We all hear that bundling your insurance policies can save you money! And in some instances it may. However, it isn’t always the most cost savings, and here’s why.
Often auto insurance premiums can vary widely by person, and most bundling companies offer discounts to combine both policies with one company. However, these discounts often expire after a year or two and you are left with a higher homeowners premium than if you went with a home insurance specific company.
Always shop around to see what the combined total would be, whether with more than one company or the same company, and make sure your coverages are adequate for both home and auto.
If you’d like to get a free online 30 second quote to see if you can save money, visit us at http://www.westernmutual.com.
As your preferred insurance carrier for over 75 years, Western Mutual would like to invite you to stay connected with us by following our social media page on all major platforms. This will allow you to keep up with our weekly blogs, frequently asked questions, website updates, human-interest stories and our soon to come, Facebook live sessions.
We are active on the following platforms; just search us by name!
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and our very own media room that can be found by visiting www.westernmutual.com
Almost every home maintenance blog you come across will list the importance of cleaning things like your gutters and fireplace but many miss a hidden danger that is in every home. Although you may not think about it, your bathroom exhaust fan can pose a risk and spark a fire as it is an electrical appliance built into the ceiling of your bathrooms.
We want to share some tips on how to clean and reduce the risk of having a bathroom fan fire.
Always remove the vent screen to get rid of dust build up or any mold, which may have started growing. The proper procedure after safely removing it is by submerging it in warm soapy water with bleach. Once this is completed, let it air dry while you clean the air duct.
More often than not, the air duct collects more dust and buildup then the actual vent screen, which does not allow the fan to have max airflow and causes the motor to overheat, posing a fire risk.
Pay attention to things like potential wires that may be loose or details such as screws that may need to be tightened to prevent rattling or falling out and interfering with the fan.
You may want to install a timer to reduce the risk of a fire as leaving the fan on for hours can cause the motor to overheat. Our suggestion is to limit fan usage to 20 minutes or less and only turn on when truly necessary.
In addition, hiring a licensed electrician is a good idea if you are not familiar with the installation or inner components of the bathroom exhaust.
We hope this will keep your family and home safe from this forgotten about danger.
What a year it has been since last graduation season, when drive by ceremonies and celebrations became the norm. We are happy to hear that many schools will resume in person graduations, acknowledging these teens hard work as their loved ones watch them cross the stage.
So to the class of 2021, you made it through a pandemic, you can make it through anything.
This coming Monday is Memorial Day. We observe this day in honor of all the men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. Recognizing that they risked their life to protect ours and fought for the freedom we get to appreciate every single day. May their efforts never be forgotten as we are the home of the free because of the brave, we thank you today and every day.
Tonight, we experience yet another full moon but with a unique name… the flower moon.
Given its title due to the abundance of blossoms that appear in North America during this time. It is believed by the Ojibwe tribe of the Great Lakes that this moon initiates the sprouting of all plants that went dormant for winter. Being one of only two super moons that we will experience this year, you do not want to miss it.
Homeowners insurance policies are there to protect you against fires, theft, vandalism, wind and hailstorms among other things but are you prepared to file a claim?
Filing a claim could be intimidating, especially if it is your first time but rest assured that your claim adjustor is there for you every step of the way. All you must worry about is being prepared by having proof of your property prior to the damage. How you ask?
We encourage homeowners to take a video of their home, starting on the outside and then proceed by showing every room. Remember to capture things such as your flooring, countertops, furniture and lighting while giving a brief explanation of what you are showing. Still photos would work as well – if they are on something like your smart phone which is sure to leave the house with you in case of an emergency.
If you have important documents or items of higher value like jewelry, it is suggested to store these things in a fireproof safe. Lastly, have a written inventory of your items where you catalog each thing by what room it is in and how much you paid for it. Make sure to include brand, series, model number and serial numbers were applicable.
We hope this helps you prepare in getting your home inventory taken care of and stored securely.
Want to get a quote? Visit us online at http://www.westernmutual.com for a 30 second, free web quote on your home insurance.
But before we light up the coals, we must remember some safety tips to enjoy our Summer – accident free.
So please, do remember to keep your grill a minimum of 10 ft from your home as heat and embers can travel and start fires. Also, clean your grill regularly so that you avoid the buildup of grease which could cause unwanted flare ups. Never turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed, it produces gas build up inside your grill and may cause a fireball at the time of ignition.
While grilling, never leave your BBQ unattended as fires double in size every minute. Plan ahead so that all of your other food prep chores are done and you can focus on grilling. It is also important to not overload your grill with food. This applies especially to fatty meats. The basic reason for this tip is that if too much fat drips on the flames at once, it can cause a large flare-up that could light nearby things on fire.
And of course, it is highly recommended to keep a fire extinguisher in close proximity just in case.
Happy Grilling!
Interested in a quote? Visit us online at www.westernmutual.com for a free, 30 second quote on your home insurance.
Most homeowners have their property insurance escrowed into their mortgage, making it easy to take care of two things with one payment. However, what if you recently refinanced or are in the process of doing so? Please confirm with your soon-to-be lender if they or you will be responsible for paying.
If it is impounded/escrowed then no worries…the lender will submit payment for this policy and continue the coverage on your home. But, if your responsible for the premium then here are ways you can make that payment.
Visit us online and click on ‘Pay My Bill’ the system will prompt you for your policy number and zip code before bringing forth your option of a monthly or one-time transaction. www.westernmutual.com/policy
Call one of our licensed representatives who are more than happy to assist (800) 234-2103.
Call our automated line and submit payment easy and hassle free instantly (888) 467-7736.
Interested in a quote? Go online at www.westernmutual.com for a free, 30 second web quote on your home insurance.
Normally, Tax Day is on April 15th but this year, you have until tonight to file your 2020 taxes!
With covid still affecting many things, the deadline was extended to allow for those needing more time to get affairs in order that necessary period.
If you’re filing online, be sure to read the fine print carefully and understand all questions or sections being asked to answer.
And just in case you are not receiving any money back this year, look into saving some by visiting us online a retrieving a quote on your homeowners insurance.
Our dedicated sales agents can assist you with any questions you may have! Available to you Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST, reach us toll free at 1-877-WMUTUAL.
Interested in a quote? Go to http://www.westernmutual.com for a 30 second, free web quote on your home insurance.