Jewlry Insurance in Portland, OR

Jewelry Insurance in Beaverton, OR: What you need to know

Protect Your Valentine’s Day Gift with a Jewelry Endorsement

You have painstakingly perused through the mall jewelry stores and online retailers to find the perfect “I love you” gift for Valentine’s Day.  It is purchased, wrapped and you are anxiously waiting to see the look of joy on your sweetie’s face come V-Day. According to a 2013 survey by the National Retail Federation, approximately $4.4 billion will be spent on jewelry this Valentine’s Day, but only 1 in 10 will have their jewelry insured properly with jewelry insurance, or an endorsement.

Homeowner’s Insurance in Oregon and renter’s insurance in Oregon can cover loss or theft of jewelry, but generally it is a very small amount, sometimes as little as $500. Even then it may not cover the loss of item if Junior flushes it down the toilet or it gets mangled in the garbage disposal.  Having a separate valuables policy can help ensure that you are reimbursed for the value of your item(s) should a claim be necessary. In the event of a claim, you can make the process easier for yourself and your agent:

  • Photograph items that are included in your valuables policy.
  • Keep receipts or appraisal records, this makes it easier to establish a price value for your items
  • Have a written record of items, update as new items are purchased
  • Update your agent as new items are purchased

Often these polices can include other valuable items likes art, fine wine, crystal, etc., and there may be little to no deductible if any items need to be replaced.  One can also apply this list to household appliances and electronics, because while the flat-screen may not be as valuable as great-grandma’s vintage Tiffany’s wedding band, it is still a good idea to photograph and keep a running list of all household items to help make the claims process easier and establish value in the event of theft or loss.

Call your agent today and ask how we can help you add a separate valuables policy to your existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy today!

Protect Your Home from Mold in Beaverton, OR

Protect Your Home From Mold

Many homeowners don’t think about mold and in all honesty, most will never have to deal with a large mold problem in their homes. However, mold is an issue in almost all parts of the United States, especially in wet climates like in Beaverton, OR, and prevention is key to keeping mold from damaging or even ruining your home.

Mold, if left undetected, can quickly spread from one area to another as it feeds on organic matter in your household. In order to prevent mold from spreading, it is key to identify it immediately and treat it. Most homeowners insurance policies in Oregon will only pay to remove and/or repair a small amount of damage caused by mold or mildew.

While it may be impossible for a typical homeowner to identify mold problems in their home, it is recommended that you have a mold inspection completed annually to ensure that if mold begins growing, that it can be removed and the problem eliminated before it becomes a major problem.

There are several problem areas in homes where mold tends to grow. Be sure you check your:

  1. Basements (walls, corners, any exposed wood)
  2. Crawl spaces (is the ground wet? What about the floor joists? Pull back a bit of insulation and look), attics (look up in your attic at the underside of the roof)
  3. Bathrooms (tile grout, behind the toilet, under the sink)
  4. Kitchens (behind the dishwasher, under the sink and anywhere else that may get wet regularly)
  5. and around your windows.

If you find mold growing in your home, the minor cases (usually less than the size of your hand) can be treated with bleach water and a scrub brush or abrasive sponge to remove it. Mold remediation is typically not covered by your standard homeowners insurance policy unless it is the direct result of another, covered loss such as a pipe bursting. Regardless, you need to talk to your licensed insurance agent for a more definitive answer as all homeowner’s insurance policies are different and what one company may cover, another may not.

Mold claims can be very expensive, typically exceeding the cost of a traditional homeowners insurance claim by 5 times. If you suspect mold may be in your household (a damp smell in the air) contact a specialist immediately. Not only can mold be bad for your home, it can have serious effects on your health resulting in asthma and more.

 

 

Thinking About Hiring a Contractor Off of a Classified Ad Like Craigslist?

CraigslistUse Caution and Common Sense When Hiring Labor on Craigslist or other Free Classified Ads

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 homeowners insurance in Beaverton, OR 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 call your insurance agent for advice before a home renovation begins.

