insurance

Will ATV Insurance Cover Your E-bike?

Posted on by AgentInsure

When you think of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), you might wonder which vehicles the term covers. Here, we’ll look at what’s considered an ATV in Rochester, MN, and whether your e-bike is included under a standard policy. 

Is an E-bike Considered an ATV?

No, e-bikes are not typically considered ATVs. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, our staff can tell you that most people can use their standard homeowners coverage if their e-bike is damaged or stolen. If you have an expensive e-bike, you may want to look into a separate policy for it, as homeowners coverage can be limiting. 

What Does ATV Insurance Cover?

This depends on the policy. ATV insurance can cover anything from golf carts to dune buggies, but it’s important to clarify how the coverage is written before you have to file a claim. 

When it comes to the actual policy, standard ATV insurance typically covers liability, collisions, vandalism, theft, and weather damage. You can also consider optional add-ons, like covering the cost of your safety apparel if it’s ruined in an accident or replacing any damaged after-market parts in a covered event. 

Insure Your E-bike with Safechoice Insurance Agency 

If you like to go off-roading, whether it’s on a dirt bike or a snowmobile, it helps to get all of your vehicles covered. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we help our customers find coverage that works for them, especially if they invest in the best equipment. Plus, we can help you find other types of coverage if your vehicle doesn’t fall under a standard insurance category. If you’re ready to get a little more protection when you’re out on your many adventures, contact us for a quick quote. 

One More Reason Why You Need Life Insurance: Tax Debt

Posted on by AgentInsure

Your heirs don’t inherit your debt when you pass away, but your estate is still responsible for paying it. While some companies, such as credit card issuers, may forgive debt upon someone’s death, the IRS will likely assess what the estate can pay. To avoid complications, including potential correspondence from the IRS, consider having a life insurance policy that your beneficiaries can use to cover your final taxes. In Rochester, MN, Safechoice Insurance Agency can guide you through the different types of policies available.

A Separate Fund Just for Taxes

There are many ways to leave money to your heirs, but much of that money may go toward expenses like funeral costs if you haven’t prepaid them. Even if you’ve set up payable-on-death bank accounts for your heirs, the funds may be depleted by the time taxes are due. This can lead to disagreements among heirs about how much each should contribute.

A better solution is to have a life insurance policy that pays out separately to the person most likely to handle your taxes. This designated amount can be placed in a separate account, ready for tax time. While paying estimated taxes during your lifetime can help reduce the amount owed, unexpected circumstances may prevent you from settling them before your passing.

A reasonable life insurance policy that covers the estimated taxes for the year of your death provides your beneficiaries with a straightforward way to pay any owed taxes when filing. No payment agreements or additional debt are necessary. Contact Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, to set up a policy today.

Will Commercial Insurance Replace A Parking Lot?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Commercial insurance can provide coverage for your building in the event of incidents like fires or natural disasters. However, it only applies to covered perils and specific items. But can it help you with your parking lot?

Covered Structures

Most property insurance policies primarily cover the main building where your business operates. Some policies may extend coverage to other structures, such as parking lots, fences, or storage sheds. However, other policies specifically exclude these areas unless you purchase additional protection for detached structures. It’s important to speak with an agent at Safechoice Insurance Agency to ensure your parking lot is covered.

Covered Perils

If your insurance policy includes coverage for your parking lot and the damage is caused by a covered peril, your policy will cover the repair costs. Common covered perils include accidents, fire, vandalism, and certain weather events.

However, several exclusions apply. Many policies exclude severe weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, requiring additional coverage for these situations. Intentional damage caused by the business owner or employees is also not covered. Filing a claim for intentional damage is considered insurance fraud.

Normal wear and tear or preventative maintenance is not covered either. For example, if your asphalt parking lot requires resealing due to aging, you’ll need to pay for it out of pocket, as it is considered standard maintenance.

