Subscribe Now
-
Claudia McClain is the founder and president of McClain Insurance Services.
"I am passionate about insurance and about finding the right protection plan for my clients. Insurance is not just a commodity, it is a way to help folks protect what's important to them, now and in the future. I feel blessed to be able to help my clients with customized protection plans that can adapt to different insurance needs throughout the various stages of life.”
McClain Insurance Is BBB’s 2012 Western Washington Business of the Year Torch Award Winner
19
Mar
2012
2012
BBB UPDATE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Niki Horace, V.P. of Marketing and Public Relations: 206.676.4187 | pr@thebbb.org
DuPont, Wash. – March 16, 2012 – “How does your business impact the community?” When asked this question, McClain Insurance Services Inc. of Everett — the Western Washington winner of Better Business Bureau’s 2012 Business of the Year Torch Awards — shared an impressive account of electronics recycling drives, defensive driver classes, Everett Parks and Recreation sponsorships and many other charitable community events.
After BBB reviewed applications and nominations, volunteer judges from third-party community organizations assessed company entries on four key factors: integrity, involvement, innovation and impression. Out of 51 contenders, McClain Insurance Services Inc. — an insurance agency — earned the highest recognition.
“That willingness to go above and beyond the usual day-to-day operations really stands out,” says Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. “It’s impressive to see so many businesses donating time, money and manpower to make their neighborhoods better.”
For more information on the Business of the Year Torch Awards, visit akorww.bbb.org/boyawards.
Important Insurance Coverage for Members of Homeowner’s Associations
15
Mar
2012
2012
Did you know that over 50 million American families reside in a community that’s governed by a Homeowner’s Association (HOA)? Most condominium and townhome developments, as well as newer single-family home developments, have HOAs. The HOA is usually founded when the development is built, and membership is mandatory. HOAs maintain certain rules and standards that ensure the value and quality of all the properties in the development.
Often, these neighborhoods include nice amenities like maintained sidewalks, playgrounds, or even a green belt, which are declared and protected in the HOA’s bylaws.
If you belong to a HOA, you may be at risk of receiving a “Loss Assessment” bill for thousands of dollars in the event that your association’s insurance coverage has lapsed or is inadequate to pay for a covered claim. If a loss occurs on common areas or property owned by the HOA, each homeowner in the association may be “assessed” or held responsible for a portion of the loss.
Recently, homeowners in a local neighborhood were assessed several thousand dollars each to pay for damage done when a poorly maintained greenbelt area owned by the association slid and caused damage to a neighbor’s home. The association had been inactive for many years prior to the incident but all property owners were still responsible for the commonly owned property. The total damage to the house amounted to $70,000. With only 18 property owners (and HOA members) in the neighborhood, each was assessed over $3,500 to pay for the damage.
If your home, townhome or condo is part of a homeowners’ association, please let us know. A Loss Assessment Endorsement can be added to your home insurance policy for a modest cost (usually under $25 per year.)
This endorsement will pay on your behalf for any assessment that arises from a covered peril, including liability for injuries sustained around association playgrounds, pools or pathways. (Earthquake, flood and maintenance issues would be examples of assessments not covered by this endorsement.)
McClain Insurance Supports Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation This Month!
6
Mar
2012
2012
Maybe you’ve heard of our 2012 Referral Rewards Program with the motto “Pay It Forward”: Every time you refer a friend or family member to our agency for an insurance quote, you receive a $25 Costco Gas Card as a token of our appreciation.
In addition, for each referral, we will also make a $10 donation to our Charity of the Month. March’s featured charity is the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.
Did you know that March (Dr. Seuss’ birthday month) is National Reading Month? In honor of this nationwide celebration, we are thrilled to support the Snow-Isle Libraries Foundation!
The foundation’s mission is to create support for vibrant library programs and services for the people of Snohomish and Island Counties.
Don’t Panic If You Get A Ticket
22
Feb
2012
2012
Every once in a while, we receive a panicked phone call from a client who just received a ticket. The other day, we had a chance to meet with an attorney who specializes in defending people with traffic tickets. He shared some interesting information that we’d like to pass on to you.
Getting the ticket is often your smallest worry. What’s worse are the consequences: A ticket will be listed on your driving record for three years, may trigger an increase in your insurance, and (depending on the severity) may even cause problems with your employer. Yikes!
