Owning a home comes with its own set of responsibilities and protections. But what about those who choose to rent? One crucial, yet often overlooked, safeguard is renters insurance. With break-ins occurring more frequently than one might think, having insurance can be a financial lifesaver. In this blog post, we’ll explore how this essential coverage can protect you in the unfortunate event of a break-in.

Covers the Cost of Lost Items

Picture this: you come home from a weekend away to find your apartment has been ransacked. Electronics, jewelry, and personal items are all missing. While the emotional toll can be overwhelming, the financial hit can be devastating. This is where insurance steps in. It helps cover the cost of your stolen items, ensuring that you can replace your belongings without draining your savings. In the unfortunate event of a break-in, renters insurance can turn a potentially ruinous situation into a manageable one.

Provides Liability Protection

Moreover, insurance provides more than just coverage for your personal belongings. It also often includes liability protection. If during the break-in, the intruder causes damage to the property or injures someone, you could be held responsible. However, insurance can cover these incidental costs, giving you peace of mind. Given that 55% of U.S. renters have renter’s insurance policies, according to The Zebra, it’s clear that many see the value in this type of coverage.

Offers Living Expenses Coverage

Not only does insurance cover your valuables and offer liability protection, but it also provides additional living expenses coverage. If your rental home is uninhabitable due to the damage caused by the break-in, where will you live? Renters insurance typically covers the cost of temporary accommodations, making it easier for you to find a place to stay while repairs are being made. This can be a crucial benefit, allowing you to focus on getting your life back to normal.

Insurance is an indispensable tool for anyone who rents their home. From covering the cost of stolen items and protecting you from liability to providing funds for temporary accommodation, this insurance guards against a wide variety of potential pitfalls. With more than half of U.S. renters carrying a policy, the benefits are well-recognized. Don’t wait for disaster to strike; ensure you have renters insurance to protect yourself and your belongings by reaching out to AOA West Insurance today.

Every state requires motorists to carry at least a state-mandated minimum amount of liability insurance to pay for injuries or property damage that others might suffer. Most property and casualty insurance agencies help auto owners insure their vehicles to protect them and others against financial liability due to accidents. According to Forbes, about 14% of motorists drive uninsured vehicles. The percentage is even higher in many states and urban areas. Here are the financial consequences of not having car insurance.

Fines and Potential Criminal Charges

If you’re caught driving an uninsured vehicle, you’ll likely see your vehicle get impounded and towed to a holding yard. You also will be fined hundreds of dollars or more and possibly charged with a misdemeanor. You likely will need to obtain at least state-mandated liability insurance for personal injuries and property damage from one of your local insurance agencies before going to get your vehicle out of the impoundment lot. You also might lose your driving privileges or have them restricted.

Legal Liability for Injuries and Damage

If you cause an accident while driving, the lack of liability insurance would make you liable for all costs and harm that you might cause others. Any vehicular or other property damage you might cause in an accident would come out of your pocket. You also would be responsible for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other harm to those you might have injured if you are at fault for causing an accident. The harms might include lost wages and other costs, which could force you into bankruptcy that you could have avoided by getting insured with the help of local insurance agencies.

Loss of Compensation Rights When Not at Fault

Many states require you to have legally mandated levels of liability insurance to qualify for reciprocal coverage if someone else causes an accident that damages your vehicle or causes you injuries. It’s called “pay to play” and holds you accountable if you don’t have liability insurance or other mandated insurance protection as required by your state. The idea is to ensure everyone has mandated levels of insurance, which helps insurers afford to pay legitimate claims while charging lower rates for auto insurance.

You can call, submit an online request, or visit our insurance agency when you need insurance for your auto, motorcycle, or other road-going vehicle. We are an independent and family-owned insurance agency. We’ve helped insure Oregon drivers since 1979. Reach out to AOA West Insurance.

Owning a collectible classic car can be a rewarding hobby and a solid investment if you buy the right vehicle. A classic car insurance agent is often asked which vintage cars offer the best return. Here are some of the greatest classic car investments you should consider.

The Most Coveted 1960s Ferrari

When it comes to valuables that steadily gain worth, it’s hard to beat a 1960s-era Ferrari 250 GT, widely considered one of the most investable vintage cars. According to My Art Broker, Ferrari produced only 350 of these luxurious grand touring roadsters between 1959 and 1963. Their sleek styling, race-bred V12 engine, and scarcity make them ultra-desirable acquisitions. Well-maintained Ferrari 250 GTs routinely auction for over $2 million today – a massive increase over their original $14,000 sticker price.

