Does A Company With No Physical Building Require Commercial Insurance?

The truth is that the building your company is situated inside is one of the smallest concerns for a commercial insurer. In fact, it might not even be on your policy in your first place if you’re renting. These days we’re seeing more and more businesses with no physical location. Stores that exist entirely online. Software developers comprised of work-at-home freelancers from around the world. It’s very easy to run a business without ever meeting a client, colleague, or customer face to face. But it’s very hard to run a business with no liability whatsoever.

Liability is the Big Concern

It’s good to have insurance on business equipment, but if you’re running a successful enterprise, chances are you can cover most minor to moderate damages out of company funds. Liability is where you start facing the kind of expenses that can bankrupt you, and liability doesn’t care if you have a physical location or not.

If someone is injured using one of your products and they sue you, or if your spreadsheet software glitches up and they lose thousands of dollars over it, you’ll be glad that you had an insurer like Safechoice Insurance Agency backing you up. Liability costs can total hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars, and those of us who run a brick-and-mortar business in Rochester, MN are no more or less at risk than those of us who work entirely from the home office.

If you run any kind of business in Rochester, MN, chances are you’re inviting some form of liability. Get in touch with Safechoice Insurance Agency, let us know what kind of risks you need covered, and they’ll get you set up with the protection you need.

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. 

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. 

Why is Motorcycle Insurance Necessary?

Motorcycle insurance is a financial tool that protects you much like your auto insurance does.  The low premiums of state mandated limited liability insurance may be tempting but they don’t do enough to cover your assets.  When you are looking for motorcycle insurance, the team at Safechoice Insurance Agency are there for you in Rochester MN. 

Minimum liability insurance provides protection if you are in a wreck and found to be at fault.  It will cover the other person’s repair costs and medical bills up to a limit.  It will not, however, cover your repair costs or medical expenses.  If you are injured, these bills can become larger very quickly.  For better coverage, you need comprehensive and collision coverage.  These protect your assets if you have an accident.  This will ensure that you are able to get the repairs you need to your bike and take care of any medical bills that you have.  You can also have the protection if you are hit by an underinsured/uninsured motorist.  Some policies also offer roadside assistance should you become stranded by an accident.  Any customization that you do to your bike or specialized accessories can also be covered.  This is invaluable if you have invested a lot into your motorcycle.  Without this coverage, any damage from a wreck would come out of your pocket. 

While you make every attempt to be safe on the road, the reality is that accidents happen.  While you are required to have insurance when you head out, you need to have the right insurance to make sure that you are truly protected.  At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we’re ready to help you get the coverage that you need.  We know what motorcycle riders in Rochester, MN need to financially protect themselves.  Give us a call or come by to discover the difference that the right insurance makes. 

How Does ATV Insurance Protect You and Your Family?

Are you looking forward to your next vacation in the woods north of Rochester MN? There is nothing like riding through tree-covered trails on your off-road vehicle. ATV insurance from Safechoice Insurance Agency offers the added protection your family needs to take full advantage of trail riding. How does it protect you? Read on and find out.

ATV Insurance Gets Your Machine Repaired

Whether you own a single, side-by-side, or two-row off-road vehicle, it cost you a pretty penny. When you add ATV insurance from Safechoice Insurance Agency, you can afford to get that expensive toy fixed after you experience a catastrophic accident. Just like your car insurance, just pay an affordable deductible and your ride will be back on the trail in short order.

Damage to the Off-Road Park

Some times bad things do happen. What would happen to you if your teenager was riding with their friends at your local Rochester, MN park, and they took a wrong turn through a fence? Can you afford a repair that could cost thousands? The liability portion of your ATV insurance can help offset unforeseen expenses while maintaining your positive relationship with your local trail club.

Ride with Confidence

Loads of uncertainty can come with your mechanical toys. The worry of continuing to afford your hobby while providing the right protection for your family can take the fun out of your epic weekend or vacation. Instead of facing serious financial hardship when something breaks, the right insurance policy can help turn that bucket list trip into a carefree experience.

Would you like to learn more about the features you can add to your ATV insurance? Give our friendly agent at Safechoice Insurance Agency a call today.