How to protect your home while on vacation in Bremerton, Washington

Taking a Summer Vacation? Why You Should Follow This Checklist to Protect Your Home.

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How to protect your home while on vacation in Bremerton, WashingtonSummer is here! Whether you are looking forward to being on a big vacation overseas or local trips around your state, many of us look forward to our summer vacations. Keeping your home safe while you are gone can be simple and it can also offer you peace of mind while you are off enjoying your trip. We share some things to do before you leave for your vacation.

Actions that can decrease your risk for theft while you are gone:

Don’t share your trip plans on social media: we understand that posting on social media in the moment is ideal. However, posting content while you are on vacation tells many on the internet you are currently away from your home for an extended period which can increase your risk for theft.

Holding your mail: unless you have someone checking your mailbox for you every day, it is best to hold your mail through USPS. Letting your mail collect in your mailbox while you are gone increases your risk for mail theft. You can easily do this online by going to usps.com and setting a mail hold.

Stage your home: Staging your home to look like you are home may lower your risk for a burglary. Here are a few suggestions on how to do this:

  1. Set a light on a timer. Whether it is a lamp or your main room, this shows that someone is home.
  2. Don’t leave garbage or recycle bins out for multiple days in a row. This can be a clear indication you are not home to thieves. If you can, ask a neighbor if he or she can pull your bins off the road or place them back where they belong on your property.

Inform your neighbors: If you’re close with your neighbors, be sure to let them know that you’re going to be away on vacation. They can keep an eye out for suspicious activity at your home.

Invest in a home security camera. This can bring peace of mind knowing any strange activity on your property can be alerted to you via your home security app.

One simple action to prevent a home insurance claim: If you plan to be gone for weeks at a time, it is always best to shut off your water.

Home insurance claims are best avoided by taking simple precautions. If you have questions about your home insurance, please feel free to reach out to our staff. We’re happy to help.

Home Insurance in Bremerton, Washington

Home Insurance Terms To Understand

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Home Insurance in Bremerton, WashingtonIf you are a homeowner, you have purchased your home insurance through a local insurance agent or directly through an insurance carrier. Home insurance costs and coverage vary due to where you live, how much your home is worth, your credit score, and many other insurance factors.

Home insurance can be confusing so we recommend speaking with one of our agents and going through a home insurance review. Even if you have had a home insurance policy with us for years, it is still best practice to review it to ensure you still have adequate coverage. We can break down your insurance coverage details and make sure you have the best protection for your insurance needs.

Here are a few terms we can discuss with you:

Named perils: this part of your home insurance coverage protects your home from named perils that can include damage from wind, hail, fire, fallen objects, lightning, theft, vandalism, and more. Home insurance named perils vary so our agents can discuss what’s covered if you have questions.

Actual Cash Value (ACV): this is the cost to replace the damaged item minus depreciation.If you have damage to your home, the insurance carrier would determine how much it was valued before the damage occurred.For example, if your roof was damaged but it was 10 years old, your insurance carrier may factor in how much a 10-year-old roof is worth today. You would receive the valued dollar amount to put towards a new roof.

Replacement cost value insurance: this represents the cost to replace an item of similar quality without factoring depreciation. Replacement cost policies are more expensive than ACV because you are essentially getting a brand new item. After asking you questions, we can help determine if this coverage makes sense for you.

Deductible: if you have to file a claim, your deductible plays a role in how much you have to pay before your insurance carrier pays towards your claim. Deductibles can vary in price and typically the higher your deductible, the lower your home insurance premium. Our agents can help explain your deductible options.

Liability insurance: your home insurance coverage can provide you with liability coverage. For example, if your dog bit someone or if someone slipped and fell on your property, liability coverage could provide you with coverage. Talk to us about liability limits.

Additional insurance policies to consider:

Flood insurance: home insurance typically does not cover you if your home experiences water entering your home. This is typically a separate policy many individuals buy. If your home is susceptible of floods, talk to an agent.

Earthquake insurance: just like flood insurance, earthquake insurance is also a separate policy. If your home is damaged from an earthquake, you would most likely need an earthquake insurance policy to have coverage for any damage.

Other structure coverage: if you have a detached garage, barn, swimming pool, greenhouse, or other structure, be sure to tell your agent. This needs to be included in your policy and may require additional coverage.

Water sewer coverage: claims occur when heavy rain or floodwaters overrun your sewer system or your sump pump. Debris from rainstorms or natural disasters can also clog your system causing damage to your home when the water backs up into your house’s plumbing. Many home insurance policies do not cover this and water sewer coverage is needed to pay for the damage. Talk to us about this coverage.

Umbrella insurance: if you file a home or auto insurance claim and the damage exceeds your policy limits, an umbrella insurance policy can give you thousands of additional dollars in protection. There are limitations on what umbrella insurance covers so discuss this with an agent in our office.

Vacant home insurance: if you own a home that is vacant, you still want to protect it. Talk to us about your situation and we can explain your coverage options.

Ready to shop for home insurance? Give our agency a call or email us for a quote. We can help you find a great coverage.

Boat & Motorcycle Safety in Bremerton, Washington

Enjoy Your Boat & Motorcycle Safely This Summer

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Boat & Motorcycle Safety in Bremerton, WashingtonThe summer season can be the best time of year to enjoy your boat or motorcycle. Whether you enjoy the long days, warm weather, or enjoy using your ride to relax, being a boat or motorcycle owner has its perks. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to safety this season.

Consider Taking a Safety Class

Whether you are a seasoned vet or brand new boat or motorcycle owner, taking a safety class can always improve your skillset and help you understand the risks associated with riding or driving. Even if you consider yourself to be experienced, taking a class can provide you with additional advanced techniques (for motorcycle riders). All boat owners should understand the rules while operating on the water and be familiar with their state’s boating laws.

Check your Equipment

If you are a motorcycle rider, take some time to review your gear. Shoes with good traction, protective textile or leather jackets, pants and gloves & owning a good helmet are all things that can protect you on the road. If you are a boat owner, look over your life jackets. Does each jacket fit correctly for each individual on the boat? Are they approved by the U.S. Coast Guard? Do you have a pre-departure checklist you can review before going out on your boat?

Always be a Defensive Driver

This goes for both boat and motorcycle owners. When you practice being aware of your surroundings at all times you are on the road or water, you are doing everything in your control be a safe driver or rider.

Have a Routine Checkup Before Leaving Your Home

Both boat and motorcycle owners should have a routine checklist before hitting the road or water. For motorcycle riders this could be inspecting your tire pressure, lights, and turn signals as well as your chain, belt, and brakes.

For boat owners, this could be checking the weather, ensuring you have a life jacket for every person who will be on the boat, locating your floatation aids, orange signal flags, whistle/horn/bell, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, proper documentation, making sure you have sunscreen, water and more.

Need to Review Your Insurance Policy?

Talk to our agency if it is time to review your boat or motorcycle insurance policy. We can discuss any updates you have made to your ride, requote you with other carriers if you are not happy with your current rate, and ensure you are fully covered in the event you have to file an insurance claim.