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Canby, OR 97013

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Protecting Your Personal Assets With Umbrella Insurance

Perhaps you’ve heard umbrella policies discussed in a business setting, but these catch-all policies provide great protection for individuals, too.  An umbrella policy protects you in the case of litigation. Umbrella insurance covers liability or damage exceeding the coverage of standard homeowners, auto, boat, or other insurance policy. It protects your non-business activities worldwide. An umbrella policy protects you and your assets should you be found at fault for an accident. It carries minimal annual premiums for priceless peace of mind.

Umbrella Benefits

If you are sued, an umbrella policy kicks in after you exhaust your standard homeowner’s, renter’s, condo or car insurance’s liability coverage. It pays any judgement made against you and your attorney fees. It also covers you for things like libel and slander. You can add covered items to a policy such as having the policy pay you if your court appearances result in lost wages. An umbrella policy can protect your dependent children when they are found at fault in a car or boat accident.

Costs

Of course, premiums vary by coverage and insurer, but you can generally expect to pay between $150 to $300 annually for a $1 million policy. You’ll pay between $50 to $75 for additional coverage per million dollars. You’ll also need to purchase a specific level of liability coverage for your boat or auto before the insurer will issue an umbrella policy. This varies by insurer.

Come by Oliver Insurance of Canby, OR to review your liability insurance needs. We can help you determine if you need additional coverage on a liability policy or the additional protection of an umbrella insurance policy. Either way, Oliver Insurance has got you covered.

Can You Name A Sibling as Beneficiary

When it comes to life insurance there are tons of elements that you need to work out. One such consideration is who you are going to name as the beneficiary of the policy. For those that live in the Canby, OR area, the agents with Oliver Insurance can help you make the decision.

For starters, it is helpful to know just what a beneficiary is. A beneficiary is the person that benefits from the policy in the event of your death. This means, the person that is going to be able to cash in the policy if you pass away. For the most part, as long as you have signed and officiated the documents, anyone can be named as the beneficiary on an insurance policy.

In most cases, parents tends to name either their children or the caretakers that will be given custody of their children in the event of their death. They may also name spouses, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, you can even name your best friend as a beneficiary. If you feel as if the beneficiary status of the person you named may be questioned, you can always get the document notarized so that there is no issue.

For those that want to know how to name a beneficiary, you first need information like legal name, social security number, and address. These are all used to verify identity and to send paperwork to when the policy is being cashed out. If you are having trouble figuring out how to name someone as your beneficiary, you may want to contact an insurance agent to help answer your questions. For those that live in the Canby, OR area, the agents with Oliver Insurance are here to help and can answer all your questions.  

What is Business Interruption Insurance, and is it Necessary?

When most Canby, OR business owners think about insuring their business, they envision the tangible things that insurance covers, such as the structural elements of the building itself or interior water damage brought on my major storms. They may even think about the equipment used to run the business, and how adequate insurance coverage can help replace damaged equipment. Few business owners consider, however, the loss of income that takes place while a business is shut down after a serious weather event or other types of damage. Business interruption insurance is a type of specialized coverage that can help make up for lost income after a storm or natural disaster. The team at Oliver Insurance would like to cover some basics pertaining to this important coverage option. 

Depending on the type and extent of damage, your business could be out of operation for a considerable length of time. It takes time for the necessary inspections to take place, and to obtain quotes for construction or other services. Then there is the downtime necessary while the work is actually being done. It is also important to consider that after a large-scale weather event, your business will not be the only one in need of repair, and local contractors may be overwhelmed with work. That can lengthen the amount of time needed to get you back up and running. 

Business interruption insurance can be an operational lifesaver when it comes to an unexpected interruption of business activities. Having this coverage can allow business owners to continue to meet payroll and overhead costs while the Canby, OR business pauses for repair work. For more information, or to receive a customized quote, contact the team at Oliver Insurance to discuss the available options. 

 

Is My AC Covered On My Home Insurance Policy?

When you live in Canby, OR, it’s important to know what is and is not covered on your home insurance policy. If your AC breaks, it could cost several thousands of dollars to repair. The easiest solution is to file a claim with the insurance company, but will it be covered?

What Your Home Insurance Covers

Your home insurance is going to cover very specific things. This includes:

  • Dwelling
  • Personal belongings
  • Liability

Your home insurance policy is not going to cover your air-conditioning because it falls under an appliance. At Oliver Insurance, we are committed to helping you find the best home insurance policy for you, your home, and your budget.

