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. 

You know, car insurance is mandatory in Minnesota. But is this a requirement for a second-hand car? Whether you drive a new or second-hand car, the law requires you to maintain car insurance to operate your vehicle legally. However, car insurance policies may not make sense for your second-hand vehicle. Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, explains what you need to know about car insurance for used vehicles.

Why do I need car insurance for my used car?

You can buy a used car, but you will not operate it legally without car insurance. Although car insurance is mandatory, that’s not the only motivation to buy car insurance. Here are the reasons you should purchase auto insurance for your used vehicle.

• To protect you from liability claims: Whether you are using a new or used car, you can cause accidents, leading to bodily injury and property damage. Since these liability costs can be expensive, you need insurance coverage to protect you.
• Physical damage coverage: If you can cover the repair and replacement cost of your used car, you don’t need collision and comprehensive coverage. However, if your used car still holds good value, car insurance protects it from physical damage.
• Medical costs coverage: Auto accidents don’t result in car damage only — you and your passengers can suffer injuries. Car insurance pays for your medical costs for your auto injuries.

You don’t need an entirely new policy for your used car. If you have an existing car insurance policy, you need to update it to your current vehicle. Depending on the value of your car, you may need to add premiums.

Purchasing car insurance today

Are you renewing or shopping for car insurance in Rochester, MN? You are in the right place. Please talk to Safechoice Insurance Agency for all your car insurance solutions.

Summer is synonymous with road trips, vacations, and outdoor activities. But while the sun and heat provide some welcome break from the season’s colder weather, summer also brings with it road hazards such as heat stroke, fatigue, and poor driving conditions.

Safechoice Insurance Agency of Rochester, MN is here to prepare you for the summer driving season. Read on to learn more!

What To Do Before You Leave

• Get a maintenance check done on your vehicle. Even basic servicing can help prevent breakdowns and keep you and your family safe on the road.
• Plan your route. Map out your route before you leave. Know where you are going and what road conditions you’re likely to encounter. Also, be aware of the weather conditions that could affect your route.
• Stock up on emergency supplies. Keep a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. Your kit should include water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, a flashlight and extra batteries, a blanket, a cell phone and charger, tire-changing tools, and jumper cables. Be sure to bring the necessary medications and medical equipment.
• Make sure your insurance is up-to-date. Check with your insurance agent to ensure your policy covers common summer road hazards. You may also want to consider buying a roadside assistance plan.

What To Do On The Road

• Avoid distractions. Risky driving behaviors such as texting and talking on the phone while driving may be tempting, but they can be deadly. If you must use your phone, use a hands-free device or pull over to make the call.
• Stay alert. Plan to take breaks every two hours or so. Get out of the car, stretch your legs, drink plenty of water, and rest if necessary.

Let Safechoice Insurance Agency be your trusted partner on the road. We are here to serve all of Rochester, MN!

The team here at Safechoice Insurance Agency is proud to serve the insurance needs of the greater Rochester, MN area. If your auto policy isn’t cutting it anymore, we can help you with an upgrade! Our team is here to help you find the right policy for your needs. Get in touch today!

Benefits of roadside assistance

One of the most basic and obvious advantages of having a roadside assistance benefit included in your auto policy is that you will get the help you need if your car breaks down or is involved in an accident. Having this service through your auto insurance provides another layer of benefit.

When you are involved in a mishap or your car is inoperable due to a covered event, you will need to work with your insurance company to repair or replace it. If the vehicle is going to be fixed, your insurance company will probably have specific stipulations and requirements. If the tow truck you call takes your vehicle to an unapproved repair shop, the work may not be covered.

Using the roadside assistance that comes with your policy ensures that you work with approved vendors. This will help the claims process go much more smoothly. Getting your car fixed is already stressful enough. There’s no reason to add insurance issues to the process!

Give us a call today!

Rochester, MN area drivers can rely on Safechoice Insurance Agency for their insurance needs. If it’s time to upgrade your policy, give us a call or come by our office to find out more about the options available in our area. We look forward to working with you!

