RV insurance in Portland, OR

Is your RV insurance in Beaverton, OR right for your travel style?

You are enjoying your family road trip or living full time in your RV. Seeing the country one highway at a time and making lasting family memories. The last thing you want is an accident or lawsuit that will take up valuable time and resources. Taking the proper precautions like making sure you have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and have the appropriate RV insurance can go a long way to keeping your family safe and giving you peace of mind while you are enjoying all your RV has to offer.

Primary RV insurance policies in Oregon:

Full Timers Coverage: Do reside primarily in your RV? Whether is it is permanently parked or you roam across the country, an RV insurance Full Timers Coverage policy helps protect your RV like homeowner’s insurance.

  • Liability coverage if you are responsible for an accident on your property
  • Medical payments for an accident for which you are responsible
  • Coverage if your property is damaged or stolen
  • Contents of a storage shed near your property

Vacation Liability: Your local, independent insurance agency in Beaverton, Oregon can assist you with an RV insurance vacation liability policy for your RV. When vacationing, there are certain situations that you may not have control over when your RV is parked:

  • Injury of a third-party by equipment owned by you or around your RV
  • Injuries to a third-party by an animal under your care
  • A fire caused by sparks from a campfire, vehicle back-fire, etc.

The most important think to know about a Vacation Liability policy is that it covers events while your RV is parked, not while it is moving.

There are many options out there when looking to cover your RV and your local independent agents at Hukari Insurance can help you navigate your options to find the best coverage for your needs. They can also assist with an ATV policy for your other summer toys. Whatever your insurance needs, talk to the experts at Hukari Insurance Agency in Beaverton, OR.  Their years of insurance experience can save you a bundle!  You can also visit their insurance website 24/7 to learn more about the other valuable insurance products they offer.

 

 

Use Caution and Common Sense When Hiring off of Craigslist or other Free Classified Ads in Beaverton, OR

It is so tempting… a contractor who will perform a landscaping job for ½ of what other quotes were and to think… you found him on Craigslist! Certainly Craigslist and other free classified websites have become a terrific resource for used goods as well as handyman services. However, there are stories of liability claim scams across the country that have homeowner’s getting burned. To put it simply, you’re taking a chance when you hire a non-reputable contractor to do work on your home, regardless of where you found him. So, we’ve put together a few items to help you avoid the headache of an “injured” contractor on your property which results in a liability claim against your homeowner’s policy.

  1. Research and ask question. If you find a contractor or other service related worker on Craigslist or other sites, ask them if they have a website or if there is someone who wouldn’t mind talking to them about their skill. It’s okay to ask for references. Most small businesses survive off of word-of-mouth advertising, so don’t be afraid to ask for a couple.
  2. Utilize the internet further. Go to Google and type in: “Contractor License Lookup.” This should produce your states .gov resource and you can see if the contract you’re hiring is licensed or not. It will also show if their license is expired and when it expired.
  3. Documentation: Ask the contractor for a copy of their license as well as documentation of their insurance and bond. Note: Check the dates on the license as well as the insurance to ensure they’re currently in force or active.
  4. Ask more questions: Not only is it important to protect your insurance from a scam, but ensure your pocketbook doesn’t get taken for a ride too. Ask questions like, “Is this an estimate or a final bid?” “Does this estimate include parts and labor?” The more questions you ask, the better you will feel and the more the contractor will understand that you’re educated on this process.

It isn’t just the answers to the questions above that will help you decide on a potential contractor, but how they answer them. If they aren’t forthcoming about certain items or aren’t willing to give you references, it is likely not a good idea to hire them. If they can’t communicate with you now about things, how difficult would it be if you have issues with them after the work has started? Be clear from the beginning on your expectations and always remember to talk to us, your local Beaverton, Oregon Insurance Agent about anything you’re doing on your home to ensure you’re covered properly before making remodels. Call Carr’s Insurance Agency at (808) 836-CARR (2277) to talk to a licensed agent.

Personal Umbrella Insurance in Portland, OR

Personal Umbrella Insurance in Beaverton, OR – Party Protection

Summer is a great time to throw parties. BBQs, birthdays, Fourth of July celebrations or just for no reason at all, the summer is when it happens. From the cleaning, the shopping and the food preparation, a lot of thought gets put into the needs and comfort of your guests. While there are many things that may cross your mind in regards to your party, it may not occur that if the party does not go according to plan and someone is injured or gets sick that the hosts of the party could be held liable.

