What Does Toy Insurance Cover?

Toy insurance is often overlooked, as owners may believe that their all-terrain vehicles are covered under other insurance. However, most all-terrain cars are covered under what is called toy insurance. Toy insurance is an added coverage that can keep you and your vehicle safe in the case of an accident, providing you with the peace of mind that your valuables are protected. At Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, we believe in providing this sense of security for our customers.

What’s Covered Under Toy Insurance?

Toy insurance generally covers all-terrain, small, open motor vehicles with either one or two seats. They must have three or more wheels and be fitted with larger tires. However, this also includes golf cars, snowmobiles, and ATVs. Essentially, it covers anything that can be deemed as recreational.

Here is a short list of a few others:

  • RV’s
  • Air Boats
  • Off-road vehicles
  • And more

Who Needs Toy Insurance?

Similar to car insurance, toy insurance can ensure that both your property and your health are protected. In the case of an accident, a toy insurance coverage plan can help alleviate the damage to either the vehicle or healthcare bills. For instance, if your ATV gets damaged in a collision or gets injured while riding your snowmobile, toy insurance can help cover the costs. Additionally, toy coverage can help protect the value of your vehicle and ensure that it is repaired if damaged. 

Is Toy Insurance Worth it?

Toy insurance isn’t necessary for everyone. It generally depends on what you’re going to insure. Typically, toy insurance is a good idea when your “toy” is expensive. For example, a snowmobile can range upward of $10,000 at times. This is a considerable cost; having it insured can help protect the value. The decision to opt for toy insurance is in your hands, and if you’re still unsure, then feel free to contact a professional at Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, to get more details and make an informed choice.

What ATV Insurance Coverage Passes State Law Minimums in Minnesota?

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) owners in Rochester, MN, must register their vehicle with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). State law also requires drivers to have proof of ATV insurance, but how much is enough? We answer this question to help customers avoid penalties and fees.

What Types of ATV Insurance Coverage Are Available in Rochester, MN?

Liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorists are available in most states, including Minnesota. Liability covers damage to drivers, passengers, and personal property. Collision covers vehicle damage, and comprehensive covers damage not caused by a vehicle accident. Uninsured or underinsured motorists cover drivers with no insurance or not enough insurance. We also offer specialty insurance within the ATV bubble for roadside assistance, personal injury protection (PIP), guest passengers, ATV parts, and rentals.

What is the Minimum Coverage in Rochester, MN?

We can tell you that the minimum coverage is liability insurance, personal injury protection, and uninsured/underinsured motorists. Liability insurance must have property damage and bodily injury coverage. The minimum for adequate coverage is $60,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage. You also need $30,000 for bodily injury per person. 

For uninsured or underinsured motorists, you must have $25,000 minimum coverage for one person and $50,000 for two or more people. For PIP, it’s $40,000 per person per accident. Half of the money covers medical expenses, and the other half covers non-medical expenses. You are free to have more, but you cannot have less.

The minimum coverage in Minnesota may not suit you. We seek ATV insurance coverage that satisfies Minnesota laws and your needs. We factor in deductibles, discounts, and driving history to produce coverage that both parties like. Contact Safechoice Insurance Agency for more information on ATV insurance coverage.

Even for the Smallest Companies Commercial Insurance Can Be a Big Deal

For business owners of all sorts, from small-to-midsize enterprises to expansive corporations, commercial insurance is a must-have protection. Even though the specific benefits of commercial insurance may differ widely among businesses, the value and necessity of insurance protection remain similar. That’s why business proprietors in and around Rochester, MN, choose to collaborate with the professional and experienced agents at Safechoice Insurance Agency for all their corporate insurance necessities.

Commercial Insurance: Critical for Businesses Big and Small

All business owners aim for their enterprise’s success. Even though the vision of what defines success may vary among different business owner’s perspectives, the need for safeguarding their enterprises remains constant. Commercial insurance plays a definite role in managing varying risks, from liability and customer claims to asset protection needs, including property and inventory.

These risks can result in substantial financial burdens for larger businesses. For smaller businesses, it could mean shutting down their operations. Therefore, the shield that commercial insurance provides is vital for businesses of all sizes.

Commercial Insurance Solutions in Rochester, MN

If you own a business in the vicinity of Rochester, MN, and are seeking answers to questions on commercial insurance or require insurance solutions, our approachable and seasoned team at Safechoice Insurance Agency can help. While no two businesses are exactly similar, every enterprise requires the protective measure that only commercial insurance offers. Reach out to us and schedule an appointment to explore the insurance coverage and protection your business needs and rightly deserves.

Is Upgrading from Term to Permanent Life Insurance Right for You?

Life changes may dictate a change in your existing life insurance policy. If you currently hold term life insurance, considering an upgrade to a permanent life insurance policy might be beneficial. Our agents at Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, break down the reasons below.

Comparing Term Life Insurance and Permanent Life Insurance

Term life insurance is coverage that lasts for a specified period, providing beneficiaries with a death benefit. You’ll need to procure a fresh policy upon expiration to maintain protection. It’s important to note that term life policies do not accumulate cash value.

