3 Benefits of Life Insurance

Although it seems that it takes a near-death experience to prompt people to consider purchasing life insurance, this does not have to be the case. Life insurance has an array of benefits that go above and beyond burials costs. For residents of Rochester, MN, the following is a closer look at 3 benefits of life insurance.

Bundling

One of the lesser considered benefits of purchasing life insurance is that it can help you save money or your other insurance premiums. Most companies offer bundles for purchasing life insurance. This means that you will get all the coverage you need for one low price. Furthermore, this will not only help you save money but it can also protect you and your loved ones as well.

Cash Value

Depending on the type of policy you choose, you could be able to borrow from your policy or even cash it out early, if necessary. This is a huge reason many people purchase life insurance as it allows you to make a long-term investment with short-term options. 

Tax-Free Payouts

Lastly, no matter who the beneficiary may be, the payouts are typically tax-free. This means that you will get exactly the amount you are paying for without worrying about how much will be removed for things such as taxes and fees.

Overall, for those who live in Rochester, MN, let Safechoice Insurance Agency handle your insurance needs. Not only can they help with life insurance but they can also help with other types of insurance as well. Contact Safechoice Insurance Agency today to find out how you can secure your coverage and hopefully save some money in the process.

Should I Update My Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance is critical toward protecting your business. Whether you have invested in worker’s compensation protection or have commercial insurance for the technology within the business, one of the most important investments you’ll ever make with your business is selecting commercial insurance. However, there’s a chance your insurance coverage is outdated. That is why if you run your business in or around Rochester MN you need to contact the team at Safechoice Insurance Agency for help determining whether you should update your commercial insurance or not. 

More Money Coming In

If your business has grown and you have more money coming in it’s a sign of a business that’s doing well. You might have insurance coverage that pays your employees wages should the business need to shut down for any reason at all (such as due to storms, winter closures or other issues). However, if you have not updated your coverage you will not receive the kind of money you need. 

New Technology

Have you invested in new technology for the business? If so, you need to adjust the kind of coverage you have. If there is a theft in the building, a fire or even a flood, you want to make sure the new technology is covered. This way, you’ll be able to replace everything without excessive out of pocket expenses. 

As your business grows so too will your need for appropriate insurance coverage. If your business has increased or decreased in size, now is the time to talk to your commercial insurance provider. It may also be a good time to revisit your current provider and compare it to that of Safechoice Insurance Agency. If you run your business around Rochester, MN now is the perfect time to give the agency a call. 

What’s Included In Your Motorcycle Insurance In Rochester

When you shop for motorcycle insurance in Rochester, MN, it’s important to know that there are a few things included in every policy. Knowing what’s included in your policy will make it that much easier to know you’re protected. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we have agents to ensure you get the needed coverage levels and explore the optional coverage areas.

Property Damage

You need to know that you’re covered if you damage any property with your motorcycle. This includes damaging someone’s vehicle or home after you have gotten into an accident.

Bodily Injury

If you hit a pedestrian, another motorcycle, or get involved in any other accident, you will be covered with bodily injury liability. You will have the opportunity to cover yourself to the Minnesota state minimums or add more coverage so that you minimize the likelihood of paying out of pocket.

Add-Ons

You can also explore some optional coverage levels. This includes collision (which will also cover damage to your own motorcycle) and comprehensive coverage (which covers damage caused by things other than collision). You can also choose to get uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage so that you’re protected if you get into an accident with someone who doesn’t have coverage on their vehicle.

Since you live in Minnesota, it’s also a good idea to explore a lay-up policy. This would allow you to suspend at least a portion of your coverage during the winter months since you likely wouldn’t be on your motorcycle when the weather starts to get too cold.

You should have peace of mind all year long when you’re on the roads in Rochester, MN. If something happens on your motorcycle, you want to know that you can file a claim. Contact us at Safechoice Insurance Agency today to learn more about getting motorcycle insurance that will include protecting all aspects of your bike. We will build your policy and help you to get competitive quotes.

 

Why You Should Get RV Insurance

If you are looking for a great way to see the country, buying and RV and seeing it from land is a great option. Not only is a mode of transportation, but it will also provide you with a place to stay during your trip. For those that are in the Rochester, MN area with an RV, there are several reasons why getting RV insurance in place is very important.

Will Protect Valuable Asset

One of the main reasons why you should get RV insurance is that your valuable asset will be properly protected. Buying and maintaining an RV is a big investment. The last thing that you would want would be for your asset to be lost due to an accident, theft, or another issue. When you have RV insurance in place, you will receive the financial protection and support that you need.

