How Much Auto Insurance is Needed with an Outstanding Car Loan?

Insurance concepts are challenging for many consumers driving the highways and suburban roads in the Rochester, MN area. Things become even more confusing when consumers try to understand the insurance requirements for those cars bought on time.

Yet, having a full understanding of this insurance coverage issue is critical if you are to secure the right insurance protection for yourself while having an outstanding car loan.

According to the insurance experts at Safechoice Insurance Agency, it is essential to understand the definition of the loan amount before deciding on the amount of coverage you need. Remember, the loan balance can exceed the total monies borrowed, because closing costs and loan fees are often financed.

The outstanding balance of a loan is typically the bare-bone, basic minimum insurance required by the lienholder, although each lender can set their criteria. It is common, and prudent, for car owners to insure their cars for more than the loan amount – because this allows them to protect their investment in the vehicle – the down payment. 

Consider this quick example-

  • You bought a car and have a loan of $25,000.
  • Your car insurance covers your vehicle for cash value only. 

In the event of an insurance payout in the above scenario, the claim will pay the cash value, which in this example is $22,000. Who would be responsible for the shortfall of $3,000? ($25,000-$22,000=$3,000)

The short answer is – you, the insured, would responsible for the shortfall if you did have gap insurance.  Gap insurance is a type of policy that covers any shortages if the insured amount falls short of the outstanding loan balance.

The insurance professionals at Safechoice Insurance Agency serve the communities in and around Rochester, MN for all their car insurance needs, including gap coverage. Reach out to the insurance experts today!

Liability VS Comprehensive Motorcycle Coverage

If you own a motorcycle in Minnesota, you are required to carry a minimum of liability insurance. Liability insurance covers injury and damage to other people and their property should you be at fault for an accident. For Rochester, MN, liability includes:

  • $30,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage per accident

Carrying this amount of insurance keeps you legal in the state. However, with the risk associated with driving at all, let alone driving a motorcycle, you should consider a higher level of coverage.

Comprehensive motorcycle coverage includes liability coverage, but it also adds on coverage for your own bike. It is designed to cover your bike in the event of an incident that is not a collision, such as vandalism, theft, weather damage, and more. It does not cover regular wear and tear, issues due to a lack of care, or any collision-related costs. It is also not a replacement for liability insurance in any way.

Adding comprehensive onto your motorcycle policy is a way to protect your bike from many things you cannot control, but it may not be enough coverage. There are other things you should consider adding, such as:

Collision Coverage- This is coverage that can help cover medical and damage expenses that are due to a collision with another vehicle, a light pole, an animal, and more.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist- If you happen to be involved in an accident in which the party at fault does not have insurance- or does not have enough insurance- this coverage can help cover what they cannot.

Safechoice Insurance Agency wants to help you protect your motorcycle with the right combination of coverage. If you are in or around Rochester, MN, stop by Safechoice Insurance Agency or give us a call today for your free, no-obligation quote!

Top Tips for RV Spring Maintenance

Spring has finally arrived in Rochester, MN, which means it’s time to take your RV out of storage and start planning those spring and summer road trips. Even though your RV has been parked in storage all winter, you’ll most likely need to do some maintenance before hitting the road. De-winterizing your RV ensures that it will be clean, fresh and in good condition while traveling. So, before heading out on your first RV road trip, spend an afternoon giving the RV the attention it needs to ensure you have safe, comfortable trips. To get you started, Safechoice Insurance Agency suggests you do the following de-winterizing tasks.

Sanitize/ Prepare Water System

After the RV has been sitting in storage, you’ll need to de-winterize the water system, check for leaks and sanitize it. If non-toxic antifreeze was used to winterize the system, you’ll need to run fresh water through the entire system until all the antifreeze is removed. If antifreeze was added to the freshwater holding tank, the first thing you’ll need to do is to drain all remnants of the antifreeze from the tank. Add fresh water to the tank, turn the water pump on and open all the water faucets. Leave the water running until the water runs clear through the system, then turn the pump and faucets off. Remember to replace all water filter cartridges that you removed before you put the RV in winter storage.

Maintain the Generator

The generator doesn’t require continuous attention, but it does require a little basic maintenance, especially after sitting in storage all winter. After taking the RV out of storage, you’ll need to exercise the generator, especially gas generators, because they may have fuel related issues after sitting idle while in storage. Moisture may build up and cause damage to the generator, so exercising will heat up the generator windings and eliminate the moisture buildup. To exercise the generator, simply start and run it with at least a 50% load for about two hours. It’s also helpful to review the owner’s manual to get acquainted with the load ratings specific for your unit.

