Policyholders’ Tips: Preparing Your Home for Fall

Posted on September 15, 2016October 25, 2016 by AgentInsure

Fall is now upon us, and there are different precautions that should be taken care of for your home this fall. There are also crucial things to be aware of this season to prevent possible great losses. Having said that, the following includes different preparation measures that should be taken for your home this fall:

Have a qualified technician to inspect and clean the furnace annually.
Keep flammables away from wiring and water heaters in the basement.
Turn the thermostat up during really cold temperatures, and get water pipes that are exposed in cold temperatures insulated.
Make sure the chimney is annually maintained and cleaned professionally.
Check the caulking around the toilet bases, sinks, bathtubs, and showers and make needed repairs.
Check the caulking around the windows and doors that are deteriorated.
Check, clean, and repair accordingly the gutters, roof, and downspouts to keep down debris. This will prevent the extra building of leaves in the gutters.
Remove and clean out the clothes dryer exhaust duct, space underneath the dryer, pieces of material, dust, and lint.
Check electrical outlets for possible fire hazards, and make sure there’s no overloading of extension cords, fuse boxes, electrical outlets, and all power services.
Make sure to have a filled and readily operable multi-purpose fire extinguisher.
Have a smoke detector on each floor of your home, inspect them, have monthly testings, and change the battery as needed.

Taking these steps will get you on your way for safety, to prevent dreadful losses, and to ensure your home insurance rates won’t raise. Most homeowner insurance policies cover damages associated with falling trees, wind, wind driven rain, and collapse caused by snow or ice. There are, however, some damages that homeowners’ policies won’t cover, such as landslides, floods, busted pipes due to negligence from the homeowner, etc. Be sure to contact Hart Insurance for more details.

How To Find RV Insurance

Posted on August 18, 2016October 25, 2016 by AgentInsure

Finding insurance for your RV in Federal Way, WA doesn’t have to be a chore. You don’t have to spend hours in front of the computer or on the phone with different insurance agents. Knowing how to find insurance as well as the right policy for you can be done quickly.

Know Coverage Options

There is a minimum level of insurance that you need in Washington when you have an RV. In addition to the minimum level, you can also choose to have additional coverage. This will provide you with protection when you are out on the road, parked in an RV Park, as well as in various other scenarios.

Knowing more about the coverage options will make it easier for you to find RV insurance that works for you and your needs. Those who travel more may choose to have more coverage simply because there will be more scenarios.

Talk with an Agent

You never have to be left to your own devices in order to find RV insurance. You have the ability to talk with an independent insurance agent in order to learn about coverage, ask questions, and get help with quotes. Someone who is experienced in this type of insurance can make it easy for you to get a great policy that works within your budget.

Compare Rates

Once you have spoken with an agent, you can find out about the rates that are out there. They will get quotes for you from the different insurance companies that will write policies in Washington. From there, you can make comparisons and see who has the best rates for the coverage that you desire.

Learn more by contacting us at Hart Insurance today. We look forward to helping you find the right policy for your RV.

Types Of Commercial Insurance For Business Owners

Posted on July 15, 2016October 25, 2016 by AgentInsure

No matter the type or size of your business, commercial insurance coverage is a must. Commercial insurance is different than individual, personal insurance. While your individual insurance may protect you, it does not protect your business, your employees or your business property.

Even if your business is home-based, it’s still a good idea to have insurance. You’ll choose your type of commercial insurance based on the size of your business, whether you have employees and other factors. There are several different kinds, and the best way to determine which ones are right for you is to talk to your Federal Way, WA. insurance agent.

Commercial Insurance Policies

Commercial Property

Commercial Property Insurance helps protect your place of business from theft and damage. If you have a home-based business, your homeowner’s insurance may cover this, but you should make sure. This policy may cover damage done to the building itself, as well as damage or theft of the property inside. Depending on how comprehensive your policy is you may also have business interruption coverage. This means that the costs of having to stop doing business due to the damage or incident may be covered, such as expenses, salaries, etc.

General Liability

General liability insurance is an absolute must. It covers people who come to your business. If someone gets hurt at your place of business, you are liable. This type of policy can cover bodily injury, or damage to property. Policies can also extend to your products or services. For example, if you are a home service business, and you go to residences to make repairs, you’ll need coverage that extends to places other than your place of business. If a product you manufacture somehow does damage or causes injury, you can purchase liability insurance that covers you. Again, it’s important that you talk to your insurance agent to better understand your needs.

Worker’s Compensation

If you have employees, you must have some kind of workers compensation insurance.

Any business needs to have some kind of insurance. The experienced agents at Hart Insurance can help you learn more and get the coverage that you need to protect yourself, your property and your employees.