Those that are in the Rochester, MN area will almost always be better off owning a vehicle. If you are a vehicle owner when you are here, getting a proper insurance plan is very important. There are a few reasons why everyone in this area of the state should consider getting auto insurance coverage when in the Rochester area. 

Coverage is a Standard Requirement

A good reason to get an auto insurance plan here is that it could be a requirement for you. If you want to drive a car on a public road in Minnesota, you will be obligated to carry liability coverage to comply with the state’s minimum requirements. Further, if you have a loan outstanding, you likely will be required to carry a full comprehensive insurance plan at all times. 

Coverage Protects Asset

You should also get coverage for your vehicle to protect your asset. Those that purchase a car will want to enjoy it for a long time. A good way to ensure this can happen is by getting a full auto insurance plan. If you do maintain a full comprehensive insurance plan at all times, you will have coverage that can mitigate many risks including the risk of theft or damage. 

People that are in the Rochester, MN area and want to be vehicle owners need to ensure they carefully evaluate their insurance needs. As you are looking for a new plan in the area, calling Safechoice Insurance Agency is always a good decision. There are plenty of choices that need to be made when looking for coverage and Safechoice Insurance Agency can make it easier for you. The team here can offer you great support and guidance that will help you determine your needs and evaluate your options. 

When your vehicle has been stolen, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or feel like you don’t know what you need to do. The most obvious responses are to first call the police and then call your insurance company. If it hasn’t happened yet, you can prepare yourself with your car insurance ahead of time. 

At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we want Rochester, MN to feel secure with their car insurance no matter what happens. 

Report the Stolen Vehicle

The first thing to do when you have a high-value asset stolen is to call the police. Do this before you call the insurance company because we will want to know the results of this call. When you can, get the police report number, and take as much information as you can for your next call, the insurance company.

After you have reported the stolen car to the police, call the insurance company. A claim advisor will help you with your claim. In many cases, you may need to wait 5 to 7 days for your claim to be processed. We will want to see if the police recover your vehicle or not.

Will Insurance Cover a Stolen Car?

Your car insurance will cover a stolen car if you have comprehensive insurance. It will replace stolen vehicles, stolen parts from vehicles, and damage to your vehicle after vandalism or other crime.

If you have personal belongings in the car, that will be covered by renters insurance or home insurance. This is one reason it is always easier to bundle your insurance policies with the same company.

Get a Quote

When your car gets stolen, this is a major crisis in your life. Safechoice Insurance Agency wants the people of Rochester, MN to feel secure before that happens, and when it happens. Call us for a free quote or to update your comprehensive coverage today.

In the Rochester, MN area having access to a car is very important. When you have access to a vehicle, you will be able to quickly get around town and complete your tasks and errands efficiently. Along with picking a car, another important task that you need to complete is to pick an auto insurance plan. This insurance coverage is necessary for many different situations. 

Those that Want to Drive Legally

A situation when someone will need to have auto insurance in the Rochester area is when they would like to drive a vehicle legally. Anyone that is going to drive a car in this area of Minnesota needs to follow the state laws around liability insurance. All drivers that want to use a public road are obligated to carry vehicle liability insurance at all times. 

Those that Want to Protect Vehicle

You will also want to get an auto insurance plan if you want to protect your vehicle. When you are going to buy any type of car you are making a big investment. To ensure that your investment pays off over the long run, you need to get proper insurance for it. A full collision and comprehensive plan will give you the coverage needed to ensure you can repair or replace your vehicle if you are involved in an accident or other incident. 

If you need to get auto insurance when you are in the Rochester, MN area, it would be a good idea for you to call Safechoice Insurance Agency. The team that is with Safechoice Insurance Agency understands the value that this insurance protection provides. They can help someone to better assess all of their options and needs when it comes to coverage. They can then help you build a plan that is ideal for your situation.

