Knowing What Home Insurance is Right for First-Time Home Buyers

Posted on July 30, 2021August 8, 2021 by admin

Home insurance is a crucial coverage option for all homeowners, but many first-time buyers may be confused about their options. That’s why we at Choice One Insurance Inc. strive to provide Portland, OR, with a better understanding of these options and how they impact their home coverage.

What You Must Know About Home Insurance

Buying home insurance for the first time is a lot like buying a car insurance policy when you first learn how to drive. You will not know much about the different policies, what they cover, and how companies set them up for you. Typically, there are a few additional steps that you need to take before you buy a policy. Here are a few that we suggest to all of our clients:

Start looking for policies at least a week to a month before you close
Hire an insurance appraiser to examine the quality of the home
Find a policy that helps cover your home to the fullest level
Pay attention to exclusions and try to minimize their impact
Talk to your agent about the potential deductibles and coverage options

When you work with some insurers, you may find that they offer a "first-time buyer" discount. This type of savings is designed for people who have never paid insurance before and may be uncomfortable with its demands. Make sure that you also talk to your agent about what types of factors and issues are covered in your policy – usually, it focuses specifically on things that you do not cause.

Buy a Policy for Your Home

At Choice One Insurance Inc., we can help people in the Portland, OR area find the home insurance policy they need. Our professionals will seek out a policy that makes the most sense for your, balance your policy’s coverage and exclusions, and help to protect you from dangerous loss.

What You Need To Know About Occupational Accident Insurance

Posted on June 30, 2021June 30, 2021 by admin

Employers have a special responsibility to their employees and to independent contractors which work with them. If these individuals are injured in the course of providing services for the employer, they are entitled to certain benefits. Occupational accident insurance is one way employers can provide these benefits. At Choice One Insurance Inc, serving Portland, OR, we can help you navigate these insurance topics.

What Is Occupational Accident Insurance?

Occupational accident insurance is a type of insurance policy that an employer can put in place to provide benefits to their employees and independent contractors. If an employer uses independent contractors, those workers may not be covered under traditional worker’s compensation insurance. However, accidents and injuries still happen. Occupational accident insurance will kick in and provide benefits for those independent contractors.

Why Should I Get Occupational Accident Insurance?

If an independent contractor is injured while using your equipment or while providing services for you, you could be held liable for the expenses resulting from this incident. These expenses could include, but are not limited to, medical expenses and legal expenses.

What Does Occupational Accident Insurance Cover?

You can customize your policy to suit your particular needs, but in general, a policy will provide the following benefits:

Accidental death benefits for families
Survivors benefits
Dismemberment
Medical expenses
Temporary disability
Permanent disability
Others

To understand all of the types of benefits available, you will need to talk with a knowledgeable insurance representative.

If you would like to learn more about our insurance products and services, please contact us at Choice One Insurance Inc, serving Portland, OR. We will be happy to answer your questions.

Oregon Renters Insurance Guide: When A Tenant in Your Building Damages Your Property

Posted on May 28, 2021May 28, 2021 by admin

If you have neighbors that annoy you, you might live in an apartment building. But annoying you and destroying your property are two very different things.

At Choice One Insurance Inc. in Portland, OR, we know apartment living can have its challenges. Here’s what you need to know when a tenant in your building damages something.

Oregon Renters Insurance Basics

Oregon’s renters’ insurance covers personal property and liability. Sometimes you might get additional expenses covered, such as a hotel room, if damages leave your apartment uninhabitable.

Property insurance will cover your furniture, clothing, and electronics. Each renters’ insurance policy will have its own limits and caps on how much it provides.

Liability works like any liability coverage. It covers you if you accidentally damage something on someone else’s property. It also covers you if they have medical bills after an accident on your property.

When a neighbor wrecks your stuff, you can file a claim for property damage.

To Do: Before the Damage

If that hasn’t happened yet, take an inventory of your belongings. Do a video of each room, and be sure to capture every major piece of furniture and technology.

Get renters insurance if you don’t have it already.