Tips to Prepare You for Summer Boating Season

Posted on June 30, 2016October 25, 2016 by AgentInsure

With summer right around the corner, you might be tempted to pull your boat, kayak, canoe, or other watercraft out of storage and head to the lake. But before you hitch up and head out, remember that boating has its own share of dangers. Whether it’s rough weather, other passengers in the craft, or other issues, boating accidents send thousands to the hospital every year and cause dozens of fatalities. To keep yourself and your passengers safe this summer, check out these tips before you put your boat out on the lake.

Inspect your watercraft

As the weather gets warmer, you’ll want to look over your watercraft for any signs of leaks, rust, mold, rot, or other damage. Get repairs done as soon as possible, and make sure the watercraft is safe before taking it out for recreational usage.

Check the weather

Before you head out, listen to the weather forecast. Make sure you are aware of the weather and change your plans if a storm is in the forecast. Also, be sure to exit the water as soon as you can if you see dark clouds or a storm on the horizon.

Do not overload your boat

Overloading a boat with passengers will make it more likely to capsize or sink. Make sure you know the maximum number of passengers and weight your boat can hold.

Keep safety equipment on hand

Always have life jackets, life preservers, a first aid kit, and other safety equipment on hand. It’s better to have it around and never use it than to need it and not have it.

Do not drink and boat

Operating a boat while drunk is not only dangerous but also illegal. Make sure you operate your boat while sober, both for your safety and for the safety of passengers and swimmers.

At Hart Insurance, we know how much fun boating season is every year. That’s why our independent agents can help you choose an insurance policy that will best cover your boat and other personal watercraft. Call us today for more information about our boat insurance policies.

Anger Management

Posted on May 2, 2016May 1, 2016 by AgentInsure

Find yourself frequently overwhelmed with the urge to run other drivers off the road? You’re not alone, and these tips for diffusing the rage may save your life.

Yell into the abyss

One of the most natural, mild stages of road rage is screaming out your frustrations. While potentially off-putting for your passengers, it’s still a better option to let off steam than channeling the anger into your vehicle. If you’re the sort who gestures with their arms while talking, this method may not be for you.

Make a pit stop

If you have the time to spare, consider pulling off of the road and getting away from the driver’s seat. Have a drink, eat a meal, or call up your family on the cell phone. Do anything but think about the road, and wait for your rage to dissipate.

Think about the cost of losing control

"Road rage" as a term tends to conjure up images of shouting drivers hurling insults at stop lights or riding too close to someone’s bumper, both aggravating but not inherently costly behaviors. Rage doesn’t stop there, though. If it takes over, drivers may find themselves deliberately causing accidents that threaten the lives of themselves of those around them. Even the seemingly innocuous tailgating can dramatically increase the risk of accidents occurring.

When you feel the urge to take an action based on anger while driving, it is essential to think ahead. The person who cut you off and made you slam on the brakes is certainly infuriating, but driving recklessly because of it could turn what was an insignificantly minor increase in used gas into the cost of repairs, rising insurance premiums, and even time in jail.

If you would like to know more about how road rage incidents can impact everything from your right to drive to the cost of your insurance premiums, contact the automotive insurance specialists at Hart Insurance.

Federal Way, WA Packing Tips

Posted on April 28, 2016May 1, 2016 by AgentInsure

So it’s time to move from one place to another and you are dreading packing. This is a common concern. But if you follow a few helpful tips about how to pack more efficiently, the process won’t be so bad. Below are some packing tips to make your move a lot easier and keep your stress levels down.

DON’T PAY FOR BOXES

You are already spending enough on your move most likely. Save money on not buying boxes. You can get free boxes from friends, from various stores like liquor stores or from your work’s mailroom, if you have access to such a place. Also, if you can use them, don’t hesitate to put items into trash bags as you are simply transporting them from one place to another and these bags are durable enough for this purpose and perfect for a one time use.

INSURE YOUR MOVE

Make sure you have insurance during your move so you can protect yourself from having to pay for any lost or stolen items during this period of transition. Call a local insurance provider like Hart Insurance, who serves the greater Federal Way, Washington area to set up home or renters insurance so you can concentrate on packing and moving and not worry about losing items or having them stolen from you.

LABEL YOUR BOXES

By simply labeling what is in your boxes and what rooms the boxes belong in when you get to your new place, it will save you a tremendous amount of time packing and unpacking your belongings, especially the unpacking part. This can also be done by color coding boxes if you don’t want people carrying them to know exactly what is in them, with a key you only have access to.

Tips for Buying ATV’s for First Timers

Posted on March 4, 2016March 4, 2016 by AgentInsure

Buying your first ATV is a great experience, but there are some tips that may make the experience more enjoyable.

