What is Third-Party Auto Insurance and Why Should You Get One?

Your car is an asset but can become a liability in an accident. This can be the case, especially if you live in Spokane, WA, and have caused an accident. Without good insurance coverage, you must pay for all the damage you cause the other party. That’s why at Western Insurance Associates, we provide third-party auto insurance coverage to cover damages that you are involved in. This will ensure you don’t suffer financial loss when your car is involved in an accident.

Why You Should Get Third-Party Auto Insurance 

If you are in Spokane, WA, there are many benefits that you can gain from getting third-party insurance. One of the key benefits is you will be able to avoid penalties and fines imposed by the motor vehicle act. Further, you enjoy protection against the suspension of your driving license. 
Accidents are unpredictable, and they can happen at any time. When your car causes damage to a third-party vehicle, physical injury, and personal property, you will be responsible for the financial loss that individual suffers. However, with auto insurance, you get financial security as you will cover all the damage caused. 

The premiums for the third party are affordable and provide legal protection from the time-consuming legal hassle. If you are uncertain about how to make claims and get the cover, always contact us for more information. From a legal perspective, third-party insurance is sufficient to cover all the damage and ensure you fulfill the motor vehicle Act’s requirements.

Call West Insurance Associates Today

You must secure your car and fulfill your legal duty by taking the third-party policy. Contact us today at  Western Insurance Associates to get your third-party auto insurance coverage. Our coverage will ensure you don’t get stressed while driving. With years of experience, we offer great customer service and ensure all your needs are covered.

When should I add my teen driver to my auto insurance policy?

If you live in Spokane, WA, and have a teenage driver in the house, you may wonder when the right time is to add them to your auto insurance policy. Western Insurance Associates has answers.

Let’s discuss when you should add your teen driver to your policy. If your child has a learner’s permit and occasionally drives your car with you present, it’s not required that you add them to your policy. However, if they have their license and will be driving without you present, it’s time to add them to the policy. 

It’s also important to note that even if your child only has a learner’s permit and doesn’t drive very often, it’s still a good idea to list them on your policy. That way, if they have an accident while driving your car (with or without you present), they’ll be covered by your insurance. In Washington, car insurance companies can’t refuse to insure you or charge you more just because you have a teenage driver in the family.

Adding a teen driver to your auto insurance policy can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember that in Spokane, WA car insurance companies can’t refuse to insure you or charge you more just because you have a teenage driver in the family. It isn’t required if they only have their learner’s permit and don’t drive very often, but it’s a good idea. If your child has a license and is driving without you present, it’s time to add them to your policy. Contact Western Insurance Associates, and we can answer all your questions.

Who should get an auto insurance plan in Spokane?

Owning a car in the Spokane, WA area is always a good idea as it will allow you to get around the community more efficiently. If you are in the market for a new vehicle here, getting a proper insurance plan would be wise. There are various situations when someone in this part of the state should get a full auto insurance plan.

Those that Want to Drive Legally

A situation when someone will want to get this coverage in Washington is when they want to drive legally. There are various laws surrounding the need to carry insurance in this state. All drivers must maintain a liability insurance plan that meets the state minimum insurance requirements. Without this coverage, you could be penalized and will not have proper support. 

Those with a Loan Outstanding

You will also want an auto insurance plan in this area if you have taken out a loan. Taking out a loan today can be a good idea as it will allow you to finance the purchase of the car over time. As long as the loan is outstanding, you will have to abide by the loan agreement. This will typically require you to carry a full collision and comprehensive plan.

Ensuring that your vehicle is adequately insured in the Spokane, WA area is very important. Once you are ready to start looking for coverage in this region, you will want to call the team with Western Insurance Associates. The insurance team with Western Insurance Associates can offer you any support needed to understand your options and build a plan. This can help ensure you comply with any requirements and that your car is adequately covered. 

Auto Insurance FAQ

Your car insurance is one of your most important expenses each month. You want to make sure you are making the best choice when it comes to an insurance provider. At Western Insurance Associates serving Spokane, WA, and the surrounding areas, we can help you better understand this insurance product so that you can make the best insurance choices. Here we will provide answers to our auto insurance FAQ. 

Is Auto Insurance A Big Deal?

Auto insurance is required by law to operate your vehicle legally. You can face serious legal consequences if you do not carry at least the legally required minimum of coverage. 

