Six Ways to Avoid a Holiday Decor Disaster In Your Home

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The holiday season is here! No matter how you celebrate, you have likely added some holiday décor to your home. Lights, candles and festive plants add a wonderful, warm ambiance to areas of your home but take some extra steps to ensure that your décor pieces don’t wreak havoc on your holiday.

  1. Watch for dry needles.Whether it’s your Christmas tree, wreath or garland, chances are they may dry out. If you find that pine needles are falling, clean them up immediately. Dry pine needles increase your risk for a fire hazard. If you find your tree, wreath or garland is extremely dry & it’s decorated with lights dry, toss it – nothing is worth the risk of a fire.
  2. Prevent your chance of fires.Christmas lights are bright and festive, but they could put you at the biggest risk for a fire. Check for any wear on the strings, cracked bulbs or any other signs of damage. Don’t try to repair them, instead replace them. LED lights emit less heat, so if you need to make the switch, choose LED lights that have been safety tested. You can read on the box if they have been inspected by looking for an UL logo.
  3. Centerpiece Candles! Yes, we all know we should watch our candles. Ensure all candles are kept in a non-flammable holder.However, it’s important to keep a close eye on your centerpiece decoration if you plan to light the candles during your holiday dinner. If the candles burn too long, the centerpiece can catch fire. Even consider battery powered flameless candles. You have to look close to tell they’re not real!
  4. Choose a safe spot for your tree. Keep your holiday tree away from your fireplace, radiators, space heaters or any other area in your home where it could catch on fire. It should be at least 3 feet away from any heat source.
  5. Be festive,yet smart with your holiday lights.Whether your house looks like the Griswold’s or you just like to put up a single string of lights, your energy bill will increase during the holiday season. To avoid an extremely high electric bill, choose a window of time when your holiday lights will be turned on. For example, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.Avoid leaving your lights on all night.
  6. Place your holiday plants in a safe place. Choose areas away from young children and pets. Do not leave plants on the floor or a place where a child could easily reach for it.

By taking a few extra steps like unplugging your holiday lights before you go to bed or when you leave the house, can help you avoid a decor disaster this holiday season. All Insurance can assist you with any questions you may have, like “Does my homeowner’insurance cover accidental fires?” Our expert agents can walk you through your policy and even add additional coverage like personal umbrella insurance should you want extra protection beyond your homeowner’s insurance. Contact us today. 

Six scenarios when you should change your insurance policy in Lacey, WA

Life changes, so should your insurance policy

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Imagine if we could buy just one insurance policy and be set for life. That’s a nice thought, isn’t it? Like the good things that happen in life, your insurance policy should change and adapt to your situations. The beauty of having a local, independent insurance agent is that they represent multiple insurance companies. One that surely will fit your current and future needs. Some things to consider when reviewing your current insurance:

Did I get married?

Marriage discounts, multi-car discounts, combined insurance policies, jewelry endorsements, life insurance, a new home? A lot happens when you get married – be sure your new life together is properly insured.

Did I complete a major remodel?

A new kitchen can add tremendous value to your home. Simple changes like bay windows, granite counter tops and hardwood floors dramatically improve and increase the value of your home, not to mention if you blow out a wall and add some additional square footage. Be sure your current insurance policy has enough coverage for all your changes. Review these changes with your agent.

Did I or do I want to get a new car?

If you’re considering a new car, your independent agent can tell you what the new premiums will be on that fancy new ride before you buy it. Be sure to consider the increased premium in the sticker tag of the vehicle.

Do I have a teen who will soon be driving?

Teen drivers can be quite the sticker shock. If you have a teen driver in the house, it is important to let your agent know. Most insurance companies require your teen driver be listed on the policy. Not adding the driver to the policy could cause major problems and even a claim denial if they’re not added timely. Be sure to ask your agent about teen drivers.

Did I purchase a new exterior building for my home?

