How Does Flood Insurance Differ From Home Insurance?

Securing your home with the right insurance is critical. At Linda Dugan Insurance in Astoria, OR, we frequently clarify the distinctions between our clients’ flood insurance and home insurance. Here are some key points for your understanding.

The Basics of Home Insurance

Home insurance covers various property damages, including theft, fire, windstorms, and more. It usually includes liability coverage, protecting you if someone gets injured on your property. However, standard home insurance policies do not cover flood damage despite its comprehensive coverage.

Understanding Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is a distinct policy specifically designed to shield your home from flood-related damages. It covers incidents like heavy rainfall, storm surges, and overflowing rivers. Please note that flood insurance is typically provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and must be purchased separately from your home insurance policy.

Why You Need Both

Given Astoria, OR’s climatic conditions and proximity to water bodies, it is critical to have both home and flood insurance. Flooding can significantly damage your home’s structure and personal belongings. Without flood insurance, you would be responsible for all out-of-pocket repair and replacement costs, posing a potential financial disaster.

What Each Policy Covers

Home insurance covers damages to your home and personal property resulting from covered perils and offers liability protection. On the contrary, flood insurance covers direct physical losses caused by flooding. This coverage includes the damage to the building, its foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, appliances, and personal belongings.

At Linda Dugan Insurance in Astoria, OR, we are dedicated to helping you understand your insurance needs. Contact us today to ensure your home is fully protected with both home and flood insurance.

Protect Every Trip with RV Insurance

Few things are as exciting as preparing the RV for an adventure. The Home on Wheels, a marvel of technology and automotive design, is a favorite getaway for many families and individuals. The freedom to travel anywhere while having all the comforts of home at your disposal is an unmatched experience only an RV offers. However, protecting this investment is critical; in this regard, RV insurance is extremely instrumental. This is why many people around the Astoria, OR area trust the Linda Dugan Insurance team for their RV insurance needs.

RV Insurance for Every Trip and Every Mile

No one wants a problem with their RV to derail, delay, or worse, cancel their adventure. Fortunately, with the help of RV insurance, many expenses associated with these inconveniences and repairs can be mitigated. More importantly, it reduces the chances of your trip being interrupted.

RV insurance provides coverage for everything from repairs and roadside assistance to accident protection. There are countless reasons why having RV insurance is wise, and it can safeguard your ensuing RV adventure in numerous ways. Hence, before hitting the road and packing the children, the dog, and the maps, ensure that the right RV insurance covers you and your RV.

For All Your RV Insurance Needs

If you’re an Astoria, OR area resident who needs RV insurance or has any questions, our experienced and friendly team at Linda Dugan Insurance is here to help. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment to get the coverage your RV needs for your next trip.

Why Health Insurance? Because Your Health is Too Important to Risk

Life is unpredictable, and that can be a good or bad thing. Sometimes, those unexpected occurrences are an absolute joy; sometimes, they feel more like a nightmare. The fact that we know life is unpredictable, however, actually makes it easier to prepare for the unforeseen, unplanned, and unexpected. Those are also a few reasons why people from the Astoria, OR area turn to the team they can rely on at Linda Dugan Insurance. When life surprises us, we don’t have to be unprepared with health insurance solutions that work.

Why Health Insurance? Because Your Health is Too Important to Risk

The old saying goes, "At least you have your health." As simple as that statement is, it is also profoundly true and arguably the most important reason to have health insurance. In addition to the support the right health insurance can provide for everything from medications, bills, and even lost wages, health insurance can cover the gaps if you get sick or hurt. So, at least you have your health, and that is obviously worth protecting.

Health Insurance Solutions in Astoria

Do you live in or around the beautiful Astoria, OR area? Are you in the market for health insurance, or would you like to learn more about how health insurance can help you? Then, our professional and friendly team at the Linda Dugan Insurance Agency can help with all your insurance questions and needs. Don’t let life catch you unprepared, and plan for the unexpected with the right health insurance for your life. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment for the insurance you need and deserve today and for when life’s not-so-pleasant surprises arise.

What Assets Should Be Covered in an Umbrella Insurance Policy?

If you’re considering adding an umbrella insurance policy to your existing home or commercial insurance, it’s important to know how much coverage to get and which assets need protection. The assets most commonly covered are listed below.

Real Estate

Your land, residential, and commercial properties can be seized and sold to settle costs if you’re found liable. When establishing your umbrella insurance coverage, your primary consideration should be to consider these properties’ current and potential value. This ensures you have enough coverage to handle such expenses.

Bank Accounts

Next in line are your banking assets — both checking and savings accounts. The funds in these accounts may be frozen and used to pay liabilities. Depending on the aggregate sum across these accounts, you’d want your policy to cover this amount. It’s advisable to add an extra 20% for insurance, considering you might need this policy in the future when there might be more money in these accounts.

