Homer Smith Insurance Blog

Equipment Breakdown coverage from Safeco

petra@homersmith.com — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:39:00 GMT

When something in a home decides to quit working, it’s almost never something small. Appliances and equipment for the indoors and outdoors can stop working without notice.

An inexpensive addition to a Safeco homeowners policy can safeguard against these unforeseen inconveniences. For two dollars a month, Equipment Breakdown coverage covers losses due to electrical or mechanical breakdown for home systems and personal property.

Here’s what’s covered:

Washers and Dryers
Computer Equipment
Dishwashers
Refrigerators and Freezers
Ovens and Microwaves
Garbage Disposals
Heat Pumps
Heating and A/C Systems
Electrical Service Panels
Home Security Systems
Water Heaters
Well Water Pumps
Sump Pumps
Surround Sound Systems
Swimming Pool Equipment
Televisions/Plasma/LCD

Equipment Breakdown coverage could also substitute more expensive warranties offered by retailers. Another benefit is the coverage’s simplicity—it follows the conditions and terms of pre-existing homeowners policies. It provides coverage up to $50,000 and is subject to a $500 deductible. If appliances should need replacing, Safeco will replace them with an Energy Star® rated model of like quality and kind, a greener advantage.

To discuss this coverage with an agent, call Homer Smith Insurance. We can help you assess your home’s unique needs, and get the coverage you need. Visit our website, send us an e-mail, or call directly: 888-433-0031.

Erin Stork, Homer Smith Insurance

Sequim Lavender Festival this weekend

petra@homersmith.com — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:36:00 GMT

Looking for something fun and different to do this weekend? The city of Sequim celebrates its fourteenth annual Lavender Festival this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 16, 17, and 18. Numerous farms boast sumptuous fields of lavender, and the festival presents an ideal opportunity to explore one of the Olympic Peninsula’s most beautiful regions. It provides visitor and resident alike an experience unique to the Pacific Northwest, as Sequim is one of the few internationally recognized lavender producers in North America. Visit Sequim’s downtown shops and street festival for all things lavender, or drive along the Dungeness to visit the lavender farms themselves. Visit the festival’s website for more information: http://www.lavenderfestival.com/ .

Erin Stork, Homer Smith Insurance

Claiming sanity after an accident—the auto claim

petra@homersmith.com — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:52:00 GMT

Post accident, tattered nerves don’t necessarily encourage a rational thought process. The accident itself is still registering, and one of the last things on anyone’s mind is gathering the facts necessary to report a claim. This information, however, is simple to collect, and crucial to getting the claim processed as quickly as possible. Beginning with staying calm, the following is a four-step guide for handling an accident and the subsequent claim.

Call the police and emergency services if necessary. Stay at the scene of the accident and, if possible, warn oncoming traffic by placing flares on the road. Keeping flares in your vehicle (as well as an emergency kit, first aid supplies, flashlight, etc.) is a good measure to prevent any further accidents. Don’t admit fault or discuss the accident with anyone other than police or an insurance representative.

Exchange the necessary information with the other driver. Get names, phone numbers, addresses, vehicle makes, license numbers, and insurance information (such as their carrier and policy number). It’s also important to get contact information for any passengers and/or witnesses to the accident.

Examine all vehicles involved. Note and record damage done to vehicles and property. Take pictures of the damage and accident scene if someone has a camera handy. A picture can even be sketched to give a better idea of how the accident occurred.

Call an insurance claim representative. The sooner they are aware of the claim, the sooner it can be resolved. Having all the above pertinent information speeds this process.

Claims can be a headache, but you don’t have to go it alone. For help with a claim, or a free auto insurance coverage review or quote, contact Homer Smith Insurance. Visit our website, e-mail, or call directly: 888-433-0031. An independent insurance agency, we are licensed in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Erin Stork, Homer Smith Insurance

Claiming sanity after an accident

petra@homersmith.com — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:53:00 GMT

The crunch of metal-on-metal is the last thing any driver wants to hear. Whether navigating I-5 or scouring the mall for the best available parking, an accident is something no one wishes to experience. Yet they happen every day. And it’s after the fact that the real nightmare can begin.

As those who’ve done so will tell you, filing a claim can be one of life’s little unpleasantries. The process can be filled with adjustors and insurance terminology that can make even the most patient souls quickly exasperated.

Certain things, however, can make the process a little less headache inducing. There are tricks that make life post-accident more manageable, tolerable, and stress-free. With the thousands of accidents that occur each year, they’re good to know. Read our next blog for these stress-reducing tips.

