Auto Insurance

How to Extend the Life Of Your Vehicle

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The longer your vehicle lasts, the better the initial investment you made with purchasing the vehicle. Most vehicles can last a lifetime with proper care. While you may want to consider looking for something else should the engine or transmission completely fall out on you, there are other ways to extend the life of your vehicle. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we want to keep your Rochester, MN vehicle driving for as long as possible. 

Follow Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Every vehicle comes with a recommended maintenance schedule. It is important for you to follow this. Usually, the schedule kicks in around the 30,000-mile mark or so. Certain areas of the vehicle will break down sooner than others and need to be replaced. By staying on top of this, you’ll be able to prevent more extensive damage. 

Take Care Of Your Engine

While the engine isn’t the only part of the vehicle, it is the most important. Should you run into engine trouble the vehicle becomes extremely dangerous to drive. So, perform regular oil changes, check the fluids on a regular basis, and take the vehicle in for servicing should the check engine light come on. 

Wash Your Car

This is especially true in Minnesota. Road salt in the winter will cause the undercarriage of the vehicle to rust through. Washing the vehicle and springing for the undercarriage wash option will remove the salt from your vehicle. Once a vehicle starts to rust there isn’t any way to correct the problem. So make sure to wash your vehicle at least every other week during the winter. 

With proper care, your Rochester, MN vehicle can run exceptionally well and last a long time. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, it is all about ensuring you receive quality advice and insurance coverage for your personal vehicle. 

Should You Let Your Auto Insurance Agent Know You Are Recovering From a Serious Physical Injury?

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Believe us there is every pun intended in our name, Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN takes your safety seriously. Serving the great residents of Rochester, MN and the surrounding areas we are in business to help out when life’s events may have not had the safest outcomes.

When it comes to serious physical injuries and your driving ability it is best to adhere to your physicians advice in terms of when to return to driving and your other daily activities. In the event of a serious physical injury that results in the loss of your ability to drive it is important to do as the doctor says. If your insurance is impacted, it is certain that your medical history will be called into question in the investigation that follows.

In the event that you break the limb that you drive with, your right or left leg, resuming your driving responsibilities too early may further damage your health and impede your healing.

Should You Let Your Auto Insurance Agent Know You Are Recovering From a Serious Physical Injury?

If you adhere to your physician’s directions and refrain from driving for your healing period it is not necessary to inform your insurance agent. That being said there are some extenuating circumstances that need to be considered. Your agent can help you to navigate the terrain if you will not be driving for an extended period of time that may necessitate pausing your auto insurance payments. Speaking to your agent if you injury will permanently change your ability is imperative.   

Safechoice Insurance Agency will give you options on how to best protect your assets while you recover from your serious physical injury. Contact us today with any insurance concerns you may have. 

 

What Should I Know About State Limits in Minnesota for Auto Insurance

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Minnesota is not the least ‘expensive’ state in the nation, nor is it the most expensive when it comes to auto insurance limits. But most people don’t even know what those limits are, unless they are directly impacted them. However, learning more about the limits when it’s not dire can help you should your situation take a turn for the worst. 

What Are Limits?

The United States does not operate as a whole for many situations, but rather gives power to the states to make a variety of decisions. For example, the state of New Hampshire famously doesn’t require you to buy insurance at all (though everyone there still should.) Each state dictates a certain monetary limit for the damages that are caused by driver mistakes, with some states setting their limits fairly low and others going high. The difference can be tens of thousands of dollars, so it’s worth having an idea of how it all works. Safechoice Insurance Agency works with the people of Rochester MN, and wants you to know about your specific state. 

What About Rochester MN?

The limits are $30,000 for injuries a person, up to $60,000 total for injuries for each accident and $10,000 for any property damage. This means that should you cause an accident that extends these limits, you will be required by law to pay the additional expenses out of pocket. Which can be difficult to say the least for many people. Looking into extended coverage if your current limits are set at the bare minimum might be necessary for you. If you have any questions at all, then Safechoice Insurance Agency may be able to help. Our agents are here to get you coverage that will actually work for you, so you can keep your savings right where it is. Give us a call today to see what we can do for you!

Why Auto Insurance is Necessary

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Auto insurance is something that is both required by law and a smart move for all drivers. Auto insurance does more than just protect your car in the case of an accident and knowing a little bit about what auto insurance can do will help you decide to get a new policy today. For those in the Rochester MN area, the agents with Safechoice Insurance Agency can help you find your policy today.

