New Car Insurance?

/ Matt Elwood Allstate Agency/
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That new car at the dealership has been screaming your name to buy it since last year. And why shouldn’t you? You have been driving that same Honda Accord since 1998 that has been paid off since 2003. You deserve it for working so hard all these years and you even got the OK from your spouse. Now it is time to pull the trigger.

Does My Current Insurance Policy Cover This New Car?

You may be thinking on your way to the dealership, “will I be able to drive this off the lot today?”

The great news is that any car that you become owner of during the policy period of your current insurance will be covered right away. You just have to notify your insurance company of the new vehicle, usually within 60 days. If you don’t have insurance at all, that is another story. The dealership won’t let you drive a car off the lot without current insurance so if you need a policy now, we are here to help.

What Information Does My Insurance Company Need?

Where to find your VIN
Where to find your VIN

Once you get your new car and there is some basic information that your insurance company will eventually need including the current mileage of the new vehicle, year of the car, make and model and also the VIN.

A VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. It is a series of numbers and letters that identify each car. It is usually found on the dash near the windshield or on the side panel of an open door. If you are having trouble locating it, we would be glad to help you.

Your insurance company will also need to know if you paid cash or financed the vehicle. If it was financed, your liennholder (the financing company) will need to be listed as an interested party on the insurance until it is paid off. Their name, address and telephone number will be enough.

What About Gap Insurance Coverage?

You know that old saying, once you drive your car off the lot the value goes way down? Well, that is true, but your loan value still stays the same! Gap coverage pays off your loan if your car is totaled and you owe more than its worth. It is relatively inexpensive and I highly recommend it.

So – enjoy that new car this weekend and don’t worry, the insurance company can wait until Monday. However, if you do want to give us a heads up of your purchase, please 360-452-9200

For more information, please visit my official Allstate Agency Website to get more information on the Allstate products and services I can offer in Port Angeles, Sequim or anywhere Washington State. 

/ Matt Elwood Allstate Agency/ / 1 Comment
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Matt Elwood

Matt Elwood grew up in Port Angeles, graduating from the high school before moving south to attend Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. While earning his B.S.in Business Administration he secured an internship at Northwestern Mutual and started his financial career. After graduating from Pepperdine, Matt built a successful Insurance practice in Los Angeles while earning his investment licenses. After a decade of being away from family, Matt decided to move back to Port Angeles and purchase his mother’s Agency. The Helen Elwood Insurance Agency has been an established Allstate agency in Port Angeles for many years. Matt purchased the business in January 2011 and renamed it Elwood Benefits. Matt is focused on growing the business which leaves him little time for anything else. When he does take a break you’ll find him enjoying his family or out on the golf course.

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Does My Car Insurance Cover Me In Canada?

/ Matt Elwood Allstate Agency/
The Coho in Victoria's Inner Harbour
The Coho in Victoria's Inner Harbour

Stay-cations are very popular right now because of the down economy. I’m sure if you had the choice of staying home or taking a trip abroad I’m guessing you would choose the latter. However, living in Port Angeles, a trip abroad is just across the Strait. A long weekend in Victoria can be just what you need – getting out of dodge without breaking the bank.

The Coho Ferry – Gateway to Canada

Getting to Victoria from Port Angeles is very easy. You can either walk on or drive your car on the Coho Ferry.  The Coho is a vehicle and passenger ferry that goes from downtown Port Angeles to Victoria. The ride is about 90 minutes each way and you can check out the Coho fares and schedules here.

You should check out the Coho’s twitter feed @mvcoho, they often tweet about good deals and local things to do both in Canada and on the Olympic Peninsula. And of course, don’t forget to follow the Elwood Benefits feed @elwoodbenefits for great insurance information.

Does my auto insurance cover me in Canada?

Vancouver, B.C. is beautiful with lots of places to explore so you may want to take your own car, but does your car insurance cover you?  Being an Allstate agent, I can tell my customers that yes, it does. Coverage generally extends since Canada is a covered territory of your policy.

If you are not an Allstate customer, check the Declaration page of your policy. If you're not clear where that is and would like some help, give us a call! 360-452-9200

Since you will be in a foreign country, you will need not only your driver’s license but your passport as well. If you have an enhanced driver’s license, that will suffice.  Just as in the United States, you need to carry proof of insurance with you at all times.

Loss of use Insurance - do you know what it is?

Just an in the United States, if you are renting a car your insurance coverage extends. However, most insurance companies do not pay for loss of use. Loss of use is charged when a car is out of service due to damage you caused. Check with your credit card company as some will cover that exposure. If not, you may want to consider buying that coverage from the rental car company.

Enjoy your trip and be safe on the road! Should any questions pop up before or after your trip, please feel free to contact us at the office. If you are in Port Angeles, stop by. We are just a mile away from the Coho!

For more information, please visit my official Allstate Agency Website to get more information on the Allstate products and services I can offer in Port Angeles, Sequim or anywhere Washington State. 

/ Matt Elwood Allstate Agency/ / Comment
, , , , , , , ,

Matt Elwood

Matt Elwood grew up in Port Angeles, graduating from the high school before moving south to attend Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. While earning his B.S.in Business Administration he secured an internship at Northwestern Mutual and started his financial career. After graduating from Pepperdine, Matt built a successful Insurance practice in Los Angeles while earning his investment licenses. After a decade of being away from family, Matt decided to move back to Port Angeles and purchase his mother’s Agency. The Helen Elwood Insurance Agency has been an established Allstate agency in Port Angeles for many years. Matt purchased the business in January 2011 and renamed it Elwood Benefits. Matt is focused on growing the business which leaves him little time for anything else. When he does take a break you’ll find him enjoying his family or out on the golf course.

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8 Things To Do If You Are In A Car Accident

/ Matt Elwood Allstate Agency/
8thingsaccident.jpg

Summer is more than half over and the dreaded 1st day of school is coming for kids. Mom and Dad may be rejoicing, but with school comes the taxi service from Mom and Dad.

Imagine that you are taking your kids to school and you get in an accident along the way. Many thoughts may be running through your head like:

  • Are my kids ok?
  • Did I pay the insurance bill this month?
  • Do I have collision coverage on my policy?

Keeping these 8 things in mind will help make a bad situation go a little better.

1. Remain calm

By remaining calm, not only will you think more clearly, but you will calm your kids.

2. Check to see if you are OK

Your safety and health is most important. If you or your passengers are injured, call 911 immediately. The same goes for the people in the other car.

3. Move to the side

If it is feasible, move your car to the side of the road for your safety. If you don’t want to end up with two accidents

4. Get information

Exchange names, cell phone numbers, emails and addresses of everyone involved.

5. Insurance

Get the other drivers’ license plate number and insurance information. Make sure you write down the insuring company, policy number, address and phone number.

6. Take Photos

If you have a camera, take photos to document the accident. If you don't have a camera on your cellphone, think about keeping a cheap disposable camera in your glove box.

7. Call the police

Call the police to report an accident.

8. Call your Agent!

Call your insurance agent! They are there to help and assist you with your claim.

These are just a few tips to make an unfortunate experience run as smoothly as possible. Is there anything you would add?

Knowledge is power - Sign up for Matt's monthly insurance newsletter and he will share with you how to better protect your family, save more money and achieve financial security.

Or for more information, please visit my official Allstate Agency Website to get more information on the Allstate products and services I can offer in Port Angeles, Sequim or anywhere Washington State.