This might be a story you have heard before — floods damaging someone’s home, only for them to find out that home insurance doesn’t cover the damage! At Linda Dugan Insurance, we wouldn’t want you to go under the same predicament. We like to educate clients about the potential risks they face and offer them insurance solutions. Today, let’s look at flood insurance.

Flood insurance in Oregon

It’s natural for anyone to ask for the state’s requirements before making most decisions.  In line with this, many clients usually ask us whether flood insurance is required in Oregon. The short answer is no — no Oregon law requires you to carry flood insurance.

However, if your home is mortgage-financed, the lender may require you to purchase flood insurance if you are located in a flood-risk area. And even when you are located outside a flood zone, the lender can still insist you purchase flood insurance.

Why do you need flood insurance?

At Linda Dugan Insurance, we usually advise our clients to purchase flood insurance whether it’s mandatory or not. Why? You may ask. Flood insurance is a must-have investment because:

• Home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage — yes, you may have home insurance, but it won’t protect you against floods.
• Floods can strike anywhere — you don’t have to live near a water body for floods to strike. Because of rains, flash flooding can occur anywhere, and that’s why you need to be armed with flood insurance all the time.
• Grants aren’t always given — it’s wrong to assume that the government will intervene whenever there is a flood. This doesn’t always happen, and even when floods are declared an emergency, you are given grants that you will pay back with interest.

Looking for flood insurance in Astoria, OR? Would you please look no further than Linda Dugan Insurance? Contact us today for a favorable quote.

Linda Dugan Insurance is an independent agency. We work closely with multiple carriers throughout the West Coast. We are committed to helping our clients in Astoria, OR find policies that align with their needs. We offer unique policies that are designed to protect our clients in any situation. We look forward to helping you find coverage.

How Boat Insurance Is Impacted Through Traveling Abroad

During periods of warm weather in Astoria OR, many people enjoy heading out by the lake on their boats. Unfortunately, operating a boat may be more dangerous than it seems. There could be an accident at any moment. You could get caught at sea while serious weather is approaching. Consider the benefits of boat insurance. Boat insurance covers you while you’re on the water. You are protected if your boat is involved in an accident with another watercraft or object. You are also covered if your boat is stolen or damaged by severe weather. Liability coverage protects you if you are held responsible for damaging someone’s property or injuring another person. You are also protected if one of your passengers on the boat suffers an injury.

If you are planning an exciting vacation by traveling abroad on your boat, you have to do some research. If you are operating your boat on foreign waters, research the country’s maritime rules. You may need to obtain a permit or visa in order to operate your boat on foreign soil. There is no clear jurisdiction regarding international travel. Check your policy to see if the navigational limits still apply. The navigational limits outline the areas where you can operate your vehicle and still maintain coverage if something happens.

Linda Dugan Insurance Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about boat insurance.

If you drive a vehicle that tows an RV behind it, you may wonder if that towed RV needs its own insurance policy. It’s a good question that is commonly overlooked.

Linda Dugan Insurance serving Astoria, OR knows that you have insurance questions. If you want to know if your towed RV needs its own policy, here’s what you need to know.

Towable RVs May Be Covered By Your Auto Policy

When you have an RV that you tow, your auto insurance policy may already cover it. However, in many cases, only some coverage applies to the RV. For example, you might have collision coverage, but it may not cover the personal belongings inside the RV.

Towable RV Lenders May Require RV Policies

You may also need RV insurance for an RV that you tow if you are paying a loan on it. Lenders may require that you have special insurance that covers the replacement cost of the RV if it is totaled. Lenders also often require that you have comprehensive and collision coverage for your RV, even if you do not have it for your car.

Motorhomes Require Separate Policies

Everything changes if you get an RV that you can drive. When you operate an RV separately from another vehicle, it must have its own insurance policy. At the very least, you need to have liability insurance to cover any damage you cause.

Linda Dugan Insurance, which provides insurance services to the residents of Astoria, OR, can help you determine what kind of insurance policy is right for your RV. Contact an insurance professional today to get the right policy.

Flood insurance is one of the many riders that can be attached to a current property insurance policy. This type of policy offers protection against damage that occurs from a flood. However, many Astoria, OR property owners may be confused about flood insurance due to the fact that there are so many myths that surround this particular type of coverage, leading individuals to not invest in it.

To help clear things up a bit, the team at Linda Dugan Insurance has put together some information that will help you in determining whether flood insurance is right for your individual situation.

Flood Insurance Is Standard with Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

Many people assume that their homes are properly protected under their home insurance policy in the event of a flood. However, most insurance companies specifically exclude this type of damage from the standard home policy. To ensure your property is properly protected against this hazard, a rider for flood insurance will need to be purchased for an additional fee.

Flood Insurance Isn’t Necessary Unless You Reside in a Flood Plain

A flood can occur absolutely anywhere. You do not need to live in a flood plain. In fact, roughly 20 to 25 percent of all flood claims are actually for properties that are outside of the designated flood danger areas. For example, if you live near a dam or levee, your property could be at risk.