If you are concerned about getting coverage for your air-conditioning, your plumbing, and various other components that might not be covered by your home insurance policy, it’s a good idea to have a home warranty policy.

When AC Would Be Covered

Although the standard reasons for AC breaking won’t be covered by your home insurance policy, there are some scenarios where it would be covered. This would involve damage to your home as a result of an act of nature or something else.

Your policy will provide protection in Canby, OR for fire, theft, vandalism, and more. This means that if your home suffers a fire and your air-conditioning unit is part of that fire, you could file a claim and have the HVAC unit replaced.

There are a lot of possibilities that exist when it comes to finding the right home insurance policy. Call and speak to one of our professional insurance agents at Oliver Insurance today. We will take the time to help you build a policy that works for you and your budget so that you have financial protection in place against a variety of potential scenarios.

 

 

Nervous about Your Driving Test? Here’s How to Prepare

Your driving test is a big day and it’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous. However, you certainly don’t want to have to take your driving test in Canby, OR more than once, if you don’t have to. For this reason, here are few tips to prepare for your driving test so you pass it the first time.  

Don’t Procrastinate

If you put off preparing for the test until the last minute, your chances of failing increase. Start studying weeks before and be sure to do lots of practice driving with your learner’s permit. Ask a friend or family member to quiz you.  

Take the Test in the Morning

Schedule your test for a morning session when you are more alert and have more energy. During the afternoon, many people can become groggy. Not only that, the all day anticipation of waiting to take the driving test will only make you more nervous.  

Be Prepared to Fail

If you do fail, that’s ok. You get more than one chance. Although it’s not the outcome you wanted, you can do better next time.  

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Going out until late at night or staying up late is not a good idea the night before taking your driver’s test. You really want to feel your best for this test.  

At Oliver Insurance, we love to insure new drivers. We serve drivers in the Canby, OR area and help them find the best auto insurance policy and savings for their particular driving situation. To reach Oliver Insurance and speak with one of our friendly and reputable insurance agents, call us at 503-266-2715 today.  
 

 

 

 

Most Common Home Owners Insurance Claims Revealed

Insurance policies are often looked at as protection against the unexpected. However, there are steps one can take to protect your home against the most common claims made under policies. Below we reveal the most common claims and steps you can take to help reduce the likelihood.

Exterior Wind damage makes up about 25% of all claims. Powerful wind can damage weaker structures including windows and doors. Also, strong winds can pick up debris and cause damage to your roof and siding. To protect against damage, you should have your roof inspected and repair any damage. A roof that is damaged is much more likely to be damaged further by strong winds.

Nonweather related damage is the second most common claim made under policies. Typically nonweather-related damages include damage from pipes bursting, plumbing and appliance related claims. Winters in Canby, OR can be cold, and you should insulate your pipes to protect them from freezing. As part of prepping your home for winter, you should also turn off the water supply to outdoor hose bibs.

Hail storms are short-lived but can cause a great amount of destruction. If you live in an area prone to hail you should consider installing impact-resistant roofing material, this can reduce damage from hail by about 40%.

Weather related water damage such as flooding can cause serious damage to your home. You should make sure water is being drained away from the foundation. Also, you want to make sure you have flood insurance as it is not always included in policies, feel free to check with your agent at Oliver Insurance.

If you want to learn more about ways to protect your home, please reach out to Oliver Insurance. We proudly serve the Canby, OR area.

Review Your Auto Insurance for the Upcoming Travel Season

In some parts of the country, it’s looking like Spring. Even if it isn’t quite here in Canby, OR., vacation plans preoccupy many people. If you plan to hit the road this summer, prepare your car now. Getting your vehicle in shape goes a long way to preventing accidents and assuring a more enjoyable trip. Reviewing your auto insurance coverage with the independent agents at Oliver Insurance is a good place to start. We can make sure you’re getting all the discounts you have coming to you. We can also provide checklists in vehicle safety that will help you get ready for a great vacation.

For instance:

  1. The most important features on your vehicle are the braking system and the tires. These are what control your vehicle in an emergency and keep you on the road. Keep these in the best condition possible even if you have a scratch on your car or upholstery that you can’t repair right away.
  2. Be certain you are operating legally: keep your registration and proof of insurance handy. Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol. Use safety belts. Know the law and keep it.
  3. Plan your vacation ahead of time so you know routes and destinations. Using a GPS is a great way to stay on track, but know your route so you can spot trouble before your GPS steers you wrong.

Proudly serving the Canby, OR. area, Oliver Insurance not only provides auto insurance coverage, but we educate our customers so they can prevent accidents, injury, and misfortune. Contact us today at 503-266-2715 or use our online site for a quote for your auto insurance. You might qualify for discounts, and you’ll learn something new.