The last thing you’ll want is to be riding in a hot, stuffy RV, so make sure to check the air vents and windows. Open all windows and air vents to ensure they are working correctly. Be sure to clean the air conditioner filter, which is generally located in the ceiling assembly of the RV. Simply clean it with mild soap and water, rinse and let the filter air dry before replacing it in the ceiling assembly.

Residents of Rochester, MN that are ready to hit the road in their RV should contact Safechoice Insurance Agency to review and/or update their RV insurance.

Can ATV Insurance Be Bundled?

There are many types of insurance on the market today. Most items having value or pose a hazard during operation are eligible for some type of insurance coverage. Those who own all terrain vehicles, or ATVs, have certain hazards they face, which require special insurance protection.

Bundling Insurance Products

One benefit of having multiple insurance needs is the ability to bundle those products for additional savings. Most insurance providers will provide significant discounts to those who purchase multiple insurance products and create one premium to cover all of the policies. Some insurance products that can be bundled are home insurance, auto, and even ATV insurance. This option can be especially helpful for families with additional recreational vehicles or vessels. Those who own an ATV should see if they can bundle their insurance products to see additional savings.

Seek Help From An Insurance Agent

A professional, skilled insurance agent can help bundle a variety of insurance products to help provide savings and make life easier. They can instruct shoppers on which policies work best and offer bundles that create additional convenience and savings. Individuals living near Rochester, MN who want to learn more about bundling insurance products should check out Safechoice Insurance Agency. They have agents who strive to help customers get the coverage they need to protect the important things. 

Working with an insurance agent has plenty of benefits, including insight about how to bundle insurance products and prevent gaps in coverage. Call or stop by Safechoice Insurance Agency, proudly serving Rochester, MN. They can answer questions about each type of coverage and offer common sense solutions that meet each need. 

Who Needs Toy Insurance?

There are a wide variety of insurance products on the market today. Most things of value have some type of coverage available to protect owners from losses. Included in the wide variety of things covered by specialty insurance products are collectible toys. Not all toys are eligible, however, because this type of coverage is specifically designed to protect valuable collectibles and toy collections.

Special Insurance For Special Situations

As mentioned previously, not all toy collections are eligible for toy insurance. Those who have precise documentation, appraisals, and extensive collections can apply for toy insurance to protect those items from situations such as theft and fire. Anyone who has a toy collection or items that appraise for a substantial amount should consult with an insurance agent who specializes in toy insurance to find out if they are eligible for coverage. 

Turn to a Skilled Agent for Help Choosing a Policy

Those who are eligible for toy insurance should seek the assistance of a knowledgeable insurance agent who has insight into the situation and can help identify the current and future needs of the policyholder. They can help gather documentation and submit it to providers for approval to make the process easier and stress-free. Those who want more information about toy insurance should contact Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving Rochester, MN. They can help with the entire process and even assist with claims.

Toy collections can have a significant value, which is why some may need complete insurance protection. Anyone who has an extensive collection with significant value should call or stop by Safechoice Insurance Agency, proudly serving the residents of Rochester, MN. They can provide solutions for all of life’s needs.  

Don’t Rely on Your Employer for Life Insurance

Employer-provided life insurance is a great perk, but it’s often insufficient to meet all of your needs. The team at Safechoice Insurance Agency is here to help you review all of your life insurance needs and determine if a supplemental policy makes sense for you and your family. If you are in the greater Rochester, MN area, we are here to answer all of your life insurance questions and address any concerns that you may have!

It Makes Sense to Have Your Own Life Insurance Policy

A company-provided life insurance policy is usually tied to your salary. These policies are typically term policies that payout upon your death. In most cases, you will not realize any cash benefit from the policy. This type of coverage is beneficial because it can cover your final expenses, but it may not be sufficient to take care of all of your family’s financial needs. 

If you leave your employer for another job, you can usually take your policy with you. You will have a lot less input on the type of policy and the level of coverage when your employer chooses a policy for you. Don’t be stuck with a policy that doesn’t truly meet your needs. Take a look today at complementary policies that can help fill any insurance gaps that there are with your work-provided policy. Life insurance is a great perk, but you may require additional coverage from your own policy.

Want to find out more about the many benefits of life insurance? The team of professional agents at Safechoice Insurance Agency is here to help you determine what mix of life insurance is right for your needs. If you are in the greater Rochester, MN area, call or stop by today!

3 Ways to Secure Your Business When Closed

For business owners in or around the Rochester, MN area, securing their business outside of working hours is very important. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we have three tips for you to consider regarding your business and keeping it secure after hours. 