Liability Compliance

If you are planning on taking your RV out on the open road, you will be required by law to carry liability insurance at all times. In Minnesota, you will need to comply with the minimum liability coverage requirements, which are $10,000 in personal property liability coverage and bodily injury coverage of $30,000 per injured person and $60,000 per accident. Any less than this and you will be in violation of the law.

Lender Requirements

Many people end up taking out a loan to finance the purchase of the RV. If you need to take out a loan to buy your RV, you will need to carry collision and comprehensive coverage at all times. Not carrying this will be a violation of your loan agreement.

When you are looking to get RV insurance for your Rochester, MN area RV, you should discuss your options with the team at Safechoice Insurance Agency. The professionals at Safechoice Insurance Agency will help you to better determine the options that you have and will help you get into the right policy for your situation.

3 ATV Safety Tips

Unfortunately accidents in Rochester, MN happen. They happen in cars, airplanes on motorcycles, even an ATV, which is considered to be one of the safest vehicles to ride. An ATV has four wheels, isn’t typically ridden on a busy road, so yes they are safe, but only when the appropriate safety measures are used. Most ATV accidents happen as a result of rider negligence, substance use and indiscipline. To ensure you are a safe rider, here are 3 ATV safety tips to keep in mind before riding.

No Paved Roads

ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) are made for off-road riding and paved roads are not made for ATVs. Even experienced riders can have difficulty controlling an ATV on a paved road. There are automobiles, buses, motorcycles and pedestrian crossings on paved roads, which mean there is a higher possibility of a collision occurring. Many of the fatalities that insurance agencies, such as Safechoice Insurance Agency encounter is from those that occur from ATV riding happen while on paved roads, so never ride on a paved road.

Do Not Drink and Drive

One of the most important rules of the road is to never drive while intoxicated and the same rule applies to ATV riding. Whether you are riding in an open field or through the woods, riding an ATV while intoxicated can be fatal. Alcohol and/or drugs impair your perception and judgment, both of which can result in fatal injuries when trying to maneuver a vehicle, especially an ATV.

Wear the Right Gear

Proper ATV gear is critical, especially when you are riding on rough terrain or through the woods. To ensure you protect your body while riding, you should wear a helmet, goggles, gloves, knee and elbow pads, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt or jacket.

If you are new to riding ATVs, it is extremely beneficial to take a training course. A training course can teach you how to ride correctly as well as how to avoid unnecessary accidents. ATVs are typically designed for one rider, so stay safe by never carrying passengers.

Residents of Rochester, MN who want to learn more information about ATV safety and reviewing their current insurance coverage should contact Safechoice Insurance Agency.

 

What qualifies as a toy?

When you hear the term toy insurance, your first thought might be of toy trains, classic Barbies or a collection of Beanie Babies. Toy insurance does not cover that kind of toys. In this case, toys refer to motorsports equipment, off-road and recreational vehicles and various watercraft that Safechoice Insurance Agency of Rochester, MN can help you insure.

Most people think of jet skis or snowmobiles as items they’d insure with toy insurance. It applies to many other types of vehicles, too.

Land Vehicles

With respect to land vehicles, toys include all sizes of campers, motorhomes, and trailers. Insurance for antique, classic and collector vehicles, also falls under this category. All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), dune buggies, golf carts qualify, as well as the aforementioned snowmobiles.

Watercraft Vehicles

Under the designation of watercraft, jet skis and sailboats qualify, too. More specifically, you can insure water toys meeting the following criteria:

  • any personal watercraft,
  • watercraft up to 26 feet in length,
  • sailboats up to 40 feet in length and 200 horsepower.

What It Covers

You can obtain both liability and/or physical damage coverage for most vehicles. The exceptions are campers and trailers. For these two categories, you can only obtain physical damage coverage only.

Even adults want toys, but grown-up toys like ATVs, jet skis and boats require to insure since they carry a measure of danger with their use. Contact Safechoice Insurance Agency of Rochester, MN to learn more about how toy insurance can provide you with both the property damage and liability coverage you need. We can help you ensure you can repair any damage to your grownup toys.

Special Forms of Commercial Insurance that Most Businesses Should Have

Every business owner knows that in order to protect their business they need to have commercial insurance. Commercial insurance is a broad category that includes many types of coverage. Some types of commercial insurance, such as worker’s compensation to protect employees for on-the-job injuries, may be required by law. Other types of insurance are needed to protect commercial property and vehicles. All businesses need general liability. Some need product or professional liability coverage.

By working with your agent at Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving Rochester MN and nearby communities, business owners learn about other forms of coverage that most businesses need.

