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Winterizing your Olympia, WA home – May help avoid homeowner’s insurance claim

The weather is starting to change, we are entering those warm days of fall where the mornings are brisk and the afternoons are warm. The leaves are starting to turn orange and yellow here in Olympia, Washington, the kids are back in school and it will soon be time to start making plans for the holidays as winter is on its way. Before winter arrives, there is plenty of time to prep your home, both inside and out, for the coming cold months. Some simple winterization prep can save you from a costly homeowner’s insurance claim from frozen pipes or huge heating bills from drafty spots in your home.

Four areas to focus your winterization in Washington:

  • Water, water everywhere: Gutters can get jammed up with leaves, branches and other debris. Once the leaves have fallen from the trees, grab a ladder and gently remove the debris from the gutters. Then, rinse the bottoms of the gutter to ensure good flow of water for those winter showers. If your gutters become clogged, rainwater can accumulate around the foundation of your home and possibly seep into the foundation or basement, in which case, you should check for cracks in your foundation and fill them, pronto. A flooded basement can result in a costly homeowner’s insurance claim. Also, anytime you are using a ladder or plan to be on your roof, please let someone know or have someone working with you. An extra pair of hands and eyes can help prevent painful accidents.
  • Where is that draft coming from: The cold winter draft that is leaking in around your doors, windows and from your attic. Take a candle or piece of incense around your home on a windy day and go near doors, windows and attic to look for wind making its way into your home. If your attic has less than 12” of insulation, regardless of where in the country, you should consider adding more. It is an easy do-it-yourself project; any home improvement store should have the tools to help you complete that. It you have single-pane windows you can purchase an inexpensive window insulation kit to add another “pane” to the glass. This keeps the cold air trapped between another layer instead of entering your home. Other areas drafts can creep in are: recessed lighting, door frames and electrical outlets. A variety of caulks, gaskets and weather-stripping is available at any local hardware store.
  • Keep warm:  Do your heating bills spike up during the winter? Aside from performing the aforementioned “draft tests” checking that heating equipment is in good repair may help keep that heating bill down. The furnace can run much more efficiently if it has a clean filter in it. Consider changing your filter once a month. They are inexpensive and pay for themselves in efficiency gains. Also think about checking out your duct insulation. Ducting in homes can become exposed from being bumped in the attic or crawlspace over time and there are huge efficiency losses from this. Ensure your ducts are covered with insulation and not exposed. Also, check for any leaks in connections while the system is running. Speaking of exposure, pipes that are exposed during the cold winter may freeze and explode if not properly insulated. Protect any exposed water pipes with insulation, if a pipe bursts in winter it can cause thousands of dollars in damages. It takes just a few minute to insulate your pipes, a step that can save a headache down the road.
  • Do you smell smoke: Turning on the fireplace is a winter tradition, whether it is a gas or natural wood fireplace. It can also be a hazard if your chimney is dirty. A cleaned chimney will remove creosote, a flammable byproduct of burning wood. Keep your home safe from chimney fires by hiring a professional chimney sweep to remove any build-up. Make sure you are prepared if a fire does break out with a fire extinguisher (it may qualify you for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance in Olympia, WA) and make sure you have fresh batteries in your smoke detectors. It is always a good idea to check your batteries in the smoke detectors a couple times per year. Count this as one.

While you are taking the time to prep your home for the upcoming winter, talk to your licensed insurance agent to ensure the homeowners insurance covers events like floods or fires that may occur during the winter months. Trucordia in Olympia, Washington can guide you through your homeowner’s insurance policy and add additional coverages like flood insurance and earthquake insurance. Their years of insurance experience can save you a bundle, and they live right in your area, so know first-hand what your insurance needs might be.  You can also visit their insurance website 24/7 to learn more about the other insurance products they offer.

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Community Appreciation 2013 – FREE LUNCH!!

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Why Choose an Independent Insurance Agent?

