Category: Auto Insurance

Operating a motor vehicle in Washington State without the minimum required liability insurance coverage (except for a moped) is illegal. It is necessary as a way to assume responsibility for any damages to other drivers and property as a result of an accident. 

Required Insurance Coverage

Your insurance policy must have limits of at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death to a vehicle with one person in the car.  $50,000 of bodily injury or death coverage if you’re liable for an accident involving two or more injured parties.  The state also requires a minimum of $10,000 of property damage coverage to go toward the destruction of property in an accident. 

Proof on Insurance

While driving in Washington state, you must be prepared to show law enforcement adequate proof of insurance upon request.  At Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA, we will provide you with an insurance card as proof of insurance when you buy a policy.  The card will include the following items that the state requires:

• The name of the insurance company
• Your policy number.
• Date your insurance policy went into effect.
• The expiration date of your insurance policy
• Your vehicle description including the year, make, and model.
• The name of the insured drivers for the vehicles on the policy.
• If more than five vehicles are listed on the policy, the card should include "fleet."

Driving without insurance

Failure to provide proof of insurance is a traffic infraction, but knowingly providing misleading evidence of insurance coverage is considered a misdemeanor (like giving proof of insurance to an officer on a canceled policy).  

If you drive a motor vehicle without the required insurance, you will receive a minimum fine of $550.  Additionally, suppose you’re at fault for an auto accident.  In that case, you may have your license suspended, especially if you don’t pay for the damages and injuries from the accident. 

Contact us today

The state of Washington doesn’t play around when it comes to the safety of its drivers, and neither should you.  If you are driving a motor vehicle and don’t have the required auto insurance, call us today.  At Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA, we will partner with you to get you legal and protect you and others on the road.

Auto insurance is a crucial shield, but deciphering the coverage types can be like navigating a maze. Here at Alpine Ridge Insurance, providing auto insurance to individuals in the greater Auburn, WA area, we want to help you understand the different types of auto insurance coverage available.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

Liability Insurance

A legal mandate in most states, liability insurance covers injuries and damages to others if you’re at fault in an accident. It comprises two components: bodily injury liability (for medical expenses) and property damage liability (for repairs).

Collision Coverage

 When your car meets an obstacle, such as a vehicle or a pole, collision coverage steps in. It aids in repairing or replacing your vehicle minus the deductible.

Comprehensive Coverage

 Beyond collisions, cars face other risks, like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Comprehensive coverage financially cushions you against these perils, often with a deductible.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

In case you collide with a driver without insurance or inadequate coverage, this type acts as your safety net, covering medical expenses and repairs.

Medical Payments Coverage

Regardless of who’s at fault, medical payments coverage shoulders medical bills for you and your passengers resulting from an accident.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Similar to medical payments coverage but more extensive, PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and even essential services like childcare, if needed.

Gap Insurance

When your car’s value depreciates faster than your loan balance decreases, gap insurance bridges the difference, ensuring you’re not left financially stranded.

Remember, finding the right blend of coverage depends on your circumstances, driving habits, and budget. If you’re looking for the right policy for you in Auburn, WA, the experienced insurance agents here at Alpine Ridge Insurance can assist you. Call us now to schedule an appointment.

You need to have adequate insurance for your auto, but you also likely want to be frugal and see how you can have the correct coverage without having to spend too much. With that in mind, here are some ways to save money on auto insurance, courtesy of  Alpine Ridge Insurance serving the Auburn, WA area.

Maximizing Your Auto Insurance

Bundled discounts

Another way to save money on auto insurance is to bundle insurance. That is, you can get not just auto insurance but also home or renter’s insurance through the same company. You might be pleasantly surprised at how much you can save this way.

Safe driver discounts

A key way to save money on auto insurance is by having a safe driver discount. Many insurance companies offer that. It is designed to reward safe drivers, and as its name implies, a driver has to drive safely to have it. Different companies offer discounts like that in different ways, so it is important to get the details from the auto insurance company.

Safe driving tips

To get certain auto insurance discounts, such as a safe driver discount, you have to be a safe driver. So make sure you are always driving safely. That includes driving at the correct speed and following all road signs. It also includes driving appropriately in all types of weather, such as rain and snow.

