Home Insurance: Pride of Ownership

Dec 6 2011 There are perks to being a homeowner and then there are the not-so-perks about being a homeowner. I experienced one of those homeowner's not-so-perks this past weekend when my wife told me that if I wanted to get our... more ›

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Holiday Home Safety

Dec 2 2011 We want you and your home to be safe this holiday season. Your home insurance and health insurance are the last things we want you to have to use! Keep safe with these health & home insurance tips for holiday... more ›

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Christmas Light Safety Videos

Dec 1 2011 If you're celebrating Christmas in your home this year, make sure you decorate safely. Many home fires are started every year because unsafe methods or lights were used, or because lights were left on and unattended in... more ›

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Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Nov 23 2011 Be safe this Thanksgiving. We want your holidays to be filled with fun, family, friends, and food. Not fires. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that approximately 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in the US occur... more ›

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How to Safely Thaw, Cook, Store, and Reheat your Turkey

Nov 23 2011 Fresh or Frozen? If you haven't already thawed your turkey, your options for thawing are limited, and you'd better start right away! From the Food Safety and Inspection Services, here are the safe methods for thawing,... more ›

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Thanksgiving Deep-Frying Turkey Safety

Nov 23 2011 Deep-fried turkey is delicious and juicy, but also incredibly dangerous. Take the proper precautions. If you're planning on deep-frying your turkey this year, it is very important that you remember to: Use only small... more ›

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Should I Buy Life Insurance for My Children?

Nov 16 2011 Should I take out life insurance policies on my children, and if so, when? Absolutely. These days, with more and more diagnoses of afflictions such as ADD, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and food allergies, getting life... more ›

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The "New" Refinance Program - Can You Benefit?

Nov 11 2011 You’ve likely heard the news about the “new” refinance program that was recently announced to help underwater homeowner’s refinance and take advantage of our record low mortgage rates. Rather... more ›

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ANNUAL DRAWING!

Nov 11 2011 ONE MONTH till our ANNUAL REFERRAL PROGRAM DRAWING! In just ONE MONTH, we'll pull out SIX WINNERS, for: $1000 in FREE GAS CARDS $250 SHOPPING SPREE $50 RESTAURANT GIFT CARD $50 RESTAURANT GIFT CARD $25 GIFT CARD... more ›

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Avoid Holiday Overeating

Nov 11 2011 1. Don’t arrive on an empty stomach! Although you may be tempted to skip lunch so you can splurge on dessert, don’t! Have a bowl of cereal, vegetable sticks, fresh fruit, a salad, a handful... more ›

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Health Insurance Reform Update: Washington State

Nov 2 2011 Here’s the latest on the status of health insurance for Washington State residents and employers. The Health Insurance Affordable Care Act [PPACP] was passed in March of 2010, with various provisions of the act... more ›

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Is Your Car Insurance Complete?

Sep 26 2011 When was the last time you looked at your car insurance policy? Do you know if you have all the coverage you’d need if you got into an accident? Not all car insurance policies are created equal. Does your car... more ›

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Rhoda's Retirement & a New Employee

Sep 19 2011 Rhoda had been with us on our Commercial Lines Team since September of 2006. A former resident of Hawaii, she brought with her over 30 years work experience in the financial industry, and a 9 year history in insurance.... more ›

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Back-to-School Driving Safety

Sep 19 2011 Most children involved in bus-related fatalities are 4-7 years old, and have been hit by motorists that illegally pass a stopped school bus. Because of this, Balcos Insurance wants to make sure you know the laws when it... more ›

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Utility Service Coverage and DIC policies: Protection from the Coming Storms

Sep 16 2011 Storms, rain, wind, flooding... Roads washing out, trees falling over, power lines coming down...  It's getting to be that time of the year again in the Northwest. Even though "that time of the year" is about nine... more ›

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Clean up your Business

Sep 16 2011 Ensuring that your work space is clean and organized can have great results, such as boosting staff productivity, improving mental clarity and focus, and inspiring a positive outlook. But where do you start? Getting... more ›

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Don't Stress Out: Tips on Living Stress Free

Aug 25 2011 Stress. We've all heard of it and we've all experienced it. While a certain amount of stress can actually be good for you (it increases productivity, among other things), too much is detrimental. In fact,... more ›

