Floods are more common than ever, with climate change ratcheting up the number of costly natural disasters in the United States. If you live in a flood zone in Astoria, OR, you might have difficulty finding coverage through private insurance companies. Fortunately, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides affordable protection for homeowners. At Linda Dugan Insurance, we get a lot of questions about flood insurance, so we put together these common myths and facts about flood insurance to help you make the right choice for your property.

Myth: You can’t get coverage if you’re in a designated flood zone.

Fact: If your community provides access to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you can buy flood insurance. However, homes within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) may cost more to insure than those outside of historic flood zones.

Myth: You can’t get flood coverage if there’s been a recent flood in your area.

Fact: You can get flood insurance anytime. However, there’s a 30-day wait before NFIP insurance takes effect. There’s no waiting period if you’re buying flood insurance to secure a loan. Talk to your flood insurance agent to ensure your coverage is in place if you purchase a new home. 

Myth: My homeowner’s policy will cover flooding damage.

Fact: Your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover flooding. You need to purchase a separate policy, typically through the NFIP. Please stop by our office or call for an appointment for a free quote.

MYTH: Federal disaster assistance covers flood damage.

FACT: Less than 50% of floods are declared federal disasters. That means you can’t count on help from the government. Plus, if the government doesn’t declare a federal disaster, you won’t get any assistance from the government.

Find Flood Coverage in Astoria, OR

Contact Linda Dugan Insurance for a quote for your home’s flood insurance. Our experienced agents can help you get the coverage you need.

If you live and do business in Astoria, OR, you might wonder if business umbrella insurance also protects your home. Business umbrella insurance typically covers liabilities related to your business activities, such as lawsuits from customers or employees. However, it can also provide additional protection for your home and personal assets if you have the right kind of policy. Linda Dugan Insurance explains business umbrella insurance covers and how it can protect your home.

What Does Business Umbrella Insurance Cover? 

Business umbrella insurance offers additional liability protection beyond the limits of other insurance policies, such as homeowners or auto insurance. It covers incidents that could potentially cause significant financial losses to your business or personal assets, such as lawsuits over negligence or contractual disputes. It also provides coverage for libel and slander claims, legal defense costs (including appeals), and judgments that exceed the limits of existing policies. 

Does It Protect My Home? 

Yes! Business umbrella insurance can provide additional protection for your home if used for business purposes. For example, if you work from home or operate a small business out of an office in your house, this business umbrella insurance policy will cover any liabilities related to those activities—as long as they are within the scope of the policy’s limits and exclusions.

Business umbrella insurance can provide an extra layer of protection for both businesses and homes in Astoria, OR. While it does not replace existing policies like homeowners or auto insurance, it offers additional coverage for certain types of liabilities related to a person’s work activities at home. Contact Linda Dugan Insurance today for more information and details about how business umbrella insurance might be right for you!

An excellent health insurance policy is only part of a solid health plan. The first line of defense should always be the proactive approach to preventing sickness in the first place. Here at Linda Dugan Insurance, we want to help you better understand how to improve your health overall in Astoria, OR, and the surrounding areas. Keep reading to learn more about improving your health by adding more activity to your day. 

Walk Instead of Drive 

It’s true that not everyone is located conveniently enough to walk where they need to go. Still, if you are in a location where walking to destinations is an option, you should take advantage of this. If you are about to hop in your car for any goal that would involve a five-minute or less car drive, why not consider walking instead? 

Active Entertainment 

We all love spending time with friends and family having fun, and being entertained, but why not look for active entertainment options? Spending time with your family doesn’t just have to look like a trip to the movies or some other activity that involves little movement. What about a family night of playing tennis at the local park or a hike? Swimming is another excellent activity that is healthy and fun. 

Do It The Old Fashioned Way 

No doubt modern technology has helped our lives in many ways. Still, on the flip side, technology has also removed many naturally occurring activities that previous generations enjoyed regularly. If you rely heavily on modern tech to do tasks for you, why not do things the old-fashioned way occasionally? For instance, have you depended on a riding lawn mower to do your lawn? How about switching to a push mower so that you get more healthy activity while doing this chore? Always throwing the laundry in the dryer? You could hang up your clothes to dry in the sunshine for a natural, energy-saving alternative that also works a lot of great activity in your day. 

If you want to learn about our health insurance services, don’t hesitate to contact us at Linda Dugan Insurance, serving Astoria, OR, and the surrounding areas. 

Flood insurance is a necessary indemnification if you incur damage to your house by water that first touches the ground before entering your home. Homeowners’ insurance will not cover events defined as flooding by FEMA, and this occurs when two acres or more is, per their language, "inundated with water."  

There are other ways your property can be flooded, which happens when the groundwater builds up more gradually. Renters’ insurance policies will also not cover flooding; you will need a separate, dedicated flood insurance policy. 

