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If you’re searching for a new auto insurance policy and the company or agent tells you you’re “high risk” what exactly does that mean and what can you do to improve that?

While there is no real definition of what a high risk driver is, high risk drivers typically fall into one of the following categories:

1. Too many speeding tickets or moving violations
2. Accidents on their CLUE report
3. Suspended driver’s license
4. DUI/DWI or other major violations like reckless driving
5. Excessive Speed violation
6. Fatal accident history

Even if you don’t fit the criteria listed above, you may still experience higher than normal insurance premiums because of your:

1. Credit history
2. Age (new driver or elderly)
3. Exotic or Sports car
4. Lapse in your insurance coverage

Being a high risk driver does mean you’ll experience higher premiums. Additionally, many insurance companies will refuse to insure you or limit your available coverage you may purchase. The best remedy to fixing your high risk status is to clean up your driving habits. Over time you can regain your status as a preferred driver and get better insurance premiums and more choices.

If you have questions about your auto insurance or want a quote, call Head & Malesis Insurance Agency. It is our goal at Head and Malesis Insurance to provide you with the service you deserve and the knowledge you expect. Head and Malesis Insurance has been providing Washingtonians with insurance options for 30 years! We value each of our clients and want to do everything we can to exceed your expectations.

As cooler weather approaches at night or you park your car outside during the winter months, chances are that sooner or later a rodent will find its way inside of your warm vehicle. Rodents like rats, mice and even squirrels can make their way up inside of your engine compartment to stay warm. After all, it is toasty and warm inside there and you left the vehicle in the driveway overnight.

Rodents can do major damage to vehicles. In fact, some of the more common reported damages include chewed wiring, chewed up upholstery (used to make nests) and rodent feces.

If your vehicle is damaged by a rodent you’ll want to review your insurance policy to see if there is a “rodent clause.” Comprehensive insurance coverage is your best bet for getting rodent damages covered, however, some insurance companies define animal damages in comprehensive coverage as “collision with an animal” and have a specific clause that excludes rodent damages such as chewed wiring etc. The best course of action is to ask your insurance agent when you purchase your policy, or if you already have a policy in place to ask them about it. If dealing with rodents is something you think you may have to deal with, selecting the appropriate company as well as the appropriate coverage can make all the difference.

If you have questions about your auto insurance or want a quote, contact Head & Malesis Insurance Agency.

It is our goal at Head and Malesis Insurance to provide you with the service you deserve and the knowledge you expect. Head and Malesis Insurance has been providing Washingtonians with insurance options for 30 years! We value each of our clients and want to do everything we can to exceed your expectations. We are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, advise you when needed and provide you with an overall, positive insurance experience.

When you are on vacation renting a car, you will most likely be asked if you want to purchase insurance for the car. Sometimes purchasing that insurance policy is needed, but other times you may already be covered with your own auto insurance policy. Some individuals even have insurance benefits through their credit cards.

Auto Insurance

Do you need to buy their rental car insurance coverage? Before going on vacation, reach out to your licensed agent with questions regarding your auto policy. An auto insurance policy can be unique to the driver. Many times, if you have collision, comprehensive and liability coverage on your auto policy, this would cover your rental car too as a temporary replacement vehicle. If you find you’re only covered for a specific amount, contact your credit card company to see if they can fill the gap.

Rental car insurance options can include: liability, personal accident, collision damage, personal effects coverage. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Liability: Insurance coverage if you damage another car, property and medical bills for the other party if you’re found liable for the accident.

Personal Accident: Coverage for accidental death, medical expenses and ambulatory costs of you and your household members in the vehicle.

Collision Damage: Coverage to repair the rental car in the event you are involved in an accident.

Personal Effects: Insurance that covers personal items lost or damaged such as cell phones, purses and computers.

Roadside Assistance: Coverage for roadside incidents such as lost keys, lockouts, fuel outages and flat tires.