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Home Improvement is No Joke

Aug 25 2011 With the warmer weather and longer weekends, many of us are getting ready to do a little DIY (Do-It-Yourself). A word to the wise: 70 deaths per year are caused by DIY projects gone wrong. Keep this list in mind and... more ›

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Allergies in the Home

Aug 25 2011 Allergies are not just an inconvenience. Some people have severe reactions to normal, everyday items. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, don't spend another season being miserable: detoxify your home and breathe... more ›

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Hiring Tips for Small Business Owners

Aug 5 2011 As a business owner, one of your top priorities (along with proper insurance) should be hiring competent and gifted team members. Hiring new staff or replacing someone is also one of the top "pain points." The entire... more ›

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Insurance to Cover Contraception

Aug 2 2011 Starting in August 2012, insurance companies have been instructed to cover contraception. Women covered by private health insurance will no longer have to pay for birth control prescriptions, family planning, nor seven... more ›

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Human Food, Dog Poison

Aug 2 2011 Not all foods or household items are dog-friendly. In fact, some are poisonous and even deadly. Just like their two-legged counterparts, there are many poisons in food and surroundings that dogs need to avoid.... more ›

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No More Phone Books

Aug 1 2011 If you're tired of phone books coming to your house, or can use the internet or your smartphone to find what you need rather than wasting the paper on an entire book, you can make a change for the better. Call 1-... more ›

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How Your Car Insurance Works

Jul 22 2011 Personal auto insurance can be quite confusing. It's really several different kinds of insurance rolled into one car insurance policy. Liability is one of the most important car insurance coverages you can buy.... more ›

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Tire Blowout & Car Accident Prevention

Jul 20 2011 Tire blowouts are a major cause of car accidents every day. It's amazing that something so simple as an underinflated tire could destroy a life. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration),... more ›

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Buying Business Insurance / Commercial Insurance: What Can I Expect?

Jul 20 2011 There is a general misconception that buying business / commercial insurance is the same quick process as personal insurance often is. There are definite differences between how your car insurance and your business... more ›

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Risky Driving Behaviors. Who, Me?

Jul 14 2011 If you think you drive your car more dangerously when you're stressed, you're not alone. As it turns out, the more frazzled you get while driving, the more prone you are to engaging in risky driving behaviors. A... more ›

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Don't Get Hacked

Jul 14 2011 If you're like most people these days, you use your computer, laptop, smartphone, or combination of the above quite regularly. Electronics like these are fantastic ways to communicate with one another, and wonderful for... more ›

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Balcos Food Drive!

Jul 8 2011 To help support the North Helpline Food Bank, we are participating in a food drive to help them boost their food supply! Typically you think of food drives around Thanksgiving, but with the food bank's usual... more ›

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Hybrid Car Insurance

Jun 21 2011 Hybrid Cars run on a combination of gasoline and an alternate power source: Some run on a rechargeable battery which captures kinetic energy through “regenerative braking,” while others run on hydrogen gas.&... more ›

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Press Release: Balcos Insurance Embraces Web Community

Jun 21 2011 In January of 2011, Balcos Insurance, inc launched a new website (http://www.balcosinsurance.com) tailored to people’s needs, whether it be an insurance quote, FAQ, live chat, or articles and blog postings about... more ›

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Washington Drivers, No Insurance

Jun 17 2011 About 20% of the drivers on the road in Washington State have recently reduced or cancelled their car insurance for immediate financial relief.* Reducing or cancelling your car insurance can have terrible repercussions... more ›

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Health Insurance Costs Making You Sick?

