Do I Need Auto Insurance For My Second-hand Car?

You know, car insurance is mandatory in Minnesota. But is this a requirement for a second-hand car? Whether you drive a new or second-hand car, the law requires you to maintain car insurance to operate your vehicle legally. However, car insurance policies may not make sense for your second-hand vehicle. Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, explains what you need to know about car insurance for used vehicles.

Why do I need car insurance for my used car?

You can buy a used car, but you will not operate it legally without car insurance. Although car insurance is mandatory, that’s not the only motivation to buy car insurance. Here are the reasons you should purchase auto insurance for your used vehicle.

  • To protect you from liability claims: Whether you are using a new or used car, you can cause accidents, leading to bodily injury and property damage. Since these liability costs can be expensive, you need insurance coverage to protect you.
  • Physical damage coverage: If you can cover the repair and replacement cost of your used car, you don’t need collision and comprehensive coverage. However, if your used car still holds good value, car insurance protects it from physical damage.
  • Medical costs coverage: Auto accidents don’t result in car damage only — you and your passengers can suffer injuries. Car insurance pays for your medical costs for your auto injuries.

You don’t need an entirely new policy for your used car. If you have an existing car insurance policy, you need to update it to your current vehicle. Depending on the value of your car, you may need to add premiums.

Purchasing car insurance today

Are you renewing or shopping for car insurance in Rochester, MN? You are in the right place. Please talk to Safechoice Insurance Agency for all your car insurance solutions.

Things You Need To Know Before Taking Your RV on a Road Trip

Road tripping in an RV is a great way to explore the country and spend time with family or friends. However, there are a few things you need to know. From ensuring you have the right insurance to stocking up on supplies, there’s a lot to think about before hitting the open road. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This blog post will give you all the information you need to ensure your RV road trip is successful.

1. Service Your RV Before You Go

Before you embark on your RV trip, getting your vehicle serviced is important. This will help ensure that everything is in working order and that there are no surprises along the way. Get a full check-up, including an oil change and tire rotation. You should also ensure that your fluids are topped off and that your battery is in good condition.

2. Get the Right Insurance

Make sure you have the right insurance for your RV. You should have both liability and comprehensive coverage. Liability insurance will protect you if you cause an accident that damages someone else’s property. Comprehensive coverage will protect you if your RV is injured in an accident, stolen, or vandalized.

3. Stock Up on Supplies

Before you hit the road, stock up on supplies. This includes food, water, and medications you or your family take. It’s also a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand. And, of course, don’t forget the fun stuff! Pack games and activities to keep everyone entertained on long drives.

4. Be Prepared for Emergencies

No one likes to think about emergencies, but it’s essential to be prepared for them. Make sure you know how to change a tire and have a spare tire on hand. It’s also a good idea to keep a flashlight and some basic tools in your RV. You can also ask your insurance provider about roadside assistance coverage, which can help you if you have a breakdown.

Now that you know what you need to do before taking your RV on a road trip, it’s time to start planning your adventure. Safechoice Insurance Agency can help you find the right insurance for your RV in Rochester, MN. Contact us today for a free quote.

What Does Standard Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

Riding a motorcycle is an exciting experience and a fun way to explore the scenic beauty of the state of Minnesota. However, it can also be a scary experience. To make it safe and enjoy your motorcycle trips, you should consider getting motorcycle insurance. Before you purchase any motorcycle insurance plan, it is essential to know what exactly motorcycle insurance covers:

What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

Standard motorcycle insurance covers the following:

  • Collision coverage. This type of coverage pays for damage to your motorcycle if you are involved in an accident. 
  • Comprehensive coverage. It would cover damage to a motorcycle if the damage were caused by anything rather than a road accident. It can be vandalism, fire, and any type of weather damage. 
  • Liability coverage. It includes two types of coverage – property damage and bodily injury. It helps cover lost wages and medical bills if you cause an accident. 
  • Uninsured/underinsured coverage. It will pay for damages if another driver or motorist has caused an accident but does not have the proper insurance or if their insurance coverage is insufficient. 

Safechoice Insurance Agency – Your Reliable Insurance Company Serving Clients In Rochester, MN

If you are a lucky motorcycle owner living in Rochester, MN, or any other nearby town in Minnesota, and you are shopping for motorcycle insurance to protect yourself and your precious vehicle, Safechoice Insurance Agency is here to assist you. We specialize in various types of insurance, including motorcycle insurance as well. Contact us if you need help finding a perfect motorcycle insurance plan or want to know more about the insurance options available. 

Is There Special Insurance for Antique or Classic ATVs?

If you own an antique or classic ATV, you may wonder if there is a special insurance policy. The answer is yes – a specific policy is designed just for antique and classic ATVs. The Safechoice Insurance Agency offers a policy specifically for antique and classic ATVs in Rochester, MN. This policy is designed to provide coverage for these vehicles in case of an accident, theft, or damage. Here’s what you need to know about it.

What Is an Antique or Classic ATV?