Flood insurance is not a requirement in Astoria, OR by law. However, your lender will typically require you to purchase indemnification while maintaining a balance on your home. This is particularly true if your loan is funded by government underwriting. Ask your knowledgeable Linda Dugan Insurance representative about the right options for you. 

If your home is located on the FEMA map in a region that is identified as low-lying or that is a flood plane, your property has a chance of flooding. It will show you your community’s history with flood severity and frequency and will contain updates to their predictions based on changing climate data. 

Properties near rivers or creeks can be affected when these waterways overflow their banks during heavy rains. In addition, those who live on paved city streets can be inundated when sewers and gutters fail to properly remove water from the asphalt. This is mainly a problem at the bottom of steep hills. 

We Can Help You with Flood Insurance

Linda Dugan Insurance takes pride in providing insurance products and services to meet clients’ goals. Reach out to us today to so us further, and we serve those who live in the Astoria, OR area. 

Linda Dugan Insurance, serving Astoria, OR, and the surrounding area, can provide the protection necessary for your loved ones when you are no longer here to support them.

Why is life insurance coverage necessary?

It protects your family from the potentially devastating financial losses that could occur in the event of your passing. It will provide financial security, pay off debts, pay living expenses, and pay medical or final expenses.

I am only 25 years old. Why do I need life insurance?

Many younger people think it is not necessary at their age. But a severe illness, or, more commonly, car or athletic accidents, can impact the life of a younger individual. If that person has a young family, financial ruin can result in hardship that can last a lifetime.

Are you one of the fortunate that has accumulated wealth? High-earners and wealthy people use life insurance to pay estate taxes on a large bequest. Cash value life insurance will provide an alternative tax-deferred investment when you have maxed out other accounts. Life insurance trusts can be used with permanent life insurance to maximize wealth or assets.

If you need life insurance for a shorter period, for example, if you have young children at home, term insurance will be the best option as the premiums are affordable. A term life policy does not build cash value, so you cannot cash out term life insurance.

If you desire permanent coverage that lasts your entire lifetime, a whole life policy is best.

Do not leave your loved ones unprotected. If you need additional answers to questions or desire a quote, contact Linda Dugan Insurance today. You and your loved ones will be glad you did.

Insurance for your boat in Astoria, OR covers more than just the boat itself. In this blog from Linda Dugan Insurance, we explain what personal property and items installed on the boat, such as radar and other navigational equipment, the policy includes.

The typical boat policy covers everything you install on the boat, plus the personal property you and your guests bring. If an accident occurs, your next-door neighbor’s iPhone receives the same coverage as your radar as long as your neighbor goes boating with you.

Many boat owners install radar and other navigational items on their boats. The typical boat policy covers these items. All the appliances get coverage if you set up a kitchen in the hold with a mini-fridge, toaster oven, and microwave. The fishing gear you bring, clothes, and other normal personal property all receive coverage under the policy.

What isn’t covered?

If you make improvements to your boat after your policy purchase, those don’t receive coverage until you update your insurance policy. Permanent boat improvements like new flooring in the hold or galley or upgrading the furnishings, such as the beds, require updated insurance.

Essentially, personal property coverage applies if you can bring it and then take it with you. If you install it permanently, it adds value to the boat, so you need to update your boat insurance to cover the new value of the ship.

Contact Linda Dugan Insurance, serving Astoria, OR for more information on boat insurance. Let us help you update your coverage so your boat remains fully covered.

If you’re an RV owner in Astoria, OR, you might wonder if full-year RV insurance is necessary. After all, you only use your RV for part of the year, so why should you have to pay for insurance all year long? The answer is simple: because it’s the best way to protect your investment. Here’s a closer look at the different insurance options available to RV owners and why full-year coverage is always the best choice.

Seasonal Coverage vs. Full-Year Coverage

Most RV insurance companies offer both seasonal and full-year coverage options. Seasonal coverage is typically less expensive than full-year coverage but provides less protection. For example, if you have a claim while your RV is in storage during the off-season, your seasonal policy probably won’t cover it. That’s why Linda Dugan Insurance always recommends opting for full-year coverage, even if it costs a little more.

What Does Full-Year RV Insurance Cover?

Full-year RV insurance policies vary somewhat in coverage, but they all provide comprehensive protection for your RV. This includes protection from weather damage, theft, accidents, and more. Some policies also include roadside assistance and emergency expense reimbursement, which can come in handy if you break down while on a road trip.

Why Full-Year RV Insurance is the Best Choice

In short, full-year RV insurance is the best choice because it’s the most comprehensive option available. It will protect your RV no matter what happens, whether you’re using it or in storage. And if you ever have a claim, you’ll be glad you have the coverage you need to get back on the road as quickly as possible.

