5 Telltale Signs It May Be Time For New Tires

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Signs It May Be Time For New Tires in Eugene, ORWhen it comes to vehicle safety, few things are as important as your tires and you should regularly inspect them to ensure they’re in good shape before taking your car out on the road. Tire safety is much more than just tire pressure. Familiarize yourself with these 5 signs that your tires may need to be replaced.

  1. They’re Bald – This is the most obvious, but often time the most overlooked safety hazard. Bald tires can cause hydroplaning, decreased stopping ability and are much more susceptible to flats from road hazards. Any tire shop will happily measure your tread depth. Additionally, your tires are equipped with a Tread Wear indicator that you can easily see yourself. This is a piece of tire that runs perpendicular to your tire tread. If you’ve reached this depth, you’re tires are not safe to drive on.
  2. Cracks – Aged tires, or tires that sit for long periods of times like on travel trailers or utility trailers can develop cracks in the tread. Look carefully in between your tire tread to see if your tires have cracks. If they do, they’re more susceptible to a blow out and should be replaced.
  3. Gouge in Sidewall – We’ve all hit a curb or a big pothole. If you’re inspecting your tires and find a gouge in your sidewall, the tire should be replaced. Sidewalls are thinner than the tread area of your tire and cannot be repaired.
  4. Uneven wear – A vehicle this isn’t properly aligned can cause the tires to wear unevenly which can cause your vehicle to pull in one direction or another. When inspecting your tires, be sure that they are wearing evenly. Additionally, you should align your vehicle every 30,000 miles or so.
  5. You’re driving on a spare – Never drive on a spare tire longer than it takes to get to a safe location. Spare tires are meant to be used for short periods of time and are not intended to be used for regular driving. If you’re driving on a spare tire, get to a tire shop to get a real replacement tire.

Driving can be dangerous, but even more so if you’re driving on tires that are not fit for the road. By inspecting your vehicles tires regularly, you can avoid an accident, hydroplane or another potentially dangerous situation.

Your safety is our top priority and getting you the right insurance is part of that. If you have questions about your auto or other vehicle insurance, contact our agency. We can review your current policy or provide an insurance quote.

What is “Full Coverage” Auto Insurance?

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Full Coverage Auto Insurance in Eugene, ORFull coverage has different meanings to different people. When most people refer to full coverage they’re referring to a mix of insurance coverages to protect their vehicle. That being said, there is no such thing as “full coverage” just a combination of coverage options that will protect your vehicle as well as others on the road. Let’s look at this closer.

Some coverages such as Bodily Injury and Property Damage (also known as liability insurance) are required by law. You can choose just how much liability insurance to carry, but at a minimum, this is required by your state law in order to drive your vehicle.

Other coverages such as Collision, Comprehensive, Personal Injury (PIP), MedPay, Roadside Assistance, Rental Reimbursement, and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) are optional coverages in most states. Some states do have laws that also require UM/UIM and PIP/MedPay be purchased.

So, the choice really becomes, “How much insurance do you want?” Deciding on how much insurance you want or need is a combination of factors that only you can decide. A licensed insurance agent can help you decide on what options may be best for your situation, your budget and your needs, but ultimately, the choice is yours to decide.

Contact LeDoux Insurance for an auto insurance quote or a review of your current policy. We strive to make sure all of our clients have the proper coverage for their needs.

Six Ways to Avoid a Holiday Decor Disaster In Your Home

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Six Ways to Avoid a Holiday Decor Disaster In Your Home in Eugene, ORThe holiday season is here! No matter how you celebrate, you have likely added some holiday décor to your home. Lights, candles and festive plants add a wonderful, warm ambiance to areas of your home but take some extra steps to ensure that your décor pieces don’t wreak havoc on your holiday.

