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Wenatchee, WA 98801

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When a Car Crashes Into Your living room: Who Foots the Bill?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Car crashes into house

Every now and then, residents of Washington come across startling images on their Facebook feeds of cars or trucks colliding into homes. Naturally, the immediate question is: Who covers the repair costs? Imagine a Wenatchee homeowner relaxing with the latest Stranger Things episode when suddenly a sports car crashes into their living room. The flat screen goes flying, the cat freaks out and the night is ruined. The urgency to find out who’ll fix everything is real. The answer is straightforward with a couple of twists.

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Who’s Responsible?

Good News: The driver responsible for crashing into your home is liable for the damages, typically covered by the Property Damage section of their auto insurance liability. In a perfect world, they will be paying for everything. Sometimes perfection needs a hand.

Not-so-Good News:

There’s a catch. Roughly 20% of drivers in Washington State don’t have any auto insurance. In fact, the state ranks fifth in the number of uninsured drivers. This means if such a driver crashes into your home, you can’t claim any compensation from them.

Additionally, in Washington, the minimum Property Damage coverage for auto policies is $10,000. So, if repair costs exceed this amount, the insurance company will pay you up to this limit, leaving you to cover the rest. This underscores the importance of opting for more than just the minimum liability coverage.

Car in Kitchen, who makes the claim?

How Do I Cover the Repair Costs?

Bright Side: Your Home Insurance is likely your savior here. Central to your policy are ‘Perils’, essentially risks or incidents, your policy covers. Most home insurance policies offer coverage for damages from car crashes. Your dwelling coverage steps in to facilitate home repairs, while personal property coverage compensates for damaged items. However, remember your deductible. If the damages (or the amount left after the auto claim payout) are less than your deductible, claiming might not be beneficial. Thus, consulting your insurance agent is key.

Understanding your policy’s ins and outs is crucial. Working with a local independent insurance agency like Wenatchee Insurance can help you customize a policy best suited to your needs. With their representation of multiple companies, you’re assured optimal coverage. Reach out to our team today for a comprehensive understanding of your options.

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Topics: auto insurance, car insurance home insurance, independent insurance broker, deductible, Wenatchee Insurance, Chelan County, Douglas County, liability, property, local insurance,

What are four coverages that a restaurant needs in North Central Washington?

Posted on by Matt McColm

In North Central Washington, a restaurant should have several insurance coverages to protect its business, employees, and customers from various risks. Running a Pizza place in Wenatchee is going to have different risks than a Mexican Restaurant in Winthrop or a Café in Leavenworth. We quote every business is uniquely.

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Here are four essential insurance coverages for a restaurant:

  • General Liability Insurance: This insurance is essential for any business, including restaurants. It covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims that may arise from accidents or incidents on the restaurant premises. For example, if a customer slips or suffers food poisoning, general liability insurance can help cover legal expenses and settlements.
  • Property Insurance: Property insurance, sometimes known as commercial property insurance, protects a restaurant’s physical assets, including the building, equipment, inventory, and furnishings, from damage or loss due to events like fire, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. It can also include coverage for business interruption, which can compensate for lost income if the restaurant needs to close temporarily due to covered damage. Business Interruption was a tremendous asset for the COVID shutdowns.
  • Liquor Liability Insurance: If your restaurant serves alcohol, liquor liability insurance is essential. It provides coverage for claims related to alcohol-related incidents, such as fights, accidents, or DUI incidents, that occur on or because of your premises. This coverage can protect your restaurant from costly lawsuits and damages.
  • Food Contamination or Spoilage Insurance: Restaurants rely on fresh ingredients and food products. Food contamination or spoilage insurance helps cover the costs of replacing spoiled or contaminated food due to power outages, equipment failures, or other unforeseen circumstances. This coverage ensures that you can maintain food safety standards and avoid financial losses.

Additional coverages

Additionally, depending on the specific circumstances and location of your restaurant, you may need other insurance coverages such as cybersecurity insurance, commercial auto insurance (if you have restaurant-owned vehicles), or employment practices liability insurance (for protection against employment-related lawsuits). There are cases where these can be bundled together in a Business Owner Policy.

If you are catering or hosting large events then Event Insurance is an affordable way for hosts to fill in coverage gaps.

It’s crucial to work with your local insurance agent to assess your restaurant’s unique needs and select the appropriate insurance coverage to provide comprehensive protection for your business.

