3 Reasons to Examine Your Health Insurance Policy

Posted on by AgentInsure

Health insurance in Astoria, OR can be extremely frustrating to muddle through, even as some insurance carriers try to make it a little easier. Instead of using as many technical terms, they may begin to stress more of the costs of choosing someone out-of-network, or which services don’t have a co-pay. And yet, even with these efforts, it’s not always easy to know what you’re signing up for. Here are three reasons to look over your policy again. 

1. You May Be Covered for Far Less Than You Think 

From high deductibles (to catch outside services) to your specific network, you may not be covered for nearly as many kinds of treatment as you believe. If you happen to have an emergency while you’re out of town, you’re not likely to have many options about where you go and who treats you. It’s only after you return home and receive a bill that you realize nothing was actually covered by your policy. 

2. You Don’t Want to Find Out Too Late 

Finding a bill in your mailbox is the worst possible time to realize what your health insurance covered. Taking the time to look over it now, even if it takes some time to go over each clause, is a far better strategy. Linda Dugan Insurance has seen too many people end up finding out the truth later when they should have taken the time to address it all sooner. 

3. You Can Get Your Questions Answered 

Taking the time to go over your insurance policy now gives you a chance to ask the questions you don’t want to ask later on. Linda Dugan Insurance has been helping the people of Astoria, OR get their questions answered for years, and we can help you too. 

Why Should I Invest in Umbrella Insurance?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Being properly covered by insurance is extremely important for all people. When you are considering your insurance needs, one of the most important types of insurance that you should also consider getting is umbrella insurance. This type of insurance is essentially additional liability coverage insurance that is in addition to your standard home or auto policies. There are several reasons why you should consider investing in an umbrella insurance policy.

Provides Coverage for Additional Risks

One of the main reasons why Astoria, OR residents should consider investing in umbrella insurance is that it will provide coverage for additional risks. While you can have a lot of financial coverage on your home or auto policies, the situations in which you are covered are still fairly limited. With an umbrella insurance policy, you will receive coverage for a variety of additional risks including the risk of slander or libel.

Additional Financial Coverage

An Astoria, OR customer will also receive more financial coverage when they have an umbrella insurance policy in place. When you are shopping for an umbrella insurance policy, you will be able to select the dollar amount of coverage that you want. This coverage can then provide you with additional liability insurance coverage that will come in handy if you are sued for liability and the damages exceed the amounts set forth in your home or auto policies. 

If you believe that you could benefit from the additional coverage provided by umbrella insurance, reaching out to Linda Dugan Insurance could be a great option. The team at Linda Dugan Insurance will be better able to explain all of the advantages of having umbrella insurance and they will be able to help find you a policy that provides you with the right level of umbrella coverage for your situation.

What Types of Ways Are There for Paying for Life Insurance?

Posted on by AgentInsure

If you have been thinking about buying a life insurance policy but you don’t know how you are going to pay for it, it is pertinent that you come up with a plan for a budget so that you can make the premium payments. You can ask anyone and you will hear over and over how important it is to invest in life insurance. Not only does it provide you with peace of mind in knowing you can leave your loved ones financially protected if you were to pass away but it’s also a great way to invest money if you buy a whole life policy that comes with a cash value. For now, Linda Dugan Insurance serving the Astoria, OR area would like to share two tips for budgeting for a life insurance policy. 

Get Your Priorities In Line

Sure, that $2 McChicken and small fry from McDonald’s might be quick and convenient for lunch each day, but this is costing you $60 a month. What if you chose a healthier lunch option that you can bring from home and instead of spending the money at McDonald’s, you invest it in an insurance policy? Budgeting for a life insurance policy starts with getting your priorities straight. 

Set a Goal and Stick to It

If you want to invest in life insurance, you can set a goal to set aside $50 a month to pay for your premium. When you set goals, studies have shown that they become much easier to meet rather than trying to accomplish something without putting a plan in place.

If you would like to learn more about budgeting for life insurance, please contact Linda Dugan Insurance serving the Astoria, OR area.

Is it Time for Your Commercial Insurance Policy Review?

Posted on by AgentInsure

As Your Business Grows, So Should Your Coverage

Commercial insurance policies provide coverage for many different aspects of your business- from liability and property damage to business interruption coverage. As your business grows its value is also increasing. We recommend that all of our commercial clients in the greater Astoria, OR area sit down with one of the agents at Linda Dugan Insurance each year to review their policies and discuss any changes that may need to be made.

