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Hart Insurance Agency

33301 1st Way S, Suite C130,
Federal Way, WA 98003

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New Teen Driver in the Family? It is Time to Update Your Auto Insurance

Did you know that your auto insurance from Hart Insurance does not automatically change with the times? Now that your teen is driving around the Federal Way, WA area, you need to take a closer look at your existing policy and make sure that you are prepared for the inevitable fender bender that often comes with a new driver.

Review Your Liability Payments and Limits

You likely purchased your insurance policy ten to fifteen years ago and opted for the minimum coverage with your good driving record. Most of those minimum/maximum payment limits may take care of bumps, bruises, and a broken fender, but they will not provide sufficient compensation when your child takes out an SUV loaded with a family.

Comprehensive Coverage takes the Strain Off Your Shoulders

You have no time to handle all the details of finding a repair shop, taking bids, and sending out checks when your teen makes a mistake. Comprehensive coverage leaves all the running around to us, so the little accident remains a minor inconvenience.  We can coordinate the appraisal, tow, and repair for you and the other party and let you get on with your life.

Roadside Assistance Takes Care of Your Teen

Consider adding towing and roadside assistance to your policy, so when the battery is dead, there is a flat tire or your kid runs out of gas, they just have to make a simple phone call and a certified service company will come to their rescue. This is a huge help and reassurance when they travel to their new college or summer job.

Before your teen takes to the local Federal Way, WA roads, give us a call or come visit our office at Hart Insurance. Together we will find the right auto insurance policy to provide peace of mind and adequate protection.

3 Reasons to Maintain Off-Season RV Insurance

With winter fast approaching, you’re probably making plans to store your RV until the snow thaws and you can hit the road again next spring. Even in storage, however, your RV needs insurance protection to keep it safe from the unexpected. Rather than paying for full insurance protection during winter or canceling your policy, consider what off-season RV insurance coverage from Hart Insurance in Federal Way, WA has to offer. Here are a few good reasons to maintain off-season RV insurance for your valuable RV investment.

Theft or Vandalism

There’s always the risk of your RV being broken into, stolen or vandalized while in storage. Without insurance coverage, you could suffer a substantial loss. Rather than canceling your policy altogether, you can alter your RV coverage to maintain property protection against such perils as theft, vandalism, fire, storm damage or another unforeseen disaster. You’ll have greater peace of mind that your vehicle is protected from harm with this coverage.

Liability

When on the road, you need high liability coverage to protect you against serious accidents. During the off-season, however, you can save money by lowering liability to minimum limits. This way you’ll still have some protection without having to pay full premium prices.

Discounts

By maintaining some RV insurance year-round, you could qualify for a discount on your policy. This can offset the cost of protecting your vehicle during the off-season. If the weather clears before spring and you get the opportunity to use your RV for a special occasion, you’ll have coverage in place for the day or weekend without having to scramble to reinstate your policy. Off-season RV insurance offers a viable solution to protecting your RV during winter and saving money on your policy.

To learn more about off-season RV insurance protection, contact Hart Insurance in Federal Way, WA today.

What You Need to Know About Boat Insurance Before Hitting the Water

Boat ownership can be a great way to add some adventure and fun into your life. Making sure that your boat is properly insured will help the fun last even longer. Here at Hart Insurance, we want to make sure that you understand boating insurance and how it applies to you in Federal Way, WA and surrounding areas. Here are a few things you should keep in mind when considering boat insurance. 

Your Homeowner’s Policy Isn’t Enough

Many boat owners are under the impression that their homeowner’s insurance will cover their boat. This is often not the case. Homeowner’s insurance will cover a boat that is housed on your property, but usually, this is only for small boats with no engine or very small engines. Larger, more expensive boats most definitely need their own policy. 

How Is Boat Insurance Different?

Boat insurance is different from home and auto insurance in a few ways and similar in many ways. The similarities lie in the fact that boat insurance will cover liability in case someone is injured on your boat, and it will provide comprehensive coverage in the event that the boat is damaged or stolen. One nice difference in boat insurance, though, is that you have the option of deferring coverage for time periods in which the boat is not being used. This is very handy and can save you money since most people only use their boats some of the time. 

You should keep in mind that some policies cite that when the boat is out of the water it is no longer covered under the boat insurance policy. If the boat is attached to your car it might be covered under your car insurance. If it is housed at your home, it would be covered, to some degree, under your homeowner’s policy. Be sure to discuss these details in depth with a trained insurance specialist at Hart Insurance now serving Federal Way, WA and surrounding areas. 

How Can Umbrella Insurance Protect Your Business?

Do you have enough coverage with your current commercial insurance? If you’re worried that your Federal Way, WA business would suffer in case of a true emergency, maybe an umbrella insurance policy is just the kind of additional coverage you need.

Insurance providers like Hart Insurance offer extra protection for your business. Read on to learn how umbrella insurance can be of use to you where your business is concerned.

