A Maintenance Checklist For Your Home

Posted on by AgentInsure

You likely want to do all that you can to protect your home in Oregon. As the fall months approach, there is a lot that you can be doing to ensure your home is in good condition. The fall leads to the winter and what you do in the fall as a way of protecting your home even further, especially against any snow and ice that may fall in the coming months.

Gutters – Gutters need to be maintained, just like everything else in your home. They may fill with leaves and various other items. Have a company come out and clean them – or clean them on your own. This can also minimize the chances for an ice dam during the winter.

Roof – Have your roof inspected annually, and do so in the fall. This will ensure that you don’t have any loose shingles or any that are missing – which could wreak havoc when snow and rain begin to fall.

Chimney – Your chimney should also be cleaned annually, especially because you don’t want a fire taking place just because you weren’t able to get it clean enough. Hiring a chimney sweeper can go a long way for peace of mind.

Inside Your Home – There are quite a few things that you can do inside your home for general maintenance as well.

When you want to cut down on your electric bill, reverse your fans so that the warm air is being distributed better.

Go through and replace batteries in all your smoke detectors so that you can be confident they are going to work when needed.

At Linda Dugan Insurance our agents look forward to helping you with your home in Astoria. Call today and learn about the many ways that we can assist with finding you an affordable homeowner’s insurance policy.

 

 

Tips For Saving Money On Auto Insurance For Students In Astoria

Posted on by AgentInsure

If you’re going to school in Astoria, whether it’s at a college, university, or even a tech school, you may have the ability to save money on auto insurance. It’s important to know about tips that can lead to big savings.

The first thing you want to do is be the safest driver you can be. Don’t be in a rush to go anywhere because it can lead to speeding tickets. If you have a clean driving record, it will be easier to get the safe driver discounts that are given out by virtually every insurance company licensed to issue policies in Oregon.

Another way to save money is to get good grades. There are many insurance companies that offer a “good student” discount. The grades you have to get to qualify for this can depend on the insurance company. A call to an agent can give you an idea, but generally it is a 3.0 GPA or better. You may get a bigger discount if you make it to the dean’s list.

You may also want to enroll in a defensive driving course. If it has been a few years since you took a driver’s ed course or you have never taken such a course, then the 5 hours you spend in class could add up to your advantage.

Yet another way is to look at how much you are driving on a daily basis. If you have low mileage throughout the week because you live on campus, or at least close by, you can save because you’re considered low risk.

At Linda Dugan Insurance our independent insurance agents can help you to save money on auto insurance. Call today whether you are a student or not and let us find you quotes from top insurance companies in Oregon.

 

 

Why is Having Renters Insurance Important?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Is it important to have renters insurance coverage? This is a common question asked by many of our clients—and our answer at Linda Dugan Insurance is always a resounding yes! Here are two common reasons why renters insurance is vital if you rent where you live.

Renters Insurance Covers Your Personal Property

One of the most common reasons why tenants need renters insurance is to cover their personal property. This means that if a fire, theft, weather event, or other covered claim situation happens, they would have the ability to replace each damaged item accordingly without having to pay out an exorbitant sum out of pocket.

Looking at the facts, it is important to remember that landlords are not responsible for taking care of renter’s personal belongings in the event of an incident. By having a policy in force ahead of time, you can rest assured that you have the means to replace the items if something unexpected occurs.

Renters Insurance Helps Protect You Against Liability Claims

We’ve all heard of stories about people sued because a delivery person slipped and fell on a wet floor or a would-be robber tripped on some stairs and broke an ankle. While some of these stories may seem a bit extreme, they do happen.­

Most basic renters insurance policies have a special section of coverage called liability. This portion of the policy contract helps pays for claims like the ones mentioned, plus any other time someone is injured while visiting your home or as a direct result of your actions. Other examples of liability claims include your child damaging a neighbor’s property with a toy or even your normally docile dog biting someone at a local park. Failure to have liability coverage in place could mean you are responsible for damage and medical bills of others—plus, you could be sued.

As you can tell, these two reasons make having renters insurance quite important. For more information about renters insurance or to receive a no-obligation quote, please contact us today.

Follow These Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Vehicle

Posted on by AgentInsure

Living in Astoria, Oregon is great. There are a lot of different adventures that you partake in, and you may even want to drive out of state periodically. Whether you stay in the state or go out, there are some tips that you can follow to extend the life of your vehicle.

Maintenance

Regardless of what your make or model is, there is a maintenance schedule that you need to follow. This includes having your engine checked on periodically. A properly tuned engine is going to result in less car problems, and a better fuel consumption.

Avoid Speeding

Don’t accelerate to more than 60 mph because it’s going to cost you more in gas. It can also result in needing to use your brakes more often, and this is going to have a negative impact on your braking system and overall performance for your vehicle.

Check Tire Pressure

Your tire pressure is something that should be checked on a regular basis. The PSI is suggested and is found on the interior of your driver’s door panel. If it is lower than it should be, it can make it easier for you to experience a tire blowout – which is not only dangerous, but expensive to repair.