If your Washington state auto policy needs coverage review—or for a free quote—contact Homer Smith Insurance. E-mail or call: 888-433-0031. An independent insurance agency, we are licensed in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Erin Stork, Homer Smith Insurance

Enlivening the old with the slickly clever

petra@homersmith.com — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 23:32:00 GMT

This challenging-the-ordinary trend is nothing new, but it’s certainly something ingenious. The dry manicure’s uniqueness utilizes basic scientific method: by not pre-soaking the nails, they don’t expand, minimizing the risk of polish chippage that would occur if the nails returned to their normal, dry state. As a result, it lasts two or three days longer than a regular manicure. It’s an incredibly wear-friendly treatment that won’t crack or flake at the slightest touch.

If you need insurance as a manicurist, stylist, or salon owner, contact us today. Visit our website, send an e-mail, or call: 888-433-0031. We can help you review your coverage or quote your insurance for free.

Erin Stork, Homer Smith Insurance

Happy long weekend!

petra@homersmith.com — Fri, 28 May 2010 23:51:00 GMT

If the forecast holds true, we may be reaching for the umbrellas instead of sunscreen, but whether huddled in a movie theater or relaxing on a potentially soggy beach, have a great Memorial Day weekend! Travel safe and keep dry.

Erin Stork, Homer Smith Insurance

Playing with texture and expectation

petra@homersmith.com — Wed, 26 May 2010 23:20:00 GMT

The third emerging fad in our nail trend blog series is not for the faint of heart. Color and treatment are not the only changing aspects of the manicure. Texture is quickly following suit.

Experiments with polish texture have seen varying forms over the years. Matte polishes are manufactured by polish companies as well as matte top coats. A non-glossy polish takes this look to the next degree, a stark shift from the traditional shiny nail. Further experiments with polish offer an even greater departure—suede, ultra glitter, and patent leather. It’s unclear how many will clamor to have their nails wrapped in leather, but the idea is undeniably fresh. And, in an undeniably strange way, fabulous.

For your Washington state salon insurance needs, contact Homer Smith Insurance. Visit our website, send us an e-mail, or call directly: 888-433-0031. An independent insurance agency, we can help you and your salon get the coverage you need with a free quote or review of your current coverage.

Erin Stork, Homer Smith Insurance

Trend watch 2010—color and texture

petra@homersmith.com — Tue, 18 May 2010 23:21:00 GMT

Just like any industry, nail salons see trends come and go. The hot nude hues of last year have given way to brighter, bolder shades that lend summer some sparkle. Some of the newest trends may be surprising, while others are simply variations of old favorites. Either way, they’re bound to give your salon some life and inspiration. Here is the first of several new trends we’ll highlight in our blog:

A bolder color palette

The classic pinks and reds of yesteryear have given way to baby blues, spring greens, oranges, and shades of turquoise. A client not feeling quite so adventurous? Metallics and grays are in as well. Gold and silver give a sleek, sophisticated look that will wear well with any outfit.

As always, for your Washington state salon insurance needs, contact Homer Smith Insurance. Visit our website, send us an e-mail, or call directly: 888-433-0031. An independent insurance agency, we can help you and your salon get the coverage you need with a free quote or review of your current coverage.

Erin Stork, Homer Smith Insurance

Tiptoe through the rhodies

petra@homersmith.com — Fri, 14 May 2010 18:24:00 GMT

The festivities began this week as the Port Townsend Rhododendron Festival celebrates its Diamond Jubilee—75 years of carnivals, pageantry, and Grand Parades.

Daily events and mini parades—including the Kiddie Parade May 14—precede the festival’s main event, the Rhododendron Festival Parade. Beginning uptown on Lawrence Street and culminating downtown on Water Street, the parade features high school marching bands from the Pacific Northwest, fabulous floats, local community groups, and entertainment for adults and children alike. Past Rhododendron Festival royalty will serve as Parade Marshalls in honor of the Festival’s 75th year.

The parade is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon, so bring your family and enjoy one of the Olympic Peninsula's longest-running traditions.

Erin Stork, Homer Smith Insurance

Reminder to Vote for the Boat!

petra@homersmith.com — Tue, 11 May 2010 23:40:00 GMT

Thank you for your efforts to help Adventuress /Sound Experience win the Partners in Preservation grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express. As the vote winds down, we continue to be in first place--but just barely.PLEASE help us make certain we don't lose our position! Please vote every day and tell your friends to vote!

Click this link to go to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's website and vote for Adventuress . Second place has moved within 1% of Adventuress , so every vote counts! With less than a week left, we need you for the final push. Encourage friends and family to vote by forwarding this e-mail, making a phone call, or posting on a website or blog.

And remember, each time you vote, you can enter to win a Free Sail for 45 people aboard Adventuress . You just have to tell Sound Experience you voted .

Thank you again! Vote and spread the word today!