Author: AgentInsure

Water Safety Tips for Every Time of Year

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Astoria, OR, Linda Dugan Insurance wants you to make the most of life on the water. Throughout the year there are chances to have fun unique to the area, but it’s always important to keep safety in mind. Fun should never come at the cost of health, so keep a few simple tips on the brain when you plan for some watery adventure.

Weather

Oregon is a nice place to stay cool without freezing, but minding the weather is important for safe fun in the water. No matter what time of year it is, if you venture into the waters, keep an eye on storms and rainfall. While a heavy system can create stronger currents and raise water tables, dry spells can be equally dangerous when they expose shelves, rocks and other obstructions. It sounds obvious, but always double check weather reports before venturing into open water.

Gear

While many will shy from a dip in the colder months, there are always adventurous souls out there. Make sure you use a proper wet suit and anything else you need to stay warm. Even in the peak of summer hypothermia can be a threat if you swim long enough, so always prioritize warmth. Even if you’re just looking to wade or do a little fishing, make sure your feet are protected from rocks or submerged debris.

Watercraft

One of the great benefits of living on the coast is the availability of water sports. If you dry dock your vehicles, be sure they are stored properly, and give them a thorough inspection before taking them back to the water. If you leave them docked, regular visits and inspections, especially during winter, will help identify any signs of wear or damage before they become a safety issue. When in use, make sure any craft are properly equipped with life jackets and general safety equipment.

Contact a friendly agent at Astoria, OR based Linda Dugan Insurance today!

 

Why does Location Impact my Car Insurance?

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When people in Astoria, OR look for car insurance, there are a few factors that everyone expects to impact their car insurance rates. For example, people with better driving records are likely to receive better rates on their car insurance; however, there are also a few factors that impact car insurance premiums that people aren’t expecting. One of these commonly overlooked factors is location. Location actually plays a big role when insurance companies calculate premiums for car insurance in Astoria, OR. Read below to figure out why!

Everyone understands that certain locations are safer than others. In fact, locations that are safer to live in will receive a lower car insurance rate. It makes sense that a car parked in a safe area has a lower chance of being broken into. This means that insurance companies are less likely to have to pay out claims for car theft and damage in this location. They will reward a car living in this location with a lower insurance rate. Consider the safety of an area before moving because it impacts the well-being of the family as well as car insurance rates.

In addition, some areas have significantly higher costs of living than others. When the cost of living drives up the cost of goods, the cost of car insurance will rise as well. If people are worried about their car insurance rates, they should avoid moving to an area with a high cost of living. Property taxes and real estate taxes will all impact car insurance rates.

People with questions on their car insurance policies should contact Linda Dugan Insurance. Linda Dugan Insurance has a reputation for finding an insurance policy that will meet the needs of everyone. Contact the office today for more information!

 

 

Is your car protected?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Much like your home, your car is an important aspect of maintaining your livelihood. You need it to get from point A to point B and the last thing you want to worry about is your car being taken away because it is unprotected. Unfortunately, the truth is that even when you follow the rules of the road, drive carefully, and never drive when you are physically impaired; your car still may be on the bad end of an accident. Our independent agents at Linda Dugan Insurance understand how important it is to protect your car while it’s on the road. 

When it comes to auto insurance, it is just as important to make sure you have the right insurance according to the state of Oregon as it is to have auto insurance that fits your budget, needs, and car. Driving around without auto insurance is against the law and can ruin your piece of mind. Many times, when you are a 5 star driver, you can come in contact with an inebriated or simply irresponsible driver that can cause an accident and snatch your car right out of your grasp. The right auto insurance can protect your car from everything from fender benders to full blown accidents that result in a totaled car. 

Whether you are purchasing your first auto insurance or changing over your insurance for a more comprehensive plan, our independent agents at Linda Dugan Insurance will walk you through the process, step by step, to make sure you are leaving the office with all of your questions answered and the right insurance for your car and budget. 

Why wait? Come down to our offices today to talk to our agents about how we can help you purchase the right auto insurance for your car.

Downsizing Isn’t Always a Savings

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Every family reaches a time when the moment to live in a smaller place, more personal and more comfortable, arrives. Whether that change is due to the kids growing up and leaving home, or it’s because health requirements are making it impossible or impractical to live in a larger home, downsizing happens. Some folks even downsize just to live in a new place they always wanted to, leveraging the investment of the previous home for a better location. Whatever the reason, home insurance is affecting accordingly when living conditions change. However, that doesn’t mean folks should give up on home financial protection altogether.