On the other hand, a permanent life insurance policy offers lifetime coverage, provided the premiums are consistently paid. When compared, permanent life insurance policies give beneficiaries a death benefit and accumulate cash savings that can be borrowed against premiums or any other financial needs.

Why Consider Shifting to Permanent Life Insurance?

Several compelling reasons make switching to a whole life insurance policy attractive. Here are a few:

  • Lifetime coverage: If you have ongoing financial commitments, a permanent policy will ensure that death benefits last for your lifetime.
  • Accrual of cash value: Whole life insurance policies accumulate cash value over time, which can be borrowed against. This is an ideal feature for those who foresee borrowing against it.
  • Fixed premiums: The rates for whole life insurance are usually locked in for the duration of your policy. Note: Failing to pay premiums may increase rates upon policy reinstatement.

Thinking About Converting Your Life Insurance Policies?

It’s crucial to bear in mind that permanent life insurance premiums may be higher than term insurance. However, considering the lifetime coverage and the ability to borrow against the cash value accumulated, it’s typically seen as a superior choice. Contact Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN to speak with an experienced agent.

Is Your Home Summer Ready?

If you are like many people from the Rochester, MN area, the anticipation of warmer weather and the arrival of the summer season is exhilarating, especially after enduring those cold Minnesota winters. For many Minnesotans, the warmer weather is a signal to swap snow skis for water skis and snowmobiles for four-wheelers and motorcycles. And for many Minnesota homeowners, it is time to prepare their homes for all the fun-in-the-sun activities. If you are searching for home insurance solutions in the Rochester, MN area, then the professional and amicable team at the Safechoice Insurance Agency is here to assist.

Preparing Your Home for Summer

There are a number of things we can do to prepare our homes for wide-open windows, increased foot traffic, and a ramp-up in activity. During the summer months, our homes are often subject to more water-related activities, somewhat similar to snow and ice in the winter. In addition, our homes will become exposed to warmer conditions and humidity, which isn’t all that different from the chill and wind of winter.

The crux of the matter is that we should never forget to ensure that our homes are prepped for the changing seasons and that essential systems are in working order. In the summer, this means ensuring our air conditioning systems are functioning correctly for those times when it’s too hot to leave the windows open. We should also scrutinize our vents and filters for airflow or potential clogs and our windows for when we want to let fresh air in.

Finally, this is the appropriate time to update and review your home insurance policy. After all, getting your home summer-ready also involves preparing for summer storms. If you reside in the Rochester, MN area and arelookingt for home insurance solutions, we are here to help. Connect with us to fix an appointment at the Safechoice Insurance Agency for all your home insurance requirements today.

Types of Auto Liability Insurance

When you hear the term liability insurance in the context of an auto policy, it refers to what your policy pays out to the other party if you are found liable for an accident. This generally refers to the people in the other vehicle involved in an accident. At Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, we are dedicated to informing our clients about their coverages and the benefits they derive from them.

Auto liability insurance coverage on your vehicle policy is legally mandated for driving on the roadways in most states. When you hear the term liability coverage in discussions of auto insurance, it refers to two types of coverages: bodily injury and property damage.

  • Bodily injury coverage pays for the injuries to the other driver(s) and passengers harmed in an accident that you have been found at fault for causing.
  • Property damage coverage pays for the cost associated with another person’s automobile or property damaged in an accident where you are at fault.

We will help you get the right coverage that you need.

What is Included With Auto Liability Insurance?

Auto liability insurance includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage.

Bodily injury coverage insures you against injuries to another person caused by an accident for which you are found liable. These injuries can include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Prescriptions
  • Legal fees if you are sued for the injuries you have caused another person to suffer

Property damage coverage covers the damages your vehicle has caused to someone else’s personal property. These include:

  • Repairs to the car of the other drivers involved in an accident
  • Damages to fences, buildings, or other structures
  • A rental car while the other person’s vehicle is being repaired
  • Damage to the personal belongings of others inside a car, such as electronics
  • Legal fees if you are sued for causing damage to someone’s property
  • Other related costs arising from damage to property during an incident

Coverage Limits

There is a variety of auto liability limits available for drivers. Typically, there is a state minimum that you are required to carry. In Minnesota, the minimum liability limits are 30/60/10, which means that the state requires you to have auto liability cover sufficient to pay up to $30,000 per accident for bodily injury per person, up to $60,000 total for a single accident, and up to $10,000 for property damage to the vehicle or property of another in a single incident.

While you are only required to have the minimum, you may find it beneficial to carry a larger amount to ensure your financial protection in the event of an accident.

Let us Help!

Call us today at Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, at (507) 280-9282. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff can answer your questions and help you get the right auto liability coverage.

Toy Insurance: When Protecting Our Toys Isn’t a Game

Toys are something we all know and are familiar with, although, for some of us, that familiarity may be from years long gone. However, what doesn’t fade or go away is the value that many of these toys hold, and that isn’t only sentimental value. If you haven’t been in a toy store lately, then you may experience sticker shock as you have rarely known because toys today are much more expensive than they used to be. These are also only a few reasons why people from in and around the Rochester, MN, area turn to the friendly and professional team at the Rochester Safechoice Insurance Agency for all their toy insurance needs.