If you’re an RV owner wondering whether full-year insurance is necessary, the answer is a resounding yes! Full-year coverage is always the best choice because it’s more comprehensive than seasonal coverage and will protect your investment no matter what happens. So don’t wait—contact your Linda Dugan Insurance agent in Astoria, OR today to get started on a full-year policy for your RV.

If you are looking to purchase health insurance, you have two options. You can buy health insurance from the health insurance marketplace, also known as Obama Care medical insurance, or purchase private insurance. Here at Linda Dugan Insurance, serving the greater Astoria, OR area, we can help you find the insurance plan that is right for you. Here are a few benefits associated with buying health insurance outside the health insurance marketplace. 

You Can Purchase Health Insurance Any Time of the Year

The health insurance marketplace is only available for open enrollment for a few weeks in the winter months. Unfortunately, unless you have a qualifying life change, such as moving or having a new child, you cannot enroll in health insurance through the health insurance marketplace outside of open enrollment periods. When you select a private health insurance policy, you can enroll in that type of policy anytime throughout the year. 

You Have More Plans Available To You

The other significant benefit of purchasing private health insurance outside the health insurance marketplace is that you have more health insurance plans. Some health insurance companies do not offer health insurance through the marketplace or may limit the plans they offer. As such, you have more plans and insurance companies available to select from when you purchase health insurance away from the health insurance marketplace. 

If you are in the market for a new health insurance plan in the greater Astoria, OR region, the team at Linda Dugan Insurance would love to help you find the best insurance policy for your needs. Reach out to us today to get started. 

Umbrella insurance is an important type of insurance to carry for complete financial protection. Misconceptions are common when it comes to umbrella insurance. 

At Linda Dugan Insurance, we want our clients in Astoria, OR to be adequately informed about umbrella insurance. The following are three common misconceptions to be aware of about umbrella insurance. 

It costs a lot of money to purchase an umbrella insurance policy.

You shouldn’t forego umbrella insurance coverage under the assumption that it is too costly. Get a quote on an umbrella insurance policy, and you’re likely to find that this is one of the most affordable types of insurance available. 

You don’t need umbrella insurance unless you are a high-net-worth individual.

Umbrella insurance is often associated with very wealthy individuals. However, anyone with considerable savings can benefit from having an umbrella insurance policy.

Umbrella insurance coverage protects anyone who has more in savings than they carry in coverage maximums on their standard insurance policies. This makes umbrella insurance coverage advantageous to many consumers out there. 

No one needs umbrella insurance if they have home insurance.

Home insurance is very valuable to have. However, this doesn’t mean that home insurance offers so much coverage that it makes umbrella insurance unnecessary.

Umbrella insurance offers coverage in addition to that offered by a consumer’s home insurance policy. Although home insurance is helpful in the event of a situation like a lawsuit, home insurance has policy maximum coverage limits.

Umbrella insurance coverage takes over for lawsuits that cost more than the policy maximums on a consumer’s home insurance policy. 

Don’t believe misconceptions about umbrella insurance in Astoria, OR. Please message us at Linda Dugan Insurance to learn more about umbrella insurance.

No matter what business you run, it’s essential to have the right insurance coverage in place. Not only will this protect your business from financial loss in an accident or lawsuit, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for anything. But with so many different types of business insurance available, it can be challenging to know where to start. To help you understand it all, here are the ABCs of business insurance coverage.

1. What is Business Insurance?

Business insurance is a type of insurance that businesses purchase to protect themselves from financial losses stemming from risks such as accidents, natural disasters, theft, and legal liabilities. In other words, it’s a safety net that businesses can fall back on if something goes wrong. 

2. Types of Business Insurance Coverage

Many different types of business insurance are available, each with its specific purpose. The most common types of coverage are property insurance, liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and professional liability insurance. 

• Property Insurance: Property insurance covers the physical assets of your business if they are damaged or destroyed by a covered peril (e.g., fire, windstorm, theft). 
• Liability Insurance: The policy protects your business when you get sued for damages arising from injuries or property damage resulting from your business operations. 
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This policy covers the medical expenses and lost wages of employees who are injured on the job. In most states, businesses must carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees. 
• Professional Liability Insurance: Professional liability insurance protects your business from being sued for negligence, errors, and omissions. This type of coverage is significant for companies that provide professional services (e.g., accounting, consulting, engineering). 

3. How to Choose the Right Business Insurance Coverage

The best way to determine which type(s) of business insurance coverage you need is to speak with an insurance agent or broker who can assess your unique risks and recommend the right policies for your business. You should also review your insurance needs regularly (at least once annually) to ensure that your coverage is still adequate. 

Get Business Insurance in Astoria, OR

At Linda Dugan Insurance, we understand the importance of having the right business insurance in place. We offer a wide range of business insurance policies, and our experienced agents will work with you to find the coverage that best meets your needs. Contact us today to get started.