What To Look For When Buying A Used RV

If you’re thinking about buying a used RV around Astoria, OR, it can be a lot to take in. There are a lot of different styles, sizes, features, and price ranges to consider. This can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. We at Linda Dugan Insurance present this article to help you understand the different types of used RVs, their features, and their price ranges.

Know what you want before you start looking.

Taking the time to figure out what RV fits your needs will help you narrow your search and ensure you get precisely what you want. What is your budget? What features are a must, and what are you willing to live without? What size are you comfortable driving? All of these are important questions to ask yourself.

Research and shop around.

Online sites like Craigslist and eBay can be great resources for researching what types of used RVs are available in your area and give you a general idea of what you can expect to pay for. You can also score good deals on RVing forums. Also, check local dealers, who may offer some good discounts on used RVs they want to move.

While you are looking online, research the models you are interested in. Check-in with the owners and find out why they are selling. Sellers who might not be willing to discuss their RV’s history could be hiding something. Websites like RVchecks might have a vehicle history report if you have suspicions. Don’t buy a used RV that you’re unsure about, even if the price is right. You’ll probably end up spending more money on repairs and maintenance.

Note: Dealerships might have higher prices, but they often have better quality and have done thorough inspections.

Once you have purchased your RV, you’ll want to have it insured. That’s where Linda Dugan Insurance comes in. We can help all Astoria, OR find an RV insurance policy that fits their needs. Contact us today for more information.

Terms you need to understand before choosing your health insurance

Choosing your health insurance is not only difficult. It is one of the most important decisions you make every year. If you get it wrong, you will be living with that decision for 12 months. At Linda Dugan Insurance in Astoria, OR, we understand how important this decision is. As independent insurance agents, we are uniquely qualified to provide you with the choices you need and the information to make an informed decision. 

Deductible

These days you will likely hear a lot about high deductible policies. Before the health insurance policy kicks in, a high deductible policy means paying a designated amount, usually at least $1400 for an individual and $2800 for a family. If you meet the minimum, you can then set up an HSA (health savings account) tax-free to help pay for those expenses. 

Network

Every health insurance carrier has made contracts with providers to offer services to their customers. You may not be able to go outside this network if you want the insurance to pay for the service. When you choose your policy, it is vital to ensure your preferred doctor and hospital are within your network. 

Formulary

Another important aspect of your coverage is your prescription medication. The formulary is the list of medicines covered by that policy and what the co-pay will be. Drugs are listed in tiers, and some of the tiers also come with a yearly deductible.

Co-pay

This is the amount you are responsible for when receiving a particular service. This is after you have met the plan deductible. 

Contact Linda Dugan Insurance in Astoria, OR when it is getting near the time when you have to choose your health insurance and let us help you get the most for your money.

5 Benefits of home insurance in Astoria, OR

Buying a new home can be stressful. In addition to being a substantial financial commitment, owning a home is also a lot of work. Home insurance ensures your investment is protected and

Linda Dugan Insurance is ready to help. The agency can create a personalized home insurance policy that’s right for you. Located in Astoria, OR, our agency offers five reasons to carry home insurance.

Covers primary dwelling

Protect your home. This is the main role of insurance. If damage occurs, home insurance will reimburse for repair and replacement costs. Each policy will list what events are included. Review these with your agent.

Covers other structures

This protection reaches other parts of your property too. Garages, sheds, decks, fences, and other detached structures are also likely protected. Again, please consult your specific policy to understand its coverage limits better.

Protects belongings

What’s on the inside matters too. Your personal possessions are shielded from damage, destruction, or theft with home insurance. Appliances, electronics, furniture, and any other valuables are covered. Conduct a home inventory to assess the value of these items.

Provides liability protection

Liability is included in almost every insurance policy. This applies to any incident or accident on your property where you are found to be at fault or legally responsible. With this protection, legal fees and medical payments could be reimbursed.

Provides loss of use coverage

Prepare for the worst. This kicks in if a major accident or natural disaster forces you from your home. Loss of use casts a safety net over any costs associated with relocating temporarily. These added living costs include food, hotels, or even increased travel.

Contact Linda Dugan Insurance

Serving Astoria, OR, Linda Dugan Insurance can grant you security, safety, and peace of mind. Set up an appointment today.

What’s not covered by an auto insurance policy?

Most would agree that auto insurance provides drivers with many necessary benefits and protection. It covers many different situations, from liability and injury to property damage and many other areas. Conversely, specific situations and circumstances wouldn’t be covered by auto insurance. Linda Dugan Insurance agency takes pride in educating Astoria, OR residents about auto insurance and what’s not covered under a standard auto insurance policy. Our group at Linda Dugan Insurance is committed to eliminating any confusion associated with auto insurance. 