  • Watch for dry needles. Whether it’s your Christmas tree, wreath or garland, chances are they may dry out. If you find that pine needles are falling, clean them up immediately. Dry pine needles increase your risk for a fire hazard. If you find your tree, wreath or garland is extremely dry & it’s decorated with lights dry, toss it – nothing is worth the risk of a fire.
  • Prevent your chance of fires. Christmas lights are bright and festive, but they could put you at the biggest risk for a fire. Check for any wear on the strings, cracked bulbs or any other signs of damage. Don’t try to repair them, instead replace them. LED lights emit less heat, so if you need to make the switch, choose LED lights that have been safety tested. You can read on the box if they have been inspected by looking for an UL logo.
  • Centerpiece Candles! Yes, we all know we should watch our candles. Ensure all candles are kept in a non-flammable holder. However, it’s important to keep a close eye on your centerpiece decoration if you plan to light the candles during your holiday dinner. If the candles burn too long, the centerpiece can catch fire. Even consider battery powered flameless candles. You have to look close to tell they’re not real!
  • Choose a safe spot for your tree. Keep your holiday tree away from your fireplace, radiators, space heaters or any other area in your home where it could catch on fire. It should be at least 3 feet away from any heat source.
  • Be festive, yet smart with your holiday lights. Whether your house looks like the Griswold’s or you just like to put up a single string of lights, your energy bill will increase during the holiday season. To avoid an extremely high electric bill, choose a window of time when your holiday lights will be turned on. For example, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Avoid leaving your lights on all night.
  • Place your holiday plants in a safe place. Choose areas away from young children and pets. Do not leave plants on the floor or a place where a child could easily reach for it.

By taking a few extra steps like unplugging your holiday lights before you go to bed or when you leave the house, can help you avoid a decor disaster this holiday season. LeDoux Insurance Agency can assist you with any questions you may have, like “Does my homeowner’ insurance cover accidental fires?” Our expert agents can walk you through your policy and even add additional coverage like personal umbrella insurance should you want extra protection beyond your homeowner’s insurance. Contact us today.

Should I Have an Umbrella Insurance Policy?

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Umbrella Insurance Policy in Eugene, ORAnyone who wishes to protect themselves from major claims or lawsuits, or would like to protect their assets or earnings would benefit from an umbrella insurance policy. Insuring your future is what an umbrella insurance policy can help with by safeguarding your future earnings, your home or cash savings.

When Would I Use My Umbrella Insurance Policy?

A personal umbrella insurance policy covers you when your auto, home or other personal lines insurance policy is exhausted by a covered insurance claim.

Example: You get into a car accident where you are at fault. Your insurance policy covers you for $250,000 in 3rdparty 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.

Similarly, homeowners need to protect themselves from a liability claim. Whether you’re hosting a party and serve too much alcohol, have a slip and fall accident on your sidewalk or your dog bites a neighbor, you can be held liable for medical bills, rehabilitation programs and lost wages.

How are you covered?

By purchasing an umbrella policy, you can be covered for the following items:

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

There are countless situations that can occur and exhaust your current liability limits on your home or auto insurance policy. Good news: umbrella insurance policies are relatively inexpensive, typically starting around $155 per year. Contact an agent at our office for your personalized umbrella insurance quote today. We can help you determine how much coverage you need.

I Got Hit By Someone Who Doesn’t Have Insurance – Now What?

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Uninsured motorist coverage in Eugene, ORAccording to a recent study by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, approximately one out of every 8 drivers in the United States are uninsured. That’s a staggering figure when you think about your chances of being struck by one.  So, what can you do to protect yourself from an uninsured driver?

The good news is there is a line of insurance coverage specifically for uninsured motorists, called (you guessed it) Uninsured Motorist Property Damage & Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage. This is an optional coverage that is available to most drivers. Let’s take a closer look at these coverages and see how they work.

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (commonly referred to as UMPD) pays for losses incurred to your vehicle when it is hit by an uninsured motorist. This coverage may also pay for damages associated with a hit and run driver.

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (commonly referred to as UMBI or UM) pays for your medical expenses when involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. UMBI may also cover your passengers who are in your vehicle during a covered loss.

Underinsured Motorist (UIM)

Underinsured Motorist Coverage pays for injuries such as medical expenses, lost wages and settlements from a driver who is at-fault and does not carry enough insurance to cover your losses.

You should also carefully deliberate the amount of insurance coverage that you need. Available options, limits and coverages vary by state. Each state has different requirements and laws when it comes to uninsured motorist insurance. Be sure to ask an agent in our office about these coverages if you’d like them. If you have questions about your auto insurance or want a quote, contact us!