If you are a responsible driver and if you’ve had a good driving record, you may qualify for a deferral. A deferral, if approved by a judge, means that the ticket won’t show on your driving record provided that you don’t get another ticket within one year. You are allowed to defer one moving violation (such as a speeding ticket) in a seven-year period. However, there are certain violations that cannot be deferred (such as violations in school zones.)
Keep in mind that deferral procedures differ from county to county. If you think you may qualify for a deferral, contact the court clerk listed on the front of your ticket, and inquire about their process. You may be required to fill out a form or to appear for a hearing. You will be charged a fee, which can often cost as much as the ticket. However, the savings on your insurance over the next 3 years may still make paying the fee worthwhile.
Note: Very few if any courts will allow you to defer a ticket if you’ve already paid it! If you think you may qualify for a deferral, consider contacting the court before you pay.
To Speed Or Not To Speed? PEMCO Poll Reveals NW Driving Habits
17
Feb
2012
2012
How many miles can you go over the speed limit and not get a ticket?
According to a recent PEMCO poll, about half of Washington drivers believe that they can get away with going slightly above the cited limit by taking advantage of the ”buffer zone”. A majority of those “lead-foot drivers” set their “buffer limit” at 4mph above the posted limit, and nine out of 10 Washington drivers admit that they’ve exceeded the speed limit at least once.
Oregon drivers tend to be slightly more liberal with their interpretation of the legal speed limit: Two thirds of drivers admit to taking advantage of the preceived ”buffer zone” and more than half of those add as much as 9mph to the posted limit.
In either state, of those who admit to speeding, a majority say that they’re simply keeping up with the flow of traffic and a smaller fraction say that they speed without even realizing that they’re exceeding the limit.
The question is: Is there really such a thing as a buffer zone?
You may have snuck by a police officer at 4 or 5 mph above the posted limit – but don’t be fooled. A police officer can pull over a driver for going even just 1mph above the legal limit.
And this with good reason: According to the Washington State Patrol, speeding is one of three driving behaviors where motorists are most likely to be killed or injured when drivers violate posted speed limits. Other fatal actions include driving while impaired and failure to wear a seatbelt.
Who is speeding?
An interesting fact revealed by the PEMCO poll indicates that the more you earn, the more likely you’ll speed: Almost 60% of drivers with incomes of $50,000 or more per year admit to sometimes speeding.
The same is true for drivers aged 35 or younger: Almost two-thirds of them acknowledge speeding on occasion.
While in the past, male drivers have been considered to be more aggressive drivers, research suggests that this trend is starting to shift, according to MSN Money. Not only are there more women driving powerful cars on the road than there were years ago, but also, more and more women are undergoing similar stresses as men, which may trigger similar driving patterns.
How does it affect your insurance?
Psychologists suggest that buyers tend to purchase vehicles that reflect their personalities. That’s why, as insurance carriers aim to gauge the risk that a driver represents to the company, they take into consideration not only the vehicle you drive, your driving record and driving experience, but also factors such as your profession or whether you are a homeowner, to determine your insurance rates.
If you have any questions about your car insurance, or would like to get a Car Insurance Quote, please give us a call at 425-379-9200. We’re here to help!
Don’t Fall for Valentine Tricks this Month
10
Feb
2012
2012
Valentine’s Day is not just for lovebirds anymore: The holiday has become popular among spouses, family members, kids and friends, making it the second most popular card sending holiday in the US (right after Christmas.)
Unfortunately, as with so many other occasions, crooks have also noticed the benefits of above-average volumes of cards, e-mails and greetings. So: Watch your mailbox and inbox closely. Not all Cupids are looking for love!
Phony E-Cards: You receive a friendly e-mail that tells you a friend has been thinking of you – and to simply click the link to view their greeting. Our advice: Don’t click and don’t open the attachment, or you’ll risk downloading a virus to your computer. Install a security program on your computer and keep it up-to-date to catch dubious e-mails before they even make it into your inbox.
Fraudulent Flowers: If you come an online flower service offer that sounds too good to be true – it probably is. Don’t give away your credit card information unless you know and trust the florist. Also, don’t respond to e-mails that claim problems with your flower delivery, payment, or order. This may be a scam to get your personal information.
McClain Insurance Supports Everett Public Schools Foundation This Month
7
Feb
2012
2012
You may have heard about our agency’s Referral Reward Program with the motto “Pay It Forward”: Every time you refer a friend or family member to our agency for an insurance quote, you receive a $25 Costco Gas Card as a token of our appreciation.