Topics: Restaurant Insurance, BOP, Small Business Insurance, General Liability, Pizza, Café, Chelan Insurance, Event Insurance, Business Interruption, Liquor Liability, Wenatchee Insurance, Local Insurance Agent,

Are Health Share Ministries / Medishares worth it?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Essential oils to make you feel better

We get asked about Health Share Ministries a lot being the Full Service Enrollment Center located in Wenatchee. We are going to talk about something that is not insurance.

Our first Podcast was on Health Share Ministries.

Health Share Ministries have some advantages, such as lower monthly costs and a sense of community among members who share similar beliefs. We have had companies offer us commissions to offer these plans and most have fallen short during the selection process.

Health Share Ministries have displayed some problems and limitations:

  1. Limited Coverage: Health share ministries often have more restricted coverage compared to traditional health insurance. They may not cover certain medical conditions, preventive care, or pre-existing conditions, which can leave members with significant healthcare expenses. We want our clients to have the freedom to treat all their medical conditions that can occur.
  2. Lack of Guarantees: Unlike traditional health insurance, health share ministries are not legally obligated to cover medical expenses. If you have ever gone to use something and it wasn’t there than the normal reaction is to get angry.  We don’t like angry customers. There’s no guarantee that your expenses will be shared, and coverage decisions are subject to the ministry’s guidelines.
  3. Eligibility Restrictions: To join a health share ministry, you may need to meet specific religious or ethical criteria. This can exclude individuals or families who don’t share the same beliefs. We run an inclusive office and don’t discriminate. Why would I want to have a product not suitable for more than half our neighbors?

4. Uncertain Future: Health share ministries are not as regulated or financially stable as traditional insurance companies. They may be vulnerable to financial difficulties or changes in their sharing policies, which can affect members’ coverage. We have seen several of these companies with legal action against them over the years.

5. No Consumer Protections: Health share ministries are not subject to the same state and federal regulations as health insurers. This means members have fewer protections and may have limited recourse if they encounter problems with the ministry. With insurance, we can go to the Office of Insurance and file a complaint.

6. Administrative Hassles: Members often need to handle medical billing and paperwork themselves, which can be time-consuming and challenging, especially when dealing with multiple providers and claims. Confluence Health is not known for negotiating pricing.

7. Non-Comprehensive Coverage: Health share ministries may not cover mental health services, maternity care, prescription drugs, or other essential healthcare needs that are typically covered by traditional insurance.

8. No Financial Assistance: Government subsidies or financial assistance, which are available for many with traditional health insurance through programs like the Affordable Care Act or Cascade Care, are not available for health share ministry members.

Before considering a health share ministry, it’s crucial to carefully review your policies, coverage limitations, and eligibility requirements. As the full-service Enrollment Center located in Wenatchee, we have been educating options for eleven-plus years at no cost.

When can I enroll in Health Insurance

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Topics, Alternative Health, Wenatchee Insurance, Healthcare, Health Ministries, Financial Assistance, Enrollment Center, Cascade Care, Affordable Care Act, ACA, Confluence Health, Chelan County

Thieves love pickup trucks in Washington State.

Posted on by Matt McColm

Four of the top ten stolen list were pickup trucks. They are handy. I have used them from a couple hauling a couple of bales of hay to helping countless friends move. It’s not a surprise that thieves like them too.

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Let’s start with prevention first.

To prevent your car from being stolen:

  1. Always lock your car when you’re not using it.
  2. Consider using a steering wheel lock or immobilizer.
  3. Install a car alarm system.
  4. Use a hidden kill switch to disrupt the car’s starting.
  5. Consider a GPS tracking system.
  6. Park in well-lit and busy areas.
  7. Avoid leaving valuables in the car.
  8. Don’t keep spare keys in the car.
  9. Use signal-blocking pouches for keyless entry fobs.
  10. Use window tint to make it harder for thieves to see inside.

The reason that we are talking about this is from 2019 to 2022 the vehicle theft rate increased by 31% in Washington State. This can increase insurance rates.

Top Stolen Cars in Washington

Recently the National Insurance Crime Bureau released the list of Washington State’s most stolen vehicles list:

RankModelYearNumber stolen
1.Ford Pick up (Full Size)19994,121
2.Honda Civic20003,267
3.Honda Accord19972,613
4.Chevrolet Pick up (Full Size)20041,575
5.Honda CR-V2001/20001,338
6.Ford Pick up (Small Size)1997858
7.Toyota Camry2007791
8.Subaru Legacy1998771
9.Dodge Pickup (Full Size)2001744
10.Hyundai Elantra2018698

In addition to the Hyundai Elantra, the national list had the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima which has been a social media phenomenon when it has come to thefts.

