Why Everyone Needs Flood Insurance

Floods are a common type of disaster that can cause an extreme amount of damage to a home. When you have been the victim of a flood, you will owe an enormous amount for repairs if you don’t have flood insurance. It’s recommended that everyone get this type of insurance to keep their home protected. It’s important to have this insurance no matter where you live. When you need flood insurance, we’re here to help. Just call us at Capital insurance in Spokane, WA.

Flood Insurance Backing

When you get flood insurance, it is sponsored and backed by the government’s National Flood Insurance Program. This program provides this insurance and makes sure that it’s fully backed. The program also sets the policy’s price so that it is the same no matter where you buy the policy. That’s great for everyone who wants to know that they have the best price for the insurance they get. 

Flood Insurance Claims

Most people only think about flood insurance if they live in an area that has been labeled as a high-risk zone for floods. When you live in one of these zones, you certainly need flood insurance. However, it’s also important to have this coverage when you live outside these zones. About 20% of all flood claims originate from areas that are not inside these zones. That’s a lot of flooding that happens in areas that aren’t considered at high risk. The National Flood Insurance Program recommends that everyone should have this coverage so that they are well-protected in case of floods. It’s important insurance for protecting your finances after a flood has occurred. 

Get Protection Against Floods

If you are looking to get a flood policy, we can help. Just give us a call today at Capital insurance in Spokane, WA to find out more. 

5 Steps to Take When Shopping for Auto Insurance

Do you live in Washington? If so, chances are you use a car as your main form of transportation. But although driving your own vehicle can be nice and convenient, you need to be aware of the threats out there that can be serious if you’re unprepared for them. That is why Capital Insurance in Spokane, WA offers auto insurance, which provides you with financial protection when an unforeseen event, such as theft, vandalism, or a car accident, occurs. 

But you may be asking, “What are the steps I need to take when shopping for auto insurance?” Thankfully, we have all the steps laid out for you so you can make the best decision for your auto insurance needs.   

5 Steps to Take When Shopping for Auto Insurance

1. Determine what type of coverage you need 

In Washington, required auto insurance includes bodily injury liability coverage, basic personal injury protection, and property damage liability coverage, among others. 

You can also elect to add optional coverages to your policy, which further protect you from damages or losses. These may include comprehensive, collision, emergency roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and others. 

2. Make sure your insurance company is authorized 

In addition to researching the types of coverage out there, you also need to do your due diligence when it comes to your insurance company and the agent you’re working with. 

Luckily for you, Capital Insurance is a well-respected company represented by a team of experienced licensed insurance agents. You certainly can count on our agents, who are strongly committed to ensuring your safety and wellbeing. 

3. Have all the details of your vehicle available 

These details include the make and model of your vehicle, the number of miles you drive on a daily basis, and whether your vehicle is used for personal or business purposes. 

Your insurance company will consider these factors, as well as other pieces of information when determining your auto insurance rate. 

4. Answer questions about your driving record accurately 

This information, too, will be key when determining the rate of your auto insurance policy. 

Factors that your insurance company will take into consideration include: 

  • Whether you’ve had continuous auto coverage 
  • Your accident history 
  • Your level of driving experience  

The company will also consider your age, gender, location, and marital status, so make sure you have all your driving record and personal information at hand. 

5. Shop for price and customer service 

Hire an insurer that provides top-of-the-line customer service and has your best interests at heart. And, once you’ve found an insurance provider, make sure you purchase auto insurance coverage that helps you meet your budget goals while ensuring you’re well protected. 

Give Us A Call

If you’re looking for affordable auto insurance that meets your needs, Capital Insurance in Spokane, WA has your back. For more information about our auto insurance and other services, contact us at 509-324-1398 and we’ll get in touch with you about your insurance options.

Do I Need Commercial Insurance?

Commercial property and business owners’ policies provide protection against commercial liability. This typically includes coverage for publicly-owned improvements, such as sidewalks and streets. Such property and business owners’ policies typically do not provide coverage for personal assets, such as inventory or computers. 