Auto insurance helps to protect your car, you, your passengers, and other drivers as well. Instead of just covering the cost of repairing your car, auto insurance can also help cover medical costs, the cost of the deductible for you or the other driver, medical bills for passengers, and so much more. Auto insurance is something that makes it safer for drivers to be on the road.

It is a requirement that all drivers have a minimum amount of insurance coverage to help keep them and other drivers safer when they are on the road. Your state has specific minimum coverage requirements that might differ from state to state. It can be difficult to understand the insurance requirements of your state but with the help of an agent you can find the right coverage for you. Auto insurance takes the burden of paying for medical bills, paying for deductibles, and dealing with the recovery after an accident easier for everyone involved.

No matter what level of coverage you want, having an agent on your side can help you find the policy you want and need far faster and easier than if you are looking on your own. For those in the Rochester MN area, the agents with Safechoice Insurance Agency are ready and willing to help you with all your insurance needs.  

Is Collision Coverage Necessary?

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Most every state requires that drivers carry minimum auto insurance coverage to pay for injury or property damage to others in the event of an accident. Minimum coverage, however, won’t help you recuperate your losses if your car is damaged in an accident. By obtaining collision coverage from Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, you ensure your vehicle is protected in the event of an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Here are just a few ways collision insurance can be of benefit to Minnesota drivers.

Protection from Accidents You Cause 

Even careful drivers can find themselves involved in an accident that causes damage to their vehicle. With collision coverage, your insurer will pay for repairs to your vehicle, even if the accident was your fault. After you pay the deductible, your collision insurance will take care of the rest. If repair costs exceed the market value of your vehicle, your insurer may “total” the car and reimburse you for its market value, making it possible for you to replace your vehicle.  

Protection from Accidents Caused by Others

Collision coverage will protect you from accidents caused by other drivers by covering the cost of auto repairs without raising your premium. This way you don’t have to wait for the other driver’s insurance company to settle the claim. Your insurer will then seek reimbursement from the insurance carrier of the driver at fault of the accident.   

If you own a new or costly vehicle, it only makes sense to obtain collision coverage to protect your investment. Even older, reliable vehicles with high market value can benefit from what collision coverage has to offer. With collision coverage, you can have greater confidence that you are protected from accidents.  

At Safechoice Insurance Agency, Rochester, MN, we can help you make wise decisions concerning the auto insurance coverage you need. 

What You Should Know About Auto Insurance and the Law in Minnesota

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Auto insurance does vary from state to state, which can make things a bit confusing if something happens out of town or if you move around a lot. Learn more about what you have to consider if you live in Rochester, MN. Safechoice Insurance Agency wants you to have the facts first. 

State Minimums 

Each state has set out their own minimums when it comes to staying legal. This means that if you want to get the bare minimum, you’re capped off at a certain amount. In New Hampshire, you’re not even required to buy auto insurance, making it unfortunate if you’re hit by someone from that state. In Minnesota, you need to have at least $30,000 worth of coverage for bodily injury, $10,000 for physical property and $60,000 limit for each incident. This is one of the higher minimums, meaning you likely won’t need to pay anything out of pocket. 

Understanding the Law 

Staying legal isn’t just about minimums though, it’s about thinking ahead. What happens if someone hits you and they’re uninsured? Do you have the time or the money to either go through litigation or to fix your car on your own? Most people who sue uninsured motorists are unable to recover anything, so this is a major concern. You may need additional coverage and not even know it. Safechoice Insurance Agency can help you make better choices when it comes to staying safe on the road. It’s tempting to go with the cheapest policy, but that choice can end up costing you more than you ever could have imagined. Call us today if you live in Rochester, MN and want to have your questions answered or if you need a quote. 

 

Why Auto Insurance is Particularly Important in Rochester, MN

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If you live in Rochester, MN, and you are the owner of a motor vehicle, you should know that auto insurance is very important. In fact, it is required if you drive a vehicle. In Minnesota, it is particularly important that you have auto insurance coverage, because of the harsh winters that can affect your driving.