What Commercial Umbrella Insurance Covers

It’s important to distinguish personal umbrella insurance from that which is meant specifically for commercial coverage. While a personal umbrella policy can cover any assets outside of your business, you need a commercial policy to ensure any aspect of your business.

Commercial umbrella coverage can extend the limits of your general liability, employer’s liability, and commercial auto insurance policies. That is to say, if you have these underlying policies, and your needs exceed their payout limit, a commercial umbrella policy can kick in.

Since liability lawsuits and worker’s compensation cases can be costly on your business, an umbrella is necessary for the protection of your assets.

What Umbrella Insurance Won’t Cover

Umbrella coverage can only protect some aspects of your business. It cannot supplement certain types of policies.

For instance, if you have professional liability insurance (such as malpractice insurance for doctors), you can’t use an umbrella policy to supplement it.

Also, you cannot use umbrella insurance to supplement a commercial property claim. So in other words, if your place of business was broken into, your umbrella insurance cannot supplement your commercial property liability policy.

Keep In Mind

You should remember that commercial umbrella insurance is only a type of supplementary coverage. As great as it is in general, it cannot protect your business on its own. For instance, you can’t use an umbrella policy to pay out in a general liability claim if you don’t have general liability insurance in the first place.

Simply put, umbrella insurance expands your coverage, rather than offering you primary coverage outright.

Ready For Additional Protection?

Your business is a valuable asset. Contact Hart Insurance to explore how umbrella insurance can expand and protect it. We are happy to answer any questions or give you a quote based on your Federal Way, WA business and its supplementary needs.

Common Pet Insurance Myths

There are many myths out there about pet insurance, that cause pet owners not to purchase it. The decision to go without pet insurance can leave owners facing large medical bills they cannot afford. If you would like to learn more about pet insurance and live in the Federal Way, WA, area reaches out to a specialist at Hart Insurance today. 

Myth 1: My pet is young so it does not need insurance.

So many new pet owners end up paying thousands in out-of-pocket expenses because they believe young pets do not need insurance; however,  this could not be further from the truth. Young pets often have more frequent and costly claims as they tend to eat objects that harm them as well as run around and jump off furniture causing injuries. In addition, enrolling your pet early will make it less likely that they develop a condition that would be considered an uncovered pre-existing condition if you try to insure them later in life. 

Myth 2: The claims process is too burdensome. 

Many people avoid pet insurance because they have heard the claims process involves a lot of paperwork. The fact of the matter is that many pet insurers have moved to automated online claim submission systems. It is important before you purchase your policy to speak with your agent at Hart Insurance to make sure the insurer you choose has a claim process that works for you. 

Myth 3: I have some extra money set aside for pet emergencies. 

Many people have a small fund set aside for their pets health needs. However, pet owners do not realize how quickly the bills can add up after a few surgeries. Or if your pet develops a lifetime condition that needs to be managed, the extra savings can quickly be depleted and owners find themselves going into debt to care for the pet. 

If you are a pet owner living in the Federal Way, WA area and would like to learn more about insuring your pet, please call to set up an appointment today.

 

 

Your classic car needs in Washington when it comes to insurance

Owning and driving a car on a daily basis is a necessity for many people in the Federal Way, WA area. While most people need some form of car, there are car lovers that choose to invest in classic cars. Not only can these be a good mode of transportation, but they are also a collector’s item that can appreciate in value. If you do own a classic car, you will want to make sure that it is properly covered by classic car insurance. 

Liability Coverage

When most people think of classic cars they envision old cars sitting in a garage or showroom. While they may not be driven as much as other cars, those that have a classic car still need to make sure that they have the right type and level of liability insurance protection. With classic car insurance, you will need to the same liability coverage as you would need with any other type of car that you take out on the open road.

Property Coverage

With a classic car insurance policy, you will need to spend time carefully considering the amount of coverage you have for a loss. Since a classic car can be harder to define in value, it is important to work to get the right level of coverage. Otherwise, you may not have enough coverage if your car is stolen or damaged. 

If you have a classic car and want to keep it safe and protected, having classic car insurance is clearly a necessity. For those that are in the Federal Way, WA area, contacting the Hart Insurance company will be very beneficial. The Hart Insurance Company excels in helping people to get into a classic car insurance policy that protects their prized possession and gives all coverage necessary. 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold?

Federal Way, WA residents are not mandated by law to carry homeowners insurance, but their lenders will usually compel them to. In addition, people whose mortgages are paid in full will often choose to purchase a policy to safeguard them against unforeseen occurrences. 

Mold Coverage

Your insurance agent can go into greater detail regarding what your specific package will and will not pay for, but in general, mold is covered, but only under certain circumstances. If, for example, your property develops growth as a stand-alone problem, you may need to take care of this situation from your own funds. 

