Frequently Asked Questions

All Questions are good questions!

 General Questions

  • When it comes to navigating the complexities of insurance, leave the heavy lifting to us. We understand that deciphering insurance jargon isn't your forte—that's where we come in. For both our valued existing clients and those considering a switch, we provide complimentary comprehensive reviews. Our goal? Ensuring that your coverage aligns seamlessly with your unique needs. Whether it's identifying gaps in coverage or streamlining unnecessary policies, we've got your back. Just starting out with your own insurance journey? No sweat. We'll walk you through every step, making the transition smooth and hassle-free. With us, your insurance experience is in expert hands—simple, straightforward, and tailored just for you.

  • No, while insurance companies do consider credit scores to determine premium rates, there is no “hard pull.” Your credit will not be effected.

  • Choosing a local insurance agent means having personalized support tailored to your unique needs. Say goodbye to long hold times with generic 1-800 numbers and hello to a familiar voice ready to assist you whenever you need it. Our agency prioritizes transparency and honesty, ensuring that every question is met with a straightforward answer. We're dedicated to safeguarding everything you've worked hard for, providing peace of mind every step of the way.

  • No! We are able to handle all of your needs over the phone or over email! If signatures are required, you can Docusign.

  • Yes! In fact, we have occupational discounts for positions within many different fields of work. Some of these include first responders, medical professionals, educators, engineers, lawyers & judges, certified financial planners and accountants, etc. [Retirees Included]

 Auto Insurance Questions

  • The term "full coverage" is often misinterpreted and overused. In reality, it encompasses a broad range of coverage options, from minimal to comprehensive. Essentially, having "full coverage" indicates that you possess liability coverage, along with comprehensive and collision coverage for your own vehicle. However, it's crucial to note that having "full coverage" doesn't necessarily equate to having sufficient or quality coverage. For further details on state minimum liability and additional FAQs, please refer to our Learning tab. Don't be misled—full coverage doesn't always mean adequate coverage.

  • Unlike medical insurance, your children can be listed on your auto policy at any age as long as they are living in your household. When they move out, they will need to obtain their own auto insurance policy and a renters insurance policy if they become renters of a living space.

  • Insurance premium rates are influenced by a multitude of factors, making direct comparisons difficult. Elements such as driving history, credit scores, vehicle safety features, value, theft rates, local crime statistics, and driver age are just a few considerations. With such diverse variables at play, each insurance policy is uniquely tailored to individual circumstances, ensuring accuracy and fairness in coverage and pricing.

  • In today's world, relying solely on state minimum liability coverage may leave you vulnerable. It's essential to consider that state coverage requirements don't adjust for inflation. As the cost of living rises, the minimum coverage may not provide sufficient protection in the event of an accident or unforeseen circumstance. It's crucial to assess your insurance needs comprehensively and consider additional coverage options to safeguard yourself adequately.

    In Washington State, the minimum liability coverage is 25/50/10, while in Idaho, it's 25/50/15. Let's break that down:

    ➤25k: This indicates the maximum coverage amounts for liability insurance. For instance, $25,000 is the maximum the policy will pay for injuries to any one person, who is not in your own vehicle, which you're found liable for. However, considering medical costs, especially for serious injuries requiring hospitalization or ICU stays, $25,000 WILL fall short.

    ➤50k: This is the total maximum coverage for injuries per accident, regardless of the number of people involved. Even if multiple individuals are injured, the maximum remains $50,000.

    ➤10k (WA) / 15k (ID): This represents the maximum coverage for property damage resulting from an accident. This includes damage to other vehicles, buildings, fences, power poles, and more. However, this amount can quickly exhaust, leaving you exposed to potential financial liabilities.

    Insufficient coverage could, and likely will, lead to lawsuits from the affected parties. Unfortunately, individuals may pursue compensation beyond your insurance limits, putting your assets at risk. It's crucial to evaluate your coverage needs carefully to ensure adequate protection in the event of an accident.

  • If they live in the same household, yes! In fact, they should be. It is a requirement that anyone living in the household be either listed or excluded as a driver. FUN FACT: Combining policies can often save you money!

