Top Three Home Maintenance Chores You Can’t Skip

No one likes chores, but when you are a homeowner, there are specific maintenance chores you should never skip. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving Rochester, MN, and the surrounding areas, we want to help you make great homeownership choices. Keep reading to learn more. 

Changing Air Filters 

If you have an HVAC system in your home, changing out air filters is critically essential. HVAC systems cannot work correctly if the airflow is restricted. When the airflow gets restricted, it will cause the system to work harder than necessary. Over time, this will start to wear down the system. You will be faced with increased instances of repairs, a poorly performing system, and increased energy expenses. 

Pest Control

Staying on top of pest control may not seem like a necessary chore, but pests can cause quite a bit of damage to your home when left unchecked. If you notice a pest infestation, deal with it immediately. It is vital that you deal quickly with pests such as termites, which can cause vast amounts of damage when left untreated. 

Water Leaks 

Dealing with leaky faucets, pipes, or other leaks is also an essential type of home maintenance you should never skip. Any leak in your home will eventually lead to water damage. This can include a leak under the sink, a leaky roof, leaks behind or around toilets, or pipes leaking in walls or the basement. Anywhere water is accumulating is at increased risk for water damage. 

As soon as you are aware of a leak, have it fixed quickly. 

If you would like to learn more about our insurance services, please get in touch with us at Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving Rochester, MN, and the surrounding areas.

How Can I Use Life Insurance for Retirement Planning in Rochester, MN?

When putting money aside for your retirement years, it’s essential to consider all your options. Many people don’t realize that life insurance can help them put money back for retirement in the form of an accumulated cash value. The team at Safechoice Insurance Agency can help you choose a whole-life policy that lets you provide for those you love and save for retirement in Rochester, MN.

How Can Whole Life Insurance Supplement Retirement?

Whole life insurance builds up cash value with tax benefits. Every time you pay your premium, your policy’s cash value increases. You can use this for additional retirement funds, withdrawing the cash when you reach retirement age. Here are a few benefits of choosing this option.

Whereas term life expires at the time specified in your policy, whole life insurance is permanent. You can draw on the cash value any time before your death. Additionally, the premium remains constant and won’t increase as you age. However, signing up sooner rather than later is a good idea for the most affordable premiums and maximum cash value accumulation.

Every time you make a premium payment, the cash value increases slightly. Your Safechoice Insurance Agency representative can explain how it works on individual policies. Even better, the cash value is typically tax-deferred.

You may also qualify for dividends. Depending on the insurance policy you choose, you may have the option to get dividends based on the company’s profitability and other factors.

Using Whole Life Insurance for Retirement Savings

If you purchase whole life insurance as part of your retirement savings, start as soon as possible. The younger you are, the more cash value your account will accumulate. You can also save on premiums. Although it’s never too late to save, we recommend signing up by age 45 or younger.

If you’re looking for life insurance in Rochester, MN, contact Safechoice Insurance Agency to set up a free consultation. We’ll explain how your life insurance choice affects your retirement savings.

What You Need to Know About RV Insurance for the Summer Months

Vacation season is here, and if you’re an avid RVer, you may wonder if you can get insurance just for the summer months when you’re using your RV. The answer is yes—you can get RV insurance just for the summer months, but there are some things to consider before making that decision. Safechoice Insurance Agency explains what you need to know about RV insurance in Rochester, MN. 

What Does Summer RV Insurance Cover? 

Summer RV insurance covers your recreational vehicle while in use during the summer months. Your policy may cover liability (in case of an accident), property damage, theft, and more. It typically also covers roadside assistance so that if something goes wrong with your RV while you’re out on the road, you have help getting back up and running quickly. 

Benefits of Year-Round RV Insurance Coverage

You may want to consider year-round RV insurance, even if you don’t plan to use your RV in the winter months. It helps ensure that you’re covered no matter when something happens and can help you save money on premiums over time. In addition, having year-round coverage can also give you peace of mind. Plus, you’ll be ready to take your RV south for some winter sunshine.

Where Can I Get More Information? 

If you’d like to learn more about summer RV insurance in Rochester, MN, contact Safechoice Insurance Agency today! Our agents will be happy to answer all your questions and discuss your options so that you can decide how best to protect yourself and your recreational vehicle this summer!

Winter Care Tips for Your RV in Rochester, MN

Winter can be especially harsh on your RV. Without the proper preparation, you could end up with damage and costly repairs. You don’t want to spend your winter worrying about preventing damage to your RV—you should be able to enjoy the season! Here are some simple tips from Safechoice Insurance Agency to help protect your RV as the temperatures drop in Rochester, MN. 

