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American Insurance NW Inc. Blog

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Insurance

DUI Education and Enforcement stretches from Border to Border on New Year's Eve

Members of the Idaho State Police are joining colleagues throughout the Western U.S. in urging drivers to buckle up and drive safe and sober this New Year's Eve. It's a unified effort from the Western States Traffic...

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Q & A: Can I buy life insurance during the pandemic

We printed this Q&A column in the Dec. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I buy life insurance during the pandemic? A: You aren’t alone if this pandemic has made you think again about the importance of...

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Open enrollment for ACA ends soon in ID & WA

ACA Health Exchange Annual Open Enrollment Period ends soon. UPDATE: Idaho has extended their open enrollment period for Advanced Premium Tax Credit plans in Your Health Idaho until Dec. 22. Washington open enrollment...

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1948 BETTY REIMLER KNOPES: Memories of working for the Christys

Betty Reimler Knopes found herself in a photo advertisement framed at the American Insurance office and told us her story. She started working at American Insurance in 1948 at the age of 16, just after she had graduated...

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1922 Founder OM Mackey -- How It All Began

This is a story we have not told before now. It was told in detail in the Lewiston Morning Tribune, The Elders / Oliver M. Mackey (published on Dec. 25, 1977), by Thomas W. Campbell. Tom interviewed OM Mackey in 1977...

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History Mysteries Quiz #1

Be in the first 100 people to answer these 4 questions correctly to receive a prize! (Hint: All answers can be found inside this newsletter available to read online from this link here.) Click this link to complete this...

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OUR STORY: 100 years in the making

We are launching our 100th Anniversary with a special 2022 Historic Calendar! - On every page you will find historic pictures (some even embarrassing - eek!) and surprising stories. Read about the people who helped...

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2021 Food Drive results

We appreciate all of our donors for their contributions to ensure our successful 6th annual food drive. The total count is 12,780 lbs. including cash donations for our 6th Annual Food Drive. - Thanks to you, our...

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Q & A: Are you having your food drive again this year?

We printed this Q&A column in the Nov. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Are you having your food drive again this year? A: Yes, the American Insurance HOMETOWN BUSINESS FOOD DRIVE is coming up next week,...

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It's open enrollment time For ACA Medical And Medicare

There are two “open enrollment periods” that are critically important for health insurance -- for individuals and seniors in our area. These limited time periods are the only times that new Affordable Care Act (ACA)...

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6th Annual Food Drive is set for Nov. 15-19

Everyone can shop at grocers to support event - Updates -- Watch for updates throughout the week on our Facebook Food Drive event page here. Related: See our downloadable Lewiston PDF invitation with links or Moscow...

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Q & A: When Can I Change My Rx and Medicare Plans?

We printed this Q&A column in the Oct. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: When Can I Change My Rx and Medicare Plans? A: The Medicare Annual Election Period is coming up from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. This...

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Q & A: How can I beat rising business insurance rates?

We printed this Q&A column in the Sept. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. How can I beat rising business insurance rates? A: If your business insurance rates have increased again, we need to talk! At...

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Habitat for Humanity offers home improvement programs

The LC Valley Habitat for Humanity organization has announced several local home improvement programs available for area residents. Clarkston repairs program available for residents - At Habitat for Humanity, we believe...

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Welcome back, University of Idaho Vandals!

Welcome back to our University of Idaho Vandals this week, from your fellow UI alumni at American Insurance.Read more about our staff on our staff directory here.

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Q & A: When should I review my insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the Aug. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: When should I review my insurance? A: Insurance is a deeply personal business in order to protect your American dream! After all,...

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Safety use now at 90% for this device

One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Many Americans understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt – the national use rate was at 90.3% in 2020. Seat belt use in passenger...

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We've won again as Best of the West 2021

Thank you so much for your votes of confidence! The votes are in! AMERICAN INSURANCE is honored to be once again selected as “Best of the West” insurance agency. The Sullivans & staff are very proud to be chosen and...

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Q & A: Can telematics lower my auto premium?

We printed this Q&A column in the July 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. Can telematics lower my auto premium? A: Yes, safe drivers can save up to 40% off their personnal auto insurance premiums after...

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American Insurance sponsors 2 Lewiston Little League teams

Philip Sullivan, Vice President & CIC, coached two teams sponsored by American Insurance, which provided new gear that will last for many years. The the Brewers team (shown in yellow for 4-6-year-olds, including...

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WA state bans insurance scores changing rate calculations

NOTICE to Washington clients & residents The Washington Insurance Commissioner made an emergency rule on March 22 banning insurance scoring as a factor in calculating insurance premium rates effective June 20 for...

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COVID in retreat, causing some chaos in its wake

We should all be very happy to see COVID in our rearview mirrors as we cruise down the highway back to normal life. Hopefully, you have great summer plans to travel and have fun with your motorhome, camp trailer, 4-...

