Author: Matt McColm

Medicare and Health Insurance Appointments

Posted on by Matt McColm
We have your insurance

October 15th through December 7th is the Annual Open Enrollment Period for Medicare. This allows people on Medicare plans to make an adjustment for plans that start the following year. If you had a big change in health or want to review plans then this is your chance to do so.

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Medicare Appointment

Health is different. Health starts November 1st and runs until December 15th for plans that start January 1st. Then there is a bonus enrollment from December 16th through January 15th for plans that start February 1st.

Book Health or Medicare with Suzie in Wenatchee

Health appointment with Suzie

With our past enrollments we know that space is going to be limited. To give you a better understanding.

We have grown a lot!

We have sped up considerable. As the following is new policies that we have written for just 2023. This is not our full list as renewals grow every year for us.

We provide all of our clients with the opportunity to understand and change policies every year. This is why we request clients that want this opportunity to set their appointment ASAP. Yes, we have grown 241% since 2019. We run 7 days a week for most of the enrollment period.

PEBB and other retirement plans

If you want information about a PEBB Plan then you have to go to the Healthcare Authority. They do not contract with brokers and do not provide training for your plans. We recognize that they can use additional customer service but we can not answer your retirement plan questions during Enrollment Periods. Go here for PEBB & SEBB information and contact your state representative for more customer service for your retirement plan.

Apple Health at Wenatchee Insurance

The Apple Health Unwinding has a huge amount of people looking for insurance.

Apple Health started verifying their clients in April this year. This was after several years of pause due to the medical emergency. We set up a website and have been working hard at assisting everyone that we can in Central Washington keep their Apple Health or transfer into a plan that they can afford. Suzie and Matt work with Apple Health out of our office at 413 Mission in Wenatchee.

Healthcare Regardless of Immigration Status.

Matt at the Enrollment Center has been waiting for nearly a decade. November 1st we start Enrolling. A person can set their appointment now. Selection your appointment now and you can have a plan that starts January 1st 2024!

Suzie Appointment

An Home, Auto, or Business Policy in Wenatchee or start a quote on our Website.

Topics: Health Insurance, Medicare, Prescription, Plan D, Medicare Advantage, Enrollment Center, Wenatchee Insurance, Quincy, Immigrant Health Insurance, Medicaid, Apple Health, Unwinding, Molina, Community Health, Amerigroup,

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Will skipping Home Insurance in Eastern Washington save me money?

Posted on by Matt McColm
home insurance is not something to skip
Home Insurance is safety net

With the national average of homeowners insurance rising 20% to $1400 more people are choosing to go without. Twelve percent are choosing to ‘go bareback’ without home insurance and about half of the uncovered homes have an income of $40,000.  We created Wenatchee Insurance to provide more people access to shopping an independent agency.

My grandmother instructed me to always pay the fire insurance after the mortgage as she saw too many people lose everything. In 2014  Central Washington had the Carlton Complex fire with 553 structures lost and nearly half were uninsured. Nine years later not everything has recovered.

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Home insurance is like a safety net for your house. It helps protect you in case something bad happens, like a fire, a big storm, or a robbery. If you’re thinking about not getting home insurance, here are some things to think about:

Rules from the Bank: If you have a loan for your house, the bank might say you have to get insurance. They want to make sure their investment is safe. In some cases, if you default then they will purchase coverage in their favor at your expense.

Fall liability insurance

Being Ready for Trouble: If something really bad happens to your house, like a big fire, having insurance could help you pay for fixing things. If you’re confident you could pay for repairs yourself, you might consider skipping insurance. Do you have the thousands in the bank to rebuild your losses?

Where You Live: If you live in a place where things like floods, earthquakes, or fires can happen, it’s riskier. Insurance could help you if these things damage your house. In the Pacific Northwest, some studies are pointing to dryer, warmer summers which lead to more wildfires.

Stuff You Have: If you have valuable things in your house, like expensive electronics or jewelry, insurance could help replace them if they’re stolen or destroyed.

Someone Gets Hurt: If someone comes to your house and gets hurt, insurance could help pay if they sue you. Liability is a big issue.