If a business has a physical location where employees work and customers interact, it is likely to fall under the umbrella of “insurance”. If you are a single proprietor with no employees, you probably do not need to worry about it too much. If you have a regular schedule of activities, such as renting out your basement to complete strangers, you might want to consider getting business insurance. Contact Capital insurance in Spokane, WA for expert advice. 

Commercial Insurance: What You Need To Know

Commercial insurance protects your business against natural and man-made perils. This can include personal liability, property, cargo, and work accident insurance. It protects a company’s assets against losses from theft, fire, and other risks. It also covers property damage and personal injury liability. 

Commercial property and equipment are often the main assets of a business, so it’s important to protect them. If you own or operate a vehicle for commercial use, such as a taxi or limo, you’ll likely want to get commercial auto insurance. You may also want to consider purchasing homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. 

Public liability insurance protects your business from lawsuits filed by people who were hurt or had their property damaged by your business. You will have to have a public liability policy in place for each location in which your business operates. 

A contractor’s policy will protect your business from the financial consequences of a contractor’s liability if the homeowner sues your contractor. If you want to expand, buy another building, or hire contractors to remodel your building, contractor’s insurance will cover your business for the value of its assets. 

Commercial property insurance can be significantly cheaper than public liability insurance, particularly if you have a low-risk profile.

Contact Us Today

Whether or not you need commercial insurance depends on your business and the risks involved. If your business involves selling items to other people, then you’ll likely need a basic business insurance plan. 

If your business involves selling items to the general public, then you’ll likely need to get a commercial insurance plan. To get your customized plan, call us today at Capital insurance in Spokane, WA.

Home Insurance: 5 Ways To Lower Your Premium

If you want to lower your home insurance premium, you can shop around and compare different policies. You can also consider raising the amount of liability insurance you have if you want to decrease the overall cost of your policy. 

For example, if you have a policy that offers coverage for a certain amount of jewelry, you should be sure to declare any expensive pieces you own. Doing so will help decrease your potential liability if they are lost or stolen and will likely reduce your policy’s overall cost. For expert advice, give us a call at Capital Insurance in Spokane, WA.  

Research and Become Innovative 

Even if your house is currently covered, staying on top of the latest home insurance trends doesn’t hurt. If you have insurance, it’s important to stay on top of any changes. Many providers offer a grace period where you can switch plans without incurring a lapse in coverage. 

Home insurance doesn’t have to be expensive. By shopping around and selecting the right policy, you can save money. Stay with the same insurer if you have a multi-policy discount. To reduce your premium, make your home more energy-efficient. Reduce your home insurance premium with these five methods: 

  • Boost the deductible
  • Look for discounts
  • Eliminate unnecessary coverage
  • Remove old structures
  • Bundle your policies

You can reduce the premium by adding a safety system. Some systems, like a fire alarm, come with a discount. Others may be eligible for a discount if you install them. To lower your premium over time, consider upgrading your policy from HO-1 to HO-3, increasing your deductible from HO-1 to HO-2, and installing a security system are just a few ways to lower your premium over time. Upgrading your policy to HO-3 will give you a higher limit on your policy’s liability coverage. You will lower your premium when you increase your policy’s deductible from HO-1 to HO-2. Installing a security system will also lower your premium over time. 

Give Us A Call

When shopping, get the best policy for your needs. You can reduce the likelihood of claim denial by keeping your policy up to date. Use documentation of any improvements to your home, such as renovations or a newly installed security system. Call Capital Insurance in Spokane, WA and we’ll be happy to serve you.

Do I Need Classic Car Insurance?

If you are a classic car enthusiast you understand that a classic car carries a value that is far different from a regular car. What you may not know is that this means you need special insurance coverage as well. At Capital Insurance, serving Spokane, WA, and the surrounding areas, we can help you better understand your classic car insurance needs.

Classic Car Insurance FAQs 

Can’t I Carry A Regular Auto Policy?

