Is Collision Coverage Necessary?

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Most every state requires that drivers carry minimum auto insurance coverage to pay for injury or property damage to others in the event of an accident. Minimum coverage, however, won’t help you recuperate your losses if your car is damaged in an accident. By obtaining collision coverage from Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, you ensure your vehicle is protected in the event of an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Here are just a few ways collision insurance can be of benefit to Minnesota drivers.

Protection from Accidents You Cause 

Even careful drivers can find themselves involved in an accident that causes damage to their vehicle. With collision coverage, your insurer will pay for repairs to your vehicle, even if the accident was your fault. After you pay the deductible, your collision insurance will take care of the rest. If repair costs exceed the market value of your vehicle, your insurer may “total” the car and reimburse you for its market value, making it possible for you to replace your vehicle.  

Protection from Accidents Caused by Others

Collision coverage will protect you from accidents caused by other drivers by covering the cost of auto repairs without raising your premium. This way you don’t have to wait for the other driver’s insurance company to settle the claim. Your insurer will then seek reimbursement from the insurance carrier of the driver at fault of the accident.   

If you own a new or costly vehicle, it only makes sense to obtain collision coverage to protect your investment. Even older, reliable vehicles with high market value can benefit from what collision coverage has to offer. With collision coverage, you can have greater confidence that you are protected from accidents.  

At Safechoice Insurance Agency, Rochester, MN, we can help you make wise decisions concerning the auto insurance coverage you need. 

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

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It can be easy to overlook the cold winter ahead while it’s warm and you’re still thinking about the fun times you had with all those cookouts and picnics. But whether we like to admit it or not, Old Man Winter is just around the corner, and especially in Rochester, MN! Here’s how you can prepare for his chilly visit with these tips from your friends at Safechoice Insurance Agency. 

Winter Tip #1: It’s never too early to start.

There’s a reason why the birds start flying south and the squirrels gather food long before it gets cold – if you start your prep when the first snow falls, it’s already too late. Act now to clear out your gutters and care for your yard, and you’ll have peace of mind when the weather outside is frightful.

Winter Tip#2: Give Your Furnace a well-deserved checkup.

Furnaces are an essential part of living out here in Minnesota. Take good care of your furnace, and it will take care of you! Keep the airways clean by changing your filter once a month, and have a professional inspect it for a clean bill of health. 

Winter Tip #3: A sealed-up home is a snuggly warm home.

You might have heard that sealing up the cracks in your home saves a lot on the energy bill, but did you know that it blocks out moisture, too? A home kept dry prevents a multitude of problems that include costly structural damage. 

Ready, Set, Prep!

Get ahead of Old Man Winter this year by prepping your home now. If you have any questions about winter-related damages with your home insurance in Rochester, MN, our staff at Safechoice Insurance Agency is here to help. Thanks for reading!

What You Should Know About Auto Insurance and the Law in Minnesota

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Auto insurance does vary from state to state, which can make things a bit confusing if something happens out of town or if you move around a lot. Learn more about what you have to consider if you live in Rochester, MN. Safechoice Insurance Agency wants you to have the facts first. 

State Minimums 

Each state has set out their own minimums when it comes to staying legal. This means that if you want to get the bare minimum, you’re capped off at a certain amount. In New Hampshire, you’re not even required to buy auto insurance, making it unfortunate if you’re hit by someone from that state. In Minnesota, you need to have at least $30,000 worth of coverage for bodily injury, $10,000 for physical property and $60,000 limit for each incident. This is one of the higher minimums, meaning you likely won’t need to pay anything out of pocket. 

Understanding the Law 

Staying legal isn’t just about minimums though, it’s about thinking ahead. What happens if someone hits you and they’re uninsured? Do you have the time or the money to either go through litigation or to fix your car on your own? Most people who sue uninsured motorists are unable to recover anything, so this is a major concern. You may need additional coverage and not even know it. Safechoice Insurance Agency can help you make better choices when it comes to staying safe on the road. It’s tempting to go with the cheapest policy, but that choice can end up costing you more than you ever could have imagined. Call us today if you live in Rochester, MN and want to have your questions answered or if you need a quote. 

 

Signs Your Roof Has Been Damaged By Hail

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There are certain types of roof damage that is not covered by homeowner’s insurance. However, hail damage is typically covered in Rochester, MN. Following a hail storm, it is important to know what the signs are that indicate your roof was damaged. This will help you know when to get repairs made or file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance policy. Here are a few of the signs that your roof may have been damaged by hail.

