Should You Choose Joint Auto Insurance Coverage When You Marry?

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.

Types of Commercial Insurance Every Small Business Should Consider

Small businesses face diverse risks daily, making commercial insurance a vital investment. If you own a small business, you may be unsure which commercial insurance products to consider. Here at Safechoice Insurance Agency, providing commercial insurance to small business owners in greater Rochester, MN, we can help you determine what products you need and then help you purchase them. Here are some of the most common types of commercial insurance products small business owners should consider buying.

Available Types of Commercial Insurance in Minnesota

  1. General Liability Insurance: Protects against lawsuits for injury, property damage, or advertising injury claims.
  2. Property Insurance: Safeguards physical assets like buildings, equipment, inventory, and furniture from perils like fire or theft.
  3. Business Interruption Insurance: Covers lost income and expenses during interruptions caused by events like fires or natural disasters.
  4. Commercial Auto Insurance: Covers accidents and damages for business vehicles.
  5. Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Provides medical benefits and wage replacement for injured employees.
  6. Professional Liability Insurance: Essential for service-based businesses, it protects against professional negligence claims.
  7. Cyber Liability Insurance: Covers expenses from data breaches and cyber threats.
  8. Commercial Property Insurance: Protects physical spaces and contents.
  9. Product Liability Insurance: Covers claims related to defective products.
  10. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI): Safeguards against employment-related lawsuits.

Customizing your commercial insurance package to align with your small business’s unique needs for financial security and peace of mind is important. If you’re looking to purchase commercial insurance and need help determining what products are right for you, trust the team at Safechoice Insurance Agency, which provides coverage in the greater Rochester, MN region. Call us now to get started.

How much life insurance is enough?

For most people, life insurance isn’t about you but rather about the ones you love and who count on you. In Rochester, MN, our team at Safechoice Insurance Agency has the experience and expertise to provide the advice you require to make the right choice about your life insurance coverage. As an independent agency, we represent a variety of carriers, so we offer more choices. 

Life insurance is a personal decision. The amount of life insurance that is enough for you may be totally different from anyone you know. Several things need to be taken into account to ensure that your loved ones are provided for adequately. 

  • Income – Certainly, no two people have precisely the same income. This is what you are replacing with your life insurance. If you earn $40,000 a year, you will need to replace less than someone who earns $100,000. 
  • Dependents – How many people depend on your income? If you have only a partner, you will need to provide less than if you have several children as well as a partner. 
  • How long – The age of your dependents is also vital to your number. Small children will be dependent longer than older ones will. You want to ensure that they can stay in the home they are used to, even after you are gone. 

Once you have gotten all these numbers together, you can begin to figure out how much life insurance will be enough. Once you know what you need, it is time to start shopping for life insurance you can afford. 

At Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN, we look forward to providing you with the information and life insurance you require. Contact our office today. 

Navigating the Land of 10,000 Lakes: The Ultimate Guide to RV Insurance in Minnesota

Why People Love RVing in Minnesota

Minnesota RV enthusiasts love taking advantage of the state’s natural beauty and lakes during peak RV season and year-round. RV owners need to protect their homes away from home with RV insurance coverage. 

Insurance experts at Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN can discuss the best options for covering the following types of RVs!

  • Class A Motorhomes
  • Camper Vans
  • Travel Trailers
  • Fifth Wheels
  • Other Towable RVs

What Does RV Insurance Cover in Minnesota? 

The type of RV insurance available will vary depending on the following factors. 

  1. Year, Make, and Model of RV
  2. Towable vs. Drivable 
  3. Full-Time vs. Recreational 
  4. Comprehensive and Collision vs. Liability 

RV Insurance Coverage Types

Collision coverage for your RV – Helps to repair or replace your RV in the event of damage or a total loss in an RV accident. 

Comprehensive RV Insurance Coverage – Typically covers everything related to an RV accident or claim not covered under an RV collision policy. 

  • RV Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Natural Disasters
  • Falling Objects

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage for RV – This specialty insurance helps protect RV drivers who are in an accident with someone who doesn’t have enough RV or auto insurance to cover the costs of an RV accident. 

Personal Injury Protection – This optional coverage protects medical expenses, lost wages, and similar costs related to an RV accident. PIP covers the insured regardless of who is at fault for an accident.

Get RV Insurance in Rochester, MN

Don’t wait until it’s too late to cover your prized RV! Contact the RV insurance experts at Safechoice Insurance Agency to learn about the best coverage options for your motorhome, travel trailer, or towable.

The Right Motorcycle Insurance Can Protect You On the Road

Protecting yourself and others on the road when you drive is very important, and if you have a motorcycle, you know there are additional risks to consider. That’s why the right motorcycle insurance can be so important. But what kind of policy should you get, and what type of coverage do you need? If you’re in the Rochester, MN area, Safechoice Insurance Agency can help you find the right policy for your needs, so you can have more peace of mind when you ride.

There are several different areas to consider when looking for motorcycle policies. Liability insurance gives you essential protection, and you can also get comprehensive and collision insurance to protect you and your bike more fully. If you have a lienholder, they’ll likely require you to have full coverage instead of just the basics. Even if you don’t have a lienholder, additional coverage is generally a good idea to keep you safe.

When you aren’t sure about the specifics of a new policy or you have a current one that might need review and updating, working with a trusted agent is the right choice. That way, you get the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision, and you can worry less. Taking your bike out for a ride should be an enjoyable experience, and the right insurance policy helps with that.