Always check with your licensed agent to review your policy BEFORE going on your vacation to ensure you know what coverage options you may or may not need. Furthermore, be sure to understand the terms and conditions of the insurance policy you’re purchasing if you decide to buy coverage from the rental agency.

Knowing the details of your insurance policy can help you fully understand your coverage, give you peace of mind, as well as save you money.

It is our goal at Head and Malesis Insurance to provide you with the service you deserve and the knowledge you expect. Head and Malesis Insurance has been providing Washingtonians with insurance options for 30 years! We value each of our clients and want to do everything we can to exceed your expectations. We are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, advise you when needed and provide you with an overall, positive insurance experience. If you want to discuss your home, auto or other insurance needs, please feel free to call our agents or visit us online on our insurance website. We also provide life insurance.

Summer time is a great time to go on a road trip! Whether you are exploring a National Park, traveling through a state or going across the country, being on the road is memorable. Road trips are fun, but you want to be sure you are prepared for any unfortunate bumps in the road that can occur. It can be as simple as storing a few essentials in your trunk to get you out of jam.

Here are some things to keep in your car at all times:

1.) First Aid Kit

Even if you aren’t going on a road trip, this is nice to have in your trunk at all times. It might come in handy for you or someone else in need.

2.) Flashlight

This is another thing to always keep in your car, especially if you find yourself driving at night time often.

3.) License, Registration, a Copy of Your Car Insurance and Car Manual

Again, this should always be in your car stored in your glove box.

4.) Jumper Cables

Nobody wants to wake up to a dead car battery. Jumper cables can fall into the “always have in my car” category. It’s much easier than trying to hunt one down when you are in a pinch.

5.) Snacks

This can’t be stressed enough! Even if you plan to be on the road for long hours, consider packing meals in a cooler. You can always stop at a rest stop to picnic if you want to stretch your legs. If you aren’t packing a cooler, pack snacks that don’t require refrigeration like dried fruit, nuts, jerky, fruit, bars, etc.

6.) Water Bottle

Having extra water in your vehicle during summer can literally save your life if you become stranded on a hot day in a remote location.

7.) Phone Charger

If your car only has one outlet for a phone charger, consider getting a USB plug that can charge multiple devices at once. If you have a few outlets, pack a few cords! Portable chargers can come in handy too.

8.) Polarized Sunglasses

Driving in the sun is always best with polarized sunglasses.

9.) Wet Wipes & Napkins

Wet wipes and napkins are always nice for keeping your hands & face clean or cleaning up a spill in your car.

10.) Trash Bag

Keep your car clean from your snacks and other garbage with a simple trash bag. You could place things in a small can or just have a bag.

11.) Paper and Pen

Great for taking notes or writing down important information on your road trip.

12.) Blanket and Pillow

This may be nice for those long hours in the car! A blanket and pillow can add comfort to your drive.

13.) Sunscreen

Even if you aren’t outside, wearing sunscreen while driving is important for those sunny days.

14.) Cash

This works nice if you find yourself needing to pay to park or buying from businesses that only accept cash for payment.

15.) Entertainment

Especially if you are traveling with kids, being in the car for long hours can be exhausting! Think of electronics, activity or coloring books, small toys, play games like I Spy, the alphabet or license plate game.

For adults, consider podcasts or audiobooks, trivia cards or an app, word search or just a really good music playlist!

Regardless of what you do pack in your car, enjoy the American Road Trip! Be sure to get plenty of rest along the way and enjoy America’s roadside attractions.

It is our goal at Head and Malesis Insurance to provide you with the service you deserve and the knowledge you expect. Head and Malesis Insurance has been providing Washingtonians with insurance options for 30 years! We value each of our clients and want to do everything we can to exceed your expectations. We are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, advise you when needed and provide you with an overall, positive insurance experience. If you want to discuss your home, auto or other insurance needs, please feel free to call our agents or visit us online on our insurance website. We also provide life insurance.