Insulation and Heating Systems 

Your RV needs extra insulation to protect it from frigid temperatures. The best way to do this is by adding fiberglass and weather stripping around any interior openings or windows. This will help keep heat inside your RV and reduce drafts that can cause significant damage. In addition, check that all heating systems are in good working condition before the onset of cold weather so everything runs efficiently as temperatures drop. 

Antifreeze/Coolant Maintenance 

Ensuring that your antifreeze/coolant systems function properly throughout winter is also essential. Check all hoses and lines, replacing worn or damaged parts as needed. Also, ensure enough antifreeze/coolant runs through the engine—this helps prevent freezing temperatures from damaging internal components of your RV’s engine system. 

Battery Maintenance

Ensure you have a fresh set of batteries installed in your RV before the start of winter, so they last longer during cold periods when power is more likely to be used. It’s also a good idea to check on them periodically throughout the season and replace them if necessary – dead batteries are no fun! Last, watch out for any corrosion or other issues with battery terminals. If these aren’t taken care of, they could lead to more significant problems down the road. 

Contact us today for more information on how Safechoice Insurance Agency can help protect your investment in Rochester, MN, in winter!

How to Keep Your Motorcycle Safe in the Off-Season

The off-season can be challenging for motorcyclists in Rochester, MN. Not only do you have to wait months before getting back on your bike, but keeping your motorcycle protected during the off-season is also important. Here’s how the proper steps and the Safechoice Insurance Agency can keep your bike safe when it’s off the road.

Secure the Bike in a Garage or Shed 

The best way to protect your bike during the off-season is to store it indoors. The temperature inside a garage or shed remains consistent throughout the winter months, which helps prevent rust and corrosion from forming on exposed metal components. Keeping your bike inside also reduces exposure to dust, dirt, and other environmental elements that can damage its exterior finish. 

Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts 

Before storing your bike for the off-season, clean and lubricate all its moving parts. This includes chains, sprockets, cables, brakes, and levers. Lubricating these components ensure they continue working correctly when it’s time to hit the road again. Cleaning them regularly helps reduce wear and tear. 

Protect with Motorcycle Insurance 

The last step in keeping your motorcycle safe during the off-season in Rochester, MN is investing in insurance coverage. Motorcycle insurance policies provide protection against theft or damage caused by accidents or weather events, such as storms or floods. Many insurers also offer roadside assistance services so that if something goes wrong while you’re out riding, you have someone to call who can help get you back on track quickly and safely.  

Taking proper care of your motorcycle during the off-season ensures it remains safe and reliable for years. Contact us today for more information about how Safechoice Insurance Agency can provide comprehensive coverage for your motorcycle needs!

Why do you need toy insurance in Rochester?

Recreational toys continue to be great investments and popular purchases in the Rochester, MN area. This part of the state offers many parks and other locations where you can use these vehicles. If you would like to buy one, it would be wise also to have proper coverage. You will want a full toy insurance policy for a few reasons. 

Cover Your Asset

If you plan on buying a recreational toy in this area of Minnesota, you might find it a significant investment. Further, it would be best if you wanted to be able to enjoy the recreational toy for a long time. The best way to ensure this happens is by getting toy insurance. This coverage will provide the support necessary to replace or repair your asset if you incur a loss due to an accident, vandalism, or theft.  

Reduce Liability Risks

Your risk of being named liable for an accident and associated damages should always be considered when seeking insurance. When you have a proper toy insurance plan, it will include a provision for liability coverage. This can help ensure that you can cover damage that you may cause. Depending on how and where you use this asset, it may also be a requirement to carry coverage. 

When you are going to invest in any recreational toy or vehicle, it is vital that you are insured. When looking for your next toy insurance plan, calling the team with Safechoice Insurance Agency is helpful. The Safechoice Insurance Agency team has been helping those in the Rochester, MN area for a long time. They can give any guidance you need to assess your options and build a plan. 

What value comes with a Rochester ATV insurance plan?

Anyone that lives in the Rochester, MN area can find that it is a great place to own an ATV. With many trails and parks in the area, you can have a lot of fun with it. If you want to purchase an ATV, it is vital that you also have it insured. There are various advantages and benefits obtained when you have this coverage. 

Liability Risk Mitigation

Liability risk mitigation is one benefit and form of value that will come with your ATV insurance plan. While ATVs are fun to use, there is always a chance that you could cause an accident. If you are at fault for an accident, you can be held responsible for any damage or injuries that you cause. When you are adequately insured with an ATV insurance plan, it will include support in these situations. 

