Time for New Years Insurance Resolutions

2018 is about to arrive!  And with it come resolutions and goals for a fresh start over the coming months.  

If one of your resolutions for this year was to get organized, then here are some tips on how to get financially “fit” in 2018!  At least as far as your insurance goes...

1.  Set up a meeting with us  

Each year, we like to do a policy review with every client.  We look at all of your policies and update your information.  Insurance needs tend to change with major life events so if you got married, had a baby, changed jobs, retired, or anything else in 2017, you probably need revisions to your existing policies.  Many times you qualify for new discounts or we can point out ways to help you save (like getting a multi-policy discount!)  

We can schedule this meeting over the phone or in the office, whichever is easier. Call us at 888-867-2866 or go to www.sav-on.com to set up an appointment.  

2.  Get a life insurance quote 

For some reason, life insurance is one of those things that gets neglected.  People know deep down that they need it, but often never get around to actually purchasing any.  

Many times you can get a basic term life insurance policy for $30 a month or less.  (Depending on age and health status, of course. It varies for everyone.)  

3.  Organize your insurance documents 

Keep a file with a copy of your current auto, home, and life policies in one easy-to-find place. When your renewal comes in the mail, you can throw out the old copies. Some people also like to keep a copy of their life insurance with their attorney or in a fire safe. We can always help you get a copy if you need it, just call us!  

4.  Put a current auto insurance card in your car and your proof of insurance in your glove box...

...and don't forget to throw out the six old ones that are likely crumbled up in there.  :)  

That’s it!  Let SAV-ON Insurance help you take care of these items and you’re on your way to being organized and properly covered in 2018!

Create a Winter Weather Emergency Kit

It’s the time of year when the weather gets cold and the roads get icy. Winter is almost here, and we’d like to share a few things to get you prepared before the winter storms hit!

First things first, you want to have the right supplies on hand, in case the power goes out.  Create a basic emergency kit that includes a battery-powered radio and at least one week’s worth of food and safety supplies.  Also include:

• Drinking water
• Canned/no-cook food
• Non-electric can opener
• Prescription medicine as needed 
• First Aid kit
• Bag of cat litter or sand to add traction on walkways
• Battery-powered lamps
• Carbon Monoxide and smoke alarms in working order

And what about when bad weather hits?  Here are a few things to put on your winter storm checklist:

• Wrap outside spigots in an old towel or t-shirt to prevent them from freezing and cracking.
• Leave water taps slightly open so they drip to prevent frozen pipes.
• Open kitchen cabinet doors under the sink to keep the pipes warm.
• Have an alternate heat source in case the power goes out.  If it’s the fireplace, make sure you have plenty of dry firewood.

The most important thing you can do?  Be prepared!  A benefit to winter storms is that you generally have plenty of warning that one is on the way.  Don’t wait until the roads are icy and dangerous.  Get your supplies packed, your pipes protected, and a backup plan in case of a power outage.  

And make sure that you have great homeowners insurance to protect you from winter’s blast!  We can help with that.  Call SAV-ON at 888-867-2866 for a free quote today.

Why You Should Buy Life Insurance During the Holidays

Have you ever considered life insurance to be a gift?

No it actually doesn’t come wrapped in a box with a bow.  And it’s not all that exciting.  But, in our opinion, it really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Life insurance has gifted families in so many ways.  After the loss of a breadwinner, children have been able to go to college without debt.  Parents have been able to stay at home with their children without needing to go back to work.  Homes have been paid off and long-term dreams have been realized.

All because a family member made the decision to purchase life insurance.

No one wants to think about this coverage, but if there is someone out there counting on your income and support right now…then you need it.  

And we can help you make it extremely easy and affordable.  In fact, studies have shown that most people overestimate how much life insurance by as much as 10x its actual cost!  There are options for everyone.

So why think about it now?  

If you currently don’t have any life insurance or you only have it through your work, then it’s time to come in and talk with us.  We can look at all of the options and find the best solution for you and your family.  

