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!

Unforeseen events can often lead to numerous changes within a business, a factor that can further expose your venture to new risks. If you operate a business within Astoria, OR, adjusting your insurance needs to fit your new operating scope should be your next course of action. Below, Linda Dugan Insurance explains why it is crucial to review your commercial insurance annually.

Helps You Identify if You Have Adequate Coverage

If you are constantly experiencing growth in your business, you will likely need additional equipment and new employees on board. Such changes could expose you to significant safety risks, with claims associated with employee injuries and machine breakdowns resulting in uncovered expenses. Renewing your insurance helps you track emerging concerns while also allowing you to identify areas that need additional protection. 

Helps You Take Advantage of Savings

Discount opportunities can often present themselves when you least expect them to, opening up room for savings on your policy. By reviewing your commercial insurance annually, you can identify periods when such discounts are available and ways to take advantage of them. This can mean bundling policies together, helping you cut back on high costs in the long run.

Helps You Keep Up to Date With Changes in Legal Regulations

While you may have control of your internal business operations, areas such as legal regulations will often be out of your control. Changes in the legal framework could require you to implement additional policies, with failure to do so resulting in fines. Renewing your commercial policy will be crucial in helping you avoid such legal troubles, allowing you to stay on the right side of the law throughout your business operations.

Whether you need commercial insurance designed with legal compliance in mind or need to upgrade your coverage, Linda Dugan Insurance is here to help you with your policy. Call us today to help you get the appropriate coverage for your Astoria, OR business.

Recreational toys are fun to have but come with significant responsibilities. One of the most critical responsibilities is making sure that they’re adequately covered with a toy insurance policy in the event of an accident. However, not everybody in Astoria, OR needs toy insurance as toys mean different things to different people. However, at Linda Dugan Insurance, we define toy insurance as a policy divided into two categories–valuable and luxury collections and other pretty expensive toys like RVs, boats, motorcycles, and ATVs. If you own one or several of such items, you need toy insurance. So why do you need it? Read on to find out!

Protecting your assets

Your toy is an expensive asset that may cost lots of money to replace if not adequately covered. You want to make sure that you can still get a new one in case anything happens. A toy insurance policy provides you with peace of mind as the coverage protects your assets against fire, burglaries, loss, and other natural disasters.

Liability 

Accidents happen everywhere in Astoria, OR, but that shouldn’t be a problem if you have the right toy insurance. Since the policy has many coverages, liability coverage should be your priority. Whether you have passengers or not, your toy may lead to unending lawsuits in the event of property damage or bodily injury. Remember, you’re supposed to be financially responsible, especially if you drive a luxury vehicle or motorcycle.

Replacement

When buying toy insurance, make sure that the policy can replace parts or the entire item in case of a loss. You should buy the policy if you’re not ready to part with your toy due to accidents.

Linda Dugan Insurance is here to help

Toy insurance definitely has some clear advantages. The last thing you want is to use your savings to buy a new yacht when the current one is totaled.  For all your toy insurance needs, feel free to contact our insurance agents, and they will be happy to help.

While owning a trailer boat in Astoria, OR, is a thrilling experience, getting the right insurance cover can be a hilly task. Most people do not see the essence of purchasing boat trailer insurance, thinking that it is unnecessary with regular insurance in place. However, that is a mistake to avoid at all costs. The standard insurance policies do not compensate you if your trailer gets stolen. Linda Dugan Insurance has become the leading institution, offering the residents advice on the best boat policy options. Such a scenario will force you to dig deeper into your pocket or savings, which can be avoided by purchasing boat trailer insurance.

How Far Does Boat Insurance Go in Covering My Trailer?

A regular insurance cover will only protect your trailer up to a particular stage. That said, never be entirely comfortable sailing without boat trailer insurance coverage. Find out the limit of your auto insurance policy concerning your boat trailer to avoid making mistakes. Auto insurance covers trailers, but not in all scenarios. Without a proper understanding of the terms, there are high chances of making wrong decisions.

What Does My Boat Trailer Police Cover?

Your trailer boat insurance policy will cover you from liabilities and physical destruction. Liability coverage compensates you for the injuries caused by your boat trailer and any property destruction that it may cause. It takes care of your medical bills and the fee needed to pursue legal justice. With physical damage, the policy overs the vessel from destruction triggered by fire, vandalism, collision, to mention a few. In addition, the insurance covers your trailer from theft.

The insurance coverage you choose covers your vessel from physical damage when off show and in the water. It is advisable to purchase boat trailer insurance for ultimate protection. The option is superior compared to the standard policy.