Reach out to us today at Safechoice Insurance Agency if you’re in the Rochester, MN area, and let us work with you on getting proper motorcycle insurance. Whether you’re a new rider or you’ve been enjoying the roads on two wheels for years, we’re here to help you with a policy that meets your needs, both now and for the future.

Why should I get ATV insurance in Rochester?

If you are in the Rochester, MN area, you may find that investing in your own ATV can be a great idea. When you have an ATV, it can provide you with a lot of fun in the local area. While you will purchase the ATV for entertainment, it is also a valuable asset that you need to ensure is protected and covered. A great way to do this is with ATV insurance. You should obtain this coverage for various reasons. 

Protect your ATV

A top reason to have an ATV insurance plan is to protect the ATV. When you choose to invest in an ATV, you will be buying an asset that you will want to enjoy for a long time. When you are insured, you will have financial protection that offers support if it is damaged, stolen, or experienced another type of loss. 

Liability Support

There is always a chance an accident could happen if you are using an ATV. Along with this, there is a risk you will be liable for medical bills, property damage, and other expenses. Fortunately, you can reduce this risk if you get an ATV insurance plan. This coverage will provide support if you are found responsible and need to cover these costs. 

Anyone in the Rochester, MN area should ensure they are making a wise choice when looking for an ATV insurance plan. If you are looking for this coverage here, you will want to call our team with the Safechoice Insurance Agency. At the Safechoice Insurance Agency, we know how important it is to get this type of insurance coverage. We can ensure you can select a plan that is right for your situation. 

Why Call It Toy Insurance?

Adults live in a different world from kids. Our recreational toys are more expensive and fall prey to terrible accidents, theft, fire, and destruction. It costs more to replace and repair motorized vehicles and outdoor equipment. 

In most states, recreational vehicles, boats, ATVs, motorcycles, and similar things are covered by RV insurance, ATV insurance, motorcycle insurance, etc.

Safechoice Insurance Agency of Rochester, MN understands that recreational "toys" require extensive and reliable coverage. We understand that significant investments of this type should have the same security as your home and auto. If you are looking for a policy, we have all the information you need to make an informed purchase.

Why Bother With Insurance?

When you spend a lot of money on recreational vehicles such as ATVs or watercraft, you want to ensure they can be replaced if something happens to them. What can happen can mean anything from theft to a crash to something falling on them during a bad storm. That means insurance is important.

Physical injury to people is also an excellent reason to purchase toy insurance. Allowing someone else to operate your vehicle or craft can result in personal injury. Insurance covers this. What would happen if a heavy wind moved your vehicle or craft directly in the path of someone and they were injured? You wouldn’t have to worry about that if you had toy insurance.

Many toy owners only use their toys on their own property where they think nothing can happen to the toys or them. That’s okay as long as they can pay for anything resulting from accidents or damage. Don’t take the chance. Drop in or call Safechoice Insurance Agency in Rochester, MN for insurance protection.

Why should someone get life insurance in Rochester?

People in the Rochester, MN area should consider getting many forms of insurance. An essential form of insurance to consider here is life insurance. This unique type of coverage will pay out a death benefit when someone passes away. There are various reasons why someone here should get life insurance.

Provide Financial Protection

A fundamental reason someone in this part of Minnesota should get life insurance is to provide financial protection and support for those they care about. If you have dependents, you will be able to build a life insurance plan that is designed to cover future costs they may incur, including the costs of housing, education, and general living expenses. Even if you do not have dependents, a plan can provide support and coverage for end-of-life costs that your loved ones may otherwise incur. 

Investment Alternative

A life insurance plan is also a great option as it can provide a good investment alternative. If you choose to get whole life insurance, an added benefit of the plan is that some of your payment builds up in an account that will increase with interest. This account can eventually be liquidated, making it an excellent addition to an investment portfolio. 

Getting life insurance in the Rochester, MN area is always a good idea. When you are looking for new coverage here, you can call our Safechoice Insurance Agency team to start the process. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we know there are a lot of essential choices to make when looking for coverage. We can also help to ensure you remain adequately covered with a plan that meets your needs. 

Tailoring Commercial Insurance to Your Business Needs

Every business in Rochester, MN has unique needs, exposures, and vulnerabilities. That’s why it’s crucial to customize your coverage to fit your specific industry, operations, and risk appetite. Safechoice Insurance Agency explores the importance of tailoring commercial insurance to your business needs.

Construction Industry

Construction companies face multiple risks, including bodily injury to workers, property damage to equipment and buildings, and liability for mistakes or delays. That’s why they need specialized insurance policies that cover them for these exposures. For example, a builder’s risk policy insures a construction project during the construction period, protecting against damage to the property or theft of materials.

Retail Industry

Retail businesses are vulnerable to risks, including theft, liability for slip and fall accidents, and property damage from fire or natural disasters. A robust retail commercial insurance program should include property, general liability, and workers’ compensation insurance.

Professional Services Industry

Professional service providers, such as lawyers, accountants, and consultants, face unique risk exposures related to their expertise and client advice. In addition to general liability insurance, they need professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.

Hospitality Industry

Hotels, restaurants, and bars are exposed to risks of property damage, theft, liability claims, and guest injuries. Hospitality businesses need tailored insurance coverage that addresses these exposures. For example, liquor liability insurance covers claims arising from a patron’s overindulgence and the resulting accident or injury.

Commercial insurance is critical to your business risk management strategy. However, buying a generic policy won’t cut it. To ensure you’re adequately protected, it’s vital to tailor your coverage to meet your specific industry, operations, and risk appetite. Contact Safechoice Insurance Agency today to discuss an insurance portfolio that fits your business in Rochester, MN.

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!