Five Things To Do For Fall Maintenance For Your Home

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Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for your Eugene, OR homeWith winter season approaching, now is the time to do a few simple tasks around your home. Not only can this prevent damage from occurring, but it can help keep your home exterior clean. Instead of giving you a long laundry list of things to check off, we go over the five most important.

Is My Home Safe?

This is simple question to ask yourself every spring and fall.

  • Do you have one smoke detector on each floor of your home? Do I need to change the batteries?
  • Do I own a fire extinguisher? If so, is it up to date?
  • Where is my first aid/at home emergency kit? Do I need to make any changes?
  • Can our family be okay if there is a major event like an earthquake, flood, tornado or other natural disaster?

Am I Protecting My Home From Water Damage?

Water damage can be a root cause of home problems. Sometimes they can be covered by your home insurance, but other times they are not. Regardless if they are covered, they are a terrible to deal with. Here are a few areas to check to lower your risk of water damage in your home.

  • Check your gutters & downspouts

Once most of your leaves have fallen from your trees, simply look for debris that could be collecting in your gutters. If you see leaves collecting, remove them in order to prevent clogged gutters. If your gutters are clogged during a rainstorm, it could cause damage to your roof or siding. Also, check if your gutters are damaged & are still attached to your home. Lastly, check your downspouts. Ensure they are draining properly instead of being clogged and pooling water near your home.

  • Check your roof

Loose or missing shingles on your roof can increase your risk for water damage. Make sure your shingles are in good condition before that winter storm hits. If you have a home with a flat roof, ensure it doesn’t have any buildup of leaves. When in doubt, refer out. If you aren’t sure what to look for, ask a professional.

  • Are exposed pipes still insulated?

Check the exposed pipes around your home to ensure the insulation isn’t ripped or torn. Uninsulated garages are very important to check. Many people assume it is “inside” but uninsulated garages can get as cold as the outdoor temperatures. Check there for pipes that need to be insulated.

Is Air Escaping My Home?

Check door and window seals for signs of deterioration. Use weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to help keep warm air in and cold air out. You’ll also lower your energy bill. On another note, if air can get into your home, water can too.

Did I Replace My Furnace Filter?

To keep your furnace running efficiently, you need to replace the filter often. Some filters may need to be changed every month.

Are Rodents Nesting In My Home?

Rodents tend to nest in your crawlspace, attic and even in your walls. Walk the perimeter of your home & any access points in your garage to make sure you do not have any cracks or holes for rodents to enter. Also, check your vents along your foundation for holes or deterioration. As the weather gets colder, rodents are always looking for a warmer place to live.

Also, remember rodents love a food source. If you are storing food or bird seed in your garage, make sure it’s properly stored in a sealed container.

While preventative maintenance can get easily get pushed on the back burner when life gets busy, it’s still important to make the time to do it.

If you have questions about your home or condo insurance, call LeDoux Insurance Agency. LeDoux Insurance Agency is committed to improving the quality of our community by insuring your life’s hard work. Setting a standard of excellence, our professional staff will help you understand your current and future risk exposures by building a lifelong relationship. Our clients can be confident in the proven stability and years of insurance experience. LeDoux Insurance Agency is dedicated to continuous improvement through the use of technology in order to provide the most comprehensive and cost effective solutions for your insurance needs.

Are You Prepared For a Disaster?

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September Represents National Preparedness Month

Flood Insurance in Eugene, ORAre you prepared for a disaster? Recent articles online, in the newspaper and commercials on televisions remind us that disasters are just a moment away. It is easy to think that’s a good reminder, yet fail to act on our preparedness. The fact is: disasters happen. It’s best to learn the skills & be prepared.

Ready.gov does a great job at summarizing how to prepare for disasters and teaches simple skills you should have that could help you or your loved ones if a disaster strikes.

What’s Your Plan?

Discuss the following questions with your friends, family or household to determine your emergency plan.

  1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
  2. What is my shelter plan?
  3. What is my evacuation route?
  4. What is my family/household communication plan?

After determining your plan, practice it!

What Life Saving Skills Do You Have?

There are a wide variety of skills you should have that can save a life. Here are a few to target.

  • Learn first aid & CPR.
  • Own a fire extinguisher, know where it’s located & most importantly, understand how to use it.
  • Know how to shut off your water, electricity & natural gas.

