Everything You Should Know About Insurance For First Time Home Buyers

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Home Insurance Eugene, OROwning your first home is one of the most exciting and biggest accomplishments in life. It is a memorable time and something to be proud of. With this excitement comes the responsibilities of maintaining and insuring the home. While we can’t help with the maintenance, we can help you understand and properly insure your new home.

What Does Home Insurance Cover: Homeowners insurance is a broad policy that covers the structure of your home against losses like fire, theft, vandalism and other weather related losses. You also have coverage for liability for injuries to others while visiting your property such as slip and fall claims or even dog bites. It is important to understand that losses from floods and earthquakes are typically excluded from the standard homeowner’s insurance policy. You can get a separate policy for these types of losses.

What Does Home Insurance Cost: The cost of a homeowner’s insurance policy varies on several factors including your credit history, your previous loss history (dog bites or liability, or property loss claims), the value of your home and any scheduled property like jewelry and art. Our agency can give you exact numbers and because we’re an independent insurance agency, we can compare several home insurance companies at once for you to find the right coverage at the right price.

Does Home Insurance Cover Detached Structures? If your home has a detached garage or other detached structure like a home office or art studio, your policy can include things like “Other Structures Coverage.” Talk to an agent to learn more about insuring your detached structures.

Are My Personal Items Covered?  Homeowners policies come with personal property coverage. This amount varies by company and can be increased with most companies. Be sure that the amount of coverage you select for personal property is sufficient for the items you own.

Are Dogs okay? Most dog breeds are okay to be covered under the liability portion of your home insurance policy. Some dog breeds such as Pit Bulls, Akitas and other dogs are classified as dangerous and may be excluded from coverage. Check with your insurance carrier for a list of breeds they will not insure.

Many options and additional coverages are available for home insurance that are not included in a standard home insurance policy. Check with a licensed agent in our office for additional coverages you may want to include with your new home. Again, congratulations on your new home purchase and if we can help you in anyway, please let us know. We appreciate the opportunity to be your homeowners insurance agent.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your Home

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Tips Eugene, ORWe all know the importance of having a smoke detector in our home, but what about a carbon monoxide detector?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal. Carbon monoxide can build up in your home whenever you burn fuel from a stove, grill, furnace, fire place or from your vehicles in the garage. Obviously, we need to use these appliances every day, as well as drive a vehicle, so how can we keep safe?

Simple tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

  • Install a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home. Check the batteries every 6 months, however, it should alert you with a beep with batteries are low.
  • Ensure you get your fuel burning appliances checked every year by a qualified technician. You should get in the habit of looking for rust on vents or loose/disconnected pipes on appliances like your water heater, heating system or any other gas, oil or wood/coal burning appliance.
  • Use portable gas stoves or burn charcoal outside only.
  • Keep generators outside and away from open windows only. Using them in a garage or carport can be dangerous.
  • Don’t attempt to heat your house temporarily by turning on your oven or gas stove.
  • Get your chimney checked every year. Debris can block your chimney and cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home. You can check your chimney yourself for any cracks.
  • Never leave your car running while it sits in the garage.

Did you know they make a battery operated combination detector for both a smoke and carbon monoxide? Combination detectors can save space and batteries in addition to lives.

Even a single carbon monoxide detector in your home could save lives. If you rent a home or apartment that does not currently have a carbon monoxide detector, ask your landlord to provide one. Many states require that homes have them installed. Review your state laws here.

If you have questions about your home or renters insurance, contact our agency. We can go over your current coverage or provide you with an insurance quote.

Do I need a separate trailer insurance policy when pulling it with my car or truck?

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Trailer Insurance Eugene, ORIn order for you to be best protected, it is always recommended that you carry a separate trailer insurance policy. Because of the countless situations that may occur with a trailer, it is not entirely possible to say that your auto insurance policy will provide liability protection if your trailer causes damages or personal injury.