Vehicles

Vehicles, including classic cars, daily commuters, and luxury automobiles, are also viewed as valuable assets. They can be sold to settle debts. Depending on the value of these vehicles, ensure you accommodate this amount in your policy to avoid the risk of losing the assets you’ve painstakingly acquired over time.

Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or both in the Astoria, OR area, consult a professional to get an accurate estimate of the umbrella insurance you need. Get your policy quoted without delay. Reach out to our team at Linda Dugan Insurance today for more information and to initiate ultimate insurance protection.

Getting Married? Get Life Insurance

If you are getting married, you likely have a lengthy to-do list. While insurance may not be at the top of the list, there will be insurance issues to address.

Any name changes will need to be made. Marriage may qualify you for lower car insurance rates, multi-vehicle discounts, and more. This is also an opportune time to discuss life insurance.

Linda Dugan Insurance Service is here to help explore your options in the Astoria, OR, area.

Why Now?

Getting married is not just a romantic event but a legal one. It is a binding agreement between people who now have responsibilities to each other.

Life insurance recognizes the financial responsibility you may have should one or the other pass prematurely.

Preparing for the Future

Life insurance helps set the foundation for a financial future, including children, a home, or even a business.

Whole-life or permanent insurance can also build value over time. This is equity that can be tapped into in case of a future emergency or opportunity.

Getting Life Insurance When Young and Healthy

One of the best times to secure life insurance is when you are young and healthy. This is when it is most affordable. Most young married couples can get large amounts of life insurance without a physical exam.

Get a Quote Today

If marriage is on the horizon, contact Linda Dugan Insurance Service of Astoria, OR. After answering just a few questions, we can provide you with a no-obligation life insurance quote.

Get the answers to your questions about life insurance and lay the foundation for your financial future. Get started on your life insurance program today.

Strategies To Use Before Purchasing Flood Insurance

Strategizing Flood Risk Management: An Approach by Linda Dugan Insurance

For those residing near water bodies, flood insurance plays a vital role in safeguarding investments and ensuring peace of mind. With unpredictable weather patterns and an increasing rate of climate change, having a robust flood insurance policy is not a luxury but a necessity.

We believe in a comprehensive approach to managing flood risks at Linda Dugan Insurance, serving the Astoria, OR, community. Here, we offer some strategies and practical advice.

Thorough Assessment of Land and Risks

An accurate land survey is the stepping stone for crafting an adequate insurance policy. This survey outlines the extent of your property, enabling you to purchase a flood insurance policy. Furthermore, grading your land can help mitigate water pooling and consequent flooding. Skilled grading service providers help inspect your property, ensuring ground surfaces are optimally flattened for water flow.

Apart from these, it’s also crucial to consider your home’s location and condition. The geographical locale and past weather incidents can signal potential flood risks. Assessing these factors can provide a clear understanding of the risks involved, aiding in crafting an effective flood insurance plan.

Installation of Preventive Measures and Insurance

Implementing physical preventive measures can greatly reduce the severity of floods. Drainage systems act as the first line of defense, enabling effective water management during floods. Some other strategies to manage run-offs are installing porous pavements, rain gardens, and maintaining natural vegetation.

Choosing efficient drainage materials like perforated pipes and gutters mitigates flooding and influences your choice of insurance policy. Consulting with dedicated agencies like Linda Dugan Insurance can guide you through the process. Whether it is preparing your new flood insurance policy or updating your existing one, we are here to assist you through every step.

How Umbrella Insurance Protects Your Liability

When you have certain types of insurance, those policies come with several types of coverage in them. Home and auto policies have several types of coverage, one of which is liability protection. When you have both of these policies, you can actually get more coverage for them both by getting an umbrella insurance policy. When you need umbrella insurance in Astoria, OR, call us at Linda Dugan Insurance to learn more. 

More Liability Coverage

Your liability coverage protects you against things like medical bills that may be owed after an accident happens. When you’re in a vehicle accident, your auto insurance covers you against the other party’s injuries and damages with its liability coverage. When someone has an ancient in your home, your home insurance will do the same. However, these policies often don’t have enough coverage for an expensive accident. When this happens, there will be bill overages left to pay that you’ll have to come up with on your own. To cover those, you need an umbrella policy. It pays these bills, so you’re saved from what could be a financial emergency. 

How Umbrella Insurance Works

The home or auto policy will step in after the accident and will pay as much as it can based on the policy’s maximum payout. After that, the umbrella policy can pay whatever is left over. These policies have very high maximums to handle highly expensive accidents. This type of insurance is also relatively inexpensive. Many people find it to be a good value for getting so much coverage. It also gives you better peace of mind for those who worry about accidents and have enough insurance. 