Agents at Safechoice Insurance Agency are here to help. We’ll review your specific situation and let you know if your policy can cover parking lot repairs. Contact our office in Rochester, MN.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Modifications or Add-On Parts You Add to Your Vehicle?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Customizing your vehicle can be a fun and rewarding way to make it stand out. Whether it’s a new sound system, custom wheels, or performance upgrades, those personal touches make your car feel unique. However, when it comes to insurance, many drivers don’t realize that those modifications might not be covered. At Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, we help drivers protect not just their vehicles but also the investments they’ve made in them.

What Your Standard Policy Typically Covers

Most standard auto insurance policies are designed to cover the vehicle as it came from the factory. This means that if you’ve added anything after purchase, such as tinted windows, a custom bumper, or an upgraded exhaust system, those parts are likely not included in your coverage. If your car is damaged or stolen, you could end up paying out of pocket to replace those upgrades.

How to Protect Your Custom Parts

If you’ve added aftermarket parts or made performance upgrades, it’s important to talk to your insurance agent about adding custom parts and equipment coverage. This additional protection is specifically designed to cover the modifications that make your vehicle unique. You may need to provide receipts or photos to document the value of the upgrades you’ve made.

Make Sure You’re Fully Covered

The best time to review your coverage is before something happens. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving the greater Rochester, MN, area, we can help you understand your current policy and add the protection you need. Contact us today to ensure your upgrades are as protected as the rest of your vehicle.

Home Insurance Covers Your Visitors if They Get Injured on Your Property

Posted on by AgentInsure

A visitor to your home may get injured through no fault of their own. Hazards are everywhere, and people don’t always see them. While you never intended for your guest to get hurt, home insurance is designed to cover their medical care. At Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, we’re here to help you protect your visitors by finding the best home insurance policy for your needs. Here’s how it works.

How Personal Liability Coverage Helps You and Your Guests

A home insurance policy includes a section known as personal liability. This section covers the healthcare costs of a guest who is injured while at your home. It outlines the situations that are covered and the upper limits for medical bills. Your guest’s medical expenses are paid up to the maximum amounts specified in your policy.

Protecting You Against a Lawsuit

After a personal injury, you may be at risk of being sued by the injured guest. Your insurance provides legal assistance and handles the lawsuit on your behalf. The insurer takes responsibility for resolving the suit and settling with the plaintiff, so you don’t have to find a lawyer or pay for their services.

Learn More About How to Protect Your Guests From Injury

At Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, we want you to feel secure when you have guests over. We’re here to sit down with you and explain how your home insurance policy covers visitors who are injured by a hazard in or around your home. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about this type of coverage.

Which “toys” are Considered to be Recreational Vehicles in Minnesota?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Recreational vehicles bring fun, excitement, and adventure to our lives, whether on water, snow, or trails. If you’re considering purchasing one of these vehicles to enjoy in Rochester, MN, and beyond, it’s important to understand what qualifies as a recreational vehicle and the type of insurance you may need. Contact the knowledgeable team at Safechoice Insurance Agency for answers to your questions and recommendations for coverage tailored to your needs.

Recreational Vehicles in Minnesota

There are many options when it comes to recreational vehicles, offering activities ranging from water sports and snowmobiling to off-road adventures and travel. Below are examples of motorized and non-motorized recreational vehicles to consider:

Motorized and Non-Motorized

  • Includes Class A, B, and C motor homes, as well as pop-up trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels, and travel trailers.
  • Perfect for winter adventures.
  • Includes jet skis, motorized boats, and sailboats for water-based activities.
  • Designed for trails and natural terrain, including some four-wheel-drive vehicles and utility task vehicles (UTVs).
  • Motorized vehicles are used for exploring trails, paths, and off-the-grid environments.
  • In some Minnesota cities, motorcycles are considered motorized recreational vehicles.

Contact Us

Let Safechoice Insurance Agency help you get road-ready, off-trail equipped, and water-prepared with insurance coverage to protect your recreational vehicle. Enjoy all the activities available in Rochester, MN, with peace of mind. Contact us via phone, text, fax, or email. We’re available Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and we can also schedule weekend or evening appointments to accommodate your needs.