Author: Ryan Oliver

Let’s give some props to the insurance industry … they’ve got an app for that! We, at Oliver Insurance, realize… hmmm, that doesn’t seem nearly as fun as Candy Crush or the latest photo enhancing program, but here are just a few reasons why you SHOULD download that free insurance app.

1. Not to restate the obvious but again, its free
2. Quick access to report an accident
3. Quick access to begin an insurance claim and check claim status
4. Quick access to roadside assistance, your repair shop, towing services and more
5. Quick access to your insurance agent and agency via email and website
6. Proof of insurance and ability to view policy documents
7. Helps you build a home inventory with photos and value

 

We’ve included links below to apps from our insurance carriers.  Spend a few minutes on the front side setting up your profile and information.  This will potentially save a lot of headache in the event of a claim or when you require insurance assistance outside of business hours.

Safeco Mobile Android  CLICK HERE           Safeco Mobile Apple iOS  CLICK HERE

Progressive Android  CLICK HERE               Progressive Apple iOS  CLICK HERE

Remember to install app updates as they become available.  Most carriers are continually working to make your app and mobile experience productive and beneficial since they can’t include candy hearts and gemstones. Happy downloading!

#oliverinsuranceagency #insurancehelponthego #canbyinsurance #canbyoregon #oregoninsurance #washingtoninsurance

 

A Few Tips for the College-Bound

College is expensive enough without the added cost of unexpected accidents or theft, not covered by your insurance policy. If you have a student heading away to school, below are a few tips to help you get the most out of your coverage.

HOMEOWNERS (varies by state)
• Personal Property: Most homeowners policies will cover personal property for up to 10% of your total policy while your child is residing at school (a $100,000 policy equals $10,000 in coverage). Not all types of damage are covered, so read your policy carefully. Some items such as jewelry or expensive electronics, require special coverage. Renters insurance is strongly recommended.
• Liability Coverage: General damage to a dorm room or apartment is not usually covered.
• Documentation: Creating an inventory of the items your child is taking to school is a good idea. Use photographs and keep receipts.

AUTO (varies by state)
• Car Stays Home: Keep your child listed on your auto policy if they will still drive your car while at home on school breaks.
• Car at School: Make sure to notify us if your child will be taking a car away to school. In most cases, if the car is registered to you and listed on your policy, it will be covered.
• Driving a Friend’s Car: Students are generally covered if they are listed on their parent’s policy and are not regularly using the vehicle. The coverage would be secondary. The insurance for the friend’s vehicle would be the primary coverage.
• Discounts: A full-time student meeting certain academic requirements can qualify for a good student discount. Distant student discounts may also be available. Drivers under 21 who have completed driver’s education may also get a discount.
Before your child leaves for school, call our Canby, Oregon office 503-266-2715 or e-mail info@oliverinsurance.net. We can walk you through the steps to ensure you have the right coverage. We’re here to help! #oliverinsuranceagency #canby #independentagency #canbyoregon

Merging, Referrals, and Elite Driving Courses are just a few of the things we cover in our current newsletter! Click below for your copy and see what our agents have been up  to lately.

Oliver Insurance Winter 2017 Newsletter

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” represents the final year of our three-year effort to educate the public about basic but essential elements of smoke alarm safety.
Why focus on smoke alarms three years in a row? Because NFPA’s survey data shows that the public has many misconceptions about smoke alarms, which may put them at increased risk in the event of a home fire. For example, only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced.

As a result of those and related findings, we’re addressing smoke alarm replacement this year with a focus on these key messages:
– Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
– Make sure you know how old all the smoke alarms are in your home.
– To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.

Get the answers to some frequently asked questions about replacing your smoke alarms.

http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/campaigns/fire-prevention-week/teaching-fpw/replacing-smoke-alarms
This article provided by the National Fire Prevention Association

Tying the Knot? Tie up Loose Ends With Wedding Insurance

Getting married is a big step that you’re no doubt commemorating with a big celebration. And, that often comes with a (fairly) big price tag. So, have you considered insuring the whole to-do?

