When Do You Need Classic Car Versus Regular Auto Insurance on a Vehicle?

Posted on September 14, 2017October 9, 2017 by AgentInsure

At Hart Insurance, serving the greater Federal Way, WA area, we are often asked by car owners when they need regular auto insurance versus classic car insurance. Sometimes it is obvious, such as when you have a restored classic automobile or a new car. Other times, there is a fine line between a regular older car and an unrestored classic car. Here are a few of the signs that you may need classic car insurance over regular auto insurance.

The Car is Worth More than Blue Book Value

One of the signs that you need classic car insurance rather than regular auto insurance is that the value of the car is worth significantly more than the Blue Book value of the car. If your car has value based on its demand with collectors, you likely need classic car insurance rather than regular auto insurance.

You Rarely Drive the Car

Another sign that you may need classic car insurance rather than auto insurance is that you rarely drive the car, aside from to and from car show events. If your car is older and you participate in class car shows or parades, but don’t use the car for much else, classic car insurance may be the better choice for you.

The Age

Generally speaking, any car that is 10 years or older can be deemed a classic car. Any car that is 25 years or older can be deemed an antique car. As such, your car must meet these age restrictions in order to be able to obtain the right type of insurance on the automobile. However, age alone should not be the deciding factor when determining whether to get classic car versus regular auto insurance. The other two factors, plus the age, should help you decide.

If you currently have regular auto insurance on your car, but need classic car insurance, let Hart Insurance, serving the greater Federal Way, WA area, help. Contact us today to get started on a classic car auto insurance policy or to obtain a free quote.

Prepare for the Unexpected with a Commercial Umbrella Plan

Posted on June 6, 2017May 23, 2017 by AgentInsure

While most business owners feel confident and protected with their standard commercial insurance policies, there are times when sometimes those coverages may not be enough. Hart Insurance in Federal Way, WA knows the importance of preparing for the unexpected when it comes to commercial insurance. A commercial umbrella plan can protect your company from liability claims that could exceed the limits of your commercial insurance policy.

What is Commercial Umbrella Insurance?

Commercial umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage in the event of claim or lawsuit against your company that exceeds the limits of your standard commercial insurance policy. Without an umbrella policy, your business will be required to pay claims settlements, and medical fees that your business is liable above and beyond your policy limits.

What Unexpected Events Can an Umbrella Policy Protect Against?

Some examples of how umbrella coverage can protect your company from significant financial complications are:

Lawsuits Due to Injury – Injuries that your business may be liable for that cause significant injury, medical complications, or disablement can lead to large claims. The cost of long-term medical treatment, loss of wages, and punitive damages will typically exceed the limits in place in your standard liability policy. An umbrella policy can prevent the company from having to pay these expensive costs out of company cash flow.
Claims for Errors – Lawsuits from errors in advertising can lead to large lawsuits and sometimes even class action claims. These settlement amounts can become high enough to cause your business serious financial trouble. While your standard commercial policy will provide coverage in the event of a claim, defending against these type of issues or having to pay out multiple claimants can exceed your coverage cap.

If you are a business owner and would like a quote on an umbrella policy, contact the experienced agents at Hart Insurance in Federal Way, WA and get your company the additional protection it needs today.

Tips for Spring Cleaning

Posted on April 19, 2017April 16, 2017 by AgentInsure

There are not many people who like the thought of spring cleaning but with winter almost over, the time to start preparing is now. For your home in Federal Way, WA, a little bit of spring cleaning can go a long way. Whether you are new to the idea of spring cleaning or are already prepared to dive in, be sure to use these tips from Hart Insurance.

Dust everything. Dust gets everywhere, and during the winter months, it can really pile up. If you do not plan on doing anything other than this for your spring cleaning, this will make a huge difference. Not only will it look great inside but you will also feel better.
Choose one or two projects. You do not want to overwhelm yourself with too much so start with one or two things then build from there. Get what you can do, but if you are not able to, you will be just fine without it. Start with the most important items on your list and move from there.
Enlist some help. No one ever said you have to do this on your own. Ask for help from friends or family. The project will be more fun to complete, and it will be done much faster. Don’t forget to offer the same in return for their time.

Now that you have a good place to start for spring cleaning, you also need to tackle one more thing: getting a home insurance policy. It is the best way to protect your home and investment. If you do not already have one, then you need to consider calling Hart Insurance, serving Federal Way, WA. They can provide you with a free quote that meets your needs and your budget.