Many insurance policies automatically include exterior buildings coverages for 10% of the value of your home. While not all do this automatically, if you install or build a detached garage or other structure, be sure you have enough coverage in the event it is damaged or a total loss.

Did I protect my home with a new burglar alarm?

Reviewing what discounts you currently have and looking for new ones is always a good thing to do. Burglar alarms, driving less, multi-policy discounts and more are great ways to reduce your premiums. Your agent can look for these automatically. They’re discount detectives. Next time you talk with yours, be sure to have them go over what discounts are available so you can take advantage of them.

Understanding insurance is difficult. Fortunately, when you’re insured with an independent insurance agent they can review your policy with you anytime and shop from multiple companies to determine the best company for your needs.

All Insurance One was established in 1978 and is a family owned, local insurance agency in Lacey, WA. Our agents are highly trained professionals and considered masters in their field. By offering protection for your Auto, Home, or Umbrella Insurance, we make sure that you’re covered today, as well as in the future. It is our passion to provide outstanding insurance service and consumer education to our clients.

How to eliminate junk mail in Lacey, WA

Tired of Junk Mail? Follow these Five Simple Tips

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If you’re like most people, you really don’t like getting junk mail delivered to your home. Not only is it wasteful to you, but the companies paying for the marketing don’t want the wasted funds for print and distribution either. If you’d like to be removed from mailings to your home or business, follow these easy steps!

  1. Junk mail: Visit https://dmachoice.thedma.org and create an account. The DMA (Direct Marketing Association) created this site to help people opt out of unwanted solicitations. Seems counterproductive, but it is actually a cost savings to them as well as their customers, the companies sending you the unwanted mail.
    1. Have a deceased family member that still gets mail? You can opt out here too by filing out the deceased do not contact list
  2. Credit Card Offers: Opt-out of credit card offers. If you’ve ever filled out a warranty card, credit card application, refinance application or other form, your information was likely gathered and used for solicitation purposes. Sounds wrong, but it is allowed. If you’d like to opt-out of credit card offers from Equifax, Eperian, Innovis and TransUnion, Consumer Credit Reporting Companies simply visit https://www.optoutprescreen.com/ . You can request to be removed from credit card offers and other credit related offers right on this site – Permanently!
  3. Phone Books: Many people don’t rely on the phone books like they used to! Smartphones have really impacted this industry. If you don’t want to receive a phone book and it goes immediately into the recycle bin, you can contact the phone book companies directly. Usually from their own websites. Here is DEX.
  4. Phone Solicitations: Not exactly junk mail, but unsolicited nonetheless. If you’d like to register your phone number with the Do Not Call Registry, it is free. Click here.
  5. Junk Email: Getting off of junk email lists can be challenging. Who knows where they get your email address in the first place. In most cases, in order to be compliant with email marketing regulations, emails must have an unsubscribe feature. Look towards the bottom of the email and simply click. Do not enter personal information, just confirm your unsubscribe desires.

While getting off of unsolicited mail, credit card offers, phone solicitations and email offers may be difficult with some work you can curb a large majority of this. While we can’t help you get off of these lists, we can help you with your home, auto and renters insurance.

All Insurance One was established in 1978 and is a family owned, local insurance agency in Lacey, WA. Our agents are highly trained professionals and considered masters in their field. By offering protection for your Auto, Home, or Umbrella Insurance, we make sure that you’re covered today, as well as in the future. It is our passion to provide outstanding insurance service and consumer education to our clients.

How to avoid an insurance claim on Halloween in Lacey, WA

How to Avoid a Spooky Insurance Claim on Halloween

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How to avoid an insurance claim on Halloween in Lacey, WAHalloween can be some people’s favorite holiday. Whether it’s fun sized candy, making your own costume, setting up spooky decorations inside or outside your home or carving pumpkins, Halloween brings many of us joy. However, this holiday can increase your risk for an expensive liability claim if you’re not careful. Follow these five tips to ensure your holiday is fun and safe.

