Lynnwood WA

How Commercial Insurance Benefits AgriTourism Businesses

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Agritourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the Washington area and other parts of the Northwest. Although this may not be a conventional business, securing commercial insurance and protecting your property is still beneficial.

1. Public Liability Coverage

Agritourism often means welcoming visitors to your farm or ranch. Thus, it’s crucial to have an extensive liability policy in case an accident occurs on your property. This policy lets the insurance company cover expenses and protect your business assets. Lack of sufficient liability coverage, or absence of it entirely, can risk having your business assets seized to cover related costs.

2. Protect Employees

In an agribusiness, you’ll likely need to hire employees, even temporarily, during different seasons. As they could suffer injuries on the job, ensuring their safety with worker’s compensation coverage is important. Adding this to your commercial insurance policy will help cover any accident-related expenses, enabling your employees to return to work once they’ve recovered.

3. Business Interruption Coverage

Business interruption coverage can be life-saving when uncontrollable events impact your agritourism business. This coverage allows you to obtain financial assistance to meet essential expenses and payrolls until your business recovers. It can serve as a lifeline, keeping your business afloat during challenging times that bring significant income loss.

As an agritourism business, it’s worth understanding the many benefits of commercial insurance. The protection it provides extends to your business, employees, and customers visiting your property, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone. If you’re in the Lynnwood, WA, area and require more information on commercial insurance, feel free to contact our team at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. today.

Your Specific Car and Your Auto Insurance Rate: What You Need to Know

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Several factors affect how much you pay for auto insurance coverage. For instance, some of your car’s features can play a role. Some of its features that can affect your insurance rate include:

  • Vehicle type: Your vehicle’s model and make can affect your insurance rates. For instance, sports cars and luxury cars are often more expensive to insure because they cost more to replace or repair.
  • Vehicle age: Older cars are cheaper to insure because they aren’t worth as much as new models. They’re also cheaper to replace or repair. This rule doesn’t apply to every car. However, some newer models with advanced safety features are beating the odds. 
  • Engine size: Cars with large, powerful engines, like sports cars, are often more expensive to insure. Insurance companies see them as a higher risk since they are more likely to be involved in speed-related accidents.
  • Safety features: Some policies grant insurance discounts to cars with safety features like anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, and airbags. These features reduce the vehicle’s risk of theft or injury, lowering the risk for the insurance company.
  • Car size: Large cars are usually cheaper to insure than compact cars because they fare far better in accidents. On the other hand, SUVs and other extremely large vehicles are expensive to insure since they typically cause more damage. 
  • Likelihood of theft: Some cars are more attractive to thieves than others. If your vehicle is one that’s frequently stolen, there’s a chance you’ll have high insurance premiums.
  • Cost of repairs and parts: If the parts on your car are expensive or rare, or if it’s costly to fix, your insurance rates will probably reflect that. 

Paying attention to these guidelines is important, but you must also remember they are general trends. The exact impact on your insurance rates will vary based on your chosen insurance company and other factors like your driving history and where you live. If you live in Lynnwood, WA, it’s a good idea to contact your favorite local agent at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. to ensure you get the best rate.

First-Time Homeowner? Congratulations! Four Home Maintenance Tips You Need to Know

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As a first-time homeowner, you’re likely excited but may also feel overwhelmed by the maintenance tasks ahead. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., serving Lynwood, WA, we’re here to assist you in managing your homeowners’ insurance needs. This post will outline four fundamental home maintenance tasks to prioritize in your new home.

Regularly Check Your HVAC Filters

Maintenance of your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial. Replace your HVAC filters every two to three months to lower energy costs, reduce wear and tear on your system, and improve indoor air quality.

Maintain Your Refrigerator Coils

Small tasks, like cleaning the coils on the back of your refrigerator, can prolong its lifespan. It might be a less-known task, but it’s crucial for maintaining your appliance’s efficiency.

Replace Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Replace batteries and carbon monoxide detectors in your smoke as soon as you move in. Set a reminder to replace them again every six months to ensure your home’s safety.

Drain Your Water Heater

Sediment can accumulate in your water heater over time. To resolve this, connect a hose to the heater’s spigot and drain the water into a drain. This task can help improve the heater’s efficiency and lifespan.

Trust Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. for Your Insurance Needs

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. prides itself on serving Lynnwood, WA’s homeowners’ insurance needs. Whether you need homeowners insurance or need help with other insurance products, we’re ready to help. Our team is committed to meeting your insurance requirements. Reach out today to learn more about our insurance solutions.

Lifestyle Hacks for Car Insurance for Teens

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Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. has helped Lynnwood, WA residents find great car insurance for years. For example, we can make it easier for parents of teens to find insurance that doesn’t break the bank. Here are a few tips and hacks that may help out here. 

