Common Myths About The Significance Of Life Insurance

Safechoice Insurance Agency’s primary goal is to provide excellent customer service to all of our clients in the Rochester, MN area. We are an independent insurance agency that is committed to helping our clients find the best coverage at an affordable price.

Common Life Insurance Myths

Safechoice Insurance Agency understands the importance of life insurance. Life insurance can help families heal as they deal with the aftermath of losing a loved one. While many people understand the importance of purchasing a life insurance policy, inaccurate information has caused some people to underestimate the significance of having life insurance. Here is a look at some common myths regarding the significance of life insurance.

If You Are Healthy, You Don’t Need Life Insurance  

While you may be healthy at the moment, you have no idea how your health may change as you age. That’s why it is important to purchase life insurance so that you’ll be protected in the event that something happens. Plus, the price of a life insurance policy changes as you age.

If You Don’t Have A Family, Life Insurance Doesn’t Have To Be A Priority

Many single people believe that they don’t need life insurance. While life insurance is certainly beneficial to people who are married and have children, life insurance can be an asset if you are single as well. Having a life insurance policy can help pay for your burial costs and also prevent your loved ones from having to possibly manage any debt that you may have.

It’s Better To Simply Save Your Money

While it’s very important to save money to secure your financial future in the long run, that should not come at the expense of life insurance. Life insurance is relatively inexpensive, so ideally, you can purchase a policy while still saving money for the future.

Safechoice Insurance Agency Can Help You

Safechoice Insurance Agency assists residents throughout Rochester, MN by helping them find the best life insurance policy. Head to our website to learn how we can assist you.

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.

3 ways to prepare for a home insurance claim

We all wish to live happily in safe homes free of fires, burglaries, storms, and other natural disasters. But when the dreaded happens, it is crucial to understand what to do and how to file a claim successfully. At Safechoice Insurance Agency serving Rochester, MN, we recommend reviewing your policy with a professional insurance agent to ensure that it is up to date with your present situation.

1. Ask as many questions as possible to have the correct information

 Your claim preparation involves contacting your insurance company as soon as possible. If the peril is a fire that hinders you from entering the house, you can search online for Nationwide numbers to help you reach your insurer. In the initial call, confirm your deductible and ask as many questions as possible. You should also notify your insurer whether you will need to relocate or not.

2. Document the damage

Your insurance provider may not get to you right away, use this time to document the damage. Take pictures and videos and match your losses with your inventory (you should have your inventory ready before any accident). This acts as proof that you owned the items.

3. Make the necessary replacement and repair arrangements.

Depending on the damage, do what you need to do to save the situation and notify your insurer. If it was a broken pipe that led to the accident, you can fix it or find someone to do it for you before the insurance company gets to you.

The home insurance claim process can be stressful, mentally-draining, and lengthy. However, knowing what to do, acting promptly, and handling the situation like a pro helps get your home back into shape faster. To get more tips on how to prepare for a home insurance claim, contact Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, and we will help be happy to assist you.

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.