Clear Out the Trunk

It may sound simple, and it really is. If you clear out the trunk, you can reduce the amount of weight and improve fuel economy as well as improve the overall alignment of your car.

At Linda Dugan Insurance, we can help you in many areas when it comes to your car. Let us help you find an affordable policy by calling today. One of our independent agents can ensure you get an affordable policy in Astoria so that you can feel safer when driving on the roads.

  

Why Wouldn’t You?

Posted on by AgentInsure

you have a business in the Astoria, Oregon area, we have some questions for you.

If you could find better commercial coverage for your business, why wouldn’t you?

If you could find this better commercial coverage at the same price you are currently paying, why wouldn’t you?

If quotes were available for the same coverage that could actually save you money, why wouldn’t you want to know about them?

If you could get competitive commercial insurance from a local company that is here to answers your questions, that can help with claims, and help our local economy at the same time, why wouldn’t you?

If you could easily get a comparative quote for your auto and homeowners insurance right online, why wouldn’t you?

If an insurance review that is free and puts you under no obligation could provide you better peace of mind in knowing where and how you are covered, why wouldn’t you take advantage of it?

These are the questions our agents ask every day at Linda Dugan Insurance. These are questions that help people realize we can save them money, improve their coverage, and sometimes accomplish both. We can help them better understand where the risks currently are, and we do it without cost or obligation. We search a data base of insurance providers to find coverage that is affordable without sacrificing coverage. Many of our clients start with just one policy. Soon, we are helping them save on all of their insurance coverage.

So let us ask you one more question. With the ability to review your insurance coverage, potentially save you money and perhaps even improve your coverage just a click away, why wouldn’t you take the opportunity?

Contact us at Linda Dugan Insurance. After all, why wouldn’t you?

Getting Help with Insurance Claims

Posted on by AgentInsure

“She flies with her own wings,” the motto for the state of Oregon remains true to this day. There are many instances where the state of Oregon acts alone and sets an example for other states. One such example is the decision to acknowledge same-sex marriage in insurance. With both the Supreme Court and the Oregon District court upholding the validity of same-sex marriage, insurance companies must treat same-sex marriages as they would heterosexual marriages. This means same-sex partners can be covered by insurance, and they have the right to file claims for insurance.

How to File Insurance Claims
The process to file an insurance claim, whether commercial insurance or consumer insurance or concerning heterosexual or same-sex marriages, the process is the same. You can contact your local office if you are involved in a traffic accident, or you can call the customer service number, which is generally operational 24-hours each day. When you call, it is critical to have important documents and information handy that pertains to the accident. For instance, have your account number, your coverage levels, and the information concerning the accident.

Having Difficulties Filing a Claim?
There are times when some claims will not be processed as quickly as other claims. Delays in processing claims can stem from concerns about the validity of the claim, or more information may be needed for the claim. If you are filing a claim, and you are denied as a result of your same-sex marriage status, you do have options. After working with the insurance company, with no luck, you have the option of contacting the Oregon Insurance Commission to file a complaint.

Whether you have concerns about business insurance or consumer insurance in Oregon, our local agents can help you with your questions. Give us a call when you are interested in getting a quote for auto, commercial, or any other type of insurance.

Where There’s Smoke…There’s Damage

Posted on by AgentInsure

Oregon forest and wildfires are a part of life in our state. Some of our most beautiful areas are at greatest risk from these disasters. But you don’t have to live in a forested area to have a home that is at risk of a fire. Fires can result from grease on a stove in the kitchen, from a propane grill, or lightning. They can result from a space heater, an unattended candle, or an electrical short. When a fire occurs in a home, the damage is not limited to items lost in the flames. Soot and smoke damage can be just as, if not more, devastating.

Smoke can quickly travel through your entire home, even if a fire is contained to one room. This smoke can travel through open doorways and vents getting into your carpeting, curtains, bedding and furniture. It can get on your clothing, and onto your walls and ceilings. The cost of eliminating smoke damage can be every bit as expensive as repairing damage from the fire itself.

Are you confident your homeowners insurance will cover the full cost of fire and smoke damage in your Oregon home? If there is any doubt, contact Linda Dugan Insurance. We are an independent insurance agency that can review the policies of any company. If your coverage turns out to be inadequate, we can search multiple companies seeking the appropriate coverage at the best possible price. We believe that homeowners insurance ought to be affordable without sacrificing coverage.

Try us online. Visit our website and request an online comparative quote for your homeowners and auto insurance. By answering a few simple questions, you can be on your way to better coverage at a price you can afford.

Contact Linda Dugan Insurance today. We can help bring you peace of mind when it comes to your homeowners insurance coverage.

Is Your Roof Covered Like It Covers You?

Posted on by AgentInsure

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?

Posted on by AgentInsure

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

Posted on by AgentInsure

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.