Dents

The number one sign of damage to your roof by hail is dents and dings in the roofing material. Typically, there is no discernible pattern to the dents, as hail falls whereever it likes. Unfortunately, these dents and dings can cause water to pool on the roof or lead to weak spots that can crack or break over time. If you see obvious dents or dings on the roof after a hail storm, you should call in a professional to determine the extend of the damage.

Damage to the Metal on Your Roof

Another sign that your roof was damaged by hail is damage to the metal parts of your roof. This may include gutters and flashing. These materials may be dented, but they may also be twisted or lifted and falling off. If the metal looks off after a hail storm, it’s time for roof repair.

Soft Spots in the Roof

The last sign that you need repair after a hail storm is soft spots in a roof. The hail may have caused a soft spot in the materials under the roof. Unfortunately, this is hard to see or feel unless you are a professional. That’s why it is recommended that you call in a professional after large or lengthy hail storms.

Unfortunately, you can’t prevent hail damage to a roof. But you can ensure that your home and roof are fully covered if a large hail storm comes into town. Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving the greater Rochester, MN area, would love to help you put together a homeowner’s insurance policy that fully protects your home, at a price you can afford. Give us a call today to talk about your insurance options or to receive a free quote.

Why Auto Insurance is Particularly Important in Rochester, MN

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If you live in Rochester, MN, and you are the owner of a motor vehicle, you should know that auto insurance is very important. In fact, it is required if you drive a vehicle. In Minnesota, it is particularly important that you have auto insurance coverage, because of the harsh winters that can affect your driving.

During the winter months, it is a very good idea to have roadside assistance in addition to the policy you normally have. Slide offs happen more often when the roads are icy and being stuck in a ditch, it can be great to have roadside assistance available to come and rescue you and your passengers. You can actually end up saving money this way, as you will be paying for the relatively inexpensive roadside assistance instead of having to pay expensive bills to have your car towed. Also, accidents are more likely when the roads are slippery, so it helps to have auto insurance even more than it does during the other times of the year. They are more likely to end up actually getting use out of their auto insurance coverage in the winter when accidents are more likely, as are damage and injuries. Comprehensive coverage will help you a great deal by protecting you against the higher risk of collisions and potential storm damage during the winters in this state. It is always important to have auto insurance coverage, as there is always a risk that an unexpected crisis situation could take place. However, you are more likely to benefit from this protection in the winter, due to all of the added risks that are present at this time of the year.

If you are interested in knowing more about auto insurance in the city of Rochester, MN, you should consider contacting Safechoice Insurance Agency. The agents at Safechoice Insurance Agency can answer any questions you might have and give you any information you need about how important auto insurance is for you as a resident of the state of Minnesota.

Five Fall Home Maintenance Tips

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To keep your home warm and safe this fall season, take the time out to do regular maintenance. Following these five tips will keep your property in peak condition through the winter months.

Unclog Those Gutters

Clogged gutters can be a huge headache for homeowners. After a storm blows through, take the time to remove the branches, leaves and other debris that has become trapped inside the gutter. Flush water through the gutter once cleared out. Tired of regularly inspecting the gutters for debris? Then, consider installing gutter guards to reduce clogs.

Stay Warm and Toasty

The heating systems within your home will need to be inspected and serviced as needed. Improper care and maintenance of your wood-burning fireplace and furnace not only decreases efficiency, but also increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Rid the House of Roof Problems

The snow and ice from winter weather can be brutal on a roof. To prevent a major leak from springing, inspect the roof for issues. Replace any shingles that are broken or curling. If there are major signs of damage, a brand new roof may be in order. Check the metal flashing around chimneys and vents too for signs of damage.

Prevent Drafts

Get rid of any drafts in the home by sealing any cracks around windows and doors. Caulk around the openings or replace weather stripping. Add more insulation to reduce heating costs to the home.

Prep the Plumbing

Prevent freezing pipes by draining outdoor water sources and turning off the shut-off valves. The fall is also a good time of year to drain your water heater and flush out the system to improve how well the water heater runs during the winter. 

Contact an independent insurance agent through Safechoice Insurance Agency about how keeping up with your property’s maintenance can affect your home insurance rates. The agency serves Rochester, MN and surrounding areas.

 

 

 

Freedom of Choice is Available with Safechoice Insurance Agency

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Auto insurance is a fact of life required by law, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that your choices are limited. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, our independent agents can help you. Together we can discuss what levels of auto coverage will serve you, and which insurance providers offer it at a cost efficient rate that will make you smile. If this is your first car, we can help you understand the terms used in insurance coverage, find discounts you might not have known about, and get you the coverage you need to be confident on the road. If you have multiple vehicles, or perhaps if you collect vintage cars, then contact us today. We can help you save money and have peace of mind that your investment is protected. Proudly serving the Rochester, MN area, we provide auto insurance information on coverage and rates that let you make the final decision about where your insurance will come from for your vehicle or vehicles.