And if you’re struggling with what gifts to buy at Christmas….then look no further!  Your family members don’t need another sweater they’ll never wear or a new set of pots and pans.  They need long-term peace of mind and protection. 

Let us help you gift that today.  Give SAV-ON Insurance a call today at 888-867-2866 or go to www.sav-on.com to set up an appointment. 

Top 10 Reasons to be Thankful for Insurance

Since Thanksgiving is almost here, what better time to think about what we’re grateful for?  And while we love insurance all year long, we’re especially thankful for all the things it does for our clients.  

Reason #10.  You don’t have to panic when a hail storm comes along (and you don’t have a garage).

Reason #9.  You can rent the apartment and know that your possessions are still protected, even if you don’t own your own home yet.

Reason #8.  You don’t have to empty your savings account when an uninsured driver hits your car.

Reason #7.  You don’t have to worry about losing your home to a lawsuit from an honest mistake.

Reason #6.  You can invest in nice things without worry that they’ll be stolen.

Reason #5.  You know that if a big storm comes, you can evacuate to safety without worrying about your home.

Reason #4.  You know that if you were to lose your spouse, you would be able to survive financially.

Reason #3.  You know that your assets are protected, even if you can’t predict the future.

Reason #2.  You know that even if there is a disaster, as long as your family is safe, everything will be okay.  

And the #1 reason:  You don’t have to worry.  We’ve got you covered!

If you're unsure whether you have adequate insurance coverage from all that life throws at you, call SAV-ON at 888-867-2866 and one of our friendly agents will be happy to help you figure it out. Or, go to www.sav-on.com and send us an inquiry!

Halloween Safety Tips

It's October and that means that Halloween is on its way!  We love any excuse to celebrate around the office. However, we wouldn't be a good insurance agency if we didn't give a few good liability insurance tips for your home, too.

You've heard most Halloween advice over and over, but it's worth repeating:

• Pack a flashlight for when it gets dark.

• Make sure your young child (under 10) is accompanied by an adult; older children who aren’t with an adult should stay in groups of three or more.

• Put reflective tape on children's costumes..

• Check the candy they have collected before letting them eat any.

• Too much candy that night means a tummy ache or  trouble sleeping. Set a limit.

But what about the risks at your home?

Your homeowners insurance covers you if someone is injured on your property. But there are a few things you can do to prevent accidents before they happen:

1. Change your lightbulbs. Is your porch light burned out? What about lights along the sidewalks? Good lightning will help prevent children (and adults) from tripping.

2. Clear hazards. Tree limbs in your yard? A hole you've been meaning to fill? These are all potential hazards that could cause an injury and subject you to a liability claim. Clean them up before you have people trick-or-treating at your home!

3. No open flames. While candle-filled pumpkins are fun to make, they can be dangerous, too. If you use any open flame candles, make sure they are up high and away from any loose costume pieces.

4. Secure your pets. Pets, especially protective dogs, can be startled by the noise and costumes of approaching trick-or-treaters. Make sure you secure them in the house or back yard so they don’t suddenly get "spooked" and attack or injure any of the children.

5. Don't overdo your "tricks". While it’s always fun to have a few “tricks” in addition to the “treats” for unsuspecting kids, make sure you don’t create a trick that could cause bodily injury. Deliberate tripping hazards, falling objects or open flames should be avoided.

And the easiest way to protect yourself? Make sure you have plenty of liability insurance! Call SAV-ON today @ 888-867-2866 to schedule a free review and detailed explanation of how we can keep your home and family protected. It won't be scary at all!

October Is Fire Prevention Month

October is officially Fire Prevention Month. As your insurance agency, this is an issue that is very important to us! Unfortunately, we've seen clients suffer from home fires, and we want to share some things you can do to prevent a disaster.

Beyond basic fire prevention, like checking electrical cords and not leaving a pot unattended on the stove, there are several important things to do with your children or grandchildren to make sure they're safe.

