Is Your Roof Covered Like It Covers You?

Those of us who live in Oregon don’t tend to give our roofs much thought. As long as they keep us dry in the rains and protected from the other elements, they are doing their job. Your roof is easy to take for granted. But when you consider their size and the expense of replacing one, you begin to realize how important homeowners insurance is in making sure you keep a roof over your head.

The question is, how well covered is your roof? Is it covered for storm damage? Would your insurance fully cover the total cost of today’s materials and labor in case it would need to be entirely replaced? Does your homeowners policy cover your roof should your neighbor’s tree fall on it? What if it is damaged by ice, or fails under the weight of snow? These are questions to have answers to before a problem occurs.

At Linda Dugan Insurance, we can help you discover these answers no matter where you bought your homeowners policy. You see, we are an independent agency that has access to multiple companies. We are qualified to review homeowners insurance policies from any issuing company. In addition, we may be able to find even more encompassing coverage at a better price. Now that’s worth checking into.

The best part is you can easily see for yourself right online. Visit our website and enter the appropriate information. You will soon get a comparative quote on your homeowners insurance. We think you’ll be pleased with the results. We can also compare auto insurance rates online.

If you would like a review of your homeowners insurance policy, contact Linda Dugan Insurance. Your roof covers you and your family every day. Let’s make sure you have it covered.

Is Cheap Commercial Insurance the Best Option?

What’s more beautiful than the riverfront of the Nationally Registered Historic District of St. Helens, Oregon? People from all walks of life love to call St. Helens home. From outdoor enthusiasts to entrepreneurs, St. Helens has something for everyone. 

For residents who need insurance, our local office is there to provide you with many different types of insurance. From homeowners to car insurance to boating insurance, we have you covered because choosing insurance solely on costs may leave you underinsured. For entrepreneurs and other business owners, the cheapest insurance is not always the best option for your business.

Assess Your Coverage
The old adage, “You get what you pay for,” applies to insurance as well. Many insurance companies offer inexpensive insurance because they cut corners on the services they offer. By choosing our local insurance office in the zip code 97051, you will always get personal service and expert advice about commercial insurance products that will fully cover your business. Our insurance services help to make you whole after you have experienced a loss, which is the worst time to find out that you do not have complete coverage.

Compare Features, Not Just Prices
Many businesses focus on saving money when they purchase insurance, but that strategy can leave a business without proper coverage. It is important for everyone who purchases insurance to examine their policy and learn what features are included in the policy that makes their policy attractive.

Choose a Policy that Reduces Business Risks
Businesses can encounter a number of perils that jeopardize continual operations. With a thorough assessment of your business risks, you can find the best insurance for your business. If your business needs additional flood insurance or you need key person insurance, our local office is here to provide you with expert knowledge and insurance quotes to secure your investment. Our best agents are standing by to talk to you about your insurance needs now.

Insurance for Oregon Learners Permit

Defensive driving is taught in every driving class in the country, but there’s no substitute for experience. Experience is what really teaches kids the risks on the road. There’s no substitute for sufficient car insurance for somebody who is learning the ropes of the road either. Even though Oregon has one of the best mandatory liability insurance laws in the country, minimum required insurance just isn’t enough. Minimum PIP protection probably won’t cover a night in the emergency room and three days in the hospital after a crash either.

We’re independent insurance agents, and we live and work here in this great State of Oregon. We’re established, respected and contributing members of our communities. We’re not tied to any single mega insurer. We work with a variety of insurance companies. Because of that, we’re able to offer you choices on auto insurers, coverage and how premiums will be paid that agents for the "big three" just can’t offer. They’re not permitted to.

The information we give you to help you make your insurance choices is objective and unbiased. We’re not under any undue influence by any one single insurance company. We’re also concerned about the safety of your teen on the road, so we want to see them well protected. We have kids too, so we know how you feel.

Before your child gets their learners permit, contact us. We can do an evaluation on all of the cars and all of the drivers in your family. We’ll probably save you a chunk of money. We’re always available to answer any questions you have about your auto insurance. Whether your child will be driving one of your vehicles or you’re buying them one, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re pleased to talk with you.

Oregon Apartment Complex Owners: How to Reduce Liability Risk and Save Money

Businesses in Oregon are not easy to run, especially when you are running an apartment complex and are responsible for tenants. You may know what to do to make your building attractive to potential renters, but do you know how to limit your liability exposure? Here are three tips:

Change Your Rental Agreements

As an apartment building owner, you have rental agreements between yourself and your tenants. In these agreements, it is important that you require your tenants to obtain and maintain their own liability coverage. Make sure that you require that they submit proof of insurance at the time of lease renewal, or every year. This helps to ensure that you are reimbursed for any damage that your tenants cause.