Prep Your Home for Trick-or-Treaters. Even if you don’t decorate the outside of your home, be sure your sidewalks, driveway and the entrance leading up to your front door is clear. You are liable if a child or adult trips on a broken branch, garden house or electrical cord on your property.

Keep Your Pets Indoors. Sometimes animals can be frightened by strangers or unusual noises. To avoid a dog bite claim, keep your animals inside in a separate room. The door bell ringing several times an hour can get your animal too excited or scared. Be sure they get a treat too.

Use LED candles. This can help prevent any trick-or-treater from knocking over lit candles close to your home. For your carved pumpkin, LED candles are much easier to use and can prevent any unwanted burns compared to lighting a candle.

Drive Slowly. If you find yourself driving home in the dark on Halloween night, be extra cautious of children and adults walking around your neighborhood who may not be using proper lighting. Be aware of your speed and don’t be a distracted driver.

Carry the right tools. If you plan to go out for trick-or-treating, be sure you have a flash light and a fully charged cell phone in the case you need to make an emergency call. Stay on the sidewalks and avoid walking through yards.

Happy Halloween!

All Insurance One was established in 1978 and is a family owned, local insurance agency in Lacey, WA. Our agents are highly trained professionals and considered masters in their field. By offering protection for your Auto, Home, or Umbrella Insurance, we make sure that you’re covered today, as well as in the future. It is our passion to provide outstanding insurance service and consumer education to our clients.

Why you should keep your insurance year round on your boat, RV or motorcycle in Lacey, WA

Do I Need to Keep My Insurance During The Off-Season?

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It’s now time to enjoy some amazing fall camping excursions, calm boating on the lake or a motorcycle road trip. Each year we’re asked by many of our customers about the possibility to cancel your insurance policies on your summer toys like motorcycles, RVs, boats and ATVs. While you may not be using these alternative vehicles during the fall and winter months, your vehicles may be damaged and insurance claim would need to be opened. If you cancelled your insurance policy, you may be forced to pay for repairs or replacements out-of-pocket. During the cooler months while your toys are parked events can occur that could get expensive without a valid insurance policy.

Types of claims that could occur during the off-season:

Comprehensive insurance claims: Even though your vehicles are secured, theft or vandalism can still occur at any time. Having to pay out-of-pocket to repaint, repair or replace your toy could put a serious strain on your finances. Catastrophic events like floods or fires can occur during the off-season. If your comprehensive insurance policy is not in effect, you may be responsible to pay to replace your toys without assistance from your insurance carrier.

Liability insurance claims: Accidents can happen at any time, even if your toy is secure. During a party at your home someone thinks it would be great to take a picture on your Harley. They hop on and fall over damaging both your bike and themselves. Even if you did not give them permission to do so, you may be legally responsible for their injuries. Without a liability insurance policy in effect, you may be responsible to pay for the injured party’s medical bills and recovery costs.

Additional claims scenarios:

  1. A blustery storm knocks over a tree and it falls on your parked camper. (Comprehensive claim)
  2. A hail storm damages your vehicle (Comprehensive claim)
  3. Your garage catches on fire and burns your motorcycle, boat, or ATV inside (Not home insurance, Comprehensive claim for the vehicle)
  4. Your RV or Boat is parked in an off-season boat/rv storage facility and is damaged when an unknown party backs their vehicle into it. They don’t leave their information.
  5. A thief vandalizes your vehicle looking for valuable items

These are just a few of the many claims that can occur in the off-season. Some carriers understand that these vehicles are not used year-round and the premiums reflect the high and the low season.

Keeping your motorcycle insurance, RV insurance, ATV insurance or boat insurance in effect during the off-season may not only save your from a costly out-of-pocket repairs or medical payments, keeping a year-round policy may also save you money on your policy premium. Ask your insurance agent today about the benefits of keeping a comprehensive and liability insurance policy on your toys all year!