Clearly, a new home or smaller home is going to be a change, but a new policy could actually have a higher cost, not necessarily lower one. Some of the big reasons that trigger changes include the location, the cost of reconstruction, and the type of home involved. Location can be a big variance, with some locations having a real estate value more than double that of others. While that doesn’t necessarily directly impact home protection, it can influence the overall cost of home repair for that area. That in turn can be a policy cost more to address such expenses if they occur. Secondly, home construction in some areas can also cost more due to proximity to construction resources. More remote areas obviously will trigger more expenses from contractors. Finally, if a smaller replacement home is unique and not a standard construction, a common situation with retirees, then these additional changes or unique factors will also add to home insurance costs for coverage of replacement if it occurs. So, again, just moving to a smaller downsizing home for later years doesn’t mean one will automatically have a cheaper home insurance policy as a result.

The best way for folks in Astoria, OR to know what a downsizing event may look like cost-wise is to sit down with Linda Dugan Insurance. Their independent agents can scan the market and provide the best picture for alternatives before a homeowner makes changes, saving folks from uncomfortable surprises.

Misconceptions About Home Insurance

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Not all home insurance policies are the same, and many homeowners suffer from a variety of misconceptions about their coverage. We at Linda Dugan Insurance have had to help our Astoria, Oregon residents understand the truth behind many of these misconceptions.

Home Insurance Will Not Cover Health Emergencies

Many home insurance policies have what is known as "medical payment" coverage. This type of coverage is not designed to pay for your medical emergency needs, but if someone else on your property gets injured. This policy will help protect you from lawsuits by providing a provision for payment, not for covering your personal medical expenses.

Not All Polices Have Loss-Of-Use Coverage

Many home insurance policies will help pay for expenses earned while staying in a hotel while yours is being repaired. However, this kind of coverage is not inherent in all home insurance policies. It often requires an extra cost and coverage may be limited. For example, your policy may indicate how much you can pay while staying in a hotel.

Earthquake Damage Is Not Covered By A Standard Policy

In areas that are highly affected by earthquakes, it is important to make sure that your policy covers this kind of damage. Don’t assume that it does: a majority of standard home insurance policies won’t cover earthquake insurance. This can leave you with a hefty bill after the next big one, which could hit Astoria, Oregon at any time.

Agents Will Definitely Notice Pad Claiming

People who suffer from home damage often try to get a little bit of extra money by padding their claim. Big mistake: agents are very suspicious of high claims and will investigate them quickly. If you have no receipts for your claimed items, there’s a chance your home insurance claim could be voided.

If you suffer from any of this conceptions or simply need help figuring out your home insurance policy, we can help. At Linda Dugan Insurance, we offer homeowners like you quality assistance in finding high-quality home insurancce.

How Does Location Impact Car Insurance Costs?

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People living in Astoria, OR know that car insurance costs can vary widely across the region. People will often shop around to find the least expensive option for insuring their cars. How exactly does location impact car insurance costs? Dugan insurance has some important advice that readers can learn from below.

First, everyone knows that weather varies by location. Some parts of Oregon are close to the coast. While Oregon isn’t often hit by hurricanes, it is always a possibility. Car insurance companies know this and therefore will charge higher rates for insuring cars due to the added risk of damage from hurricanes. While living on the coast is nice, it can contribute to higher car insurance costs. 

Next, some neighborhoods are safer than others. While people have numerous reasons for desiring a safe neighborhood to live in, this also impacts car insurance rates. Locations with high crime rates mean that there is a higher chance of having a car broken into or stolen. Therefore, choosing a safer neighborhood will keep car insurance premiums lower. Choose the neighborhood carefully.

Finally, some parts of town have more treacherous roads. Insurance companies track the accident rates across certain cities and streets. If a car will be driving the more dangerous roads regularly, there is a higher chance of the car being involved in the accident. To cover against these potential losses, a car insurance company will raise insurance rates in areas with more accident-prone roads. Keeping a car off of roads with higher accident rates will wind up in lower car insurance prices.

When it comes to shopping for car insurance in Astoria, OR, location matters just as much as it does in real estate. Crime rates, weather conditions, and accident rates all impact premiums for car insurance. Make sure to take these into consideration when deciding where to live or insure a car. Contact Dugan Insurance for an auto insurance quote today.

Oregon RV Insurance – What Type of Insurance Coverage is Needed?

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When traveling for vacation and you’re out on the open road in your RV, you want to have peace of mind that should an accident or theft occur, you are covered.  Shopping around for RV insurance can seem like an overwhelming task but armed with a bit of knowledge, you can figure out what coverage is needed for your vehicle and traveling needs:

Collision Coverage:  One of the most important, collision coverage will cover any accidents that occur with another vehicle, no matter who is at fault.  Low branch collision is another collision coverage to add to the policy which provides insurance coverage for the AC unit, awnings, etc.

RV Liability Insurance:  Almost all states require liability insurance on an RV and Oregon is no different.  Coverage is needed for property damage that might be caused by you and bodily injury to another individual that might slip and fall while in your RV, for example.