Be sure to talk to us, your local Porltand, OR Insurance Agent about anything you’re doing on your home to ensure you’re covered properly before making remodels. Call Hukari Insurance at 503-291-9317 to talk to a licensed agent.

Auto Insurance Discounts A Guide

“Switch now and save!” “15 minutes can save you 15 percent!” You’re heard the countless commercials about saving money on car insurance in Beaverton, OR. So, we decided it would be helpful to see where all of this money comes from and where you can save money by buying from an independent insurance agency in Beaverton, Oregon.

  1. Safe Drivers Discount: Safe Drivers cost less because they’re safe and the risk to the insurance company is less. With most companies, safe drivers can pay up to 45% less on insurance premiums over their not-so-safe counterparts!
  2. Advance Shopping/Advance Quoting Discount: You don’t have to wait until your insurance expires to get a renewal quote or to move companies. In fact, if you shop in advance, many companies will give you a discount as it shows you’re responsible and likely to pay your bills on time versus waiting until right before renewal to start shopping. This can save you upwards of 10% with some companies.
  3. Disappearing Deductibles: While not a discount on the front end, certainly a way you would save money. Stay with the same company long enough and with some products, you deductibles will reduce each year until they are gone. This discount will only apply if you don’t have an accident. When you do, the deductibles start over and will again, start to disappear.
  4. Good Student Discounts: Save up to 5% typically on this discount for students who maintain a 3.0 GPA and are under the age of 25.
  5. EFT and Paid in Full Discounts: Save big, up to 10% by paying with recurring EFT or by paying your premium in full.
  6. Prompt Payer Discount: Pay your premium on time for one year and you’ll receive a discount at renewal.
  7. Safety Course (Motorcycle) Discount: Complete a safety course and receive a discount when you provide your certificate.
  8. Multi-policy Discount: Save by bundling your auto insurance and home insurance with the same carrier. This discount often applies to other products as well such as auto and motorcycle. The discounts range from carrier to carrier, but are typically in the 10% off each product range.
  9. Anti-Theft Devices: Having an anti-theft recovery device such as LoJack can save you up to 10% off of comprehensive premiums.
  10. Previous Limits: Having your previous liability limits higher will actually give you a better “tier” with certain companies. For instance, if you have 25/50 liability previously you will often pay a higher premium than someone who has 100/300 liability previously. The companies consider this as a risk factor when taking on a new client.
  11. Multi-car Discounts: If you have multiple cars in the same household, you can earn a discount on your insurance premium. These discounts vary greatly from carrier to carrier as well as state to state.
  12. Snapshot Discount: Progressive has introduced a device called Snapshot that takes a look at your driving habits when installed in your vehicle. You can save upwards of 25% by installing this device in your vehicle.
  13. Homeowner’s Discount: Receive a discount on your car insurance simply by owning your house, condo or mobile home.
  14. Original Owner Discount (boat & RV): If you’re the original owner of a boat, you are eligible for a discount with some carriers.

There are even more ways to save on auto insurance, but these hit the high notes. Be sure to talk to your local independent insurance agent, Hukari Insurance at 503-291-9317. They have the ability to shop you though several carriers at one time and can compare rates side by side.

Motorcycle Insurance Portland, OR

5 Reasons to Enjoy a Fall Motorcycle Ride

Go Out and Enjoy Fall on Your Motorcycle!

Hukari Insurance has you covered with motorcycle insurance in Beaverton, OR

With the smell of fall in the air, it is an ideal time to enjoy a road trip on your motorcycle!  Fall brings some great cooler weather and some terrific opportunities to get out on your motorcycle.

Here are our top reasons to get your bike out and enjoy a fall day trip.