In addition, for each referral, we will also make a $10 donation to our Charity of the Month. February’s featured charity is the Everett Public Schools Foundation.
Since 1985, the Everett Public Schools Foundation has been providing resources to help students and staff at Everett’s Public Schools with the goal of strengthening their academic achievement.
Claudia McClain serves as this year’s Foundation Board Chair, and encourages Everett residents to attend the EPSF Benefit Breakfast on Thursday, March 8th at the Hansen Conference Center at the Comcast Arena.
Please click here for more information about the Everett Public Schools Foundation.
Dramatic Rise In Residential Burglaries and 7 Ways to Avoid Them
3
Feb
2012
2012
The City of Everett Police Department recently published a Crime Alert that shows a dramatic increase in residential burglaries in our community. Based on research by the Crime Analysis Unit, most burglaries occur on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays around midday, with the most common methods of entry being
- Unlocked doors
- Broken windows or sliding glass doors
- Pried-open doors or windows (a hard kick to the door can force the wooden door jamb to give way)
- Or unknown points of entry that didn’t show any signs of force
Many burglaries occur during the time of day when families are away at work or school. While residential burglaries can seem random in nature, the Crime Alert states, burglars tend to target homes with specific characteristics. Homes that are unoccupied, have easy and/or concealed access and quick escape routes are thieves’ favorites.
Once inside, burglars look for small, expensive items that can easily be traded for cash, such as jewelry, laptops, game consoles, dvd players, and other electronic devices, as well as watches and guns.
The Everett Police Department recommends the following tips to protect your home from burglars:
1. Light It Up
Install lights by all exterior doors and use lights at night. Also, illuminate house numbers for quick emergency service response. Install motion sensors and photocells on exterior floodlights.
2. Close and Cover
Close your garage door and cover your garage windows so no one can see inside. Don’t keep the garage door opener in your car in plain view – hide it or cover it up.
3. Trim and Prune
Trim tree branches 7 feet off the ground, prune shrubs to under 3 feet from the ground, and cut shrubs back from doors and windows. Don’t give burglars a place to hide.
4. Lock Doors and Windows
Always lock your doors and windows. Instead of hiding a spare key outside, give it to a neighbor you trust. Use dead-bolt door locks; or, if there is glass within 3 feet of the lock, use double-cyclinder dead bolt locks.
Choose solid core or metal exterior doors and install peepholes with 160 degree views.
5. Protect Valuables and Personal Information
Use a locking mailbox and keep your valuables in a safety deposit box. Don’t leave notes for anybody on the door. Keep a Home Inventory, and complete Operation ID, a burglary prevention program for homes and businesses.
6. Stop Strangers
Never let strangers enter your home. Verify workers or service providers by checking their ID cards and calling their employer. Never give your keys to a worker.
7. Vacation with Peace of Mind
Hire a house sitter, ask neighbors to help with garbage bins or to park a car in your driveway. Use timers on indoor lights to give the impression you are home.
Keep in mind that the Everett Police Department Sr. Volunteers offer Vacation Home Checks and various other services. Also, please visit the City of Everett Police Department site for more information on how to start a Neighborhood Block Watch program.
7 Tips for a Safe Snowmobile Season
27
Jan
2012
2012
Snowmobiling is certainly one of the most popular recreational winter activities. Over 120 Washington State Sno-Parks offer more than 3,000 miles of groomed trails for high-speed winter fun!
Following a few basic rules will keep this fun winter sport safe:
1. Register Your Snowmobile
Keep in mind that the same rules and regulations that apply for other motorized vehicles also apply for snowmobiles. All snowmobiles must be registered through the Washington State Department of Licensing, even if the snowmobile is only used on private property. Children ages 12 – 16 must pass the Snowmobile Safety Education Course and carry their certificate of completion with them while riding. (Please call the Winter Recreation Program at 360-902-8684 for more information about the Safety Education Course.)
2. Insure It
Although insurance for snowmobiles is not required by law in Washington State, we strongly advise all snowmobile owners and operators to carry adequate insurance. Neither your auto insurance nor your homeowner’s / renter’s insurance will provide coverage if you are held responsible in a snowmobile accident.
Keep in mind that a snowmobile – just like a car – is a motorized vehicle. You may hit another snowmobile and cause injuries or property damage to the other rider. Or, you might get hit by another driver and, if they are not insured, have to pay your medical expenses and repair costs out of your own pocket. Snowmobile Insurance will provide coverage. And, if you are a safe rider, hold a snowmobile safety certificate, own your home, or make your payments promptly, you even qualify for discounts. Please call McClain Insurance at 425-379-9200 for more information on Snowmobile Insurance in Washington, Oregon or Utah.
3. Plan Your Trip and Tell About It
Before heading out into the winter wonderland, decide which routes and trails you’ll want to ride, who you’ll go with, and how long you’ll be gone. Then, tell a friend or family member about it and check in with them at certain times during your excursion. Agree that they will call for help if they don’t hear from you within an appointed time frame.
4. Pack an Emergency Kit
- Carry personal items with you such as your driver’s license, insurance card, cash, cell phone, GPS and personal medications. Don’t forget a supply of high-energy food and water.
- Have basic safety and repair equipment on your snowmobile, including a tool kit, knife, compass, spark plugs, a spare drive belt and straps, flares, waterproof matches, a flashlight and an extra key.
- And of course, last but not least, don’t forget a first aid kit.
Pack all supplies in a waterproof container.
5. Don’t Speed – Keep Your Distance - Don’t Drink and Ride. And Know Your Snow.
All right, that’s 4 tips in one… But they are true!
- Always be in control of your vehicle, know your speed, and, at night, never ‘overdrive’ your headlights: Typically, snowmobile headlights have a reach of 200 feet. By the time you see an obstactle, you need to be able to react – and brake – before hitting the obstacle. If you are going too fast, you might not be able to see the obstacle in time to react and brake.
- Especially when you are riding in a group, it is easy to follow too closely. Follow the “3-second rule”: When the person in front of you passes an object, you should be able to count 3 seconds before you reach the same object yourself. Ride at a safe distance.
- As with any motorized vehicle, you should NEVER operate a snowmobile after you consume alcohol.
- It takes some practice to learn to ride a snowmobile in various conditions. Check the weather report before you head out, and be prepared for patches of ice, dirt or snowdrifts. Powdery snow can be ideal for riding – but it’s also easily whirled into the air by snowmobiles ahead, impairing visibility. Adjust your speed. Wet snow is also fun to ride, but heavy wet snow can make the snowmobile more difficult to steer.
6. Ice and Avalanche Safety
The safest rule is to never cross a frozen lake or river, since you can never be absolutely sure that the ice is thick enough to support the weight of a snowmobile.
Beware of collisions: If you enjoy riding and whirling on ice, others will too. Be extremely mindful of other snowmobilers.
Snowmobilers top the list of people who get caught or perish in avalanches in North America. In 90% of cases, the avalance did not just occur, but was triggered by the victim or a member of their group. Do your part in practicing avalanche safety, and help avoid avalanches. For more information, please visit http://www.fsavalanche.org/
7. Towing
- If you must tow a disabled snowmobile behind yours, be extremely careful.
- Always remove the drive belt from the machine that will be towed.
- If possible, use a rigid bar instead of a chain or rope. If you must use a rope, tie the left ski of the disabled sled securely to the hitch of the towing vehicle to keep it from veering into oncoming traffic.
- If possible, avoid pulling riders on the disabled snowmobile. If you have to carry passengers on the towed sled, they should help steering, braking, and be mindful of kicked-up chunks of ice and snow.
For more helpful tips on Snowmobile Safety, please visit the Safe Riders Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program.
McClain Insurance Supports Everett Cocoon House This Month
23
Jan
2012
2012
If you are a client of McClain Insurance and received the January newsletter, you may have noticed our new 2012 Referral Rewards Program with the motto “Pay It Forward”.
Every time you refer a friend or family member to our agency for an insurance quote, you will receive a $25 Gas Card as our “thank you” for your kindness.
In addition, for each referral, we will also make a $10 donation to our Charity of the Month. January’s featured charity is Everett’s Cocoon House.
Cocoon House has been supporting Snohomish County homeless and at-risk youth since 1991. The organization houses 230 youth each year, and provides valuable resources, training and life-skills to teens aged 13-17.
From emergency shelters to long-term housing, from meals to showers, from open hearts and available adults to the opportunity to just be a child in the process of growing up, Cocoon House has helped hundreds of youth discover their strengths, talents, values and ability to take their life into their own hands.
For more information about Cocoon House, please visit www.cocoonhouse.org