Remember, skipping insurance could be risky. If something bad happens, you might have a hard time paying for repairs or replacing your things. It’s a good idea to talk to someone who knows about money and insurance before deciding. Wenatchee Insurance Agency shops multiple companies to make sure our neighbors can rebuild from a loss.

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, Home Insurance, Manufactured Home Insurance, Mobile home insurance, Wenatchee, Chelan, Fire Insurance, Okanogan, Douglas County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping, Wild Fire, Carlton Fire, BLM, Eastern Washington, Climate Change, Drought, Independent Insurance Agency,

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How does insurance bundling save me money?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Insurance bundling, also known as multi-line or multi-policy insurance, refers to the practice of purchasing multiple insurance policies from the same insurance company. Instead of buying individual policies for different types of coverage, such as auto, home, and life insurance, a customer can bundle these policies together.

While this used to be common in captive insurance companies, it has expanded into independent agencies as well. Some insurance providers will provide a bundling discount if another policy is within the same agency!

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Insurance bundling is convenient and can save money. Insurance companies typically offer discounts to customers who bundle multiple policies with them. This can lead to reduced premiums compared to purchasing each policy separately from different providers. Additionally, bundling simplifies the administrative process, as customers only need to deal with one insurance company for their various policies.

Common types of insurance policies that are bundled include:

Auto and Home Insurance: Combining these two policies is a common example of bundling. Customers who own both a vehicle and a home can benefit from a discount by purchasing both policies from the same insurer.

Life and Health Insurance: Some insurance companies offer life insurance and health insurance bundles. Yes, we can assist with Dental, Life, Health, and Medicare Insurance along with property.

Business Insurance Bundles: For business owners, insurance companies often offer packages that combine different types of business insurance, such as general liability, cyber coverage, commercial property, and business interruption insurance. These are often referred to as a Business Owner’s Policy or BOP.

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Umbrella Insurance: An umbrella policy provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your underlying auto or home insurance. Bundling an umbrella policy with auto insurance can provide comprehensive protection.

While insurance bundling can offer financial and administrative benefits, it’s essential to carefully review the terms, coverage limits, and costs associated with each bundled policy. Sometimes, the cost savings from bundling might be outweighed by limitations or higher premiums for specific coverage types. It’s good practice to compare bundled prices with the total cost of individual policies to ensure that you’re getting the best value and appropriate coverage for your needs.

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, Home Insurance, Car Insurance, Mobile home insurance, Apple Health, Medicare, Wenatchee, Chelan, Fire Insurance, Okanogan, Douglas County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping,

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Which company has cheap car insurance in Washington State?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Need an SR22 for your driver's license?

Wenatchee Insurance is an independent insurance agency that shops for our clients with a variety of different companies. While we have an office in Wenatchee, we can write insurance policies from Yakima to Oroville and from Forks to Clarkston.

In Washington State, there are several insurance companies that specialize in providing coverage for high-risk drivers. Their preferred market is to offer insurance to individuals with a history of accidents, tickets, DUIs, or other factors that might make them considered “high risk” by traditional insurance companies. Some people mistakenly think that every plan offered by a “high risk” company is cheap.

Important: If you need an SR-22 then let us know before we quote. Not every company offers that service.

Pick up with police car issuing a ticket

Three insurance companies that often cater to high-risk drivers in Washington state include:

  1. Dairyland: As mentioned earlier, Dairyland specializes in providing insurance for high-risk drivers, including those with a history of tickets, accidents, or other challenges.
  2. The General: The General is known for offering insurance options to drivers who might have difficulty obtaining coverage from standard insurance providers due to their driving history.
  3. Progressive: Progressive is a well-known insurance company that also offers coverage for drivers with less-than-perfect driving records. They often have options for high-risk drivers.

It’s important to note that availability and rates can vary based on individual circumstances, including the specific violations or incidents on your driving record. When searching for high-risk car insurance in Washington state, we are independent insurance agencies, so we compare multiple companies for you.

In general, it’s not uncommon for someone to approach us for a high-risk company only to discover that they have a better rate with one of the different companies that we work with. We shop with about 20 different companies and sometimes a person who thinks Dairyland is the cheapest may find out that Nationwide or Allstate is a better fit.

