The weather is getting dryer and hotter. It’s great for outdoor recreation but can also set the stage for a wildfire to spread. Wildfires can be devastating if they are caused by lightning or man’s folly. It’s important to have your property insured against such disasters. There are also ways to protect your home from too much damage.
How to Protect Your Property from wildfires
One sure way to keep your property safe in the event of wildfire is to clear away dead vegetation and brush. A fire can’t get to your property if there’s no fuel to get there to begin with. You can also create a fuel break using concrete and hardscape. If you have any plants on your property, keep them trimmed and watered. They’ll not only look nicer, but they’ll be more challenging to ignite. For your roof, you should use class A shingles to reduce the chances of an ember landing and causing a fire. Seal off attic vents and windows with a screen so embers don’t get in. Should the worst happen, be prepared to evacuate. Plan an escape route, fuel your car, and assemble a bug-out bag. Keep abreast of the local news so that you will know what to do and where to go.
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, a wildfire can still damage your home and property. Home insurance can help you recoup a good deal of your losses. If you are in the market for home insurance and are in the Wenatchee, WA area, don’t hesitate to contact Wenatchee Insurance Agency. We will do our best to help you get what you need.
So, you want to get full coverage car insurance without having to sell your firstborn? If we aren’t crying, then we are laughing. Buckle up because we’re about to take a joyride of cost-saving tips sprinkled with a bit of humor. Let’s hit the gas!
1. Shop Around Like a Bargain Hunter on Black Friday
What is the hottest Christmas toy that you can remember? Think of car insurance like that. Prices are all over the place depending on where you look. Don’t just settle for the first quote you get—channel your inner bargain hunter and shop around. We shop multiple companies to find a good fit.
Insurance companies love bundling as much as you love a BOGO pizza deal. Combining your car insurance with other policies can save you a pretty penny. We have some companies that you get a discount if we hold one other policy of any type which makes shopping easier.
3. Raise Your Deductible Like You’re Raising the Roof
The higher your deductible, the lower your premium. It’s like saying, “Don’t sweat the little stuff”. I just want you around when things get heavy. Just make sure you can afford that deductible if you ever need to file a claim. There are way too many Gofundmes out there that don’t make it.
4. Drive Like Your Grandma Is Watching
Safe driving pays off. Insurance companies love slow, smooth, steady daylight driver. Avoid accidents and traffic violations, and you’ll be rewarded with lower rates. Plus, your grandma will be so proud of you. Who doesn’t want a proud granny?
Sometimes it is the car.
5. Good Grades = Good Savings
Most insurance companies offer discounts for good grades. Who knew working on your future could help right now? So, next time you’re cramming for that calculus exam, remember it’s not just your GPA on the line—it’s your insurance payments too.
6. Ask for Discounts Like You’re at a Flea Market
Never be shy to ask about discounts. There are discounts for everything from being a loyal customer to simply being a responsible adult who pays bills on time. Channel your inner flea market haggler and see what you can score.
7. Drive a Sensible Car (Sorry, No Kias or Hyundais can be tough)
Insurance companies look at your car and determine how likely it is to be stolen or involved in an accident. The more that you see a car in a video on YouTube being stolen, the harder it is to insure. Look for a car that makes Mayo look spicy. Your insurance premium will thank you.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting the cheapest full coverage car insurance without having to resort to drastic measures. Remember, the road to savings is paved with smart choices—and maybe a little bit of humor along the way.
Matt and Suzie have been helping people find health insurance that they can understand, use and afford. We are already seeing the challenges start to build with the changes to cost for next year.
Yes, every year the rates are put out for public comment for the following year. They are not the final numbers. These remind me of the 2019 increases which means people will be shopping. Select your appointment now.
When to enroll in Health Insurance
Healthcare Open Enrollment starts October 1st runs to December 15th for plans starting January 1st.
If you have a major income adjustment then you want to select from December 1st through 15th.
If you select a healthcare plan from December 16 through January 15th then it will start February 1st.
At Wenatchee Insurance, we enroll year round as people qualify for special enrollments. Plus we also take care of property insurance like cars, homes, and businesses alongside the Health, Medicare and Life Insurances.
Claims are driving up costs to insurance companies, who have to pass it on to consumers. Make your comments known. The more subsidy that you receive then the lower amount since the benchmark plan (second lowest cost silver plan available) will shift. There will be a lot of people shopping, select your appointment early as Suzie and Matt will run out of space available.
Not Covered: Sorry, but if a sinkhole swallows your house, your standard policy just says, “Good luck!”
Add-On Coverage:
Possible Option: You might be able to add sinkhole coverage as an endorsement. Think of it as adding sprinkles to your ice cream – it costs extra, but it’s worth it when your house decides to play hide and seek with the earth.
Earthquake Insurance:
Separate Policy: Earthquake insurance covers when the ground gets all shook up. But for sinkholes, you need a different kind of party invite. Make sure you’ve got the right one!
What Might Be Covered
Structural Damage: If your house takes a dive, this coverage helps put Humpty Dumpty back together again.