When you have an issue for which you need to make a claim, for example, busted pipes, this can lead to water damage, creating the perfect environment for growing mold. Your insurance, in many cases, will cover the mold that results from perils like this that are listed in your homeowner’s coverage, including events that occur suddenly and those that are accidental. 

If your air conditioner malfunctions and causes a leak, that may be covered, but if your unit dripped due to a lack of maintenance, you will likely be responsible for the cost. Issues due to flooding will not be included under your standard policy, as you’ll need to purchase flood insurance separately.

In the event of a claim, resist the urge to clean, as the adjuster will need to see the true condition of the property. Make sure to keep detailed documentation so that it can be proven if need be that your issue with mold is due to a covered peril. 

Hart Insurance Faithfully Serves Federal Way WA Residents

Hart Insurance can answer any questions you may have about mold coverage and homeowners insurance. We carry a variety of indemnifications, and we look forward to working with you. Reach out to us today!

 

The importance of maintaining your brakes

From a safety standpoint, your brakes are likely the most important part of your vehicle. Sudden brake failure while on the road can result in a catastrophic accident that can cause thousands of dollars in damage and possible horrific injuries and even death to you or your passengers. How can you tell if your brakes need repairing? Hart Insurance, serving Federal Way, WA is pleased to explain.

Clearly, if your check brake light comes on brake failure is likely imminent. The safest thing to do in that case is to pull over to the side of the road and call an auto club like AAA to give you a tow to the nearest service center.

Noises that occur when you brake are also a sign of brake trouble. A grinding noise, for instance, is a sign of worn brake pads. You might also have low brake fluid. If your vehicle pulls to one side when you brake, you may have a stuck caliper. The caliber is the part of your brake assembly to which the brake pad is attached.

Warped rotors can cause unusual vibrations when you brake. Brake rotors are the part that your brake pads clamp down on when you apply the brake.

If you brake pedal goes all the way to the floor before your vehicle begins to slow down, you likely have a problem with the brake line, such as a leak.

If any of these situations occur, you need to take your vehicle in to have the brakes repaired as soon as possible. One way to prevent brake problems on the road is to have them checked during scheduled maintenance.

For any questions concerning auto insurance, feel free to contact Hart Insurance, serving Federal Way, WA.

 

RV Insurance Basics

What is an RV?

A recreational vehicle or RV is a class of vehicle used for recreational activities. This can include trailers, campers, and motorhomes. There are three classes. Class A are vehicles up to 75-feet long similar to a luxury bus or motor coach. Class B vehicles are camper vans and travel trailers. Class C vehicles have an extended camper over the driving cab.

Finding the right insurance to go with your specific RV is what the Hart Insurance agents in Federal Way, WA do. Contact them for additional information to have your RV insured.

What Does RV Insurance Cover?

  • Collision – helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

  • Comprehensive – if your RV is involved in an incident that causes damage to the vehicle, but it has not been in an accident, comprehensive insurance will cover it. For example, if your RV is damaged by vandalism, fire, or theft, you’ll be covered.

Liability Insurance Coverage

  • Bodily injury – if you cause injuries to someone and they have medical bills as a result, you would have to pay the bills. With bodily liability coverage, your insurance would take over.

  • Property damage – if you are deemed to be at fault when there is an accident involving your RV, you could be protected from paying out large amounts of money out-of-pocket.

  • Lawsuits – if you are sued by a driver from an accident you caused, the cost for legal expenses could be covered.

Enjoy your time in your RV while you travel around the world. It will be easier than you think once you have the right kind of insurance coverage. Call the independent insurance agents in Federal Way, WA at Hart Insurance to get you started with your RV insurance coverage.

What happens if I don’t have boat insurance?

For people in the Federal Way, WA area, nothing is quite as nice as spending an afternoon on their very own boat. When you own a boat, you can have many great experiences, but also need to make sure that you are properly protecting your asset. One of the best ways to do this today is through a boat insurance policy. If you do not have boat insurance, a number of different things could occur. 

No Coverage for Losses

One of the biggest issues with not having boat insurance is that you will not receive any coverage for losses that you incur. When you have a boat insurance policy, you will receive coverage for a variety of losses including theft, boat accident damage, weather damage, or even vandalism. Since replacing or repairing a boat can be very expensive, having this type of coverage in place could prove to be quite advantageous. 

Lack of Liability Protection

An added benefit of having boat insurance is that you will receive liability protection. While boating is a generally safe activity, mistakes and accidents do happen from time to time. If you are at fault during one of these accidents, you could be held liable. Since the costs of a liability lawsuit and judgment can be significant, it is important that you have boat insurance in place to protect you from liability. 

If you have a boat in the Federal Way, WA area, it is very important that you keep it properly covered by insurance. When you are shopping for a new boat insurance policy, you should contact the team at Hart Insurance. The professionals at Hart Insurance are aware of the importance of carrying boat insurance and can ensure that you have the right coverage for your situation. 

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