1970s Era Muscle Cars

If a quarter-million dollar Ferrari is out of your price range, certain 1970s American muscle cars have proven to be strong classic car investments. Prime examples include the 1970 Chevelle SS, 1969 Pontiac Firebird, 1970 Dodge Challenger, and 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda. These high-performance coupes combine vintage styling with power and speed. As an in-demand slice of automotive history, they’ve steadily gained value over decades. Finding one in good shape takes effort but offers serious ROI potential.

Quirky VW Buses

For a more practical and affordable option, you can’t go wrong with an iconic Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus from the 1950s through the 70s. With their quirky retro look and rich hippie-era associations, VW buses are perennial favorites among collectors and investors. A classic car insurance agent states that split-window and bay-window models appreciate significantly, sometimes selling for 10 times their original price. Make sure to find one that is in good working order.

No matter what type of classic you buy, Ferrari, muscle car, or VW bus – be sure to get proper insurance coverage. The right policy will protect your cherished investment from damage and liability claims. With any collector vehicle, always keep it garaged in controlled conditions, and limit mileage to preserve value. With care and prudent driving, your classic car purchase should provide lasting enjoyment and financial returns for years to come. If you need a classic cat insurance agent, look no further than AOA West.

High-quality classic car insurance can protect your amazing vehicle investment, but what exactly does this coverage entail and how can it help you? Let’s take an in-depth look into this coverage to discover what benefits it provides. Whether you currently own a varied car collection or you’re interested in making your first vintage auto purchase, it’s essential that you know these important facts.

Car Value Can Increase

When you insure your classic car, you’re making sure it’s safe from various types of damage, but what happens as your vehicle ages? Vintage or classic cars are simply not valued like normal vehicles are. According to Top Speed, a vintage car value saw a 25% appreciation in the last year. Your insurance must be scaled appropriately and you must prioritize adding more protection as you need it.

Classic Cars Vary

Everybody has a different definition of what qualifies as a classic car. According to the Classic Car Club of America, a classic car is anything manufactured between 1915 and 1948, but this can vary dramatically. In regards to insurance coverage, this concept has a clear definition. According to Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, a classic car is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old.

Covered Vehicles

When buying classic car insurance, it’s critical to know more about what exactly gets covered. By that, we mean vehicles like antiques, classic military cars, tractors, exotic vehicles, kit cars, muscle vehicles, and more. Pay attention to your car’s listing and speak with your insurance agent, if necessary. Picking a policy that suits your situation is vital.

Coverage Types for Your Cars

Classic car policies can cover liability problems (vehicle damage or collision injuries), collision policies, and uninsured coverage (when someone without insurance damages your car). It’s essential to get all these policies. They protect you and your investment from severe issues.

Buying classic car insurance can protect your investment and minimize problems that may arise with this valuable auto asset. You deserve that kind of support, as does your car. Please don’t hesitate to contact AOA West Insurance to get started! Our team will provide high-quality support that makes sense for your needs and provide you with a policy that fits your budget.

Homeowners insurance helps to protect the investment that you made in your property. A home is one of the largest purchases that people make. Also, it’s often one of the largest assets that they own, so it’s important to protect it and its assets in unexpected circumstances. Unfortunately, many people assume their policy will provide them with all of the coverage they need, but this isn’t always the case. Here are some essential coverage options to consider for your home.

Personal Property Extensions

Most policies have limits concerning the value of items that can be covered or the total cost of your items combined. If you have pricey belongings, such as artwork, jewelry, and expensive electronics, you may need personal property extensions to cover the value of your more costly possessions. Be sure to verify what percentage of the policy protects personal belongings in the event of a theft or fire. Your plan may offer the option of decreasing or increasing the dollar limit of goods protected.

Replacement Cost Over Market Value

Homeowners insurance will typically pay you market value for any items of yours that are covered by an event, such as a fire or burglary. According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 98% of all home insurance claims filed were in response to theft. Market value is not always the same as replacement cost, or how much you would have to pay today to replace the item. In most cases, the market value is lower. As such, you may want to consider opting for a policy that offers replacement funds.

Flood or Earthquake Insurance Riders

Lastly, not every natural disaster is covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy. You may need a policy that has riders or standalone policies for natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. If you don’t add these riders or stand-alone policies, your home won’t be covered if one of these events happens.

Having the right coverage is essential for your homeowners’ insurance plan. Our team of competent and trustworthy agents is here to help you understand the choices that are available to you when it comes to insurance and to help you find a great policy that covers what you need. Call AOAWest now for expert assistance with finding a homeowners insurance policy compatible with your needs.