Insurance is complicated. We literally use computers to help us determine the best companies after looking for discounts that most people don’t know are available. It’s not our job to judge, it’s our job to insure.

Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, SR22, General, Nationwide, Wenatchee, Chelan, Dairyland, Okanogan, Douglas County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping, Ticket, discount insurance, Inclusive,

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Tips for insuring reducing the cost of insurance for your manufactured home.

Posted on by Matt McColm
Manufactured home on hillside over looking valley with deck.
Inexpensive to put in but the views are worth it.
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Insuring manufactured homes can be cost-effective. These are not the old mobile homes of the past. They are definitely not a stick built. We have a couple of companies that we quote with at Wenatchee Insurance. Here are more tips to help you save money while insuring your manufactured home:

  1. Maintain a good claims history: Avoid frequent or unnecessary claims. Insurance companies often reward policyholders with lower premiums if they have a history of few or no claims.
  2. Consider the location: The location of your manufactured home can impact your insurance premium. The companies are looking at high fire dangers and high theft areas. When possible, choose a location that is less risky and more affordable to insure.
  3. Improve home safety: Enhance the safety features in your manufactured home to reduce risks. Installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers may not only keep you safer but also qualify you for discounts on your insurance policy.
  4. Pay annually or semi-annually: If your budget allows, consider paying your insurance premium in one lump sum annually or semi-annually instead of monthly. This is always worth the ask.
  5. Review your policy annually: As your needs and circumstances change, your insurance requirements may also evolve. The annual conversation is important, we don’t know if you added a pool to your backyard if you don’t tell us.
  6. Inquire about discounts: Don’t hesitate to ask your insurance provider about available discounts that you might qualify for, such as early shopping, multi-policy discounts, or discounts for retirees.
  7. Consider additional security measures: If you’re in a high-crime area, investing in additional security measures like security cameras, motion sensor lights, or a monitored alarm system might lead to premium discounts.
  8. Avoid underinsuring: Make sure you have the right amount of coverage for your manufactured home. Being underinsured may leave you vulnerable in case of a claim. In the last couple of years inflation has really changed some values.

Remember, it’s essential to strike a balance between cost savings and having adequate coverage. Always discuss your specific needs and circumstances with your insurance provider to find the best insurance plan for your manufactured home.

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, Home Insurance, Manufactured Home Insurance, Mobile home insurance, Wenatchee, Chelan, Fire Insurance, Okanogan, Douglas County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping, Wild Fire

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What are fires doing to the price of my Home Insurance?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Wildfires were one of the reasons that we set up Wenatchee Insurance. Folks West of Sunnyslope and up to Lake Wenatchee have been requesting quotes because their old company has been asking for significant increases. Well, this is what is going on with the underwriters.

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In areas where there is a high risk of wildfires or other fire-related hazards, insurance companies may take certain measures to manage their exposure and minimize potential losses. While practices can vary among insurance providers and regions, here are some common actions that insurance companies may take:

  1. Moratoriums: Insurance companies may implement temporary moratoriums on issuing new policies or making policy changes during periods of high fire danger. This is done to prevent individuals from obtaining coverage when a fire is imminent or already occurring. During large fires, we have seen multiple zip codes blocked by some companies.
  2. Non-Renewals: Insurance companies may choose not to renew policies for homeowners located in areas with a high risk of fire. If the risk of fire in a specific region is deemed too high, an insurance company may decide to discontinue coverage for existing policyholders when their policies expire.
  3. Increased Premiums: In high-risk areas, insurance companies may charge higher premiums to reflect the increased risk of fire. These higher premiums are intended to offset the potential cost of claims in fire-prone regions.
  4. Risk Assessments: Insurance companies may conduct thorough assessments of individual properties in high-risk areas. They may consider factors such as proximity to trees or brush, the availability of fire protection systems, and other risk mitigation measures. Insurance companies may choose to offer coverage, limit coverage, increase price, or decline coverage altogether.

It’s important to note that these actions are typically taken by insurance companies to manage risk and maintain their financial stability. If you live in an area prone to fires, it’s advisable to have a conversation with your agent to understand the conditions. It is why we shop multiple companies for our clients to find a good rate.