Protect your ATV

If you buy an ATV, it will be an asset you want to use and enjoy for a long time. Investing in a proper ATV insurance plan is a great way to ensure this happens. With a full ATV insurance plan, you will have coverage to protect against many risks, including the risk of theft or damage sustained in an accident. This can effectively protect your asset and ensure you can use it for a long time. 

When investing in an ATV insurance plan, it is a good idea to get proper support and guidance. If you are in the Rochester, MN area, it would be wise to call the professionals with Safechoice Insurance Agency. The team with Safechoice Insurance Agency offers plenty of help to ensure you can select a plan that will meet your needs. 

Required Commercial Insurance in Minnesota

When you have a business in Minnesota, there are specific commercial insurance policies that you may be required to have in place. When these are required for your business, you could face fees and other punishments if you don’t have them. Not every business in the state requires these, but if yours does, it’s time to get your commercial policies. Call us at Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN to find out more.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage

This type of commercial insurance is vital for virtually every business, and it is required in Minnesota for any business with any number of employees. If you run a sole proprietorship, it isn’t required for your business. Corporate officers and partners also aren’t counted as those who need to have this type of policy. When you have a workers’ comp policy for your employees, your policy will pay for their medical bills and other costs if an employee gets injured at work or contracts a work-related illness. This type of policy is vital for protecting your company from liability for these circumstances.

Commercial Auto Coverage

This insurance policy is required for all vehicles owned by Minnesota businesses. A commercial auto policy must come with various kinds of coverage. This includes two amounts of coverage for bodily injury liability and an amount for property damage liability. It also requires two amounts of uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. It requires personal injury protection as well. This pays for your medical bills when there has been an accident that is the fault of your company’s vehicle. 

Get Your Required Commercial Insurance

We can help you with all the insurance policies required for your business, as well as any optional ones you want. Call us at Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN.

I’m not married and don’t have kids. Should I invest in life insurance?

Life insurance has many benefits. However, it is hard to determine who needs it and who doesn’t. Our Rochester, MN team at Safechoice Insurance Agency wants to take the confusion out of life insurance.

What is Life Insurance?

Life insurance provides a lump sum of money to a beneficiary of your choosing. You select a beneficiary as the recipient of a lump sum of money in the event of your death or illness, critical or terminal. You pay premiums for a specific period or your entire life based on the type of policy you invest in. Common life insurance policies are either for a "term" or your "whole life."

I’m not married and don’t have kids. Should I invest in life insurance?

To some, life insurance may not be worthwhile if they don’t have a spouse or children. However, there may be other reasons, beyond family, why life insurance may be a wise investment. If you want to pay for your burial, or have other financial obligations, like a mortgage, life insurance is a wise investment. If you pass away before your mortgage is paid off, the mortgage company can reclaim the equity in your home.

Common sense would suggest that life insurance makes the most sense for people with a spouse and dependents. However, there are benefits for single people as well.

If you have questions about life insurance, call us. We can help you explore the benefits of life insurance for single people and your own unique situation.

My dog bit my neighbor while he was in my backyard. Will my homeowners insurance cover it?

Homeowners insurance has many benefits that create peace of mind. Homeowners insurance provides coverage for repairing and replacing your home and other situations and circumstances. As a homeowner, it’s a good idea to understand how your homeowner’s insurance policy works and what’s covered. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we take pride in educating Rochester, MN residents on how insurance works and what’s covered.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Homeowners insurance provides three main areas of coverage. There’s coverage for the repair or replacement of your home. You also have liability protection under your homeowner’s policy. Plus, you’re also covered for theft. Your policy will compensate you financially to repair or replace your home and more.

My dog bit my neighbor while he was in my backyard. Will my homeowner’s insurance cover it?

Dog bites are covered by a homeowners policy and would likely fall into the category of liability coverage. However, there may be limitations or specific details regarding animals. You’ll need to speak with an agent to ensure that dog bites fall under your liability coverage policy. Your coverage would include legal and financial protection for the injured/bitten person. Anything not covered by your policy would be the policyholder’s responsibility. 

It’s best to keep in mind that every insurance company is different. The terms of your liability coverage would determine what types of situations and coverage levels are set. Call us if you have questions about what’s covered by your homeowner’s policy. We know that a homeowners policy combines many different forms of coverage to meet the needs of homeowners. However, we can help you explore all the options and benefits.