Category: Auto Insurance

When shopping for car insurance you might be tempted to go for the cheapest, bare minimum coverage in an effort to save money. However, there are several factors you should consider when you are shopping for car insurance, and the bottom line cheapest price may not be the wisest investment in the long run. Here are a few things you should consider when comparing liability vs full coverage insurance. 

What is Liability Only?

Liability only insurance means that the insurance policy will only cover damage that you are liable for in an accident. This means damage that you caused to another car or injury that you caused to another driver. This type of insurance does not cover any damage which might happen to your own car. This can put the investment you have made in your vehicle at risk. In the event of an accident that is your fault, you will be required to pay for any damages out of pocket. This can put you at financial risk. 

What About Other Damage?

It is also important to note that there are other types of damage besides damage suffered during an accident. Damage from events such as storms, hail, flooding, debris can cause a huge cost to you as the vehicle owner. If your vehicle has only liability insurance, then when these types of damage occur you will be required to pay for repairs out of your pocket. This can also put you at financial risk and put your investment in your vehicle at risk as well. 

When Is Liability Only a Good Idea?

In some instances, liability only insurance might be a good idea. In cases in which the vehicle is not worth very much money, a vehicle owner may not wish to cover the vehicle with full coverage insurance. 

If you would like to learn more about the different types of insurance available for your vehicle contact Oliver Insurance in Canby, OR today. 

Purchasing a car is a great milestone in one’s life. However, driving comes with its share of risks. Sometimes, even the most experienced motorists are usually involved in road accidents. This is the primary reason why the law requires every driver to carry some basic form of insurance to ensure that you are protected in the event of an accident. An auto insurance policy from Oliver Insurance protects you from significant financial losses that you may incur if you are involved in a crash in Canby, OR or elsewhere. However, most drivers don’t know when to claim and not claim their auto insurance.

When Should You Claim Your Auto Insurance?

Typically, you should file a car insurance claim when something significant happens. For instance, you always inform your insurance provider when other drivers are involved in the accident. Settling the matter with the other driver without the help of your provider is risky. After all, you can’t tell who you are dealing with. You can pay for repairs and months later; the same person will resurface saying that you didn’t pay him/her. Keep in mind that your liability coverage is there to protect you from expensive lawsuits and your insurance provider is experienced with handling various parties involved in an accident.

You should also file a claim when you cause severe injuries to other people or someone else’s property. Since it is difficult to tell whether the injuries occurred as a result of the accident, it is good to inform your insurance provider who will know what to do. Remember the fact that some symptoms may delay to show up and might show up at the scene of the accident even if they aren’t as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. You don’t want to cater to another person’s medical bills when it isn’t your fault.

Contact your insurance provider in Canby, OR when you notice significant car damage on your vehicle. Apart from what you are seeing, your vehicle might also have some other hidden damage. Your collision coverage will cater for repairs of any damage to your car.

Contact Oliver Insurance today for a customer-friendly auto insurance policy.

Your driving test is a big day and it’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous. However, you certainly don’t want to have to take your driving test in Canby, OR more than once, if you don’t have to. For this reason, here are few tips to prepare for your driving test so you pass it the first time.  

Don’t Procrastinate

If you put off preparing for the test until the last minute, your chances of failing increase. Start studying weeks before and be sure to do lots of practice driving with your learner’s permit. Ask a friend or family member to quiz you.  

Take the Test in the Morning

Schedule your test for a morning session when you are more alert and have more energy. During the afternoon, many people can become groggy. Not only that, the all day anticipation of waiting to take the driving test will only make you more nervous.  

Be Prepared to Fail

If you do fail, that’s ok. You get more than one chance. Although it’s not the outcome you wanted, you can do better next time.  

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Going out until late at night or staying up late is not a good idea the night before taking your driver’s test. You really want to feel your best for this test.  

At Oliver Insurance, we love to insure new drivers. We serve drivers in the Canby, OR area and help them find the best auto insurance policy and savings for their particular driving situation. To reach Oliver Insurance and speak with one of our friendly and reputable insurance agents, call us at 503-266-2715 today.  
 

In some parts of the country, it’s looking like Spring. Even if it isn’t quite here in Canby, OR., vacation plans preoccupy many people. If you plan to hit the road this summer, prepare your car now. Getting your vehicle in shape goes a long way to preventing accidents and assuring a more enjoyable trip. Reviewing your auto insurance coverage with the independent agents at Oliver Insurance is a good place to start. We can make sure you’re getting all the discounts you have coming to you. We can also provide checklists in vehicle safety that will help you get ready for a great vacation.

For instance:

1. The most important features on your vehicle are the braking system and the tires. These are what control your vehicle in an emergency and keep you on the road. Keep these in the best condition possible even if you have a scratch on your car or upholstery that you can’t repair right away.
2. Be certain you are operating legally: keep your registration and proof of insurance handy. Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol. Use safety belts. Know the law and keep it.
3. Plan your vacation ahead of time so you know routes and destinations. Using a GPS is a great way to stay on track, but know your route so you can spot trouble before your GPS steers you wrong.