An antique or classic ATV is defined as an ATV at least 25 years old. These types of ATVs are typically used for recreation rather than transportation. They may be used for off-road activities such as hunting, camping, or trail riding.

What Kind of Insurance Policy Covers an Antique or Classic ATV?

A standard ATV insurance policy will not cover an antique or classic ATV. However, some insurers offer special policies for these types of vehicles. The coverage on these policies is often limited, so it’s important to check with your insurer to see what is covered. There are two types of antique or classic ATV policies:

  • Agreed value: This type of policy covers the vehicle for its agreed-upon value. This is the amount you and the insurer agree the car is worth. In the event of a total loss, this is the amount you would receive from the insurer.
  • Stated value: This type of policy covers the vehicle for its stated value. This is the amount that you tell the insurer the car is worth. In the event of a total loss, this is the amount you would receive from the insurer.

Conclusion

If you have an antique or classic ATV, it’s important to check with your insurer to see if they offer a special policy for this type of vehicle. Safechoice Insurance Agency offers both agreed value and stated value policies for antique and classic ATVs. Contact our offices in Rochester, MN, today for more information.

Why Minnesota Residents Should Consider Toy Insurance

Toy collecting deserves broad and dedicated insurance coverage, as the scope entails diverse nature, and many are reasonably priced. Knowing that their most valuable items are mitigated against various risks, residents of Minnesota can breathe relief. They enjoy great satisfaction and peace of mind. Safechoice Insurance Agency is dedicated to offering the residents of Rochester a unique solution to their toy insurance needs.

At Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, we understand the importance and recognize the worth of your toy vehicles, and our coverage mitigates anything beyond your control. Among the risks we cover include:

  • Burglaries and Theft
  • Accidental Breakage
  • Natural Disasters and earthquake damage
  • Fire and Smoke damage
  • Floods damage
  • Mysterious Disappearance and malicious damage
  • Damage or loss on transit

Benefits and Features Provided by Safechoice Insurance Agency under Toy Insurance

  • Broad policy coverage– We insure your toy vehicles from damages accrued to fire, theft, accidental breakage, flood, earthquakes, hurricane, and much more.
  • Inflation Coverage– The worth of your collection today might be different tomorrow due to inflation. To reduce such risks, we increase the value of your toy collection’s scheduled valuables. We automatically add new toy vehicles up to a specified value with adequate notice.
  • Collectors Choice– Our policy provides a clause for extra coverage for items used during special occasions and those stored off-site.
  • Agreed Value Mitigation– Some toy collections that qualify as antique and vintage toy vehicles are covered for their full value minus any deductibles.
  • Personal Service– We offer unmatched service and promptly address your queries and concerns.

Under Toy Insurance, We Cover:

  • Recreational vehicles, pop-up campers, or trailers– This cover varies depending on whether the RV has a cab and engine; your toy vehicle tows the pop-up camper or trailer.
  • Off-Road vehicles- vehicles such as ATVs, golf carts, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and sand buggies are also included in our policies.
  • Small boats– Small watercraft are too small and do not qualify for boat insurance.

Don’t hesitate to contact us at Safechoice Insurance Agency for more information on cover specifics in Rochester, MN.

Required Commercial Insurance in Minnesota

When you own a business in Minnesota, it’s crucial to have the types of commercial insurance required by law and other types that will also be helpful. Two types are required for many businesses in the state, and you need to know what they are and how they may apply to your company. Contact us at Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN when you need commercial insurance.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

When a business has employees, it’s important to have workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage protects your business if you have an employee injured on the job. The insurance pays for their lost wages, medical expenses, and other expenses. This protects your business from paying those claims and possibly suffering financial hardship. In Minnesota, all companies with employees, even if it’s only one, need this coverage in place. Sole proprietors, as are corporate officers and partners, are exempt from this requirement. 

Commercial Auto Insurance

If your business owns any vehicle or vehicles, they must each be covered by a commercial auto insurance policy. Many coverage types are mandatory as a part of this insurance. This insurance pays for the costs associated with accidents that a work vehicle gets into. A specific minimum amount of coverage is required for bodily injury liability for one injured person. There is a higher amount of bodily injury liability coverage required for all the people who are injured in an accident. There is another minimum amount needed for property damage liability. In addition, personal injury protection coverage is required to pay for your medical bills. There are also two amounts of coverage required for uninsured motorist coverage. 

Cover Your Business

Call Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN to get your commercial insurance policies. 

 

 

I’m older. Is it too late to invest in life insurance?

You might be surprised to learn that there is no maximum age for life insurance. As an older person, your ability to get coverage will vary from one company to the next. Age does affect life insurance. Age impacts your premiums and your rate. Typically, life insurance companies won’t insure people older than seventy-five or eighty, but some may. Many companies will still issue a life insurance policy to an older person, although there may be limits on the options and benefits available. Safechoice Insurance Agency is committed to taking the confusion out of life insurance for Rochester, MN residents.

