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Saving Money Is Easier Than You Think – Insurance and Energy Tips in Redmond, WA

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Follow these easy home insurance tips and you can save money in Redmond, WA

It seems these days that things just get more and more expensive. From the cost of groceries to a gallon of gasoline, folks may be pinching quite a few pennies to stay ahead. If you own a home or condo, just the maintenance and home insurance in Redmond, WA can feel like an overwhelming cost.  But fear not, there are some simple things you can do around your dwelling to help reduce the cost of your home or condo insurance in Redmond, WA.

  • LOCATION: Before you even buy your home or condo, check out the location. Are you close to a fire or police station? Is the area prone to flooding or earthquakes (ahem, PNW)?  Make sure you not only look at the convenience factors of your new home (grocery stores, freeway access) but make sure the area is also safe. Neighborhoods with high crime rates or those in a flood plain may cost more to insure as the likelihood of an expensive claim is greater than those neighborhoods without those factors.
  • SMOKE DETECTORS: Is your home safe and secure? Most home these days have smoke detectors, but check to make sure yours are in proper working order and have fresh batteries (we all hate that beeping!). It is also a good idea to keep a small fire extinguisher in your kitchen or garage in the event of small household fire; accidents happen and being prepared goes a long way. Make sure that your insurance agent knows that you have working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher.
  • SECURITY SYSTEM: Is your home wired for a security system? While it may be a small monthly charge, having a security system could save you coin on your insurance premium. That being said, make sure your system is armed and those who need the code have it…otherwise the local police department, upon responding to the babysitter couldn’t shut off the alarm, will send a ticket upwards of $200 to you, the homeowner.
  • MAINTENANCE: You water the lawn and trim the hedges, but do you remember to check the water heater for leaks? Performing a little TLC on your home like keeping the roof in good repair, maintain the gutters, eliminating hazards like dead trees (also pruning tree branches that a perched above roofs, cars or decks) can eliminate the need for an insurance claim should the water heater flood the house or the roof begins to leak. Also, catching small issues early generally saves you money during the overall repair.
  • ENERGY UPGRADES: We want our cars to be energy efficient, consuming less gas so we can save more money, your home should be the same way. Switching out light bulbs to energy efficient LED  bulbs and having certified energy efficient appliances can help save you money each month on your utility bills. Even turning your thermostat down a few degrees and grabbing a blanket to get warm can help you save. If you have been thinking about replacing your water heater, washer/dryer, range or refrigerator, check out Energystar.gov for Energy Star certified appliances and other helpful home efficiency ideas.

Be sure to tell your agent about any upgrades or improvements that you have made to your home!

Before purchasing a home or condo, it’s important to remember to talk to your licensed insurance agent in Redmond, WA to ensure the homeowners insurance is affordable. Before you conclude that you found the perfect property, get an expert opinion from Chess Insurance in Redmond, WA.  Their years of insurance experience can save you a bundle, and they live right in your area, so know first-hand what your insurance needs might be such as earthquake insurance or flood insurance.  You can also visit our insurance website 24/7 to learn more while you search for the perfect new home.

Jewelry Insurance Protection for Valentine’s Day

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Protect your Valuable Valentine’s Day Gift with a Jewelry Endorsement to your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

You have painstakingly perused through the mall jewelry stores and online retailers to find the perfect “I love you” gift for Valentine’s Day.  It is purchased, wrapped and you are anxiously waiting to see the look of joy on your sweetie’s face come V-Day. According to a 2013 survey by the National Retail Federation, approximately $4.4 million will be spent on jewelry this Valentine’s Day, but only 1 in 10 will have their jewelry insured.

Homeowner’s insurance in Washington  and renter’s insurance in Washington can cover loss or theft of jewelry, but generally it is a very small amount, sometimes as little as $500. Even then it may not cover the loss of item if Junior flushes it down the toilet or it gets mangled in the garbage disposal.  Having a separate valuables policy can help ensure that you are reimbursed for the value of your item(s) should a claim be necessary. In the event of a claim, you can make the process easier for yourself and your agent:

  • Photograph items that are included in your valuables policy.
  • Keep receipts or appraisal records, this makes it easier to establish a price value for your items
  • Have a written record of items, update as new items are purchased
  • Update your agent as new items are purchased

Often these polices can include other valuable items likes art, fine wine, crystal, etc., and there may be little to no deductible if any items need to be replaced.  One can also apply this list to household appliances and electronics, because while the flat-screen may not be as valuable as great-grandma’s vintage Tiffany’s wedding band, it is still a good idea to photograph and keep a running list of all household items to help make the claims process easier and establish value in the event of theft or loss.

Call your agent today and ask how we can help you add a separate valuables policy to your existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy today!

Motorcycle Riding in Fall

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5 Reasons to Enjoy a Fall Motorcycle Ride

With the smell of fall in the air, it is an ideal time to enjoy a road trip on your motorcycle!  Fall brings some great cooler weather and some terrific opportunities to get out on your motorcycle.

Here are our top reasons to get your bike out and enjoy a fall day trip.

  1. Fall provides amazing colors, temperatures but shorter days. Get up early to make the most of your day as fall days can be up to four hours of daylight shorter depending on where you are.
  2. Cooler temperatures means you can wear those new leathers you got yourself during summer clearance. Pull the new gear out, pack yourself a lunch and head off into the morning sun.
  3. You can take a longer ride. With cooler temperatures in the air, you can spend all day out in the sun and not worry about getting dehydrated or simply worn out by the heat.
  4. Visit national parks. The national parks are a beautiful place to take a ride in the fall. But be on the lookout as animals are more active in the fall than in the summer. Here is a link to our national parks.
  5. Let’s be honest… It’s amazing how many riders put their bikes “away” in the fall, isn’t it? That does leave the roads to us more (pun) “seasoned riders”.

So, be safe, pack a blanket, some snacks and a camera and get out there and enjoy the fall weather! If you would like to ensure your insurance is up to snuff, call Chess Insurance in Redmond to review your motorcycle insurance coverages!

Chess Insurance
15127 NE 24th Street #160
Redmond, WA 98052
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