Do You Understand Your Insurance Coverage?

Yes, having insurance is your first step to protection, but do you know exactly what you are covered for? Did you know flood damage to a home is the most common disaster a household can face? If your home floods, are you covered? If you do not understand the details of your insurance coverage, call our office!

Are You Saving For an Emergency?

We all know the concept of saving for a rainy day, but the question is, are you doing it?

  • Have a savings account and contribute to it monthly if possible.
  • Consider owning a safe in your home & keeping cash in it. During a disaster, ATM’s or credit cards may not work.
  • Store all important personal, household & medical information in your safe (or a place you’ll remember).

Examples:

  • passport or photo ID
  • birth certificate
  • social security cards,
  • marriage or divorce license
  • military ID & military discharge record
  • pet ID tags
  • pet microchip info & proof of pet ownership
  • insurance policies
  • lease or rental agreement
  • mortgage or real estate deeds of trust
  • immunization records
  • medication list or other medical information a physician may need

If you want a detailed document of everything you would need to prepare for a disaster or emergency, print this form out & follow the checklist.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Learn the skills & know what to do before a disaster strikes.

If you have questions about your insurance coverage or want a quote for flood insurance, contact LeDoux Insurance Agency. Our agents will shop to find the best insurance for your specific needs.

A Rodent Made a Nest In My Car and Caused Damage – Is it Covered?

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Rodent damage coverage for your car in Eugene, OR

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As cooler weather approaches at night or you park your car outside during the winter months, chances are that sooner or later a rodent will find its way inside of your warm vehicle. Rodents like rats, mice and even squirrels can make their way up inside of your engine compartment to stay warm. After all, it is toasty and warm inside there and you left the vehicle in the driveway overnight.

Rodents can do major damage to vehicles. In fact, some of the more common reported damages include chewed wiring, chewed up upholstery (used to make nests) and rodent feces.

If your vehicle is damaged by a rodent you’ll want to review your insurance policy to see if there is a “rodent clause.” Comprehensive insurance coverage is your best bet for getting rodent damages covered, however, some insurance companies define animal damages in comprehensive coverage as “collision with an animal” and have a specific clause that excludes rodent damages such as chewed wiring etc. The best course of action is to ask your insurance agent when you purchase your policy, or if you already have a policy in place to ask them about it. If dealing with rodents is something you think you may have to deal with, selecting the appropriate company as well as the appropriate coverage can make all the difference.

If you have questions about your auto insurance or want a quote, contact LeDoux Insurance Agency. LeDoux Insurance Agency is committed to improving the quality of our community by insuring your life’s hard work. Setting a standard of excellence, our professional staff will help you understand your current and future risk exposures by building a lifelong relationship. Our clients can be confident in the proven stability and years of insurance experience. LeDoux Insurance Agency is dedicated to continuous improvement through the use of technology in order to provide the most comprehensive and cost effective solutions for your insurance needs.

Do I Need to Purchase Rental Car Insurance?

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Rental Car Insurance Options in Eugene, ORWhen you are on vacation renting a car, you will most likely be asked if you want to purchase insurance for the car. Sometimes purchasing that insurance policy is needed, but other times you may already be covered with your own auto insurance policy. Some individuals even have insurance benefits through their credit cards.

Auto Insurance

Do you need to buy their rental car insurance coverage? Before going on vacation, reach out to your licensed agent with questions regarding your auto policy. An auto insurance policy can be unique to the driver. Many times, if you have collision, comprehensive and liability coverage on your auto policy, this would cover your rental car too as a temporary replacement vehicle. If you find you’re only covered for a specific amount, contact your credit card company to see if they can fill the gap.

Rental car insurance options can include: liability, personal accident, collision damage, personal effects coverage. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Liability: Insurance coverage if you damage another car, property and medical bills for the other party if you’re found liable for the accident.

Personal Accident: Coverage for accidental death, medical expenses and ambulatory costs of you and your household members in the vehicle.

Collision Damage: Coverage to repair the rental car in the event you are involved in an accident.

Personal Effects: Insurance that covers personal items lost or damaged such as cell phones, purses and computers.

Roadside Assistance: Coverage for roadside incidents such as lost keys, lockouts, fuel outages and flat tires.