Install Motion Lights

With most businesses being located in public areas, keeping it bright with motion lights or night outside lights overnight can protect your business. Having a well-lit area prevents thieves and vandals from hiding in the area and causing damage to the property. Installing motion lights will draw attention to your property if they suddenly turn on while law enforcement is patrolling the area. 

Bring Everything In

Before closing time, it is best to bring in any products or tools that were being used outside while the business was open. Leaving these items out overnight draws unwanted attention to your business and could cost you. Not only can it be stolen, but these thieves now have an idea of your products and have taken an interest in your business after hours. 

Upgrade Your Security System

Alarm systems today offer more than just a sound and alert the police. Today, you can install a system that can take a picture of the thief and store it on an external hard drive, making it much easier to catch them and locate missing equipment. Take advantage of a security system that protects you both at work and after hours, getting the proof you need and alerting the authorities. 

Combines These Securities with Commercial Insurance

At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we offer our Rochester, MN business owners another way to secure their business when it is closed, and that is with commercial insurance. Contact one of our agents today for more information and get the policy that fits your needs. 

Three things you need to know as a first-time home insurance buyer

Home insurance is an essential product for anyone who owns a home. You need to protect the investment you make in your property, and your lender will require home insurance if your home purchase was financed.

At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we want to make sure first-time home buyers out there in Rochester, MN know the following three things before purchasing a home insurance policy. 

Insurance providers frequently offer a discount for bundling.

Anything you can do to bring down the costs of your insurance will significantly help you down the road. One discount that’s commonly offered by many insurance providers is a bundling discount. 

Bundling discounts mean you pay less if you have numerous types of insurance through the same provider. This means if you get your auto and home insurance from the same company, you may enjoy lower premiums. 

Having a home inspection can help you learn of ways to bring down insurance costs.

Home insurance providers typically inspect a home as part of determining how much they will charge for coverage. During this inspection, they may mention repairs you can make to bring down your insurance premiums. 

To learn more about purchasing home insurance for the first time in Rochester, MN, contact us at Safechoice Insurance Agency with your inquiries. 

Is basic auto insurance right for me?

In Minnesota, the No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act requires everyone who is on the roads in the state to have basic auto insurance. This includes personal injury protection, liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage. This protects you and anyone else in your vehicle as well as protecting the people and vehicles that you are involved in an accident with. But in an accident where you are at fault, it does not cover your vehicle. At Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN our agents can help you understand if this is the coverage you need or if you need additional coverage. 

While the law requires you have these basic coverage, you have the option of adding additional coverage that can offer more protection. If you have assets you may want to have more liability insurance than just the basic amount. If you have a vehicle that has a reasonable amount of cash value you may also want to provide insurance that can help repair or replace it in the event that it is damaged. 

Collision is additional coverage that provides the money that you need to have your vehicle repaired or replaced in the event of an accident. It usually has a deductible that you determine. If you would not be able to pay for the repair or replacement of your vehicle on your own or it would be a hardship, this can be very important coverage. 

Comprehensive insurance covers damage that results from something other than an accident with another vehicle. It can be weather-related damage such as hail or high winds or it can be vandalism. If your car is stolen, comprehensive insurance is what covers its loss. 

Basic auto insurance may be right for you but if you aren’t sure Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN has the knowledgeable staff to help you to make the right decision. Give us a call or stop by our office for a no-obligation quote. 

 

 

How RV Insurance Can Protect You

Driving around the country and seeing all the landmarks, scenery, and everything else that it has to offer can be a great vacation option. Unfortunately, many people will find that sitting in a small car is uncomfortable and the costs of hotels add up quickly. For those that are in the Rochester, MN area, one good idea to consider would be to get an RV as it gives you a large and comfortable mode of transportation and a place to sleep and relax at night. If you are going to get an RV, you should also get RV insurance as it can protect you in several different ways. 

Insurance Will Protect Your RV

One benefit of getting RV insurance is that it will help to protect your RV. When you buy an RV, you are going to make a major purchase that needs to be properly protected. An RV insurance policy will give you coverage against many situations that could cause a loss including theft, vandalism, and accident damage. 

RV Insurance Will Give you Liability Protection

Another benefit of RV insurance is that it will give you liability protection. If you are going to be driving an RV, you are always taking on a small chance that you will be found at fault in an accident. When you have RV insurance, you will receive coverage for these situations. This will also help you to comply with state law, which requires that RV drivers have liability coverage at all times.

Overall, RV insurance is a great option for anyone in the Rochester, MN area with an RV. When looking for these policies, you should consider working with Safechoice Insurance Agency. The team at Safechoice Insurance Agency can provide you with the support you need to understand your options and to help you get into a great RV insurance policy.