In the event that someone gets injured at a gathering you throw at your home, your homeowner’s insurance policy in Beaverton, Oregon may cover the injured party’s medical bills or damages to a certain dollar amount. Having an extra bit of protection like a personal umbrella insurance policy in Beaverton, OR may help in these situations, as it can also help with a legal defense if you are sued for an injury or death that occurs on your property or when your guest leaves (too much alcohol).

Personal Umbrella Insurance in Oregon:

  • Unforeseen events: Most parties go off without a hitch, no problems, and no injuries. Every so often something goes awry. It can be as simple as a sprained ankle from slipping off the porch steps to food poisoning from improperly refrigerated potato salad to a DUI or alcohol poisoning. If the party where the injury took place occurred at your home and you are deemed negligent, you may be responsible for paying damages to those injured parties and a personal umbrella insurance policy may help you minimize the out-of-pocket costs to you.
  • Intoxication: Depending on the laws in your city/state, a person who consumed alcohol at your party and injures someone else as a result of a DUI crash could hold you liable to pay the victim damages. There are a few ways to mitigate your liability: hiring a third-party to tend bar, like a catering company. These companies are responsible for having their own insurance and it is a lot easier for them to stop serving alcohol to an intoxicated person; they know all the signs to look for. If you are not able to hire an outside party to handle the liquor at your party, stick with only a few options for adult beverages like wine and beer. Having multiple types of liquor may increase the risk of someone having too much to drink.
  • A little prep: Before you have your party, take the time to make sure that your yard (or party area) is free of uneven patches of ground, mounds and holes. Make sure that entryways are clear of tripping hazards and that low hanging lights are high enough that tall heads won’t get tangled up. Taking a few extra steps may help ensure that your party is safe and fun.

If you plan on taking advantage of the summer weather by throwing a party, make sure you have all the protection you need. If you have any questions about what a personal umbrella insurance policy may cover or what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers in terms of fire, property damage or personal injury liability, your licensed insurance agent in Beaverton, OR can assist you.  The local, independent agents at Hukari Insurance can assist you with examining an existing policy or setting you up with a new policy. Their years of insurance experience can save you a bundle. You can also visit their insurance website 24/7 to learn more about personal umbrella or the other insurance products they offer like auto insurance.

Will your boat insurance in Beaverton keep you afloat?

The sun is shining, the water is warm and boating season is upon us. By now you’ve probably prepped the boat, made sure your boating license is valid and planned outings with family and friends, but have you looked at your boat insurance? There are many coverage options available in Beaverton, Oregon, and using a local, independent agent guarantees that you will have many coverage options, so you can pick a policy that suits your needs before heading out to the water.

The 411 on boat insurance in Oregon:

  • Bundling: It may not be possible to bundle your boat insurance with an existing policy, like homeowner’s insurance, as there may be restrictions on the type of boat you own. In order to fit under a homeowner’s insurance policy, boats may need to be under a certain length and under a certain price point.  There is a down side to having your boat covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy: specialized coverages may be limited or not available.
  • Specialized Coverages: These types of coverages can include On-Water Towing, helpful when your boat runs out of gas or has a mechanical issue mid-outing. Fuel Spill and Wreckage Removal may help keep you covered in the event your boat leaks fuel or if there is an accident; otherwise you may be on the hook for clean-up expenses. You may also want to consider Uninsured Boater coverage. Just like Uninsured Motorist coverage for your car or truck, this may help with expenses if your boat is hit or damaged by another boater without proper boat insurance coverage. Specialized Coverages may also include Personal Effects coverage.
  • Travel: Planning to sail your boat to the Bahamas? Can we go with you? Whether you are sailing your boat to a sunny tropical locale or sailing her on a tranquil lake in Canada, you need to make sure that your boat insurance covers travel outside your state and country. Some insurance plans may cover waterways in the continental U.S., but may not cover international waters or may only cover a boat in international water within a certain mile radius from the U.S. coast. Check with your agent to see if your plan coverages international travel.
  • Replacement: We hope that you never have to replace your boat due to an accident. In order to avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses to replace your boat, make sure that you have the appropriate replacement coverage in place long before you hit the water. There are two options for replacement coverage: Total Loss Replacement and Agreed Value coverage. Total Loss Replacement is just that, a replacement of your boat. However this type of coverage may not be offered by all insurance carriers, more likely than not the carrier will provide Agreed Value coverage. This is the value of your boat, agreed upon by you and your agent before you sign the policy.

There are many options out there when looking for boat insurance in Beaverton, OR and your local independent agents at Hukari Insurance can help you navigate your options to find the best coverage for your needs. They can also assist with a personal watercraft policy for your other water-traveling toys. Whatever your insurance needs, talk to the experts at Hukari Insurance Agency in Beaverton, OR.  Their years of insurance experience can save you a bundle!  You can also visit their insurance website 24/7 to learn more about the other valuable insurance products they offer.