Consider the driver. It is important to know the age and experience level of the rider in order to find the right vehicle for him or her. If this is for a child or teen, you will need an ATV that matches that age range. There are different power settings for adult vehicles than there are for youth models. The experience of the driver will make a difference in the types of controls you may want. More experienced riders may like hand control better than foot controls.
How will the vehicle be used. Recreational sports ATV’s are durable models that can handle high performance activities for heavy off-road fun. Utility ATV’s are 4-wheeled quads that are more suitable for hauling heavy loads for towing or plowing. There are some models that are a combination of both sport and utility.
Where will the ATV be used? A 4-wheel drive ATV would be great for uphill, mud, and sand riding. Two-wheel drive vehicles are useful if you are travelling on steadier surfaces. An ATV that has electronic power steering will be needed if you are driving on terrain that is tough or rocky.
Think about getting your ATV insured. An ATV is a vehicle and it can be in an accident or stolen. Try to prevent an accident by being safe. Wear your safety gear and watch for other riders. Some things you can do to prevent your vehicle from being stolen is to keep it hidden in a garage or lock it with a heavy-chains outdoors.

Talking with an independent insurance agent will help you understand your insurance options. Federal Way, WA agents at Hart Insurance can answer any questions you have about your recreational vehicle.

Giving Back to Your Community

Posted on February 12, 2016February 12, 2016 by AgentInsure

When it comes to insurance companies there are many that take and never really give back. For the average person it is easier than you might think to give back to the community that you live in. Something as simple as volunteering at a local shelter, helping out with a food drive, working at a soup kitchen, and more can all help make your community a better place.

When it comes to insurance companies and other public companies, giving back can be as simple as providing the best care and service to our customers as we possibly can. Hart Insurance works to provide the best care and the best service to customers so that we can provide the community with the help that they need.

Taking the time to really consider what it is that you can do as an individual is just one way that you can insure you are going to have a successful community that is not only loved by residents but also taken care of by residents. Volunteering and working to give back to your community can make you feel wonderful and it can help improve the community in which we all live. Giving back is one of the easiest and most fulfilling ways to make your community a better place and to truly make a difference.

Giving back does not have to be pricey and it does not have to take up all your time. In a few short hours over the span of a week or two you can make a huge impact on both the community and the lives of individuals that live there making your home a better place for yourself and for those that also live there. Take the time to see what you can do to make your world a better place.

Protect Your Belongings and Yourself with Renters Insurance

Posted on January 31, 2016October 25, 2016 by AgentInsure

Serving tenants in Federal Way, WA, Hart Insurance seeks to make finding renters insurance easy. Renters insurance is specifically designed with tenants needs in mind. A proper policy will provide coverage for you and your belongings, and our independent insurance agents can help you find such a policy.

Your Belongings and Yourself

All renters insurance policies are unique, containing different coverage that is detailed in the terms and conditions. Most policies have two main coverage options, though: personal property coverage and personal liability coverage.

Personal property coverage protects your belongings. Should your possessions be damaged or lost in a covered incident, the policy will reimburse you according to this coverage’s terms and conditions. Some policies provide depreciated value coverage, which pays for the fair-market value of your used belongings, while others include replacement cost coverage, which gives you the money necessary to replace the item with a new one. Of course, all coverage options will be carefully detailed in your policy, so you should read the policy over carefully.

Personal liability coverage may reimburse you for expenses related to an accident that’s covered and you’re deemed liable for. Liability coverage can vary greatly from policy to policy. Your specific protection will depend on your policy’s terms.

An Independent Insurance Agent

Understanding the different coverage options included in a renters insurance policy can be difficult if you’re on your own. At Hart Insurance, however, our Washington-licensed, independent insurance agents will clearly explain the technical jargon, ensuring that you understand your policy. Because our agents are independent, they can review any renters insurance policy you’d like, as long as it’s offered by an insurer in Washington.

Don’t spend hours struggling to compare renters insurance policies. Call our office today and we will help you through the entire process of selecting a policy.

Heading Over the Border Means Different Insurance Needs for Federal Way, WA Drivers

Posted on December 21, 2015December 21, 2015 by AgentInsure

Are you heading over the border? Before you go, it pays to take a closer look at the auto insurance you have in place and whether it meets the new needs in the location you plan to travel to with or without your vehicle. If you have auto insurance from Hart Insurance, our team of independent insurance agents is happy to help you determine what the best type and amount of coverage for your needs is. We can also help you have the right policies in place before you head over the border.

Driving Over the Border

You probably took the time to make sure your passport was up to date and that you had the right financial information in place to access your bank account. However, many people traveling over the border fail to make key decisions about the actual insurance needs they have. If you planning a trip, your first step should be to call our offices at Hart Insurance so we can make sure your policy will remain in place. This is commonly the case for Canadian trips.

If you are traveling overseas, on the other hand, you still need to ensure your car rental has the right amount and type of insurance in place to keep you protected. Your American car insurance will not likely apply here, but there are additional options we can help you to put into place.

Get a Quote From Our Federal Way, WA Team Today

For those drivers heading to Canada, give the team at Hart Insurance a call today. Let us make sure your current auto insurance plans are exactly what you need before you cross the border and put yourself at financial risk. It’s fast and easy to get a quote by contacting us.

Hart Insurance Agency

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Author: AgentInsure