Should You File an Insurance Claim for a Minor Boat Accident?

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Even careful boaters can experience minor mishaps, like a small dock scrape or a bump with another vessel. When the damage seems minimal, it’s natural to wonder whether filing an insurance claim is worth it. Here’s what to consider before you make that decision.

Assessing the Damage

Start by estimating the cost of repairs. If the damage is less than or close to your deductible, it may make more sense to pay out of pocket. Filing a claim for a small amount could lead to higher premiums down the line. However, if the damage affects the boat’s structural integrity, engine, or electrical systems, professional assessment and insurance coverage may be necessary.

Understanding Potential Rate Increases

Even a minor claim can influence your future premiums. Insurance providers track claims history, and frequent or low-value claims might label you as a higher-risk policyholder. Before reporting an incident, contact your agent confidentially to discuss how filing could affect your rates.

When You Should File

If another person or property was involved, or if there’s any possibility of hidden damage or injury, it’s generally wise to file a claim. These situations can escalate later, and having official documentation protects you legally and financially.

Document Everything

Take photos, gather witness information, and record details about the incident as soon as it happens. Whether you file a claim or not, accurate documentation ensures you’re prepared if issues arise later.

Contact Linda Dugan Insurance, Serving Astoria, OR

At Linda Dugan Insurance, we’re proud to serve boat owners in and around Astoria, OR. Contact us to talk with one of our friendly agents.

Common Vehicles You Need Toy Insurance For

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Toy insurance in Astoria, OR, can help provide coverage for vehicles that your regular insurance won’t cover. For example, you can put a golf cart on your auto policy. Policies for “toy” vehicles can help cover various motorized or nonmotorized vehicles that don’t fit with other policies. 

What Is Considered a Toy Vehicle?

A toy vehicle, for insurance purposes, can be almost any vehicle that isn’t used for daily commuting or doesn’t have specialized insurance options. For example, some insurance companies include e-bikes in this category. However, many don’t, and you’d need a specialized e-bike policy. Snowmobiles, golf carts, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles are all considered “toy" vehicles.

Toy Policy Coverage

Standard toy insurance policies often include a liability component, making them necessary if you want to drive your vehicle on the road. Any vehicle driven on the public road, including golf carts and snowmobiles, must have proper insurance to comply with the law. 

Many policies can also provide coverage for theft, vandalism, and damage from natural disasters. Home insurance policies often provide limited coverage or specifically exclude coverage for items such as off-road vehicles. This makes it essential to work with an agent at Linda Dugan Insurance. 

What Counts as a “Toy”

Generally, these are vehicles used for leisure or hobbies. For example, dirt bikes, boats, jet skis, four-wheelers, golf carts, etc. are vehicles for which you could obtain this type of policy. These policies cover a wide range of vehicles, unlike standard auto or boat policies. 

An experienced representative here at Linda Dugan Insurance can help you learn whether you need a policy for your toys. Contact us to discuss it. We’re currently serving the Astoria, OR, area. 

I only drive my RV once a year. Do I need RV insurance?

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An RV is similar to a car if it is motorized or can be driven. If you own a motorhome, the state of Oregon requires you to carry insurance because it is considered a motorized vehicle, even though it also serves as a home. Our Astoria, OR, team at Linda Dugan Insurance is dedicated to helping RV owners understand state laws regarding RVs and obtain the type of coverage they need. RV insurance offers many benefits.

What Are the Legal Requirements to Drive an RV in Oregon?

All RV drivers must carry liability insurance to operate their motorhome in Oregon legally. Additionally, if your RV weighs more than 26,000 pounds, you are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to drive it. Operating your motorhome without RV liability insurance is illegal. Many RV owners choose to invest in more than just liability coverage, depending on their specific needs and how they use their RV. One of our agents would be happy to discuss your options.

I Only Drive My RV Once a Year. Do I Need RV Insurance?

Regardless of how often or infrequently you drive your RV, you are still required to have at least liability coverage. If you have a loan on your RV, your lender will likely require you to carry additional coverage beyond liability until the loan is fully paid off. Our Astoria agents at Linda Dugan Insurance are committed to meeting the insurance needs of our RV clients. We are here to answer all your questions and help you find the coverage that works best for you.

Contact us today. We’re ready to assist you and ensure you have the protection you need for your RV.

Why Get Flood Insurance if You Don’t Live in a Designated Flood Zone?

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For homeowners in Astoria who need homeowner’s insurance but are unsure about whether to get flood insurance, help is here. Our team of agents at Linda Dugan Insurance is experienced in addressing any questions and concerns homeowners may have about the coverage their home needs. This includes explaining the benefits of flood insurance, even if your home is not located in a flood zone.