  1. Fall provides amazing colors, temperatures but shorter days. Get up early to make the most of your day as fall days can be up to four hours of daylight shorter depending on where you are.
  2. Cooler temperatures means you can wear those new leathers you got yourself during summer clearance. Pull the new gear out, pack yourself a lunch and head off into the morning sun.
  3. You can take a longer ride. With cooler temperatures in the air, you can spend all day out in the sun and not worry about getting dehydrated or simply worn out by the heat.
  4. Visit national parks. The national parks are a beautiful place to take a ride in the fall. But be on the lookout as animals are more active in the fall than in the summer. Here is a link to our national parks.
  5. Let’s be honest… It’s amazing how many riders put their bikes “away” in the fall, isn’t it? That does leave the roads to us more (pun) “seasoned riders”.

So, be safe, pack a blanket, some snacks and a camera and get out there and enjoy the fall weather! If you would like to ensure your insurance is up to snuff, call Hukari Insurance in Beaverton to review your motorcycle insurance coverages!

Determining What Insurance Costs

Determining What Insurance Costs

When shopping for car insurance in Beaverton, Oregon, it can be difficult to understand why you pay one thing and your best friend or even family member pays something entirely different. The cost of insurance is a complex thing to explain, but we’ll do our best here to eliminate some of the myths.

When shopping for car insurance in Beaverton, it can be frustrating that your rate will vary greatly from a friend who has insurance with the same carrier and is from a similar area and age. However, it is important to understand that each carrier has literally hundreds if not thousands of “tiers” for their prospective customers. A tier is a combination of all variables such as address, age, driving history, credit and more.  After tiering, there are then discounts (such as homeownership, prior insurance) and surcharges (such as tickets, accidents or no prior insurance).

Insurance companies have some primary goals:

  1. Make enough money to cover all losses and make a profit (usually less than 10 cents on the dollar)
  2. Maintain rates good enough to attract more policyholders and grow.
  3. Spread their risks (just like an investment portfolio) mixed with good drivers and higher-risk drivers.

Why does your age, gender and marital status impact what you pay each year?

With insurance, it all comes down to loss history for the insurance company. Insurance companies have analysts that review and set rates based off of loss history for certain characteristics of their prospective insured. For instance: if company A has a poor loss history with males, the rate will be higher for males than it is a female if everything else is the same. The same goes for age, marital status, zip code etc. If a company has a lot of comprehensive claims in zip code 98661, then the rates for comprehensive insurance in that zip code typically be higher than an neighboring zip code.

Why does my less expensive 1999 Camry cost more to insure than my 2005 Ford truck?

While this answer has many variables as well, some things that would impact this rate are that your Camry has a higher likelihood to be stolen than your 2005 Ford truck. Because the insurance company can look at losses on your 1999 Camry and see that it paid out a lot in comprehensive theft claims, they would set the rate higher than on your Ford truck. The same goes for safety. If the likelihood of being injured in an accident is higher in your Camry than in your Ford truck, then you will pay more for medical coverage portion of your policy on the Camry.

Why do tickets or accidents impact my rate so much?

Receiving a ticket or an accident dramatically increases your risk of costing the insurance company money in the future, so they adjust your premiums upwards to make up for this. You’re considered a higher risk for the insurance company for having a ticket versus someone who has not received a ticket or an accident.

Why did my insurance increase when I didn’t receive a ticket or an accident?

Insurance companies are always adjusting their rates based off of their losses throughout the year. They can adjust them as many times as they need to throughout the year to ensure that they stay profitable. If you’re on a six month renewal, it is possible that your renewal offer will be higher even if you don’t have any tickets or accidents during your previous period.  That said, it is possible then that if you’re on a yearly renewal, that your renewal offer be much higher because you’ve gone an entire year with the same rate.

What can I do to control my insurance premiums?

  1. The simplest thing you can do to keep your insurance premiums low is to keep your driving record clean and your credit history healthy.
  2. Shop your insurance with different carriers, or better yet, contact a local independent agent who can quote you several companies at once and also knows which markets you would be better suited for.
  3. Buying a new car (or new to you)? Call your agent for a quote first. Rates can vary dramatically between vehicles and it is important to call your agent first to quote you your new rate BEFORE you get stuck with it for many years.
  4. Look at different carrier options. Progressive Insurance for instance is using a device named: “Snapshot.” Snapshot works by tracking your driving behavior when you install it in your vehicle. While not available in every state, a Snapshot customer can save up to 30% off of their insurance premiums.

