Make Insurance Part of Your Financial Plan

There are many aspects to successful financial plans.  Most include a family budget, emergency savings, retirement savings, and…insurance!

So today, let's review the important parts of your insurance financial plan. It centers on protecting your possessions and your family.

Protect Your Stuff - This is what we think of first when it comes to insurance.  Fixing your car after an accident and replacing your belongings after a fire.  When you review your financial plan, you want to make sure that all of your valuable assets are protected.  Cars, homes, high priced jewelry or artwork, boats, motorcycles, ATV's, etc.  Protect it all and make sure that the deductible is reasonable and that you have full replacement cost coverage.  (We can explain all the details.)

Protect Your Money - Liability is a misunderstood coverage, but it's extremely important. When you are held responsible for an accident, your assets and money are at risk!  For example, what if your teenager caused an accident and your were sued?  What if you caused a major accident and didn't have enough liability coverage?  Good insurance can make sure that if this happens, you would be covered!  We look at how much you have to protect (total assets) and create a plan to cover it all.

Protect Your Family - You can protect all of your belongings, but the ultimate way to protect your family is with good life and disability insurance. If something happens to you, you don't have to worry about your family being protected.  You can plan to pay off debt, pay for college, or anything else that is important to you.

All of this might seem like a lot for think about, but it doesn't have to be. With a great insurance agent, you can meet once a year and trust that all of these things are taken care of.  Why not take a few minutes to schedule an insurance financial planning review with one of our agents?  Call SAV-ON today at 888-867-2866 and get started!

Fall Home Maintenance Tasks

Every month, we 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 in October to prepare your home for the cool 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.  By making sure they’re clear now, you’ll avoid water damage later on. 

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! 

Gather Firewood - Will you be burning a wood stove or fireplace this winter?  Start gathering up dry firewood now and save yourself from the task when it’s cold and rainy outside. Rain-soaked wood won't do you any good!

Seal Your Windows - Before the rain and cold start seeping in through any cracked or worn window frames, reseal the edges with all-weather caulk. This will save you money on your fall and winter heating bills!

Plant Fall Flowers - Your summer flowers may have wilted since the arrival of colder evening temperatures, but that doesn't mean you can't have an attractive garden! Now is a great time to start planting some fall flowers.  Mums make a great addition to your front porch! 

Save On Homeowners Insurance - Homeowners Insurance is an important part of protecting your belongings.  To make sure you have the best coverage, call SAV-ON today for a free, no obligation quote.  888-867-2866.
 

Make Sure Your Tires are in Good Shape as Wet Fall Weather Approaches

Tires are one item on your vehicle that many people take for granted until something bad happens due to tire failure. As the weather starts to get colder and wetter this fall, tires play an important part in keeping you on the road and out of the ditch.

Tire Pressure
It's important to have all of your tires inflated to the proper pounds per square inch (PSI). Under inflation can lead to premature tire wear and failure. The proper amount of inflation is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on the door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. It's also listed on the owner's manual.
You should...

• Check tire pressure about once a month or before long trips
• Check when tires are cool. It's best to check before driving, as tires need at least 3 hours to cool.
• Inspect tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded in them. Even if they haven't punctured the tire at that time, continuing to drive on these could put a hole in the tire and cause a flat. Also, check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.

Keep in mind that tire inflation pressure increases in warm weather and decreases in cold weather by 1-2 psi for every 10 degrees of temperature difference.

Alignment
Have your tire alignment checked periodically, as specified by the vehicle's owner's manual, or right away if you feel your vehicle "pulling" to one side or the other. Also, have your tires balanced. Tires wear will increase dramatically if your alignment is off.

Tire Rotation
It's important to have your tires rotated approximately every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to prevent uneven tire wear. Most vehicles are now front-wheel-drive, and so the front tires wear at a greater rate than the rear. By rotating the front to the back (and switching the front left tire to the right rear, and the front right tire to the left rear), your tire life will increase substantially.

Worn tires can't channel water away from the surfaces as effectively.

Tire Tread
After there is  2/32 of an inch or less tread left on a tire, it is illegal to drive on them. Traction, especially in inclement weather, is dangerous. Worn tires can "hydroplane" in wet weather and cause the vehicle to lose control of the road, as the tread that would channel the water away from the tire is gone. An easy way to check this is to put a penny upside down into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you're OK, but if you can see all of his head, then you need to buy a new tire.

Fall and winter means more challenging driving. Make sure you have properly functioning tires that are fully inflated and have plenty of tread to carry you safely through the upcoming bad weather.

And remember, if SAV-ON Insurance can help you with any of your insurance needs, call us at 888-867-2866.

Have an Insurance Claim? We're There for You.

Insurance claims can be a stressful process.  At SAV-ON Insurance Agencies, we've worked with our 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 by your insurance company 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 we come 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 during the claims process, it's great to have someone you know on your side.

You need someone you can depend on when you have a claim. Call SAV-ON Insurance Agencies office today at 888-867-2866 and let us protect your family and property.

Going on Vacation? Don't Leave Home Without Doing This...

Ready to head out of town on vacation?  The weather is hot and sunny, the kids are out of school, and everyone is eager for a break.  But there are a few things to keep in mind before you leave town in order to keep your possessions protected.

Don’t Advertise That You’ll Be Out Of Town

Think about the things that happen around your home on a daily basis, so that your home doesn’t look empty when you leave.

Stop Deliveries. Contact the Post Office (and the newspaper or any other deliveries) and put your services on hold. Or, if you're only going to be gone for a few days, have one of your trusted neighbors pick them up for you.  A full mailbox and a driveway full of newspapers are a sign to thieves that you’re an easy target!

