Category: Auto Insurance

What is a multi-car accident? Simply, it’s an auto accident involving two or more cars. Dangerous driving habits like speeding, road rage, distracted driving, and driving under the influence continue to be primary causes of multi-car accidents. Our team at Oliver Insurance in Canby, OR, offers some tips on navigating a pile-up, should you be involved in one.

What to Do if You’re Involved in a Multi-car Accident

Should you get caught in a pile-up, there are certain steps you need to follow. First, prioritize your safety and, if necessary, seek medical attention. You should also try to move your vehicle off the roadway if possible. Turn on the hazard lights to make other drivers aware of your presence.

Call the authorities immediately, regardless of the damage to your vehicle. A police report can be a valuable provider of evidence when making an insurance claim. You’ll also need a copy of the report for your insurance claim to begin being processed.

After handling the steps above, exchange info with other drivers involved and gather critical evidence at the scene. Suggestions include:

• Document the scene with photos and videos, including vehicle positions, road conditions, damage, and nearby traffic signals and signs.
• Exchange information with involved drivers. Get their driver’s license info, names, addresses, insurance information, and phone number.
• If there are witnesses to the accident, get their information and statements concerning what they saw. If the police are on the scene, they’ll take official statements that can assist with claims processing.

Be Prepared for Road Incidents with Auto Insurance

Should you find yourself part of a multi-car accident – or any auto-related one – having the right insurance in place can give you peace of mind. Before hitting the road, contact Oliver Insurance in Canby, OR, for a policy checkup or to get a quote from our agents.

Whether you need full coverage auto insurance depends on several factors. If you’re in the Canby, OR area, Oliver Insurance can help determine whether that level of coverage is right for you. Sometimes, it may be required, and at other times, it may be that you want to have it but don’t specifically have to. Either way, though, it’s good to have plenty of information about your coverage options. That can help you make the right choice and protect your vehicle properly.

If your car is financed, you’ll typically need to have full coverage insurance. That’s because your lienholder wants to ensure their interests are protected, and they do that by requiring you to have a higher level of insurance than you would need on a car that doesn’t have a lienholder. Still, many people who don’t have lienholders on their cars choose to have full coverage because they want the extra protection it provides.

If you don’t have a coverage requirement, deciding whether to protect your car more fully or operate it with a lower level of insurance is a personal choice. Talking to an agent is a great way to make your choice because you can get the information and guidance you need to feel confident in your decision. There are also varying levels of full coverage based on the deductible you choose, and an agent can help you navigate all the options you have to pick from.

Contact us at Oliver Insurance if you’re in the Canby, OR, area and trying to decide if you need full coverage auto insurance. Our agents are dedicated to giving you the correct information for your needs so you can choose a policy and then enjoy your car.

Canby, OR drivers mostly park in safe neighborhoods, but vehicle break-ins can occur anywhere. That’s why it’s essential to understand how auto insurance covers belongings that might be in your car.

Auto Insurance and Personal Belongings

Auto insurance policies are typically designed to protect against vehicle-related damages and liabilities. This doesn’t necessarily extend to personal belongings inside the car, such as electronics, clothes, or other belongings.

Standard auto insurance policies generally don’t include personal belongings in a vehicle. This is because auto insurance primarily focuses on the car and its liability concerns, not the items inside. In the event of theft or damage to belongings, an auto insurance policy is unlikely to do much.

Homeowners or Renters Insurance as a Solution

When you need to protect personal belongings inside a vehicle, homeowners’ or renters insurance policies might provide the necessary coverage. 

These policies typically include off-premises coverage for personal belongings, which naturally extends to personal items stolen from or damaged in your car. 

However, it’s essential to check the specifics of a homeowner’s or renter’s policy, as coverage limits and deductibles will apply. Our team at Olliver Insurance can help you look at the specific terms of your policy.

Make Sure Your Belongings Are Insured

Any insurance policy can be complex, which only increases when using a homeowner’s policy to protect things in a car. If you’re in Canby, OR, and want help insuring your belongings when they’re in a vehicle, contact us at Oliver Insurance. We can assist with auto, homeowners’, or renters’ insurance and ensure your belongings are adequately insured wherever you take them.