As always, contact us at Hukari Insurance at 503-291-9317 to find out what solutions are best for you! Every customer is different and every situation is different. Utilize the expertise of a local independent agent and call them for guidance. Safe driving!

 

Do I Need Additional Insurance for Uhaul Type Vehicles?

Renting a Uhaul or similar moving truck this weekend? Make sure you read this first!

A common question we receive is whether or not our insurance would cover us for a rental motorhome or moving truck in Beaverton, OR. And the answer really depends solely on the size of the vehicle (in addition to what coverage you currently carry, of course).

When talking about your collision and comprehensive coverage, your standard auto policy will cover the usage of a temporary replacement vehicle usually up to 12,000 GVW. If a vehicle is over this GVW, it would be excluded from coverage. Additionally, if the cab is separated from the bed, this will also create an exclusion from coverage for most auto insurance policies.

Truck rental companies typically offer four types of coverage.

  1. Damage Waiver: covers you in case of damage to the truck. If you do not purchase this coverage, you are responsible for any and all damage to the vehicle, no matter what the cause. If you decide to decline this coverage, you may be responsible to pay the damages to the truck even if they are not your fault. Something to keep in mind is depending on the extent of the repairs, you may be held responsible for loss of use on the vehicle.
  2. Liability Coverage:  covers you in case you hit something or someone. Your auto policy may cover this, but please call us in advance before you rent a vehicle to make sure. Each company is different.
  3. Cargo Coverage: Your auto policy will NOT cover any cargo that you are carrying. Period. If you are moving valuables, you may consider this coverage, depending on the values. If you’re moving a mattress or other item that will likely not be damaged, it would probably be wise to save your money, but only you can decide.
  4. Personal Injury Protection: This is a no-fault insurance and can be used anytime you’re involved in a motor vehicle collision, regardless of the motor vehicle you’re traveling in.

With anything, please feel free to call us with questions at 503-291-9317. This article is meant to be informative, but not a means of advice. If you have questions about a rental vehicle, please contact our office and speak directly to a licensed agent at our insurance agency in Beaverton, OR. We have licensed insurance agents in Porltand, OR ready to help you.

 

 

“You can save hundreds on car insurance!” Really?

“You can save hundreds on car insurance in Oregon!”  Really?

We’ve all seen the commercials… “Call today and save hundreds!” There is some truth to it, but you’re not going to save over and over until you’re paying nothing.  Take advantage of the cost saving tips below and then stay put! Your insurance company will reward you for staying with them; just make sure that you follow the tips below to save when you’re ready to shop, and if you feel like you’re paying too much, you might be! Here are some tips on saving on home and Auto Insurance Oregon.

1.      Shop early

Many companies offer discounts on auto insurance if you shop at least 7 days in advance of your current policy expiration date. This discount varies, but can be as high as 10% and depending on the carrier, can stay on the policy for several years. Companies reward responsible consumers who shop early and pay their bills on-time; they say it is an indication of predicting future losses.

Other products may be eligible for an advance shopping discount too. Be sure to ask!

 

2.      Bundle your policies – but also shop individually!

Bundling your home and auto insurance together in the same place has been touted for years by the likes of State Farm and Allstate, but that’s because they only offer one company. There is still some truth that it can save you money by packaging your home and auto policies together. Statefarm will discount your premium as much as 30% for bundling the two policies together. That said, it doesn’t mean that their rate without the 30% discount is the best. Have your agent quote you out separately as well to ensure that it is best to bundle them together. Some companies offer “mini-packages” where you can put your auto and umbrella with one company (creating a mini-package) and home with another. Talk to you agent about what is best for you.