All Insurance One was established in 1978 and is a family owned, local insurance agency in Lacey, WA. Our agents are highly trained professionals and considered masters in their field. By offering protection for your Auto, Home, or Umbrella Insurance, we make sure that you’re covered today, as well as in the future. It is our passion to provide outstanding insurance service and consumer education to our clients.

Spring Cleaning your home in Lacey, WA

Named Perils vs. Open Perils Policies for Your Home Insurance. What’s the Difference?

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Home Insurance in Lacey, WAThere are many coverage options to select from when shopping for your homeowner’s insurance. You need to decide on your level of coverage, whether you want a larger monthly payment and smaller deductible or vice versa. You also can decide to add flood or earthquake coverages if you live in an area prone to these events. Your standard homeowner policy is called an open perils policy and includes many types of events.  But did you know that you can choose to have a “named perils” policy also known as a Broad Form insurance policy?

So, how exactly is Named Perils and Open Perils different when related to your homeowner’s insurance policy in Washington:

  • A peril is an event that results in the loss of property, structure or damage to the structure.
  • Named Perils refers to specific events that you would like covered until your policy. Named peril policies are your traditional home insurance policies. Recently, HO5 policies have come around and they are Open Peril meaning they cover more losses your standard home insurance policy may not cover.
  • A Named Perils policy may save you money, but that is because you’re carrying more risk. Not every situation regarding a loss will be covered. Personal effects are covered under a named perils policy for the type of loss you’re getting coverage for such as wind and hail; however you may still need to have additional coverage scheduled for pieces like heirlooms, art, jewelry and other losses that may occur.
  • Both types of policies may elect to cover events like wildfires or tornado damage, but earthquake and flood insurance will need to be purchased separately.
  • Open Perils policies will clearly list what is excluded, while a Named Perils will clearly list what is included.
  • Open Perils will typically include most of the Name Perils options.

To give an example of how these two differing policies work, let’s use the following example. Sarah came home from work to notice that her necklace had broken and fallen off of her and was now lost. Because her loss was not related to a specific loss of wind, fire or damage to the house, this loss would not be covered under a named perils policy. If Sarah had an Open Perils policy that included the loss of valuable items, her loss would be covered (up to the policy limits for jewelry in the case). It is always important to note the policy limits of an Open Perils policy for jewelry, furs, art or other high-value items.

Homeowner’s insurance can be confusing, but your local, independent agents at All Insurance are here to help.

All Insurance Inc. was established in 1978 and is a family owned, local insurance agency in Lacey, WA. Our agents are highly trained professionals and considered masters in their field. By offering protection for your Auto, Home, or Umbrella Insurance, we make sure that you’re covered today, as well as in the future. It is our passion to provide outstanding insurance service and consumer education to our clients.

What to do if you get into a car accident in Lacey, WA

What To Do If You’re Involved in a Hit and Run Accident

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How to handle a hit and run accident in Lacey, WABeing in a hit and run accident can be a very frightening event. Being prepared to know how to handle the situation when it occurs will help you deal with the shock of it, as well as ensure you are covered for the loss when it does happen. While hit and run accidents will happen to almost every driver, whether their car is parked and unattended, or while they’re driving, knowing these things will help you deal with the unfortunate situation.

Safely park your vehicle: If you happen to be driving when the accident occurs, safely pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. If possible, carefully write down the license plate and description of the vehicle that struck you. This will aid police in locating the driver. Often time, your vehicle will be struck in a parking lot while unattended. In the event this happens, look for any signs of the other vehicle. Is their paint transfer that would indicate the color of the vehicle? Is there a note on your windshield? Are their security cameras such as at the gas station?

Assess any Injuries: If someone is injured, take care of their immediate needs and quickly call 911. It is typical to be jittery after such an event so catch your breath too.

Call police: Once you’re safely parked, you’ll need to get a police report. Many police stations will not respond if there are no injuries, so you’ll want to still turn in a police report for the incident. Many insurance companies will require this documentation in order to use your UMPD (uninsured motorist property damage) insurance coverage.

Gather any witness information: If anyone is standing there and offers you their statement, jot down their phone number and name. Your insurance company will want to talk with any witness to the accident.