 Homeowners Insurance Questions

  • CONGRATULATIONS!

    At our agency, we streamline the insurance process for homebuyers. Simply provide us with the address of the property you're purchasing, the name and contact details of your lender, and any specific coverage preferences you have. We'll handle the rest, working directly with your lender to iron out the necessary details and furnish them with the required documentation. Once we've tailored a quote to your needs, all that's left is for you to give it the green light, ensuring everyone is aligned every step of the way.

    If you need recommendations or realtors, lenders, or a home inspector, we can help with that too. Save the time of tried to weed through reviews and go with someone we know will take care of you from start to finish!

  • Once your home becomes a rental investment property, your homeowners policy no longer provides coverage. But don’t worry, we've got you covered. We'll simply replace your current policy with a landlord policy tailored to your needs. This policy not only safeguards your property but also covers your liability as a landlord.

    It's always a good idea to require your tenants to carry renters insurance with a minimum of $300,000 liability coverage. This additional layer of protection ensures both you and your tenants are covered in case of unforeseen events. We can even assist in writing these renters policies for your tenants, making the process seamless for everyone involved.

  • If you're undertaking major renovations in your home, it's crucial to give us a call to assess whether coverage changes are necessary. Not only that, but certain upgrades might make you eligible for new discounts! Here are some examples of upgrades that require notification: roof replacement, HVAC replacement, adding separate structures like a garage or shop, installing a pool, upgrading flooring from carpet to hardwood, replacing laminate counters with stone, etc.

    If you're unsure whether you need to inform us about a renovation, don't hesitate to give us a call. We'd rather have all the information upfront to avoid any gaps in coverage than risk overlooking important details. Your peace of mind is our priority!

  • It's common to misunderstand the appropriate coverage amount for your home itself, reflected on your policy as "Dwelling Coverage A." This value is not based on market value but rather on the estimated cost to rebuild the home with similar materials in the event of a total loss. Market value factors in various elements like the land and separate structures, whereas the rebuild cost focuses solely on the home itself and the co.t to rebuild

    The estimated rebuild cost is determined through a detailed system that takes into account factors such as square footage, home finishes, number of rooms, and more. It's essential to ensure your dwelling coverage accurately reflects the potential cost of rebuilding your home to avoid any gaps in coverage in the event of a loss.

  • CONGRATULATIONS!

    Please get in tough with us so that we can remove the mortgagee and decide what payment structure works best for you going forward!

 Life Insurance Questions

  • Life insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind for your loved ones in the event of your passing. Here's why it's crucial:

    ➤Financial Security: Life insurance ensures that your loved ones are financially secure after you're gone. It can help cover expenses like mortgage payments, debts, education costs, and everyday living expenses.

    ➤Income Replacement: If you're the primary breadwinner in your family, life insurance can replace lost income, providing stability during a difficult time.

    ➤Funeral Expenses: Life insurance can cover funeral and burial costs, relieving your family of the financial burden during an already emotional period.

    ➤Debt Repayment: It can also be used to pay off outstanding debts, such as loans or credit card balances, preventing your loved ones from inheriting financial liabilities.

    ➤Legacy Planning: Life insurance can serve as a tool for legacy planning, allowing you to leave a financial inheritance or charitable donation for your beneficiaries.

    In short, life insurance offers financial protection and ensures that your loved ones are taken care of financially when you're no longer there to provide for them. It's a crucial component of any comprehensive financial plan.

  • While having life insurance through your employer is a valuable benefit, it's essential to consider whether it provides sufficient coverage for your needs. Here's why you might want to consider additional coverage:

    ➤Portability: Employer-sponsored life insurance is typically tied to your job. If you change jobs or leave the company, you may lose this coverage. Having a separate policy ensures continuity of coverage regardless of your employment status.

    ➤Accidental Death: Many employer-provided policies are in fact accidental death and disability policies meaning that if your passing occurs due to natural causes, medical reasons, or anything else outside the scope of accidental death, you’re loved ones will receive no funds.

    ➤Coverage Limitations: Employer-provided policies often have coverage limits, which may not be adequate to meet your family's financial needs. Supplementing with an additional policy allows you to customize coverage according to your specific requirements.