Contact Linda Dugan Insurance today for a decent insurance policy to secure your trailer boat in Astoria, OR.

Rving is rapidly becoming a popular way to travel in and out of Astoria, OR. It’s rewarding and exciting to plan, travel, and spend time out there without worrying about booking flights and hotels. However, any travel enthusiast will tell you that your life and safety heavily depend on your actions. So how do you ensure you are always safe while out there, even when you are alone? Linda Dugan Insurance highlights a few safety tips to get you started.

Improve Your Driving Skills

Whether you just bought your new home on wheels or have been driving for the past year, consider taking a few hours to practice and improve your RV driving skills. Long-distance travel means driving hours on end. Make better use of cameras, mirrors, and windows to know your surroundings. Practice safe turning and stopping before heading out.

Routine Inspection and Maintenance

Never assume or overlook things when traveling, especially mechanical issues. Before hopping in and locking the doors, conduct a thorough interior and exterior inspection to ensure everything is in order. Make a point of taking your RV for routine service and maintenance a week before traveling to keep it in tiptop condition. That way, your mechanic will check and correct any issues before your big day.

Check Road Conditions

When traveling far places, you’re likely to use roads you have never used before. Some will be under construction, some may have heavy traffic, some may be closed, and some may be dangerous to use due to harsh weather. This could lead to delays, confusion, and frustration. Therefore, do prior research on different roads to make sure they are clean and safe to use.

Have Enough RV Insurance

Don’t forget to carry enough RV and travel insurance. Your policy will help protect you and your loved ones while out there, especially when you need roadside assistance.

Not sure where to buy proper RV insurance in Astoria, OR? Linda Dugan Insurance has what you need to stay and feel safe while on the roads. Call us for more information.

Did you know that floods are the most common natural disasters in the US? Floods are a constant threat to Americans. Even if you don’t reside in high flood-risk areas in Astoria, OR, you are susceptible to some danger or loss from a flood. Why? According to National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), 20 percent of all flood claims filed emanate from low to moderate flood risk areas! 

Given these statistics, prior preparation for the possibility of a flood by understanding flood insurance is crucial. Are you concerned that your household is devoid of protection against flood surges? Please connect with our dedicated agents at Linda Dugan Insurance, who will assist you in acquiring proper flood insurance irrespective of your location.

Is flood insurance mandatory in Oregon?

Though flood insurance isn’t federally mandated in Oregon, your lender may still demand you to purchase flood insurance even if you reside outside the high-risk area. Since typical home insurance doesn’t protect you against floods, it’s a wise choice to buy flood insurance to protect your home.

What does flood insurance cover?

Flood insurance from NFIP covers your home up to $250,000 and contents up to $100,000. However, you can increase these limits by topping up your premiums. Flood insurance on the dwelling covers: 

• Standard home systems like central AC, furnace, and electrical wiring
• Wall, windows, doors, and roof
• Built-in appliances such as refrigerator stoves and dishwashers
• Permanently installed carpeting, wallboard, bookcases, and cabinets
• Detached garages
• Building and its foundation
• Electric and plumbing system
• Window blinds and shutters

Content coverage covers:

• Furniture and movable floors
• Portable and window air conditioners
• Clothes washers and dryers
• Curtains and window treatment
• Electronics
• Clothing
• Curtains
• Portable appliances like window air conditioners and microwaves.

If you own high-value items like art, silverware, and jewelry, it’s prudent to inquire from your insurer about additional riders or endorsements to enhance your coverage.

Flood insurance in Astoria, OR

Do you need help in finding a salient flood insurance policy that safeguards your dwelling and its contents from flood damage? Call or visit our offices at Linda Dugan Insurance and get comprehensive information about flood insurance.

If you live in the Astoria, OR area, ensuring that you have a proper personal insurance plan in place should be a top priority. A form of insurance that all people here should get is umbrella insurance. When you have an umbrella insurance policy in place, it will give you valuable blanket personal liability coverage. There are a few reasons that you should get umbrella insurance.

Insurance Covers More Situations

A key reason that you will want to have an umbrella insurance plan is that it can cover more situations. The average person regularly faces a variety of liability risks. While some of these are covered by home or auto insurance plans, others are trickier to protect against. The best way that this can be done is by getting an umbrella insurance plan, which offers more blanket insurance coverage and covers a big range of potential risks.

Insurance Offers Additional Protection

Many in Oregon will have home and auto insurance, which offers some liability coverage. While it is a good start, an accident with significant damages could end up exceeding these policy limits. If this occurs, you will want to have umbrella protection as it will provide coverage on top of the other plans that you have in place. 