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, Home Insurance, Auto Insurance, Wenatchee, Chelan, Fire Insurance, Okanogan, Douglas County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping, Wild Fire

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When are Health and Medicare Enrollment Periods?

Posted on by Matt McColm

For over a decade, there have been Enrollment periods for Health Insurance. It doesn’t matter if it is a group plan or an individual plan. The following is for Individual plans.

When?

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period starts October 15th 2024 and ends December 7th 2024.

Suzie Medicare Quote

Health Insurance Open Enrollment ( WA State) starts November 1st 2024 and ends January 15th 2025.

Suzie Healthcare Quote

It is not a problem to set appointments or reminders early. Select one using our Calendar and it will even send you a reminder text and email.

Why do Enrollment Periods exist:

Enrollment periods for health insurance exist for a few reasons:

Planning: Insurance companies need to plan and budget for the coverage they provide. Enrollment periods help them estimate how many people they will need to cover, so they can allocate resources properly.

Fairness: Enrollment periods prevent people from signing up for insurance only when they need medical care. This helps ensure a balance in the risk pool and prevents costs from skyrocketing. We have requests throughout the year that are forced to wait until the following year because they delayed enrollment or let their coverage lapse.

Essential Oils make you feel better

Stability: Insurance markets need a stable pool of enrollees to spread the costs. Enrollment periods help avoid sudden changes in the insured population, which could lead to financial problems for insurers and higher premiums for everyone.

Responsibility: Enrollment periods encourage individuals to take responsibility for their insurance coverage. It ensures that people actively engage in the process and make informed decisions about their healthcare choices.

Efficiency: Enrollment periods streamline administrative processes for insurance companies and healthcare providers. They make it easier to handle applications, verify eligibility, and manage enrollment-related tasks. The Wenatchee Enrollment Center runs seven days a week to accommodate local needs.

Additional insurance info:

Remember that enrollment periods can vary depending on the type of insurance and certain life events may qualify for special enrollment periods outside of the standard ones. If you don’t have insurance, then we want to run the application to catch if you qualify for a special enrollment.

Programs such as Apple Health and Native American Health have year-round enrollments.

Medicare has it’s own rules three months before you turn 65 and three months after. This blog goes into the details as we have a lot of people scheduling early to talk with Suzie.

Suzie appointment

Topics: Enrollment Period, Health Insurance, Medicare, Annual Enrollment Period, Open Enrollment, Enrollment Center, Special Enrollment, Healthplanfinder, Suzie Health, Wenatchee Insurance, Quincy, Apple Health, Molina, Premera, Community Health, Tax Credits

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Where can I get a car insurance quote?

Posted on by Matt McColm

People are shopping their car insurance in large numbers.

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Wenatchee Insurance Agency offers several advantages for quoting car insurance. These advantages include:

  1. Choice and Access to Multiple Insurance Companies: As an independent insurance agency, Wenatchee Insurance Agency works with multiple insurance companies. This allows us to offer quotes from multiple providers, giving customers access to a wider range of options. Customers can compare coverage and prices more easily without having to enter their information to multiple corporations.
  2. Personalized Service: Independent insurance agents, like those at Wenatchee Insurance, provide more personalized service in a non-corporate manner. We are part of Eastern Washington and offer a neighborly approach to insurance. Customers can expect a more personal touch when interacting with the agency.
  3. Flexibility and Customization: Independent insurance agencies have the flexibility to tailor insurance policies to meet the unique needs of customers. They can offer a variety of coverage options, deductibles, and policy limits, allowing customers to customize their car insurance based on their preferences. Sometimes you need car insurance and on other occasions you will have home and health insurance questions. Wenatchee Insurance understands that not everyone fits into a standard policy and aims to provide customized solutions.
  4. Long-Term Relationship: Wenatchee Insurance focuses on building long-term relationships with our clients. We aim to be the insurance agency of choice for our clients for the next 50 years. This means we prioritize the client’s needs beyond a single sale and strive to provide the best practices and services for years to come.
  5. Competitive Pricing: Contrary to popular belief, independent insurance agencies like Wenatchee Insurance can often offer competitive pricing. They have the advantage of shopping around on behalf of the customer and leveraging their relationships with multiple insurance companies to find the best rates available. This allows customers to secure affordable coverage without compromising on quality.
Claim conversations before they happen

It’s important to note that the specific advantages may vary depending on the independent insurance agency and the insurers they work with. Wenatchee Insurance Agency was built in response to customer requests for home and car insurance to Suzie and Matt.