    ➤Flexibility: Personal life insurance policies offer more flexibility in terms of coverage options, beneficiaries, and policy features. You have greater control over the policy's terms and can tailor it to suit your evolving needs.

    Ultimately, having both employer-sponsored and personal life insurance coverage can provide comprehensive protection for your loved ones, ensuring financial security in various scenarios. It's essential to evaluate your coverage needs and consider supplementing your employer-provided policy with additional coverage to achieve peace of mind.

  • Even if you're young and healthy, there are several compelling reasons to consider purchasing life insurance:

    ➤Lower Premiums: Life insurance premiums are typically lower when you're young and healthy. Locking in coverage now can help you secure lower rates for the duration of your policy.

    ➤Financial Protection: Life insurance provides financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your unexpected passing. Even if you don't have dependents now, a policy can help cover funeral expenses, outstanding debts, and other financial obligations.

    ➤Long-Term Planning: Life insurance can be part of your long-term financial planning strategy. By purchasing a policy early, you have the opportunity to accumulate cash value over time, which can be used for future needs such as education expenses, retirement income, or emergencies.

    ➤Health Changes: While you may be healthy now, unforeseen health issues can arise in the future, potentially making it more challenging or expensive to obtain coverage. Locking in coverage while you're healthy ensures you have protection regardless of future health changes.

    ➤Protecting Insurability: Purchasing life insurance now protects your insurability. If you develop health conditions later in life, you may still have coverage in place, safeguarding your loved ones' financial security.

    Overall, purchasing life insurance while you're young and healthy offers financial protection, peace of mind, and the opportunity to secure affordable coverage for the future. It's a proactive step toward ensuring your loved ones are taken care of, regardless of life's uncertainties.

  • When it comes to life insurance, there are two primary types you should know about:

    ➤Death Benefit Policies: These policies are designed specifically to provide financial support to your loved ones in the event of your passing. The funds received can help cover daily living expenses and other financial obligations, ensuring your family can maintain their lifestyle even after you're gone.

    ➤Living and Death Benefit Policies: These policies offer both death benefits for your beneficiaries and living benefits for you. In addition to the financial protection provided upon your passing, these policies accumulate cash value over time. This cash value can be accessed through loans or withdrawals, providing flexibility and financial security for various life needs, such as education expenses, emergencies, or retirement planning.

    Understanding the differences between these two types of life insurance can help you choose the policy that best meets your financial goals and needs, both now and in the future.

  • Life insurance can be a valuable tool in protecting your mortgage in several ways:

    ➤Mortgage Payoff: In the event of your passing, life insurance can provide funds to pay off your mortgage balance, ensuring that your loved ones can remain in their home without the burden of monthly mortgage payments.

    ➤Financial Security for Your Family: By having sufficient life insurance coverage, you can provide your family with the financial means to cover mortgage payments and other living expenses if you're no longer there to contribute income.

    ➤Maintaining Homeownership: Life insurance can help your family avoid the risk of foreclosure by ensuring they have the funds needed to continue making mortgage payments, allowing them to stay in their home during a difficult time.

    ➤Customized Coverage: You can tailor your life insurance policy to match the duration and amount of your mortgage, ensuring that your coverage aligns with your specific financial obligations.

    Ultimately, life insurance offers peace of mind by protecting your loved ones and ensuring that they can remain in their home even after you're gone. It's an essential part of financial planning for homeowners looking to safeguard their family's future.

  • While it may seem unusual for children to have life insurance, there are several reasons why it can be beneficial:

    ➤Financial Protection: Life insurance for children provides financial protection for the family in the event of a tragic loss. The death benefit can help cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and other unforeseen costs, relieving financial strain during a difficult time.

    ➤Locking in Insurability: Purchasing life insurance for children when they're young and healthy locks in their insurability. They're likely to qualify for lower premiums, and any potential health issues in the future won't affect their coverage.

    ➤Cash Value Growth: Certain types of life insurance policies for children, such as whole life insurance, accumulate cash value over time. This cash value can serve as a savings vehicle for future needs, such as education expenses, a down payment on a home, or starting a business.

