that has a higher coverage level than regular auto insurance. The reason for this is because you are now considered a high risk driver and the state wants to make sure you have enough insurance to cover any accidents you may cause as a high risk driver.

At Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc., serving the greater Lynnwood, WA area, we often hear the myth that SR-22 insurance is only for drunk drivers. SR-22 insurance can be ordered for other drivers who have not driven drunk. Here are two other reasons you may be required to obtain and carry this type of auto insurance. 

You Have Been Caught Driving Without Insurance

If you have been caught driving without auto insurance multiple times, or if you were involved in a car accident and did not have auto insurance, the courts may require you to obtain an SR-22 auto insurance policy before they allow you to drive once again. 

You Have a Poor Driving Record

The second reason why the courts may require you to obtain SR-22 auto insurance outside of drunk driving is that you have a poor driving record. If you drive recklessly or have multiple accidents, the courts can require you to carry this type of auto insurance before reinstating your driving privileges. 

If you have been ordered by the courts to obtain SR-22 auto insurance, you may be in the market to buy one of these types of auto insurance policies. When you need one in the greater Lynnwood, WA area, let Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. help you. Contact us today and let us help you find the best Sr-22 auto insurance policy for you. 

Why An Annual Review Is Necessary For Home Insurance Policies

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A lot of home insurance policyholders in Lynnwood, WA do not see the importance of reviewing their policies annually. Unfortunately, this does more harm than good. In Lynnwood, WA, a lot of policyholders believe that reviewing their policies will lead to increases in their premium. They often ignore the benefits therein.

Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. will always notify you if there is an increase in your premium. Based on the terms of service in Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. and other reputable insurance companies in the state, here are the reasons you should review your home insurance annually.

In case of an upgrade in your home

It is possible to renovate or retrofit your home. You could also build an additional structure on your property.These upgrades to your home raise its value tremendously. Yes, reviewing your home after the upgrade may lead to an increase in your premium and deductible, but it also means you will be paid more in case of loss or damage.

In case of a disaster, you don’t want to be compensated based on the old value of your home after upgrading it. So, it is essential to review your home insurance policy after an upgrade.

Increase in premium

The premium on your home insurance policy can increase without your knowledge. Although reputable insurance companies will not increase your premium without a legitimate reason, premiums do seldom increase. You will be informed why during the review.

Possible discounts

If you decide to install security gadgets or alarm systems in your home to prevent intrusion and burglary, you should review your insurance as you may be entitled to certain discounts. An insurance review is not only about an increase in the premiums, but it is also about possible discounts as well.

Home rental

It has become a common occurrence to rent out homes to tourists. If you decide to rent out your home to guests, you should also review your home insurance policy. You don’t want to pay for the carelessness of your tenants.

In conclusion, whether there is a change in your home or not, it is important to review your home insurance policy annually because the laws guiding home insurance often change. You may lose money for years if you are not aware of specific changes. An annual review is a great way to keep yourself updated.

 

Does Your Business Insurance Cover Harassment?

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One of the biggest problems companies face is the responsibility for their employee’s actions, especially if someone is harmed or suffers a loss because of the activity. Typically, commercial insurance is intended to protect the business with regards to the services and products it offers consumers. However, the employee activity that can generate a liability goes far beyond what is sold. It can include vehicle accidents, harassment or harm to another employee, accidental or intentional business property damage, and more. According to Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc, generic commercial insurance isn’t necessarily all-encompassing that it covers every employee action possible. Insurance may instead need to be addressed by workers compensation, and a custom policy may be necessary for personal actions unrelated to a work function.

Lynnwood, WA businesses are no different from any other location. They need people to help operations and support the growth of the company. However, even with rules, employee handbooks, and supervisors monitoring activity, a company still has responsibility for what it’s employees do under the legal concept of vicarious liability. As a result, it is essential that when a business seeks to protect itself from operational activities, the commercial and business policy chosen includes contingencies for employee actions. It’s a bit like homeowners insurance; you don’t intend to have someone fall in your house and break their hip, but when it does, the coverage is a significant financial solution.

Contact us

The experts at Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc can help. We can examine your Lynwood, WA business, how its currently structured, how the company is expected to grow over time, and then match it up with a coverage policy that makes sense. Ideally, a company should be served by a policy that fits its size, employee activity scope, and addresses typical employee-caused risks. That way management can focus on productivity and stop spending so much time worrying about an employee going off the range any possible moment. Reach out to our agents to learn more.

How to Prevent Car Break-Ins at the Mall

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Anywhere a large number of cars is present, such as at the mall, thieves may also be present. This gives them a variety of vehicles that they can pick to break into. Allowing them to select the ones that look easiest or have items that appeal to them which are visible inside. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc., serving the greater Lynnwood, WA area, we want to help you to keep your car safe. Here are a few tips on how to keep your car safe from break-ins while at the mall.

Keep Your Doors Locked, and Windows Rolled Up

It may sound obvious, but one of the best ways to prevent your car from being broken into is to make sure your doors are locked, and your windows are rolled up all the way. Do not crack the windows. It may allow thieves easier access to your car. Always be sure your vehicle is locked when you walk away.

Hide Valuables

It is best not to store anything in your car. However, if you have bags from shopping or other valuables in your car, make sure they are hidden. If your vehicle looks empty, a thief may not want to waste their time.

Park in a Populated Area

The last tip to prevent car break-ins is to park in a populated area. You may want to park out away from other cars to avoid dings to your vehicle, but if your car is isolated, it makes it an easier target for thieves.

