Why Is Auto Insurance Mandatory?

Washington is one of the most beautiful states in the US. Nicknamed ‘The Evergreen State,’ it’s also one of the most visited states in the country. But before you hit the road for a scenic drive in Washington, make sure that your auto insurance is in order. Here, like in many other states in the country, auto insurance is required. In other words, you can’t drive legally without car insurance in the Evergreen State.

Mandatory Coverage

Whether you’ve bought a new car or you just moved to Lynnwood, WA, Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc can help you get auto insurance that meets the state’s auto insurance requirements as well as your driving needs. But why is auto insurance mandatory in the vast majority of US state? Well, there are several reasons. But before we delve into that, let’s take a look at the minimum car insurance requirements in Washington State.

Basic Requirements

As a driver in the state, you are required to have Property Damage Liability, Bodily Injury Liability, Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage, as well as Basic Personal Injury Protection and Underinsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage. You need to have these coverages on your policy to drive in the state. The state’s insurance department has put these laws in place to ensure that roads in the state are safe and fair for all drivers.

That way, if you cause an accident, your coverage will cover the cost of damages and medical bills and the other driver will not suffer financial loss as a result of your actions. That’s what auto insurance requirements are for. Get full auto insurance coverage from Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc in Lynnwood, WA and make the road safer for other users. Call us if you need more information on auto insurance in the state.

Is Auto Insurance Ever Optional

Auto insurance is something that all drivers can not only benefit from but that all drivers are required to hold. There are no circumstances in which auto insurance is ever optional for a car that is going to be driven on public roads with other drivers. For those in the Lynnwood, WA area, the agents with Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. can help you get the perfect auto policy quickly and easily.

Auto insurance is something that is never optional for a car that is going to share a public road with other drivers for one simple reason, should there be an accident, there needs to be a policy in place for both drivers so that neither is forced to take the full burden of the cost of repairs and medical costs. Auto insurance is required by law in almost all 50 states to help protect all drivers, both the insured and the other drivers on the road.

Auto insurance is something that all drivers also need to help pay back auto loans should their car become totaled, and if the car needs to be fully replaced. It also helps cover the cost of repairs, medical costs, rental cars, and more to get you back on the road again safely. Each state has different requirements for the amount of auto insurance you have to have on your car, and it is necessary to speak with an agent to find out just how much auto insurance you need to have in place to legally drive your car on the road. For those that live in the Lynnwood, WA area, the agents with Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. can help you to find the right policy for your needs based on the individual requirements of your particular state or locality.  

Reach out to our offices to get a quote or try out our online rating tool.

Must Have Auto Insurance Coverage for Long Distance Drivers

If you drive long distances to or from work or when traveling on vacation, you should make sure you have adequate car insurance to protect you against accidents. With good car insurance protection, you can be prepared for any mishaps that may occur during your travels. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. in Lynnwood, WA, we can help you choose an insurance package suited to your budget and lifestyle. For long-distance driving, you’ll do well with the following coverage:

Liability

All states require that drivers have minimum liability coverage and Washington is no exception. If you drive long distances, however, you may want to get more than the bare minimum. Extra liability coverage will give you greater protection in the event you cause an accident where serious injuries or damage occur to others.   

Collision

Long distance driving poses a greater risk of accidents due to drivers getting careless, going too fast, or falling asleep at the wheel. Collision coverage will help pay for damages to your car if you accidentally crash into another vehicle or drive off the highway. If you own a fairly new vehicle, collision coverage can help protect your investment.

Comprehensive

When you travel extensively, chances are you’ll run into inclement weather on the road. Your car may suffer wind, hail, or storm damage during your travels. Comprehensive insurance helps pay for these damages. If your vehicle is stolen or vandalized on a road trip, you’re protected under this same coverage.

Roadside Assistance/Towing

You may also want roadside assistance or towing in your car insurance package for help with unforeseen car problems that can leave you stuck on the side of the road.

For quality auto insurance coverage, contact Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. in Lynnwood, WA. We can help you get started with a quote and a policy.