 

3.      Go to a local independent agent

Local independent agents offer insurance products through many companies and can save you time by shopping you through all of their companies at once! Think about what your time is worth. Do you really want to spend your time calling several different insurance companies, giving out your personal information over and over just to get a quote? Save yourself the hassle and look for a recommended local independent agent.

4.      Take EFT or pay in full options

By putting your policy for either your home or auto on an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or paying the policy in full, you can save upwards of 10% off of your premium. Ask your agent about different payment options and how much they differ. You’re paying monthly by mail anyway, might as well save while you pay!

 

5.      Talk to your friends

Friends love to share when they are able to save money on their insurance or any product for that matter. It makes them feel good! It is human nature to want to help others and feel like an expert at the same time… so start asking who your friends are insured with and maybe you can share this article with them to help them too!

 

6.      Stay with the same company longer

Insurance companies now offer longevity credits for loyal customers. They know it is far better to retain a current customer than it is to attract a new one. Stay with a company longer and they will often reward you with perks such as accident forgiveness, better rates and disappearing deductibles! It is also good to touch base with your agent once a year to see if there are any new discounts too.

 

7.      Keep your credit in good health

Like it or not, your credit has an incredible influence on your insurance premiums. Insurance companies say that credit is a good indicator of future losses.  Credit improved lately? Your insurance company can often re-run your credit with your permission to see if you’re eligible for a better rate.

 

8.      Previous insurance limits

Those low policy limits may be hurting you. If you tend to select lower than 50/100 liability limits on your policy (we’d always recommend at least 100/300; ask us why) you will be penalized if you go to another carrier. When a new insurance company takes you on as a customer, they will actually tier you based partially on your previous insurance limits. Come to them with low limits and they will penalize you and your premium will be higher. Consider raising your limits. Not only is this a good idea to save money, it is a good idea to protect you financially in the unfortunate case of an accident.

 

9.      Raise your deductibles

Are you carrying low deductibles? You’re paying more for it. While everyone is different on how they want to use their insurance, consider this: Do you really want to make a claim for less than $500? This could affect your premiums in the future, even if you’re not at fault! Talk to your insurance agent about what is the best option for you.

 

10.   House rebuilding cost is different than what you paid for it.

This is a big one! Many people think that what they paid for their home is what they need to insure it for. Of course you want to protect it and have it rebuilt in the unfortunate even of a fire or possible storm damage. However, when you insure your home for what you paid for it, you’re taking into consideration the value of the land. The average property has 30-40% of the value in the land. Most insurance agencies will use a cost estimator for the rebuild value of the home, but then will talk to you about it. Make sure you don’t include the value of the land.

 

11.   Avoid being a claims magnet

We see people all the time turn in theft or vandalism claims for stolen personal effects in their vehicles. Not only are those personal effects usually not covered (iPods, cds, cameras) the claim usually stems from them leaving it visible on the seat of the vehicle that was damaged. If you have an iPod or other MP3 device in your vehicle, consider stuffing it below your seat or putting it in the glove box out of sight. Furthermore, always talk to you agent BEFORE you turn in a claim so they have the opportunity to help with the claims process.

 

12.   When shopping for a new car or house, consider the cost to insure it first!

According to insure.com, the most expensive vehicles to insure are late model luxury sedans and suv’s. The least expensive are your conservative sedans and minivans. Many companies offer free insurance quotes for vehicle changes and you can often access right online through your insurance provider.  

When looking at purchasing a new home, consider if it is near any creeks or bodies of water as your mortgage broker may require you to carry flood insurance which can run into the thousands of dollars a year. While that sound of water is tranquil, it will likely increase your insurance premiums to be near it. Get a quote before making an offer!

13. Education level

Like it or not, insurance carriers have started giving discounts on their products based off of how much education you’ve received. Have some college and you get a larger discount than someone with a high school diploma. Have a graduate degree and get the largest discounts available (usually only around 1-3%).