One of the foundational pieces of the commercial insurance coverage puzzle is Commercial General Liability Insurance, sometimes referred to as CGL. This policy type will protect your business from the risk that can come with owning a business. This protection from claims brought forward by customers or employees will likely need to grow with you as your business expands. Similarly, as your inventory, commercial assets, and any commercial buildings and vehicles that your company owns an increase in value, so too should your coverage.

Whether you are concerned about your increased liability coverage needs or want to explore a Key Person policy, your annual policy review is the perfect opportunity to make sure that all of your commercial insurance needs are being met at the appropriate coverage level. Our team is highly knowledgeable of commercial insurance and how to implement a portfolio strategy that provides you with the breadth of coverage to protect your business interests. Contact us today and schedule your commercial policy review!

The team at Linda Dugan Insurance is here to protect your business interests in the greater Astoria, OR area, and help you to protect all of the hard work that goes into owning a business. Contact us today to schedule your annual review of your commercial insurance needs.

Are your Desert Toys Insured? This is Why They Should Be!

Posted on by AgentInsure

You’re cruising through the desert trails of Astoria, OR on your four-wheeler, when out of nowhere comes to a dirt bike doing a wheelie!  You stop but not in time, and neither does the dirt bike driver. There’s a crash, though no one is hurt, luckily.  Still, there is a significant amount of damage to your four-wheeler and the dirt bike? But you’re not too worried about it. Why? Because your favorite desert toy is insured by Linda Dugan Insurance.

Read on to learn more about why you should ensure your recreational toys with Linda Dugan Insurance.

1.  If there is an injury to your or another party while using a recreational vehicle, having insurance will help cover costs.

2.  If your desert toy is stolen or vandalized, having insurance could help replace or repair what was stolen or vandalized.

3.  If your recreational vehicle causes damage to someone’s property, having insurance will help minimize the financial consequences.

4.  Having insurance on all of your desert toys, from dirt bikes to four-wheelers and boats, will give you peace of mind every time you blaze the desert sands or cool off in one of Oregon’s lakes.

Contact our offices for more information on how you can insure your favorite motorized toys!

How To Itemize Your Flood Insurance Claims

Posted on by AgentInsure

While floods might not hit Astoria, OR that often, they may still happen. At Linda Dugan Insurance, we’ve seen too many people fail to itemize their damaged items properly. As a result, their claim was denied. Here is how you can avoid complications with this process.

Walk Through Your Home

After a flood strikes, walk through your home and take a look at everywhere that has been damaged. There is a good chance that the flood has affected many rooms in your home. Go through each of them and take a look at every element that has been damaged and takes a deep breath. This part is going to be tough.

Photograph The Damage

Take photos of the damaged areas to ensure that everything is properly documented. While your insurance company is likely to take your word, they may want some evidence. Photographs of important items showcase your damage and make sure your claim is approved.

Detail All The Possessions You’ve Lost

Write down all of the possessions that you lost because of the flood. These can include electronics, pieces of furniture, expensive pieces of electronics, and other elements that have a real value. Write them down, including their estimated price, on a piece of paper as you go through the house.

Break Them Up Into Types

After writing down all of the damaged items in your home, take the time to break them down into categories. These can include things like electronic items, home decoration products, and more. Breaking them down in this way helps your insurance company identify them more easily.

Getting Great Flood Coverage

If you live in Astoria, OR and want flood insurance, contact us at Linda Dugan Insurance. We serve this city and others in the area and can provide you the policy that you need.

3 Tips for a Fun-filled Day Out on the Water

Posted on by AgentInsure

When it comes to rest and relaxation, there is nothing better than taking the boat out for a float at a nearby lake or ocean in Astoria, OR. Before you are out enjoying the beautiful weather, though, you’ll definitely want to make sure you have properly planned ahead for a fun-filled day. Here is a quick look at three must-know tips for having a safe and fun time out on the water.

Check the Weather

Before planning your trip to the lake or beach, you should always check your local weather. A few things to watch for are:

  • Current wave conditions, including when the next low and high tides are
  • Wind trends
  • Any warnings current for the area you will be traveling to

Know your Water Safety

Make sure your children know about water safety and they have proper swimming skills. Parents will also want to set guidelines and rules for water play. Two of these rules should always include wearing life jackets when swimming or boating and having a swimming buddy while in the water. Also, when you’re on your way to the beach, this makes for the perfect time for you and your family to discuss how far out in the water the children are allowed.