Add Indemnity Agreements and Waiver Clauses

Have your lawyer help you create a waiver of subrogation clause and an indemnity agreement to also include with the rental agreement for prospective tenants to sign and agree to. These will help you transfer any possible liability of injuries or damages to the tenant. These agreements will also help protect you from being named in a lawsuit for compensation for claims that are brought against the tenant.

Inspect the Buildings for Problems

Inspect all apartment buildings for any sign of a potential problem. This could be lighting issues, cracks in the sidewalk, items that someone could trip over, etc. If there is anything around that could cause injury to a child or an adult, it is crucial to have it repaired immediately.

Although you could do this on your own, it is always better to hire a professional who knows what he or she is doing and looking for. It may cost some money upfront for all this, but it will be a lot less than if you were found to be negligent in the future.

If you do not currently have liability insurance for your apartment complex or small business, then it’s time you sat down and talked with one of our independent commercial insurance agents in Oregon. You can get started with the above-mentioned tips, and then give us a call to finish up!

Garagekeepers Liability 101

Operating a towing company in a city full of maritime attractions can be a lucrative endeavor. With so many attractions, such as the Columbia River Maritime Museum, there are plenty of opportunities to make money because people will likely park where they shouldn’t. Even though you are safe and do your job as you supposed to, there is always a possibility for liability damage, which is why your business needs Garagekeeper insurance.

What Is Garagekeeper insurance?

Garagekeeper insurance is liability insurance for businesses that house cars, such as towing companies. Since cars can be damaged during the process of towing them, purchasing Garagekeeper insurance will help you cover the cost if you are found liable. With the policy, you choose the limits you want to have for your business, which applies to each car. You will also be responsible for a deductible for each car. Like auto insurance, you can get Garagekeeper deductibles for as low as $500 per car.

Types of Coverage

Garagekeeper insurance can get confusing when you breakdown the coverage, but it is important to ensure that you have the right protection when you choose a policy. Consider the three types of Garagekeeper insurance before you make a purchase with your local agentsAstoria, Oregon 97103.

  • Legal liability. Coverage resulting from negligence of the insured. This covers losses that happen while the car in in your position.
  • Direct Primary. This covers the car regardless of who is liable, which is useful for weather related losses.
  • Direct Excess. This coverage is the same as direct primary, but it limits the amount it pays if your business isn’t at fault.

When you call to get commercial insurance quotes, it is essential that you inquire about all forms of coverage so that Astoria agents can provide you with information about which coverage will work best for your business.

If you are unaware of Garagekeeper insurance, but you tow cars for a living, then you should contact your local insurance agent to get more information. Failing to add this type of coverage to your insurance portfolio will leave your business susceptible to litigation from customers.

Personal Injury Claim On Homeowners Insurance: What’s It All About?

Astoria, Oregon is located right on the Pacific coast, offering a wide range of things to do. You are only about an hour away from Portland and many people make the commute for work. Income levels are a little lower here than in comparison to the rest of the state, though home values are able equal.

A personal injury claim is something that can be made on your homeowner’s insurance. This is when someone has been injured on your property and they are taking action against you. The action could be to recoup hospital bills or general pain and suffering.

When you have homeowners insurance in the 97103 ZIP code, you may not have to be held financially responsible for someone’s injury. While it is your property, it’s one of the reasons why you have insurance. Don’t assume it’s just for fire and theft. You may be surprised by what your policy covers.

You will be able to file a personal injury claim in Astoria, Oregon at any time. It could be if a contractor falls, a friend trips, or someone else is injured on your property. Not all situations are going to be covered and this is why it’s important to know what is actually covered.

One of our agents can walk you through some of the options for your home in 97103. We can talk to you about add-on coverage for just about everything – even coverage in the event someone injures themselves after becoming intoxicated at a party you hosted.

We have agents who take the time to answer your questions in Astoria, Oregon and ensure you have the ability to make a personal injury claim. Call us today to find out how we can assist you on your policy in the 97103 area.

Am I Protected Against A Sinking Foundation In Oregon?

Oregon is a beautiful state in the Pacific Southwest. There are homes along the ocean, the mountains, and throughout the vineyards, as well as in major cities such as Portland and Astoria. Whatever it is that you wish to do, you will find it in the state – and it has become a popular destination in recent years.

When you purchase homeowners insurance, it’s important to look at what you are and are not protected against.

A sinking foundation can be one of the worst things. Shifts in the land can cause your foundation to sink – and when this happens, it can crack and lead to various problems within your home. Even your porch can be affected.

