With the recent wildfires in our state some homeowners actually received calls from there insurance carriers offering preventative help in protecting their homes.

Carriers like Safeco and Nationwide have a program called the “Wildfire Defense Program”. Under this program, the carrier employs a 3rd party like Wildfire Defense Systems Inc. (WDS) to assist with items like :

-Emergency Fuel Mitigation (removing overgrown vegetation, fuel tanks, trash etc.)

-Use of temporary sprinkler systems.

-Fire engine operations and/or application of fire blocking gel.

WDS and local firefighting resources work together to identify the properties that are most defensible and determine which steps should be used to protect enrolled homes from wildfire.

For more information about this program and whether your carrier offers it, talk to your agent or give us a call!

As you’ve likely heard by now Washington recently passed a new “Distracted driving Law”.

Under this new law drivers who are deemed ” dangerously engaging in any activity not related to the task of driving that interferes with safely operating the vehicle” can be cited $99 as a secondary offense.

This new law has created a lot of confusion among drivers who want to now things like:

-Can I still enjoy my coffee during that grueling morning commute?

-Is eating still allowed while I drive?

-What if I groom myself  or apply makeup at a stop light?

-Can I drive with my dog on my lap?

The answer, as the law was written, is that you cannot be stopped for doing any of these things while driving.  The caveat to that is that if while participating in these activities you operate your vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner, you can be pulled over and cited.

Example: While sipping a hot cup of coffee you spill some in your lap and swerve into the lane next to you.  In this case you could be stopped for an illegal lane change as the primary offense and fined a minimum of $124. You would also likely be cited an additional $99 for distracted driving as the secondary offense.

What hasn’t changed however is the states stance on things like texting and talking on your cell phone using your hands. This has been illegal for quite some time.

Aside from the fines, you also face potential increases in your insurance rates.   A distracted driving offense, unlike driving while texting violations, will be added to the drivers motor vehicle report or (MVR) . This report is commonly run 30-45 days prior to a drivers renewal date on his/her policy. Any new infractions are typically found here and and factored into the new rate the driver see’s at renewal time.

The moral of the story is if you can’t do it and stay fully focused on the road, don’t do it all.

If not you better hurry.  Many popular places like Deception Pass State Park book out weeks in advance if you plan to stay during a weekend.   Although availability is spotty, you can still find desirable sites if your schedule is flexible or if you’re open to last minute cancellations.  Check out the Washington State Parks website for availability at your favorite camping destination!

Spanning 28 miles in length, Long Beach WA is the longest drivable beach in the world.  It sits nestled along the southwest coast of Washington state just 165 miles south of Seattle WA and 115 miles northwest of Portland OR.

With its fine beaches, local festivals, and pristine local parks like Cape Disappointment , Long Beach is a popular vacation destination for Washingtonian’s and Oregonians alike.

With all the recent rainfall,  local waterfalls like this one at Victor Falls are sure putting on a show!

Victor Falls, Bonney Lake WA