Personal Property: Your stuff inside might be covered, so you won’t lose your favorite couch to the abyss.
Living Expenses: If you need a temporary crash pad while your home gets fixed, you might get coverage for that too – so you can avoid moving in with your in-laws.
Steps to Take to cover sinkholes
Review Your Policy: Dust off that policy and see if it mentions sinkholes – spoiler alert: it probably doesn’t.
Contact Wenatchee Insurance: Give them a call and ask about adding sinkhole coverage. “Hey, can I get the sinkhole special, please?”
Consider Earthquake Insurance: It’s a good backup if the ground decides to get jiggy with it, but remember, it’s not the same as sinkhole insurance.
Examples of Insurance Types for sinkholes
Homeowners Insurance: The basic “keep your house covered unless it falls into the earth” policy.
Earthquake Insurance: For when the ground plays maracas.
Sinkhole Insurance (Add-On): Optional coverage for when your house wants to star in a sinkhole documentary.
Talk to your Wenatchee Insurance agent to get the scoop on what’s covered and what’s not. Because nobody wants to wake up to a house that’s decided to dig its own basement!
There is original Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical insurance). Do you know about Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage? It is another way for people eligible for Medicare to receive their healthcare coverage. They are not for everybody however they make up about half the Medicare Enrollments.
They are plans offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans are not available in every county of Washington state. Every year, we undergo rigorous training by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the insurance companies to understand the rules better. They are required by law to cover all medically necessary services that original medicare covers.
One way to look at it is the original Medicare is a General Contractor. The Medicare Advantage company acts like a subcontractor. When you select one of those MA plans original Medicare moves to the background and the Medicare Advantage plan takes care of the healthcare instead.
Comprehensive Coverage: Medicare Advantage plans typically bundle Part A, Part B, and often Part D (prescription drug) coverages. They may also offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as hearing, vision, and dental.
Network Restrictions: These plans usually have network restrictions, meaning you may need to use healthcare providers who are part of the plan’s network. These are often Health Maintenance Organizations or HMO networks. Some plans also have Point of Service plans which benefit clients who travel. Reviewing networks is an important part of the Annual Enrollment Period!
Out-of-Pocket Costs: While Medicare Advantage plans can have lower premium costs, they may have different out-of-pocket costs compared to Original Medicare. They usually have co-pays for services like a traditional healthcare plan.
Additional Benefits: Many plans offer extras such as gym memberships or fitness clubs, transportation to medical appointments, and wellness programs. These are incentives or perks on top of the medical coverage that can be very attractive to clients.
Annual Enrollment: Beneficiaries can choose or switch Medicare Advantage plans during the annual enrollment periods.
From October 1st to October 14th is the review period where you can see the changes for the upcoming enrollment year.
October 15th through December 7th is the Annual Enrollment Period. This allows you to review and make changes to your Medicare plans.
Medicare Advantage plans vary greatly in terms of costs, benefits, and restrictions, so clients should compare different plans to find one that best meets their health needs.
Suzie McColm at Wenatchee Insurance has been assisting people to understand and select plans for over ten years. She also has held a pharmacy technician’s license for over twenty years which is valuable in understanding the prescription side of coverage.
When we talk about “full coverage” car insurance at Wenatchee Insurance, we mean a bundle of insurance types that provides greater protection for your car.
Liability Insurance: This is a must-have. It pays for any damage or injuries you cause to others if you’re responsible for an accident. Washington State requires a minimal amount so you may want more to be safe.
Collision Insurance: This part covers damage to your car if you get into an accident, no matter who caused it. It’s usually required by the bank if you still owe money on your car because it helps fix or replace it. Pay attention to any deductible.
Comprehensive Insurance: This covers other types of damage to your car not caused by an accident. Mean people, dumb animals and acts God. For example: If your neighbors’ pitbull chews off your tire then you have coverage. Pay attention to any deductible.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection: This helps cover costs if another driver causes an accident and doesn’t have enough insurance (or any at all) to pay for the damage to you or your car. With 1 in 5 drivers in Washington state not having insurance, this can be incredibly handy.
Additional full coverage information:
Banks and other places that lend money for cars often require you to have all these types of insurance. They do this to protect their investment in your car while you’re still paying it off. It makes sure your car stays in good shape and keeps its value as long as you owe money on it. This setup keeps both you and the lender secure until you finish paying for your car.
If you are expecting your transmission to be repaired when breaks down, your laptop replaced after being stolen from your trunk, or your after-market parts replaced when not listed on your policy then you are going to be upset because those require other than full coverage. Let’s talk.
When going through the interwebs, I saw the question of someone asking what people ‘prefer a PPO or an HDHP when it came to a health insurance plan from work’. While they are using the alphabet it is looking at different attributes of a health plan in a chocolate cake with apple pie comparison.