Make an Escape Plan

First, create a plan and talk to your family about what to do in the event of a fire. When children know what to expect, they can remain calm, even during an emergency. Help your child know exactly what he or she should to do if a fire occurs.

Choose a Safe Meeting Spot

Stress the importance of getting out of the house and to your family meeting spot.  Choose an area a safe distance from the house where children should go if making a fire escape. It could be a street light, mailbox, or neighbor's tree.

If you have pets, tell your kids that your pets will find their own way out safely and that they should never go back to rescue the pet on their own. 

Identify Two Different Escape Routes

As a family, go through each room of the house and discuss TWO different ways to get out if a fire occurs. Let children practice opening a latch and unlocking doors too.

Home Fire Drill

Now host a fire drill! Make the practice drills fun and informative. Create sample scenarios and build up your kid's confidence. They'll be better prepared for a fire and you will too!

When it comes to any sort of emergency situation, people are what matter most. Take precautions to protect your loved ones and let your professional insurance agents take care of protecting your home and belongings!  Call SAV-ON at 888-867-2866 for a free quote on your homeowner's Insurance today!

September Home Maintenance Tasks

We like to share easy tasks you can do to keep your home in tip-top shape all year long.  So, here are a few simple tasks you can do during the month of September to prepare your home for cool, rainy fall weather!

Check Gutters -  Take a few minutes to make sure your gutters are clear.  With rain and falling leaves, gutters will be working overtime and get clogged easily with debris.  By making sure they’re clear now, you’ll avoid water damage later on. 

Gather Firewood - Will you be burning a wood stove or fireplace this winter?  Start gathering up dry firewood now and save yourself from doing the task when it’s rainy and cold outside. Wet wood has to dry for weeks before it will burn effectively.

Clean The Dryer Vent - Lint accumulating in the dryer vent can cause a house fire.  A couple of times per year, unplug the dryer and thoroughly vacuum the area around the dryer vent and hose.  Remember to check the outside vent too! 

Get Ready For Autumn - Now is a great time to start planting some fall flowers for a splash of color in your yard.  Mums make a great addition to your front porch! 

Caulk Windows - Before the wind and rain start beating at your windows, and the cold air tries to infiltrate your home, it's best to check all your windows for gaps that can let rain and cold seep in. Caulking around the edge of window frames can save you money and prevent mold from rotting your window frames.

Save On Home Insurance - Homeowners Insurance is an important part of protecting your belongings, too.  Make sure you have the best coverage by calling SAV-ON today at 888-867-2866 or go to www.sav-on.com for a free, no obligation quote. 

Choosing the Best Car Insurance For Your Teen

Do you have a teenage driver (or one on the way)?  Back to school time is a great opportunity to think about car insurance savings!

Having a teenage driver can be stressful.  You worry first and foremost about their safety and then about the costs.  And there are a lot of costs!  Things like purchasing an additional vehicle, getting licensed, and paying more for insurance.

Fortunately, you still have options.

Choose the Right Vehicle

First you want to think about the vehicle your teen will be driving.  Premiums are higher on vehicles with comprehensive and collision coverage, which pays to fix your vehicle after an accident.  When you have a car that has only liability insurance (which pays only for damage your driver does to someone else’s car), you pay a lot less.

If you are purchasing a car for your teen and need to watch your budget, consider buying an older reliable model for cash that will not require comprehensive and collision coverage.  We can help you weigh the cost and the risk to see if it is a good option for you.

Take Advantage of Discounts

You also want to take advantage of all available discounts.  These vary by policy but typically include a discount for driver's education and one for having good grades.  With school about to start, it's a great time to setup an incentive plan with your teenager to make sure they keep those grades up and your premiums low!

Questions? Call Us!

Still have questions?  Call SAV-ON at 888-867-2866 to review your current policy and look for ways to help you manage the cost of having a teenage driver.

What To Do After An Insurance Claim

Claims can be a stressful process.  We've worked with many clients after car accidents, home fires, storm damage, and even a death in the family.  Insurance claims are tied to the most stressful events in our lives.