In addition to legal considerations, there are also financial factors that you should consider. If you do not carry adequate insurance, you could find yourself financially responsible for repairing or replacing your car in an accident. This could pose a financial challenge. 

Which Type of Coverage Do I Need?

Auto insurance provides the following two types of coverage:

  • Full Coverage– This type of coverage will pay for damage and medical bills that could result from a car accident or other claim event. This will pay for expenses for your vehicle and other vehicles or drivers involved. 
  • Liability Coverage– Liability coverage will only pay for expenses for another vehicle you caused damage to.

It is recommended to carry full coverage on your vehicles. This will protect you in any situation in which expenses occur. 

If you would like to learn more about auto insurance or any of our other insurance products, don’t hesitate to contact us at Western Insurance Associates serving Spokane, WA, and the surrounding areas.

What Should You Know About Auto Insurance?

Driving without auto insurance is illegal – it is considered a crime in most states of the US, including the state of Washington. If you have never owned a car before and never purchased auto insurance, it may be hard for you to choose the right policy. In order to help you, Western Insurance Associates serving clients in Spokane, WA and other surrounding towns prepared brief information about car insurance that everyone should know: 

What Should You Know About Auto Insurance?

Here is what you should know about car insurance:

  • There are certain factors that determine the price of your insurance. They are your age, marital status, driving record, location, and credit score. 
  • It is important to understand the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage. Thus, comprehensive coverage provides protection against theft and damage that are caused by an incident rather than a car accident. It can be vandalism, fire, falling trees or rocks, etc. Collision reimburses for damages caused by a car accident. 
  • You can always find ways to pay less for your insurance, You can raise your deductible, drop comprehensive coverage on an old car, and do some other things. 
  • If you use your personal car for commercial purposes, you will have to get separate commercial auto insurance. 

Getting auto insurance is important, but finding the right coverage may be complicated. If you are currently shopping for car insurance in Spokane, WA or any other nearby town in the state of Washington, do not hesitate to contact Western Insurance Associates. We will help you find the right insurance for your vehicle and answer your questions if there are any. 

Three frequently asked questions about auto insurance in Washington

Choosing the right auto insurance policy is important to protect yourself financially as a motorist in Washington State. At Western Insurance Associates, we offer auto insurance policies to drivers in Spokane, WA.

The following are three frequently asked questions about auto insurance in Washington.

How do I purchase auto insurance?

Nowadays, the easiest way to purchase auto insurance is on the Internet. You can get quotes on the Internet for various policies. You can also select your policy online and purchase your policy through the website of the insurance provider you choose to purchase auto coverage from.

It’s also possible to purchase auto insurance over the phone. You can call up an insurance provider in your area and get a quote over the phone. Then, you can make your first payment on the policy in question over the phone.

Do I have to purchase auto insurance?

In Washington and in most states, acquiring auto insurance coverage is legally required if you want to drive. You need to purchase an auto insurance policy that meets some basic liability requirements.

What does auto insurance cover?

A basic auto insurance policy will cover liability expenses. This means that basic coverage pays for the costs of any damage you cause to the property of other parties.

You can choose to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage additionally if you so desire. Collision coverage covers the costs of damages to your own vehicle in an accident. Comprehensive coverage covers the costs of damages from fire, vandalism, and more.

Do you have more questions about auto insurance? Let us help you find the answers you’re looking for regarding auto insurance in Spokane, WA. Contact us at Western Insurance Associates today.

When to Shop Around For New Auto Insurance

Like many insurance products, auto insurance needs can change with time. Understanding when these needs change and adjusting your auto insurance accordingly is a great way to save yourself money and make sure you are always sufficiently covered. At Western Insurance Associates, serving Spokane, WA we take pride in educating our clients and future clients concerning their insurance needs. Keep reading to find out how you can know when it’s time to shop around for new auto insurance.

How to Know Your Insurance Needs Have Changed

Usually, your insurance needs will change along with big life changes. For instance, when changes in your marital status take place it will affect your insurance needs. When a child comes of age for driving, that can also have an effect on your insurance coverage and needs. Purchasing new vehicles and even just aging will all have an effect on your insurance coverage. The best way to know if your insurance needs have changed is to sit down with an insurance representative and discuss your current situation. This way you can be sure you are sufficiently covered while also making sure you are not paying for products or services you do not need. 

Dangers of Being Improperly Insured

It is very important that you evaluate your insurance needs periodically so that you can avoid being improperly insured. Being improperly insured will put you and your family at risk. Not only will there be an increased risk of financial liability should you have an accident, but there could also be legal risks involved if your auto insurance is not in order. 