Proudly serving the Canby, OR. area, Oliver Insurance not only provides auto insurance coverage, but we educate our customers so they can prevent accidents, injury, and misfortune. Contact us today at 503-266-2715 or use our online site for a quote for your auto insurance. You might qualify for discounts, and you’ll learn something new.

Test driving a vehicle is suppose to be a fun experience where you learn whether you could see yourself owning a particular vehicle. However, it’s necessary to understand what happens in the unfortunate event that you get into an accident during the test drive. Like most questions regarding auto insurance and personal liability, it’s hard to get a specific answer without talking to a knowledgeable person. Oliver Insurance serves the Canby, OR area and is able to provide more precise answers based on where you live and the insurance coverage you have.

Most of the time, if you’re test driving a vehicle, the dealership should have an insurance policy that protects every vehicle on its car lot. This holds true whether you’re test driving a new or used automobile. Because a test drive is usually only a short distance trip, the chance of an accident is low, and the dealership doesn’t mind using its insurance to cover any damage that may result from an accident that you’re involved in. However, if the dealership believes that the accident was your fault, then the company may try to get your insurance provider to cover the damage. For example, if a dealership sees a driver come in to test drive a high-powered sports car and notices that the driver speeds off the lot, the dealership is much more likely to try to pursue reimbursement for the damage to its vehicle in the case of an accident, especially if the accident appears to be the driver’s fault.

In conclusion, you’re most likely safe if you get into an accident while test driving a dealership’s car. However, because each situation is different, you can get more accurate answers to any questions you may have by contacting Oliver Insurance, which serves the Canby, OR area. Many situations are slightly different depending on where you live, which is why it’s important to talk with someone who has specialized knowledge about the area you live in.

When it comes to buying auto insurance, many variables should be considered. Ideally, you want enough coverage if it’s needed, but not so much that you go broke paying for it. Additionally, it is important to ensure that you meet legal requirements.  

State Requirements

Almost every state in the U.S. now requires automobile liability insurance coverage; New Hampshire is the only state that does not make it mandatory. The State of Oregon requires minimum liability coverage in the amounts of $25,000/$50,000/$20,000. This means your Canby, OR policy includes coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 per crash for property damage. Oregon law also mandates personal injury protection of $15,000 per person, and uninsured motorist’s coverage. 

What You Drive 

Aside from liability insurance, covering your vehicle in case of an accident or theft is prudent. The type of vehicle you drive should guide you to the proper coverage amounts. For instance, you don’t need as much insurance for a ten-year-old Buick as you would for a new Lexus.  Theft rates and collision repair costs are higher on newer vehicles and certain makes. You want to be sure you have adequate coverage in the event of a total loss.  Also, if your vehicle is financed or leased, GAP (loan-lease payoff) insurance is inexpensive, but a valuable add-on to your coverage.  

Resources 

Your personal resources are another consideration. If a car accident or theft would devastate your finances, carrying additional coverage, and keeping your deductibles low,  is wise. On the flip side, if you could absorb a loss of several thousand, raise your deductibles and pocket the money you save on premiums. Talk to the experts at Oliver Insurance in Canby, OR for guidance. 

There are some auto insurers out there who are allowing drivers to use telematics devices or auto trackers to possibly earn an auto insurance discount. The tracker can determine how many miles the car is driven, where the car is driven and if the driver is following safety laws, such as speed limits. If you are considering one of these devices to get a discount, here is some information you need to know.

Your Insurance Rate Can Actually Increase

One of the downsides, aside from giving up your privacy, is that your auto insurance rates can actually increase if you use one of these devices. If the insurance company sees that you frequently travel to an area with high car theft rates or accident rates or you are driving in what they view an unsafe manner, they have the right to increase your rate. So while you may be hoping for a decrease, you could actually end up with an increase.

Good Driver is an Arbitrary Term

Another downside is that good driver is an arbitrary term and only the insurance company knows exactly how they use the data to determine if you are a good driver and qualify for the discount. Some people may use the device only to find out that they don’t get any additional discount because the software doesn’t deem them a good driver.

If You Qualify, the Discounts Can be Substantial

While there are several downsides to using a tracker, there is a huge upside. If you qualify for the discount, the discount is often a substantial one. Some insurers will offer as much as 25 percent off your auto insurance rates if you use the tracker and use safe driving habits. If you are on a tight budget, this may make it a great deal for safe drivers.

If you are interested in learning more about telematics devices or are looking for alternative ways to possibly save on your auto insurance policy, contact Oliver Insurance, serving the greater Canby OR area. Stop by our office or call us to set up an appointment now.