Basic home disaster preparedness kit in Beaverton, OR

Disaster preparedness kit in Beaverton, ORNo one wants to think that they may be stuck in their home during a natural disaster, but the reality is natural disasters happen in every state in our country. During a natural disaster, keeping your family safe and comfortable is a top priority and having a disaster preparedness kit in Beaverton, OR may help you.

A disaster preparedness kit for your home in Oregon should include these basics:

Food and Water:

  • Two week supply of bottled water
  • Two week supply of non-perishable food like crackers, protein bars, dried fruit, etc.
  • Infant food and formula
  • Pet food
  • Utensils and plates for each person

Shelter and Comfort:

  • Plastic sheeting
  • Duct tape
  • Sleeping bags for each person
  • Emergency blankets
  • Battery operated or hand crank radio
  • Emergency locator beacon
  • Multipurpose tool, such as a Leatherman
  • Flashlight (and extra batteries)
  • Hand warmers
  • Battery-operated cell phone charger
  • List of emergency numbers (including emergency contacts, insurance agent)
  • Copies of important documents such as insurance cards, IDs, home inventory lists, etc.
  • Books, toys or other entertainment items for children
  • Extra clothing/shoes for inclement weather

Safety and Hygiene:

  • A first aid kit (make sure this kit has antiseptic, bandages, small scissors, aspirin or ibuprofen, hot and cold compresses)
  • “Help” or “Assistance Needed” sign
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Diapers
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Personal sanitizing wipes
  • Surgical masks and gloves
  • Air horn or whistle
  • Necessary medications

Of course you can add additional items to your disaster preparedness kit in Beaverton, OR depending on the needs of your family. Store your disaster kit in an easily accessible area, make sure you check your kit often and update it as things expire. For more information about a disaster preparedness kit, please visit Ready.gov.

We hope that you never need to use your disaster preparedness kit, but we hope that it will help get you and your family through the stress of a natural disaster. If a natural disaster does occur in our area, once your family is safe, call your insurance agent at Carr’s Insurance Agency in Beaverton, Oregon as soon as possible. They can help you get the claims process started. Whatever your insurance needs, the experts at Carr’s Insurance Agency can help. Their years of insurance experience can save you a bundle!  You can also visit their insurance website 24/7 to learn more about the other valuable insurance products they offer like earthquake or flood insurance.

Auto Insurance Premiums, Portland, Oregon

Auto Insurance Premiums in Beaverton, Oregon- What to know

You get a bill every month (or every six months depending on your preference) for your auto insurance premiums in Beaverton, Oregon. Your policy details what is Auto Insurance Premiums Beaverton, Oregoncovered and what is not. What it may not detail out is how the policy cost was determined. There are many factors that go into an individual auto policy price and likely, no two auto policies are the same since the factors largely depend on the insured driver.

Auto insurance premiums may be determined by:

  • Driving History: The most obvious factor is your driving history. Drivers that have accumulated many accidents and tickets typically pay more than those who don’t. Same goes for freshly minted drivers (of any age) and those who have not had insurance for an extended period of time regardless of the circumstance. While some of the factors cannot be mitigated, a few can. Staying alert and following the rules of the road can reduce the likelihood of accidents or tickets, thus potentially reducing the cost of your auto insurance premiums in Beaverton, Oregon.
  • Age: Age is one of those factors that cannot be helped. The younger you are, they higher risk you are considered. While society considers you an adult between 18 and 21, the insurance industry considers you an adult at the age of 25 which is when insurance premiums tend to drop a bit for the matured driver. Another factor you can’t change? Your gender. In the great battle of the sexes, women take the lead on this one as they tend to be safer drivers as a whole. Women tend to take fewer risks when driving, giving females an advantage when it comes to insurance premiums as they tend to pay less than their male counterparts.
  • Location: Do you live in an area that is prone to car prowls or do you live a significant distance away from work? These are factors that will figure into your auto insurance premiums. Statistically, the more you are on the road, the greater the likelihood that an accident may occur. So if you commute a long way to work (notice on your insurance application they ask you the distance from home to work?) you may incur a higher premium than someone who lives within a few miles of their workplace.
  • Make/Model: While that little red sports car is a tempting buy, you will likely end up paying more for your auto insurance than say a family sedan. Not that you should be discouraged from buying the sports car of your dreams, just make sure you talk to your insurance agent prior to your purchase so you can be aware of the potential rate change.
  • Type of Insurance Plan: Did you go for the “platinum” insurance package? You know the one: maximum coverage and a low deductible? A lower deductible means a higher upfront policy rate. Drivers who opt for the minimum coverages required by law in their state and a higher deductible may pay less for their policy. Make sure you ask your agent about your state’s required insurance coverages!
  • Credit : A final factor that determine your auto insurance premiums? A credit score. This is kind of a sensitive subject as there are some states like California that forbid the use of a credit information for an insurance policy. A credit score is used to assess risk, the thought being the higher the credit score the lower the risk, but that is not always the case. An overall driving history is the best indicator of risk, regardless of a credit score. You can check with your agent to see if your state allows the use of a credit score in determining auto insurance premiums in Beaverton, Oregon.