You can carry a regular auto policy on a classic car. However, this type of policy will not provide the proper amount of insurance coverage. The reason for this is that classic cars are not valued the same way regular cars are. There is a lot of time and money invested in classic cars. Classic cars are also sold or traded differently than regular cars. All of these factors give the vehicle a special valuation system. A classic car insurance policy will take this information into consideration. 

How Much Coverage Do I Need?

The best way to determine classic car coverage is to sit down with a knowledgeable insurance representative. This professional will be able to evaluate the car and determine the appropriate amount of insurance needed. 

What Information Should I Provide?

To get the best value understanding for your vehicle, you will need to provide the insurance representative with information concerning the purchase of the car, any money you have invested in the car. You may also want to provide information concerning the current value of the vehicle for collectors locally. 

If you would like to learn more about classic car insurance, or any of our other insurance products, please contact us at Capital Insurance serving Spokane, WA, and the surrounding areas. 

 

What You Need To Know About Recreational Insurance

Insurance is the best way to protect the investments you have made, including investments you have made in your outdoor toys and recreational vehicles. At Capital Insurance serving Spokane, WA and the surrounding areas, we can help you better understand your insurance options. Keep reading to learn more. 

What Is Recreational Insurance?

Recreational insurance is a policy created to protect your recreational vehicles, including RVs, ATVs, boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, and more. Recreational insurance is an important way you can protect these vehicles and the investment you have made in them. 

Do I Need Recreational Insurance To Operate Vehicles Legally?

Recreational insurance is not necessarily required by law in most places. However, if your recreational vehicles are involved in an accident where damage is caused, or injuries are incurred, you could be held liable for those expenses. If you did not have proper insurance in place, those expenses would come out of your pocket. This could leave you financially vulnerable, depending on the extent of the damage. 

If someone is injured or killed because of one of your vehicles, you could also be held liable for medical expenses or legal expenses should a legal case result. 

The best way to protect yourself from these risks is by having a solid recreational insurance policy in place. 

How Much Coverage Do I Need?

In order to determine how much insurance you need, you will need to talk with an insurance agent. They will be able to evaluate the value of your vehicles and create an insurance policy that meets your needs. 

Please contact us at Capital Insurance serving Spokane, WA and the surrounding areas if you want to learn more.  

Three Reasons Life Insurance Is Essential

There are many reasons you might be considering life insurance. Perhaps you have loved ones who rely on you financially, or maybe you want to leave behind a legacy for your heirs. Talk to the agents at Capital Insurance in Spokane, WA, regarding all the options available to you and keep reading for three reasons life insurance is important.

1. Provide Living Expenses for Beneficiaries

Life insurance benefits could provide a cash infusion to help your family cover living expenses if you pass suddenly. It’s important to buy coverage while you’re still healthy to keep premiums down and to qualify for maximum benefits. Even if you have significant savings, investing in a life insurance policy can sustain your family for years or even decades following your death.

2. Pay for Funeral Expenses

End of life expenses can cost survivors thousands of dollars. Choosing life insurance with death benefits can alleviate the financial burden of final arrangements at a time when your family is already grieving.

3. Help Your Loved Ones Pay Off Debts

Many people leave behind debts when they pass away. These debts might include education loans, mortgages, business expenses, credit cards, and other obligations. To prevent your debts from overshadowing any savings you have accumulated, consider a life insurance policy that will provide enough coverage to pay them off.

Life Insurance Coverage in Spokane, WA

These are just some of the reasons life insurance to protect your family or leave behind a legacy might make sense to you. At Capital Insurance in Spokane, WA, we have knowledgeable agents who can help you choose the best coverage to meet your goals. Call today to speak with an agent or to set up an appointment for a free life insurance quote.

Alternative Drivers and Motorcycle Coverage

When you have a motorcycle, you’ll inevitably be asked for a ride. Some bold adventurers might even want to take a turn at the helm. At Capital Insurance serving Spokane, WA, we understand the joy of riding and how good it feels to share it. Before you let anyone operate your motorcycle, you should check your insurance policy to see if it covers alternative drivers.