There are many ways to shop for car insurance, home insurance and more. With the advancement of technology, not only do you have more ways to shop, but you can do it on your own time. However, insurance is a complicated product. It isn’t as easy as going to a site like Amazon or Ebay and selecting what color you want. Local independent agents offer more, and in most cases, pricing will not be cheaper if you decide to purchase online. Several reasons to purchase insurance locally include:

  1. Insurance agents are discount detectives. Insurance agents WANT to help you save money. By choosing a local independent agent in Olympia or Centralia, WA, you not only are getting a local professional, but the best rates available to you. Agents know that price is important when shopping for insurance, so they will work to win your business.
  2. Multiple companies to choose from. Because they’re independent insurance agent, they represent many companies, not just one like a captive Allstate or Farmer’s agent. If you call an  800# to get your insurance, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Call a local independent insurance agent and get quoted through multiple companies all at once, in the same time it takes you to get just one quote by calling a direct writer like Geico.
  3. Can change companies as you change. Buy a home or get married? Maybe the company you’re with now isn’t the best solution for you anymore. The great thing about having an independent insurance agent on your side is they can move you to a company that better fits your new situation. Maybe bundling your home and auto insurance make better sense with another carrier.
  4. Knowledge. Let’s be honest… how many of you can explain the differences in: Comprehensive, Bodily Injury, UMBI, UMPD, PIP, Medpay or how much fungus coverage you get on your homeowner’s policy? It is so important to have a local insurance agent because they can help you understand these things and counsel you on what options are best for you.
  5.  One-Stop-Shopping.   Home, Auto, Life, Health, Motorcycle, Business, Farm, Commercial and more, all at one place! Your independent insurance agent can help you with all of your insurance needs so you don’t need to remember where each product is.

So, if you’re looking for insurance in Washington State, trust the independent insurance agents at Trucordia!

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Water & Sewer Backup Insurance

There is a phrase that can strike fear into the heart of any homeowner: Water and sewer backup.

Those words bring up images of nasty, germy water and a lengthy clean-up. But don’t fret! There are certain steps that a homeowner can take to reduce the risk of a water or sewer back-up crisis.

  • Check around the home, foundation, basement, etc. for cracks that water or sewer waste can enter. Repair and fill any cracks
  • Ask a plumbing professional to see if your system can accept a shut-off valve to be used in case of a back-up emergency.  Your insurance agent can refer you to licensed professional.
  • If you live on or below a floodplain take steps to ensure that furniture and valuables are stored above the flood line.
  • Do not pour grease down sinks or toilets
  • If a water or sewer back-up occurs do not attempt clean up without protection: gloves, face masks and eye protection.

Generally a water or sewer back up is caused when heavy rains or floodwaters over run the sewer system. Debris from rainstorms or natural disasters can also clog the system, potentially causing a nasty mess in your home.

Not sure if water sewer backup coverage is for you? A quote takes only a few minutes. Call today and talk to an agent.

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Driving Tips for Spring Weather

Spring is just around the corner and it is considered a time or renewal. So in the spirit of spring, let’s refresh our rules of the road knowledge! Remembering these simple tips may be able to keep you from getting in an accident or getting a ticket.

  • Know the speed limits; driving too fast (or slow) can earn you a ticket.  Beware of construction zones and school zones as speeding through these areas can result in heftier fines.
  • Wear your seatbelt! Even if you are making a quick trip close to home or work, for your safety and the safety of other, buckle up.
  • When exiting the freeway, the law dictates that you do not begin your deceleration until you reach the ramp.
  • When stopped at a stop sign (if you and another vehicle arrive at the same time) the person to your right has the right of way.
  • Cell phones and driving do not mix well.  Texting while driving is against the law in Phoenix and just recently Tucson.  If you are not able to use a hands-free or pull over safely to check your phone, please wait until you can.

Even when following the rules and driving cautiously sometimes accidents do happen.  These tips will be helpful when filing a claim:

  • Take photos of everything.  The position of your vehicle, the other party’s vehicle and the surrounding areas.  Photos of other party’s driver’s license and insurance card would be helpful, but you can just write that information down.  Do not forget to exchange phone numbers!
  • Contact your agent immediately to start the claims process.  Be sure to relay all necessary information.
  • Call law enforcement if necessary and file the necessary police reports.

Drive safely!

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Insure Your Valentine’s Day Gift

Insurance Protection for your Valuable New Jewelry

You have painstakingly perused through the mall jewelry stores and online retailers to find the perfect “I love you” gift for Valentine’s Day.  It is purchased, wrapped and you are anxiously waiting to see the look of joy on your sweetie’s face come V-Day. According to a 2013 survey by the National Retail Federation, approximately $4.4 billion will be spent on jewelry this Valentine’s Day, but only 1 in 10 will have their jewelry insured.

Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies can cover loss or theft of jewelry, but generally it is a very small amount, sometimes as little as $500. Even then it may not cover the loss of item if Junior flushes it down the toilet or it gets mangled in the garbage disposal.  Having a separate valuables policy can help ensure that you are reimbursed for the value of your item(s) should a claim be necessary. In the event of a claim, you can make the process easier for yourself and your agent:

  • Photograph items that are included in your valuables policy.
  • Keep receipts or appraisal records, this makes it easier to establish a price value for your items
  • Have a written record of items, update as new items are purchased
  • Update your agent as new items are purchased

Often these polices can include other valuable items likes art, fine wine, crystal, etc., and there may be little to no deductible if any items need to be replaced.  One can also apply this list to household appliances and electronics, because while the flat-screen may not be as valuable as great-grandma’s vintage Tiffany’s wedding band, it is still a good idea to photograph and keep a running list of all household items to help make the claims process easier and establish value in the event of theft or loss.

Call your agent today and ask how we can help you add a separate valuables policy to your existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy today!

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Do I Need Rental Car Insurance?

We’d say yes, but read more to find out why…

Whenever you rent a car in replacement of your regular vehicle while traveling or while yours is in for repairs, you will be asked if you would like to purchase rental car insurance coverage.

The answer can sometimes be confusing and all situations are going to be different. Rental car contracts do vary greatly and, like with most things, change from time to time. A typical personal auto policy may not cover all of the rental car expenses in the unfortunate event of an accident while driving one of their vehicles.

Furthermore, your existing auto policy must cover comprehensive and collision damages in order for the rental vehicle to be covered for those types of accidents. If you don’t carry comprehensive or collision, you will need to purchase those from the rental car company.

There are three expenses that a rental company may try to charge you for should you be involved in an accident or other claim that puts their vehicle “out of use.”

  • Loss of Use: This means that the rental car company is losing revenue because their vehicle is unavailable to be rented while it is being repaired. The rental car company may charge you for the days it is “out of use” while being repaired (typically, the daily rate of the vehicle for as many days as is needed to repair the vehicle.) However, the rental car company needs to prove to you that they rented the other vehicles on their lot and actually lost money. It is up to you to push them for this proof.
  • Diminution in value: After a rental vehicle has passed its life as a rental vehicle, it will be sold as a consumer vehicle. The rental car company may deem it necessary to charge you a diminution of value claim. Essentially claiming that the vehicle isn’t worth what it was worth PRIOR to the accident and is now being sold with an accident on its vehicle history report.
  • Before & After: Often, when a vehicle is involved in a serious collision and has extensive damage, the vehicle may simply be sent to auction or salvage instead of being repaired (even if it is repairable). They do this because they feel it may not be safe to repair the vehicle and put back into their fleet. In this case, they may attempt to charge you, the renter, for the difference in market value on the day you rented it versus what they sold it for at auction. While this is relatively uncommon, it does happen and it is important that you be prepared for this situation.

As mentioned above, these 3 claims are NOT covered by any personal auto insurance policy and it is your decision if you would like to purchase the rental car coverage from the rental car agency when you rent their vehicles.

If you have questions, please contact your Trucordia agent.

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5 Reasons to Enjoy a Fall Motorcycle Ride

What’s that’s smell in the air? Ah, yes… it is the smell of fall. With fall comes some great cooler weather and some terrific opportunities to get out on your motorcycle.

Here are our top reasons to get your bike out and enjoy a fall daytrip.

  1. Fall provides amazing colors, temperatures but shorter days. Get up early to make the most of your day as fall days can be up to four hours of daylight shorter depending on where you are.
  2. Cooler temperatures means you can wear those new leathers you got yourself during summer clearance. Pull the new gear out, pack yourself a lunch and head off into the morning sun.
  3. You can take a longer ride. With cooler temperatures in the air, you can spend all day out in the sun and not worry about getting dehydrated or simply worn out by the heat.
  4. Visit national parks. The national parks are a beautiful place to take a ride in the fall. But be on the lookout as animals are more active in the fall than in the summer. Here is a link to our national parks.
  5. Let’s be honest… It’s amazing how many riders put their bikes “away” in the fall, isn’t it? That does leave the roads to us more (pun) “seasoned riders”.

So, be safe, pack a blanket, some snacks and a camera and get out there and enjoy the fall weather!

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