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.

Winter is here, and it’s time to make sure your vehicle is stocked with everything you need if you get stuck in bad weather. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving Rochester, MN, our team is here to help you stay safe through the winter months. 

Staying Warm

You never know when you will encounter a road closure or get stuck in the snow during the winter, and it’s important that you have the supplies necessary to stay safe if you’re unable to leave your vehicle. You’ll want to keep boots, mittens, and a warm change of clothes in your car. It’s also a good idea to keep a blanket, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks (like granola bars) if you have to spend an unexpected amount of time in your car. You’ll also want to pack a charger for your phone, a first aid kit, and a flashlight.

Moving Along

Unexpected amounts of time in the snow can also mean that you spend more hours or miles on the road than you expected. You’ll want to be sure you keep your gas tank full, have tire chains or snow tires, and a tow rope if you need to get or give someone a hand. You’ll also want to keep jumper cables in your trunk.

Be Visible

If you get stuck, it’s vital that other vehicles can see you. You’ll need to keep flares and a flashlight in your emergency kit.

Contact Safechoice Insurance Agency, Serving Rochester, MN

At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we’re here to provide our Rochester, MN customers with the policies you need to rest assured that you and your vehicle are protected. Please stop by our office or contact us today to learn more. We look forward to getting to know you!

When people get married, conventional wisdom says to cover both spouses on the same auto policy for lower premiums. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we want residents of Rochester, MN, to understand that it does not always work because, sometimes, one or both spouses have a less-than-superb driving record.

Premiums Go Up with DUIs

What could cause premiums to go up instead of down if you placed both individuals on a single auto policy? Let’s explore the situations that would cause an increase in premiums, then consider how to improve the driving record to lower premiums again.

DUIs and DWIs by either spouse result in higher premiums. If both spouses have DUIs or DWIs, the premiums will skyrocket.

In general, bad driving records cause problems with premiums, too. If either spouse has a poor driving record or lost points for reckless driving or traffic tickets, premiums will increase. Instead of surprising your spouse with your bad driving record, talk frankly about such issues before you get married.

Improve Driving Records to Lower Premiums

Although you can lower the effect that a bad driving record or DUI has by taking a defensive driving course, it won’t fix the problem immediately. Only time and better driving can earn points back on a driver’s license. This results in slowly improving your premiums.

Contact Us Today for More Information

Let Safechoice Insurance Agency help you obtain the insurance coverage you need for your autos. We will help you determine whether your premiums would be less with separate policies or on a combined policy. Let us help you lower your rates for driving in and around Rochester, MN, today.

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!

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.