Common Trailer Types Include:

  • Conventional Trailer: The most common type of travel trailer between 12-40 feet.
  • Fifth Wheel Trailer: Attached to a vehicle using a hitch in the bed of the tow vehicle.
  • Pop-up Tent Trailer: Collapsible trailer used for camping & recreation.
  • Truck Camper: Mounted in the bed of the truck with an over-cab area for sleeping.
  • Horse Trailer: Trailer used primarily to haul horses.
  • Toy Hauler: An RV type trailer with living space as well as ability to haul ATVs or Motorcycles.
  • Cargo or Utility Trailers: Small trailers used for moving or landscape jobs odd jobs.

What types of coverage should I have for my Recreational Trailer, Camper or other trailers?

Liability insurance may be provided to your trailer while it is attached to your vehicle. Check with your agent to see if your insurance company provides coverage while the trailer is in use and attached to your vehicle.

It is always recommended to have a separate trailer insurance policy to avoid any gaps in insurance coverage and trailer insurance is typically inexpensive. Some common options include:

Comprehensive Coverage: Can provide coverage for your trailer if it catches on fire, is vandalized or damaged by severe weather.

Collision Coverage: Can provide coverage if your trailer is damaged by you while being towed, or while unattended and parked.

Liability Insurance: Can provide coverage for injuries or property damage caused by you. Many companies will have “liability follow the tow vehicle” for trailers since trailers can’t drive themselves.

Optional coverages to discuss with your agent include:

  • Roadside Assistance
  • Total Loss Replacement
  • Replacement cost/personal effects
  • Vacation Liability
  • Full timer’s Liability

& many more!

Exploring the country in a trailer or just going camping on the weekend can be great fun. Be sure that before you leave you talk to your licensed insurance agent about insuring your trailer correctly to avoid any surprises.

All of your Renters Insurance Questions Answered!

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Does my Auto Insurance Cover Mechanical Repairs?

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Car Insurance Eugene, ORThe cost of repairing or replacing a transmission or engine in a car can be daunting. Many people wonder what exactly is covered by an auto insurance policy. Does an auto insurance policy cover things like transmission repairs, tires, faulty wiring or worn suspension parts?

In short, no, an auto insurance policy will not pay to repair wear and tear items on your vehicle. The only time some items may be covered are when they are damaged as a direct results of a covered loss such as a collision.

Insurance is not designed to repair damaged or worn parts due to normal wear and tear of your vehicle. There is no coverage for things like mechanical failures or maintenance.

So, what options are there to cover these items? When you purchase a vehicle, some dealers offer extended warranty coverage. These warranty policies essentially extend the manufacturer warranty of newer vehicles. This is the type of insurance program that would provide coverage for things like mechanical breakdown of your transmission or engine parts.

If you have questions about car insurance, contact our agency. There are an overwhelming number of choices for car insurance out there, don’t stress! Let the professionals at LeDoux Insurance gather quotes from several insurance carriers, presenting you with the best options for your budget and needs! Our agents are here to help guide you through rate comparisons, discounts, flexible payment options and they may have some money-saving tips as well. Get your quote today!

How Do I Protect My Assets?

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Protect your assets in Eugene, OR with an umbrella insurance policyYou’ve worked hard for your assets. Whether it’s purchasing your home, an investment property or vehicle or saving for retirement, it has taken years and years of consistent hard work to build what you have. Did you also know that your future income can be considered an asset too? So, how can you protect your assets?

By purchasing an umbrella insurance policy.

But, I have insurance for my home and vehicles? Yes, we need insurance for our car and home. But, there are limits on how much you are protected. For example, you get into a car accident where you are at fault. Your insurance policy covers you for $250,000 in 3rd party damages. However, the other individuals in the car accident needed medical attention & their car was totaled. The total damages for the other party cost $350,000.

You are responsible for the remaining $100,000. If you have an umbrella insurance policy, it would then kick in to cover this excess liability. If you don’t have an umbrella policy, would you be able to foot the bill? If you cannot pay for the remaining balance, a court may issue your future wages to be garnished or they may target your other assets.

Would you prefer to rest easy knowing you have an extra layer of insurance coverage to protect your assets?