Who Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

Insurance companies limit who is covered to manage risk. For most motorcycle policies, there is an insured who receives insurance protection while driving. The company can assess the driver’s risk by checking factors like their driving record. To reduce the premium for customers, minimum liability policies are unlikely to cover anyone else. Each additional driver adds a new background to check, and an open driver policy has the widest level of risk. The companies may offer policies to cover the enhanced risk, but the costs will increase.

There are cases where a person or business will want many people to be covered. You may have a spouse who regularly rides your bike or a teen who is learning how to drive. A company may need to allow any number of different riders to operate the motorcycle without a lapse in coverage. A good insurance agent should have guided you towards a policy with multiple rider coverage if necessary. If not, you have been left with financial vulnerability.

Switch to a Policy that Covers Your Needs

If your policy doesn’t cover multiple riders, you can switch to one that better suits your needs. Capital Insurance of Spokane, WA can cut through the legalese to present your options in a way that’s easy to understand and easier to implement. 

Types of Motorcycle Insurance

Purchasing a new motorcycle or refurbishing one is exciting, but before you ride off into the sunset, please take a moment to consider motorcycle insurance and speak to Capital Insurance serving Spokane, WA, about your insurance requirements.

Mandatory Motorcycle Insurance

In WA, as of 2019, all motorcycle drivers have to carry liability coverage and proof of insurance cover. The minimum required liability insurance limits are as follows:

  • $25,000 for death or injury to a third party
  • $50,000 for death or injuries to all other parties
  • $10,000 third party property damage

Alternatively, you may take out a liability bond of $60,000. Insurers are required by state law to offer you Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which you can add to your auto policy, and it will help pay certain bills if you are in an auto accident. PIP applies on a no-fault basis! Your insurer will also offer your insurance against other drivers being under or uninsured.

Other Motorcycle Insurance Types

Motorcycle insurance types are very similar to normal auto insurance types and include

One type is collision insurance, which pays for damage to your car if you crash into another vehicle or object. Another type is comprehensive when you incur loss due to theft or damage from something other than a crash, like vandalism. A nice-to-have type of insurance is roadside assistance cover, which is insurance for when you break down on the side of the road and your motorcycle might need to be moved or fixed on the side of the road. The insurer will reimburse you after it processes this type of claim. Rental reimbursement is great if you need to hire another vehicle to get around while yours is in the repair shop.

Speak to Capital Insurance serving Spokane, WA, today to make sure your butt and your motorcycle are covered!

Is My Boat Covered on Land and In Water?

It is a question that many boat owners ask. Your boat may be covered on land and in water- as long as you have insurance that provides the coverage.

Boat Insurance Coverage

Whether your boat is kept on a trailer, docked at a marina, or stored at home, it needs to be insured to protect you from financial liability if someone is injured while using it. In fact, any time the boat isn’t in use, it needs to be insured because someone could be injured while the boat is being moved.

Boat insurance covers injuries and damage that occur during normal usage, as well as accidents that occur while it’s being towed, stored, or serviced. The type of boat you have determines the type of coverage you’ll need from your insurer.

Water Coverage

Your boat policy includes liability coverage for accidents that may occur while you are on the water. It also provides coverage for damage to your boat from fire, theft, or sinking.

Boat insurance also reimburses you for damage to your boat’s structure caused by a collision with another vessel or object. It can also pay for medical expenses for you or someone on your boat if they are injured because of an accident.

Transporting Your Boat

Your boat might need to be insured when it’s being transported. If your boat or any other property is damaged during transportation, the insurance company pays for the damage up to the policy’s value you purchased.

A boat trailer can be covered under items you transport. Each policy has its own stipulations about covering trailers, but generally, if it’s attached to your vehicle and is used as transportation, the trailer is insured along with your car. Your insurer provides coverage up to the value of your policy for property damage.

If you have a boat, your boat will need insurance for it to be covered, whether it’s on land or in water. Make sure you have the right insurance policy that provides you with sufficient coverage, so you can rest easy- knowing that your boat is protected. If you are in Spokane, WA, contact Capital insurance for all your boat insurance needs.