How to lower your risk for a deer collision

Active Deer Season & How to Lower Your Risk for a Collision

/in /by

How to lower your risk for a deer collisionDid you know that there is an increased chance of hitting a deer from October to December? Yes, this is considered deer season so it’s important to keep an extra eye out for deer this time of year.

Being informed is key to staying safe on the road. We’ll go over a few things to help lower your chances of hitting wildlife while driving this time of year.

When Should You Be Most Alert?

While wildlife can show up any time, you should be extra cautious around dawn and dusk when animals are most active. If you are driving on the highway or even in rural areas, keep a close eye on each side of the road since that is where many animals will be. If you are driving with someone in the car, ask your passenger to help you watch out for wildlife.

If an Animal Jumps Out in Front of You, Should You Swerve or Brake?

Always hit the brakes. While it is natural to want to swerve to avoid hitting the animal, you will want to hit the brakes, hold onto the wheel and stay in your lane as best as you can. Swerving while driving fast can increase your risk for an injury or car accident.

If I do hit an animal, am I covered?

First, you will need to know a few details of your current auto insurance coverage. Comprehensive and collision insurance can provide you with insurance coverage. Comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle when you make contact with an animal while driving. It is important to keep in mind, however, that if you decided to swerve, missed the deer or animal and strike a tree then you could be covered by collision insurance on your auto policy. Because every insurance carrier is different, their claims department will handle it with the coverage they feel is most fitting to the situation.

Interesting fact

What states have shown the most auto insurance claims for deer or wildlife collisions? West Virginia, Iowa and Pennsylvania had the highest November claim frequency according to Highway Loss Data Institute.

If you have questions about your current auto or vehicle insurance coverage, reach out to our agency. We can go over your current coverage, re-quote you for a better rate, or simply answer any questions you have about auto insurance.

Why You Should Maintain Your Insurance Year Round For Your Boat, RV or Motorcycle in Bremerton, Washington

Do I Need To Maintain Insurance On My Boat, Motorcycle Or RV During Winter?

/in /by

Why You Should Maintain Your Insurance Year Round For Your Boat, RV or Motorcycle in Bremerton, WashingtonIt is a sad time of year when we have to say goodbye to long warm summer nights and hello to more moderate weather and shorter days. But, the good news is pumpkin lattes are out again.

With fewer boat, motorcycle or road trips in the RV happening in the fall and winter months, many wonder if they need to maintain insurance on these vehicles when they aren’t being driven. There are many different scenarios that warrant keeping these vehicles insured year-round so let’s take a closer look at these.

Weather Related Damages: Weather is especially nasty in the winter months so keeping your boat protected from covered weather-related damages is important. Even when stored, lightning, wind and hail can occur.

Physical Damages: It seems strange that you may be subjected to a property claim when your vehicle is not being used. However, take this simple example: You have a house party and someone wants to sit on your bike. During which, they accidentally knock it over denting your custom painted tank and scratching the paint. Your home insurance will not cover this.

Theft & Vandalism: If someone decides to steal your boat, motorcycle or RV in the winter months, you need coverage to cover the loss. Thefts occur everywhere, so even if in a secured area, vandalism can occur. Unfortunately, thieves don’t mind bad weather.

Fire: If your boat, motorcycle or RV is stored in your home or garage and there is a fire, your home insurance will not pay for damages to your vehicle. Instead, you will need a comprehensive insurance policy to cover these damages.

Financing: If you finance your boat, motorcycle or RV, your lienholder will require you to maintain insurance to protect the investment.

Multi-policy discounts: If you insure your boat, motorcycle or RV with your home or auto insurance company, you may be eligible for multi-policy discounts. By removing your insurance on your vehicle, you will raise the cost of your other policies.

Owning a boat, motorcycle or RV is a great experience for most. Don’t turn the joy of boat, motorcycle or RV ownership into a nightmare by trying to cut your insurance costs in the off-season. Protect your vehicle year-round and enjoy greater discounts on your other insurance products by bundling them together. For a quote on your insurance, give us a call. We represent the best insurance companies and can quote you different coverages, rates and apply for special discounts.

Best Place to Find an Insurance Policy in Bremerton, Washington

Best Place To Find An Insurance Policy

/in /by

It isn’t uncommon for people to type into a Google search bar, “best place to find car insurance” or “best insurance rate.” There are many ways to purchase an insurance policy but there are countless benefits of buying from an independent agent.

As an independent insurance agency, we want to explain why buying your insurance policy through a company like ours is always the best option.

First and foremost: Choice. 

Best Place to Find an Insurance Policy in Bremerton, WashingtonWe represent multiple, top-rated insurance companies. Some great local ones as well as some nationally recognized names. This means you get the best coverage and pricing from many of the best companies in your state. Our licensed agents will search our network of great companies to find you the best rate and coverage on your car, home, business, or life insurance policy! One call to us can save you hours of time.

Secondly: Options.

We can discuss what coverage options we feel would be best for your specific needs. We can explain what happens when you have specific coverage options vs. not having the coverage options. We can shop your deductible and let you choose a lower or higher and show you the differences in your premium all with the click of a mouse. With this information you can make the choice on what works best for you. We always want to make sure you fully understand your options so you can make an informed choice on your insurance policy.

Thirdly: More discounts.

Being an independent insurance agent, we also will search for available discounts. Whether it is bundling multiple policies together or finding other ways to save you money, we understand saving money is important to all of our customers. We take pride in finding you discounts! If you are unhappy with your insurance price at renewal time, let us requote you with one of our other carriers.

Lastly, we’re local!

We work and live in your community. We are always a quick phone call or email away. If you need to add a vehicle, remove a vehicle, get a quick quote on a motorcycle or boat you’re interested in buying, or want to add umbrella insurance, we can help. You can get this information over the phone or we can email you options for you to review at your convenience.

Insurance can be confusing which is why the best place to find an insurance policy is through an independent insurance agent. We will answer your questions, provide you with many coverage choices and will find ways to make your insurance coverage affordable. Contact us by calling our office, requesting a quote through our website or simply emailing us.