Get Umbrella Insurance

It’s essential to have enough liability coverage for serious accidents. To get started with your umbrella policy and get this coverage, call us at Linda Dugan Insurance in Astoria, OR.

How Long Should Your Life Insurance Term Be?

Life in Astoria, OR, has its moments. That’s for sure. As great as things can be at times, it can be hard to settle down and consider bad times, too, but it’s important. No one really likes to talk about life insurance, but it’s important to understand your options. That’s why we at Linda Dugan Insurance have compiled this quick, straightforward explanation of term life insurance.

Basic Term Options

Life insurance policies come in a lot of shapes and sizes. Term life insurance is only one of several options available. If you want to explore non-term policies, you can find breakdowns in other blog posts.

Sticking to term life insurance, the most common policies are for either 20 or 30-year terms. The reasoning is that you can lock in a single monthly price for a good chunk of time, and your coverage won’t vary.

But, you can get terms that start at annual and go to 5 or 10 years. Occasionally, you can find other term lengths, but it’s uncommon.

What’s the Right Length?

With all that in mind, there’s no single, static, right answer for everyone. It depends on your circumstances. You can think about a few things to help make your decisions.

First, what are your long-term financial obligations? Mortgage is usually the biggest, and it’s smart to have a life insurance policy that lasts until your mortgage is scheduled to be paid off.

Next, you want to think about kids and dependents. Generally, terms will last until the kids are old enough for self-sufficiency. (Which often means out of college but usually means at least 18.)

Lastly, think about retirement. Many people get term life insurance to replace income if the policy is needed. Often, by retirement, you don’t need the same coverage. You can try to get a term that lasts until you retire and then move into something more suited for that lifestyle once you get there.

You have some options. If you’d like to discuss them, contact your representative with Linda Dugan Insurance. We aim to help anyone in the Astoria, OR, area.

What Types of Items Can Be Covered by Toy Insurance?

Insurance isn’t just for your home and car when protecting your prized possessions. Toy insurance offers coverage for various recreational items, ensuring your investments are safe from unexpected mishaps. Here at Linda Dugan Insurance, serving the greater Astoria, OR area, we offer this type of insurance. Here are some of the different items covered by toy insurance.

Off Road Vehicles

Off-road enthusiasts can find security with toy insurance. Whether you own an ATV, dirt bike, or dune buggy, this coverage can protect against accidents, theft, and damage during adventurous rides off the beaten path.

Recreational Vehicles

Toy insurance extends to recreational vehicles like motorhomes, travel trailers, and camper vans. It safeguards not only the vehicle itself but also your personal belongings inside. Coverage includes accidents, theft, and liability, making your road trips worry-free.

Snowmobiles

For those who relish winter sports, snowmobile insurance is a must. Whether you use your snowmobile for fun or transportation in snowy landscapes, this coverage can protect against accidents, damage, and even theft during the off-season.

Toy insurance covers various recreational items and is a valuable addition to your insurance portfolio. From off-road vehicles that tackle rugged terrains to recreational vehicles that provide mobile comfort and even snowmobiles built for winter adventures, these policies offer peace of mind in the face of unforeseen circumstances. If you’re in the market for a new toy insurance policy in the greater Astoria, OR area, Linda Dugan Insurance can help you. Call or email us today to discuss your toy insurance needs and how we can best meet those needs.

Does Boat Insurance Cover Medical Payments for Medical Care After a Boat Accident?

Boating is a popular recreational activity, but accidents can happen on the water. If you’re wondering whether boat insurance covers medical payments for healthcare after a boat accident, Linda Dugan Insurance, serving the greater Astoria, OR area, is here to answer your question. 

Does Boat Insurance Cover Medical Payments?

Yes, boat insurance typically covers medical payments (med-pay) for injuries resulting from a boat accident. Med-pay is a standard component of many boat insurance policies. It helps pay for necessary medical expenses, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and even funeral costs in the unfortunate event of a fatality.

Who Is Covered by Med-Pay?

Med-pay coverage extends to various parties involved in the boat accident, including the policyholder, family members on board, passengers, and even individuals who aren’t on the policy but were injured in the accident. This coverage is designed to provide immediate financial assistance for medical bills, regardless of who was at fault.

Coverage Limits and Options

The amount of med-pay coverage can vary based on your policy and insurer. It’s essential to review your policy to understand your coverage limits. Some boat insurance policies also offer options to increase med-pay coverage if you feel the standard coverage is insufficient.

Boat insurance often includes medical payment coverage to protect you and others involved in a boating accident. Understanding your policy’s coverage limits and options is essential for ensuring that you have adequate protection in case of injuries. With the right boat insurance, you can enjoy your time on the water with peace of mind. If you want to purchase a new boat insurance policy in the greater Astoria, OR region, contact Linda Dugan Insurance to start the process.