Flood Insurance Isn’t Needed Because FEMA Disaster Aid Is Available to Everyone

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Aid will only apply if the United States President declares the flood as a natural disaster. Even then, though, you generally have to repay the aid that you receive. However, flood insurance will pay regardless of the disaster status of the flood. In addition, you won’t have to worry about paying your insurance company the money back.

If you still have questions about flood insurance for your Astoria property, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Linda Dugan Insurance is here to help you understand the various insurance options available to you, whether it is flood insurance or another form of insurance. Give us a call today!

Unforeseen events can often lead to numerous changes within a business, a factor that can further expose your venture to new risks. If you operate a business within Astoria, OR, adjusting your insurance needs to fit your new operating scope should be your next course of action. Below, Linda Dugan Insurance explains why it is crucial to review your commercial insurance annually.

Helps You Identify if You Have Adequate Coverage

If you are constantly experiencing growth in your business, you will likely need additional equipment and new employees on board. Such changes could expose you to significant safety risks, with claims associated with employee injuries and machine breakdowns resulting in uncovered expenses. Renewing your insurance helps you track emerging concerns while also allowing you to identify areas that need additional protection. 

Helps You Take Advantage of Savings

Discount opportunities can often present themselves when you least expect them to, opening up room for savings on your policy. By reviewing your commercial insurance annually, you can identify periods when such discounts are available and ways to take advantage of them. This can mean bundling policies together, helping you cut back on high costs in the long run.

Helps You Keep Up to Date With Changes in Legal Regulations

While you may have control of your internal business operations, areas such as legal regulations will often be out of your control. Changes in the legal framework could require you to implement additional policies, with failure to do so resulting in fines. Renewing your commercial policy will be crucial in helping you avoid such legal troubles, allowing you to stay on the right side of the law throughout your business operations.

Whether you need commercial insurance designed with legal compliance in mind or need to upgrade your coverage, Linda Dugan Insurance is here to help you with your policy. Call us today to help you get the appropriate coverage for your Astoria, OR business.

Recreational toys are fun to have but come with significant responsibilities. One of the most critical responsibilities is making sure that they’re adequately covered with a toy insurance policy in the event of an accident. However, not everybody in Astoria, OR needs toy insurance as toys mean different things to different people. However, at Linda Dugan Insurance, we define toy insurance as a policy divided into two categories–valuable and luxury collections and other pretty expensive toys like RVs, boats, motorcycles, and ATVs. If you own one or several of such items, you need toy insurance. So why do you need it? Read on to find out!

Protecting your assets

Your toy is an expensive asset that may cost lots of money to replace if not adequately covered. You want to make sure that you can still get a new one in case anything happens. A toy insurance policy provides you with peace of mind as the coverage protects your assets against fire, burglaries, loss, and other natural disasters.

Liability 

Accidents happen everywhere in Astoria, OR, but that shouldn’t be a problem if you have the right toy insurance. Since the policy has many coverages, liability coverage should be your priority. Whether you have passengers or not, your toy may lead to unending lawsuits in the event of property damage or bodily injury. Remember, you’re supposed to be financially responsible, especially if you drive a luxury vehicle or motorcycle.

Replacement

When buying toy insurance, make sure that the policy can replace parts or the entire item in case of a loss. You should buy the policy if you’re not ready to part with your toy due to accidents.

Linda Dugan Insurance is here to help

Toy insurance definitely has some clear advantages. The last thing you want is to use your savings to buy a new yacht when the current one is totaled.  For all your toy insurance needs, feel free to contact our insurance agents, and they will be happy to help.

While owning a trailer boat in Astoria, OR, is a thrilling experience, getting the right insurance cover can be a hilly task. Most people do not see the essence of purchasing boat trailer insurance, thinking that it is unnecessary with regular insurance in place. However, that is a mistake to avoid at all costs. The standard insurance policies do not compensate you if your trailer gets stolen. Linda Dugan Insurance has become the leading institution, offering the residents advice on the best boat policy options. Such a scenario will force you to dig deeper into your pocket or savings, which can be avoided by purchasing boat trailer insurance.

How Far Does Boat Insurance Go in Covering My Trailer?

A regular insurance cover will only protect your trailer up to a particular stage. That said, never be entirely comfortable sailing without boat trailer insurance coverage. Find out the limit of your auto insurance policy concerning your boat trailer to avoid making mistakes. Auto insurance covers trailers, but not in all scenarios. Without a proper understanding of the terms, there are high chances of making wrong decisions.

What Does My Boat Trailer Police Cover?

Your trailer boat insurance policy will cover you from liabilities and physical destruction. Liability coverage compensates you for the injuries caused by your boat trailer and any property destruction that it may cause. It takes care of your medical bills and the fee needed to pursue legal justice. With physical damage, the policy overs the vessel from destruction triggered by fire, vandalism, collision, to mention a few. In addition, the insurance covers your trailer from theft.

The insurance coverage you choose covers your vessel from physical damage when off show and in the water. It is advisable to purchase boat trailer insurance for ultimate protection. The option is superior compared to the standard policy.