Do you have any additional questions or is there anything else you would like to know about Wenatchee Insurance Agency?

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, Car Insurance, Auto Insurance, Wenatchee, Chelan, Health Insurance, Home Insurance, Okanogan, Douglas County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping

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How do I get insurance for my Restaurant in Washington State?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Wenatchee has been a Foodie destination for years. Wenatchee Insurance loves insuring restaurants new and old.  

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A restaurant typically needs the following types of insurance:

General Liability Insurance: Covers accidents and injuries on the premises

Property Insurance: Protects against damage or loss to the building and assets.

Liquor Liability Insurance: Necessary if the restaurant serves alcohol. The fast rule is the higher of percentage of alcohol over food then the more expensive the insurance.

Business Interruption Insurance: Covers income loss during temporary closures. (This was a big miss for some that dropped this coverage prior to COVID shutdowns to save money).

Commercial Auto Insurance: For restaurant-owned vehicles. If you are making deliveries or have a logo then have the conversation about commercial auto insurance with your agent.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI): Protects against employment-related claims.

Specials:

Wenatchee Insurance does insurance for restaurants and businesses.

Many of the needed coverages can be found bundled together in a Business Owners’ Policy or BOP.

If you are new to Washington State or are starting a business. Washington State has programs regarding Worker’s Compensation, Long Term Care, and Family Medical Leave. With the individual health insurance marketplace being strong many small employers use the Washington Healthplanfinder for insurance by adding an allowance to payroll and having a local Enrollment Center walk through the plans.  

At Wenatchee Insurance Agency, we are an independent broker and customize coverage based on your restaurant’s needs and local regulations.

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Topic: Wenatchee Insurance, Business Insurance, Restaurant Insurance, Liquor Liability, Healthplanfinder, Wenatchee, Foodie, General Liability, Chelan, Okanogan, Douglas

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Does my home insurance policy cover fireworks?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Central Washington Dangers

With the fire dangers high in Central Washington, local governments have been banning the sale and use of fireworks in favor of Community displays. In Wenatchee Valley, there is a great display visible from Walla Walla Point Park, every year.

The coverage for fireworks damage can vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of the insurance policy. However, I can provide you with a general overview of how an insurance policy might cover fireworks damage.

If you don’t have a policy then let us know and we will be glad to assist as an independent insurance agency.

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Types of Insurance:

Homeowner’s Insurance: If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy, it may provide coverage for fireworks damage to your property. Typically, this coverage falls under the “perils” section of the policy, which includes fire, explosions, and certain types of accidental damage. If your property is damaged due to a fire caused by fireworks, you may be eligible to file a claim and receive compensation for the repairs or replacement of the damaged items.

Fire works above burning house

Personal Property Coverage: Homeowner’s insurance policies often include personal property coverage, which protects your belongings from various risks, including fire damage. If your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, or other items, are damaged by fireworks, you may be able to file a claim to receive compensation for their repair or replacement.

Liability Coverage: Another aspect of insurance coverage to consider is liability protection. If you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property with fireworks, your liability coverage may help cover the costs of repairs or replacement. For example, if a firework ignites a neighbor’s house and burns the garage down, your insurance could cover the expenses.

Additional Home Insurance Info:

The average Home value in Wenatchee is over $500K so if you went cheap or started a large fire then your liability may not be enough. Fireworks cause a majority of problems around the 4th of July.

Some policies may completely exclude fireworks-related incidents, while others may have specific restrictions on the types of fireworks covered or the circumstances under which they’re covered. Always go over coverage with your insurance agent.

Always follow local laws and regulations when handling fireworks and use them responsibly to minimize the risk of accidents and potential damage. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that intentionally caused damage or illegal use of fireworks may not be covered by insurance policies.

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Topics: Fireworks, Independent Insurance Agency, 4th of July, Wenatchee Insurance, Bundle, Wenatchee, Deductible, Chelan County, Douglas County, Okanogan, Liability

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