Life Insurance for Older People

Many people choose to invest in life insurance or acquire more life insurance at an advanced age. Some people decide to invest later in life to pay for end-of-life expenses or burial. They may also want to leave money for their children or grandchildren. It’s still possible to acquire life insurance at an advanced age. Of course, you’ll pay more being an older person than you would if you were younger.

You Have Options

Your health, pre-existing conditions, finances, and health usually determine the kind of life insurance you invest in. Term life insurance may be more attractive to people concerned with final expenses. A whole life insurance policy may be more attractive to someone who doesn’t want their policy to expire only to end up shopping for another one. Our team at Safechoice Insurance Agency can explain your options and help you choose a life insurance policy that meets your needs. 

There is no perfect age to invest in life insurance. However, there are factors that age will affect life insurance. An older person usually pays higher premiums and has fewer options. However, getting life insurance that meets your need is still possible. Call us. We’re here to help you understand the benefits of life insurance and the options available to you. 

Staying Safe During The Summer Driving Season

Summer is synonymous with road trips, vacations, and outdoor activities. But while the sun and heat provide some welcome break from the season’s colder weather, summer also brings with it road hazards such as heat stroke, fatigue, and poor driving conditions.

Safechoice Insurance Agency of Rochester, MN is here to prepare you for the summer driving season. Read on to learn more!

What To Do Before You Leave

  • Get a maintenance check done on your vehicle. Even basic servicing can help prevent breakdowns and keep you and your family safe on the road.
  • Plan your route. Map out your route before you leave. Know where you are going and what road conditions you’re likely to encounter. Also, be aware of the weather conditions that could affect your route.
  • Stock up on emergency supplies. Keep a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. Your kit should include water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, a flashlight and extra batteries, a blanket, a cell phone and charger, tire-changing tools, and jumper cables. Be sure to bring the necessary medications and medical equipment.
  • Make sure your insurance is up-to-date. Check with your insurance agent to ensure your policy covers common summer road hazards. You may also want to consider buying a roadside assistance plan.

What To Do On The Road

  • Avoid distractions. Risky driving behaviors such as texting and talking on the phone while driving may be tempting, but they can be deadly. If you must use your phone, use a hands-free device or pull over to make the call.
  • Stay alert. Plan to take breaks every two hours or so. Get out of the car, stretch your legs, drink plenty of water, and rest if necessary.

Let Safechoice Insurance Agency be your trusted partner on the road. We are here to serve all of Rochester, MN!

Are my backyard structures covered by home insurance?

Homeowners insurance is the primary insurance policy that protects your home and possessions against financial losses due to covered risks. It typically includes coverage for physical damage and loss of use of your home due to a covered occurrence. SafeChoice Insurance Agency wants to inform you of another aspect of homeowners insurance that Rochester, MN residents often overlook: coverage for other structures.

Protecting Structures Outside Your Home

Your home insurance policy not only protects your home but also protects other structures on your property. This can include fences and driveways. Detached structures may also be covered, including garages, sheds, and guest houses.

The types of structures that are protected by your policy depend on what your insurer considers a "structure" instead of "personal property." For example, if you have a detached garage, the "other structures" portion of your policy will protect the building itself, but not the contents inside. That means your vehicle and other belongings will depend on a different type of coverage.

Luckily, home insurance policies often contain an assortment of coverage options as a standard. Most of the time, other structures coverage is included. However, it’s important to examine your policy and discuss your options with your agent. Particularly if you have highly valuable or unique structures on your property whose cost might otherwise outweigh the limits of your policy.

Are you a resident of Rochester, MN interested in learning more about what a home insurance policy can cover? Are you getting a new outdoor structure for your property and want to ensure your existing policy covers it? Contact SafeChoice Insurance Agency by phone, email, or through our website to learn more!

What Factors Should You Consider When Buying Health Insurance?

Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving the greater Rochester, MN area, can help you with your health insurance policies. However, one of the things that our agents have noticed is that many people have no idea what factors they should be considering as they go about buying health insurance. Here are three crucial things to keep in mind when selecting a policy. 

Which Providers and Hospitals Are In the Provider Network

When looking at health insurance policies, one of the first things to consider when looking at health insurance policies is which providers and hospitals are considered in-network. This is important if you want to keep treating with the medical professionals who may already be caring for you or if you want to use the hospital closest to your home. 

Deductibles, Co-Pays, and Premiums

When shopping for a health insurance policy, always take the time to learn the meaning of deductibles, co-pays, and premiums. Many people use these words interchangeably, but they all have different definitions. You need to consider each of these factors as you shop for a health insurance policy. 

What Is and Is Not Covered

Finally, take the time to learn what is covered by the health insurance policy and what may not. For example, one policy may cover prescriptions while another may not. Learning what is and is not covered helps you budget and find a health insurance policy that covers what you need to be covered. 

Here at Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving the greater Rochester, MN area, we can help you find an ideal insurance policy for your needs or your family’s needs. Reach out to us today and let one of our agents answer any questions you have and help you select a new health insurance policy that meets your needs.