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Q&A: Do soaring building costs effect my insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the June 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do soaring building costs effect my insurance? A: Yes, the dramatic rise in building material cost translates into much higher re-...

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Did you know? Interlink is Moving!

John B. Sullivan is currently serving as board president of Interlink and has announced that Interlink is moving to a new office location in the next 30 days. After 21 years at the same location in downtown Clarkston,...

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Tell us how we've protected your American dream

As we prepare for our 100th anniversary, we want to hear your experiences and memories of our relationship. Please tell us your stories about your most memorable, most funny, your most exciting, your most worrisome...

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Wildfire season starts early

American Insurance is warning rural property owners in the Northwest that wildfires are expected to start earlier and be closer to home this summer. Shawn Sullivan, President of American Insurance said, “rural property...

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Q & A: Do you have any tips about RV insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the May 11, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do you have any tips about RV insurance? A: We insure RVs of all types and sizes. The insurance you need with depend on what state...

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Vote for Best of the West 2021!

TIME AGAIN TO VOTE - If you think we are still the best choice as your local insurance agent, we would appreciate your vote again this year. Click on the icon below or on this link to begin voting for "Best of the West....

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How can I find a better rate on my business insurance?

Did you close or change your normal procedures for COVID and lose out on that revenue, yet still see a JUMP in your insurance rates for your renewal in 2021?!?! Our Agents can help you solve this problem!! We have...

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Q & A: Does Idaho have a new cell phone law?

We printed this Q&A column in the April 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Does Idaho have a new cell phone law? A: Yes, Idaho is now enforcing the “hands-free cell phone” law passed last July. The Idaho...

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Community tab adds publicity opportunities for our region

We have a new website and we've added a new Community Tab landing page. There you will find out about our history of community involvement, our own agency community events plus a Community Calendar feature. Have we...

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Carmen Johnson honored with 20 year service award

”Carmen!” That’s what you hear over the partition from a co-worker who needs help with their computer. Carmen Johnson is an invaluable part of the A-Team. She works behind the scenes to keep our computers and software...

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A Refreshing Look Ahead

Preparing for our 100th Anniversary Spring brings us a fresh start and growth! New hope and sunshine awaken us as we are emerging slowly from this long pandemic. We look forward to things becoming more normal with each...

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Cybercrime - Small businesses hit with email scams

Despite the headlines, phishing and ransomware remains a disproportionate problem for small businesses. Recent reports show that 40% of ransomware attacks were against smaller companies with 1 to 100 employees. Small...

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Health exchanges again extend open enrollment

Individuals can shop for health coverage and may qualify for premium subsidy (reduced premiums) to begin the first of the following month. Your Health Idaho has extended enrollment until April 30, 2021Washington Health...

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American Rescue Plan reduces health insurance costs, expands access

With the passage of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the Biden-Harris Administration is reducing health care costs, expanding access to coverage, and ensuring nearly everyone who buys their own individual or family...

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Appointments being made for vaccine clinics in our area

Here is information for Idaho residents and where you can find your vaccines. Idaho North Central Health District has announced large-scale COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be held on Friday, March 19th and Saturday, March...

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Q&A: Are the health exchanges open again?

We printed this Q&A column in the March 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Are the health exchanges open again? A: Yes! The Idaho and Washington state health exchanges have re-opened in response to...

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New website launched

We want to introduce our new website to you, and help you find your way around our site. Each tab heading contains a wealth of convenient and useful information. 24/7 you can make a payment, file a claim, request policy...

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Does Medicare Cover COVID-19 Vaccine?

In case you wondered, if you are covered under Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) or you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) you pay nothing for the approved COVID-19 vaccine. Be sure to bring your...

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Q & A: What to do about rising business insurance rates?

We printed this Q&A column in the Feb. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: What to do about rising business insurance rates? A: If COVID wasn’t bad enough, business insurance companies are at the tail-end...

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Staff awards given for 2020

WELCOME TO THE A-TEAM! Team trophies were awarded during the December annual meeting to Mitch Keller, Agent, and Brittney Allen, Commercial Lines Service Representative who joined American Insurance in 2020. Also...

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Washington & Idaho both open new health enrollment period

UPDATE: Find the most recent extended health exchange enrollment article here instead.American Insurance health agents are certified for both exchanges to help our clients understand what plans are available, see if you...

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2021 Business Insurance Rate Forecast

How to beat rising business insurance rates - What is on the horizon for business insurance prices in 2021? You’ve been creative and resilient as you continue to weather the COVID-19 economic storm. Controlling...

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Q & A: Do jewelry & guns need special insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the Jan. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do jewelry & guns need special insurance? A: Yes, if you have higher value jewelry or guns then you may not have enough...

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