Flood Insurance Requirements in Oregon

Oregon has straightforward requirements regarding flood insurance. If your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and you have a federally backed mortgage, you are required to have flood insurance. Mortgage lenders include credit unions, commercial banks, and other financial institutions. Homeowners can check the FEMA flood map to determine if their home is in a high-risk area.

If your home is not in a designated flood zone, purchasing flood insurance is optional unless your mortgage lender requires it.

Benefits of Having Flood Insurance in Oregon

Flooding can occur anytime and anywhere, even in areas that are not officially designated as flood zones. Unpredictable events, such as severe weather, can lead to flooding, affecting homes in non-flood zone areas. With flood insurance coverage, you can be prepared for these unexpected situations.

Standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. This means that if your home is damaged due to flooding, you would be responsible for all repair and replacement costs. The financial burden of such damage can be overwhelming. Flood insurance helps you avoid these out-of-pocket expenses and protects your investment.

Additionally, homes in low-risk areas may qualify for lower premiums, making flood insurance a cost-effective way to safeguard your property.

Contact Us

For more information about flood insurance and why having it can offer reassurance, give us a call at Linda Dugan Insurance in Astoria, OR. Our team is here to help you make informed decisions about protecting your home.

Private Insurance Versus Health Insurance Marketplace Insurance

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Navigating health insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when deciding between private insurance and a plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. At Linda Dugan Insurance in Astoria, OR, we help individuals make sense of these options every day. While both choices provide coverage for medical needs, they function differently and may suit different situations.

What’s the Difference?

Private insurance refers to plans purchased directly from an insurance company or through an independent agency. These plans are not part of the government-run Marketplace and often offer a wider range of coverage options. Marketplace insurance, on the other hand, is part of the Affordable Care Act and is available through healthcare.gov. These plans are standardized and often include income-based subsidies to help reduce monthly premiums.

Which One Is Right for You?

The best choice depends on your needs and budget. If you qualify for government subsidies, Marketplace insurance can be more affordable, making it a great option for individuals and families with moderate to low income. However, if you’re seeking more flexibility in coverage or access to a broader network of providers, private insurance may be a better fit.

Can You Switch Between the Two?

Yes, but timing is important. Marketplace plans follow an open enrollment period, and changes outside of that window require a qualifying life event. Private plans, however, may offer more flexibility regarding enrollment.

Let’s Talk About Your Options

Choosing health insurance doesn’t have to be confusing. At Linda Dugan Insurance in Astoria, OR, we’re here to guide you through your options and help you find a plan that fits your needs. Contact us today, and let’s make health insurance easier to understand.

What’s the Difference Between Term Life insurance and Universal Life Insurance?

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Are you considering a life insurance policy to protect your beneficiaries in the event of your passing? If so, understanding the differences between various types of life insurance is crucial. Term life insurance is a popular option for those on a budget, but universal life insurance can also be a cost-effective choice.

These two types of insurance function differently. The professionals at Linda Dugan Insurance, servicing Astoria, OR, can help you determine which type of insurance is best for your needs.

What Is Term Life Insurance?

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, typically 10, 20, or 30 years. This type of insurance is often chosen by individuals who have children or are starting a family.

Its lower premiums make it appealing to those on a budget, offering peace of mind that your beneficiaries will be financially protected if you pass away while the policy is active.

What Is Universal Life Insurance?

Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that builds cash value over time. Unlike term life insurance, universal life insurance lasts for your entire lifetime. Upon your passing, the death benefit is guaranteed as long as you’ve maintained your premium payments.

One attractive feature of universal life insurance is its flexible premiums, which can be adjusted to suit your financial situation.

Need Help Choosing the Right Life Insurance Policy? Contact Us Today

Understanding the differences between life insurance options is key to selecting the right policy for your needs. Whether you’re considering term life insurance, universal life insurance, or whole life insurance, we’re here to help.

Contact the professionals at Linda Dugan Insurance, servicing Astoria, OR, to learn more. We assist our customers in finding the best insurance products to fit their needs and budget. Call us today to get started.

Will RV Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

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If you own an RV, it’s essential to have RV insurance. The professionals at Linda Dugan Insurance, serving Astoria, OR, can help you secure RV insurance for your recreational vehicle. We collaborate with numerous carriers to help our customers find the right RV insurance for their needs.

One of the questions we often hear from our customers is: what does RV insurance cover? Specifically, does it cover storm damage?

These are excellent questions! We’re here to help. Here’s what you need to know about RV insurance and its coverage for storm damage.

What Does RV Insurance Cover? Does It Include Storm Damage?

Many RV insurance policies include a comprehensive section that provides protection from storm damage, such as wind and hail. This comprehensive coverage often includes damage to recreational vehicles caused by falling trees.

If you’re concerned about storm damage and you own an RV, check with your insurance agent to ensure that your RV insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage.

How Can I Get RV Insurance?