To Do: After the Damage

After the problem has already happened, notify your landlord immediately. Take photos of every possible inch and angle of the problem. Clean up the mess and remove any items that might sustain further damage if it’s a problem like a flood.

Call your insurance company to start the claim. They will ask you for a list of items that were damaged and what their value is. See if you can find receipts or banking statements to corroborate what you claim is their value.

In the end, you may have a deductible to pay ahead, but you may not. Your insurance company can help if you have that policy before the problem happens. You can use the funds to replace the damaged items.

Get a Free Quote

You can’t choose your neighbor, but you can choose your insurance company. Contact Choice One Insurance in Portland, OR today to get a free quote on renters’ insurance.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Posted on April 28, 2021April 28, 2021 by admin

When you already have a homeowners’ policy and an auto insurance policy, there is a way to increase your liability coverage for both. An umbrella insurance policy can help you to do this. If you are interested in an umbrella policy, contact us at Choice One Insurance Inc. in Portland, OR to talk with an agent about the policy you need.

Homeowners’ Insurance

A typical home insurance policy has several parts that each cover different things. One of these parts is a liability for accidents and other incidents that happen to a third party while on your property. This may be inside the home or on the grounds. The coverage for this liability is often quite low, and it may not be enough to pay for the medical bills that come due after an accident. That’s where umbrella insurance comes in. After the home insurance policy has paid out to its maximum, the umbrella insurance policy kicks in. It then pays the overage up to its own maximum, and the maximum of umbrella insurance is much higher than with home insurance.

Auto Insurance

When you have auto insurance, it comes with little liability insurance, just as your home insurance does. But like home insurance, this policy often has very little liability coverage. An umbrella policy also supplements this coverage. It just takes one umbrella policy to supplement the liability coverage of both your auto and home insurance policies.

Talk to an Agent

If you are interested in an umbrella insurance policy to add to your liability coverage for both your home and vehicle, call us at Choice One Insurance Inc. in Portland, OR to talk with an agent.

Is RV Insurance Required in Oregon?

Posted on March 31, 2021March 31, 2021 by admin

When you travel with your family in your RV, you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery with peace of mind. One way you can achieve this is by getting the right coverage for your RV. But before getting far, let’s answer a question frequently asked by RV owners: is RV insurance required by the Oregon state?

Just like your vehicle, it’s mandatory to insure your RV. And like many other states, Oregon has minimum liability coverage limits, which you are required to adhere to. These are:

Bodily injury liability: Covers third-party injury. Pays for medical costs and lawsuit damages if you are at fault in a vehicular accident. The state’s minimum required coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 for multiple persons per accident.
Property liability insurance: Covers third-party loss, such as damage to another person’s car or property. The minimum requirement is $20,000 per accident.

What else should I have?

While the above is what is required by the state, your RV faces other perils beyond liability. That said, when you partner with Choice One Insurance Inc., located in Portland, OR, we will walk you through the following additional RV insurance options:

Underinsured/ uninsured motorist coverage: This optional coverage kicks in when you get involved in a vehicular accident with a motorist with no or inadequate coverage. It covers property damage or bodily injury caused to you.
Comprehensive coverage: Protects your RV from risks like fire, theft, vandalism, and other perils stated in your policy.
Collision coverage: This insurance pays for damages or replacement of your RV following an accident.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses, loss of income, and funeral expenses regardless of who is at fault.
Roadside assistance: Because RVs require distinctive towing and roadside repair support, this coverage may save the day when you are in a tricky situation.
Full-timer liability insurance: If you reside in your RV all year round, this coverage is a must-have because it gives you the same protection as homeowners insurance.

We know it isn’t easy getting a dependable agent to take care of your RV insurance needs. But for Oregon RV owners, you can be at ease. Let Choice One Insurance Inc., situated in Portland, OR, be your one-stop-shop for all your RV insurance solutions.

Why does someone need auto insurance in Portland?