Jun 17 2011 The numbers are staggering. Health insurance costs are rising in the United States in a drastic way, and one of the reasons for it's jump in cost is the large number of serious health insurance claims that are being... more ›

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Insurance, Injury & Ergonomics

Jun 7 2011 It doesn't matter whether you're an employer that's worried about insurance costs rising from workers' comp insurance claims or a person that spends a lot of time on a computer who's worried about their own injuries and... more ›

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Drying a Wet Cell Phone

Jun 6 2011 It happens. Assuming you’re brave enough to save your phone from a watery death, what do you do next? Do not shake it. Do not turn it on. Do not microwave it. Do not take it back to the store (water damage is... more ›

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Seattle Waives Parking Ticket Collections and Interest

May 27 2011 For a very limited time, the City of Seattle will be waiving the collections and interest on unpaid parking tickets. If you have back parking tickets, this is the time to pay them. The parking ticket collections and... more ›

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Seattle Drivers Beware: City Starting to "Boot" Cars

May 26 2011 Seattleites beware! If you have parking tickets and drive in Seattle, make sure you pay them! If you live in Seattle and have four or more unpaid parking tickets, Scofflaw could get you in big trouble.... more ›

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Avoid Coinsurance Penalties

May 18 2011 If property listed on the business insurance policy is not insured to the true replacement value, you could be penalized in the case of a covered property loss. Coinsurance is a tool the insurance company uses in... more ›

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Clean without Chemicals

May 18 2011 We have a few natural cleaning tips left up our rubber gloves. With as many chemicals as we are introduced to in our daily lives, through food, the air, cosmetics, clothing, furniture, and more, why introduce more when... more ›

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When should I review my home insurance?

May 13 2011 When should I, and how often do I need to review my home insurance? Ideally, you should look at your home insurance policy at least annually. More often if you make changes to your account, like purchasing appliances... more ›

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Breathe Easy with Cleaner Air

Apr 27 2011 Cleaner Air with Houseplants Houseplants are our often-overlooked helpers in ridding the air of pollutants and toxins, counteracting outgassing and contributing to balanced internal humidity. Find out which... more ›

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Home Insurance Cancellation: Your Vacant Home and What you Need to Know

Apr 27 2011 As the weather gets nicer and we get more active, you may be starting to think about planning summer vacations or doing a remodel on your home. If you're planning to not live in your home for an extended period of time,... more ›

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Natural Cleaners and Polish

Apr 5 2011 Greening Your Home Clean Your home is your sanctuary, but there are many chemicals used in keeping that sanctuary clean that could be damaging to your health and the environment. One of the easiest ways to reduce... more ›

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Spring Clean Your Website

Apr 5 2011 These days, your business’ website is at least as important if not more important than your storefront itself. If you’re presenting a website to the public that isn’t up to snuff, they will assume the... more ›

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Quakes, Tsunamis, Floods, Landslides

Apr 5 2011 Quakes, Tsunamis, Floods, Landslides: Cover All of it by Getting a DIC (Difference in Condition) Insurance Policy A tragic earthquake and tsunami struck Japan this month, making news headlines around the world. While... more ›

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Home and Renters Insurance Tips

Apr 5 2011 Remodeling, renovation projects, and new purchases can add value to your home and satisfaction for you. It can also mean that your homeowners insurance coverage may need to be updated.   Check your home... more ›

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Natural Rug & Floor Cleaners

Mar 7 2011 Rug and Upholstery Cleaner Sprinkle corn meal, baking soda or cornstarch on dry rugs and vacuum. For a wet-cleaning, use club soda or soap-based rug shampoo (and an appropriate vacuum, of course).   Carpet... more ›

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Mold: Get the Damp out...

Mar 7 2011 The cleanliness of your home can have direct implications in your health and the health of your family, friends, and even pets. Additionally, so can what you're using to clean it. If you have mold growing in your home... more ›

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Promote Renter's Insurance to Your Tenants

Mar 1 2011 It's important, as a property manager, to promote renter's insurance as much as possible. This, plus your own comprehensive property insurance policy, gives you as much protection as possible from costly damages and... more ›

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New Employees 2011

Jan 25 2011 With our growth, we have added new staff to the mix! We are very happy to have new, fresh faces on board with Balcos Insurance!   Balcos Insurance is pleased to introduce: Laura Erb Front desk / Reception I... more ›

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Car Spring Clean

Jan 25 2011 Car Spring Clean Spring is a great time to clean your fall and winter clutter – not just from your home, but your car, too! Dump the Junk: Clean out the inside of your car – get rid of anything that... more ›

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To DIY or Not to DIY

Jan 25 2011 Home repair can be a costly venture if you’re paying contractors. But with a few basic handyman skills and a little DIY savvy, it can be quite affordable. Unless you’re qualified to make larger, more... more ›

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