Here are a few insurance types to consider:

  • Coverage for Defamation Lawsuits: Defamation is the legal term for damage caused to a person’s or organization’s reputation. This damage may be caused by slander, which is by public speech or by libel, which is by print or media publication. America is very litigious. Lawsuits are filed against businesses for all kinds of things. A lawsuit for damages caused by defamation may seem to come out of nowhere. In America, anybody can sue anybody for anything. Even when a business has done nothing wrong, the legal expenses to defend against lawsuits can be very substantial.
  • Coverage for Terrorism and Mass Shootings: This has become a serious risk for many businesses in America that interface with the general public. Think about the mass shooting that happened in Las Vegas. The hotel used by the shooter for the attack is potentially liable for the deaths and injuries of so many people. That incident is still under litigation and the lawsuit will continue for years.
  • Coverage for Cyber Attacks: Cyber attacks are on the rise. Almost all businesses need to use the Internet and therefore they benefit from insurance coverage for damages caused by cyber attacks, which can be in the many millions for each business.

Make an appointment to discuss any special insurance needs for your business with your agent at Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, to get a commercial insurance evaluation and recommendations for adequate coverage.

Is it Time to Add Life Insurance to Your Financial Portfolio?

Life insurance offers an effective way to minimize the effects of an untimely death on your family. In addition to this significant benefit, are the many ways that it can work as an investment instrument to help you save for retirement or prepare for college expenses. If you are now changing your focus from the immediate needs of your family to your future financial requirements, the team at Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving the greater Rochester, MN area, can help you navigate the sometimes choppy waters that can occur as you build your financial portfolio. 

Now Is a Great Time To Learn About the Many Financial Benefits of Life Insurance

As you grow older your life insurance and financial needs can change. While you are in your peak earning years, especially if you have a young family, your main financial goal is likely providing for your family in the event of an early death or other tragedy. As your children grow older and you plan for their college years while also looking ahead to your own retirement, you may wonder just how much life insurance you now need. While the purpose that your life insurance may serve may change, its importance to your overall financial health will remain strong. With a whole life policy, you have a number of different options for financial growth within the life insurance policy itself and the payout. Variable rate policies are another great way to further enhance your portfolio while keeping pace with inflation and the growing cost of living rates.

Is it time to take a more active role in building your financial portfolio? Call the team at Safechoice Insurance Agency today to learn more about your financial options in the greater Rochester, MN area.

What Does Toy Insurance Cover?

Toy insurance is insurance for an asset that you have that isn’t a typical car or home. This may be for a jet ski or some other similar asset. If you were to lose your item then you could be set back financially. An agent at Safechoice Insurance Agency can help set you up with the right toy insurance policy for your specific needs.

It can be difficult to determine exactly what toy insurance will cover in Rochester, MN, because it will depend on the item. If your toy is something that can be driven, such as a motorhome, golf cart, dune buggy, various boats or personal watercraft, its insurance policy will generally include liability insurance for both bodily injury and property damage, as well as collision and comprehensive coverage. Liability insurance will protect you if your watercraft or other vehicle gets into an accident with someone else who is also operating a vehicle similar to yours. Liability will help pay for any injuries or damages caused by the accident, but it will not pay for damage to your own toy. This is where collision coverage and comprehensive coverage come in. If you are in an accident and have damage to your own toy, then collision coverage will help pay for the damage. If your toy is damaged by an event unrelated to an accident, then comprehensive coverage will pay for these costs.

If your toys are on the collectible side and don’t need liability, comprehensive or collision coverage, you can get additional insurance that helps pays for damages above what your homeowner’s insurance would already pay for. This can cover damages beyond wear and tear and any property theft, even if your toys are outside your home.

Contact an agent at Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving Rochester, MN, to get a quote for toy insurance.

How to Choose Health Insurance with a Pre-Existing Condition

Navigating today’s health insurance landscape can feel stressful and overwhelming. The team at Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN is here to help you find the appropriate policy to meet the needs of your family. There have been many recent changes to the ACA as well as private insurance policies, and it is likely that there are more to come. While finding an appropriate insurance family for yourself and your family is already challenging, it becomes even more so when a member of your family has a pre-existing condition.

Health Insurance Options for Clients with a Pre-Existing Medical Condition

Many Americans receive their health insurance from their employer or that of their spouse. However, if you are self-employed or own a business you are likely insured through a policy that you found in the open marketplace. While many Americans qualify for policies through the ACA program, there are certain situations when private insurance is a better option. There are certain protections in place that can help you to find the coverage that you need, even when you currently have an ongoing medical condition. Working with a professional insurance agent can help you to learn more about the different policies that are available to people with a pre-existing condition that do not have employer-supplied health insurance.

We Can Help You Find Health Insurance Coverage

The team at Safechoice Insurance Agency is here to help guide you through the sometimes complicated process of choosing health insurance. If you or a member of your family have a pre-existing medical condition, the task can become even more involved. Call or stop by today and meet with one of our knowledgeable agents that are here to provide your insurance needs in the greater Rochester, MN area.