Category: Auto Insurance

You already know that you have to have liability insurance to stay legal on the road here in Federal Way, WA. But did you know that there’s an optional first-party coverage that helps protect your vehicle from natural disasters, theft, and fire? Keep reading to learn more about comprehensive insurance coverage from our Hart Insurance team.

What is Comprehensive Insurance?

Comprehensive insurance is first-party coverage that pays to fix your vehicle in the event of a natural disaster, such as a storm, hail, or even a falling tree. It covers incidents involving animals, such as a bear causing damage or hitting a deer. And the coverage also covers some other situations that aren’t caused by nature, such as theft, fire, and vandalism.

You are usually subject to a deductible, which you select at the time you purchase your policy. Most people stick within the $500 or $1,000 range, but this really comes down to personal preference. Your deductible is paid directly to the repair facility after damages are fixed.

Is Comprehensive Insurance Mandatory? Do I Have to Have It?

A lot of people wonder if this is a mandatory type of insurance. The answer to this is both yes and no. Comprehensive coverage is not legally required to carry, but your finance company likely has it written within your purchase contract that you must have it. Thus, if you’re still making payments on your car, you’ll want to make sure you have comprehensive coverage and collision coverage to protect the investment.

Are you looking for an auto insurance quote in Federal Way, WA? Please contact our Hart Insurance team today to schedule a no-obligation coverage review appointment.

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.

If you have a classic car, it is important that you insure it as a classic car, rather than purchasing regular auto insurance for the car. But there are no hard and fast rules to what makes one car an old car and what makes another a classic car. Here at Hart Insurance, serving the greater Federal Way, WA area, we want to help you select the correct type of insurance for your car. Here are a few of the factors you should consider when deciding if your older car is a classic car. 

Age

One of the factors that should be looked at when determining whether or not you have a classic car is the age of the vehicle. Most experts agree that a classic car is about 25 to 50 years old. After 50 years old, your car is considered an antique, rather than an expert. If it is less than 25 years old, most experts believe it is simply an older car. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. 

Rarity 

Another factor that is looked at is the rarity of the car. If the car is no longer being produced and it is rare, it may be deemed a classic car. As such, you could have a car that is 10 years old, but due to the fact that it is no longer being produced and it is rare, an expert may deem it a classic. 

Value

Lastly, the value of the car comes into play. If Blue Book lists your car as one value, but you know you can sell it for more due to its age and rarity, it may be a classic car. Ensuring it as a classic car helps you to get the value someone will pay for it, rather than Blue Book value. 

Are you ready to purchase a classic car auto insurance policy? Then let Hart Insurance, serving the greater Federal Way, WA area help you. Give us a call today for an estimate or to schedule an appointment to sit down and talk about your new policy. 

Car buying, especially for first-time buyers can be a tedious process. Planning ahead and observing these 5 car buying tips will go a long way in ensuring you get an excellent ride. 

Do your research
Doing your research prior to walking into a car dealership prevents you from impulse buying. Luckily, the internet has all the information you would need about the car you would want to purchase. If you are looking for a new car, find out what the dealer paid the manufacturer as this will help you negotiate a suitable deal. If you are buying a used car, research on the resale prices for the model you aspire to buy. 
Evaluate different financing options
Car dealership financing mostly comes with higher interest rates compared to credit unions or banks. Besides, your bank could offer you a relationship discount that a car dealership will not. 
Negotiate the terms and ask for any discounts
Buying a car is one of the biggest investments one can make. The purchase price is usually not fixed. Knock it down and ask for any discounts that you might be eligible for. Such could include military, student, or credit union discounts. 
Consider the car’s insurance costs
Your vehicle’s insurance cost is influenced by factors such as its price and its model. You could get a ballpark figure of your insurance costs by submitting its make and model along with your age, driving record and other details to various insurance providers online. 

Ready to purchase your car in Federal Way, WA? Contact Hart Insurance today for a free estimate of your auto insurance coverage. We work with experienced agents who will guide you on the ideal coverage options for your car. Also, our coverage options are tailored to meet a wide array of auto insurance needs. 

3 Things That Can Get Your Auto Insurance Revoked.

Introduction. No insurance firms around Federal Way, WA can cancel your policy without a good reason. Your contract with the insurance firm is based on the policy, and some of the violations of the contract could lead to policy cancellation. Some of the reasons could be a violation of the policy while others could do with breaking the state laws. This includes issues such as having your driving license suspended or canceled.

I. Making Multiple Claims in a Short Period. The auto insurance sector is built on managing and calculating risk. When you make too many claims in a short span, the chances of having your policy canceled or not renewed are high. Claims tend to stay in your file for about three years. More than one claim a year makes you undesirable to insurance firms. Non-renewal means that you will carry your current policy to term but there is no continuation of the policy.

II. Health Issues. If you have a condition that makes it unsafe for you to drive then your policy provider might just drop you. According to policy experts at Hart insurance, each state has its own list of the conditions that are considered disqualifying health problems. These include epilepsy, eye conditions, or muscle illnesses. What happens is that a physician will file a claim in court that you are unfit to drive. The court will suspend your license after which the policy provider revokes your contract by suspended license.

III. Your Insurance Firm Closes Shop. Insurance business can down scale, move out of town or fail and file for bankruptcy. To be able to protect yourself from this eventuality you need to do three things. First, check out their ratings. Secondly only purchase insurance from licensed firms. Thirdly look up the different auto insurance complaint index to figure out where the firm falls. Lastly, call the state insurance regulator and inquire about licensing, financial health, tax and legal compliance of the firm.

If you live in Federal Way, WA, you will need a car to get around, which means you will need car insurance. And this can be a financial burden, especially when your premiums go up due to an accident or a ticket for a moving violation. So below are some tips for how to drive more safely and efficiently in Federal Way to keep your premiums at the rate a local broker like Hart Insurance, who serves the area, first gave you.

DRIVE DEFENSIVELY

Assume that all the other drivers on the road don’t know what they are doing and that they may do something unpredictable. Don’t be paranoid about these other drivers necessarily, but drive looking ahead at what dangers may be about to present themselves. By doing this, your ability to spot a possible accident and avoid it become much more likely, keeping you safe and your vehicle out of an accident.

ONLY DRIVE WHEN YOU HAVE TO

If you don’t need to drive somewhere, don’t drive. Take a car service or public transportation, walk or bike. The less you drive, the lower your rates will be and the less of a chance you will make yourself vulnerable to an actual car accident.

GET ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

Put a tracking device on your car and make sure the vehicle is secure wherever you park it. This will help keep it from getting broken into and make you decide whether or not to file an insurance claim or just eat the loss yourself, as you know the premiums will rise if you make a claim.

KEEP YOUR SPEED DOWN

The majority of car accidents occur due to excessive speed, so if you make going the speed limit or just under the speed limit a habit, your chances of having an accident will drop precipitously.