Contact Linda Dugan Insurance today for a decent insurance policy to secure your trailer boat in Astoria, OR.

Rving is rapidly becoming a popular way to travel in and out of Astoria, OR. It’s rewarding and exciting to plan, travel, and spend time out there without worrying about booking flights and hotels. However, any travel enthusiast will tell you that your life and safety heavily depend on your actions. So how do you ensure you are always safe while out there, even when you are alone? Linda Dugan Insurance highlights a few safety tips to get you started.

Improve Your Driving Skills

Whether you just bought your new home on wheels or have been driving for the past year, consider taking a few hours to practice and improve your RV driving skills. Long-distance travel means driving hours on end. Make better use of cameras, mirrors, and windows to know your surroundings. Practice safe turning and stopping before heading out.

Routine Inspection and Maintenance

Never assume or overlook things when traveling, especially mechanical issues. Before hopping in and locking the doors, conduct a thorough interior and exterior inspection to ensure everything is in order. Make a point of taking your RV for routine service and maintenance a week before traveling to keep it in tiptop condition. That way, your mechanic will check and correct any issues before your big day.

Check Road Conditions

When traveling far places, you’re likely to use roads you have never used before. Some will be under construction, some may have heavy traffic, some may be closed, and some may be dangerous to use due to harsh weather. This could lead to delays, confusion, and frustration. Therefore, do prior research on different roads to make sure they are clean and safe to use.

Have Enough RV Insurance

Don’t forget to carry enough RV and travel insurance. Your policy will help protect you and your loved ones while out there, especially when you need roadside assistance.

Not sure where to buy proper RV insurance in Astoria, OR? Linda Dugan Insurance has what you need to stay and feel safe while on the roads. Call us for more information.

Did you know that floods are the most common natural disasters in the US? Floods are a constant threat to Americans. Even if you don’t reside in high flood-risk areas in Astoria, OR, you are susceptible to some danger or loss from a flood. Why? According to National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), 20 percent of all flood claims filed emanate from low to moderate flood risk areas! 

Given these statistics, prior preparation for the possibility of a flood by understanding flood insurance is crucial. Are you concerned that your household is devoid of protection against flood surges? Please connect with our dedicated agents at Linda Dugan Insurance, who will assist you in acquiring proper flood insurance irrespective of your location.

Is flood insurance mandatory in Oregon?

Though flood insurance isn’t federally mandated in Oregon, your lender may still demand you to purchase flood insurance even if you reside outside the high-risk area. Since typical home insurance doesn’t protect you against floods, it’s a wise choice to buy flood insurance to protect your home.

What does flood insurance cover?

Flood insurance from NFIP covers your home up to $250,000 and contents up to $100,000. However, you can increase these limits by topping up your premiums. Flood insurance on the dwelling covers: 

• Standard home systems like central AC, furnace, and electrical wiring
• Wall, windows, doors, and roof
• Built-in appliances such as refrigerator stoves and dishwashers
• Permanently installed carpeting, wallboard, bookcases, and cabinets
• Detached garages
• Building and its foundation
• Electric and plumbing system
• Window blinds and shutters

Content coverage covers:

• Furniture and movable floors
• Portable and window air conditioners
• Clothes washers and dryers
• Curtains and window treatment
• Electronics
• Clothing
• Curtains
• Portable appliances like window air conditioners and microwaves.

If you own high-value items like art, silverware, and jewelry, it’s prudent to inquire from your insurer about additional riders or endorsements to enhance your coverage.

Flood insurance in Astoria, OR

Do you need help in finding a salient flood insurance policy that safeguards your dwelling and its contents from flood damage? Call or visit our offices at Linda Dugan Insurance and get comprehensive information about flood insurance.

If you live in the Astoria, OR area, ensuring that you have a proper personal insurance plan in place should be a top priority. A form of insurance that all people here should get is umbrella insurance. When you have an umbrella insurance policy in place, it will give you valuable blanket personal liability coverage. There are a few reasons that you should get umbrella insurance.

Insurance Covers More Situations

A key reason that you will want to have an umbrella insurance plan is that it can cover more situations. The average person regularly faces a variety of liability risks. While some of these are covered by home or auto insurance plans, others are trickier to protect against. The best way that this can be done is by getting an umbrella insurance plan, which offers more blanket insurance coverage and covers a big range of potential risks.

Insurance Offers Additional Protection

Many in Oregon will have home and auto insurance, which offers some liability coverage. While it is a good start, an accident with significant damages could end up exceeding these policy limits. If this occurs, you will want to have umbrella protection as it will provide coverage on top of the other plans that you have in place. 

Those that are in the Astoria, OR area and would like to get an umbrella insurance plan should speak with someone that they can trust. The team with the Linda Dugan Insurance agency is a great group to contact when you are in need of any support. Linda Dugan Insurance will be able to assess all of your needs and give you the guidance that could help you build an umbrella insurance plan that continues to provide adequate personal liability protection.