Commercial Umbrella Insurance vs. Excess Liability Insurance

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You may have heard the terms commercial umbrella insurance and excess liability insurance used synonymously. However, they do not refer to the same type of policy.

Understanding the Differences

While they may sound like similar products, it is important to understand the difference between excess liability insurance and commercial umbrella insurance. Excess liability insurance is designed to activate when a general liability insurance policy has reached its limit and only provides additional coverage for that particular policy. Commercial umbrella insurance activates when one of several liability insurance policies reaches its limit.

You may get a broader range of liability coverage with a commercial umbrella insurance policy for incidents that are not covered by your underlying insurance policies. It is crucial to take the time to read over your policy. The agents at Western Insurance Associates of Spokane, WA will work with you to make sure you understand what is covered and what is not covered by the policy that you choose.

When Do You Need Commercial Umbrella Insurance?

You can apply commercial umbrella insurance to general liability, employer’s liability, or commercial auto insurance policies. These are some of the most important policies that you can purchase to protect your business from unexpected financial loss. When you include additional coverage that kicks in once these policies have reached their limit, you reduce the risk of your business going bankrupt.

Excess liability insurance and commercial umbrella insurance are both created to offer an additional layer of protection that goes further than a primary insurance policy. If you are interested in an umbrella insurance policy or think an excess liability insurance policy is right for your small business, contact Western Insurance Associates of Spokane, WA for more information.

The differences between commercial umbrella insurance and excess liability insurance are not always clear. Give us a call today and we will review the details with you.

Why You Need Insurance on Your Recreational Vehicles

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Purchasing an RV can be extremely exciting, as it opens up the possibility of traveling in the comfort of a home. However, prior to taking your RV on the road, you will need to properly insure your recreational vehicle. As a Spokane, WA resident, you may wonder why RV insurance from a professional insurer like Western Insurance Associates is so important. Keep reading to find out why.

Why Does RV Insurance Matter?

RV insurance will protect your recreational vehicle from damage at any given time. When your RV is stored in the yard, it may be protected by your home insurance policy. However, when it is being used, you will require a separate policy to ensure you are properly protected from various incidents.

In some states, an RV insurance policy is required. Further, some campgrounds may require that you show proof of insurance before being allowed to stay. Otherwise, you will be unable to stay on their property.

How Are Coverage Amounts Determined?

The type and amount of RV coverage that you invest in will primarily be affected by the type of recreational vehicle you have. For instance, if you purchase a bus or motorhome, you want to ensure you have sufficient coverage to protect the engine, vehicle components, and living quarters. If you have a towable camper, protection for the living quarters may suffice.

Regardless of the type of recreational vehicle you buy and insure, you want to ensure that your insurance coverage is enough to protect the RV’s full value, any personal belongings, furniture, equipment, etc.

If you have questions about RV insurance in Spokane, WA, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Western Insurance Associates.

What Should You Know About Auto Insurance?

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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. 

Does Washington Require Umbrella Insurance?

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The world of insurance is complicated, and many policy types can feel ominous. Umbrella insurance is one of the most overlooked forms of insurance coverage, but it may be one of the most helpful if you are involved in a legal battle.

Umbrella insurance is one of those policy types you may not completely understand. If you live in Spokane, WA, Western Insurance Associates may be able to help you through the challenges of learning about umbrella policies.

Umbrella Insurance Provides Liability Protection

Many people choose umbrella insurance policies because they provide more liability protection. If you have assets that could be at risk if you were held responsible for causing injury or damage, you might consider one of these policies. If you are exposed to a potential lawsuit, this policy provides protection for your assets.

Washington Does Not Require Umbrella Insurance

In the state of Washington, you are not required to carry this extra liability insurance. While it may not be a requirement, you should consider getting a policy if you own a home, have guests over at your home often, or live in a multi-family building. You might consider this coverage if you have a new or young driver on your auto insurance policy or if you own a pet.

You might also consider adding this coverage to your policy if you partake in risky activities or hobbies, including skiing or snowboarding.

Choose a Policy That Protects You

Umbrella insurance protects your assets, including the property you own and the money you have worked hard to save. Western Insurance Associates, which serves Spokane, WA, can help you choose a policy to meet your needs.