Natural Disasters

Damage to your car sustained due to a natural disaster isn’t typically covered under your auto insurance policy. Damage from natural disasters is typically covered under an insurance policy designed specifically for natural disasters, renters, or homeowners insurance. For example, auto insurance doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle from hail, flooding, and other severe weather conditions.

Personal Possessions Inside of Your Car

Auto insurance won’t cover damage to the possessions inside of your car as a result of an accident or some other situation. Typically, renters insurance, homeowners, or other specific insurance designed for the circumstance would cover the damage.

Commercial Use

A personal auto insurance policy will not cover damage sustained by your vehicle due to commercial use. Business insurance would be the appropriate coverage for a car used for commercial business. 

Normal Wear and Tear/Maintenance and Auto Accessories 

Most of us understand that auto insurance will not cover damage or issues from normal wear and tear or your vehicle’s recommended maintenance. 
Auto accessories aren’t considered part of the covered costs associated with auto insurance. Auto accessories must be purchased and maintained independently of auto insurance. 

Intentional Damage/Injury

Intentional damage to your car and intentional injury isn’t covered by auto insurance. Liability auto insurance provides coverage for injury or damage to another driver’s car. Understanding what your auto insurance will and will not cover is essential. Our agents at Linda Dugan Insurance company are invested in helping Astoria, OR drivers understand what’s covered. Give us a call. We’d be happy to answer your questions. 

Life insurance FAQs

Many people are not very knowledgeable when it comes to life insurance. If you have lots of questions, you are not alone. In Astoria, OR, the knowledgeable agents at Linda Dugan Insurance are here to answer the questions that you may have and help you to come up with the right life insurance combination for you. 

Whole life or term, what to choose? 

Whole life insurance is insurance that lasts for your whole life. Once you buy it you can keep it at the same premium forever. It also earns dividends, so it is a way to accumulate some extra savings and you can borrow from the money you have. Term life insurance has a term. When the term is over, the life insurance is over, or at least it is over at the previous rate.  All you get is the death benefit, nothing more.

When to purchase life insurance? 

The obvious answer is before you need it. But, if you are young and healthy, the premium will be the lowest and that is a good time to invest in whole life insurance. When you have heavy obligations and the need to provide for dependents, that is the time to get term life in the amount you need. 

Do I need to buy life insurance if I get some from work?

Do you know exactly how much you get from work and the type of insurance you have? Will you be able to bring it with you if you leave their employ? This is something important to consider. What if you get sick and can’t work or the business closes? It is always best to be in control of something as important as your life insurance. 

Contact Linda Dugan Insurance in Astoria, OR when you have questions about life insurance.

Protect your OR company with a comprehensive commercial policy

The greater Astoria, OR area business community relies on Linda Dugan Insurance for all of its insurance needs. If you want to make sure that your OR company has the protection it needs, call us today.

The many benefits of a comprehensive commercial policy

With a comprehensive commercial policy, you will enjoy benefits above and beyond those provided by basic policies. If you want to make sure that all of your inventory, equipment, and cash flows are protected, it may be time to upgrade your current commercial policy. In fact, we recommend that all of our business clients carefully review their policies at least once a year for completeness. You never know what gaps there may be in your policy until you take a closer look.

Comprehensive policies can provide additional features such as cash flow interruption, key employee coverage, and a number of different benefits that can keep your company growing. Life is full of unexpected events, and many can be detrimental to your bottom line. When you have the right commercial policy in place, you can rest assured knowing that you have the protection you need.

As your company grows, so too will its insurance needs. Don’t become complacent with your coverage! The coverage that was a perfect fit when you were first starting out may no longer be sufficient for your needs. It only makes sense to learn more about your options.

Now is the right time to find out more!

If you are a business owner in the greater Astoria, OR area, it’s time to get to know Linda Dugan Insurance. We can help you find the right policy that provides your company with the protection it needs. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation and find out more!

Is Flood Insurance Mandatory in Oregon?

This might be a story you have heard before — floods damaging someone’s home, only for them to find out that home insurance doesn’t cover the damage! At Linda Dugan Insurance, we wouldn’t want you to go under the same predicament. We like to educate clients about the potential risks they face and offer them insurance solutions. Today, let’s look at flood insurance.

Flood insurance in Oregon

It’s natural for anyone to ask for the state’s requirements before making most decisions.  In line with this, many clients usually ask us whether flood insurance is required in Oregon. The short answer is no — no Oregon law requires you to carry flood insurance.

However, if your home is mortgage-financed, the lender may require you to purchase flood insurance if you are located in a flood-risk area. And even when you are located outside a flood zone, the lender can still insist you purchase flood insurance.

Why do you need flood insurance?

