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Black Ice and Blind Hills: Spokane’s Winter Driving Risks You Can’t Ignore

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Winter in Spokane, WA, is often unpredictable. Black ice, steep grades, and sudden snow squalls can turn the roads you know so well into unpredictable hazards. These risks can challenge your skills and preparation.

The right auto insurance and a few smart precautions can make all the difference between a close call and a costly disaster. At Western Insurance Associates, we help Spokane drivers like yourself stay ready for whatever winter throws at you.

Why Black Ice Is So Dangerous

Black ice forms when snow melt refreezes, forming a thin, nearly invisible layer. It typically appears at dawn, at dusk, or on shaded hills, and that’s exactly where and when many commuters travel. If your tires lose traction, even a small slide can lead to catastrophic chain reactions, causing thousands in damage.

Comprehensive and collision coverage will protect you from these risks, whether you hit another car, a guardrail, or a roadside object.

But protection isn’t everything. To reduce your risks:

  • Slow down before hills and bridges.
  • Avoid cruise control in freezing conditions.
  • Keep your tires properly inflated and replace them with winter-rated tires early in the season.

Keep Your Coverage Up to Date

Winter isn’t a surprise, and neither are the accidents that come with it. Fender-benders, glass damage, and lost control are all too common. It happens every year, and it’s easy to be prepared for any damage caused by snow, salt, and cold temperatures.

Our specialists at Western Insurance Associates recommend Spokane drivers review their auto insurance for:

  • Comprehensive coverage for weather-related damage
  • Roadside assistance in case your car breaks down or gets stuck
  • Rental reimbursement if your car needs repairs after an accident

Drive Smart, Stay Protected

Here’s the truth: Winter driving in Spokane, WA, isn’t just about practicing caution or avoiding accidents; it’s about being prepared. Contact Western Insurance Associates and review your auto insurance policy before winter hits in Spokane, WA.

Changes That Require Updating Your Umbrella Insurance Policy

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No insurance policy is set in stone. There are always going to be developments that affect coverage, premiums, and other elements of your insurance that you may not be aware of. Because of this, it’s important to learn about any changes that could require you to update your policy. Otherwise, you may experience issues when trying to make claims or end up underinsured if something changes that would raise your coverage and premiums.

Let’s look at a few changes that require you to update your umbrella insurance policy and how you can turn to us at Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA, for help.

What Might Require You To Update Your Umbrella Policy?

One common situation in which you will need to update your umbrella insurance is if you decide to make any changes to your property that increase its value or level of risk, which could increase your property or insurance costs. For example, say you decide to build a pool in your backyard. Such a change would present more insurance risks and increase your property value. Or let’s say you’re looking for extra coverage for liability. Increasing your liability by having more people over, starting a home-based business, or making other changes to your lifestyle could also raise the cost of your coverage. 

The best way to remember to update your umbrella insurance policy? If there are any major changes, additions, or risks that could affect any form of insurance you expect to cover you, contact us to make sure you have adequate coverage. 

Cover Yourself in Case of Emergencies With Western Insurance Associates

Don’t let surprises wipe out your financial progress. Come to us at Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA, for help getting the right umbrella insurance policy at the right price. Compare quotes with us now!

Can An Insurance Company Require You to Carry Recreational Insurance on a Financed Vehicle?

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When you’re financing a recreational vehicle, whether it’s an RV, ATV, snowmobile, or personal watercraft, you might be surprised to learn that insurance isn’t always optional. At Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA, we often receive questions from new buyers wondering if their lender or insurance provider can require them to carry recreational insurance. The short answer is yes, and here’s why.

Why Lenders Require Insurance

If you’re financing a recreational vehicle, the bank or lending company technically owns the vehicle until you’ve paid off the loan. This means they have a vested interest in ensuring it’s protected. If the vehicle is damaged or totaled, insurance helps cover the loss. Without coverage, the lender is left with significant financial risk, which is why they often require comprehensive and collision insurance as a condition of the loan.

What Type of Coverage Do You Need?

The specific coverage required depends on both the lender and the type of vehicle. Some lenders may mandate full coverage, while others might only require basic protection. Regardless of the requirements, having insurance in place is essential. Recreational vehicles are a significant investment, and the last thing you want is to be responsible for costly repairs or damages out of pocket.

Pay Attention to the Fine Print

Before signing any agreements, make sure you fully understand the requirements set by your lender and insurance policy. Overlooking this step could lead to coverage gaps or, worse, a default on your loan.

If you’re searching for the right recreational vehicle insurance, Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA, is here to help. Contact us today to ensure you’re covered properly and confidently.

Does Renter’s Insurance Cover Damage From My Animals?

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If you live in a rental unit in Spokane, WA, you may wonder if your renters’ insurance policy will protect you from damage caused by your pet. Most renters’ insurance policies provide some protection if your pet causes damage, but you may not have full coverage for all risks. Western Insurance Associates can help you understand how to protect yourself from risks caused by your pet entirely.