Let There Be Light. Put a few lights on a timer so that your home isn’t dark all night.  Even leaving a few lamps on will help.  Motion sensitive lights on your porch and driveway are a great idea too. Of course, if you have an alarm, set it. A darkened house is an invitation for burglars!

Watchful Neighbor. Do you have a neighbor that you trust?  Let them know of your plans, share your contact phone number, and consider leaving a spare key, just in case they need to get in. Have them keep an eye on the place for any unusual activity, and have them call the police – then you – if they see anything bad happening.

Storm Damage. What if a severe thunderstorm hits while you’re out of town?  It could knock out power or even cause a tree in your yard to fall.  Your neighbor can make sure that your freezer is back on when the power restores or verify that there aren’t any leaks in the roof from the storm damage. You can get on the phone and contact your insurance company, so they can get involved until you get back. You don't want any unwelcome surprises when you get home!

When You’re On The Road

The biggest tip is to avoid leaving valuables in the car!

Many people believe that their belongings are covered by car insurance, but that is not the case.  The only coverage for your luggage and computer would be on your Homeowners Insurance and it’s subject to your deductible.

Roadside Assistance. Also, most policies offer coverage for road side assistance and towing.  This can be invaluable when you are stranded (or accidentally lock your keys in the car in an unfamiliar town).  This coverage is inexpensive and quick to add to your policy.

Accidents. If you are unfortunate and end up in an accident, make sure to contact the police first, then your insurance company. Don't ever admit guilt to anyone! That's for the police to determine. Your insurance agent can arrange towing for your vehicle, if necessary, and find the nearest auto repair facility. If your car needs extensive repairs, check to see if your policy includes a rental car that would allow you to return home until the repairs are completed.

Have questions about your insurance before your trip?  Give SAV-ON a call at 888-867-2866 anytime to discuss your policy or to get a quote!

It's Boating Season! Make Sure Your Boat or Personal Watercraft Meets Regulations

With the beautiful, summer-like weather we've been having in Washington, it's time to get that boat or personal watercraft out in the water!

While everyone loves to hit the lake on the boat, there are a few things you need to take care of first.


Renew Your Registration

Boating registration goes from July 1st through June 30th, so make sure you have updated and properly attached your updated tabs before launching your boat. All boats must have a Washington title, registration card, registration decals, with these exceptions:

• Canoe, kayak or vessel not propelled by a motor or sail.
• Vessel is less than 16 feet in length and has a motor of 10 horsepower or less and is used on non-federal waters only.
• The vessel is properly registered by a resident of another state or country who uses Washington waters for 60 days or fewer.

For details on Washington boating regulations, go to: http://boat.wa.gov/regulations.asp

Get Your Boater Education Card

Most Washington residents are now required to take the Boater Exams and obtain a Boater Education Card. The card is proof that you have successfully completed an approved boating safety course. This card does not expire; once you obtain it, it's good for life.

The law is being phased in by operator age over several years. In 2015, all boaters 60 or younger are required to have this card in their possession when operating a boat, and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer. Not having the card can result in a fine.

Go to https://www.boat-ed.com/washington/?clid=CPOjzvO2g8YCFQqFfgodrkcAew to take your exam. The exam is free, but the card will cost you $29.50.

Have the Necessary Equipment Onboard

Boats and personal watercraft are required to have working fire extinguishers, a emergency warning signal (flare or whistle) and enough approved floatation devices (life jackets) for everyone on the boat. Children must have life jackets on at all times while on the water.

Are You Properly Covered?

Since boat insurance isn’t required in most states, a lot of people skip it in order to save money.  But that’s a very risky idea! 

First, without coverage, you’re risking all the money you spent on your boat.  Would you drive your expensive car without insurance?  Probably not! 

Second, boats are a liability exposure.  That means that they open you up to lawsuits.  If you were to have an accident and damage someone’s boat or personal property, then you could be held responsible.

With the proper insurance coverage, this wouldn’t be a problem.  You’d be protected!  In fact, we typically recommend that clients with a high level of assets purchase extra liability coverage if they own a boat. 

All in all, purchasing boat owners insurance is a simple way to give yourself a lot of peace of mind.  Who wants to worry about insurance when they’re out on the water? 

Call SAV-ON today at 888-867-2866 for a free quote on your boat or personal watercraft. 

Discounts....Are You Getting All of Them?

Discounts are the best way to save on your insurance premium each and every month.  But a lot of people miss out on them!  With a little documentation, you could see some excellent savings.

Home Security Discounts
Does your home have a security system or fire protection system?  Some of these devices will help you save big on your home or renters insurance.  If you have a certificate of installation (and even if you don’t), let us know and we’ll see if you qualify.

Driver Training & Defensive Driving
Did your child take Driver’s Ed?  Did you take a Defensive Driving course?  These classes will typically qualify for big discounts!  Just bring in a copy of your completion certificate and we’ll get it added to your policy.

Teenage Driver With Good Grades
Good grades will help you save! Some of our policies offer a discount for students who maintain a high GPA. Give us a call to see the requirements for your policy.

Payment Discounts
There are many different options when it comes to paying your premiums.  Some policies offer discounts for paying in full or a reduced installment fee if you put the payment on auto-draft.  We can advise you of all the payment options so you pay as little as possible.

Multi-Policy Discounts
When you have all of your insurance in one place, you save more!  If your auto and home insurance is spread out between multiple companies or agencies, let us help you consolidate under one company.  You’ll be better protected (with less gaps in coverage) and save money, too!

The key? Talk to your agent!  When we schedule regular annual reviews, we can review your policy discounts and make sure you are receiving the best coverage at the best price.  Call SAV-ON Insurance Agencies today at 888-867-2866 to schedule an appointment, and start saving money!