RV Road Service or Roadside Assistance:  This will cover things such as a dead battery, running out of gas, towing and changing flat tires to name a few.  

Full-Timer Coverage:  If you live in your RV full-time, you’ll want to ensure that not on the RV is covered but all personal property inside is as well.  Asking about personal items replacement coverage is important when living full-time in an RV.

Linda Dugan Insurance, serving Astoria, has a knowledgeable team ready to help you get the best type of insurance you need for your RV so that when you’re out on the open-road, you’re on vacation.  Visit our website or call 503-440-3909 and a team member will answer any questions you might have and work with you to get the best coverage.

 

Astoria, Oregon: Do You Need to Insure Your Boat While Its In Storage?

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Once your boat has been removed from the water and appropriate measures have been taken to winterize the boat while it is not in use, you should still consider purchasing a policy to protect it against theft, damage or vandalism while it is in storage. While the risk of damage may be minimal, if it does occur, it can result in several thousand dollars worth of damage. If you still have a loan on the boat from when it was first purchased, the policy will have to remain in place whether the boat is in the water or not.

Most facilities that offer boat storage are fenced in and have security cameras on the premises. That doesn’t stop people from gaining access, however. It also does not protect the boat from damage caused by the weather. Discuss what options you have available to you with your insurance agent. They will be able to advise you as to what type of policy is needed and how much insurance should be purchased to protect your overall investment.

In Astoria, Oregon, the residents can turn to the licensed agents at Linda Dugan Insurance if they have any questions pertaining to insuring their boat while it is in storage. The agents will help you determine what type of insurance you may need as well as how much should be purchased to sufficiently protect your financial investment. There are potential risks for damage, even if the boat is not on the water. Talking to your insurance agent will help you make the best decision towards protecting your assets.

How to Protect Your Company Vehicles

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If your profession deals with transporting individuals or goods, your company vehicles can be the lifeline of your business. As such, it’s important to do what you can to preserve the quality of your fleet. This includes scheduling regular maintenance, providing driver training for employees and keeping your commercial auto insurance up to date. The following steps can help you better manage this important aspect of your business.

Maintenance and Repairs

Someone in your company should be responsible for vehicle upkeep and repairs. Having regular drivers makes it easier to keep tabs on the condition of your vehicles and schedule maintenance when there’s a need. It also helps to have a regular mechanic whom you can trust with vehicle repairs. Scheduled maintenance will lower the risk of accidents, extend the lifeline of your vehicles and reduce repair costs.

Hire Conscientious Drivers

Hiring good drivers is another way to keep company vehicles in good shape. New drivers should be screened before hiring to ensure they have good driving records free of accidents and violations. Your company can also sponsor driver training courses from time to time to reinforce safe driving habits. Companies that make driving safely a priority do their part to reduce the risk of accidents.

Establish Rules for Using Business Vehicles

Every business should have rules for use of their business vehicles. Such rules could include no texting, cell phone, alcohol or drug use while driving, mandatory use of seat belts, no aggressive driving, etc. Employees should also be encouraged to lock vehicles when parked in public areas to discourage theft.  

Partnering with the right insurance company in Oregon will give you great insurance coverage to protect your company vehicles. Call or visit us today at Linda Dugan Insurance to get the customized commercial auto coverage you need. 

Insurance is no Joke: Why Oregans Should get Insurance Today

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There are a lot of different avenues a person must take in order to keep them and their loved ones safe. Unfortunately, a lot of Americans do not prioritize their insurance needs, or they may simply prioritize certain types of insurance but not others. What they often discover is that insurance is not a laughing matter; in fact, quite the opposite. When you are in a car accident, a health crisis, lose your home to a tornado, or find yourself leaving behind your loved ones, you do not want to be up a creek without a paddle. The five types of insurance that Linda Dugan Insurance has found are commonly expected to get include:

  1. Life insurance – Insurance that makes sure that your family is well taken care of following their death
  2. Health insurance – Insurance to protect you in the event that you need to get a check-up, get surgery, get medication, etc.
  3. Automobile insurance – Insurance to protect you incase of an accident, either one caused by yourself or caused by an "act of god."
  4. Long-term disability coverage – In the event of permanent/nigh-permanent disability, this insurance would make sure that you were able to support yourself financially and not burden others with your care.
  5. Homeowner’s Insurance – Insurance to protect you from liability for damages, including certain weather or seismic activities (check your homeowner’s insurance to make sure these are covered!). Being in the pacific Northwest, Oregan has grown relatively used to hurricane-force winds.

Some insurance – like automobile insurance – is mandated by Oregon law; if caught without automobile insurance while driving, you may find yourself facing fines, a suspended license, and/or a towing.

Residents of Astoria, Oregon and other cities can contact Linda Dugan Insurance, either by phone at (503) 440-3909 or online if they have any questions or concerns about their insurance needs.