Call insurance company: Sometimes even though vehicles collide, the damages may be limited, so you’ll want to take a close look and determine if you want to pursue a claim. While hit and run accidents may be a scary encounter, they may not require body work to your vehicle. Also keep in mind that if you don’t carry the correct coverages for hit and run (often times referred to as uninsured motorist property damage) your claim will be handled under a collision loss. Deductibles will likely apply in both cases.

While we hope you never have to experience a hit and run accident, being prepared will help you tackle the unfortunate situation.

All Insurance Inc. was established in 1978 and is a family owned, local insurance agency in Lacey, WA. Our agents are highly trained professionals and considered masters in their field. By offering protection for your Auto, Home, or Umbrella Insurance, we make sure that you’re covered today, as well as in the future. It is our passion to provide outstanding insurance service and consumer education to our clients.

Commercial Auto Policy in Lacey, WA

Using Your Personal Vehicle for Business Use? Read this first.

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Commercial Auto Policy in Lacey, WADo you use your personal vehicle to deliver papers, pizzas, sandwiches, flowers or other deliverables in exchange for money? Do you, from time to time, help your son or daughter with delivering their newspaper route? If you answered yes to this question, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy for your vehicle.

We all use our vehicles to get us from point A to point B; usually on personal errands, road trips or commuting to work. If you happen to use your vehicle for business use, like a paper route or pizza delivery or sandwich delivery, your personal auto insurance policy may not protect you in an accident.

If your business provides a vehicle for you, most likely that vehicle is covered under their policy, but be sure to ask your fleet department about what and how much is covered. If it is required that you use your personal vehicle, your personal auto insurance policy may not be sufficient. Your personal auto insurance policy only covers your vehicle for personal use. If you use your vehicle to deliver goods in exchange for money, a commercial auto insurance policy in Lacey, WA may be necessary.

Commercial auto insurance in Washington:

  • Who needs it: Any vehicle that is used for commercial or business purposes may be required to have a business use policy. If your vehicle is used for both personal and commercial purposes, you may be able to get away with a business use endorsement on a personal vehicle policy. Talk to your agent about this option.
  • Why do you need another policy: You can get higher limits from your policy, giving yourself and the business extra protection from accidents.
  • What is covered: A commercial auto insurance policy covers many of the same claims that arise as a personal auto insurance policy, however limits and coverage options may vary between carriers.
  • But who is really going to know? You’d be surprised. Insurance companies are keen on claims and while their job is to pay claims, they could deny your claim if they find out you were driving it while using it for business. Play it safe and talk to an agent about your options.

So whether you are a traveling sales rep or out delivering packages, flowers, papers, or sandwiches talk your agent about your personal and commercial auto insurance needs. Their years of experience can save you bundle.

All Insurance One was established in 1978 and is a family owned, local insurance agency in Lacey, WA. Our agents are highly trained professionals and considered masters in their field. By offering protection for your Auto, Home, or Umbrella Insurance, we make sure that you’re covered today, as well as in the future. It is our passion to provide outstanding insurance service and consumer education to our clients.

Umbrella Insurance in Lacey, WA

8 Scenarios That Would Warrant an Umbrella Insurance Policy

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Umbrella Insurance in Lacey, WAThere are many scenarios that would warrant the need for an umbrella insurance policy. We outline a few of them here.

Example #1: Your teenage daughter is babysitting the neighbor kids and leaves the house for a moment to run to the store. When she returns, one of the children is badly injured and requires surgery. The child’s medical bills exceed $300,000. The parents of the children sue you to cover the medical bills.

Example #2: Your son dislikes his gym class as well as the teacher. He goes on social media and writes some very reproachful comments about the teacher that leave him in a bad light. The teacher sues and is awarded $500,000.

Example #3: Your 17 year old child decides to pick up some friends and go “cruising” in your car. He loses control of the vehicle while showing off how fast the minivan is. Each child is critically injured. Your umbrella policy helps cover the medical bills.

