Questions & Answers
The things people actually ask us.
Grouped by topic, answered the way we would answer them on the phone.
How fast can I actually get a quote?
Often the same day, and sometimes within the hour during business hours. Auto and renters are usually quickest; commercial lines and anything with an unusual risk take longer because we are shopping several carriers on your behalf.
What do you need from me to quote?
For auto: drivers, vehicles, and your current declarations page if you have one. For home: the address, approximate square footage, roof age, and any recent updates. The declarations page from your current policy answers most of it in one go.
Do I have to come into the office?
No. Plenty of clients handle everything by phone and email. That said, walk-ins are genuinely welcome during business hours and some things are simply faster face to face.
Does using an agency cost more than going direct?
No. You generally pay the carrier's filed rate either way, and our compensation comes from the carrier rather than a fee added to you.
Can you look at my current policy without me switching?
Yes. Send us the declarations pages and we will tell you what we see. If your current coverage is good and well priced, we will say so.
What is Oregon's minimum auto insurance requirement?
Oregon needs liability of at least 25/50/20, $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property damage, plus $15,000 Personal Injury Protection and uninsured motorist coverage matching your bodily injury limits.
Is the state minimum enough?
For most drivers, no. A serious accident on I-5 or I-84 can go past those limits quickly, and once the policy is exhausted the remainder is your personal responsibility. Stepping up to 100/300/100 usually costs far less than people expect.
Do you handle SR-22 filings?
Yes. We file SR-22s regularly and can usually get coverage in place the same day.
Does my policy cover me in a rental car?
Usually your liability follows you, and comprehensive and collision often extend to rentals if you carry them. The details vary by carrier, so check before you decline the counter coverage.
Am I covered driving for DoorDash or Uber?
Generally not under a standard personal auto policy. Delivery and rideshare work usually needs an endorsement or a commercial policy. Tell us if you are doing it, an uncovered claim here is a very expensive surprise.
Does homeowners insurance cover earthquakes in Oregon?
No. Standard Oregon homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage entirely. It needs a separate endorsement or standalone policy, and it typically carries a percentage deductible rather than a flat dollar amount.
Does my landlord's insurance cover my belongings?
No. Their policy covers the building. Your furniture, electronics, clothing, and your personal liability are only covered if you carry renters insurance.
Do roommates need separate renters policies?
Usually yes. Most policies cover the named insured and relatives, which does not include an unrelated roommate. Some carriers will add a second named insured. Ask us to check.
Should I insure my home for market value?
No. Insure it for the cost to rebuild, which can be higher or lower than market value and has nothing to do with your mortgage balance. Land does not burn down.
Is flood damage covered?
Not by a standard homeowners policy. Flood is a separate policy, and the definition of flood is narrower than most people assume, a burst pipe is usually covered, rising water usually is not.
What about wildfire and smoke damage?
Fire is a covered peril on standard policies, and smoke damage generally is too. What varies is how carriers handle homes in higher-risk areas at renewal, which is exactly where being independent helps.
Do I need workers' compensation in Oregon?
Most Oregon employers with even one employee must carry it, with narrow exemptions. Washington runs its own state-fund system with different rules. If you have staff in either state, call us before you assume you are exempt.
What does general liability actually cover?
Third-party bodily injury and property damage arising from your operations, your premises, or your completed work, plus the legal defense costs, which often matter more than the settlement.
My landlord wants a certificate of insurance. What is that?
A one-page proof of coverage naming the landlord, usually as an additional insured. We issue these routinely and can normally turn one around the same day.
Can I run a business from my home on my homeowners policy?
Generally not. Standard homeowners policies exclude most business activity, including business equipment and business liability. It usually needs an endorsement or a separate policy.
Do I need commercial auto for my work van?
If the vehicle is owned by the business, or is used primarily for business, almost certainly yes. Personal auto policies exclude a lot of commercial use.
What happens if I miss a payment?
There is normally a grace period, but it varies by carrier and line. Call us as soon as you know, a lapse in coverage raises your future rates and is much harder to undo than to prevent.
How do I add a car or a driver?
Call or email us with the VIN, or the new driver's name, date of birth and license number. Most changes can be made the same day and backdated to when you needed them.
Can I change my deductible mid-term?
Usually yes. It is one of the simplest ways to adjust your premium, and we can show you what each option does to the number before you commit.
Why did my rate go up when I didn't file a claim?
Rates are filed statewide, so increases often reflect the carrier's overall loss experience, regional repair costs, or catastrophe exposure rather than anything you did. This is precisely the moment to let us shop it.
How do I cancel a policy?
Tell us and we will handle it, but do not cancel until the replacement policy is confirmed in force. Even a one-day gap counts as a lapse.
Who will I actually talk to?
Lisa Presley or Keith Barnett, most of the time. That is the whole point of the agency.
What are your hours?
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Saturday by appointment, 10:00am to 2:00pm. Closed Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome during weekday hours.
Do you only serve Portland?
No. We are licensed across Oregon and Washington. The office is in North Portland, but a good share of our clients are elsewhere in both states.
What if I need to file a claim after hours?
Call your carrier's claims line directly, most run 24/7, then call us the next business day and we will pick it up from there.
Do you sell my information?
No. We share what is necessary with carriers to quote and service your policies, and that is it.
Next steps
Didn't find your question?
Call (503) 285-2546 or send it over. We answer them all the same way.