Paying Your Premium

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.

  1. 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
  2. Call one of our licensed representatives who are more than happy to assist (800) 234-2103.
  3. 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.

Last Day to File Taxes

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.

Switching Mid Term FAQs

Have no fear, Western Mutual is here!

Here to debunk some assumptions about switching mid-term and the process of doing so that is.

  1. Yes! You can switch mid-term penalty free. Actually if your current coverage isn’t expired yet, you’re actually owed a refund.
  2. No! You don’t have to wait until your renewal date to cancel. Homeowner’s insurance policies are not contracts.
  3. Yes! You can save some money for being a new customer. So why not earn some cash back and pay less for your coverage.
  4. No! Your previous carrier will not notify your lender. Please make sure to advise your bank about your new company and provide them a copy of it.
  5. Yes! You can shop around without commitment. Many carriers can provide you an instant online quote.

So now that you know. Visit us online at www.westernmutual.com for your free, online, commitment free 30-second quote.

Reduce Homeowners Insurance Costs

When it comes to protecting your home and family we understand the need to know you’re being taken care of at a reasonable rate.  And that’s why we would like to provide you some tips on ways to save, because while protecting your home is our priority, saving you money in the process is our secondary focus.

One way of bringing your cost down is by installing a monitored security system. Installing a home security system is a great way to qualify for a discount. Some insurers like us, may require the system to be monitored by a professional monitoring company, while others are OK with simple video surveillance. If you have already installed an alarm system, make sure you choose a provider that offers a discount for it. If you don’t have a home security system already, consider buying one for a rate discount and additional security.

Another means of lowering your premium is by installing a Wi-Fi water detection system. This device would track the water usage in your home and alert you at the first sign of excess water flow, essentially saving you from a costly water claim. Many insurance carriers offer a discount for this and even an additional percentage off for remaining claims free after a certain amount of years. If you have a policy with us you can get a Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff for 50% off and free installation. Visit meetflo.com/western-mutual for more information.

A simple way to earn some credit is by going green. Many companies are giving discounts as in incentive for paperless billing and communication. This is something that is easily accessible from your phone or tablet, so why not save some cash?

And of course, raising your deductible seems a bit frightening but many responsible homeowners know that a small increase means a big reduction. While we don’t recommend maxing out your deductible, we do think you should find that sweet spot where you can comfortably pay out a deductible while still saving money on your premium.

Thinking of Selling? Important Steps to Remember

As we all know the housing market is hot right now, with bid wars making properties sell for well over asking price. And with multiple offers to review, paper work to sign and packing your belongings, one might forget some very important steps. Here is a helpful reminder to make sure all things are taken care of during the best month to sell.

At the time of accepting an offer and setting an estimated closing date, remember to call your home insurance carrier to advise them that you will no longer reside there on such date. Also, if you are purchasing a new home or condo, consider using your same insurance company to get a quote on it.

What about your personal belongings? Our policies protect your personal property to the full amount listed on the policy while in transit from one property to the next. If the items are being held in storage prior to your move, they are still covered but at 10% of what is listed on your policy.

Probably the most important thing to remember is to provide your insurance carrier and anyone whom you would receive correspondence from your forwarding address or temporary P.O Box. Many of times there is a pro-rated refund you will receive and we want to make sure that reaches you.

3 Coverages Included in Your Homeowners Policy

Western Mutual has proudly be serving homeowners for over 75 years, providing coverage for both your property and liability for any unforeseen injuries. Our standard has policy has 3 essential coverages and they include:

Dwelling + Other Structures – This part of the policy pays to repair or rebuild a home or fence if damaged by a covered peril such as a fire, wind/hail storm, etc. The amount of coverage on your home is based on reconstruction cost estimates which calculate labor and materials for your specific property.

Personal Property – Exactly what it sounds like, this is coverage for your furniture, clothes, equipment, and anything that would fall out if we flipped your house upside down. However, please know if you own expensive items like art pieces, jewelry, or silverware…these items are limited in coverage but can be added for a small feel with a professional appraisal.

Liability Protection – Liability will protect you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that policyholders have caused other people. One unique thing about liability is that it’s an off-premises coverage as well-meaning you are protected anywhere in the world.  The liability portion of the policy pays for both the cost of defending the policyholder in court and any court awards—up to the limit of the policy.

We hope knowing this basic yet crucial information allows you understand and ease your concerns about your coverage.

This Day in History

On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath as the first president of the United States. The oath was administered by Robert R. Livingston, the Chancellor of New York, on a second-floor balcony. Centuries later and George Washington is still one of the most influential and notable presidents this country has ever had. So much so he made the coveted spot of being displayed on every US dollar bill.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

As this month comes to an end, we hope that the adage “April showers bring May flowers” holds true. Typically, the month of April has the rainiest days due to a shift in jet streams and atmospheric pressure. But as they say, every storm runs out of rain and that means we await the beautiful creation that nature holds.

So, as we watch our garden come into full bloom, we would like to wish you a bright and beautiful new month.

Avoid Escrow Delays

Say hello to Affinity, a free online program that allows mortgage professionals to retrieve a pre-approved homeowners insurance quote. These pre-approved quotes allow the loan process to be sped up so that there are no more escrow delays!

EZaffinity.com is new and improved with the eligibility requirements built into it. Our user-friendly program makes it easy to print out the evidence of insurance within minutes with its step-by-step process. All policies receive a two-year promotional discount and its available to you 24/7.

There is no membership fee or catch, just a site meant for you to allow us to provide coverage. And if you have any questions, licensed agents are ready to assist.

Call us at 1-800-234-3659 or visit EZaffinity.com.