Keeping your car safe from break-ins is just one of the things you can do to keep your vehicle safe. Another important thing to do is to have the right insurance coverage on your car. If you are in the market for a new auto insurance policy in the Lynnwood, WA area, Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. would love to assist you. Call us now to get started.

Who is Responsible for Damages Caused to a Fence When It’s Shared?

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In Lynnwood, WA, the agents of Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc are well-versed in property law and how to handle disputes when it comes to fence repair between neighbors. Everyone wants privacy, but it comes at a cost when you put up a fence along a property line that divides two neighboring lots. Both sides share a portion of the responsibility. It’s important to know each party’s portion of the liability to avoid legal disputes if the fence is damaged in any way.

Putting Up the Fence

If you plan on putting up a boundary or privacy fence between you and your neighbor, you will have to ensure that it complies with any local and state fencing laws. Permits may be required in your location, while they may not be in others. In Washington, if you put up a fence that only serves your purpose and it runs along your side of the property line, you have sole responsibility for its maintenance and any repairs that may be needed.

Sharing Responsibility

If you and your neighbor both "share" the fence, it means you both benefit from its presence. In this case, any repairs and maintenance would be shared equally between the two of you. Most neighbors mutually agree that when the fence benefits both parties, each should contribute equally to its upkeep. However, if your neighbor moves and new neighbors take possession of the property, the agreement is null and void. You will have to establish a new deal with the new owners.

The agents of Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc can answer your questions when it comes to fencing disputes and how to resolve them effectively. If you live in the Lynnwood, WA area and need answers about your liability when it comes to a damaged fence you share with your neighbors, call an agent to discuss your options and evaluate your existing insurance policy.

Does an at-home business need commercial insurance?

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Running a business from your home office does not necessarily mean that you are completely exempt from needing any insurance coverage. You don’t have the same risks hanging over your head as you would if you ran a factory, a storefront, a warehouse, or even if you were doing house calls, but you do take on some risks, for instance:

General Liability

You need an amount of liability coverage if anyone is going to be visiting you at your home office. Your existing liability policy might be enough coverage if nobody ever really visits except for maybe your business partner or the occasional client. If you are having people regularly coming to your home to buy from you or to show up for photo shoots, hairdressing, or anything related, then you may need to talk to Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc in Lynnwood, WA about getting your Washington business covered for basic liability concerns.

Libel And Legal Concerns

If you work in any capacity as a publisher or a content producer, then it may be worth looking into professional liability coverage. This will help you to keep your assets safe should you be hit with a libel case, for instance. In truth, most libel cases are a bluff. People send cease and desist orders to try and scare you into taking something down. Although, it’s good to have the backing of professional liability insurance to make sure that you can afford to call them on that bluff.

No matter your industry, you probably have some insurance concerns to consider. Whatever your risks, it might not be a bad idea to call Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc to keep your Lynnwood, WA business covered. Our agents can help answer your questions and guide you through the insurance process.

How to Find the Right Auto Insurance Policy for You and Your Family in Washington

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In Lynnwood, WA and the surrounding areas, obtaining limited liability insurance is required by law before you are capable of operating a motor vehicle on the road. With a minimum of $25,000 coverage per person and $10,000 for property damage required in an insurance policy, it is important to compare and review your options before deciding. Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. is available to facilitate the process of obtaining insurance and protecting both you and your vehicle anytime you drive. 

Consider Your Household Finances

Before selecting an auto insurance policy for your vehicle, consider your current expendable budget and financial standing. Obtaining multiple insurance quotes for your vehicle is also a way to determine the best method of getting the coverage you need that is also affordable for you and your family. 

Review Policy Terms and Benefits

Always be sure to review policy terms based on the type of auto insurance you are considering. Whether you are seeking limited liability insurance, collision coverage, or comprehensive coverage, inquire about your options and coverage limits with a professional insurance agent to help with making your decision. Ask about protecting yourself, your vehicle, and others who may be involved in an automobile accident with you before selecting an insurance policy that is ideal for your needs. For more information on each type of insurance coverage available, reach out to our agents to have all your questions answered.

To get an auto insurance quote for you or your family in Lynnwood, WA, get in touch with Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. today. We can help guide you through the options and assist in determining the policies that are right for you.

Protecting Specific Valuables at Home

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Most home insurance plans are designed for the general protection of a Lynnwood, WA home. That means the policy is primarily focused on the structure of the house. These types of policies will include terms that help provide some level of recovery and restoration of personal belongings in the home, but it tends to be limited to a set dollar amount for everything. That approach doesn’t quite work when a customer has a specific type of valuable in the home, such as artwork or a jewelry.

Instead, what a customer needs, in terms of specific protection, is known as a rider in the insurance industry. This is an added on coverage tied to the homeowners’ insurance plan that is specific to the high-value item that needs to be covered. It is based on a certified appraisal of the item and then provides specific financial coverage for the item itself versus any other belongings in the home. The rider does come with an added cost, but this is to offset the specific high-value item risk added to the general home protection. Every rider is specific and unique, the crafting of the language and policy has to usually be handled case by case.

To find out more about how a Washington home can benefit from a rider on its coverage, the folks at Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc in Lynnwood, WA can help with questions and provide more information. We are experts in crafting unique policy packages for customers from a variety of insurance provider sources and can match the right policy with the right need every time. Give us a call today to get the protection you need or stop by our office.