Aside From Drunk Driving, What Reasons Require You to Get SR-22 Insurance?

If you have been convicted of drunk driving, you will be required to obtain SR-22 auto insurance when your driving privileges are once again reinstated. SR-22 insurance is a type of auto insurance that has a higher coverage level than regular auto insurance. The reason for this is because you are now considered a high risk driver and the state wants to make sure you have enough insurance to cover any accidents you may cause as a high risk driver.

At Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc., serving the greater Lynnwood, WA area, we often hear the myth that SR-22 insurance is only for drunk drivers. SR-22 insurance can be ordered for other drivers who have not driven drunk. Here are two other reasons you may be required to obtain and carry this type of auto insurance. 

You Have Been Caught Driving Without Insurance

If you have been caught driving without auto insurance multiple times, or if you were involved in a car accident and did not have auto insurance, the courts may require you to obtain an SR-22 auto insurance policy before they allow you to drive once again. 

You Have a Poor Driving Record

The second reason why the courts may require you to obtain SR-22 auto insurance outside of drunk driving is that you have a poor driving record. If you drive recklessly or have multiple accidents, the courts can require you to carry this type of auto insurance before reinstating your driving privileges. 

If you have been ordered by the courts to obtain SR-22 auto insurance, you may be in the market to buy one of these types of auto insurance policies. When you need one in the greater Lynnwood, WA area, let Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. help you. Contact us today and let us help you find the best Sr-22 auto insurance policy for you. 

How to Prevent Car Break-Ins at the Mall

Anywhere a large number of cars is present, such as at the mall, thieves may also be present. This gives them a variety of vehicles that they can pick to break into. Allowing them to select the ones that look easiest or have items that appeal to them which are visible inside. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc., serving the greater Lynnwood, WA area, we want to help you to keep your car safe. Here are a few tips on how to keep your car safe from break-ins while at the mall.

Keep Your Doors Locked, and Windows Rolled Up

It may sound obvious, but one of the best ways to prevent your car from being broken into is to make sure your doors are locked, and your windows are rolled up all the way. Do not crack the windows. It may allow thieves easier access to your car. Always be sure your vehicle is locked when you walk away.

Hide Valuables

It is best not to store anything in your car. However, if you have bags from shopping or other valuables in your car, make sure they are hidden. If your vehicle looks empty, a thief may not want to waste their time.

Park in a Populated Area

The last tip to prevent car break-ins is to park in a populated area. You may want to park out away from other cars to avoid dings to your vehicle, but if your car is isolated, it makes it an easier target for thieves.

Keeping your car safe from break-ins is just one of the things you can do to keep your vehicle safe. Another important thing to do is to have the right insurance coverage on your car. If you are in the market for a new auto insurance policy in the Lynnwood, WA area, Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. would love to assist you. Call us now to get started.

How to Find the Right Auto Insurance Policy for You and Your Family in Washington

In Lynnwood, WA and the surrounding areas, obtaining limited liability insurance is required by law before you are capable of operating a motor vehicle on the road. With a minimum of $25,000 coverage per person and $10,000 for property damage required in an insurance policy, it is important to compare and review your options before deciding. Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. is available to facilitate the process of obtaining insurance and protecting both you and your vehicle anytime you drive. 

Consider Your Household Finances

Before selecting an auto insurance policy for your vehicle, consider your current expendable budget and financial standing. Obtaining multiple insurance quotes for your vehicle is also a way to determine the best method of getting the coverage you need that is also affordable for you and your family. 

Review Policy Terms and Benefits

Always be sure to review policy terms based on the type of auto insurance you are considering. Whether you are seeking limited liability insurance, collision coverage, or comprehensive coverage, inquire about your options and coverage limits with a professional insurance agent to help with making your decision. Ask about protecting yourself, your vehicle, and others who may be involved in an automobile accident with you before selecting an insurance policy that is ideal for your needs. For more information on each type of insurance coverage available, reach out to our agents to have all your questions answered.

To get an auto insurance quote for you or your family in Lynnwood, WA, get in touch with Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. today. We can help guide you through the options and assist in determining the policies that are right for you.