Pet Damage Liability

Most carriers include liability coverage for damage or acts, such as bites or scratches, that your pet may cause while living in the rental property. The same liability coverage that protects you also extends to your pets. This protection typically has two parts: bodily injury and property damage. Your policy will cover the cost of the damage as long as it falls within your policy limits. Some rental facilities may require you to obtain separate pet insurance before moving into a unit.

What About Dog Bites?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States, resulting in an average claim payout of nearly $45,000. Dog bites are one of the most common bodily injury liability claims. However, some insurance companies exclude specific breeds from renters’ insurance coverage. You can often add an endorsement to your policy to cover a dog breed deemed dangerous.

What Doesn’t Renters Insurance Cover?

A renters’ insurance policy will not cover injuries to yourself, family members, or roommates caused by your pets. It also won’t cover damage to your personal belongings caused by pets. Keep in mind that a pet endorsement on your policy is not the same as pet insurance, which pays for veterinary bills.

Discover how your renters’ insurance can protect your unit from pet damage by contacting Western Insurance Associates, serving residents of Spokane, WA.

Using Your Personal Vehicle for Work? Why It Complicates Things and What to do

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Do you frequently use your personal vehicle for work purposes? Many jobs require employees to travel, meet with customers, or perform other business-related activities using their own cars. This raises important questions: Who is responsible for insurance costs? How does this affect your personal auto insurance? Should you inform your insurance provider? Using your personal vehicle for work can complicate things, but understanding the implications can help you move forward with confidence. If you need a more comprehensive auto insurance policy, Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA, is here to assist!

What You Need to Know About Using Your Personal Vehicle for Work

Using your personal vehicle for work introduces unique challenges. Here’s what you should know to navigate this situation effectively:

  • Your employer is not obligated to insure your vehicle. While your employer may reimburse you for mileage and gas, they are not legally required to provide insurance coverage for your car. Ensure you’re being fairly compensated for your work, and consider renegotiating your contract to explore whether they can assist with auto insurance costs.
  • Inform your insurance provider about your vehicle’s work-related use. Failing to disclose this information could result in higher risk classification or denied claims. Update your insurance provider promptly to ensure your policy reflects your vehicle’s usage.
  • Maintain your vehicle regularly. Routine maintenance is crucial to prevent costly repairs and premature car replacement.

Get the Coverage You Deserve with Western Insurance Associates

Are you searching for reliable auto insurance in Spokane, WA? Western Insurance Associates can help! Our team simplifies the insurance process by helping you compare quotes and find the best policy for your needs. Contact us today to secure the right coverage for your vehicle.

Using Your Personal Vehicle for Work? Why It Complicates Things and What to do

Posted on by admin

Do you frequently use your personal vehicle for work purposes? Many jobs require employees to travel, meet with customers, or perform other business-related activities using their own cars. This raises important questions: Who is responsible for insurance costs? How does this affect your personal auto insurance? Should you inform your insurance provider? Using your personal vehicle for work can complicate things, but understanding the implications can help you move forward with confidence. If you need a more comprehensive auto insurance policy, Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA, is here to assist!

What You Need to Know About Using Your Personal Vehicle for Work

Using your personal vehicle for work introduces unique challenges. Here’s what you should know to navigate this situation effectively:

  • Your employer is not obligated to insure your vehicle. While your employer may reimburse you for mileage and gas, they are not legally required to provide insurance coverage for your car. Ensure you’re being fairly compensated for your work, and consider renegotiating your contract to explore whether they can assist with auto insurance costs.
  • Inform your insurance provider about your vehicle’s work-related use. Failing to disclose this information could result in higher risk classification or denied claims. Update your insurance provider promptly to ensure your policy reflects your vehicle’s usage.
  • Maintain your vehicle regularly. Routine maintenance is crucial to prevent costly repairs and premature car replacement.

Get the Coverage You Deserve with Western Insurance Associates

Are you searching for reliable auto insurance in Spokane, WA? Western Insurance Associates can help! Our team simplifies the insurance process by helping you compare quotes and find the best policy for your needs. Contact us today to secure the right coverage for your vehicle.

Why Small Business Owners Should Consider Umbrella Insurance

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Operating a small business entails significant responsibilities. You strive to build something meaningful, and safeguarding it should be as crucial as nurturing it. At Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA, we often engage with business owners who believe their existing insurance is sufficient—until we explain the real benefits of umbrella insurance.

More Than Just Additional Coverage

Umbrella insurance isn’t merely a luxury add-on. It’s an extra layer of protection that activates when your primary policies, such as general liability or commercial auto, reach their limits. If an accident results in a lawsuit and the damages exceed your standard coverage, umbrella insurance can cover the remainder. Without it, you could be paying out of pocket—a situation that can be devastating for a small business.