Yes, Toy Insurance

At first hearing, toy insurance may sound odd, but after thoughtful consideration, it becomes less curious and much more sensible. In some cases, it seems odd to insure some of our toys because some may be worth a lot more than we ever imagined.

According to one USA Today article, toys that fall into the collectible category have sold for as much as millions of dollars (yes, that is millions with an "s"), with many collectibles like Barbies, Lego sets, and other toys selling for thousands of dollars. Yes, from the price of toys today to the value of toys that are or could become collectibles, toy insurance makes sense.

Toy Insurance in Rochester, MN

If you live in or around the Rochester, MN, area and have questions or would like to learn more about toy insurance, our professional and friendly team at the Safechoice Insurance Agency can help. Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment today because protecting our toys may mean much more than we originally thought.

Health Insurance: It is About More than Just Your Health

Nobody anticipates falling ill or requiring a hospital visit; however, it’s essential to have a plan in case it happens. Health insurance is often a significant part of that plan. It helps us handle our bills and maintain our lifestyle. These reasons, among others, explain why it is advantageous to have health insurance and are the basis for why many individuals in and around the Rochester, MN area seek the professional, experienced, and friendly services of the Safechoice Insurance Agency for their health insurance requirements.

Health Insurance: More than Just About Health

Have you ever encountered someone who has been sick or injured and said, "At least I have health insurance," or "Thank goodness my health insurance covers that"? These phrases express relief and assurance and underscore the importance of having health insurance. Undeniably, health insurance is crucial when you are sick or injured, but it also provides numerous additional benefits.

Rochester, MN – Your Health Insurance Solution

If you reside in the greater Rochester, MN area and have inquiries about health insurance or are keen on exploring the potential benefits of health insurance should you have to miss work or suffer an injury, our reliable and proficient team at the Safechoice Insurance Agency can assist. You cannot predict when you might need health insurance coverage, but knowing that you are covered when the need arises is reassuring. Contact us to learn more and acquire the health insurance solutions you need and deserve today at Safechoice.

Four Benefits to Waterproofing Your Basement

As a homeowner in the Rochester, MN, area, protecting your basement is vital to the health of your home. There are financial and health benefits to waterproofing your basement and keeping it that way. 

1. Protect Your Home’s Foundation

Water damage can cause cracks and damage to your home’s foundation. This can be some of the most expensive repairs you make, so you want to make sure that you’re keeping the area protected from water. The plumbing in this area will also be secure, and if there happens to be a leak, it will be easier to identify before the problem gets too bad. 

2. Reduce Pest Infestations

Because the basement has been waterproofed and keeps out certain elements, pests aren’t going to be attracted to the area. Basements that hold too much water and have exposure will often be a breeding ground for unwanted pests to nest and start destroying your home from the bottom up. 

3. Improve Your Monthly Utility Bills

When you waterproof your basement, you don’t have as much humidity to fight throughout the year. This means your home will use less energy in this area, reducing your overall monthly cost. The HVAC system will not overwork; you can expect it to last longer and have lower payments for years. 

4. Keep Your Air Quality Healthy

One of the best things about waterproofing your basement is preventing the possibility of mildew and mold building up in that area. So many homes have fallen victim to poor air quality and lots of sickness due to mold growing in the home. With a waterproof basement, your family will be healthier because of having clean air and no exposure to harmful mold. 

If you’re a homeowner around the Rochester, MN area and you’re looking for a personal quote, contact Safechoice Insurance Agency today. 

Three Valuable Car Insurance Add-ons To Consider

Are you a driver in the Rochester, MN, area? Have you been settling for state minimum standards when it comes to your auto insurance? Here are three ways Safechoice Insurance Agency can provide more value with three affordable add-ons.

Car Rental Coverage

Most drivers don’t recognize how inexpensive it can be to add a provision to their policy to pay for renting a car should their vehicle need repairs after an accident. Car rental insurance can pay for up to 30 days of car rental expenses should your vehicle need repairs. Ask your agent about this inexpensive coverage.

Uninsured Motorist Insurance

The odds of being involved in an accident with an under-insured or uninsured motorist may be greater than you think. This coverage can help minimize your out-of-pocket expenses in such an incident. Your agent can help explain the value of this important coverage.

Comprehensive Coverage

If you are insuring your vehicle at state minimum levels, you are not protecting your car from theft, fire, vandalism, collision damage, and more. While you certainly want to be covered at legal limits, state minimums may not be enough. You likely don’t accept the bare basics in other areas of your life. Don’t accept it with your car insurance. Consider comprehensive auto insurance coverage. Contact us to learn about affordable options.

Get a Quote Today

Perhaps it’s time to have a real discussion with a professional car insurance agent to get the protection you deserve. Safechoice Insurance Agency of Rochester, MN, is here to help. Don’t settle for less, especially when you don’t know all of your affordable options. Contact us today for your free auto insurance evaluation and price quote.