Essential Things To Pack

To plan the perfect day on the water, it is vital to make sure you have the essentials packed and ready to go. A few things to bring to ensure you and your family are prepared are:

  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Floaties
  • Cooler
  • Sunglasses
  • Extra clothes
  • Beach towels

Protect Your Boat

Also, before you head to the lake or ocean, you’ll want to make sure your boat is properly protected with boat insurance. Contact Linda Dugan Insurance serving the Astoria, OR today to learn more about different types of boat insurance policies.

The Importance of Reviewing Your RV Insurance Policy in the Spring

Posted on by AgentInsure

An RV is not a small or inexpensive item. And if your RV were to sustain damage, it may be a financial burden to you to have to pay for the repairs or any loss that is caused. This is why having the right amount of coverage on your RV insurance is so important. At Linda Dugan Insurance, serving the greater Astoria, OR area, we recommend reviewing your RV insurance every spring, before you take your RV out for the season, to ensure your coverage is ideal. Here are a few of the things you should know.

What Should Be Looked at When Reviewing Your RV Insurance?

As you look at your RV insurance, you want to make sure that your policy limits are still applicable to your RV. Your RV may go up or down in value, based on how much it is driven, used, its condition and changes and repairs you make. As the value changes, your policy may also need to change.

Why Is Spring the Ideal Time to Review Your Policy?

Your policy should be reviewed at least once a year. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what time of year you review it, as long as it is consistently done. However, we recommend spring because it is right before most people take their RV out and begin to heavily use it. This ensures the coverage limits are appropriately set for any upcoming adventures or travel you may have.

If you are looking to change your RV insurance policy coverage or are looking for a new plan, Linda Dugan Insurance, serving the greater Astoria, OR area, can help. Contact us today and let us review your policy or provide you with quotes for a new one.

How Can Flood Insurance Help You Recover?

Posted on by AgentInsure

In the unfortunate event that your home and family are subjected to a flood, you’ve got a lot of work ahead of you, but having the right insurance in place can make recovering easier. Whether you need a place to stay while the flood is dissipating, or if you’re faced with costly repairs to your home and property, flood insurance can help. The coverage thresholds and limits vary, making it important to know what your policy covers.

Covered building property under flood insurance policies includes electrical and plumbing systems, water heaters, carpeting and window blinds among many other items. All of this building property would be costly to replace without flood insurance, inhibiting your ability to recover from the disaster.

Insurance can also replace your refrigerator or foundation walls, turning your home back into a habitable place. Personal property items, such as clothing, furniture, portable microwaves and artwork among other items may also be covered. Having these items replaced can make your recovery process easier and faster, which is better for everyone in your family.

Sitting down and discussing coverage options with an insurance specialist at Linda Dugan Insurance in Astoria, OR is an effective way to tailor flood insurance to meet your risk profile. Whether you need additional living expenses or help to supplement medical subscriptions, insurance can help you get back on your feet.

To learn more about flood insurance and how to mitigate the risks posed by this unfortunate event, please contact Linda Dugan Insurance in Astoria, OR. If you live in a flood zone or an area that is prone to having natural disasters, it’s prudent to get flood insurance before the unexpected happens. Flood insurance can help you get your life back on track.

Why you should carry flood insurance

Posted on by AgentInsure

Most of the time, flood insurance is not one of those things that most people think about. After all, Oregon is not far away from any coast, such as the part of the country that was recently hit hard by Harvey. Rain rarely occurs in the desert southwest. However, as Linda Dugan Insurance serving Astoria, OR notes, floods do hit our community from time to time, and, when they do, as happened in 2014, they can be devastating. Our area gets scant rainfall, but occasionally the year’s allotment can happen all at once.

The event of September 8, 2014, hit the area around Phoenix, including Mesa, in the early morning, eventually flooding the Emerald Acres neighborhood when the retention basin overflowed, sending water into nearby streets and eventually into an elementary school and about 200 homes. People were trapped in their homes, watching as the water relentlessly flowed inside. Roads were blocked, and many people found themselves trapped in flooded vehicles. Rain gauges throughout the city measured more than three inches in a six-hour period, with one measuring a mind-numbing 4.6 inches. The cleanup afterward was time-consuming and expensive.

Flood insurance is not covered by a homeowner’s policy and has to be purchased separately. A flood insurance policy has a 30-day waiting period attached to it to prevent people from waiting to buy a policy until just before a rainstorm, Home and business owners who carry flood insurance at least have the peace of mind of knowing that they will be covered if an event like 2014 happens again.

If you have any questions concerning flood insurance, feel free to contact Linda Dugan Insurance serving Astoria, OR.