Track Their Driving 

Installing a telematics car app on your teen’s car lets you track their driving and show that they’re a safe driver. Of course, this might backfire if they don’t drive safely, so ensure you instill careful and defensive driving habits in your teen to prevent this issue.

Buy a Safe Used Car 

Typically, car insurance companies provide fairer policies as a car ages. That doesn’t mean you should buy a junker—that could worsen your policy—but find one with high safety ratings and various types of anti-theft features to improve the policy. 

Bundle Your Policies 

Add your teen’s car insurance to your current policy to streamline this process and minimize unnecessary issues. Coverage teams prefer when you do this and may provide strong packages with your home, life, health insurance, and car policies.

Park in a Garage

Try to clear out room to get your teen in your garage—doing so shows that their vehicle is safer and makes your car insurance company happier. Insurance companies prefer when their customers take these protective steps and reward them with better and more effective policies.

Take Great Care of Your Teen

If you have a teen worried about their insurance, try these hacks and call Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. immediately to get help. We can support Lynnwood, WA residents with strong insurance and will do what we can to ensure you’re happy with your service.

Shopping for Homeowners Insurance? Questions to Ask the Agent

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Protect Your Home with the Right Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance stands as the frontline defense for safeguarding your most prized asset – your home. Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc, servicing Lynnwood WA, dedicates its expertise to help you navigate through insurance complexities and settle on the most fitting policy for your unique needs.

Questions to Fuel Your Policy Shopping

Understanding your insurance needs can be quite puzzling. Here are a few carefully chosen questions that can guide you while shopping for your homeowner’s insurance policy:

What Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover?

A standard homeowners insurance policy typically shoulders the cost to repair or replace your home’s infrastructure and the valuable items within, arising from a covered event. Whether it’s a devastating fire, unfortunate theft, offensive vandalism, or disruptive windstorms, your policy will have your back. Some policies even extend coverage to detached structures like your garage or shed. Reviewing each policy carefully before purchase ensures you recognize your coverage boundaries.

Can I Rebuild and Replace My Possessions Affordably After a Covered Event?

Understanding the extent of coverage and its sufficiency can puzzle even the best of us. It’s paramount to ensure that your policy provides enough to rebuild and replace everything following a covered event. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., we work collaboratively to frame the ideal level of coverage that matches your needs. As homeowners insurance experts, we address all your doubts and clarify what homeowners insurance can and cannot do.

Want insurance assistance? Contact us today to ascertain your homeowner’s insurance coverage needs and discover the most fitting policy for your home.

How Can My Business Benefit from Business Interruption Insurance?

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If you have commercial insurance already, consider adding business interruption to protect your resources further. A commercial property policy typically reimburses you for physical damage to your equipment, business property, and inventory. However, it won’t replace lost income if you have to close your business. Business interruption covers lost revenue and overhead costs until you can continue doing business. That can help you cover the lease or mortgage, pay your employees, and keep up with your taxes. Talk to a Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. agent in Lynnwood, WA, to learn more about business interruption.

What You Get From Business Interruption Insurance

BI can help your small to midsize business recover quickly from forced closures beyond your control. Every policy varies, but many BI policies include wildfires, for example. So, you may receive assistance with costs associated with operating offsite while your business property undergoes repairs. Ask your insurance agent about bundling BI with your existing commercial insurance policy. If the unthinkable happens, and you have to shut down your business temporarily, business insurance can make recovery more feasible. 

Business Interruption Versus Commercial Insurance

If you’re still confused about the difference between commercial property and BI, here’s an easy way to remember the difference. Commercial policies cover physical losses, but you need business interruption to receive reimbursement for lost revenue and ongoing expenses. Ask your agent to present policies covering relocation costs, employee wages, loan payments, etc. Keep in mind that BI doesn’t cover events not listed in the policy. You’ll need separate coverage for earthquakes, floods, and mudslides. Losses due to pandemics are also excluded from many policies.

Want a free quote? Contact the Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. team in Lynnwood, WA, to set up an appointment today! 

Tailored Auto Insurance Tips for Lynnwood Residents

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Lynnwood, WA motorists who are looking to protect their most important investments will often turn to the experts at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. We are here to provide all of the necessary guidance, and thanks to our help, Washington motorists are able to learn everything that they need to know. Be sure to take a closer look at the following tips and pointers.

Auto Insurance Is Required In Washington State

Those found to be driving without it will be subjected to some pretty significant penalties. In addition to paying hefty fines and being left without a license for an extended period, the state of Washington will also require you to keep an SR-22 on file. These documents will prove that you have obtained and maintained your auto insurance policy.

Insurance Policies Will Follow The Vehicle

Contrary to popular belief, Washington state law dictates that the insurance policy follows the vehicle. In other words, your policy will still be valid even if an accident takes place when you have allowed someone else to drive your car. The other driver and their passengers will remain protected at all times.