Example #4: You invite friends over to your home to celebrate the 4th of July. You provide all the entertainment, food and refreshments, including alcohol. One friend who is known for drinking too much, does just that, gets in his car and drives home getting in a terrible car accident that kills one person. The family sues you and you’re found to be liable for serving the friend too much alcohol.

Example #5: Your rental property’s deck is rotted and your tenant falls through it badly injuring their leg and requiring reconstructive surgery. A jury awards the tenant $750,000 for damages.

Example #6: You host a wedding on your property and rent a bouncy house. The house is not staked down and blows away in the wind with children inside of it. The kids are fine, but you’re sued for negligence. The families of the children are awarded $100,000 each for mental and post-traumatic stress.

Example #7: Your dog gets out viciously attacks the neighbors show dog. The dog can no longer show because it has scars and a limp. You’re sued for loss of income and a jury awards the dog owner $450,000.

Example #8: You’re the “cool mom” and agree to buy your kids and their friends alcohol if they promise to stay at the house. One of the friends leaves the house and is killed in an accident. He is found to be intoxicated. The parents of the child sue you for providing them with alcohol. A jury awards $2 million.

There are countless situations that can occur and exhaust your current liability limits on your home or auto insurance policy. The good news is that umbrella insurance policies are relatively inexpensive. Contact an agent at our office for your personalized umbrella insurance quote today.

All Insurance Inc. was established in 1978 and is a family owned, local insurance agency in Lacey, WA. Our agents are highly trained professionals and considered masters in their field. By offering protection for your Auto, Home, or Umbrella Insurance, we make sure that you’re covered today, as well as in the future. It is our passion to provide outstanding insurance service and consumer education to our clients.

Wildfire Prevention in Lacey, WA

How to Protect Your Home & Property from Wildfires

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Wildfire Prevention in Lacey, WAWildfires occur every year and summer season is also known as fire season. Each year millions of acres across the country are scorched by both nature as well as human caused fire. By knowing how to minimize losses, human caused fires can drastically decrease with the proper education. Use these simple steps.

Equipment or toys can spark a wildfire

Lawn mowers, weed-eaters, chain saws, welders, tractors, dirt bikes, and more can all cause sparks. Don’t mow dry grass or weeds. When you are maintaining your yard, avoid dry yard debris buildup.

If you are using a tractor, dirt bike or welder, avoid driving or using your welder near dry grass or brush.

Keeping your Home Safe from Wildfire Damage

Use fire-resistant building material for your home.

The roof and exterior surface need to be composed of non-combustible or fire resistant materials. This would include brick, stone, aluminum, tile, sheet iron, asphalt or slate. If your home is composed of wood or cedar, consider this a risk. Homes that are located in especially fire prone areas can escape damage by being entirely built of concrete and stone.

Maintain Your Roof

When your roof is filled with leaves, pine needles, branches, moss, you are increasing your risk for wildfire damage. Be sure to avoid letting these items collect on your roof.

Keep your Property Free of Dead Plants or Trees

Tree branches should be kept to a height of 15 feet.  Also, be sure tree branches aren’t near your chimney. If a branch is within 10 feet of the flue opening of the stove or chimney, remove it.

Keeping things like sheds and wood piles at least 30 feet away from your home helps reduce the chances of a fire jumping from one structure to the next.

It is important to understand the limits of your insurance policies as many natural disasters like floods or earthquakes require a special insurance policy while wildfires are generally covered under the comprehensive portion of a homeowner’s insurance policy. The price of the policy may be higher if you live in an area that is prone to yearly fires or if a fire station is far away.

All Insurance One was established in 1978 and is a family owned, local insurance agency in Lacey, WA. Our agents are highly trained professionals and considered masters in their field. By offering protection for your Auto, Home, or Umbrella Insurance, we make sure that you’re covered today, as well as in the future. It is our passion to provide outstanding insurance service and consumer education to our clients.