There you have it folks. There are so many factors that influence the cost of auto insurance premiums in Beaverton, Oregon. Since most policies renew every six months, the cost fluctuate each time depending on your situation. Make sure you let your licensed insurance agent in Beaverton, OR if you purchased a new car, had an accident or ticket, or if you changed your name (marriage, divorce, etc.). The local, independent agents at Hukari Insurance can assist you with adding or amending an existing policy or setting you up with a new policy. Their years of insurance experience can save you a bundle. You can also visit their insurance website 24/7 to learn more about auto insurance or the other insurance products they offer like classic car or home insurance.

Saving Money Is Easier Than You Think – Insurance and Energy Tips in Beaverton, Oregon

Follow these easy home insurance tips and you can save money in Beaverton, OR

It seems these days that things just get more and more expensive. From the cost of groceries to a gallon of gasoline, folks may be pinching quite a few pennies to stay ahead. If you own a home or condo, just the maintenance and home insurance in Beaverton, OR can feel like an overwhelming cost.  But fear not, there are some simple things you can do around your dwelling to help reduce the cost of your home or condo insurance in Beaverton, Oregon.

  • LOCATION: Before you even buy your home or condo, check out the location. Are you close to a fire or police station? Is the area prone to flooding or earthquakes (ahem, PNW)?  Make sure you not only look at the convenience factors of your new home (grocery stores, freeway access) but make sure the area is also safe. Neighborhoods with high crime rates or those in a flood plain may cost more to insure as the likelihood of an expensive claim is greater than those neighborhoods without those factors.
  • SMOKE DETECTORS: Is your home safe and secure? Most home these days have smoke detectors, but check to make sure yours are in proper working order and have fresh batteries (we all hate that beeping!). It is also a good idea to keep a small fire extinguisher in your kitchen or garage in the event of small household fire; accidents happen and being prepared goes a long way. Make sure that your insurance agent knows that you have working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher.
  • SECURITY SYSTEM: Is your home wired for a security system? While it may be a small monthly charge, having a security system could save you coin on your insurance premium. That being said, make sure your system is armed and those who need the code have it…otherwise the local police department, upon responding to the babysitter couldn’t shut off the alarm, will send a ticket upwards of $200 to you, the homeowner.
  • MAINTENANCE: You water the lawn and trim the hedges, but do you remember to check the water heater for leaks? Performing a little TLC on your home like keeping the roof in good repair, maintain the gutters, eliminating hazards like dead trees (also pruning tree branches that a perched above roofs, cars or decks) can eliminate the need for an insurance claim should the water heater flood the house or the roof begins to leak. Also, catching small issues early generally saves you money during the overall repair.
  • ENERGY UPGRADES: We want our cars to be energy efficient, consuming less gas so we can save more money, your home should be the same way. Switching out light bulbs to energy efficient LED  bulbs and having certified energy efficient appliances can help save you money each month on your utility bills. Even turning your thermostat down a few degrees and grabbing a blanket to get warm can help you save. If you have been thinking about replacing your water heater, washer/dryer, range or refrigerator, check out Energystar.gov for Energy Star certified appliances and other helpful home efficiency ideas.

Be sure to tell your agent about any upgrades or improvements that you have made to your home!

Before purchasing a home or condo, it’s important to remember to talk to your licensed insurance agent in Beaverton, OR to ensure the homeowners insurance is affordable. Before you conclude that you found the perfect property, get an expert opinion from Hukari Insurance in Beaverton, OR.  Their years of insurance experience can save you a bundle, and they live right in your area, so know first-hand what your insurance needs might be such as earthquake insurance or flood insurance.  You can also visit our insurance website 24/7 to learn more while you search for the perfect new home.

Distracted Driver Awareness Month in Oregon!

April Is Distracted Driver Awareness Month in Oregon!

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Carr’s Insurance Agency want to make sure that you are getting to your destination safe and sound. Keeping alert on the road can help keep you from getting in an accident or a costly ticket.