5 Tips for Understanding Home Insurance in Federal Way

Posted on February 23, 2017February 19, 2017 by AgentInsure

Understanding home insurance in Federal Way, WA can get tricky, and not just because the industry uses jargon that almost no one understands. If you’re looking for more tips, then Hart Insurance wants you to keep these five tips in mind.

1. It’s All About You

For the most part, home insurance is written for you. It’s flexible enough to write in certain clauses to keep the policy relevant to you. It’s why you can’t compare it to your neighbors, because they may have very different needs from you.

2. It Keeps Your Neighborhood Safe

The more you maintain your home, the better your street looks, and the more likely it will send a message to criminals that they will be noticed if they come around. The same goes for structural problems in your home.

3. It Can Do More Than You Think

Home insurance can’t cover for every event, but it probably covers more than you think. Talking to an experienced agent means hearing about the common and uncommon scenarios that may happen to you and your family, and how home insurance can be of service.

4. It’s There for You

Home insurance can put you in a hotel when you can’t stay in your house, and give you the financial aid to make the repairs necessary so you can get back in as quickly as possible. Sometimes it’s the only thing you can count on after a terrible event.

5. A Partner Can Help

Hart Insurance serves the people of Federal Way, WA, and we’re here to make it easier for you. If you have questions or concerns about your policy, then now is the time to talk to us. Call us for more information on how we can help.

Home Insurance and Inflation

Posted on January 31, 2017January 30, 2017 by AgentInsure

Inflation is something that is far-reaching and even home insurance is not impervious to its effects. The helpful agents at Hart Insurance can help those in the Federal Way, WA area to find out just how this works. So how does inflation affect home insurance? The answer is more straightforward than you might think.

Inflation is a principle in which the value of a dollar goes down and therefore sends the cost of common goods up. This affects home insurance in one major way, as prices inflate, the cost of rebuilding a home goes up greatly. The cost of workers, materials, and time all go up making it necessary to get more coverage than you might already have.

Say for instance in 2000 your home was valued at $175,000 and that is what you have it covered for. As prices of materials go up and down, it will cost more now to rebuild a $175,000 home back than it would have seventeen years ago. Put quite simply, prices go up making it necessary to take out more home insurance to cover the difference.

Inflation can also affect the overall value of your home which will also change the need for coverage. Inflation is something that comes and goes and as such, it is important to make sure you are adjusting your home insurance coverage accordingly. Your agent can help alert you to the need to change your policy and can help you determine what changes, if any, need to be made in order to make sure that your home is fully insured so that you can rebuild in the case of a disaster.

For those in the Federal Way, WA area, the agents with Hart Insurance can help you determine how much coverage you need for your home.

5 Tips for Getting on the Road Quickly this Winter

Posted on December 19, 2016February 19, 2017 by AgentInsure

Winter weather can make your morning commute more challenging than normal. Simply getting into your car and driving away safely often takes more time than allotted during the wee hours of the morning. Frigid temperatures and wintry precipitation can prevent you from getting into your car and getting it started. Let’s look at five tips that will help the residents of Federal Way, WA get on the road quicker this winter.

1. Use cooking spray, silicone spray, or a door lock lubricant regularly.

Make sure you coat the door’s rubber seal at least once a week, wiping off excess drips with a paper towel. Doors and locks freeze shut when water seeps in and turns to ice. A bit of oil sprayed in the locks will help repel water. If adverse weather threatens, apply more frequently.

2. Cover the windshield.

This can make a big difference in certain conditions. Light snow is easy to fluff away, but thick wet snow may require a bit of muscle to remove. Keeping the windshield covered can save significant scraping time, but it does not prevent the need to clear remaining windows before driving off.

3. Keep your battery and engine ready for ignition.

When the temperature is below freezing, your battery loses a huge percentage of its cranking power. Less crank and a cold engine can make starting your car next to impossible. Parking in a garage is ideal. Next on the list is to find out if your car is equipped with a plug to keep the essentials warm through the night. If not, there are heating blankets made to cover the battery and engine. If street parking prevents the use of a plug, even using a thick blanket can make a slight difference. Be sure to remove blankets and plugs before starting the engine.

4. Let your engine warm up.

Modern cars can be driven right away, but it doesn’t mean it is what’s best for them. Even letting run as you scrape away excess snow. This allows the oil to warm up and do its job more efficiently.

5. Use the right oil for your region.

Engine oil thickens in extremely cold temperatures. This makes it hard for your engine to turn over. Multi-weight oil is good if temperatures are moderate. Your owner’s manual or trusted local mechanic can guide you on oil needs in the Federal Way, WA area.

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.

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.

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