    ➤Guaranteed Future Coverage: Life insurance for children can provide guaranteed future coverage. As they grow older, they can convert the policy into a permanent life insurance policy without the need for additional medical underwriting.

    ➤Legacy Planning: Life insurance for children can be part of your legacy planning strategy. The death benefit can serve as a financial gift or inheritance, providing your children with a financial cushion as they navigate adulthood.

    While life insurance for children may not be necessary for every family, it can offer valuable benefits and financial security for the future. It's essential to consider your family's unique circumstances and financial goals when making this decision.

 Business Insurance Questions

  • Whether you're running a small startup or managing a large corporation, having business insurance is crucial to protect your assets and mitigate risks. If you're unsure whether you need business insurance or what type of coverage is right for your business, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our experienced insurance professionals can assess your unique situation and provide guidance on the insurance solutions that best suit your needs. Give us a call today to ensure your business is adequately protected!

  • Once you have an estimated start date for your business, we encourage you to reach out to us. However, even before that, don't hesitate to give us a call to discuss your specific situation. Certain types of businesses may have unique eligibility requirements with various insurance providers, and getting a head start allows us to navigate any potential complexities efficiently. Keep in mind that business insurance typically requires more time to set up than personal insurance, so the sooner we begin the process, the smoother the transition will be. Your proactive approach ensures that we have ample time to tailor the perfect insurance solution for your business needs.

 Umbrella Insurance Questions

  • Umbrella insurance is like an extra layer of protection for your assets. If you're ever liable for damages or injuries that exceed your other insurance policies' liability limits, like your auto or homeowners insurance, umbrella insurance kicks in to cover the extra costs. It's a safety net that helps shield your savings and assets from unexpected lawsuits or claims.

    Umbrella insurance is sometime referred to as an excess liability policy.

  • It’s never a bad idea to have an umbrella policy. They are typically fairly inexpensive. However, the more assets you have, the more important this becomes.

 Claims Questions

  • Typically, you should file an insurance claim after your agent confirms coverage with you and when it's absolutely necessary. Your agent and their team stay updated on industry trends and can advise you on the best course of action. There are instances when filing a claim may not be recommended, so it's essential to contact your agent first for guidance.

  • It's widely known that filing a claim can often lead to an increase in your premium. However, the impact on your policy can vary depending on the situation and is not always predictable. The insurance industry now places significant emphasis on claims frequency across all aspects of coverage. As a result, the decision to file a claim has become more critical than ever.

    Filing a claim could potentially affect your policy's renewal or even your eligibility for coverage with another insurance company. We're here to assist you in evaluating whether the severity of your loss justifies filing a claim and whether it could negatively impact your ability to obtain future insurance coverage.

  • While many agencies may prefer that you call the company claims department directly, we prefer that you reach out to our agency instead. If there’s anyone who knows you and your policy, it’s us. Give us a call and we will help you every step of the way, ensuring accuracy of the claim and clear understanding for you.

  • The best way to reach us after hours is by text message. We do our best to monitor the incoming texts after hours. When we se an urgent message come through, one of us will reach out to you as soon as possible.

    Our text line is the same as our office line. 509-921-8966.

    Please make sure to note in the text message that it is an urgent potential claim situation.

  • Once the claim has been filed, you will be assigned a claim number, primary claim representative, and supervisor. All of this will be accessible to you on farmers.com/claims.

    The first step will b giving your verbal statement to the claim rep. They will also collect statements from any other involved parties. From there, the claim process can vary on a situational bases.

    Remember, we are here to support you. If you run into any snags along the way, we want to hear about it. We are more than happy to jump i at any given time to assist however needed.

  • Although communication with the claims team is essential, rest assured that we're here for you every step of the way. Our team is always on standby, ready to assist you and provide support whenever you need it. We'll work alongside you, offering guidance and assistance wherever possible to ensure a smooth and seamless claims process.

  • Absolutely! We have a network of trusted partners across various industries, and we're happy to recommend businesses that we believe will provide you with the exceptional service you deserve. We're here to connect you with reliable professionals who can meet your needs.