A local insurance agent listens to your needs then finds a customized insurance policy that fits those needs. When looking for insurance, consider your local, independent insurance agents in Auburn. We do more than just provide you with a great insurance policy. Because we live in a “need it now” society, instant quotes for auto insurance, home insurance and more seem attractive. However, these instant quotes don’t guarantee you are getting the best insurance rates and coverage for your situation. Here are some ways a local insurance agent can help you:

Professional Advice

Not sure how much coverage you need to protect your home or confused about what line of insurance you need to protect your small business? Local insurance agents not only want what’s best for you but we’ll provide our professional guidance as well. We’ll listen to your needs, strive to not only educate you on what you are and aren’t covered for, but also counsel you on what insurance company best fits you. Because we represent multiple insurance companies, you get choice.

Did you insurance increase? We can help.

If you have insurance through a direct carrier and you notice your car insurance increases by $300 the following year, you might be thinking it’s time to change carriers.  While your insurance may increase with a local insurance agent, all you have to do is reach out to your agent via email or phone. We’ll shop our many insurance carriers to find the best coverage for your needs & budget. Our agency works to save you time and money by working with pre-selected insurance companies and acting on your behalf to fit you into the right insurance program.

Guidance with how to deal with a claim.

Being involved in an insurance claim can be a hassle, but we can assist you throughout the entire process to make it easier on you. By simply calling us, you’ll quickly learn how to settle your claim and be made whole again.

Build a Relationship

Just like you have built trust with your doctor or dentist, we want the same type of relationship with helping you with your insurance. We strive to build that same trust when it comes to needing insurance guidance or saving you time & money. To us, you’re not just a customer, you’re a valued client who needs to be properly protected.

You Have Questions, We Have Answers

Your lifestyle and needs change over time and we are here to assist you with all of life’s changes. Whether you’re looking to start a business, going from renting to owning a home or needing to insure your new classic car vehicle, we are here to help with all your insurance needs.

We Can Do It All

Since we offer many lines of insurance, we can cover all your needs. Plus, when you bundle insurance policies, it may qualify you to save additional money. Get your home, car, boat and business insurance all under one roof to make it easy for you.

If you are looking to find a local insurance agent in Auburn, WA for your auto or home insurance, call Head & Malesis Insurance. We look forward to earning your business and will strive to create a lasting relationship.

For all current clients who know a friend or family member who would benefit from working with a local insurance agency, simply refer a friend here.

Having a swimming pool on your property is a luxury and takes a lot of maintenance, but oh is it worth it on a hot summer day! If you have kids, the swimming pool seems to be their favorite hangout place with their friends. While owing a swimming pool can be a fun experience if you’re willing to maintain it, it also carries a unique insurance liability risk.

Swimming pools carry many risks of injury. To limit your exposure setting strict rules around the pool for safety can greatly reduce the chances of injury occurring. Follow these safety tips when and around a pool:

1. Supervision – children should never be left unattended around a swimming pool. If your children and friends want to use the pool require an adult be present at all times. If your children’s friends are wanting to use the pool and you can’t watch, ask another parent to supervise.
2. Require walking – Water and concrete is slippery. Reduce the chances of a slip and fall injury by making sure everyone around the pool walks and doesn’t run.
3. No Glass Around Pool Rule – Glass can fall into the pool or around the deck and make for a dangerous situation.
4. Regularly Inspect – inspect the items used in and around a pool like the diving board, slide or flotation equipment.
5. Fence & Lock the Pool – Most insurance companies will require a fence of at least four feet be present around a pool.
6. Teach your children how to swim and pool safety – prevention is key. Teaching your kids how to swim as well as to avoid things in pools and spas like drains can reduce the risk.
7. Install an alarm – You can install an alarm that detects when someone enters the pool.
8. Protect your pets – Animals are attracted to water, especially on a hot day. Keep your pool area secured from pets when you’re not using it to ensure they don’t fall in.

Pools and spas are a lot of fun! By following proper safety precautions you can have a lot of great memories and your kids can have a lot of fun! Enjoy your pools responsibly. If you have questions on pool requirements for insurance purposes, we have answers. Our licensed agents can help ensure your property is insurable and that you are properly covered in the event you have a claim.