There are countless ways to exceed the limits of your home or auto insurance policy. Get peace of mind with an umbrella insurance policy. It eliminates the gaps and insufficient limits on your insurance policies. You’ll be amazed at how affordable coverage can be.

Four levels of protection:

By purchasing an umbrella policy, you increase the limits of liability on:

  • Bodily injury: Medical bills and settlement for injuries sustained to the third party.
  • Property damage: Damages sustained to the property of a third-party.
  • Other damage: Libel & slander, other claims expenses.
  • Legal fees: Hiring an attorney can be expensive. An umbrella insurance policy helps cover the cost.

If you have questions about purchasing a personal umbrella insurance policy, contact our agency! Our licensed agents can go over coverage options or simply provide a free quote.

Essentials to Pack for Your Road Trip This Summer

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Roadside Assistance Insurance Policy Eugene, OROh, the great American road trip. Whether you are driving across the country, making a trip to visit our beautiful National Parks or simply just exploring different areas in your state, it is important to pack the right items on your road trip.

Basic safety and materials to have:

While you should always store papers like a copy of your car insurance and license and registration in your vehicle, you should also carry a first aid kit and a roadside emergency kit.

Other items:

  • Flashlight
  • Spare tire with useful tools+ make sure someone in the car knows how to change it
  • Owner’s Manual

Personal Items to pack:

It’s really nice and sometimes imperative to have the following items packed.

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Car Phone Charger
  • Hand sanitizer or wipes
  • Car cooler with snacks
  • Popular road trip snacks: sunflower seeds, trail mix, jerky, hard candy or suckers or granola bars. Mints and gum are great too.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • UV window shade
  • Thermos
  • Blanket or pillow
  • Cash
  • Lip Balm/ChapStick
  • Notebook, pen or pencil
  • Napkins or a roll of paper towels. A roll of toilet paper doesn’t hurt either!

Consider a Roadside Assistance Policy

Roadside Assistance can be added to your car insurance policy and is available from most insurance companies. It can also act as a standalone insurance policy. Roadside assistance can help you if you become stranded from a variety of things including but not limited to:

  1. Flat Tires
  2. Dead Battery
  3. Run Out of Gas
  4. Lock Yourself Out or Lose Your Keys
  5. Disabled Vehicle
  6. Towing if Vehicle Can’t Be Repaired Quickly
  7. Winching if stuck in mud, snow or sand

We hope your summer road trip is a blast and that this article helps you prepare for your trip as well as stay safe on the road. If you have questions about your insurance, contact us before you leave!

I’m planning on doing an AirBnB at my home. What do I need to know?

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AirBnB Insurance Eugene, ORMore and more people are taking advantage of the extra income they can make by doing an AirBnB, VRBO or other rental out of their homes. This is a great way to save money for college, pay off your mortgage, pay for a remodel or just make extra money for your savings. But, before you commit and jump into it, consider the risks associated with being a landlord.

Short-term vacation rental properties such as AirBnB, VRBO, HomeAway and others require special insurance. Regardless of whether it is just a room in your house, a trailer or even a separate house, be sure you match your insurance policy to the risk you’re taking on. Believe it or not, you’re a landlord!

Doesn’t AirBnb or VRBO Provide Insurance?

Yes, they do provide liability and property damage protection for third-party claims when they are booked through the AirBnB website. However, you are only protected up to their liability limits. Like many types of insurance policies, there can be gaps that are created.

Example 1: You become chummy with a previous house guest that booked through AirBnB. You exchange numbers and they text you to book a stay instead of booking through the AirBnB website. During the stay, they’re injured. Because they didn’t book through the website, you’re on the hook for the liability.

Example 2: You use Craigslist to get renters into your short-term rental because there is a big local music festival and it will be easy to rent it out for more money during this time. The renter trashes your property and because of repairs, you can’t rent out the property for months. You lose out on income.

Example 3: An excessively bad bodily injury occurs on your property. The medical bills exceed what the short term vacation rental company provides in insurance coverage. You are stuck with the remaining balance of the medical bills.