Every responsible driver and car owner understands how important car insurance is. It protects a driver, vehicle, passengers, and other parties on the road. Unfortunately, there is a lot of unverified information and misconceptions about auto insurance that may not let you make the right decision and get the auto insurance policy you really need. For this reason, Safechoice Insurance Agency serving Rochester, MN decided to debunk some common myths about car insurance:

You Auto Insurance Premium Is Determined By The Color Of Your Car

The truth is that the color of your car does not affect the cost of your insurance. There are other factors that may have an impact on auto insurance premiums, including the model of the vehicle, its engine size, age, the cost to repair it, and some others.

Older People Have to Pay More For Auto Insurance

It is another common myth that has nothing to do with truth. Actually, older drivers are often qualified for special discounts. For example, if a driver at the age of 55 and older successfully completes an accident prevention course, he or she may get a discount on their auto insurance premium. 

The Credit Score Does Not Affect The Cost of Insurance

Unfortunately, it does. Most insurance companies evaluate your credit score in order to understand how likely you will have an insurance loss and file a claim. Therefore, the lower your credit score is, the more likely you will have to pay more for your auto insurance. 

If you are a car owner from Rochester, MN or any other surrounding area and you are looking for a proper car insurance policy for your vehicle, Safechoice Insurance Agency will be glad to assist you and help you find the coverage according to your insurance needs and budget. Give us a call today and get your insurance tomorrow. 

Many Rochester, MN drivers who buy the legal minimum of insurance don’t put much thought into it. You simply go to Safechoice Insurance Agency, ask them for liability, and assume that they can work it out from there. But what does that liability protection actually cover? Let’s break it down simply:

• $30,000 in bodily injury per person per accident
• $60,000 in bodily injury total per accident
• $40,000 in PIP, Personal Injury Protection
• $25,000 in uninsured motorist coverage per person per accident
• $50,000 in uninsured motorist coverage total per accident
• $25,000 in underinsured motorist coverage per person per accident
• $50,000 in underinsured motorist coverage total per accident

Roughly half of all US states require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. It’s sort of ironic that the law states that those of us who buy insurance have to cover for those of us who do not, but so it goes.

The legal minimum is a good starting point, but it’s not really the best idea to settle for that. You would rather not settle for minimum wage, minimum portions, minimum effort, so why settle for the minimum mandatory insurance? The least amount of insurance legally possible will help you to keep from being bankrupted in the event of an accident that was your fault, but you will at least need comprehensive and collision if you want to protect your car, and you may want to consider gap insurance and replacement cost coverage if you’re still paying a new vehicle off.

If you’re still shopping around for auto insurance in Rochester, MN, get in touch with Safechoice Insurance Agency. Call us up or visit the Safechoice Insurance Agency website and we’ll connect you with the coverage you need.

Insurance concepts are challenging for many consumers driving the highways and suburban roads in the Rochester, MN area. Things become even more confusing when consumers try to understand the insurance requirements for those cars bought on time.

Yet, having a full understanding of this insurance coverage issue is critical if you are to secure the right insurance protection for yourself while having an outstanding car loan.

According to the insurance experts at Safechoice Insurance Agency, it is essential to understand the definition of the loan amount before deciding on the amount of coverage you need. Remember, the loan balance can exceed the total monies borrowed, because closing costs and loan fees are often financed.

The outstanding balance of a loan is typically the bare-bone, basic minimum insurance required by the lienholder, although each lender can set their criteria. It is common, and prudent, for car owners to insure their cars for more than the loan amount – because this allows them to protect their investment in the vehicle – the down payment. 

Consider this quick example-

• You bought a car and have a loan of $25,000.
• Your car insurance covers your vehicle for cash value only. 

In the event of an insurance payout in the above scenario, the claim will pay the cash value, which in this example is $22,000. Who would be responsible for the shortfall of $3,000? ($25,000-$22,000=$3,000)

The short answer is – you, the insured, would responsible for the shortfall if you did have gap insurance.  Gap insurance is a type of policy that covers any shortages if the insured amount falls short of the outstanding loan balance.

The insurance professionals at Safechoice Insurance Agency serve the communities in and around Rochester, MN for all their car insurance needs, including gap coverage. Reach out to the insurance experts today!