Minnesota law requires a certain level of auto insurance coverage. It’s called the No Fault system and means that everyone driving a car must have at least enough insurance to cover their own injuries in case of accident. Not only you, but anyone who drives your car must have the legally required minimum insurance coverage. But that level of insurance provides only minimal coverage. Beyond that, your needs can vary. You might want specialized coverage for an antique car, or perhaps your teen son has just passed his driving test. Here in the Rochester, MN area, the agents at Safechoice Insurance Agency have access to a broad range of coverage choices and rates to meet your needs. Call us today at 507-208-9282.

Why You Really Need Commercial Insurance

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Doing business in Rochester, MN involves obtaining the necessary commercial insurance. Many business owners are unaware of why they need commercial insurance, and this can be dangerous. If you lack sufficient coverage, it could end up costing you a significant amount of money, and possibly even your entire business.

Protect Your Employees

Your employees need protection. It is not only the law, it is also good business. Employees want to feel as though they are safe when they are working on your property. This means you need to obtain liability insurance and, depending upon how many employees you have, you may also need workers compensation insurance.

Protect Your Property

Anything can happen to your property, just as anything could happen to your home. You don’t want to lose your property due to a storm, fire, or anything else. Should something happen, you want to be able to turn to the insurance company. As such, property insurance on a commercial level is a necessity.

Protect Your Finances

Should something happen to your business, such as a lawsuit, a fire, data loss, or anything else, it could end up costing you a significant amount of money. With commercial insurance, you can turn to the insurance company and file a claim. As long as you have the coverage, they will take care of the expenses involved with whatever has gone wrong. Without the coverage, however, you could end up spending tens of thousands of dollars. Depending upon what your bottom line looks like, this could be enough to bankrupt you and cause you to close your doors forever.

At Safechoice Insurance Agency, you can call to talk to an independent insurance agent to learn more about commercial insurance. One of our agents can help you every step of the way.

 

Ways To Find Affordable RV Insurance

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You should never pay more for RV insurance in Rochester, MN than what is absolutely necessary. Take the time to explore what’s available so that you can get an affordable premium as well as plenty of coverage. Finding a policy is easier than you might think.

Explore Discounts

Discounts may exist from a variety of insurance companies. You may qualify for discounts if you are a safe driver, have taken various safety courses, or have multiple insurance policies from a single company. Taking the time to see what is available may be able to save you a significant amount of money over the course of the year.

Compare Coverage

Not all companies price their coverage the same. Further, the coverage may vary from company to company. This means that you will want to get quotes from multiple companies and compare what is being offered. If you accept the first deal from the first company, you may be missing out on a lower price somewhere else.

Ultimately, you want to find a happy balance between an affordable policy and all of the necessary coverage that you want. This will allow you to drive your RV when and where you want while enjoying peace of mind.

Work with an Agent

While you can get some decently priced policies for RV insurance over the Internet, it is much easier to work with an independent insurance agent. This is because an agent will know what companies to look at and do all of the work on your behalf. They can then guide you towards the best policies for you and your budget.

At SafeChoice Insurance Agency we are here to help you find RV insurance that meets your budget. Call today to learn more about how we can help to save you money.

 

Minnesota Commercial Vehicle Insurance

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If you need a vehicle to help maintain your business, then you will have to acquire commercial vehicle insurance. In Minnesota, like many other states, it is necessary for you to have insurance on your business cars and trucks.

Who Needs Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

You will need insurance if you are using a vehicle for any reason that is related to your business. If your company requires you to have several employees to drive, then you will need insurance to cover them and your company vehicles. For example, if your employees deliver pizza or other goods daily, they will need to be covered in case there is an accident.

Types of Commercial Auto Insurance

  • Bodily Injury Liability – covers you if your employees hurt someone during an accident.
  • Property Damage Liability – helps prevent you from paying for property or vehicles that are damaged.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – gives you coverage if you are involved in an accident with a person who does not have enough insurance to cover the damage.
  • Medical Payments – allows you to pay for your medical bills if you are injured during an auto accident.
  • Collision Coverage – covers damage to your business vehicle if it is involved in an accident with another car or object, such as a building or telephone pole.
  • Comprehensive Coverage – offers you coverage if your business vehicle is damaged due to something other than a collision, like vandalism, fire, or storm.
  • Other Options – roadside assistance and rental reimbursement are options that you may consider when thinking about buying commercial auto insurance.

Get assistance and information from the independent insurance agents at Safechoice Insurance Agency. Located in Rochester, Minnesota, they can help you with your commercial auto insurance as well as providing options for home, life, health, and other insurance needs.