Always check with your licensed agent to review your policy BEFORE going on your vacation to ensure you know what coverage options you may or may not need. Furthermore, be sure to understand the terms and conditions of the insurance policy you’re purchasing if you decide to buy coverage from the rental agency.

Knowing the details of your insurance policy can help you fully understand your coverage, give you peace of mind, as well as save you money.

LeDoux Insurance Agency is committed to improving the quality of our community by insuring your life’s hard work. Setting a standard of excellence, our professional staff will help you understand your current and future risk exposures by building a lifelong relationship. Our clients can be confident in the proven stability and years of insurance experience. LeDoux Insurance Agency is dedicated to continuous improvement through the use of technology in order to provide the most comprehensive and cost effective solutions for your insurance needs. Whether you’re looking for auto, home, renters or business insurance, LeDoux Insurance can help. Visit us online anytime.

Going on a Road Trip This Summer? Consider Packing These 15 Items.

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Road Trip Essentials from LeDoux Insurance AgencySummer time is a great time to go on a road trip! Whether you are exploring a National Park, traveling through a state or going across the country, being on the road is memorable. Road trips are fun, but you want to be sure you are prepared for any unfortunate bumps in the road that can occur. It can be as simple as storing a few essentials in your trunk to get you out of jam.

Here are some things to keep in your car at all times:

1.) First Aid Kit

Even if you aren’t going on a road trip, this is nice to have in your trunk at all times. It might come in handy for you or someone else in need.

2.) Flashlight

This is another thing to always keep in your car, especially if you find yourself driving at night time often.

3.) License, Registration, a Copy of Your Car Insurance and Car Manual

Again, this should always be in your car stored in your glove box.

4.) Jumper Cables

Nobody wants to wake up to a dead car battery. Jumper cables can fall into the “always have in my car” category. It’s much easier than trying to hunt one down when you are in a pinch.

5.) Snacks

This can’t be stressed enough! Even if you plan to be on the road for long hours, consider packing meals in a cooler. You can always stop at a rest stop to picnic if you want to stretch your legs. If you aren’t packing a cooler, pack snacks that don’t require refrigeration like dried fruit, nuts, jerky, fruit, bars, etc.

6.) Water Bottle

Having extra water in your vehicle during summer can literally save your life if you become stranded on a hot day in a remote location.

7.) Phone Charger

If your car only has one outlet for a phone charger, consider getting a USB plug that can charge multiple devices at once. If you have a few outlets, pack a few cords! Portable chargers can come in handy too.

8.) Polarized Sunglasses

Driving in the sun is always best with polarized sunglasses.

9.) Wet Wipes & Napkins

Wet wipes and napkins are always nice for keeping your hands & face clean or cleaning up a spill in your car.

10.) Trash Bag

Keep your car clean from your snacks and other garbage with a simple trash bag. You could place things in a small can or just have a bag.

11.) Paper and Pen

Great for taking notes or writing down important information on your road trip.

12.) Blanket and Pillow

This may be nice for those long hours in the car! A blanket and pillow can add comfort to your drive.

13.) Sunscreen

Even if you aren’t outside, wearing sunscreen while driving is important for those sunny days.

14.) Cash

This works nice if you find yourself needing to pay to park or buying from businesses that only accept cash for payment.

15.) Entertainment

Especially if you are traveling with kids, being in the car for long hours can be exhausting! Think of electronics, activity or coloring books, small toys, play games like I Spy, the alphabet or license plate game.

For adults, consider podcasts or audiobooks, trivia cards or an app, word search or just a really good music playlist!

Regardless of what you do pack in your car, enjoy the American Road Trip! Be sure to get plenty of rest along the way and enjoy America’s roadside attractions.

LeDoux Insurance Agency is committed to improving the quality of our community by insuring your life’s hard work. Setting a standard of excellence, our professional staff will help you understand your current and future risk exposures by building a lifelong relationship. Our clients can be confident in the proven stability and years of insurance experience. LeDoux Insurance Agency is dedicated to continuous improvement through the use of technology in order to provide the most comprehensive and cost effective solutions for your insurance needs. Whether you’re looking for auto, home, renters or business insurance, LeDoux Insurance can help. Visit us online anytime.