During the winter months, it is a very good idea to have roadside assistance in addition to the policy you normally have. Slide offs happen more often when the roads are icy and being stuck in a ditch, it can be great to have roadside assistance available to come and rescue you and your passengers. You can actually end up saving money this way, as you will be paying for the relatively inexpensive roadside assistance instead of having to pay expensive bills to have your car towed. Also, accidents are more likely when the roads are slippery, so it helps to have auto insurance even more than it does during the other times of the year. They are more likely to end up actually getting use out of their auto insurance coverage in the winter when accidents are more likely, as are damage and injuries. Comprehensive coverage will help you a great deal by protecting you against the higher risk of collisions and potential storm damage during the winters in this state. It is always important to have auto insurance coverage, as there is always a risk that an unexpected crisis situation could take place. However, you are more likely to benefit from this protection in the winter, due to all of the added risks that are present at this time of the year.

If you are interested in knowing more about auto insurance in the city of Rochester, MN, you should consider contacting Safechoice Insurance Agency. The agents at Safechoice Insurance Agency can answer any questions you might have and give you any information you need about how important auto insurance is for you as a resident of the state of Minnesota.

Freedom of Choice is Available with Safechoice Insurance Agency

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Auto insurance is a fact of life required by law, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that your choices are limited. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, our independent agents can help you. Together we can discuss what levels of auto coverage will serve you, and which insurance providers offer it at a cost efficient rate that will make you smile. If this is your first car, we can help you understand the terms used in insurance coverage, find discounts you might not have known about, and get you the coverage you need to be confident on the road. If you have multiple vehicles, or perhaps if you collect vintage cars, then contact us today. We can help you save money and have peace of mind that your investment is protected. Proudly serving the Rochester, MN area, we provide auto insurance information on coverage and rates that let you make the final decision about where your insurance will come from for your vehicle or vehicles.

Minnesota law requires a certain level of auto insurance coverage. It’s called the No Fault system and means that everyone driving a car must have at least enough insurance to cover their own injuries in case of accident. Not only you, but anyone who drives your car must have the legally required minimum insurance coverage. But that level of insurance provides only minimal coverage. Beyond that, your needs can vary. You might want specialized coverage for an antique car, or perhaps your teen son has just passed his driving test. Here in the Rochester, MN area, the agents at Safechoice Insurance Agency have access to a broad range of coverage choices and rates to meet your needs. Call us today at 507-208-9282.

Rules to set up for your teen driver

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The more experience you have, the better you will become. That is a general truth for just about anything, including driving. Due to the extreme lack of experience, your teen driver will slowly learn more and more as they spend more time on the road. While allowing your teen to drive is important, as it builds up their skill sets, you also need to set boundaries and rules to keep your child safe, whether driving in Rochester, MN or anywhere else, for that matter. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we do everything in our power to keep your child safe while driving. It is why we have a few rule recommendations to set up regarding your teenager. 

No Texting or Calling

Texting is a major distraction. Whether texting, using an app or just about anything else on the phone, even an experienced driver can struggle using a phone and driving at the same time. Due to this, you need to set up a no texting or calling rule while driving. How do you enforce this though? There are applications available, including from your mobile service provider, that prevents texting and calling while the GPS detects driving movement. Consider installing one of these apps. 

Who They Can Drive With

Limiting the number of distractions your teen driver faces is important. This is also true with their passengers. You need to know who they drive with and, almost more importantly, the number of people in the car. Limit their driving to just friends you know and also keep the number of passengers they are driving around to a minimum. 

Curfew

Set a curfew for when they need to be back with the car. Nighttime driving brings about all sorts of new problems and distractions, so you need to make sure to monitor this. 

How To Find Your Next Used Family Car

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The safety of your family is very important, which is why many people spend some time looking for their family car. Unfortunately, your family car will not last forever and at some point, you will need to look for another one. Many families want to look for a quality used family car so that they can save some money. This is a great idea as long as you use some precautions while shopping. Before you go out and buy the first one you find, use these tips to find the best one to fit your needs and budget. 

  • It is easy to find a cheap family car when it is several years old. However, just because it is cheap does not mean that it is a good idea. Before you buy it because the price is low, be sure to measure the age against the price. You want to find a common ground where both the age and the price makes sense for your plans. 
  • Get an independent mechanic to take a look at the car before your purchase. Take it to someone of your choosing, not of the dealer’s choosing. You may be able to get the inspection done for free but be expected to pay around $100 if not. It is $100 well spent because you will get an unbiased opinion of the vehicle. If they say no to the vehicle, then you probably should too. 
  • Keep your emotions out of the decision. You can get emotional about a vehicle after you purchase it but do not make a decision based off of emotions alone. Use your logic during this type of transaction. 

Once you get your next great family vehicle, protect yourself and your family with a great auto insurance policy. Contact us at Safechoice Insurance Agency today to get started.