Vehicles are safer now than ever before, but that doesn’t mean you should leave home without a few extra tools. Sure, a new vehicle, a quality insurance plan from Linda Dugan Insurance and a AAA card is a fantastic start, but you need to make sure you can remain safe while out on the road. Without spending much, you can protect yourself and everyone else in the vehicle with these vehicle tools. 

Tire Inflator and Sealer 

Flats happen and, often times, there isn’t much you can do about it. However, most flat tires don’t just burst apart. Instead, more flats occur over time. If you know you hit a nail or your air tire pressure gage is going off, you need the tire serviced, but you shouldn’t drive on a quickly deflating tire. A can of tire inflator and sealer works as a temporary fix and makes it much easier to protect your vehicle and safely drive. 

Flashlight

Toss a thin flashlight into the glove compartment of your vehicle. Small problems with your car at night become major issues simply because you can’t see what is happening. A flashlight makes a world of difference. 

Jumper Box/Cables

Jumper cables are a staple and should always be left in the trunk. Just make sure to spring for longer cables as it gives you more slack to work with. However, a nice upgrade is a jumper box. This gives you a portable charge without relying on another vehicle. It costs more, but if you need a jump now, it is the way to go. 

Mylar Blanket

If your vehicle brakes down in Astoria, OR or anywhere else and the temps turn cold, you’ll need to stay warm until help arrives. This blanket is small and can be folded anywhere, but it is sure to keep you warm. 

Your vehicle is important to you. You use it to get to and from work as well as to complete many other tasks in your daily life. That is why it is especially important to take great care in deciding whether or not you will allow someone else to drive your vehicle.

When a friend or a family member asks to borrow your car, before giving an answer, ask these questions:

1. Is their license to drive valid? You will want to make sure that they are currently licensed to drive before you give them the keys to your vehicle.
2. Make sure that your insurance policy will cover someone else driving your car. You may also want to ask if the other person has their own insurance to cover them while they are driving the vehicle.
3. While you are looking at what your policy will cover, you should also make sure that your policy is currently up to date.
4. What does their driver history look like? If they are someone who has a lot of speeding tickets or accidents on their record, then you may want to rethink letting them drive away in your vehicle.
5. What is their purpose in using your car? If they need it for business purposes, your policy may not cover them, but if it is for personal purposes, they may be covered.
6. How often will they be using the car? If they need it one time, you shouldn’t need to add them to your policy. If they will need to use it a lot, then you should consider adding them to you policy or asking them to get their own policy, with your car covered.

To ensure that you are covered, contact Linda Dugan Insurance serving Astoria, Oregon.

Motorcycles are fairly easy to move which makes them easy targets, especially for opportunists. If you’re in Astoria and want to ensure that you can keep your precious ride safe, then you should know these anti-theft devices and choose one or a few of them for your vehicle.

1. Killswitch

Some thieves are wizards with wires, but a killswitch will make it so the engine won’t operate unless it’s started by the key in your hands. Some owners have a difficult time installing these, so you may want to get a professional to help you here. Every motorcycle is different, and you definitely don’t want this malfunctioning.

2. Disc Locks

Essentially this is an easy and safe way of locking your wheels, which is the primary way criminals will move your motorcycle. Of course it’s possible to pick up a motorcycle, but it makes it much more difficult. As long as you park your motorcycle in a well-lit area, then this can be enough of a measure to prevent thieves who have precious little time to complete their task.

3. Alarms and Trackers

This is your motorcycle, and only you know just how much it’s worth to you, so you may want to consider getting both of them. There are a variety of alarms and GPS trackers available so if it is stolen, so you can either scare them away or find them wherever you they happen to be.

And if the worst does happen to you and your bike is stolen, make sure you have excellent theft coverage on your motorcycle. Linda Dugan Insurance serves the people of Astoria OR, so call today if you need for a review or a new motorcycle insurance policy.

You should always be looking to improve your driving skills. As you drive throughout Washington, you may experience snow, ice, and even freezing rain. There are ways for you to improve your skills so that you can navigate the road in a more expert way, and reduce the chance of being involved in an accident.

One of the most important things to do to improve your driving skills is to have the right equipment. This includes having snow tires on your car. If you have 4-wheel drive, it can help with your traction, but don’t depend on it for everything. You still need to exercise caution when it comes to taking turns as well as braking.

Another thing you want to do is stock your car with supplies. This includes gloves and a hat, jumper cables, as well as a shovel. A flashlight can also be helpful if you encounter a problem at night.

Watch what is going on as you drive. Don’t look at the car in front of you only – look several feet ahead. There may be an animal getting ready to cross the road or there may be shadows from buildings or billboards that could be hiding a patch of ice.

Approximately 80% of collisions can be avoided simply by being more alert. Be ready for anything. By not following too closely, you can make sure you have enough room to brake without hitting the car in front of you, too.

At Linda Dugan Insurance, we can help you to find an affordable auto insurance policy in Longview, Washington. Call and speak to one of our agents today so we can answer questions you have, provide you with more winter driving skills, and get quotes from some of the top insurance companies in the state.

 

It is important that you take care of your car in the fall. There are several things that you will want to do to ensure it is capable of driving through the road conditions that are inevitable in your area of Oregon. By caring for your car in the fall, you can prepare for the winter more effectively.

Schedule a time to go into your local mechanic and talk about ways to improve performance during the winter months. This will likely include:

• Checking the condition of your battery
• Inspecting tire tread on all four tires
• Testing the HVAC system
• Have your brakes checked

All of these are important because you want to make sure that your car is prepared for the snow, ice, and other road conditions that are going to occur throughout the winter.

This is also a great time to remember to replace several things in your car. Take the time to replace your wiper blades so that they can clear the windshield effectively. You will also want to replace the cabin air filter so that you are more comfortable as you drive around.

Depending upon how much driving you are going to do in the winter, you may also want to think about placing winter tires on your car because they are designed to grip the roads better. Talk to your mechanic and find out what recommendations they have to care for your car this fall so you can have greater peace of mind.

At Linda Dugan Insurance, we look forward to helping you find an auto insurance policy that will protect you in Astoria throughout the fall months as well as the rest of the year. Call us now and let us find coverage that is affordable.

 

 

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.

  

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.

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.

For car insurance quotes in Astoria, you can become an anonymous policy holder of a super sized insurance company whose agents come and go, or you can come with us and the small town flavor of our full-time independent insurance agency right here in Astoria. When you opt for us, you’re choosing independent insurance agents who can show you much more than one single policy from one single huge insurance company. We’ll show you many different options from many different insurers. You can pick and choose our best quotes and our best car insurance.

If you’re going to operate a motor vehicle in Oregon, you’re required to be financially responsible. You’re required to carry liability coverage in the amount of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per occurrence with $20,000 in property damage. You’re also required to carry personal injury protection of $15,000 per person and uninsured motorist insurance in the same amounts of minimum liability coverage.

Although carrying the minimum coverage puts you in statutory compliance, it’s still not sufficient coverage for the 21st century. Whether a serious accident is your fault or the fault of an uninsured or underinsured driver, you could still be facing significant deficiencies in coverage and shocking medical bills that you’re responsible for.

The super sized insurer’s agent can’t offer nearly as many alternatives as we can because we’re independent insurance agents. The others only work for only one company. As independent insurance agents, we work with many companies, and that permits us to give unbiased insurance advice with a wide range of alternatives and quotes. If you’re in or around Zip Code 97103, talk to us. We’re independent agents, and we’re here to serve your best interests. You’ll be doing yourself a favor.