It is our goal at Head and Malesis Insurance to provide you with the service you deserve and the knowledge you expect. Head and Malesis Insurance has been providing Washingtonians with insurance options for 30 years! We value each of our clients and want to do everything we can to exceed your expectations. We are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, advise you when needed and provide you with an overall, positive insurance experience. If you want to discuss your home, auto or other insurance needs, please feel free to call our agents or visit us online on our insurance website. We also provide life insurance.

With summer around the corner, avid campers are ready to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer. If you own a camper or trailer, it’s time to complete a quick tune up to ensure your vehicle is ready for summer use. While some people may pay to service their camper every year, it’s definitely doable to do it yourself too. Here are six areas to check when it comes to prepping your camper for summer use.

• Service your axle and hubs – One of the most common things you see with camper trailers is someone on the side of the road missing their entire wheel! Grease in the hubs can dry out and if your bearings fail, the entire wheel can come off! This is a dangerous and scary situation. This can be avoided by having your bearings repacked by your local tire shop.
• Inspect tires – Most camper trailers sit most of the year unused. Because they sit, the tires develop flat spots and cracks that can be dangerous. Inspect your camper tires for cracks as well as any flat spots. Flat spots can be avoided by using special tire savers. They’re widely available for under $100.
• Check for mold – If your camper is stored outside or if you put it away when it was wet, you may have some mold to deal with. Fortunately, getting rid of mold in campers is easy if it is just on the surface. More extensive mold issues may require a professional. If you have some surface mold, use a water and bleach solution to spray on and kill the mold. Be careful to not spray surfaces that may be discolored such as upholstery. Check along the bottom of your walls, behind curtains, under the sink or inside cabinets too for dampness. If you find it, leave a fan running over night in the camper while it is open to get circulation through the camper and dry it out.
• Inspect & test your lights – Before you hit the road, always check your lights for functionality. This should be done every time, not just at the beginning of the season.
• Check propane for leaks- Your propane system can become damaged by rodents or simply by your lines drying out or becoming bent. Your best detection for a propane leak is your nose and ears. Also, if you suspect a leak, use a soapy water solution to check your lines if you see any bubbles form from damage or suspected leak. All campers should be equipped with a propane detector for safety. If you suspect a leak, contact your local dealer to fix the issue or unplug your propane until you have time to get it fixed.
• Flush your water system- If you’ve winterized your camper, be sure to flush your potable water system well. The antifreeze in your water lines should be the non-toxic variety using propylene glycol. Regardless, flush the system well and dispose of the antifreeze in a manner consistent with federal and state regulations – not in a drain or stream.

If you are looking for a policy review on your camper, be sure to reach out to Head & Malesis Insurance. A RV policy review allows us to ensure you are getting the best coverage at the best price. We also can add additional coverage if you need it. Contact us today.

According the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 391,000 individuals were injured & 3,477 were killed from distracted driving in 2015. Insurance premiums have skyrocketed because of distracted driving and increases in traffic accidents. Distracted driving isn’t just talking on the phone or texting but can include reading articles or email, eating, brushing your hair, or any other way you’re trying to multi-task while driving.

Consider practicing good driving behavior by mastering these 5 habits every time you get inside your vehicle.

• Put your phone OUT of reach when entering your vehicle.

The back seat or placed in your bag or purse inside your trunk, along with other belongings can be a good start. If you can’t fathom doing this, continue to ask yourself, “Can it wait?” every time you want to reach for your device. Most likely it can. It may help to put your phone on mute to avoid the desire to reach for it when it alerts you of an incoming call or new text message/email. If you feel you always have to be readily available to take a phone call, pull your car over & park it before answering the call.

• Program your GPS or identify where you need to go before driving your vehicle.

Be sure to activate voice commands so your eyes can stay on the road 100% of the time.