If you own a home, chances are that you have it covered by an insurance plan. According to Insurance Business America, 93% of homeowners carry home insurance. While most people know that this kind of coverage protects things like a house fire or a break-in, there are many other things that may be covered by this type of policy that you may be unaware of. Here are three things you didn’t know quality home insurance covers.

1. Identity Theft

One aspect that many homeowners insurance policies are starting to cover is identity theft. If your policy does not include it from the get-go, they like to offer an add-on option to ensure you are covered in case anyone steals your identity and racks up debt in your name. This can help to offset the costs associated with clearing your good name when someone steals your social security number.

2. Lawsuits

Several homeowners are unaware of the fact that their policy might cover lawsuits. If someone is bitten by your dog, if someone slips and falls on your property, or if a roofer falls off of your roof, they may attempt to sue you for their injuries. Your home insurance plan will pay legal costs associated with the lawsuit and pay for any medical expenses or awards the other party is granted, as long as you were not doing anything illegal that caused injuries to someone.

3. Hotel Expenses After a Covered Event

The final thing that you may not realize that home insurance covers is hotel expenses after a covered event. For example, if your home catches on fire and is unlivable, your coverage plan will cover the costs of hotel expenses until your home is repaired or you can find suitable accommodations if the repairs are expected to be lengthy.

A comprehensive plan helps to protect the many investments you have made in your property, as well as the assets that belong to it. Having a great, personalized policy is important for fully protecting your space, yourself, and the loved ones you live with. If you are looking to purchase a new home insurance policy, we would love to help you find the right coverage. Reach out to AOAWest today to get started!

Home insurance is designed to protect your home and the items that you store in your home, such as furniture and electronics. If certain events happen, insurance for homes comes in handy, as you can file a home insurance claim. That claim will help you get money to repair the damage done to your home by covered events or replace any items stored in the home that may have been damaged based on the value of those items. Here are three common types of claims filed by homeowners you should be aware of.

1. Wind and Hail Damage

One of the most common instances in which homeowners file home insurance claims is when their home is damaged by either wind or hail. Both of these weather conditions can be extremely damaging to your home or property. Strong wind gusts and large pieces of hail can damage your roofing, siding, or fencing. Therefore, if a large storm has rolled through your area, have your property assessed for storm damage so you can efficiently report it to your home insurance company.

2. Theft Cases

Another common reason why homeowners file a homeowners insurance claim is for theft cases. If someone breaks into your home and steals your property, your home insurance company will cover the losses. It is estimated that 49% of homeowners have an inventory of their personal belongings, according to Policygenius. If you have not yet compiled an inventory for your own home, you should. When it comes to proper insurance for homes, having this inventory is crucial in the event you have to file a claim due to theft or burglary.

3. Plumbing Issues

The final common reason why homeowners file claims with their home insurance company is due to plumbing issues. If you have a pipe that froze, cracked, and leaked or you have a toilet that flooded your bathroom, you may be able to file a homeowners insurance claim. This can help cover the necessary clean-up, mold remediation, and plumbing repair costs.

If you have a mortgage or loan out on your home, you are required to carry homeowners insurance. Even if you don’t have a loan out on your home, purchasing insurance for your home is still extremely important, as your home is one of the largest assets you likely own. If you are looking to purchase a new home insurance policy, our team would love to answer any questions you have or help you to find the policy that is ideal for you. Contact AOA West today!

Even for seasoned drivers, car insurance may be confusing. You may simply sign up for whichever insurance your agent or financial institution suggests to avoid the headache. Here are a few things you should know when you choose new car insurance.

Liability Has Limits

Some people only carry auto liability insurance because that’s the only type mandated by state laws. However, you have options when it comes to the amount of liability coverage, and if you only opt for the minimum liability coverage, it may not be enough to cover the other person’s vehicle, property, or medical bills after a serious crash.

For example, 25/50 liability coverage is common. This covers $25,000 in damages for each person involved, for a total of $50,000. If a crash involves multiple other people or vehicles, that liability insurance won’t go very far. Fortunately, you can typically upgrade your liability insurance.

Of course, liability doesn’t cover the driver’s own damages and medical costs, which may be why the National Highway Safety Administration estimates upwards of 10 million auto collisions go unreported every year. This is why getting the right classic car insurance is important for those who value their investments.

Finance and Lease Companies Offer It

Although drivers may only be required to hold liability insurance, they may have to add comprehensive and collision insurance to obtain a loan or enter into a lease for a vehicle. These additional types of insurance pay for injuries to yourself or your passengers and damage to your vehicle in the event of a collision during the rental.

A Higher Deductible May Be Worth It

Finding the right passenger car insurance plan for you is a balance between cost and protection. One way to strike that balance is by considering your monthly premiums and your deductible when you file an insurance claim. If you have a good driving record, you might be comfortable paying a higher deductible because you may never have to file a claim.