 

14.   Ticket falling off soon? Ask for an MVR review!

Make sure you tell your agent about this. Penalties can vary greatly, but it isn’t unusual for them to be in excess of 50% increase in your premiums. 1st tickets aren’t as heavily penalized as the 2nd or 3rd. If you have a ticket coming off of your insurance the carrier can often do an MVR review (depending on your state). Keep in mind, if the company reviews your MVR, they may find additional tickets that you haven’t told them about, so if you’ve recently received another, it may be best to keep quiet.

 

15.   Other items to consider:

  1. Simply by adding an umbrella to your auto policy can almost cover the cost of the umbrella itself!
  2. If you have youthful operators in the house, they may be eligible for a good student driver discount.
  3. Mature driver (55+)? Some companies offer discounts for mature drivers who have completed a safety course lately. To find one near you, just type in “Mature Driver Course” into Google and you will find many!

If you’ve enjoyed this blog post, please share it with a link pointing back to our site! Thank you, and safe driving!

Can You Really Save Money on Car Insurance?

“Switch now and save!” “15 minutes can save you 15 percent!”

Adding some truth to saving money on car insurance in Beaverton, OR

You’re heard the countless commercials about saving money on car insurance in Beaverton, OR. So, we decided it would be helpful to see where all of these discounts come from and how you can save money by buying from an independent insurance agency in Beaverton, OR – Hukari Insurance.

  1. Safe Drivers Discount: Safe Drivers cost less because they’re safe and the risk to the insurance company is less. With most companies, safe drivers can pay up to 45% less on insurance premiums over their not-so-safe counterparts!
  2. Advance Shopping/Advance Quoting Discount: You don’t have to wait until your insurance expires to get a renewal quote or to move companies. In fact, if you shop in advance, many companies will give you a discount as it shows you’re responsible and likely to pay your bills on time versus waiting until right before renewal to start shopping. This can save you upwards of 10% with some companies.
  3. Disappearing Deductibles: While not a discount on the front end, certainly a way you would save money. Stay with the same company long enough and with some products, you deductibles will reduce each year until they are gone. This discount will only apply if you don’t have an accident. When you do, the deductibles start over and will again, start to disappear.
  4. Good Student Discounts: Save up to 5% typically on this discount for students who maintain a 3.0 GPA and are under the age of 25.
  5. EFT and Paid in Full Discounts: Save big, up to 10% by paying with recurring EFT or by paying your premium in full.
  6. Prompt Payer Discount: Pay your premium on time for one year and you’ll receive a discount at renewal.
  7. Safety Course (Motorcycle) Discount: Complete a safety course and receive a discount when you provide your certificate.
  8. Multi-policy Discount: Save by bundling your auto insurance and home insurance with the same carrier. This discount often applies to other products as well such as auto and motorcycle. The discounts range from carrier to carrier, but are typically in the 10% off each product range.
  9. Anti-Theft Devices: Having an anti-theft recovery device such as LoJack can save you up to 10% off of comprehensive premiums.
  10. Previous Limits: Having your previous liability limits higher will actually give you a better “tier” with certain companies. For instance, if you have 25/50 liability previously you will often pay a higher premium than someone who has 100/300 liability previously. The companies consider this as a risk factor when taking on a new client.
  11. Multi-car Discounts: If you have multiple cars in the same household, you can earn a discount on your insurance premium. These discounts vary greatly from carrier to carrier as well as state to state.
  12. Snapshot Discount: Progressive has introduced a device called Snapshot that takes a look at your driving habits when installed in your vehicle. You can save upwards of 25% by installing this device in your vehicle.
  13. Homeowner’s Discount: Receive a discount on your car insurance simply by owning your house, condo or mobile home.
  14. Original Owner Discount (boat & RV): If you’re the original owner of a boat, you are eligible for a discount with some carriers.

There are even more ways to save on auto insurance in Beaverton, but these hit the high notes. Be sure to talk to your local independent insurance agent in Beaverton, OR – Hukari INsurance They have the ability to shop you though several carriers at one time and can compare rates side by side. Call Hukari Insurance today at 503-291-9317