Add a New Vehicle To An Existing Policy Quickly

In Washington, there is a grace period of 2 to 30 days for you to add the vehicle to your existing policy, depending on the specifics of your current terms. Be sure to add the new vehicle as quickly as possible so that any accidents are not as demanding as they may be otherwise.

If you reside in the Lynnwood, WA area and have further questions about your auto insurance policies, speak with Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. as soon as possible. Our team of professionals is happy to take your call or sit down for a helpful consultation.

How to Protect Your Roof From Strong Wind Gusts

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Protecting your roof from strong wind gusts is vital for maintaining your home’s integrity and avoiding potential damage. Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., located in Lynnwood, WA, provides valuable advice on how to keep your roof secure during windy weather.

Tips to Shield Your Roof From Strong Winds

  1. Regular Inspections: Schedule routine roof inspections to identify and address any existing damage, like loose or missing shingles or damaged flashing. A well-maintained roof is better equipped to withstand strong winds.

  2. Secure Shingles: Ensure that shingles are correctly installed and adequately fastened. Strong winds can easily lift Loose or damaged shingles, leading to further damage.

  3. Trim Overhanging Branches: Overhanging tree branches can become projectiles during high winds. Trim or remove them to prevent potential roof damage.

  4. Inspect Flashing: Check and maintain roof flashing to prevent leaks and wind-driven rain from entering your home.

  5. Install Roof Clips or Straps: If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or high winds, consider installing roof clips or straps to enhance your roof’s structural integrity.

  6. Seal Roof Sheathing: Ensure the roof sheathing is adequately sealed to prevent wind-driven rain from infiltrating the roof structure.

  7. High-Quality Materials: When replacing or repairing your roof, use high-quality, wind-resistant materials and ensure proper installation.

  8. Anchored Roofing: Ensure your roof is securely anchored to the building’s structure to prevent uplift during strong winds.

  9. Roof Bracing: Consider adding roof bracing or reinforcing trusses for extra support in regions with frequent high winds.

For guidance on securing your home against wind damage and to ensure your insurance coverage is comprehensive, contact Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., serving the greater Lynnwood, WA area today. Act now to protect your home and your peace of mind. 

Do Small Businesses Need Commercial Insurance and Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

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Insurance covers business owners’ legal and contractual obligations and limits risk to acceptable levels. Unfortunately, some small business owners do not recognize the risks they take by relying on personal insurance policies to cover business risks. If you own a small business and want to ensure you are covered adequately, contact our Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. team serving Lynnwood, WA, to create a commercial insurance plan that meets your business’s needs.

Commercial Versus Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Businesses come in all shapes and sizes across many industries and have varying needs. Still, most business owners recognize the need for workers’ compensation, commercial property, general liability, and commercial insurance coverage specific to their industry or profession, even when running a small, work-from-home operation. Likewise, commercial rather than personal insurance should cover your business assets.

The same logic applies to motor vehicles used for business purposes. A personal insurance policy does not cover vehicles your company owns or operates for work purposes. Individual policies also do not cover an owner’s or employee’s vehicle when transporting goods, tools, or people for work-related purposes. While an insurance provider might unknowingly cover a work-related fender bender under a personal policy, accidents leading to substantial liability face more scrutiny and may not be covered if business-related.

Regardless of your business, consider talking with your insurance agent about adequately protecting yourself, your employees, and your business. Don’t wait until after an accident happens to learn you are not fully protected.

Working with Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. handles many happy clients’ business and personal insurance needs in the Lynnwood, WA, area. Drop by or call us today to build an insurance plan that protects your business and personal assets.

Three Tips to Get Great Auto Insurance

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Having the right auto insurance is very important to protecting yourself and others on the roadways. If you’re in the Lynnwood, WA area and need of insurance for your vehicle, Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc can help you get the right coverage for your needs. That will protect you and your car, other drivers and their vehicles, and your peace of mind. Here are three tips for having the best car insurance for your situation.

1. Work With a Trusted Agent

When you look at all the options for insurance, you might feel overwhelmed, but working with a trusted agent makes it easier and less stressful to find the coverage you need. Your agent can also give you important insight and information, which will help you know what to look for and decide on a good policy for any specific considerations you have.

2. Compare Options From Insurers

One of the things your agent will do is give you options from multiple insurers so you can see how their coverage plans compare with one another. That allows you to decide on areas that may or may not be important to you and look at the levels of coverage you can choose from with each company.

3. Review Your Policy at Least Once Per Year

Even if nothing has outwardly changed with your vehicle or driving record, it’s a good idea to review your policy with your agent at least once every year. That way, you can ensure you’re getting the best deal for your driving habits, vehicle, and specific needs and feel confident in your policy.

Ready to get the best auto insurance for your needs? Contact us at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc today if you’re in the Lynnwood, WA area. We’re here to help you find the right policy for your vehicle.