Safechoice Insurance Agency

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Posted on by AgentInsure

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

Posted on by AgentInsure

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

Posted on by AgentInsure

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

Posted on by AgentInsure

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

Posted on by AgentInsure

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

Posted on by AgentInsure

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

Posted on by AgentInsure

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.

Why Homeowners Insurance is So Important

Posted on by AgentInsure

Homeowners insurance is a property-based insurance that covers private residences. While it is a common insurance, there are many that don’t understand the importance- and necessity- on having this coverage. Below, find a breakdown on why homeowners insurance is so important- and why you need it.

Investing in Your Home is Investing in your Future- Homes are one of the few commodities on the market that will still appreciate in value over time. Unlike a brand new car, which depreciates in value when you drive it off the lot, your home is an investment that will grow. While it is true that there are ups and downs in the real estate market, more often than not, a home that has been cared for will be valued much higher than its original purchase price. Thus, having insurance on your home is a protection to your biggest investment.

You May Not Receive your Loan- Lenders require homeowners insurance from prospective buyers. Often times, they will allocate a certain time frame in which they want you to secure a policy and if that isn’t done, you may have your deal canceled. They also may purchase the policy for you and tack on the premiums to your monthly mortgage payment. Taking the process into your own hands ensures that you are in control.

Home Insurance Protects your Home from Damages, Natural Disasters and Theft- This is probably one of the most important aspects of having a policy to cover your home. Homeowners insurance will cover theft, damages from fire and other natural disasters as well as destruction of your property.

If you’re thinking twice about why you have to invest in a policy to cover your home, these points should clear up any confusion. Life can bring about unexpected twists and turns, but some of them can be proactively dealt with. Homeowners insurance will essentially bring you peace of mind, because you know that you’re covered in the most unexpected of events. Contact Safechoice Insurance Agency today to find out how to get started on insuring your biggest investment.

 

An explanation of motorcycle insurance coverages

Posted on by AgentInsure

Motorcycle insurance provides the motorcycle owner with financial coverage in cases where he or she is involved in an accident. It not only covers their injuries, but provides coverage when damage is done to their or another person’s property. If you decide to purchase a motorcycle you are required by law in all states to purchase some type of motorcycle insurance, although the amounts of motorcycle insurance you are required to purchase may vary.

Types of motorcycle insurance

Every kind of motorcycle insurance has the same purpose, to financially protect the motorcycle rider and person harmed by the motorcycle rider, and their property. But not every kind of coverage insures the same scenarios. Some of the more popular coverages are:

  • Property damage liability motorcycle insurance– This type of insurance helps you cover the damage to the other vehicle and property owned by the victim when you are at fault in a traffic accident.
  • Medical Payment Insurance- This insurance covers the medical needs that regular liability does not cover, such as health insurance deductibles, dental care, funeral costs, prescription drugs, etc.
  • Uninsured Motorist Coverage– This motorcycle insurance covers you, if you happen to be in an accident with an uninsured motorist.

Motorcycle coverage required in Rochester MN

In Minnesota motorcycle owners are not only required to purchase liability insurance, but are also required by law to carry underinsured and non-insured coverage as well.

Contact a Motorcycle insurance provider

Obtaining the right coverages, and the right amount of coverage, for your motorcycle in the Rochester, Minnesota area can be a complicated decision. It is important that you speak with a knowledgeable motorcycle insurance agent to assist you. Call the insurance agents at Safechoice Insurance Agency today for a no-obligation quote.

 

 

 

5 Reasons to Consider Life Insurance in Parkersburg

Posted on by AgentInsure

There’s nothing worse in life than feeling like you’re entirely unprepared for a situation, and life insurance is just one more way for you to put your fears to rest about leaving the future completely to chance. When you have important people in your life, you need to be willing to take the extra steps for their well-being. Here are five reasons to consider life insurance in Rochester. 

1. Family 

It’s likely that costs will become exorbitant after too long for your family. Having comprehensive life insurance for them can ease the burden when they have the right support.

2. A Safety Net 

Permanent insurance can be somewhat of a safety net for those who take out policies. If you need to, you can generally borrow from your accumulated fund with permanent policies if you absolutely have to. 

3. Piece of Mind 

It can be nice to know that not only will your family be taken care of but also that you have an easily accessible stash of funds for emergencies. Using the savings from life insurance is usually quick so when you need money fast, you have that option. Taking these precautions is what can make everyone’s life easier when the worst occurs. 

4. Locking Rates Down

Rates tend to go up as you get older, but buying life insurance now can save you from having to pay the extra costs should something change in your  health situation. 

5. Having a Place to Go for Help 

Knowing a place to turn to is half the battle when it comes to finding a life insurance policy. Safechoice Insurance Agency serves Rochester, MN, and we’re here to help you decide on a policy that’s right for you. Whether you’re looking for new coverage or you’re reviewing your current policy, give us a call today!