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Albany, OR 97322

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Allen & Associates Insurance, Inc. Blog

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What Types of Windshield Damage is Typically Covered By Auto Insurance?

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Your windshield is a crucial safety feature of your car, but it’s also one of the most susceptible to damage. From flying debris to unexpected weather, windshield damage can occur in an instant. If you’re wondering what types of damage your auto insurance will cover, Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. in Albany, OR, is here to help you understand your options.

Chips and Cracks

Small chips and cracks are some of the most common types of windshield damage, and fortunately, they’re often covered by comprehensive auto insurance. If a rock or piece of debris hits your windshield while driving, your comprehensive coverage can typically handle the repair or replacement costs. Remember that insurance companies prefer you to address these minor damages promptly, as neglecting them could lead to larger cracks that are more costly to fix.

Full Windshield Replacement

If the damage is so severe that your windshield can’t be safely repaired, your insurance may cover a full replacement. This is especially true if the crack obstructs your view while driving or compromises the structural integrity of your car. Comprehensive coverage is usually the key here, so reviewing your policy to ensure you have this type of protection is wise.

Damage from Weather or Vandalism

Comprehensive insurance also typically covers windshield damage caused by storms, hail, or vandalism. However, liability-only policies won’t help in these situations, so upgrading your coverage is worth considering if you want added peace of mind.

At Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. in Albany, OR, we’re committed to helping you find the right auto insurance to protect you from life’s surprises. Contact us today to learn more about your options!

Do You Have Enough Life Insurance to Protect Your Loved Ones?

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Your final expenses are just one area your life insurance policy may cover. If you want your loved ones to be financially secure in the event of your death, it’s important to review your life insurance policy and make adjustments as needed.

Reviewing Your Current Policy

Start by reviewing your current policy to determine the coverage amounts. Then, consider any outstanding bills, estate costs, burial plans, and other areas that your life insurance will need to cover.

Next, calculate how much insurance will be left over. Then, review some factors that may encourage you to increase the life insurance your policy provides.

Considering Your Family Composition

Consider your family composition and the likelihood of it changing in the future. For instance, if you currently have one or two young children, you may plan to have more.

Additionally, consider the likelihood of your children having offspring of their own. If you want to ensure that your extended family members are supported, obtaining more life insurance coverage may be a good idea.

Planning for Expected and Unexpected Expenses

Expected and unexpected expenses that your family members may face could be financially straining. Attending college, taking a new job, or enduring a medical emergency can be expensive. There are a wide range of expenses that your loved ones may face.

Consider the upkeep of the home where your family members will be residing. Calculate how much money will be needed for your loved ones to handle their expenses.

Contact an Insurance Agent Serving Albany, OR

Contact one of our agents if you would like to delve further into life insurance coverage and policy upgrades. An agent from Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. will be happy to assist you.

The Role of Usage Restrictions in Classic Car Insurance

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Owning a classic car is more than just having a vehicle; it’s about preserving a piece of history. At Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. in Albany, OR, we understand the pride and joy that comes with classic car ownership. Protecting your investment involves understanding the role of usage restrictions in your insurance policy.

Understanding Usage Restrictions

Classic car insurance often includes specific usage restrictions that differ from regular auto policies. These restrictions are designed to maintain the value and condition of your prized vehicle. Typically, policies limit the car’s use to pleasure driving, car shows, or parades rather than everyday commuting. This helps reduce the risk of wear and tear and potential accidents.

Why Restrictions Matter

These limitations aren’t just arbitrary rules; they play a crucial role in keeping insurance premiums affordable. By restricting vehicle use, insurers can offer lower rates, assuming the car is subject to less risk than a daily driver. This benefits the insurer and the car owner, ensuring the vehicle remains pristine while keeping costs manageable.

Balancing Enjoyment and Protection

While restrictions might seem to limit, they balance enjoying your classic car and protecting its value. It’s important to communicate with your insurer about your specific needs and how you plan to use your vehicle. This way, you can ensure that your policy aligns with your lifestyle and driving habits.

Tailor Your Coverage

At Allen & Associates Insurance Inc., serving the greater Albany, OR, area, we’re committed to helping you find the right coverage for your classic car. Contact us today to discuss your options and create a policy that respects your passion and investment.

Essential Motorcycle Insurance Coverage: What Every Rider Needs to Know

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Owning a motorcycle in the Albany, OR area can be a great option. When you’re looking to buy one, getting the right insurance is important. All riders and bike owners need to know and understand several key aspects of motorcycle insurance.

Liability Coverage Needs

A crucial part of motorcycle insurance is liability coverage. All motorists in Oregon need to have a liability insurance plan, which provides support if you are at fault in an accident. It’s important to obtain the right level of liability coverage to comply with state law and ensure you are adequately protected.

Collision Coverage

Having a collision motorcycle insurance plan is always a good idea. This type of coverage provides support if you are involved in an accident and your motorcycle is damaged. It can cover your motorcycle if you are at fault or if the other motorist does not have proper insurance.