Refereeing the kids in the backseat, soaking up a coffee spill in your lap, fishing beneath the seat for a dropped cell phone or texting… All of these distractions take your focus off what should be your main priority: driving safely.

  • Know the speed limits; driving too fast (or slow) can earn you a ticket.  Beware of construction zones and school zones as speeding through these areas can result in heftier fines.
  • Wear your seatbelt! Even if you are making a quick trip close to home or work, for your safety and the safety of other, buckle up.
  • When exiting the highway, the law dictates that you do not begin your deceleration until you reach the ramp.
  • Cell phones and driving do not mix well. If you are not able to use a hands-free or pull over safely to check your phone, please wait until you can.
  • If there is an in-car emergency from spilled coffee to fighting siblings, it might be best to find a safe spot to pull over and then deal with the situation.

Even when following the rules and driving cautiously sometimes accidents do happen.  These tips will be helpful when filing a claim:

  • Take photos of everything.  The position of your vehicle, the other party’s vehicle and the surrounding areas.  Photos of other party’s driver’s license and insurance card would be helpful, but you can just write that information down.  Do not forget to exchange phone numbers!
  • Contact your agent immediately to start the claims process.  Be sure to relay all necessary information.
  • Call law enforcement if necessary and file the necessary police reports.

Drive safely!

Water & Sewer Backup Portland, OR Insurance Agent

Water & Sewer Backup – A Nasty Possibility!

There is a phrase that can strike fear into the heart of any Beaverton, OR homeowner: water or sewer backup.

With fall and spring typically being the two wettest months in the U.S., it is important to inspect our homes for susceptible sewer or water backup in our drain lines. There are certain steps that a homeowner can take to reduce the risk of a water or sewer back-up crisis.

  • Check around the home, foundation, basement, etc. for cracks that water or sewer waste can enter. Repair and fill any cracks
  • Ask a plumbing professional to see if your system can accept a shut-off valve to be used in case of a back-up emergency.  Your insurance agent can refer you to licensed professional.
  • If you live on or below a floodplain take steps to ensure that furniture and valuables are stored above the flood line.
  • Do not pour grease down sinks or toilets
  • If a water or sewer back-up occurs do not attempt clean up without protection: gloves, face masks and eye protection.

Generally a water or sewer back up is caused when heavy rains or floodwaters over run the sewer system as well as your sump pump. Debris from rainstorms or natural disasters can also clog the system, potentially causing a nasty mess to push backwards into your home.

While you may have a homeowners insurance policy a claim from water or sewer back-up can be costly and typically is not covered by your traditional standard homeowners insurance policy.  This is a separate endorsement that your agent can add to your policy to ensure you’re covered in the event of such a claim.  Homes that are located on hills, mountains, or other raised plateaus may have a lower likelihood of a water or sewer back up than homes located on low or flat plains, but that does not exclude them from having these issues. Any home can have a water or sewer backup claim

Talk to your Beaverton, OR insurance agent to determine whether or not a water or sewer back up policy is right for your home.

Water & Sewer Backup Portland, OR Insurance Agent

Water & Sewer Backup – A Nasty Possibility!

There is a phrase that can strike fear into the heart of any Beaverton, OR homeowner: water or sewer backup.

With fall and spring typically being the two wettest months in the U.S., it is important to inspect our homes for susceptible sewer or water backup in our drain lines. There are certain steps that a homeowner can take to reduce the risk of a water or sewer back-up crisis.

  • Check around the home, foundation, basement, etc. for cracks that water or sewer waste can enter. Repair and fill any cracks
  • Ask a plumbing professional to see if your system can accept a shut-off valve to be used in case of a back-up emergency.  Your insurance agent can refer you to licensed professional.
  • If you live on or below a floodplain take steps to ensure that furniture and valuables are stored above the flood line.
  • Do not pour grease down sinks or toilets
  • If a water or sewer back-up occurs do not attempt clean up without protection: gloves, face masks and eye protection.

Generally a water or sewer back up is caused when heavy rains or floodwaters over run the sewer system as well as your sump pump. Debris from rainstorms or natural disasters can also clog the system, potentially causing a nasty mess to push backwards into your home.

While you may have a homeowners insurance policy a claim from water or sewer back-up can be costly and typically is not covered by your traditional standard homeowners insurance policy.  This is a separate endorsement that your agent can add to your policy to ensure you’re covered in the event of such a claim.  Homes that are located on hills, mountains, or other raised plateaus may have a lower likelihood of a water or sewer back up than homes located on low or flat plains, but that does not exclude them from having these issues. Any home can have a water or sewer backup claim

Talk to your Beaverton, OR insurance agent to determine whether or not a water or sewer back up policy is right for your home.