Finding RV insurance is straightforward when you work with the professionals at Linda Dugan Insurance, serving Astoria, OR. We can help you shop around for an RV insurance policy that meets your needs.

If My RV Is Damaged In a Storm, What Can I Do?

If your RV is damaged in a storm, the first step is to file a claim. Your insurance agent at Linda Dugan Insurance, serving Astoria, OR, can assist you. Contact your insurance agent as soon as the damage occurs to learn more about filing a claim.

Our knowledgeable and helpful professionals will guide you through the process, so you can initiate a claim and repair or replace your RV when covered events occur.

Does Flood Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

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Astoria, OR, can experience severe storms with high winds and torrential rains coming in from the Pacific Ocean. These storms can result in localized flooding that can negatively affect your home. Flood insurance can protect your home from these adverse events. The experts at Linda Dugan Insurance can explain how this protection works.

Flood Insurance: Not Just for Flood Zones

It’s a common misconception that flood insurance only protects those living in a designated flood zone. In reality, flood insurance helps pay for damages to anyone who purchases it and experiences a flood in their home. Interestingly, most flood damage claims come from homeowners who don’t live in floodplains. This is partly because the current floodplain map used by the United States is outdated and needs revision due to climate change. Additionally, severe storms can stall and dump torrential downpours in isolated areas, resulting in flooding when rainwater has nowhere to go.

The Importance of How Water Enters Your Home

The way water enters your home determines which insurance policy covers the damages. Your homeowner’s insurance covers water damage if a tornado or severe thunderstorm breaks windows and rainwater enters through that breach. The same applies if part or all of your roof is ripped off. However, flood insurance will cover the damages if rainwater accumulates outside your home and rises enough to enter it. Your home insurance may cover floods in the basement or the lower levels of your home due to a failed sump pump following storms if you have an add-on provision covering such risks.

Let Linda Dugan Insurance, serving residents in Astoria, OR, detail how you can fully protect your home from floodwaters. Contact our office today to get started.

Does health insurance cover alternative therapies?

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Alternative, sometimes referred to as complementary medicine and therapies, fall outside the Western, science-based medicine model. Health insurance plans typically cover conventional medicine but may cover complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) in certain instances. This article will assist those looking for coverage of CAM under an existing policy or those shopping for a new policy. If you live in or near Astoria, OR, consider contacting Linda Dugan Insurance. We will answer your health insurance questions and work to find the best policy for you.

What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?

The Cleveland Clinic, a nationally prominent traditional medicine provider, categorizes the many CAM approaches as follows:

  • Mind-body techniques: yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, biofeedback
  • Manipulation and body-based practices: chiropractic, osteopathic manipulation, massage
  • Energy force therapies: Tai Chi, acupuncture, Qi gong
  • Other approaches include art therapy, herbal remedies, and aromatherapy

Determining Your Coverage for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Insurance companies vary widely in their CAM coverage. You are most likely to have CAM covered if you first consult your traditional medical provider and receive a referral or approval for CAM. Some traditional providers have working relationships with certain CAM providers.

Also, you should check with your insurance carrier to confirm whether CAM services are covered and the extent of the coverage. For example, acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy are covered under some circumstances, though paying a higher share of the cost than for traditional therapies is common.

If you have a preferred CAM therapy, consider choosing your next health insurance plan based on its coverage of CAM.

Obtaining Health Insurance through Linda Dugan Insurance

If you live in or near Astoria, OR, and need health insurance for you or your family, call the Linda Dugan Insurance team at (503) 440-3909. We’ll discuss and structure a plan to suit your needs.

Legal Costs Covered Under an Umbrella Insurance Policy

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An essential benefit of an umbrella insurance policy is that it provides additional compensation for legal costs. This extra coverage can protect you from financial disaster if you or your business are sued for a substantial sum of money. However, it’s important for policyholders in Astoria, OR, to understand that even umbrella coverage has its limits. Knowing which legal costs are and aren’t covered under an umbrella insurance policy can help you make informed legal and financial decisions.

Legal Expenses: What’s Covered and What’s Not?

The amount of compensation you receive will vary depending on your chosen policy and the deductible you set when you take out the policy. Generally, an umbrella insurance policy covers the cost of hiring a lawyer and paying a settlement and/or judgment up to the policy limit.

Umbrella insurance will also pay for property damage, medical bills, and funeral costs related to the incident that led to the lawsuit. However, it only covers these costs for third parties, not you or your family members. It won’t cover incidents related to intentional or criminal acts or lawsuits related to a breach of contract.

Need an Umbrella Policy? Linda Dugan Insurance Can Help

Linda Dugan Insurance serves homeowners and business owners in the Astoria, OR area. Our team has many years of experience helping individuals and companies get the best coverage at the best price, and we look forward to working with you to help you pick the best umbrella insurance policy for your personal situation. Contact us to find out more or get quotes on specific policies.