If you would like to learn more about auto insurance, please contact our friendly staff today at Western Insurance Associates, serving Spokane, WA. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you make the best insurance choices possible. 

What Legal Fees Can Auto Insurance Pay?

In Spokane, WA, your auto insurance provider will provide coverage for some basic legal fees, but this coverage is restricted to specific circumstances.

Essentially, your insurance provider will pay the legal fees and hire a lawyer on your behalf if you’re being sued, and by that we mean if you’re being sued over something that is not excluded, and if you’ve paid your premiums on time. If you’re being sued over a car accident for personal injuries, then that’s a personal injury lawsuit, and that’s what your insurance is there to protect you against in the first place. If you want to sue someone, on the other hand, you’re on your own.

And you might not be defended by your insurer if:

  • You didn’t let your insurer know about the accident in a timely manner.
  • You caused a car accident on purpose.
  • The damages exceed your policy limits.

Most lawsuits you’re going to face as a result of a car accident fall well within the boundaries of what your insurance company is willing to pay for. They’re not here for criminal defense or to wield as your litigation financiers for suing people, and they can’t offer you much help if you haven’t paid your premiums. But if you are being sued over a car accident and your policy is still active, your insurer probably has your back.

If you are still looking to get covered in Spokane, WA, get in touch with us at Western Insurance Associates by email, call us, or stop by the offices. At Western Insurance Associates, we will compare several providers to provide you with quotes and get you a good deal on an excellent policy so that you can drive safely.

3 Things to Remember If You Want to Prevent Car Theft

Crime can occur at any place and at almost any time. Car theft is one of the most common forms of criminal activity. To reduce your risk of theft, the agents at Western Insurance Associates offers Fairfield and Spokane, WA residents helpful tips on keeping their car safe and secure. There are several things you can do to make your vehicle harder to steal. 

Don’t Leave Valuables Out in Plain Sight

Don’t leave anything of value laying on your seats or dash. Valuable items that are left in plain sight are often the first things that will attract a thief to your vehicle. Put items in the glove box, console or under the seat where they can’t be seen.

Always Lock Your Doors

Always roll up your windows and lock your car doors. If you aren’t sure, check your trunk as well. An unlocked door is an open invitation for someone to break into your vehicle and take whatever they find inside. It’s also an opportunity for them to try and steal your car.

Don’t Park on the Street

Always park in your driveway or in your garage. If you find that you have to park on the street, always park as close to a street light as possible. Car thieves won’t try to break into a vehicle if they can easily be seen by passers-by.

If you’re near Spokane, WA, visit the agents at Western Insurance Associates. If you are concerned about car theft or have experienced a break-in in the past, ask the agents for a few tips to keep your vehicle safe. They have the answers to your questions and will assist you in keeping your vehicle as safe and secure as possible. 

How to Prepare for Winter Driving

Winter driving in Washington can be stressful due to slick, icy roads. If you must drive this holiday season, take precautions by preparing your vehicle (and yourself) for safe winter driving. These tips from Western Insurance Associates of Spokane, WA can help you drive safely during the winter holidays.

Winterize Your Vehicle

Winterize your vehicle in preparation for cold weather driving by checking the following:

  • Battery – An old battery could easily give out during freezing temperatures, leaving you stranded by the side of the road. If your battery is old, buy a new one to ensure you don’t lose power in the middle of a storm.
  • Tires – Like previous tip, upgrade old, worn tires by purchasing a set of quality all-weather or winter tires for cold weather driving. Check your tire pressure regularly during winter as pressure tends to drop in cold weather.
  • Windshield Wipers – Make sure your wipers are working correctly and can clear snow from the windshield, so you have visibility while driving. 
  • Emergency Kit – Keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle at all times in case you get stranded.

Winter Driving Tips

  • Always check the weather forecast before hitting the road. If conditions look bad, avoid driving. Your safety is more important than holiday partying.
  • Share all travel plans with a friend or relative, so someone knows where to find you if you get lost or stranded.
  • Drive slower during winter for greater control on icy roads. Make gentler turns and stops and increase the distance between you and the driver you’re following to avoid a crash if they brake suddenly. If you start to skid, steer into the skid to make it easier to correct your position once you have regained traction.

It’s also important to have excellent auto insurance protection against holiday accidents. To update your auto insurance coverage, call or visit Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA.