Storm Anchoring Gone Wrong: Who’s Responsible When Your Boat Drifts?

Posted on March 28, 2025March 25, 2025 by admin

A storm rolls in, the wind picks up, and despite your best efforts, your boat breaks free from its anchor and drifts into another vessel—or worse, a dock or private property. It’s a nightmare scenario for any boat owner, but who is actually responsible for the damage? At Alpine Ridge Insurance, serving the greater Auburn, WA region, we help boaters understand their coverage so they’re prepared for unexpected situations on the water.

Liability If Your Boat Drifts

In most cases, boat owners are responsible for securing their vessels properly, even in severe weather. If your boat drifts due to improper anchoring or lack of precaution, you could be held liable for any damage it causes. This includes collisions with other boats, docks, or shoreline structures. However, if a storm is particularly extreme and considered an "act of God," liability may not be as clear-cut.

Does Your Insurance Cover the Damage?

The good news is that many boat insurance policies include coverage for accidental damage, including incidents caused by drifting. If your policy includes liability coverage, it can help pay for damages your boat causes to others. Comprehensive coverage may also help cover the cost of repairing your own vessel if it sustains damage during the storm. However, exclusions and limits can vary, so reviewing your policy is crucial to ensure you have the proper protection.

Stay Protected on the Water

Storms can be unpredictable, but your insurance coverage shouldn’t be. Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA, can help you find the right boat insurance policy to keep you covered in any situation. Contact us today to review your options and navigate the waters with confidence!

Will Home Insurance Cover Vehicles on the Property?

Posted on February 28, 2025February 24, 2025 by admin

Home insurance is necessary for all homeowners to protect their investments against a wide range of potential damages to their property and other issues like vandalism, theft, and personal liability if someone gets injured on their property. But does home insurance cover other items that might be on your property? For instance, will your home insurance cover the damage if your boat is stored in a shed or your car is parked in the garage due to a fire or a natural disaster? These are important questions to consider! Here’s what you need to know about home insurance and vehicles and how you can secure the right home insurance policy and other insurance policies with our support here at Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA.

Does Home Insurance Cover Vehicles Damaged on Your Property?

Unfortunately, home insurance does not cover vehicles that may get damaged on your property. Home insurance is designed specifically to offer coverage for your home and its belongings, but this excludes major items like vehicles. While it might seem like anything under the roof or on the property should be covered, most items that could get damaged, like boats or vehicles, should already have their own coverage to operate them safely. If they are damaged by a fire or anything else, that coverage will provide the financial support needed to deal with the damage, while your home insurance will help you deal with the home itself. One option you could consider to get a deal is to bundle, but never assume that your home insurance will cover everything on your property!

Secure Home Insurance With Alpine Ridge Insurance

Ready to find the right home insurance policy? Get started with us here at Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA. Compare quotes today!

How the Rise of Van Life Has Influenced RV Insurance Needs

Posted on January 31, 2025January 27, 2025 by admin

Van life has become a popular movement, offering modern adventurers the freedom to roam the world and live on their own terms. This nomadic lifestyle has redefined what it means to own an RV, blending travel with minimalism. With this shift comes new challenges for RV insurance. Let’s explore how van life has reshaped insurance needs and what RV owners in Auburn, WA need to know to stay protected.

The Van Life Trend

Van life is the art of transforming vans or RVs into cozy, mobile living spaces. It offers the freedom to travel while embracing a minimalist lifestyle. This trend has skyrocketed in popularity, especially among younger generations drawn to flexibility and a sense of adventure. From custom-built camper vans to traditional RVs, people are transforming how they live and explore.

How Van Life Alters RV Insurance Needs

Full-time travel increases the risk of accidents and wear, requiring comprehensive policies. Custom conversions, such as solar panels or built-in kitchens, require specialized coverage to protect these modifications. Full-time living also means carrying more personal belongings, necessitating added protection.

Van lifers may also need roadside assistance and extended liability coverage to handle breakdowns or manage accidents when traveling. The right RV insurance policy can help cover all of these unexpected incidents, giving RV enthusiasts peace of mind.

What RV Owners Should Know

RV owners embracing van life should customize their insurance to cover vehicle modifications and ensure that their investment is protected. It’s essential to differentiate between full-time and part-time living, as full-time use may increase premiums but provide more comprehensive coverage.

Get Coverage with Alpine Ridge Insurance

Staying protected on the road requires a tailored RV insurance policy. Contact Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA, to discuss your coverage needs.

Should Newlyweds Combine Their Auto Insurance?

Posted on December 23, 2024December 21, 2024 by admin

At Alpine Ridge Insurance, we understand that there is a lot of information online about auto insurance and getting married, but not all of it is accurate. We want our Auburn, WA, customers to understand that combining their auto coverage when they get married won’t always benefit them.

Understanding the Facts

While some blogs advise newlyweds to combine their policies, this only benefits the couple if both spouses have good driving records. If either spouse has a DUI on record or has lost points due to tickets, keeping two separate policies serves them better. When both spouses have bad driving records, premiums could skyrocket if you combine policies.

Your credit score affects things the same way. If one of you has a high credit score and the other has a low one, the cost of a combined policy usually goes up. Keeping your auto insurance separate results in savings.

Planning Your Finances Together

Don’t be like Brenda and Fritz from "The Closer." That TV couple didn’t frankly discuss their pasts before marriage, and in one episode, Brenda learns about Fritz’s two DUIs when they try to combine auto coverage. Real-life couples can avoid that situation by discussing their finances and factors affecting them from the past before saying, "I do."

Contact Us Today for an Insurance Review

Alpine Ridge Insurance does not offer pre-marriage counseling, but we do know a lot about honesty and insurance. If you live in the Auburn, WA, area and need auto insurance, contact us today. Let us help you build a policy that protects your financial future.

Stay Anchored with the Right Boat/Watercraft Insurance Solutions

Posted on November 25, 2024November 22, 2024 by admin

There are many important aspects of a boat. The anchor, however, is one aspect that is often overlooked and undervalued. Much like boat insurance, when your boat gets ripped away from the dock by a storm, it is the anchor that can keep it from getting lost at sea, and it is insurance that can cover your losses if it does. This is one of the many reasons why boat owners in and around the Tulsa, OK area rely on the professional and friendly team at Greater Tulsa Insurance Inc. for all their boat/watercraft insurance needs.

Stay Anchored with the Right Boat/Watercraft Insurance Solutions

Yes, it is true that Oklahoma does not require boat owners to carry insurance. However, a thief, vandal, approaching storm, or even a boating accident may require insurance to avoid spending thousands of dollars out-of-pocket to keep your ship afloat and your boat anchored to the dock. And if you are financing your boat or watercraft, like so many do, then boat/watercraft insurance will also be a requirement. These are a few of the many reasons why working with a proven, experienced, and reputable agency like Greater Tulsa Insurance is important.

Boat Insurance Solutions for Tulsa, OK Area Boat Owners

Do you own a boat or watercraft and live in or around the greater Tulsa, OK area? Do you have questions about boat insurance or need coverage for your sparkling new boat? Then, our experienced and knowledgeable team at Greater Tulsa Insurance Inc. can help. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment for the protection and coverage you and your boat need and deserve, and stay anchored with the right boat/watercraft insurance solutions at Greater Tulsa Insurance Inc. today.

Things you need to consider when looking for boat/watercraft insurance

Posted on November 25, 2024November 22, 2024 by admin

If you’re a boat or watercraft owner, preparing and protecting your vessel before taking it out on the water is crucial. There are over 17 million boats in the United States, including 13 million registered and 4 million unregistered. As a responsible boat/watercraft owner, you should be aware that boating accidents happen frequently. Therefore, it’s extremely important to have proper boat/watercraft insurance to protect yourself and your valuable possessions. Here are some things you need to consider when shopping for boat/watercraft insurance:

1. What boat/watercraft insurance covers

Typically, standard boat/watercraft insurance covers the following:

Collision damage
Bodily injury liability
Property damage liability
Comprehensive coverage

You can also purchase additional coverage to ensure you’re fully protected. It’s recommended to discuss this with an insurance agent who can help you choose the best coverage.

2. The value of your boat or watercraft

When shopping for this type of insurance, make sure to provide the insurance agent with information about the value of your boat or watercraft so that they can find the best coverage for you. Remember that the value of your boat isn’t always directly tied to the original purchase price.

3. The use of your boat/watercraft and its location

This is also one of the most important factors to consider when looking for insurance. For example, if you keep your boat in a marina, the owner’s association might have an insurance policy covering boats. However, if you keep your vessel at a private dock, you’ll need to get full coverage.

Alpine Ridge Insurance – A Reliable And Trustworthy Insurance Company

If you’re a boat or watercraft owner in Auburn, WA, or any other nearby area, and you’re looking for boat/watercraft insurance, Alpine Ridge Insurance is here to help. Our professional and experienced insurance agents will answer all your questions and help you find insurance based on your individual needs and budget.

How natural disasters are covered in a home insurance policy.

Posted on October 28, 2024October 23, 2024 by admin

Many consumers understand that a standard home insurance policy covers perils such as fire, windstorm damage, lightning, and hail damage. However, damage related to natural disasters can be somewhat confusing. At Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA, we’re here to help clarify what is covered in your home policy regarding natural disasters.

What qualifies as a natural disaster?

The state of Washington is no stranger to natural disasters. If you have lived in the state for any length of time, you have likely experienced or seen weather reports of earthquakes, flooding, landslides, wildfires, volcanoes, droughts, heat waves, winter storms, and other severe storms. With climate change happening worldwide, the chances of these disasters occurring in Washington are expected to increase.

What natural disasters can be covered by a homeowners policy?

Now that we have explained what constitutes a natural disaster, let’s discuss which incidents are covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.

Earthquakes: They are not covered by a standard home insurance policy, but you can add them to your standard policy for an additional cost. Washington experiences over a thousand earthquakes a year, so it may be a coverage you’d like to discuss with our licensed agents.
Floods: Another coverage not covered on a standard home insurance policy but has caused more damage in the state than any other natural disaster. However, it can be added to your policy for an additional fee. It can also be written to include flooding due to a tsunami.
Wildfires: Covered and treated as a fire on a standard policy.
Winter Storms: A standard home policy typically covers damage related to the weight of ice and snow on rooftops.
Landslides: Can be added as a rider on your home insurance policy.
Volcanoes: Mostly covered on a standard home insurance policy with a few exceptions. Talk to our licensed agent for a complete list of exclusions.

For more information about Home Insurance in Washington

We understand that you want to make sure your home is covered in case of a natural disaster. We are here to help. For more information about protecting your home from the unthinkable, call Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA, at (253) 833-9501.

Considerations for First-Time RV Buyers

Posted on September 30, 2024September 28, 2024 by admin

Acquiring an RV can add a touch of adventure and leisure to your lifestyle. However, making the right purchase requires considering several factors, especially if you’ve never owned an RV. Irrespective of the RV model you opt for, you’ll need an experienced insurance agent to help secure the best RV insurance that matches your needs. The Alpine Ridge Insurance team is ready to serve clients in the Auburn, WA, area.

Key Considerations for Prospective RV Owners

To make the proper RV purchase, you need to visualize its use over time, considering factors such as the growth of your family or the approach of the empty nest stage. Here are some issues to consider:

Intended Usage: What activities will you engage in with the RV? Will you stick to RV-friendly areas or venture into remote territories?
Space: How many people should the RV accommodate in terms of seating and sleeping? Your planned activities will dictate the storage space you require.
Destination: Where do you plan to travel, and for how long? What size of tanks will you need? Would you require solar power when off-grid?
Type of RV: Depending on the above requirements, you can determine whether a Class A, B, or C RV or a towable RV suits your needs.
Financing and Maintenance: Factor in the costs of purchasing, fueling, maintaining, storing, and insuring your RV.

Consider shopping online, visiting RV dealers, and attending RV shows to aid your decision-making process. Once you’ve identified your desired RV, consider renting the same or similar model. Using the rental RV in your future plans will help confirm your choice or indicate a need to consider other options.

RV Insurance Solutions from Alpine Ridge Insurance

At Alpine Ridge Insurance, serving Auburn, WA, our goal is to address your RV or other insurance needs. Call us today or drop by our office to explore the ideal coverage for your needs.

Auto Insurance: For Every Drivers Blind Spot

Posted on August 30, 2024August 27, 2024 by admin

Driving instructors and experienced drivers incessantly remind us to check the "blind spot" while driving, particularly when maneuvering lanes or reversing. When referring to that infamous blind spot, they are primarily talking about the area that the conventional side mirrors don’t reflect, usually around the rear door and panel area of the vehicle, that the conventional side mirrors don’t reflect.

Though many modern cars have small wide-angle mirrors incorporated within their side-view mirrors, insurance can still assist with all the spots, angles, and unforeseen issues. This is why drivers in and around Auburn, WA, routinely consult with the professional and friendly agents at Alpine Ridge Insurance for all their auto insurance requirements, including those hidden in their blind spots.

Safeguarding Every Driver’s Blind Spot

Defensive driving courses instill the importance of being conscious of remaining in other drivers’ blind spots. When you see people pivot halfway before changing lanes, you know they’ve been educated to inspect those hard-to-see areas. However, not all blind spots are on the roadways, and unfortunately, they are hidden threats that many drivers might encounter.

Working with an experienced and professional agent can help with the blind spots you know to look out for and those you don’t. One oversight could be costlier than ever imagined, just like it is on the roads. From your coverage to your driving requirements, the right auto insurance can protect you from all your blind spots, even those you don’t see.

We are here to assist if you reside in or around the Auburn, WA, area and have queries about auto insurance or need coverage. Contact Alpine Ridge Insurance and let our team help you secure the protection you need and deserve today.

Boat Insurance and Safety Tips

Posted on July 30, 2024July 29, 2024 by admin

Understanding Boat Insurance and Safeguarding Your Vessel

Boat owners are required to have insurance to protect their vessels and passengers and cover incidental property damage as well as standard perils. Your boat’s type, size, and value will dictate the kind of insurance needed. Small vessels like canoes, mini sailboats, and some powerboats may be covered by homeowners insurance. Larger, faster, and high-value boats will need a dedicated policy with a separate deductible. Our agents at Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA, explain the essentials of boat insurance and share helpful tips for staying safe on the water.

Types of Boat Insurance and Optional Coverage

There are two main types of boat insurance with differing costs and parameters. Actual cash value coverage takes into account the vessel’s depreciation when paying for replacement costs. Agreed amount value policies are established between the insurer and owner and are based on a valuation that both parties agree upon.

Some optional coverage aspects to consider include:

Physical damage or loss to the boat
Theft
Bodily injury
Damage to someone else’s property
Medical payments
Guest passenger liability
Trailer and boat accessories
Loss or theft of belongings
Towing

Washington Boating Safety Tips

Before navigating your watercraft, keep these safety pointers in mind:

Equip your boat with navigation lights, life jackets, flotation devices, emergency flares, and a horn, whistle, or loud bell.
Evenly distribute loads or passengers in the vessel, being careful not to overload it.
Understand maritime laws as well as boating regulations in your area. Learn key distress signals.
Check weather forecasts for water condition updates.
Keep a lookout for swimmers, other boats, and floating debris in shallow waters.
Never allow others or yourself to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Stay Protected with Boat Insurance from Alpine Ridge Insurance

Safeguard your investment by protecting your vessel, yourself, and your passengers with suitable boat insurance. Contact Alpine Ridge Insurance in Auburn, WA, to learn more about our insurance policies and get a quote.