June 10, 2021
AgencyCyber security tips for small business data protection
Keep your data safe with these eleven cyber security best practices Data protection is a growing concern for many small businesses because cyber attacks are increasing and they might not be prepared to handle them. In 2016, half of small businesses experienced a data breach, and 55% experienced a cyber attack according to a Ponemon […]
May 25, 2021
AgencyShopping for a home? Put insurance on your shopping list, too
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the housing market in the United States continues to boom. If you are thinking about buying a new home for yourself and your family, be sure to evaluate insurance needs and costs at the same time you compare prices, locations and property taxes for your dream home. For most of us, […]
May 14, 2021
AgencyUse of Credit-Based Insurance Scores in Washington
• Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has issued an emergency rule that prohibits insurance companies from considering credit information in underwriting, or in setting rates for Auto, Boat, RV, Homeowners, and Renters policies. • Consideration of credit-based insurance scores to predict the likelihood of future claims has been authorized in Washington State for more than […]
May 3, 2021
AgencyAuto Insurance Rates on the Rise – Why?
When the number (and severity) of accidents rise, claims costs increase, says Salvatore. “Everything is costing more – from the size of claim settlements to litigation costs, medical costs to auto repair, which has gotten more expensive because people are buying more new, more expensive cars.” Insurance companies are passing these costs onto you, the consumer, […]
April 30, 2021
AgencyHow Much Home Insurance is Enough
Personal Liability Besides making sure you have enough protection to cover possible damage to your own home and contents, you should also evaluate your exposure to liability risks. These result from damage to the property of another, or injury to a person, not a member of your household, for which you can be responsible. In […]
April 20, 2021
Agency10-Step Guide to Starting a Small Business
1. Conduct Market Research for Your Startup Business Idea You’ve thought long and hard to come up with your business idea. Now you need a strategy to give your idea the best chance at succeeding. That’s where market research comes in. You might be asking yourself, “why do market research?” Is it worth your time? It’s […]
March 31, 2021
Agency3 Important Things to Know About Fire Extinguishers
3 Important Things to Know About Fire Extinguishers Whether your home or business is a three-story Tudor, a skyline-grazing apartment, an RV on wheels, skyscraper, or small office space you need at least one fire extinguisher for it. But if you don’t have the right one, or you haven’t checked it recently, you may have a […]
March 24, 2021
AgencyGoing Camping? Keep Your High-Tech Gear Safe With These Tips
First things first: Do you really need to bring your tablet or laptop on your camping trip in The Great Pacific Northwest? Are you really going to watch a movie instead of looking at the stars? Check your email instead of roasting marshmallows? Work instead of play? Well, OK. We can’t stop you. But we […]
March 16, 2021
AgencyIs Diminished Value Covered?
The issue of diminished value (DV) has been debated among insurance companies, lawyers, state courts, consumers (including activist groups), auto parts manufacturers, and auto repair shops. Supporters of the DV theory say that these losses are real and should be reimbursed under an insurance policy whenever there is accidental damage to a covered car. Others […]
March 10, 2021
AgencyDogs and Umbrella Insurance
Love Bites—Get Umbrella Coverage In today’s economy, everyone is pinching pennies. So why worry about umbrella coverage? Shouldn’t a home and auto policy leave you adequately covered? Unfortunately, we live in a world of lawsuits. Large damages can be awarded, be extremely expensive and have long-term financial impact. Those lawsuits can come from unlikely sources, […]