If your vehicle is stolen then:

Report to the police immediately. When reported as stolen in the first 24 hours, passenger vehicles has a 34% same-day recovery rate in 2022.

Report it to the insurance company. They will probably ask for the police report number. If you have comprehensive coverage then you have coverage that covers theft.

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While liability is required in the state comprehensive coverage is not however it is one of the good to have coverages that you want to talk with your insurance agent about.

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Topics: Truck Insurance, Car Insurance, Auto Insurance, Wenatchee Insurance, Comprehensive, stolen car, Independent Insurance Agency, Hyundai, Kia, Ford,

Life Insurance in Wenatchee: What to Know

Posted on by admin

No matter your age or whether you have children or not, you should consider getting a life insurance policy in Wenatchee, WA. Life insurance is a great way to plan for the future and will make you and your family feel at ease in the event of death. A trusted Wenatchee Insurance Agency agent can help you decide which policy is right for you.

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Types of Life Insurance

A Wenatchee, WA life insurance policy will supply financial assistance to your beneficiaries in the event of your death. How much and how often your beneficiaries get paid, the benefits they receive, and the circumstances that will allow payment are laid out in the contract with you and your insurance company. What your beneficiaries receive also depends on the type of insurance policy you get. The main types of insurance are:

Term Insurance: Protects you for a limited time – one year – 30 years or more. This policy can be renewed if it expires.

Cash Value Life: The insurer uses part of your premium to set up an interest-earning financial account. You can borrow or withdraw from this account at any time. There are different types of Cash Value Life. They include:

  • Whole Life – provides coverage for life
  • Universal Life – a flexible policy
  • Variable Life – where your money is invested into investment accounts. 
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Important things to know

  1. If you want to apply for the Lump Sum Death Benefit from Social Security then here is where you want to go.
  2. If you are seeing to see if a person has a life insurance policy then you want to go to the NAIC locator.

Contact An Agent Today

If you want to learn more or to get started on an insurance policy, contact an agent at Wenatchee Insurance Agency now. They will be able to help answer all your questions and get you started with a life insurance policy that is an excellent fit for you. Putting not only you at ease, but your family at ease and ready for the future. 

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What are the alternatives to health insurance in North Central Washington?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Essential Oils make you feel better

While alternatives to traditional health insurance can offer cost savings and flexibility for some individuals, they also come with their own set of challenges and potential problems. It’s crucial to be aware of these issues before considering an alternative to health insurance.

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Limited Coverage:

Many alternatives provide limited coverage compared to comprehensive health insurance plans. They may not cover pre-existing conditions, essential health benefits, or preventive care, leaving you vulnerable to unexpected medical expenses.

Lack of Regulation:

Health insurance is heavily regulated to ensure consumer protection and guarantee certain standards of care. Some alternatives, such as health-sharing ministries and discount health plans, may not be subject to the same regulatory oversight, which can lead to less transparency and potential risks.

We have seen Health Share Ministries forced to leave the state over bad behavior. Despite some offering lucrative commissions offered by some of these companies, we want coverage access to all our clients with minimal fight when they utilize the product.

Pre-Existing Conditions:

Some alternatives may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or impose waiting periods before covering them. This can be a significant drawback if you have chronic health issues. If it has a waiting period then it is not a qualified health plan.

Qualified health plan can have low copays.

Limited Provider Networks:

Direct Medical Providers can be on a subscription or fee basis. They have a registry, and some people use it to supplement primary care availability. However most do not have access to major care such as surgery so be aware of limitations. Lupine Family Medical is one example in Wenatchee.

Alternative plans like short-term health insurance or discount health plans may have limited provider networks. Short-term plans have severe limitations in Washington State. We utilize the flexibility of the Special Enrollment periods to enroll and disenroll people into a qualified health plan for a few months.

Potential for High Out-of-Pocket Costs:

Catastrophic plans are limited to people under 30 or with a hardship exemption and are not available in all areas of the state. They also usually have a high deductible so in many cases a Cascade Care plan

Ineligibility:

Some alternatives, like Medicaid, Medicare, or health-sharing ministries, have specific eligibility criteria. If you don’t meet these criteria, you may not be able to enroll in these programs. Read the fine print.

Risk of Non-Payment:

In the case of health-sharing ministries, there is a risk that other members may not contribute their share, leaving you responsible for your medical bills. Be aware of any program that requires you to negotiate with the provider.

Before choosing an alternative to health insurance, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate your healthcare needs, budget, and risk tolerance. Consult with a financial advisor or insurance expert to determine which option is best suited to your individual circumstances. Additionally, staying informed about changes in healthcare laws and regulations can help you make informed decisions about your coverage.

