WA

How to Smoothly Transfer an Auto Insurance Policy to the Next Car

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Buying a new or used vehicle after owning a previous one is an exciting investment. While you gush over its features and horsepower, don’t forget to move your active auto insurance policy to the new one to avoid lapses. Your car may have 30-day insurance coverage, but it will expire before you know it.

How Does the Transfer Work in Lynnwood, WA?

Transferring your car insurance policy from one vehicle to another is a simple process. It starts with you reaching out to one of our agents at Sound Choice Insurance Agency with the required information. Some details we may ask for are:

  • VIN

  • Make, model, and year of the new vehicle

  • The odometer reading

  • Purchase price or current value

  • Title/registration

  • The vehicle’s safety features

  • Primary use of the new vehicle

  • Names of household members who will drive the car

From there, our team will make mandatory adjustments to the policy to fit the new vehicle. For example, brand-new vehicles must add collision and comprehensive coverage. There may be optional, yet recommended, adjustments. Afterward, you must pay the difference if the amount goes up. The transfer is incomplete without the adjustments.

Once everything is in place, we’ll offer confirmation of a successful insurance transfer and provide a new insurance card and a new policy. Be sure to remove the now-old car from the policy or cancel coverage to avoid paying premiums for two vehicles. 

How Long Do You Have?

That depends on the carrier, but the sooner you transfer your car insurance policy, the better. The deadline for transferring your car insurance to another vehicle is one month.

The agents at Sound Choice Insurance Agency, serving Lynnwood, WA, have years of experience transferring auto insurance policies, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free procedure. We’ll also review your policy to find out the grace period and transfer fees. Contact our office for more information on auto insurance. 

What Homeowners Should Know About Coverage for Detached Structures

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Most homeowners focus on insuring their main house and forget about everything else on their property. That detached garage, storage shed, or workshop might represent thousands of dollars in value, but many people don’t realize how their insurance handles these structures. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc in Lynnwood, WA, we regularly help homeowners understand what’s actually covered.

Standard Coverage for Detached Structures

The good news is that most homeowners’ insurance policies automatically include coverage for detached structures. This typically covers garages, sheds, fences, gazebos, and even dog houses. The standard coverage amount is usually 10% of your home’s coverage limit. For example, if your house is insured for $300,000, you’d have $30,000 in detached structure coverage.

However, this coverage comes with important limitations. The structure must be primarily used for residential purposes, not business. If you’re running a woodworking business out of your detached garage, that could complicate coverage. Additionally, structures used to house business property might not be covered under your standard policy.

When Additional Coverage Is Necessary

Sometimes, the standard 10% coverage isn’t enough. If you have an expensive detached garage with custom features or multiple outbuildings, you may need to increase your coverage limits. High-end pool houses, workshops with costly equipment, or large barns can easily exceed standard limits.

It’s also important to note that the contents inside detached structures are treated differently. Tools in the garage or lawn equipment in the shed fall under your personal property coverage, which has its own limits.

Evaluate Your Coverage Needs

Take a walk around your property and calculate the cost to rebuild your detached structures. Don’t forget to account for foundations, electrical work, and custom features.

Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. in Lynnwood, WA, can help you assess whether your current coverage matches your replacement costs. Contact us today to ensure your property is fully protected.

If You Experience a Car Accident, Do These Three Things Right Away

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Even minor car accidents can be stressful and disorienting. What you do in the moments following a car accident can make a big difference in your safety and help smooth out the insurance claims process. Here are three crucial steps to take following a car accident. 

Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety

First, assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 right away. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the way to prevent further accidents, set up flares if you have them in your vehicle, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

Call the Authorities and Document the Scene

Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to call the police. A formal accident report may be required for insurance claims or legal proceedings. While waiting for help to arrive, document everything. Take clear photos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, and the surrounding area. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. 

Notify Your Insurance Provider Promptly

After everyone is safe and has exchanged information, call your insurance company to report the accident. Provide them with accurate details and photos. Prompt reporting helps speed up the claims process, helping you get back on the road.

Ready to Update Your Auto Insurance Policy?

Reach out to Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. in Lynnwood, WA. Whether you’re purchasing a brand-new vehicle or are unsure if your current auto insurance policy meets your needs, the Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. team, serving Lynnwood, WA, is here to help. Contact us today to chat with one of our friendly agents about which of our auto insurance products is the right fit for your needs. 

What Factors to Consider when Purchasing Home Insurance

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Most people understand that they need to purchase home insurance. A home is most people’s most valuable financial possession that they will invest in over the course of their lives. Home insurance is a necessity because it will help to cover the financial damages that occur if the structure of a home is damaged. On the other hand, there are many considerations that people must take into account when purchasing home insurance. Do not neglect the following factors when investing in home insurance.

First, make sure that the home insurance policy covers personal belongings. The structure of the home is not the only valuable item that makes up a home. Most people have expensive jewelry, electronics, and clothing that are stored inside the home. If the home goes up in flames, these belongings will be lost in the ensuing damage. These are worth a substantial amount of money and people should make sure that their home insurance policy covers these items.

Next, make sure that the home insurance policy covers living expenses. If the damage to a home is so bad that the home is no longer able to be lived in, people can rack up a significant amount of expenses by eating out at restaurants and staying in hotels while looking for a more permanent place to live. These are expensive bills that can place a significant amount of financial stress on the family. Therefore, make sure that the home insurance policy covers living expenses. They should not be neglected.

Residents living in Lynnwood, WA should make sure that they have the necessary amount of coverage when it comes to home insurance. Contact an experienced insurance agent at Sound Choice Insurance Agency, Inc serving the area of Lynnwood, WA for more information on a  home insurance policy today.