When choosing between a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), it’s helpful to consider advice from experts like those at Wenatchee Insurance Agency. Here’s what you might hear from them, along with some examples to make it clearer:
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
Flexibility: PPO plans are great if you want the freedom to select a doctor that accepts insurance. For instance, if you have a preferred pediatrician at Confluence, a Cardiologist at Samaritan, and another specialist in Spokane, this plan might be best because you can visit them without needing a referral.
Costs: Wenatchee Insurance Agency might point out that while PPOs have higher monthly costs, they cover more from the start. With the wide networks, look to see if they have co-pays that occur before deductible.
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
In the old days, we called these MEC plans or Minimum Essential Coverage. These were designed to cheaply cover the ten essential coverages that every plan was required to have to avoid paying a tax penalty. The tax penalty went away on the Federal level in 2019.
Saving Money: If you’re looking to save on monthly premiums and you don’t often need medical care, an HDHP could be a better choice. For example, if you’re generally healthy and mainly need coverage in case of emergencies, the lower monthly cost could benefit you.
You take the difference between the money you would spend on an expensive plan and putting it into a savings account for later.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Wenatchee Insurance Agency would also highlight the advantage of an HSA with an HDHP if it qualifies. This is a way to save money tax-free for health expenses. Say you put $50 into your HSA each month; this money can be used for medical expenses. Some of these accounts have investment options like a 401K.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Imagine a family where one member has a chronic condition requiring multiple specialist visits. A PPO might be better for them because it reduces the hassle of getting referrals and handles more costs upfront.
Example 2: Consider a young, single person who rarely goes to the doctor. An HDHP with lower monthly payments and an HSA might be more cost-effective. This person can save money in an HSA for future needs while enjoying lower premiums.
Advice from Wenatchee Insurance Agency
Wenatchee Insurance Agency would advise looking at your current health needs and financial situation. If your family has ongoing medical needs or prefers the flexibility of seeing various specialists without barriers, a PPO might be the way to go. However, if your primary concern is budget and you are in good health, an HDHP could be more appropriate.
In summary, choosing between a PPO and an HDHP involves balancing your health care needs with your financial capabilities. Wenatchee Insurance Agency suggests that by understanding these differences and considering your personal circumstances, you can make a choice that best suits your needs and budget.
Reviewing and reading insurance plans is critical. Having an adviser that you trust is an important step.
You probably haven’t heard about the “family glitch”. The “family glitch” is an old rule in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) makes health insurance too expensive. It was impacting about 5 million of Americans and made a lot of people mad.
Here’s how it worked: The ACA said that big employers have to offer health insurance that’s affordable for their full-time workers and their families.
It was frustrating because it made getting health insurance hard.
Health Insurance Rule Change
This “family glitch” was impacting millions of American and was fixed by an IRS rules change. It is why a person now needs to know the lowest cost to cover the employee and the lowest cost to cover the entire family.
If an employer now offers a plan that is unaffordable, for the family then the family members can get their health insurance with the marketplace and be eligible for advanced premium tax credits to lower their monthly cost of insurance.
The employee has access to affordable health insurance from their employer and the family has affordable insurance on the marketplace. It’s a win/win.
Free help understanding Health Insurance
Not everyone knows about this important change in health insurance and this is why Suzie and Matt like to go over applications as minor adjustments can mean the difference between having coverage and not. They ran the Enrollment Center in Wenatchee assisting people for years understanding and enrolling into insurance plans without charging fees.
Wenatchee Insurance is an independent agency that does not charge fees and have extensive experience working with the Washington Healthplanfinder, Apple Health and Medicare to provide usable options for our clients.
Battle of the Quotes: Treat insurance shopping like a reality TV show contest. Shayla enters the information into a rater and see which companies come out on top. May the best rate win!
Best of all no spam like from the some of the internet quote engines.
Deductible Daredevil: Boost your deductible to lower your premiums. It’s like a game of financial chicken—how high can you go without sweating bullets every time you drive?
Pro-tip: If you pay Deductible Daredevil put the amount into an interest bearing account so it is ready if you ever need it and you will be making a money from your stash.
Discount Detective: Turn into Sherlock Holmes and hunt down every discount possible. Safe driver? Check. Low mileage? Check. Anti-theft system? Triple check. Leave no stone unturned in your quest for the ultimate deal.
Bulk Buying Bonanza: Bundle your car insurance with other policies like homeowners or renters insurance. It’s like buying in bulk at the grocery store but instead of toilet paper, you’re saving on peace of mind.
Credit Score Gymnastics: Boosting your credit score can lower your premiums. Think of it as financial gymnastics—flex those credit muscles and watch the rates tumble!
With these tips, you’ll hopefully not only save some cash but also have a chuckle along the way!
Car Insurance Summary
Shopping for insurance can be overwhelming. At Wenatchee Insurance, we work hard at making insurance understandable and usable. We only work in Washington State and do not sell your data across the planet because we are an independent local insurance agency.
For nearly a decade we have assisted with Health & Medicare Solutions. We are proud to be selected by the Washington Healthplanfinder to be one of ten Enrollment Centers located in Washington State.