You May Want Gap Coverage

When buying a new car, you may have the option for gap coverage. This type of insurance covers the difference between what insurance will cover if you total a car and how much you owe on your loan. For some drivers, gap coverage is worth it because a car’s value drops as soon as you drive it off the lot. And although you can’t get gap coverage for a vintage car, classic car insurance can ensure you receive the full value when filing a claim.

With this information, you should feel ready to choose insurance. When you need a motorcycle or classic car insurance, give us a call at AOAWest today. We’ll be happy to help you find the right plan for your vehicle!

Being a homeowner is a wonderful thing; it frees a person from having to worry about rent, and you can proudly bask in the achievement. That said, many homeowners don’t consider getting home insurance. Homeowners insurance is a type of insurance coverage homeowners should consider, as it covers damage and losses to one’s home. Below are five benefits that come with adopting a homeowners insurance package.

1. Protects the Main Structure

A homeowners insurance policy’s primary purpose is to safeguard your principal residence, which is the section of your home that you live in. For example, you would suffer a significant financial loss if you do not have homeowners insurance and suffer a house fire or a natural disaster such as a hurricane. It is preferable to insure your home for up to 100% of its value. Nevertheless, insurance coverage of up to 80-90% is commonplace. Most of these plans cover catastrophic damage, minor damage, and entire replacement expenses.

2. Covers Your Gadgets

Many homeowners do not keep an inventory of their possessions. In fact, according to Policy Genius, only 49% of homeowners keep a house inventory of their belongings! When insurance for homes is purchased, you should list all appliances, gadgets, and other personal items the policy covers. If a covered event, such as a hurricane or tornado, damages some of your property, you may be compensated in part or in full depending on the specifics of your policy. This is a significant benefit of this type of insurance that many homeowners ignore.

3. Provides Coverage Inexpensively

Some individuals may view home insurance as unnecessary, but it provides significant relief if an unexpected tragedy occurs. The benefits of the coverage much surpass the investment you make. You can always opt for more basic coverage, too.

4. Protects from Lawsuits

Insurance for homes provides coverage for property-related claims depending on your coverage. Your home insurance will protect you if you mistakenly damage another person’s property, such as in a fire or with mechanical damage. It also covers the medical costs of a visitor who is hurt on your property.

5. Provides Peace of Mind

A homeowners policy gives significant relief. You don’t have to constantly worry about facing the costs of damage to your property. Home insurance coverage may be advantageous whether you own a big house or a little one. After you’ve selected your policy and paid the premium, you can relax knowing that your home’s security is no longer your major responsibility.

Insurance for homes is beneficial for the reasons examined above. If you’re a homeowner who has yet to insure your home, consider doing it immediately. Do you want to insure your home from future risk? Contact AOAWest today!

Car insurance is one of the most important investments you can make for yourself and your family. According to Statista, in 2018, over 34 thousand people died, 1.8 million people were injured, and five million vehicles were involved in property damage accidents. Below are some of the reasons why you shouldn’t skimp on car insurance.

1. Protection in Case of an Accident

Insurance agencies play an important role in providing protection in case of an accident. They act as a buffer between you and the other party involved in the accident and can help to cover the costs of damages and injuries. While it is possible to get by without insurance, it is not advisable. If you are involved in an accident, repairs and medical treatment costs can quickly add up, and you may find yourself unable to pay them. Insurance can help to reduce the financial burden in such a situation, and it is, therefore, essential to make sure that you have adequate coverage. Skimping on insurance may seem like a good way to save money, but it could end up costing you more in the long run.

2. It Is Required by Law

In most states, it is mandatory to have some form of car insurance. If you are caught driving without insurance, you could be fined or even lose your license. Not having insurance can also make it difficult to get insurance in the future. Insurance companies view drivers who have been caught driving without insurance as high-risk customers and, as a result, will charge them higher premiums. It is, therefore, important to make sure that you are properly insured before you get behind the wheel.

3. It Offers Peace of Mind

Knowing that you are properly insured can give you peace of mind in case of an accident. With the right level of coverage, you will know that you are protected financially in the event of an accident. This can help to reduce your stress in such a situation and allow you to focus on getting better instead. Whether you already have adequate insurance or need to get additional coverage, be sure that you take the time to compare different policies and choose the one that offers the best value for your money.

Looking for car insurance can seem like a daunting task, especially with so many options available. However, with some research and careful consideration, it is possible to find the right policy for your needs at an affordable price. Do your research today and invest in quality car insurance for peace of mind on the road. For more information on car insurance, contact our insurance agencies today.