Safechoice Insurance Agency

Why Auto Insurance is Necessary

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Auto insurance is something that is both required by law and a smart move for all drivers. Auto insurance does more than just protect your car in the case of an accident and knowing a little bit about what auto insurance can do will help you decide to get a new policy today. For those in the Rochester MN area, the agents with Safechoice Insurance Agency can help you find your policy today.

Auto insurance helps to protect your car, you, your passengers, and other drivers as well. Instead of just covering the cost of repairing your car, auto insurance can also help cover medical costs, the cost of the deductible for you or the other driver, medical bills for passengers, and so much more. Auto insurance is something that makes it safer for drivers to be on the road.

It is a requirement that all drivers have a minimum amount of insurance coverage to help keep them and other drivers safer when they are on the road. Your state has specific minimum coverage requirements that might differ from state to state. It can be difficult to understand the insurance requirements of your state but with the help of an agent you can find the right coverage for you. Auto insurance takes the burden of paying for medical bills, paying for deductibles, and dealing with the recovery after an accident easier for everyone involved.

No matter what level of coverage you want, having an agent on your side can help you find the policy you want and need far faster and easier than if you are looking on your own. For those in the Rochester MN area, the agents with Safechoice Insurance Agency are ready and willing to help you with all your insurance needs.  

Is Home Insurance Paid Monthly or Yearly?

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When you buy insurance for your Rochester, MN home, you may wonder how often you’ll need to make payments. The answer is that many insurers will let you choose to pay monthly or yearly. This is a significant decision with multiple consequences.

Annually

Most insurance companies will charge you less per year if you pay on a yearly basis. They do this because they save money by processing only one payment rather than 12. Annual payments might also help you cut spending on postage and checks.

When you pay yearly premiums, you won’t need to spend as much time making or keeping track of payments. Fewer transactions result in a smaller risk of overdraft fees, record-keeping mistakes and lost or delayed payments. This helps to ensure that coverage remains in effect.

A yearly payment is sometimes the only option. Certain mortgage lenders demand that buyers prepay for a year’s worth of coverage when they purchase homes. If desired, owners can switch to monthly payments after the initial year.

Monthly

Nevertheless, there are also benefits to be gained from paying by the month. You won’t have to save up as much cash before obtaining or renewing coverage. It’s also easier to switch insurers at any time. There’s no need to request a large refund if you cancel mid-year.

If both options appeal to you, look for a compromise. Some insurers accept quarterly or semi-annual premiums from their customers. Safechoice Insurance Agency can help you find a company that provides suitable payment options.

Our Rochester, MN agency has offered affordable coverage and top-notch service to Minnesota residents for over a decade. We independently check rates from multiple insurers and identify the best options for our customers. To find home insurance that fits your budget, please contact Safechoice Insurance Agency by dialing 507-280-9282.
 

How Home Insurance Can Save Lives in Rochester

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Home insurance isn’t the fireman that will rescue your family from the flames, nor is it the policeman that will apprehend criminals before they do any harm to you. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not important when it comes to keeping everyone in a community safe. Safechoice Insurance Agency wants the citizens of Rochester, MN to learn more about its benefits. 

Preventing the Worst 

Home insurance is there for you when you have something unexpected come up. It may be able to fix structural damage or deformities in the house or yard that could eventually pose a threat to the safety of the family. If the foundation is damaged by a storm for instance, then you won’t be able to live there safely until its back to being stable again. But insurance also works in intangible ways as well. When thieves (or even kids who are just looking to cause trouble) see that homes look as though they were given the utmost care, then they may hesitate to conduct their affairs on that particular block. 

Finding the People Who Can Help 

Safechoice Insurance Agency understands the community of Rochester, MN, and the actions that each homeowner takes affects everyone. The more responsibility is infused into a neighborhood, the safer and more valuable it becomes. Home insurance saves lives, and it can help boost the value of the property as well, making it an even more worthwhile investment for you. And it all starts with you. If you’re looking for more information on how you can get a policy that will provide the best protection, then we’re here to make that dream a reality. See why it may be more affordable than you think when you give us a call today for a quote. 

What Should You Consider When Purchasing Home Insurance?

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You can’t predict the future, so it’s not easy to know how much home insurance you might need. The best thing to do is to work with an agent from Safechoice Insurance Agency for your homeowner’s coverage in the Rochester, MN area to help you plan for possible future events. They can help you sort through what to consider while you’re planning for your homeowner’s insurance coverage while staying within your budget. Here are some items for you to have in mind when you speak to an agent.

  • Deductibles – Higher deductibles will decrease your premium, but if something happens, you will need to pay that deductible.  Know how much of a deductible you are comfortable paying for an incident.
  •  Replacement Cost or Cash Value – Decide if you would like the cost of replacing your home or valuables without depreciation or if you would rather have the actual cash value after depreciation. 
  • Know Your Policy – Work with your agent, so you clearly know what is covered under your plan. For certain events, you may need a separate policy.
  • Discounts – You may be eligible for discounts, such as car and home insurance with the same company, installing an alarm system, or dead bolts.
  • Annually – Review your policy at least once a year with your agent to ensure you have adequate coverage.

Safechoice Insurance Agency

If your home is in the Rochester MN area, Safechoice Insurance Agency is an excellent insurance agency to work with to help you determine your coverage needs. A professional agent will take the time to explore your home insurance options. They will help you make policy decisions that will provide the coverage you need at a price that will fit your budget.  Contact us today to get started.

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. 

 

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.