As with other sizeable investments, you can insure big events, such as your wedding. But, that’s not the only way insurance can play a role in your big day and the events that follow. Here are four tips for insuring your wedding, rings and more:

1. Big day, big investment – protect it
Of course you want your big day to go off without a hitch. But, you also want to prepare for those pesky “what ifs.” What if the caterer backs out? What if the bride’s dress gets lost in her checked baggage? What if your venue goes out of business?

Event insurance typically covers unexpected issues with the site, weather, vendors and illness or injury, so you aren’t stuck with the tab. For example, if you need to find a new caterer the day before the wedding, your policy may help with the costs.

2. Say ‘I do’ to covering your rings.
Regardless of the monetary value of your engagement and wedding rings, it’s important to protect your investment — preferably right after you purchase them. We can help. Call us from the jewelry store if you like, and we’ll schedule your new bling on your renters insurance, condo insurance or homeowners insurance.

3. Cover your bases by covering your gifts.
While you’re dancing the night away, you don’t want someone walking away with your gifts. But, unfortunately, it happens. You may want to consider a policy to protect your gifts. And, of course, you’ll want to include them as part of your home inventory and personal property coverage. Some items, such as collectibles and china, may need scheduled coverage, just like your rings.

4. Start your honeymoon right.
If your honeymoon costs as much as a car, it may make sense to get travel insurance. Policies can include coverage for trip cancellation or delay, and even medical insurance. Frommers.com says it should cost no more than 8 percent of your trip price.

Whether your wedding is a small family affair or the biggest event of the year, you deserve to have a stress-free day. Let us help you select the insurance coverage you want for your wedding and everything that goes along with it. So, when the big day arrives, all you have to worry about is having a great time!

OI Summer Newsletter 2016 Final

The National Safety Council is celebrating it’s annual June National Safety Month.  The goal is to bring awareness to the leading causes of work place, home, community and road/highway injuries & fatalities.  All month long, the NSC will be sharing resources and tools for individuals and business owners.  You can visit their website at http://www.nsc.org/act/events/Pages/national-safety-month.aspx to take advantage of a personalized Safety Checkup https://www.nsc.org/forms/safetycheckup.aspx , free downloadable resources and informative webinars.  Being proactive, training employees and understanding hidden dangers to your family are just a few of things that can help improve risks in your life and business!  Take advantage of the tools available from the NSC today! Be well… be safe.

 

 

Clean Your Way to a Longer-Lasting Car

Motor vehicle corrosion is a billion-dollar problem in the United States, according to the Federal Highway Administration. And, no wonder. Road salt, tree sap, mud, pollution and even dead bugs and bird poop all contribute to a year-round assault on your vehicle here in the Northwest, potentially leading to serious damage and pre-mature aging.

Safety is also an issue. Grime across your windshield and windows restricts visibility in all directions, and even a light coating of dust or pollen can impair your vision, especially at night or when driving into the sun’s glare.

That’s why we here at Oliver Insurance encourage you to visit your local car wash regularly. Washing your car removes dirt, residues and pollutants that degrade your paint finish and corrode the underlying metal. It’s like anti-aging cosmetics for your automobile!

But, is hand washing at home or visiting a commercial car wash your best bet? While both lead to a clean vehicle, you’ll cut your water usage in half by going to a commercial facility and help keep toxins and soap away from street drains, which can lead to local waterways. As a bonus, some commercial facilities recycle their water.

No matter which method you choose, these five tips will help you get the most out of your car-cleaning routine:

1. Wash often. The longer tree sap, dead bugs and other gunk sit atop your paint, the more damage they can cause.
2. Avoid abrasive soaps, cloths and sponges that can grind dirt deeper into your paint finish.
3. Wash the undercarriage thoroughly to help prevent rust, especially after driving on road salt in the winter.
4. Don’t forget the headlights. When you’re driving at night, in the rain or through an unfamiliar neighborhood, you want every lumen of illumination you can muster.
5. Consider eco-friendly car soaps, such as biodegradable or waterless products, to help lighten the environmental impact of washing your car more often.

And, when you’re all done? Finish up with a good waxing to give your car extra protection and shine.