Month: February 2019

Hazards to the home in the Astoria OR area

Posted on by AgentInsure

Residents know that the state of Oregon has specific hazards tied to the weather and other local features. This is why a discussion about these potential problems with an insurance agent at Linda Dugan Insurance is crucial. Keep reading to find out more about what kinds of issues may threaten your home.

Because Astoria is an oceanfront community, hazards related to flooding and water damage are always a source of concern, especially with both the Pacific Ocean and Columbia River nearby. Keep in mind that Astoria is essentially surrounded by water.

If your home is in a flood zone, specific flood insurance coverage may be necessary. Generally, the closer a home is to the water, the higher the potential for damages over time, which is factored into insurance premiums. The Pacific Northwest is also known for heavy rainfalls that can become damaging if they are severe enough and cause water levels to rise. 

Not all damages are related to water, as high winds and snowfall are also common in Oregon. Winds can come directly off of the coastline and force debris to become projectiles. Much like during a hurricane or typhoon, this is a source of significant danger to the home. Snow and ice accumulations during the winter months can also cause slipping and sliding or structures to cave in during severe storms. It is important to be prepared each winter for serious blizzards and other weather events. 

For those who live in Astoria, OR and surrounding areas, please contact Linda Dugan Insurance for further information. A policy that takes your particular concerns into consideration can be created and offered to you.   

Auto Loan Amount VS. Insured Amount — How Much Coverage Do I Need?,

Posted on by AgentInsure

Trying to understand your Astoria, OR home loan amounts and insurance policy amounts can be difficult, and trying to determine the difference between what your auto loan amounts and insured amounts are can be tricky, too. At Linda Dugan Insurance, we know that you need to understand the difference in order to obtain the right protection. Here’s what you need to know. 

Loan Amount VS Insured Amount  

“Loan amount" is the amount of money you borrow from the lender and agree to repay. This amount sometimes includes more than just the amount of money you borrow – it can also include closing costs, fees, and points. The amount of your loan can differ significantly from the amount of your insurance coverage, which is the amount of policy coverage.  

Why The Difference? 

When you compare your loan amount with your insured amount, you need to consider the amount of money paid versus the money you’ll receive in the event of a claim. For example, if you still owe your lender $25,000, but your auto insurance covers the cash value of your vehicle, which is $20,000, the difference between your loan amount and your insured amount is $5,000. If you are involved in a collision and file a claim, you would receive the $20,000 cash value, but you would still owe your lender the full $25,000 due on your loan. 

What’s The Solution? 

In order to fully protect your loan amount, or you need what is called gap insurance in addition to your standard auto insurance policy, to cover the difference between the amount determined by your policy and the amount you still owe on your loan.  

There’s more to buying auto insurance than just buying standard coverage — you need the right amount of coverage for your specific situation. At Linda Dugan Insurance, we’re the Astoria, OR insurance experts. Give us a call today –we can help you choose the right policy for your unique needs.