Your deductible is one of the most essential details you’ll consider when setting up your car insurance policy, so it’s crucial to understand your choices. If you’re located in Canby, OR, we at Oliver Insurance will be happy to help you figure things out. But first, check out the following tips on how to pick the right deductible for you.

How Do Deductibles Work?

Your car insurance deductible is the monetary amount you’ll have to cover on your own before your insurance company starts paying out toward damages. You’ll need to pay that deductible each time you need to file a claim.

Some types of car insurance coverage have deductibles – like collision coverage and personal injury protection – while others don’t. You can also choose your deductible when you sign up for a policy.

Choosing a higher deductible means paying lower monthly premiums. However, it also means you’ll need to cover more of the resulting costs out of pocket if you ever need to file a claim.

How to Make a Wise Deductible Choice

Naturally, the goal is to make sure you can easily afford the costs associated with your Canby, OR car insurance, both month to month and in the event you ever get into an accident. Consider factors like the following when selecting a deductible:

• Driving History: If you have a history of car accidents and moving violations, opting for a lower deductible might be better.
• Car Value: The lower your car value, the less your carrier will ultimately pay you if you ever suffer a total loss, making a lower deductible smarter.
• Financial Situation: If you don’t have much money saved to cover you, if you ever have to pay a deductible, it may be easier to cover higher premiums.

It’s also a good idea to consult with professionals before finalizing any insurance decision, and Oliver Insurance will be happy to help you make a wise one. Call us today, and let us know how we can assist you!

At Oliver Insurance, serving the Canby, OR area, we understand that navigating auto insurance can be confusing and intimidating. That’s why we’re here to give you a crash course in understanding auto insurance coverage and claims. 

Auto Insurance 101

When it comes to auto insurance, there are several important terms you’ll need to know before signing up for coverage:

1. Liability coverage (which covers bodily injury and property damage caused by an at-fault driver).
2. Collision coverage (which pays for repairs due to vehicle damage caused by accident).
3. Comprehensive coverage (which pays for non-accident-related damages such as vandalism or theft). 
4. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (which protects if someone without insurance causes an accident). 

Breaking Down Coverage

When signing up for auto insurance, it’s essential to make sure you’re getting the right coverage for your needs. One way to do this is by breaking down coverage into three categories: liability, collision/comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

• Liability coverage covers bodily injury and property damage caused by an at-fault driver.
• Collision coverage pays for repairs due to vehicle damage caused by accident, while comprehensive coverage pays for non-accident related damages such as vandalism or theft.

Lastly, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage provides protection if someone without insurance causes an accident. 

A Guide to Filing Auto Insurance Claims

First, ensure you’ve reported the incident to your local police department, no matter how small the damage or incident. Gather as much information as possible about the accident (witness names, contact info, photos of the scene). 
Next, know your coverage and speak to your insurance provider about filing a claim. Document any conversations with your insurer and keep all paperwork related to the claim in one place. 

Final Thoughts

At Oliver Insurance, we want to ensure you’re confident when understanding auto insurance coverage and claims. With this crash course under your belt, you can rest assured that you’ll be prepared for any auto insurance-related situation that may arise. If you have any questions about your Canby OR policy or want to switch providers, contact us today to learn more!

Driving a car in the Canby, OR area is a necessity for many people. If you are going to own a car when you are here, you will want to know that you are adequately covered. One great way to do this is by investing in auto insurance. There are multiple reasons the typical car owner needs this coverage. 

Ensure the Car is Protected

An essential reason for anyone to have an auto insurance plan is to ensure their car is protected. Your car is not only an important asset but is likely also something you need to rely on. Because of this, you will want to know that you have support if your car is damaged or stolen. When you have an auto plan with comprehensive support, it will provide the coverage that you need in these situations. 

Comply with Obligations

You also need to have auto coverage to ensure you can comply with any obligations that you have. Almost everyone in Oregon is going to have auto insurance requirements. Not only will you need insurance if you have taken out a loan, but you will also likely need insurance to meet standards the state sets. If you are not covered, you could violate both agreements and face various penalties. 

As you are looking to build an auto insurance plan in the Canby, OR area, it would be wise to call the team with Oliver Insurance. Choosing any auto plan is never easy; working with Oliver Insurance can help. The professionals at this company understand drivers’ needs and will give any guidance necessary to build a proper plan that meets your needs and protects your car. 