Is Recreational Insurance Necessary?

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Whether you own an RV, motorhome, or campervan, you are always eagerly waiting for the warm season to get started with vacations and camping trips. Besides, if you own a boat, ATV, or an off-road vehicle, you can’t wait to have fun in the wild. But one thing that you might not be keen about is recreational insurance. In fact, even now, you are asking whether you really need recreational insurance. 

Recreational insurance from Western Insurance Associates in Spokane, WA, comes at a cost, but it’s a must-have investment if you want to enjoy your recreational toy optimally. Still not convinced why you need recreational insurance? Here are the reasons why it’s a necessity.

It may be required

If you own a motorized recreational vehicle in Washington, the law requires you to purchase recreational insurance. You see, your RV is just like a vehicle. And as such, the same insurance laws applicable to cars apply to your recreational vehicle. 

While recreational toys like boats, ATVs, and personal watercraft are not legally required to have insurance, there exist other reasons you should invest in recreational insurance.

To protect your asset against physical damage

Your recreational vehicle gives you fun, and you wouldn’t want that to stop. But one mishap can change your boating, off-road, or road trip experience into a nightmare. Accidents can damage your recreational vehicle, spoiling the fun. While insurance doesn’t prevent accidents, it ensures you don’t start from scratch when perils strike. 

Liability protection

Accidents can happen while operating your RV. And if you are deemed liable, you could face property damage and bodily injury claims from third parties. Worse yet, you could be hit with litigations for negligence, missed wages, and so on. Thankfully, if you have liability coverage, such costs become the headache of your insurer.

If you own a recreational toy in Spokane, WA, you should have recreational insurance at the back of your mind. And the good thing is that getting coverage is easy when you partner with Western Insurance Associates. Contact us today, and our team shall give you the protection you deserve. 

Does Renters Insurance Cover Broken Windows?

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Accidents can happen anytime, and sometimes when renting, the dwelling you live in gets damaged. Broken windows are common among renters, and many renters’ insurance policies do cover the damage. However, there are some limitations, and you must ensure you have the proper renters insurance coverage to fully protect you when renting in Spokane, WA.

If you still have questions about renters insurance and if broken windows are covered, call us at Western Insurance Associates today.

What If Someone Else Breaks the Window? 

The liability section of a basic renters insurance policy covers the damage to a broken window if someone else breaks it. Then, the insurance company would go after the person responsible for the damage to recoup their costs, including covering all expenses and legal fees associated with seeking damages from the responsible party.

What If I Break the Window? 

If you break the window in your rental, your insurance will not cover the damages or costs to repair the window. Even if you accidentally break the window by knocking into it, your insurance policy will not cover it.

What If I Break Someone Else’s Window? 

In the event you are found responsible for breaking someone else’s window. For example, if you are playing football in the yard outside someone else’s home and the football flies into the window, breaking it, your insurance will cover repair and replacement costs. However, you may have some out-of-pocket costs based on your policy’s deductible and maximum payout limits.

What If Something Else Causes the Window to Break? 

Renters insurance policies have covered perils listed out, stating if they are covered or not. For example, common perils where a broken window is covered include fire, burglary, or high winds. Also, check with your insurance policy and landlord because some perils might be covered under the landlord’s insurance.

Do you have more questions about broken windows and insurance coverage in Spokane, WA? Call the agents at Western Insurance Associates for more information.

Benefits of Boat Insurance

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Whether you are a boat owner or considering buying one, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the benefits of boat insurance. And even though boat accidents are not as common compared to auto insurance, it is still essential to protect your investment. Below, Western Insurance Associates of Spokane, WA explains what the benefits of boat insurance are.

Coverage for Bodily Harm

In case you get into an accident, and either you or your passengers get injured, you can receive compensation to cover any resulting medical bills. This saves you from financial loss when otherwise you would have had to pay for those expenses.

Coverage for Physical Damage

A boat is an expensive investment. And if you get into an accident, you have to think of repair costs, including the cost of trailing the boat to a repair shop. However, with boat insurance, you do not have to worry about such expenses as insurance helps cover them, ensuring you are back to cruising on the water in no time.