Your foundation may be covered within your homeowner’s insurance policy, but it’s not a given. Your policy may already cover against:

– Fire

– Flood

– Theft

However, if you want it to cover a sinking porch or foundation problems, you have to read the fine print. One of our insurance agents in Oregon can walk you through the process of looking at coverage and determine if you have the necessary coverage within your policy – and add the option if you don’t.

By having the needed coverage, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is always protected. This way, if you experience an issue with your home in Oregon, you simply have to place a call to the homeowner’s insurance company and file a claim. They can then authorize an inspection and help you to make the repairs – without asking for more than a deductible from you.

Contact us today and begin working with an agent. We can obtain multiple quotes for you and ensure you are protected against all that could go wrong to your home.

The Best Car Insurance From the Best Agents in Astoria, Oregon

For car insurance quotes in Astoria, you can become an anonymous policy holder of a super sized insurance company whose agents come and go, or you can come with us and the small town flavor of our full-time independent insurance agency right here in Astoria. When you opt for us, you’re choosing independent insurance agents who can show you much more than one single policy from one single huge insurance company. We’ll show you many different options from many different insurers. You can pick and choose our best quotes and our best car insurance.

If you’re going to operate a motor vehicle in Oregon, you’re required to be financially responsible. You’re required to carry liability coverage in the amount of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per occurrence with $20,000 in property damage. You’re also required to carry personal injury protection of $15,000 per person and uninsured motorist insurance in the same amounts of minimum liability coverage.

Although carrying the minimum coverage puts you in statutory compliance, it’s still not sufficient coverage for the 21st century. Whether a serious accident is your fault or the fault of an uninsured or underinsured driver, you could still be facing significant deficiencies in coverage and shocking medical bills that you’re responsible for.

The super sized insurer’s agent can’t offer nearly as many alternatives as we can because we’re independent insurance agents. The others only work for only one company. As independent insurance agents, we work with many companies, and that permits us to give unbiased insurance advice with a wide range of alternatives and quotes. If you’re in or around Zip Code 97103, talk to us. We’re independent agents, and we’re here to serve your best interests. You’ll be doing yourself a favor.

What are Four Things to Keep in Mind When Driving with a Learner’s Permit?

When it comes to driving with a learners permit, there are various rules and stipulations that must be adhered to, with each of them varying from one state to the next. In Oregon, the rules are fairly straightforward, and it is imperative that they be followed at all times. If they are not, this could disqualify a person from obtaining an actual driver’s license on the soonest date possible. In fact, a learners permit can be taken away for a certain period of time, and then the entire process of getting the permit and driver’s license would have to be started all over again.

Driving Restrictions

At all times when driving with a learners permit, you must have a passenger in the car with you that has a valid driver’s license, is at least 21-years-old and is sitting in the seat next to you. This person must have had their license for at least three years as well.

No Use of Mobile Devices

Do keep in mind that at no time are you allowed to use a mobile communication device while driving with a learners permit. Hands-free devices are not allowed either.

Provisional Driver License

Once you have had your learners permit for at least six months, you’ll then be issued another type of learners permit called a provisional license.

Restrictions on Provisional Driver License

You can have as many passengers in the vehicle with you as you want, but one of them has to be at least 21-years-old, and this person must be in the passenger seat next to you.

To fully understand the ins-and-outs of the rules you must follow while driving with any type of learners permit, it’s highly advised to contact one of our professional car insurance agents today.

Certified Umbrella Insurance Agents in Astoria, OR

There are many individual insurance policies that protect aspects of your life such as your house and car. These insurance policies have a liability portion that protects you from being financially responsible for incidents that are considered your fault, or occur on your property. The liability limits created by these policies depend on the type of insurance you have and several other factors with the policy. It’s possible that the liability limits are not sufficient for the lawsuit that is being put against you. This is particularly true in situations where wrongful death has occurred. Instead of running through your liability limits and having a personal financial impact shape your future, look into personal umbrella insurance.

Umbrella insurance refers to an insurance option that provides additional liability coverage for house and auto insurance. If you run through the limits on your own insurance, the umbrella portion kicks in and covers the rest. This is particularly useful if you have a tragedy occur in a car accident or with your pool or another structure on your property.

When you are setting up personal umbrella insurance, you want to look at the liability perils that it covers. These perils specify exactly what type of claims apply to this insurance option. You don’t want to be in the middle of a lawsuit to discover that your insurance isn’t going to pay the damaged party. That kind of issue leads to bankruptcy and other financial issues in the long run.

Talk to our certified umbrella insurance agents in Astoria, OR to find out the best umbrella options for your life and policies. It’s one of the best ways to keep yourself safe.