At Linda Dugan Insurance, we usually advise our clients to purchase flood insurance whether it’s mandatory or not. Why? You may ask. Flood insurance is a must-have investment because:

  • Home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage — yes, you may have home insurance, but it won’t protect you against floods.
  • Floods can strike anywhere — you don’t have to live near a water body for floods to strike. Because of rains, flash flooding can occur anywhere, and that’s why you need to be armed with flood insurance all the time.
  • Grants aren’t always given — it’s wrong to assume that the government will intervene whenever there is a flood. This doesn’t always happen, and even when floods are declared an emergency, you are given grants that you will pay back with interest.

Looking for flood insurance in Astoria, OR? Would you please look no further than Linda Dugan Insurance? Contact us today for a favorable quote.

How Boat Insurance Is Impacted Through Traveling Abroad

Linda Dugan Insurance is an independent agency. We work closely with multiple carriers throughout the West Coast. We are committed to helping our clients in Astoria, OR find policies that align with their needs. We offer unique policies that are designed to protect our clients in any situation. We look forward to helping you find coverage.

How Boat Insurance Is Impacted Through Traveling Abroad

During periods of warm weather in Astoria OR, many people enjoy heading out by the lake on their boats. Unfortunately, operating a boat may be more dangerous than it seems. There could be an accident at any moment. You could get caught at sea while serious weather is approaching. Consider the benefits of boat insurance. Boat insurance covers you while you’re on the water. You are protected if your boat is involved in an accident with another watercraft or object. You are also covered if your boat is stolen or damaged by severe weather. Liability coverage protects you if you are held responsible for damaging someone’s property or injuring another person. You are also protected if one of your passengers on the boat suffers an injury.

If you are planning an exciting vacation by traveling abroad on your boat, you have to do some research. If you are operating your boat on foreign waters, research the country’s maritime rules. You may need to obtain a permit or visa in order to operate your boat on foreign soil. There is no clear jurisdiction regarding international travel. Check your policy to see if the navigational limits still apply. The navigational limits outline the areas where you can operate your vehicle and still maintain coverage if something happens.

Linda Dugan Insurance Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about boat insurance.

Do You Need RV Insurance for Towable RVs?

If you drive a vehicle that tows an RV behind it, you may wonder if that towed RV needs its own insurance policy. It’s a good question that is commonly overlooked.

Linda Dugan Insurance serving Astoria, OR knows that you have insurance questions. If you want to know if your towed RV needs its own policy, here’s what you need to know.

Towable RVs May Be Covered By Your Auto Policy

When you have an RV that you tow, your auto insurance policy may already cover it. However, in many cases, only some coverage applies to the RV. For example, you might have collision coverage, but it may not cover the personal belongings inside the RV.

Towable RV Lenders May Require RV Policies

You may also need RV insurance for an RV that you tow if you are paying a loan on it. Lenders may require that you have special insurance that covers the replacement cost of the RV if it is totaled. Lenders also often require that you have comprehensive and collision coverage for your RV, even if you do not have it for your car.

Motorhomes Require Separate Policies

Everything changes if you get an RV that you can drive. When you operate an RV separately from another vehicle, it must have its own insurance policy. At the very least, you need to have liability insurance to cover any damage you cause.

Get RV Insurance to Protect Yourself

Linda Dugan Insurance, which provides insurance services to the residents of Astoria, OR, can help you determine what kind of insurance policy is right for your RV. Contact an insurance professional today to get the right policy.

Three Myths About Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is one of the many riders that can be attached to a current property insurance policy. This type of policy offers protection against damage that occurs from a flood. However, many Astoria, OR property owners may be confused about flood insurance due to the fact that there are so many myths that surround this particular type of coverage, leading individuals to not invest in it.

To help clear things up a bit, the team at Linda Dugan Insurance has put together some information that will help you in determining whether flood insurance is right for your individual situation.

Flood Insurance Is Standard with Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

Many people assume that their homes are properly protected under their home insurance policy in the event of a flood. However, most insurance companies specifically exclude this type of damage from the standard home policy. To ensure your property is properly protected against this hazard, a rider for flood insurance will need to be purchased for an additional fee.

Flood Insurance Isn’t Necessary Unless You Reside in a Flood Plain

A flood can occur absolutely anywhere. You do not need to live in a flood plain. In fact, roughly 20 to 25 percent of all flood claims are actually for properties that are outside of the designated flood danger areas. For example, if you live near a dam or levee, your property could be at risk.

Flood Insurance Isn’t Needed Because FEMA Disaster Aid Is Available to Everyone

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Aid will only apply if the United States President declares the flood as a natural disaster. Even then, though, you generally have to repay the aid that you receive. However, flood insurance will pay regardless of the disaster status of the flood. In addition, you won’t have to worry about paying your insurance company the money back.

If you still have questions about flood insurance for your Astoria property, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Linda Dugan Insurance is here to help you understand the various insurance options available to you, whether it is flood insurance or another form of insurance. Give us a call today!