It’s common to want to make some extra cash from your short-term vacation rental, but we want it to be a safe endeavor for you. By calling an agent in our office, we can help you eliminate the gaps that exist with insurance that may be provided and get you a policy that is the perfect match for you and your family.

Don’t Settle For Cheap Boat Insurance – 3 Coverage Options to Consider

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Boat Insurance Eugene, ORWith summer upon us, many of you will be getting your boats out or maybe even buying a new one. When it comes to insuring your boat, you don’t want a policy that is the least expensive – you want the right coverage. Boating season is so much fun and being on the water carries a certain risk. When you’re shopping for boat insurance, be sure that your policy includes three specific, and sometimes optional coverages:

  1. On-Water Towing: If you’re out on the water and you boat breaks down or runs out of gas, this coverage will cover the cost of: getting you gas, soft un-groundings, towing your boat back into shore, jump starts and more. Don’t go without this coverage. Getting your boat towed on the water can be expensive.
  2. Wreckage Removal: If your boat sinks, and it is required by law to remove it, this coverage pays up to the liability limits of your policy to bring your boat to the surface and remove it from the water.
  3. Fuel Spill Cleanup: If you boat sinks or simply leaks fuel into the water, this coverage pays to clean up the fuel. The amount paid depends on your liability limits on your policy. Be sure you get enough liability insurance.

Owning a boat is a great adventure and the memories built on them are second to none! Give yourself the peace of mind by purchasing a boat insurance policy that not only protects you, but also protects those around you and your passengers. Many optional coverages exist and we can assist you in understanding what each of them means and find the right insurance policy for you.

40 Years of Memories from our VP

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A Message from Dawn LeDoux Roberts

Let’s take a little bit of a stroll…..

Back in 1979, a “young” (cough) lad had this brilliant idea, “I want to open my own insurance agency and help people.” Now most of you know, you really don’t grow up with the desire to be in insurance, you sort of fall into it. Whether it’s because of family, a friend said you should try it out, or maybe it was a stepping stone that lead to better things. For this lad, it wasn’t any of those things. Before 1979, he started with life insurance and realized that, not only was he good at selling (and maybe a little bit of B.S.ing), but he genuinely enjoyed helping people. It wasn’t long before he opened his own agency on May 29th, 1979 and called it LeDoux Insurance Agency. His primary focus when he opened was selling life insurance. By the early 80’s, he came to the realization that he could do so much more to help people so he started writing non-standard auto insurance. I believe the first company was Viking Insurance, known today as Dairyland.

Through the years the agency would grow and more companies were added, more staff was added, and by the late 90’s, we opened our 2nd office.

During the ups and downs of the business, the economy, changing of staff and companies, one thing was certain- the customer ALWAYS came first no matter what. Calls were picked up within two rings, no one waited, no one was ever busy and EVERYONE was greeted with a smile. There was a time we had our office closed for a Christmas party (late evening by the way) and he would open that door to help someone that needed auto insurance RIGHT NOW! No potential client was ever turned away regardless of their need. It was not out of the norm to get a call during Sunday dinner from a prospect needing insurance and he’d have to rush down to help that person.

There is a reason LeDoux Insurance is still going full force today, and that reason is… BOB LEDOUX.

Yes, he may buy us too much junk food when we are trying to watch our waist lines, but I think we all end up feeling a little relieved when we have had a “day” and head to the kitchen for that much needed piece (or two or three) of chocolate, rice Krispy treats, hostess cupcakes, Costco muffins, granola bars, butter cookies, or peppermint patty’s.

Today, he can be proud to say that he has built one of the largest agencies in Oregon with now 5 locations, 30+ employees and too many insurance companies to list……I say, the ride is JUST beginning, here is to 40 more years!!

Thank you Bob, Boss, President, CEO, and Dad for building a place I know I am proud to have belonged to for about ¾ of these past 40 years.  You have taught me more than you realize, the good, the bad and the ugly. i appreciate you giving me this opportunity to share in your journey.

AND Thank you to ALL of the amazing staff-you keep the wheels turning!!