Road Trips and Car Insurance: What You Need to Know

Summer is fast approaching. If you’re like many Rochester, MN residents, you’ve probably started planning this year’s getaway. With the US lending itself to a culture of road trips, thousands of Americans are looking to hop in their car and see where the road takes them.

However, with all the excitement, the right car insurance policy is the last thing on many drivers’ minds. By taking a moment to review your coverage and how it works before starting your road trip, you can ensure that you’re prepared for anything coming your way.

Fortunately, the Safechoice Insurance Agency team is here to ensure you have the information you need to make the right choices before your next road trip.

What to Keep In Mind

When taking a road trip, there are two main things that you need to know: who and what is covered by your policy and what happens if you’re involved in an accident in another state. Your policy generally covers damage when other people drive your car unless it specifically states otherwise.

Your policy will still work if you’re in another state when your accident occurs. Though most states have their own requirements for how much coverage you should have, you typically won’t be punished for having less coverage than your state requires. However, you will want to be aware of how your policy handles things like roadside assistance, towing, and car rental costs.

Protect Yourself Today! Contact Safechoice Insurance Agency.

If you’re searching for an insurance policy that provides the level of coverage you need at a price you can afford, contact Safechoice Insurance Agency today. We can help you compare coverage options, so you can focus on planning your vacation!

Spring Tips for Homeowners

When spring arrives, it is time to toss the winter blues aside and enjoy what you have been missing since last autumn. To help you avoid expensive repair bills for a home in the greater Rochester, MN area, consider these spring tips for homeowners from Safechoice Insurance Agency.

Clean the Gutters

Your home’s gutters direct water and rain away from your home’s roof and the rest of the house. When clogged, water collects slowly, so there’s a good chance it remains undetected before it becomes an expensive home repair.

Inspect the Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense Against water damage and other environmental factors.

Check/Clean/Replace HVAC Filters

Dirty or neglected filters forces heating and air conditioning systems to work harder, which increases the cost of running the systems and likely decreases the system’s useful life.

Check the Hose That Fills the Washing Machine

An old hose, under constant pressure, can start to crack and leak. Replace it before it damages your home.

Drain the Hot Water Heater

To help reduce your electricity bill and prolong the water heater’s life, drain it annually to remove any sediment that builds up over time.

Check the Seals Around Doors/Windows

Cold winter weather can harden caulk which then cracks. These cracks, when repaired, will help reduce your electricity bill and prevent water from seeping through the crack and into your home, causing preventable damage.

Repair Cracked/Peeling Paint

While most people consider paint cosmetic, it protects your home from the outside elements.

To learn how to further protect your home and family in the greater Rochester, MN area, call the insurance professionals at Safechoice Insurance Agency at 507-280-9282 or contact us online.

Playing It Safe: Why Toy Insurance Is a Must-Have for Collectors and Enthusiasts

As a collector or enthusiast of any kind, there are always risks associated with acquiring, storing, and preserving your valuable toys. That’s why toy insurance is an absolute must-have. Safechoice Insurance Agency proudly provides coverage for any type of collector in the Rochester, MN area.

The Benefits of Toy Insurance for Collectors and Enthusiasts

Toy insurance provides collectors and enthusiasts with invaluable peace of mind knowing that their valuable toys are protected from financial loss due to theft, fire, water damage, and other unforeseen events. Even more so, some policies cover accidental damage you may incur during normal use. If something happens while displaying your precious items at home or at an event, you won’t have to worry about unexpected repairs or replacement costs.

Understanding the Basics

Toy insurance coverage typically includes physical damage, such as scratches and dents, and natural disasters like floods or fires. Most policies can also be tailored to cover various collectibles, including vintage toys, action figures, dolls, models, trainsets, hobby supplies, and other related items. Depending on your needs and budget, Safechoice Insurance Agency can offer various levels of coverage so that you can protect your interests without breaking the bank.

Toy insurance is an absolute must-have when it comes to keeping your valuable toys safe from harm’s way while collecting them over time or displaying them proudly at home or at an event. With SafechoAice Insurance Agency, you can rest assured knowing your prized possessions in Rochester, MN, and other areas are fully covered and protected from anything that may come their way. Contact our team today to learn how we can help you safeguard your valuable toys with the right coverage that meets your needs.

Does Health Insurance Cover Prescriptions?

The correct type of health insurance coverage can keep your existing conditions in check and help you prevent additional illnesses throughout your lifetime. Prescription drug coverage is part of some insurance benefits. Suppose you are looking for quality health or prescription drug coverage. In that case, you can count on the experts at Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving the residents in and around the Rochester, MN area, to provide information and support to secure the proper coverage.

Prescription Drug Benefits 

Although a prescription drug benefit is part of many insurance policies, it’s not part of every insurance policy available. If you want adequate prescription drug insurance coverage, consult one of our insurance experts.

They can assess your current needs and provide policy options, including prescription drug coverage matching your requirements. We aim to work closely with each customer to determine which policies work best for their particular needs. Once policy options are outlined, our insurance agents will review the fine print and terms and conditions to ensure the customer is well-informed about each prospect.

We offer a complete range of customer service before the policy purchase and maintain that same level of service during the policy’s lifetime. We can assist with any changes or claim submissions.

Find Out More 

If you would like to learn more about your health insurance coverage options and any prescription drug benefits, you can contact one of our helpful team members to schedule a consultation for services.

Safechoice Insurance Agency is committed to helping our customers in the Rochester, MN, area secure the coverage that provides them with the most comprehensive coverage. Ensure you get the insurance benefits you need to ensure your health and well-being throughout your lifetime.

Safety Tips for Driving In Summer Storms

Different safety tips apply to different situations when you are on the road. Understanding how to stay safe when driving during summer storms is crucial to help prevent accidents and injuries. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving Rochester, MN, we want to help our clients avoid accidents as a first line of defense. Keep reading to learn more about driving in summer storms. 

Check the Weather

If you are heading out for a long drive, checking the weather beforehand is always a good idea. This can help you better prepare for whatever types of summer storms are heading your way. 

Summer storms are often sudden and intense. They can include heavy rain, hail, heavy winds, and in some parts of the country, summer storms can quickly escalate into tornados. 

Slow Down

If the weather turns bad while driving, your first safety step is to slow down. You simply cannot drive at normal speeds during a heavy storm. Remember, the speed limit on the road is for ideal conditions. You should decrease your speed according to the severity of the storm. 

Pull Over

If you are losing visibility, you need to find a safe spot and pull off until the storm calms down. Some strong rain showers can cause zero visibility. There is no way to operate a vehicle with zero visibility safely. Even if it means being late to your destination, this is the smartest option in a powerful storm. 

Keep Wipers in Good Shape

You are required by law to keep windshield wipers in good working order for your safety and the safety of others. 

If you want to learn about our auto insurance services, please get in touch with us at Safechoice Insurance Agency, which serves Rochester, MN, and the surrounding areas. 

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!