Liability Coverage

Even if you are an experienced boater, you may get into an accident resulting in injured passengers or property damage. If you are considered at fault, liability insurance helps cover those damages. With boat accidents being pretty expensive, it becomes crucial to have boat insurance.

Enjoy Peace of Mind

The last thing you want every time you go cruising is worrying that you will have to incur a high cost if an accident happens. With boat insurance, you can go about your business knowing that if you, your passengers, or your boat get into an accident, you are protected against financial loss. On top of that, boat insurance may cover replacement costs of the boat if it is stolen.

A boat is a massive investment despite its size. For you to enjoy many years of boating and sailing, consider boat insurance. Residents of Spokane, WA, looking to purchase insurance for their boats can reach Western Insurance Associates, where we are ready to help you pick a suitable policy.

Do I Really Need Umbrella Insurance?

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Lawsuits can be a pain. Even when you are on the right side of justice, a bogus lawsuit can waste your time, and even worse, be ruled against your favor. While the American justice system gives you a fair trial, it’s the civil litigious nature that has a vague reputation. 

With lawsuits raining in the country, you need protection when cases are ruled against you. While you may have a boat, home, or auto liability coverages, they may not help when you face substantial liability claims. And folks, that’s where umbrella insurance comes into play. Still not convinced that you need umbrella insurance? Hang on as Western Insurance Associates of Spokane, WA, shares more insights. 

What does umbrella insurance cover?

Umbrella insurance is the safety net that saves the day when you are faced with claims exceeding your current insurance plans. Typically, umbrella insurance protects you against the below. 

  • Bodily injury claims: Protects you when you sustain injuries to third parties. For instance, if you cause significant bodily injury to the other motorist in a vehicular accident, you are at fault, umbrella insurance takes over when your auto insurance liability coverage runs out.
  • Property damage: It covers physical damage caused to other people’s property.
  • Personal liability: The beauty of umbrella insurance is that it covers you against personal liabilities like libel, slander, and false arrest that aren’t covered by typical liability coverages. 

Generally, umbrella insurance covers damages and injuries to other parties and not you or your property. 

Who needs umbrella insurance?

Anyone with anything of value needs umbrella insurance since we can all be sued. However, if you are in the below categories, you need umbrella insurance ASAP since the chances of being sued are high. You need umbrella insurance if you:

  • Own a home, boat, or vehicle
  • Own dangerous pets
  • Coach youth sports 
  • Own a business
  • Participate in risky hobbies that can hurt others
  • Are a parent

Are you looking for extra liability protection in Spokane, WA? Please contact Western Insurance Associates for an affordable umbrella insurance quote. 

Three frequently asked questions about auto insurance in Washington

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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.

How umbrella insurance can help protect your WA business

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Do you own or manage a business in the greater Spokane, WA area? The team at Western Insurance Associates is proud to work with our business community and share our knowledge of commercial insurance options. As a business grows, its insurance needs can also grow. They can also become more complex, and adding an umbrella policy to existing coverage can create an insurance portfolio with robust coverage. Umbrella insurance is key when primary policies are exhausted due to major covered events. 

Understanding commercial policy limits and how umbrella insurance can cover those gaps

It is typical for commercial policies to have upper limits to their payouts. This means that once the limit is reached, any financial obligation due to an excessive loss is the responsibility of the policyholder. That’s where umbrella coverage comes into play. Once your primary liability protection is reached, the umbrella policy works as a stopgap. It will provide the needed additional coverage up to its limits. This type of protection can be pivotal to a thriving business.

Liability claims and excessive lawsuits can quickly extinguish the protection provided by a primary policy. Because of this, many businesses rely on their umbrella coverage as a way to protect their assets. Experienced, registered agents are able to provide in-depth information about the benefits and limitations of such policies. It is important for business owners to understand their current insurance policy and recognize any limitations therein. 

Find out more about how an umbrella policy can help protect your company

Western Insurance Associates is proud to serve the business community located in the greater Spokane, WA area. Now is a perfect time to meet with one of our knowledgeable agents to find out more. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.