Posted on February 28, 2021February 28, 2021 by admin

If you are a resident of the Portland, OR area, you will always have access to many fun and exciting activities. To ensure that you can enjoy all of this recreation as much as possible, having a car is very important. Those who purchase a car in this area of the state will want to ensure they continue to be properly covered. There are several reasons that you will need to have auto insurance here.

Insurance Protects Vehicle

Auto insurance can protect your vehicle. Your car is a significant asset that you will want to use for years to come. A way that you can help ensure this happens is by getting insurance. With a full collision and comprehensive plan, you can get the coverage to help offset many different risks. This can handle the costs of repairs or replacement of parts in a covered incident.

Auto Insurance is Required

Auto insurance will be a requirement for you in the state of Oregon. State law requires all drivers to get liability insurance. If you do not maintain this protection and are caught without it, you likely will be given a fine and could face other penalties as well.

If you are going to buy a car in the Portland, OR area, you will want to ensure you stay properly covered with insurance at all times. Those looking for auto insurance in Oregon should call the Choice One Insurance Inc. team. When you call Choice One Insurance Inc., you can get the support needed to understand your insurance options and answer your questions.

Commercial Insurance Myths Pacific Northwest Business Owners Must Avoid While Researching Policies

Posted on January 22, 2021January 22, 2021 by admin

Choice One Insurance Inc. serves the Portland, OR community, and the surrounding areas by offering residents multiple types of insurance coverage. We are committed to helping our clients find the insurance policies that will allow them to protect their assets.

Commercial Insurance Myths

Small business owners help stimulate the Portland, OR economy. As a small business owner, you must protect your investment. Commercial insurance covers you so that your business will continue operating smoothly. The policy covers your business in the event of a potential liability dispute regarding your employees or customers. You’ll also be protected if your equipment is stolen or vandalized. Commercial insurance will help minimize some of the risks involved with operating a business. While you are researching different policies, avoid some of these common commercial insurance myths.

I Don’t Need Coverage For My Vehicle.

Many businesses make the mistake of believing that they do not need to cover the vehicles that they use for business-related purposes because they have coverage through a traditional auto policy. A traditional auto insurance policy will not cover any vehicles that are used for your business. Commercial insurance is the only way to secure your business vehicles fully.

I Have A Small Business, So Workers Compensation Isn’t Necessary.

Even if you have a small business with only a few employees, workers’ compensation is an asset. The policy protects your business and your employees if they are injured on the job. Having workers’ compensation also helps you attract talented employees and establishes your business as credible throughout the industry.

My Umbrella Policy Covers Everything

This is incorrect. Your umbrella policy acts as a safety net, but you will still need commercial insurance to secure your business completely.

Choice One Insurance, Inc. Will Help You Protect Your Business

Contact our office today to learn more information about commercial insurance.

How to Improve Your Home Insurance in Oregon

Posted on December 31, 2020December 31, 2020 by admin

Your home insurance in Oregon has a lot to do with how much you get from your property investment. If you’re interested in learning more about how to improve your policy, Choice One Insurance Inc. in Portland, OR has a few tips for you. Learn more about steps you can take to bring the terms of your contract up to par.

Talk to Someone Who Knows

It’s one thing to do your research and comb through the legalese on the contract. However, it’s another to talk to someone about the different scenarios that could occur. For example, are you located in an area that is more prone to flooding? If so, what will happen should you need to file for water damage or a mold infestation? Your policy might contain a rider for floods, or it might exclude this event from it. Improving your coverage means taking into account the different things that could happen and then planning for them accordingly.

Take Stock of Your Possessions

Did you buy a new TV this year? Have you been steadily making improvements to the bathroom or kitchen? Because our homes are gradually improved over time, it doesn’t always occur to people to call their home insurance company to tell them about these changes. However, it’s important to keep your limits up-to-date. Otherwise, you might only be reimbursed for a portion of what you actually spent.

Choice One Insurance Inc. knows that the people of Portland, OR value their properties immensely, which is why we have several coverage options to fit nearly any policy configuration you’re looking for. If you need advice or assistance in improving your home insurance policy, contact us today to learn more about our services and talk to our staff.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Choice One Insurance, Inc

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