Reach Out To Us

Do your research and find out about various ways to save money on auto insurance. You might find that you can save more than you expected. You probably have more questions about this topic, and we are here for you. Contact Alpine Ridge Insurance serving the Auburn, WA area with your auto insurance questions.

Nobody wants to think about life-changing events happening, but accidents and unexpected events happen all the time. Here at Alpine Ridge Insurance, serving the greater Auburn, WA area, we have seen the unexpected occur, and we have seen how it disrupts our clients’ lives. Having the right insurance can help prevent this from happening.

One of the questions that we have recently been asked is whether you file an auto insurance claim or a home insurance claim if your vehicle was damaged or destroyed in a home fire. We are here to assist with all your queries.

If My Car Is Damaged By a Home Fire, Is It An Auto Insurance Claim or a Home Insurance Claim?

As a general rule of thumb, most home insurance policies exclude vehicles that have a motor in them. This typically includes your car, a motorhome, a boat, a motorcycle, or any toys you may have, such as a 4-wheeler or snowmobile. If your home catches fire, these items are excluded from your home insurance policy, which means you will have to file a claim under your vehicle policy. In order for your claim to be accepted, you need comprehensive coverage on the vehicle.  

Consult With Us Today

Having the right insurance products is extremely important in the event that the unexpected happens. It helps to ensure you are covered and protected from any event. At Alpine Ridge Insurance, serving the greater Auburn, WA area, we are pleased to help clients find the products that are best for them and offer them the protection they need. Schedule an appointment with us and let’s work together to help you get the insurance products you need. 

When you have a vehicle in Washington, you have to have insurance for it by state law. This insurance has to have a number of types of coverage that are required to be in the policy, including a few types that come with policies but can be rejected if you choose to. However, the amounts of coverage required in Washington are small when compared with other states. It’s generally a good idea to get higher amounts of coverage than are required as the minimum amounts.

When you need auto insurance in the state, call us at Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA.

Liability Coverage Types

In Washington, there are two types of liability coverage that are required that encompass three different coverage amounts. There are two amounts required for bodily injury liability coverage. One is an amount for one person who becomes injured in a vehicle accident, and the other is for all of the parties who become injured. Both of these coverage amounts pay for the medical bills, lost wages, and other costs that are due after there is an accident that is your fault. There is also an amount required for property damage liability coverage. This pays for the property damage done to the other party’s items such as their vehicle or building. 

Other Types of Auto Coverage

There are three other types of coverage that come with auto policies in Washington that can be rejected if you want to take them out. However, it’s a good idea for your protection to keep them. One is bodily injury coverage for accidents with underinsured motorists. The second one is property damage coverage for underinsured motorists. The third is basic personal injury protection. This covers your own injuries after an accident. 

Get Protected With Auto Insurance

To get the policy you need, call us at Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA.

Drivers in Washington state have some gorgeous scenery to enjoy. Hopefully, it isn’t so gorgeous, it is a distraction. Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA is a multi-generational family insurance company. We want to get to know you so that we can give you the level of service you deserve from your local independent insurance agent.  

Washington state auto insurance requirements

The required type of insurance in Washington state is liability coverage. The mandated amount to comply with the law is 25/50/10. That is $25,000 in bodily injury for one person and $50,000 for multiple injuries. Given the cost of medical care, this amount could be very inadequate. If the injuries go greater, you could end up paying out a lot of money that you may not have. With only $10,000 for property damage, hopefully, you won’t have an accident with a new vehicle. 

If you have an auto loan, you will need to cover the car, which requires collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage is exactly what it sounds like, coverage for damage due to a collision. It can be with another car where you are at fault, it can be a one-car accident or a hit and run. 

Comprehensive coverage is sometimes called non-collision coverage. Many things can cause damage to your vehicle that doesn’t involve a collision. If your vehicle is stolen, you want to be able to replace it. If you are driving down the road and a deer runs into your vehicle, it can cause a lot of damage. Weather can cause many different types of auto damage. If a rock flies up and hits your windshield, you will be able to get it replaced. 

Contact Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA at our office by stopping by or giving us a call. We look forward to serving your insurance needs.