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.

What does recreational insurance cover?

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Life as an off-road lover comes with many benefits. Not only do you have the opportunity to enjoy nature, but you can also engage in adventures city life does not provide in Spokane, WA. Taking life by the horns means having the right insurance that lets you confidently explore the wild. Western Insurance Associates can help you understand the importance of recreational insurance and how a policy can enhance your off-road experience. 

What does recreational insurance cover?

Recreational insurance covers off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and dirt bikes. A standard auto insurance policy does not typically provide coverage for these types of vehicles because of their design and use. Recreational insurance closes the gap so you do not have to pay for damages out-of-pocket when an incident occurs in Spokane, WA. 

How does recreational insurance work?

Recreational insurance works much like a standard auto indemnity plan. You receive protection based on your preferences and policy limits. 

Those who pay more in monthly premiums may find their indemnity plans cover more incidents. Meanwhile, those who pay less in monthly premiums may experience more out-of-pocket expenses. 

How much recreational insurance do you need?

The amount of recreational insurance you may need depends on a number of factors, which include:

  • How often you operate your off-road vehicle;
  • Whether or not you plan to have passengers;
  • Whether or not you need coverage that provides total replacement in the instance that your off-road vehicle is completely destroyed. 

Western Insurance Associates can help you build the recreational insurance policy that best suits your lifestyle. Call them today to get started with a quote for coverage!

When to Shop Around For New Auto Insurance

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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. 

Most Common Myths About Commercial Insurance

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As a business owner, you have to wear many hats to make sure that your business runs efficiently and smoothly. And that includes protecting your business and your employees against damages and losses. However, when you are shopping for commercial insurance, it is important to be aware of the misconceptions about it that can cloud your judgment when making an important decision. Western Insurance Associates serving Spokane, WA has prepared the list of myths about commercial insurance that need to be debunked: 

It Is Not Necessary To Have Commercial Insurance For A Home-Based Business 

Many people mistakenly believe that if they have a home office, their business and its contents will be covered by standard home insurance. However, the truth is that anything pertaining to your business requires additional coverage. 

General Liability Will Cover All Possible Risks

Unfortunately, general liability insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution for all risks related to business operations. Even though it provides comprehensive coverage, it cannot protect your business from every single claim. 

Commercial Insurance Will Cover Damages Caused By Flooding

Another common misconception is that commercial insurance protects businesses against damages due to flooding. However, in reality, business insurance does not always cover this type of damages, and you may have to get a separate flood insurance policy. 

Commercial insurance is more than just another type of insurance – it is a guarantee that your business, employees, and you, as a business owner, are protected against different risks, including cyberattacks, fires, lawsuits, and others. If you are currently shopping for commercial insurance and looking for a trustworthy insurance agency, Western Insurance Associates serving the clients from Spokane, WA, and other surrounding areas is ready to help you. Do not hesitate to give us a call and talk to one of our agents. 

What is umbrella insurance and why should I have it

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If you are looking for a locally owned and operated independent insurance agency in Spokane, WA,  Western Insurance Associates fits the bill. Our company has been through many changes since it began in 1939 as Fairfield Waverly Insurance. We have changed with the times and today we have an experienced team that is dedicated to helping our customers find the right coverage for all their insurance needs. Umbrella is just one of the types of insurance we are happy to discuss with you. 

Umbrella insurance is often misunderstood. What is it and what it can do for you is not at all mysterious. Umbrella insurance is a type of excess liability insurance. It is not a policy that you buy unless you already own a policy that has liability coverage such as home or auto insurance. You don’t have to be a homeowner, however, to benefit from its coverage. It can be added to a renter or boat policy as well. 

Liability insurance is one of the most important types of insurance that you have. It protects you from legal action that may happen as a result of an accident that you or a family member is involved in. Medical bills for injuries can be very high. When these are combined with legal action against you, they can be devastating to your finances. Many things can result in a suit against you, from a car accident to someone injured while swimming in your pool. You may find out the hard way that the liability limit on your home or auto insurance is inadequate. 

Umbrella insurance usually adds between one and ten million dollars to your liability protection. If you live in or near Spokane, WA, Western Insurance Associates would love to sit down with you and discuss why umbrella insurance is something you need to have.

A Guide To Help Washington Residents Find The Right Condo Insurance

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Western Insurance Associates assists the Spokane, WA community, as well as the surrounding areas through offering multiple insurance policies. We strive to help all of our clients find the insurance coverage that they need to enjoy their lifestyle. It’s important to use that you are protected whenever something happens that you did not plan for.

Condo Insurance

Several stunning condo projects have been built throughout the Pacific Northwest, especially in Spokane, WA. If you are preparing to move into one of these luxurious new condos, it’s important that you have protection. Condo insurance allows you to move into your unit with the comfort that everything is secure.

The policy helps cover you in the event that your unit is damaged due to a natural disaster. You will have security in the event that you have to replace your cabinets or flooring. You can also amend your policy to include liability coverage so that you will be protected in the event that someone is injured while visiting your condo unit.

All of your personal possessions are covered in the event that they are stolen or vandalized. The policy will help alleviate some of the stress that you may feel as you think about how you are going to replace some of your valuables. In the event that your unit suffers severe damage, you’ll be covered if you are obligated to seek lodging elsewhere while your unit is repaired. While you are researching different condo insurance policies, consider taking inventory of your possessions and having them appraised. This will help you determine the true value of your belongings.

Western Insurance Associates Will Guide You Through The Process

Visit our website today to learn more information about how we can assist you.

What Legal Fees Can Auto Insurance Pay?

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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.