Comprehensive Coverage

It’s also important to consider whether you need comprehensive motorcycle insurance. This insurance offers support in many situations where you incur a loss outside of accidents. This includes if you are a victim of theft or vandalism or if you are involved in an accident with an animal.

There’s a lot to know when you’re shopping for a new motorcycle insurance plan in the Albany, OR area. If you’re considering this coverage and are in the area, you can call our Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. professionals to discuss your needs. There are many factors to consider, and our Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. team will provide the guidance you need to build a new plan.

Why Does Your Small Business Need Commercial Insurance?

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The Impact of Commercial Insurance on Small Businesses

As a small business owner, the importance of commercial insurance might not be evident until you find yourself in a predicament where you need it. Here are several reasons why investing in it today can serve as a lifesaver for your business tomorrow.

1. Financial Coverage

The best way to safeguard a small business is by having comprehensive financial coverage. Commercial insurance assists in handling liability cases, damages to commercial property, or the replacement of stolen property. Inadequate financial protection can destabilize a small business or, in some instances, lead to its shutdown. Scrambling for funds to deal with unforeseen incidents might require dipping into your personal assets, potentially putting your family at risk.

2. Bolster Your Reputation

Certain clients prefer working with companies that leverage commercial insurance. This demonstrates responsibility and integrity, potentially enhancing your overall client base. As a start-up, making your presence felt isn’t always a smooth sail. However, good business practices could encourage your initial clients to leave satisfactory reviews and recommend your services to others.

3. Legal Requirements

If your small business employs at least one person, you’re legally required to have commercial insurance covering workers’ compensation. This safeguards your employees should they sustain injuries on the job, compensating them during their recovery. Additionally, using a vehicle for business operations, such as deliveries, necessitates commercial auto insurance—it’s the law. Not all commercial insurance elements are mandatory, but ensuring your business operations align with the law is crucial.

If you’re a small business owner operating in the Albany, OR region, contact our Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. team for a personalized commercial insurance quote today.

Dwelling Fire Insurance vs Homeowners Insurance: What’s the Difference?

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The differences between dwelling fire insurance and homeowners policies might seem like they’re the same. However, each policy is designed to offer coverage for two different building types under different circumstances. Not all homes qualify for home insurance; others can be covered for additional perils by dedicated policies like fire insurance. Our Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. professionals in Albany, OR go further in depth.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance covers your home and property against damage resulting from unexpected disasters. These policies include fire damage coverage to your primary residents and your goods inside. Most of your possessions are inside your primary residence, allowing your home policy to cover the home and most of its contents.

Dwelling Fire Insurance

For anyone who owns more than one home or has another one on their property or located elsewhere, homeowner’s insurance might not offer the coverage needed in fire damage incidents. Dwelling fire insurance kicks in for a home you don’t live in most of the time. These often include cabins, vacation homes, investment rental properties, and cottages. Essentially, you’ll want this coverage for any property you own that isn’t your primary dwelling.

Like homeowner’s insurance, your dwelling coverage covers the expenses associated with rebuilding or repairs caused by fire damage. Dwelling policies also protect any attached structures, such as garages, porches, and decks. It’s important to be aware that fire dwelling insurance won’t offer liability or any protection to cover any possessions inside the home, but that should be covered under your home insurance policy.

Don’t Get Burned: Invest in Fire Dwelling Insurance

Without fire-specific coverage, you could lose your entire real estate investment in the blink of an eye. To get more information or request a policy quote, contact Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. in Albany, OR, online, by phone, or stop by our office today.

Beyond Basic Liability: How Comprehensive Auto Insurance Protects Oregon’s Drivers

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If you’re an Oregon driver seeking to protect your vehicles from accidental damage and high repair costs, consider investing in a comprehensive insurance policy. Below is a guide detailing how comprehensive insurance can secure your vehicle and your personal finances.

Understanding Local Traffic Patterns

While Albany isn’t a significant metropolitan area, this midsized town encounters its fair share of automobile accidents, collisions with animals, theft, and vandalism. Local drivers can safeguard their autos and finances by investing in comprehensive auto insurance from trusted local professionals at Allen & Associates Insurance Inc.

Precautions Against Weather and Natural Disasters

Albany drivers often face weather factors like heavy rains, hail, and strong winds that can contribute to accidental damage. Intense summers can also affect local driving conditions, leading to damages or out-of-pocket expenses for accident-related claims and repairs.

Safeguarding Your Vehicle Against Theft or Vandalism

Though less common in Albany, OR, than in larger cities, auto theft and vandalism occur, which could result in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses for vehicle repairs or replacements.

Protect Your Oregon Auto with Comprehensive Insurance

Local drivers can achieve peace of mind by contacting trusted insurance professionals to initiate a comprehensive auto insurance policy. An experienced insurance agent can assist local drivers in creating a personalized policy that meets their safety, budgeting, and total automobile protection needs.

Don’t wait until you face the devastating effects of natural disasters or theft to protect your automobile. Contact the expert and cordial insurance agents at Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. in Albany, OR, and request a free auto insurance quote today!

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

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You know you need life insurance, but you may not be sure about how much you need to secure your family’s future if the unexpected occurs. We offer life insurance policies at Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. in Albany, OR.

10 Times Your Income

The most straightforward way to estimate how much life insurance you need is to apply the rule of 10. This rule suggests that you should multiply your yearly income by 10. Although this can be a reasonable starting point, it does not consider your family’s unique circumstances and needs.

Income Replacement and College Expenses

You can apply a different method, multiplying your income by 10 and adding $100,000 per child for college expenses. This strategy aims to replace your income for ten years and ensure your children can afford a college education.

DIME Method

For a more comprehensive assessment of your family’s needs, you can use the DIME method. DIME stands for Debts, Income, Mortgage, and Education.

This method involves adding up all debts, excluding your mortgage. Determine how many years of income you wish to replace, and multiply your yearly income by this number. Then, include the amount you owe on your mortgage. Finally, add the projected cost of sending your children to school or college. Tallying all these figures will give you a well-rounded idea of the financial safety net your family would need should you pass away.

Stay-at-Home Parent Formula

If one parent stays home full-time, you might think they don’t need life insurance. However, if you consider the cost of replacing the stay-at-home parent’s contributions, you’ll find they save the family a significant amount of money. Use the replacement cost of their tasks as their annual income to determine how much life insurance you need for a stay-at-home parent.

Life Insurance at Allen & Associates Insurance Inc.

If you need life insurance in Albany, OR, contact Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. Our friendly agents are eager to discuss your needs and help you choose the most suitable policy.

Road Trips and Classic Car Insurance

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Many enthusiasts dream of road trips in classic cars, but ensuring adequate insurance coverage is essential for a worry-free journey. Classic car insurance offers tailored benefits to meet the unique needs of vintage vehicle owners, providing peace of mind on the open road with a starting point from around the Albany, OR region.

Coverage Tailored for Vintage Vehicles

Classic car insurance policies are crafted to reflect vintage vehicles’ value and usage patterns. Unlike standard auto insurance, agreed-value coverage is offered. When a total loss of a classic occurs from a wreck, the policyholder receives the full agreed-upon value of the vehicle without depreciation.

Many use their classic vehicles, driving only a few short miles. However, some leave in their cars and travel to different states to show off their vehicles, making a fantastic road trip. These vehicles receive tailored coverage according to how often the classic is on the road. The more the car is on the road, the more risk involved. 

Specialized Benefits for Classic Cars

Vintage classic owners may receive additional benefits through their classic car insurance. These benefits may encompass coverage for spare parts, roadside assistance tailored to classic cars, and protection for specialized equipment used in maintaining or restoring vintage vehicles. 

Understanding Usage Restrictions

Despite its benefits, classic car insurance may come with usage restrictions to safeguard the unique value of vintage vehicles. These restrictions could include mileage limitations or prohibitions on using the car for daily commuting. Owners must grasp these restrictions to ensure compliance with the terms of their insurance policy.

Let Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. Give You Information

Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. is here to assist you with all your classic car insurance queries. We cover the Albany, OR region. Contact us today. 

How Motorcycle Insurance Differs From Auto Insurance

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Distinguishing Car Insurance and Motorcycle Insurance

As a new motorcycle owner in Albany, OR, you might believe your auto insurance coverage extends to your motorcycle. However, a motorcycle requires a separate insurance policy, even though there are numerous similarities between the two policies. The Allen & Associates Insurance Inc. team can help clarify these differences and assist you in finding the coverage that suits your needs.

Understanding Motorcycle Insurance Costs

Although there may be fewer companies offering motorcycle insurance, the policies you find are typically less expensive than auto insurance. As motorcyclists cannot ride in adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or icy conditions, the probability of damage is considerably lower. Motorcycles are also less likely to cause significant damage to property and other vehicles in accidents. Therefore, the costs associated with comprehensive and collision coverage are usually lower. However, owners of high-end motorcycles may end up paying higher premiums due to the cost of their bikes.

Additional Coverage Considerations

Considering that motorcycles are unique vehicles, they are accompanied by special considerations that may not apply to cars. For instance, motorcycle riders and their passengers are more susceptible to severe injuries due to the lack of a protective shell found in vehicles. Therefore, having sufficient medical coverage for such potential injuries becomes vital. You should consider getting guest passenger liability coverage if you frequently have passengers. Additionally, if your bike is laden with expensive accessories, it is advisable to have provisions to cover those.

Get Tailored Motorcycle Insurance

To get motorcycle insurance that meets your exact needs, contact the professionals at Allen & Associates Insurance Inc., located in Albany, OR. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Our Insurance partners

  • American Modern
  • CBIC
  • Dairyland
  • Foremost Insurance
  • Hagerty
  • Hiscox
  • Nationwide
  • Progressive
  • RLI
  • Stillwater
  • Travelers
  • United Heritage P&C
  • Zurich

About Allen & Associates Insurance, Inc. | Albany, OR

We are an independent agency based out of Albany, Oregon, and are committed to providing a comprehensive and affordable insurance plans that have your best interests in mind.

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Allen & Associates Insurance, Inc.

917 19th Ave SE,
Albany, OR 97322
 Phone: 541-967-SAVE (7283)
Fax: 888-614-7721