Where to Visit on the Washington Coast

There’s no coast in the world quite like the American Northwest, and with a solid policy from Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc, you’ll be ready for anything the trip has to offer as you venture out from Lynnwood, WA. Here are the places you must check out on your way up and down the Washington coast:

Hobuck Beach

At Hobuck beach you can find surprisingly affordable cabins and camping spots for the night. Hobuck Beach is home to the Makah Tribe, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Hobuck Beach can be found behind Cape Flattery. Nothing like the typical beaches of Washington, Hobuck is a hidden paradise.

Seabrook

A planned village inspired by the cozy little towns of New England, Seabrook is one of the sandier beaches in the state. Not to say we don’t love the beautiful rocky beaches of Washington, but sometimes you want to do a little sunbathing or run along the coast without your shoes on. Seabrook is the place to do it, and if you have friends to bring, it should be all the more fun.

La Push

La Push is one of the best fishing beaches in Washington and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the country. A small Quileute Indian village near the Canadian border, La Push is a great place to catch some tuna near the end of the Summer.

The roads can be treacherous along the coast if you’re not careful, especially in the rainier months. Make sure you have your policy sorted with Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc before you head out from Lynnwood, WA, and you’ll be ready to explore the Northwestern coast without any worries.

Give our agents a call or drop by our office to talk with a professional about your auto insurance today. Also, try our online rating tool for quotes on your home and auto insurance.

How Safe Winter Driving Reduces Cost of Auto Insurance

Snow and ice can make driving conditions difficult for Lynnwood, WA drivers. If you’re not used to driving in harsh winter weather, you face greater risks of having an accident.  

Learning how to drive safely on ice and snow will help you maintain better control over your vehicle to avoid accidents. An updated auto insurance policy from Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc will ensure you have the protection you need for any eventuality on the road. 

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Driving safely is imperative to preventing accidents on icy roads. During winter, it’s best to drive slower than normal, use extra caution when passing and increase distances between vehicles.   

People should avoid using cruise control during winter as it could hinder you from reacting quickly when needing to avoid an accident.  

If you’re new to winter driving, it wouldn’t hurt to practice in a safe, open area to get a feel for handling your vehicle under these conditions before taking it out on a crowded highway. When inclement weather makes driving dangerous for you or others, stay home or catch a ride with a more experienced driver.

Vehicle Prep

Safe winter driving includes preparing your vehicle in advance for winter conditions. Putting winter tires on your vehicle gives you better traction when driving on slippery roads. This makes it easier for you to stay in control of your car. Winter tires improve driving performance to reduce the risk of accidents. Using winter tires could even qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance due to increasing safety on icy roads.

Safe driving habits can lead to fewer violations and accidents, which could reduce your auto insurance prices. For more information on auto insurance coverage and costs in Lynnwood, WA, contact us at Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc. 

Will Sea Air Damage Your Paintjob In Lynnwood WA?

Lynnwood, WA is not right on the beach, but it’s close enough that you may be wondering if the salty sea air can damage your Lynnwood, WA home. The answer is: Yes.

The most serious damage the sea can do to your home is if you’re right on the beach, getting splashed with ocean spray, getting your foundation soaked when the tide is high. However, the salty air can still do some major damage to your exterior and even your foundation up to about a hundred miles from the sea. This means that even if you live more inland, you can see your paint peeling and chipping thanks to the salt in the air.

It’s not so bad the further you get, but you will need to take some precautions. Protective finishes can help to protect the surface of your home, but nothing replaces regular cleaning. Maybe you’ve never lived somewhere where you had to scrub your exterior walls before, but if you see a fuzzy, salty buildup forming on the exterior of your home or on the foundation, you’ll want to get some soap and water and scrub it. When salt builds up that fuzzy surface, it can chew away at the wood and do some serious damage, digging itself in deeper and deeper. Salty air can also rust metal surfaces very quickly, which is why washing and waxing your car is so important in Washington.

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. can help you to get some great discounts on your home, but no policy, from Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. or anyone else, can make up for a little tender love and care for your home.