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Wenatchee Insurance Agency

413 N Mission St
Wenatchee, WA 98801

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Featured Insurance Blog

Author: Matt McColm

We work with all kinds of insurance in Washington State. From Health, Life, Auto, Home, Business and more. If you have an insurance question then let us know.

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,

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,

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

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

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.

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

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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.

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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

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

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

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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How can I lower the cost of my manufactured home?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Manufactured homes have been around for a while.

Yes, we have come a long way from calling them trailer parks, and mobile homes. Manufactured Homes are just about everywhere in Central Washington. However, they are not insured the same way as a stick built. Not every insurance company will insure them.

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As your local independent insurance agency, Wenatchee Insurance Agency has multiple companies that cover manufactured homes. consider the following tips:

Bundle your policies: If you have other insurance policies, such as auto or life insurance, consider bundling them with your manufactured home insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts for bundling multiple policies together.

Update your insurance coverage periodically: Regularly review your insurance coverage to ensure it accurately reflects the value and condition of your manufactured home. At the very minimum shop and adjust every four years. Every time that I vote for President, I shop my insurance to avoid inflation creep.

Increase your deductible: The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. By opting for a higher deductible, you can lower your insurance premium. Just make sure you choose a deductible amount that you can comfortably afford in case you need to make a claim.

Improve home security: Enhancing the security of your manufactured home can reduce the risk of theft or damage, which may qualify you for lower insurance premiums. Install security systems, smoke detectors, and deadbolt locks.

Maintain a good credit score: Insurance companies often consider your credit score when determining premiums.

Trailer overlooking mountains with porch.

Inquire about discounts: Ask Wenatchee Insurance about any discounts they offer specifically for manufactured homes. They may have discounts for certain safety features, early shopping discounts, or other factors.

Remember to read the policy carefully and ask questions to ensure you understand the coverage provided. It’s essential to strike a balance between cost savings and adequate coverage to protect your manufactured home.

With fire season heating up fast this year, we want to make sure that all of our neighbors are adequately covered.

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Topics: Manufactured Home, Mobile Home, Independent Insurance Agency, Wenatchee Insurance, Bundle, Deductible, Chelan County, Douglas County, Okanogan,

When can I enroll in Medicare?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Turning 65 then we can help with Medicare
You can enroll in Medicare before your 65th Birthday.

Suzie McColm has been assisting people to enroll in health insurance and Medicare for over a decade. If you are local in the Wenatchee Valley, then you might have even seen her during her Safeway or Shopko days as a Pharmacy Technician. She is a licensed insurance producer in the state of Washington.

appointment with Suzie

The top question that she gets is when can I enroll in Medicare?

To enroll in Medicare, including the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), here is what you need to know:

The initial enrollment period for Medicare typically starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your birthday month. This seven-month period is called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). During the IEP, you can enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).

For example: if your Birthday was July 4, 2023 then you could start enrolling with your IEP starting in April and have Medicare coverage starting July 1st. You would have until all the way until the end of October for your Initial Enrollment Period.

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also known as the Fall Open Enrollment Period, occurs every year from October 15th to December 7th. During this period, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. Set an appointment early if you would like assistance.

Here are some actions you can take during the AEP:

  1. Switch from Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).
  2. Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
  3. Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.
  4. Join, drop, or switch Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

It’s important to note that the AEP is primarily for making changes to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans. If you are satisfied with your current Medicare coverage and don’t need to make any changes, you don’t have to do anything during the AEP.

appointment with Suzie

Remember we answer questions year-round about Medicare and Healthcare. The state of Washington does not contract with us regarding SEBB or PEBB options for those questions please go directly to the Health Care Authority.  

Topics: Suzie Health Solutions, Medicare, Chelan County, Health Insurance, Wenatchee Insurance, Enrollment Period, Wenatchee Medicare Insurance, Pharmacy, Enrollment Center, PEBB, SEBB

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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.

We work with all ages and charge no fees.

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