Got Into an Accident During a Test Drive – Who’s Responsible?

Test driving a vehicle is suppose to be a fun experience where you learn whether you could see yourself owning a particular vehicle. However, it’s necessary to understand what happens in the unfortunate event that you get into an accident during the test drive. Like most questions regarding auto insurance and personal liability, it’s hard to get a specific answer without talking to a knowledgeable person. Oliver Insurance serves the Canby, OR area and is able to provide more precise answers based on where you live and the insurance coverage you have.

Most of the time, if you’re test driving a vehicle, the dealership should have an insurance policy that protects every vehicle on its car lot. This holds true whether you’re test driving a new or used automobile. Because a test drive is usually only a short distance trip, the chance of an accident is low, and the dealership doesn’t mind using its insurance to cover any damage that may result from an accident that you’re involved in. However, if the dealership believes that the accident was your fault, then the company may try to get your insurance provider to cover the damage. For example, if a dealership sees a driver come in to test drive a high-powered sports car and notices that the driver speeds off the lot, the dealership is much more likely to try to pursue reimbursement for the damage to its vehicle in the case of an accident, especially if the accident appears to be the driver’s fault.

In conclusion, you’re most likely safe if you get into an accident while test driving a dealership’s car. However, because each situation is different, you can get more accurate answers to any questions you may have by contacting Oliver Insurance, which serves the Canby, OR area. Many situations are slightly different depending on where you live, which is why it’s important to talk with someone who has specialized knowledge about the area you live in.

Can Changes in Lifestyle Raise Home Insurance Costs?

As a homeowner, you should be aware that changes in your lifestyle can prompt insurance companies to raise your homeowner insurance premium. Before changing your lifestyle, talk to your Oliver Insurance agent in Canby, OR to see how certain changes will affect your home coverage. Here are a few examples of lifestyle changes that could result in higher home insurance costs.

Increased Physical Activity

Installing a swimming pool, setting up a home gym or purchasing a trampoline to get more exercise increases the risk of injuries on your property. As a result, you may have to pay more for your liability coverage. An increase in liability limits will protect your assets in the event family or friends have an accident when using this equipment on your property.

Home Business

If you start a home business that provides services from your abode or involves the purchase of expensive equipment, you’ll need extra liability and property damage coverage to protect your clients and equipment. Depending on the nature of your home business, separate business coverage may be a better alternative to protect your interests.    

Marriage

A marriage that results in joining two households could alter your home insurance coverage. If your spouse owns luxury items such as posh jewelry, heirlooms, expensive paintings, etc., you may need additional coverage to protect these items from damage or theft. If you move to a new house, you’ll have to discuss coverage options anew with your insurer to get the protection you need.

Adopt a Pet

Even adopting a pet could increase your home insurance costs, particularly if you obtain a dog that falls under the category of “risky breed.”

By talking to your Oliver Insurance agent in Canby, OR, you can get up to date information on home insurance options best suited to your particular need.  

How Much Auto Insurance is Enough?

When it comes to buying auto insurance, many variables should be considered. Ideally, you want enough coverage if it’s needed, but not so much that you go broke paying for it. Additionally, it is important to ensure that you meet legal requirements.  

State Requirements

Almost every state in the U.S. now requires automobile liability insurance coverage; New Hampshire is the only state that does not make it mandatory. The State of Oregon requires minimum liability coverage in the amounts of $25,000/$50,000/$20,000. This means your Canby, OR policy includes coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 per crash for property damage. Oregon law also mandates personal injury protection of $15,000 per person, and uninsured motorist’s coverage. 

What You Drive 

Aside from liability insurance, covering your vehicle in case of an accident or theft is prudent. The type of vehicle you drive should guide you to the proper coverage amounts. For instance, you don’t need as much insurance for a ten-year-old Buick as you would for a new Lexus.  Theft rates and collision repair costs are higher on newer vehicles and certain makes. You want to be sure you have adequate coverage in the event of a total loss.  Also, if your vehicle is financed or leased, GAP (loan-lease payoff) insurance is inexpensive, but a valuable add-on to your coverage.  

Resources 

Your personal resources are another consideration. If a car accident or theft would devastate your finances, carrying additional coverage, and keeping your deductibles low,  is wise. On the flip side, if you could absorb a loss of several thousand, raise your deductibles and pocket the money you save on premiums. Talk to the experts at Oliver Insurance in Canby, OR for guidance. 

 

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