That's why it's extremely important that you work with an agent and a company that you trust.

After an insurance claim, you will be assigned an adjustor to evaluate your loss.  Depending on the type of claim, they will examine the property and gather more information.  The adjustor will determine the settlement amount and answer any questions you may have.

So what happens if things don't go smoothly at first?  Maybe you don't agree on the amount or can't get the right documentation?

That's where SAV-ON Insurance comes in.

Our job, as your agent, is to also be your advocate.  Our office goes to work to help you communicate with your adjustor if there is a problem.  That means that when you need help, we're there.

Yes, sometimes you can get cheaper rates with unknown companies.  And you might like being able to buy online without talking to an agent.

But when it comes down to those stressful moments, it's great to have someone you know on your side.  Call SAV-ON at 888-867-2866 today and let us protect your family next.

Now is the Time to Insure Your Summer Fun

Summer is on its way.  Before we know it there will be Memorial Day barbecues and long weekends at the lake or along Puget Sound.

That's why now is a great time to review insurance coverage on all of your summer toys.  Read below for things to consider (and review with us) before the big items come out of winter storage.

Recreational Vehicles - Your motor home or travel trailer needs insurance coverage, especially if you'll be driving or pulling it this year.  Even if you don't have a loan on your RV, you will want it covered for theft or damage.  Whether they are parked on a lake lot for the season or driving cross country, we offer several RV policies to fit your needs.  Just call us at 888-867-2866 for a quote, or get an online quote at www.sav-on.com.

Boat - The same thing goes for your boats and jet skis.  You've made a big investment and it's important to protect them.  Not only should you worry about damage to your boat, but also make sure you have the proper amount of liability coverage.  Don’t forget to have enough life jackets and carry your Boater ID card, which is required in Washington.

Motorcycle - Ready to hit the road for a long drive?  Remember to brush up on your safety skills and always wear a helmet.  Don’t forget to make sure your motorcycle has liability coverage just like your vehicle!  We can help you determine what coverage you need. 

Swimming Pool - If you own a pool, then you need extra liability coverage including a personal Umbrella Policy.  Why?  Because there is a lot more risk of someone being injured when you have a pool.  Don’t skimp on your coverage and make sure you have the pool area secured and safe.

Summer is a lot more fun when you know that your high-priced recreational items are properly insured and protected.  Take 15 minutes to call SAV-ON Insurance Agencies for a quote or to review your current coverage.  We can be reached at 888-867-2866 or online at www.sav-on.com.

Top 7 Things to Look for When Buying Insurance

So you’re ready to shop for insurance and are hoping for a great deal.  But did you know that there are a few things to look for that are much more important than the price of the policy?  In fact, don’t buy your next policy until you look for these seven things:

#1 - A Top Rated Insurance Company - You want an insurance company that will be around if you have a claim. Don’t choose a company that you’ve never heard of with a price that seems too good to be true!  If you aren’t familiar with the company your agent is recommending, ask for a little more information.  Find out what they are rated in your state and how long they’ve been around. SAV-ON Insurance Agencies has more than 30 insurance companies from which to choose, and they're all solid companies.

#2 - Choose a LOCAL agency!  While all the commercials on TV will tell you to call a 1-800 number for a quote, it’s usually not a great idea. SAV-ON Insurance is a local agency that provides the same great policies -- from the same companies! -- but allows you to deal with one person on a regular basis. It’s nice to have a local agent who you can call or visit when needed, who is familiar with your insurance needs!

#3 - Choose an agency that offers a variety of policies. Keeping your insurance with one agency makes it MUCH easier when you have a claim.  Plus you can qualify for huge multiple policy discounts!  SAV-ON can take care of all your needs in any one of our four nearby offices.

#4 - After-hours support - What if you have storm damage in the middle of the night?  Do you want to wait until tomorrow to get assistance?  Look for an agency that offers after-hours support! SAV-ON provides you with 24/7 claim assistance numbers.  Make sure to ask for the information, or go to www.sav-on.com for a complete listing of numbers. Then put it in your cell phone for easy retrieval should you need it.