At Oliver Insurance, serving the greater Canby, OR area, one of the types of insurance products that we sell is auto insurance. In addition to selling auto insurance, we also take the time to answer questions that people have about their current auto insurance policy or a policy they are considering purchasing. One of the questions our office frequently gets asked is what it means if an auto insurance policy lists an excluded driver on the policy. Read on to get the answer to this question. 

What Does It Mean If an Auto Insurance Policy Lists an Excluded Driver? 

If your auto insurance policy lists an excluded driver, that driver is excluded from your insurance policy if they operate your vehicle. Ultimately, this means that if that driver is involved in a car crash in your automobile, your insurance policy will not cover the damage done to your car or another car. Excluded drivers must obtain their insurance policy to operate your vehicle.  

Why Would an Auto Insurance Policy List an Excluded Driver? 

Auto insurance companies use public records to determine who may live at your home. Suppose a driver in your home has numerous accidents, speeding tickets, or severe violations, such as reckless driving or a DUI. In that case, the auto insurance company may list them as an excluded driver because they deem them at high risk of being involved in an accident with your vehicle.   

If your current auto insurance policy does not meet your needs or you are in the market for a new policy in the greater Canby, OR area, Oliver Insurance would love to help you. Call us today with any questions you have, or let us provide you with a quote for a new auto insurance policy. 

There are various reasons why people put their cars in storage. Some may be when they go on an extended vacation or their job takes them overseas for an extended period. You may find it wise to cancel your auto insurance to save money. After all, you won’t be on the road. But is it a smart move? While you may find it a short-term saving scheme, there are setbacks to canceling the policy. It would be best if you instead considered the option of downgrading your policy. In that case, should you cancel your auto insurance when your car is in storage? The answer is NO. Let’s explore why as prepared by Oliver Insurance.

Your car is still vulnerable to risks.

Even if your vehicle is not on the move, it’s still at risk of damage while in storage. Your car, for example, may be damaged by falling objects. Your vehicle is also at risk of theft, fire, vandalism, or flooding while in storage.

 It creates gaps in your coverage.

Canceling your policy when your vehicle is in storage creates gaps in your insurance history. Most insurance companies look at your insurance history, and when they see some gaps, they may rate you as a high-risk driver. When you decide to reinstate your coverage, you may pay more premium.

You may violate your loan agreement.

If your car is on loan and you are still paying it off, your lender may require you to have specific insurance coverage even if you are not driving your vehicle. With this, the option of dropping off the policy is not available.

Auto insurance in Canby, OR

While you can drop your insurance when your car is in storage, think of the cost you would incur if an unfortunate event occurred like theft or damage. It would help if you talked to your agent to see the options available for stored cars. If you live in Canby, OR, and its environs, speak to us at Oliver Insurance for personalized advice.

Like most other states, Oregon requires drivers to carry auto insurance. But Oliver Insurance knows that minimum coverage is rarely enough.

It is illegal to drive without bodily injury and property damage liability in the Beaver State. The state also mandates at least $15,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). Drivers must have uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance too. This adds to your insurance if another driver lacks adequate coverage.

While these requirements extend further than most other states, Oliver Insurance doesn’t want to leave anything to chance. Located in Canby, OR, the agency wants to ensure you have an auto insurance policy that meets your individual needs. Inadequate auto insurance can leave you exposed. 

With this in mind, Oliver Insurance lists three popular auto insurance add-ons to keep you safe on the roadways.

Collision

This boosts your coverage for accidents that result from a collision. This applies to repair costs no matter who is determined to be at fault. While this isn’t a legal requirement, some lenders may request collision insurance before receiving a loan.

Comprehensive

All other forms of physical damage to your vehicle fall into the "comprehensive" category. This insurance includes any non-collision incidents. Examples include theft, vandalism, accidents caused by animals, and weather-related damage. Combined with collision coverage, this package of protections is often referred to as "full coverage."

Medical payments

Medical payments are usually rolled into PIP. However, $15,000 in coverage is low, especially in a major accident. Motorists can choose to increase their personal protection, increasing the policy limit for any needed medical care. Discuss this with your agent.

Contact an agent serving Canby, OR

Oliver Insurance goes beyond simply keeping you legal. Their expert agents prioritize your safety and security through a complete auto insurance policy. Schedule an appointment today.