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Topics: Health Insurance, Healthcare, Molina, Apple Health, Medicare, Obamacare, Mi Seguro, Seguro de Salud, Coordinated Care, Medicare, Health share, Health Ministry, short term medical, catastrophic health, Direct Medical, Washington State, Cascade Care,

When can immigrants sign up for health insurance in Washington State?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Health Insurance regardless of immigration Status
November 1st enrollment begins.

November 1st, 2023, Immigrants are eligible to sign up for health insurance regardless of residency status. Immigrants were blocked during the creation of the ACA from purchasing health insurance and they are one of the largest uninsured groups left. This includes over 800,000 Dreamers living in the United States. If your income level is under 250% of the poverty level, then you may reduce your cost with Cascade Care Credits.

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Note when Feds update DACA then DACA could see both Cascade Care Credits and Federal Credits to lower cost.

250% of the poverty level is about $36,000 a year for a single person.

Dreamers can purchase Health Insurance

The enrollment process involves a few steps:

Gather your Information: You will need to provide information such as names, birthdates, and income of the household. If your employers offer health insurance, then you will not be eligible for this program; however other household members may be. You may also need to provide your social security numbers, but you can still apply if you do not have one. You should also bring paystubs or tax returns for proof of income.

Identity Proof Document need one from List A

or Identity Proof Document need two from list B

Apply: The application process will ask for information about you and your household, and it usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. We recommend using an in-person assister. We have them available in Wenatchee.

Choose Your Health Plan: Washington Healthplanfinder offers many plans and ways to save. The plans you qualify for depend on your details and county. You can filter plans by premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, carrier, metal level, and more.

Stay Covered!: You will want to make the first payment. The insurance company will then send your card and welcome packet about two weeks later. Each year, we have open enrollment where you review and make changes to your plans.

If you enroll from November 1st to December 15th, then your plan will start on January 1st, 2024. If you enroll from December 16th to January 15th, then your plan will start on February 1st, 2024.

If your income is under 138% of the poverty level, starting from July 2024, you will be eligible for Apple Health on a first-come, first-served basis. This is about $20,000 per year.

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July 1st, 2024,  Apple Health plans for immigrants will start.

In-person assistance is recommended due to the inability to verify identity using the Federal Hub, necessitating a manual process with documentation. We work primarily with English in Wenatchee.

This is a massive project and there are web pages like https://micasadeseguromedico.com/ and facebook pages for people to get assistance.

Topics: Health Insurance, Healthcare, Molina, Apple Health, Obamacare, Mi Seguro, Seguro de Salud, Coordinated Care, Medicare, Immigrant Healthcare, DACA, Dreamers, Washington State, Independent Insurance Agent,

How do I Insure my license in Washington state for cheap?

Posted on by Matt McColm

When you drive in Washington state, you are required to have your liability covered. In most cases that means insurance.

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Some folks look to ensure their license in order to save money.  These policies have some restrictions that may not work for all conditions. For example, if your friend needs to borrow your truck to move a couch, they would be missing coverage since only you would be covered.

Broad form insurance, often referred to as “broad form auto insurance. Broad-form insurance typically covers more drivers and vehicles under a single policy, making it a convenient option for some individuals. However, it’s important to note that broad-form insurance may not be available with all insurance companies, and its availability and specific terms can vary from one insurance company to another.

Here are the key characteristics and features of broad-form insurance:

Multiple Drivers and Vehicles: Broad-form insurance allows you to cover multiple drivers and vehicles under a single policy. This can be beneficial for households with multiple drivers or individuals who frequently drive different cars.

Named Insured: In broad form insurance, the policy is usually issued in the name of the primary policyholder (the named insured).

Convenience: Broad-form insurance is convenient because it eliminates the need to purchase individual insurance policies for each driver and vehicle in the household. This can potentially save time and reduce administrative hassles.

Limitations and Restrictions

Limitations and Restrictions: While broad-form insurance offers convenience, it often comes with certain limitations and restrictions:

Coverage is typically limited to the named insured and listed drivers. Unlisted drivers may not be covered.

Coverage might not extend to rental cars or vehicles owned by others outside the household.

It may not provide the same level of coverage as traditional auto insurance, and coverage limits may be lower.

Affordability: Broad-form insurance may be more affordable than purchasing separate policies for each driver and vehicle because it combines coverage into a single policy.

Before considering broad-form insurance, it’s essential to carefully review the terms, limitations, and coverage options with your insurance agency. You should also assess whether it meets your specific needs and whether there are any gaps in coverage that you need to address, such as coverage for rental cars or additional liability protection.