#5 - Choose an agency that’s EASY to contact!  You don’t want to have to chase your agent down every time you need something.  SAV-ON is available by email, text or phone while doing your shopping.

#6 - Do they offer annual reviews?  Things change, especially when it comes to insurance!  SAV-ON Insurance Agencies regularly meets with you to review your coverage and make sure you’re protected. Ask about our review procedures and how we make sure there aren’t any gaps in your protection.

#7 - Excellent customer service - When it comes down to it, this is the most important of all!  SAV-ON wants your business and strives to give you the best possible service!

We meet all of the criteria above and would love to work with your family.  Call us at 888-867-2866 today for a no-obligation quote and insurance review! Or go to http://www.sav-on.com/pages/locations-hours.html to request an appointment.

Insurance When You Tie the Knot

February is all about love. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 4 million people will get engaged on Valentine’s Day. Lots a lot of wedding cake!

And with all of that love and wedding planning in the air, it can be hard to think about the boring parts of a marriage.

So we want to make it easy for you. Here are a few things you need to think about in regards to your insurance policies when you tie the knot:

Combine your auto insurance policies. If you both own a vehicle, the easiest thing to do is combine your policies by adding your spouse and their vehicle to your policy. We can take care of this in just a few minutes!

Make sure you and your spouse are listed on every policy. You both need to be on the homeowners or renters insurance so you can get assistance if needed. Do all of them at the same time and you won’t have to worry about it again.

Schedule an overall review. When you combine two households you will obviously have more belongings! Speak with your agent and verify that you have enough content and liability insurance to cover any new assets.

Purchase life insurance. It’s your honeymoon and you don’t want to think about death, but now is the time to get this very important coverage in place. It doesn’t cost much and will give you peace of mind that the person you love will be taken care of in the future. It’s really the very best gift you can give to those you love.

The best part of this? It doesn’t have to be hard! In fact, one short appointment can take care of every item on the list. Give SAV-ON Insurance a call today at 888-867-2866 to schedule a review with one of our agents.

Insurance New Year's Resolutions

2017 has arrived, and with it come resolutions and goals for a fresh start over the coming months. Don't forget to include your insurance goals in your planning this year.

If one of your resolutions for this year was to get organized, then here are some tips on how to get financially fit in 2017!  At least as far as your insurance goes...

1. Set up a meeting with us! Each year, we like to do a policy review with every client.

It's a good idea to get a yearly policy review with SAV-ON.

We look at all of your policies and update your information. Insurance needs tend to change with major life events so if you got married, had a baby, changed jobs, retired, or anything else in the last year, you probably need a review. Many times you qualify for new discounts or we can point out ways to help you save (like getting a multi-policy discount!) 

We can schedule this meeting over the phone or in the office, whichever is easier.

2. Get a life insurance quote.  For some reason, life insurance is one of those things that gets neglected.  People know deep down that they need it, but often never get around to actually purchasing any. But, the older you get the more expensive the policy becomes. Procrastination can get expensive!

Many times you can get a basic term life insurance policy for $50 a month or less.  (This depends on age and health status, so it varies for everyone.) Term life insurance, as opposed to whole life, has a specific number of years it's in force. You determine how many years you will need it. The longer the term, the less expensive it is per year.

Keep a copy of your current policies handy.

3. Organize your insurance documents.  Keep a file with a copy of your current auto, home, and life policies in one easy-to-find place.  When your renewal comes in the mail, you can throw out the old copies.  Some people also like to keep a copy of their life insurance with their attorney or in a fireproof safe.  We can always help you get a copy if you need it! 

4. Put you current auto insurance card in your glove box and throw out the six old ones that are likely crumbled up in there.  :) 

That’s it!  Take care of these items and you’re on your way to being organized and properly covered in 2017. Call SAV-ON Insurance at 888-867-2866 or visit www.sav-on.com and schedule a meeting at any of our locations. One of our friendly agents will be happy to help you sort this all out!