Those that are in the Astoria, OR area and would like to get an umbrella insurance plan should speak with someone that they can trust. The team with the Linda Dugan Insurance agency is a great group to contact when you are in need of any support. Linda Dugan Insurance will be able to assess all of your needs and give you the guidance that could help you build an umbrella insurance plan that continues to provide adequate personal liability protection. 

One thing you can attest to is that health is wealth. Without sound health, you can virtually not function. With this in mind, it’s a no-brainer to protect yourself with health insurance from Linda Dugan Insurance of Astoria, OR. If you are still unconvinced that you need health insurance, here are a few more reasons you should consider this insurance.

Rising healthcare costs

With the constantly increasing cost of healthcare in the country, medical expenses can wreak havoc on your savings if you don’t carry health insurance. Additionally, with the rising number of diseases, health insurance ensures that you get medical care without worrying about medical costs. 

Tax benefit

Are you looking towards reducing your tax burden? Health insurance can be an excellent place to start. If you are registered with an employer-sponsored health insurance plan, your health insurance premiums are already tax-free. Self-employed individuals can enjoy tax-deductible health insurance premiums if they meet specific requirements. 

Changing lifestyle

Over the years, our lifestyles have been rapidly changing, exposing us to a plethora of diseases. From our eating habits to the heavily polluted environment we live in, our health is always in danger. In such perilous times, health insurance becomes the go-to investment to protect us from various health disorders.

Preventing illnesses

Health insurance doesn’t only kick in when you are sick. It protects you from getting sick in the first place. When you carry health insurance, it enables you to access the below preventive health care:

• Vaccinations
• Annual checkups
• Scans and screenings
• Blood tests

Periodic health checkups are vital in arresting early symptoms of diseases that exhibit visible signs in advanced stages. Health insurance also helps you manage chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, prolonging life and helping you live a quality life. 

Health insurance in Oregon

If you are now convinced that you need health insurance, it’s time to contact Linda Dugan Insurance, serving Astoria, OR, and the surrounding areas. When you visit us, we will help you navigate the health insurance options available.

Most people look forward to retirement with a great deal of anticipation. Not having to get up and go to work every day is very appealing. The lead up to retirement can last a year or more as you tie up all the loose ends and get ready to move into this new phase of your life. If you have been counting on life insurance provided by your employer for your protection, you will have some things to think about. In Astoria, OR, Linda Dugan Insurance is your locally owned independent insurance agency. We are here to help make sure your retirement progress smoothly and you have the right insurance for your lifestyle. 

When you think about retirement, do you picture you and your spouse or partner traveling the world or wintering in a warm climate? The reality for many people is quite different. You may have children or grandchildren who live with you and whom you are providing support for. Under this retirement scenario, not much has changed from when you were raising a young family. You still have people who depend on your income. 

When you are thinking about your retirement, providing for dependents is something to consider when determining how much life insurance you need. You want to make your spouse or partner is provided for in addition to providing a legacy for others when you are gone. How much you want to leave is dependent on your ability to maintain the payments on your insurance. By the time you are at retirement age, your term policies may be at the end of their term. A whole life policy will remain at the same price. 

One thing most retirees want to have covered by life insurance is their final expenses. Depending on the type of sendoff you want it can be inexpensive or over $10.000. Another option is to prepay these expenses. 

In Astoria, OR contact Linda Dugan Insurance for all your life insurance needs. 

The Astoria, OR area is a fun place to live if you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. When you are going to try to enjoy the environment as much as possible, getting a recreational toy can be a great option. Those that do get a recreational toy need to make sure that they get the right insurance for it. There are a few different reasons why you should get a toy insurance policy.

Insurance Offers Protection Against Liability Risk

A reason that anyone should get a toy insurance plan is that it can offer protection against the risk of a liability claim. When you operate your recreational toy, there will always be a chance that you could cause an accident that leads to damage. When you have proper insurance, you will have the coverage that is needed to mitigate the risk that you will have to pay for damages in the future.

Insurance Covers Assets

You will also want to get a toy insurance policy as it will cover your assets. Anyone that is going to get a recreational toy will want to know that they can repair or replace it if an accident occurs. With a full toy insurance plan, you are going to have the coverage needed to protect your asset so you can continue to enjoy it in the future. 

When you want to get a toy insurance policy in the Astoria, OR area, it is important to evaluate your needs and options. The team with Linda Dugan Insurance can help you to do this. When you do call Linda Dugan Insurance, you can learn a lot about your different options. They can help you then build a policy that will offer you the right type and level of coverage for your recreational toy.