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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, Hyundai, Truck, Broad form, License Insurance, SR22, Cheap Car Insurance,

Can I get cheap car insurance for my Kia or Hyundai?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Young driver ready with insurance and keys
We insure all ages

We have been talking about the Kia and Hyundai problem for a few months. In February and in May.

If you have a Kia or a Hyundais then you may be experiencing a challenge in insuring them. You are not alone. There are more than eight million Hyundais and Kias from the model years 2011 to 2022. There are websites dedicated to the issue.

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There are websites for Kia owners and Hyundai owners to get more information about their specific vehicle.

The manufacturers have had a $200 million dollar settlement. As part of it owners can get a software upgrade and if software cannot be installed then get up to $300 to buy their choice of anti-theft devices. There is a resurgence of the ‘90s classic “Club” which is a steering wheel lock.

Steering wheel lock to slow down thieves

TikTok Challenge and Kia Boys

Instagram and TikTok have had multiple videos including some “challenge” videos about how easy they are to steal with a USB because of their lack of immobilizers. The popularity of the “Kia Boys” was enabled by social media as thieves began to steal them for their views and clout.

Due to the ease of the thefts and the sheer volume of thefts some insurance companies have stopped covering them. We have several companies that we work with that do cover them. There is also the option of insuring your license with a Broad Form if the vehicle is paid off.

What can we do?

While these are great little cars do not expect every insurance company to insure them cheaply. We run them through an exchange to see what companies are still writing them for the lowest cost.

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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, Kia, Hyundai, TikTok, TikTok Challenge, Kia Challenge, Kia Boys, Instagram

How Do I Insure The Family Farm In North Central Washington?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Not everyone has the opportunity to grow up with chickens, hoeing weeds and running irrigation lines. It is important to protect farms for the next generation.

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When insuring a farm, it’s important to consider a range of coverages to protect your property, assets, and operations. The specific coverages you need can vary depending on the size and type of your farm, but here are some common types of insurance coverage to consider:

Farm Property Insurance: This provides coverage for damage to your farm’s physical structures, including barns, silos, equipment sheds, and your farmhouse. It can also cover the loss of farm equipment and machinery.

Crop Insurance: Not all crops can do this however for some crops like apples, pears, cherries, and wheat it can be to your benefit. If you are a crop farmer, crop insurance can protect against losses due to hail, disease, pests, and other factors that can damage or destroy your crops.

Livestock Insurance: This coverage protects your livestock (cattle, poultry, swine, etc.) from risks such as disease outbreaks, accidents, or theft.

Health Insurance: Farming is dangerous having health insurance so when people get sick or injured is critical for a sustained operation.

Liability Insurance: Farm liability insurance protects you in case someone is injured on your property or if your farming activities cause harm to others. It can also cover legal expenses if you are sued.

What about the Orchard Truck?

Farm Auto Insurance: If you have vehicles used for farming, such as tractors, trucks, or ATVs, you’ll need insurance to cover them. This can include coverage for accidents, theft, and liability.

Equipment Breakdown Insurance: This type of coverage helps repair or replace farm equipment that breaks down due to mechanical or electrical failures. If you have ever had a well pump go out in July or a harvester break down in the middle of harvest then you know how critical this coverage is.

Farmers’ Personal Property Insurance: This covers personal property items used in farming, such as tools and equipment, that may not be covered under your standard homeowner’s insurance.

Umbrella Insurance: This provides additional liability coverage that goes beyond the limits of your other policies. It can be valuable if you have significant assets to protect.

An Alpaca hobby or gentleman farm is a very different operation than a U-Pick Orchard with a Hayride. When you have fewer than 10 horses with no boarding or breeding then your ranch has more options. Barndominums are also making a surge as people combining the home with an agriculture lifestyle.

Farms and Ranch can be tricky and we like to have conversations to see if something is missed during the application. We can help you assess your risks and tailor a policy that provides the appropriate coverage for your specific farm operation. The specific coverage you need will depend on your farm’s size, location, and the type of crops or livestock you produce.

Whether you are running a Lavender Farm up the Methow, Black Angus out of Aeneas Valley, or putting in a vineyard in Chelan. We want to work with you to make sure that you are a success for years to come.

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Topics: Farm Insurance, Healthcare, Crop Insurance, Apple, Wheat, Mi Seguro, Seguro de Salud, Chelan, Okanogan, Ranch Insurance, Wenatchee Insurance, Independent Insurance Agent

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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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