Lawsuits Can Occur to Anyone

Even with the best intentions, accidents and misunderstandings occur. A customer might slip on your property. A product could cause unforeseen harm. Or perhaps an employee is involved in a serious car accident while on duty. If a claim results in a large settlement or legal fees, your regular insurance might not stretch far enough. That’s where umbrella insurance steps in to help protect your business and personal assets.

Affordable Assurance

One of the best aspects of umbrella insurance is its relative affordability, especially considering the protection it offers. For a minimal additional cost, you gain a safety net that can make a significant difference when the unexpected strikes.

Let’s Discuss Your Umbrella Insurance Options in Washington

If you’re a small business owner seeking comprehensive preparedness, Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA, is ready to help you explore your options. Contact us today and let’s ensure your business is protected from all angles.

How to Choose a Family Health Insurance Policy in Spokane

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Selecting an appropriate health insurance policy to cover yourself and your family members can seem overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Get tips on how to choose a family health insurance policy from the insurance experts at Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA.

Having the right health insurance policy ensures that your family always has access to top-notch local on-demand care without having to pay high costs for out-of-pocket expenses.

Spokane is home to a robust healthcare network where local providers like Kaiser Permanente, Providence Sacred Heart, and Multicare Deaconess Hospital help keep families safe and healthy with well-checkups, urgent care services, preventative care, and emergency care.

Evaluate your family’s medical history and determine their current need for care before deciding to change or upgrade your current family health insurance policy.

  • Are there children in the family who need access to pediatric care?
  • Does anyone in the family have a chronic illness like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure?
  • Are there any elderly family members who need access to full-time geriatric care?
  • Does anyone in your family need specialized care like prenatal care or mental health care?
  • Do you or anyone in the family need access to an insurance plan with prescription drug coverage?

Considering all of these factors will help you make a better decision when choosing a comprehensive health insurance plan to meet your family’s needs. Once you have determined your primary healthcare needs, the next step is to contact a trusted local health insurance provider to review available plans and premiums.

Contact the professionals at Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA, for guidance on choosing your next family healthcare plan and get a health insurance quote today!

Why You Need to Update Your Auto Insurance When You Get a Divorce

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So many blogs and articles cover how a married couple should combine their auto coverage to save money. In today’s blog, Western Insurance Associates explains what to do about car insurance when you get a divorce. While many couples’ top concern probably centers around dividing their Spokane home and assets, consider auto insurance before signing the final decree.

Divorce Nullifies Auto Coverage if You Share a Policy

When a couple divorces, both spouses must purchase new auto insurance policies if they share one. As soon as the couple signs their divorce decree, their shared auto coverage ends. Before signing the decree, each spouse must purchase standalone auto coverage to remain a legal driver on Washington’s roads.

Beware of Sticker Shock

Divorce can also affect insurance rates. While getting married makes a person more stable in the eyes of actuaries, divorcing does the opposite. Ending a marriage can increase the premiums for both former spouses.

Why It’s Important to Buy Your New Policy Before Signing

For some couples, an amicable divorce results in embarking on a new life. Don’t begin that new chance at happiness with a ticket from a police officer for driving without insurance. Avoid those costly tickets by taking care of your new auto policy before you sign the divorce papers.

Schedule an Auto Insurance Review Today

Call or email Western Insurance Associates today to schedule an auto insurance review. Use this as an opportunity to check your auto coverage and update it. Let us help you remain legally insured on Spokane, WA streets and the roads of the U.S.

For Everything You Can’t Predict – The Umbrella has You Covered

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Don’t let a lack of insurance leave you wishing you were covered. We can shortchange many things without much worry, like using off-brand toilet paper or second-tier trash bags, but insurance isn’t one of those things. If your less-than-toiletries or knock-off trash bags fail, sure, it will leave a little mess to clean up. However, if your insurance isn’t adequate, a little issue can quickly become a big problem. That is also why it is important to work with reputable and proven agents like the Western Insurance Associates Insurance team, who are here to help Spokane, WA residents with all their umbrella insurance needs.

For Everything You Can’t Predict – The Umbrella Has You Covered

Insurance is important, and people use it to protect all the things that matter and that they care about. Unfortunately, and too often, however, people find out the hard way that their coverage wasn’t enough, that there were gaps in their plan, or that the damages, costs, or bills exceeded their policy limits. That is also why people from all around the Spokane, WA area rely on umbrella insurance solutions to protect them from what they can and can’t predict. At Western Insurance Associates, we are here for all your umbrella insurance needs, and we have helped many Spokane area residents with the right umbrella insurance solutions.

Umbrella Insurance Solutions for Spokane, WA Area Residents

If you live in or around the Spokane area and have questions about umbrella insurance, we can help. At Western Insurance Associates, our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you get the protection you need and deserve. We will take the time to understand what that means for you. Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment for the protection you deserve today.