• Groom Before or After, Not While Driving or Sitting at a Stop Light

If you find yourself running late often & grooming last minute, transition yourself out of the habit of grooming while driving. Practice doing this once you’ve arrived at your location or before you even start your vehicle.

• Eat While Parked

Don’t risk eating and driving. Instead, simple park your car and eat your meal before getting back on the road.

• Be a Role Model for Your Friends and Family

Not only demonstrate to your kids how you do not drive distracted, but also explain the dangers of doing it. If you find yourself riding along with a friend or family member, speak up if the driver is using an electronic device while driving. Offer to deliver their text message for them, act as the co-pilot or make the phone call.

If we all practice safe driving habits, we will all be better off.

It is our goal at Head and Malesis Insurance to provide you with the service you deserve and the knowledge you expect. Head and Malesis Insurance has been providing Washingtonians with insurance options for 30 years! We value each of our clients and want to do everything we can to exceed your expectations. We are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, advise you when needed and provide you with an overall, positive insurance experience. If you want to discuss your home, auto or other insurance needs, please feel free to call our agents or visit us online on our insurance website. We also provide life insurance.

Many of us collect classic cars and for good reason – they’re valuable assets and they’re fun! Regardless of what you collect or why you collect it, we all share a passion for these vehicles of the past.

For those of us who are classic car enthusiasts we need an insurance policy that matches our use and ensures that the value on our vehicles is appropriate.

Insuring your classic car is not the same as insuring your every-day driver. Insurance policies are typically less expensive and are written on an agreed value. Your classic car insurance policy can be custom tailored just to your specific vehicle, stage of restoration or usage.

Here are some examples of how you can tailor your classic car insurance policy:

Example 1: If you don’t really drive it but want to protect it in the event of an unforeseen claim, you can get a policy like that.

Example 2: If you use your classic car as an off-road vehicle and don’t want to protect the vehicle from damages from branches or other collisions, there is a policy for that.

Example 3: For those individuals who love to take their classic car on a road trip, there is coverage to protect you if you break down & it can offer a replacement vehicle, food, shelter and more.

Example 4: Need unique parts for your classic car due to a loss? There’s a policy that offers stock original replacement parts.

Each person is unique as the vehicle they collect and that is why it is imperative to talk to an insurance agent to find just the right policy for your classic or antique automobile.

Additional consideration should be made if you have a personal umbrella policy with another carrier. That carrier will typically require you to carry sufficient limits on your classic car to match the coverages on your everyday driver. This ensures you don’t create a gap in coverage, even if you rarely drive it.

Head & Malesis Insurance Agency can shop through several of our top-rated classic car insurance companies. Each insurance company specializes in specific policies such as insurance for regular use users, street rod enthusiasts, classics undergoing restoration or classics that need spare parts coverage. We’ll search to find the best coverage for your needs. Get a quote today.

As a local insurance agency, we are here to help with all your insurance questions. When it comes to renters insurance, many people assume that since they are renting an apartment, home or condo, they are fully covered by their landlord if anything unfortunate occurs.

Your landlord’s insurance policy should cover any damage to the property itself but, it will not protect against any of your personal property or liability you cause. If you were to experience water damage, for instance, if your neighbor’s pipe burst above you and damaged your personal property, you would NOT be covered.

Renters Insurance protects:

• Personal Property: items clothing, furniture, electronics, bicycles or jewelry from theft or fire, smoke, or water damage. If you have expensive individual items you may need additional insurance coverage.
• Liability Coverage: if someone is injured in your home helps cover legal fees and medical bills if you’re held liable.

Is my roommate covered with my policy?

If you are not related to your roommate (parent, sibling or spouse), most likely your roommate is NOT covered. However, each insurance company is different so please ask one of our licensed agents to confirm.

Luckily, renters insurance is an inexpensive way to make sure that your personal effects are covered in the event that damage occurs in your rental unit. Contact our agency and speak to one of our licensed agents. You may even be able to bundle your renters insurance with another line of insurance, like your auto insurance, for a discount. Get a quote today.