Featured - DeKok Insurance Group, Inc.

Do You Have Commercial Umbrella Insurance?

February 26, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Commercial Umbrella Insurance

If umbrella policies are good for individuals, then they are imperative for business. When a catastrophic liability loss occurs, an umbrella insurance policy can mean the difference between a business surviving, or not.

The rising costs of lawsuits and judgments are important for today’s business owner to consider. Catastrophic liability losses can happen to any business at any time, and a commercial umbrella policy protects you when those losses exceed your basic liability coverage. The time and effort you have taken to build your business is too important for it to disappear after one unforeseen event. Call me at 507-226-8121 or email me at dekokinsgroup@gmail.com today about a commercial umbrella insurance policy.

What do MN Business Owners need to know about commercial umbrella insurance?

Commercial Umbrella helps you protect your assets by providing liability limits above and beyond your other policies. In some cases, it even broadens your protection. Due to the unpredictable nature of jury awards I recommend that your business insurance program include this coverage.

What is Excess Liability Coverage?

This coverage provides extra liability limits over an Umbrella policy. This coverage typically follows the terms of the first underlying insurance policy.

Who needs Excess Liability Coverage?

Higher limits may be necessary for businesses with high loss potential, high profile, sizable sales, numerous assets, large auto fleets, worldwide presence, significant public exposure.

Get in touch with me today about your business operations and I can advise you what kind of liability coverage you need to protect yourself and your company. Again, my number is: 507-226-8121. I’ll help you make sure you’re covered correctly.

Jon

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 gift card.

[tweetthis] What do MN Business Owners need to know about commercial umbrella insurance?[/tweetthis]

Graphic purchased from Fotolia and used with permission © Brian Jackson – Fotolia.com

Winter Storms – Be Prepared

February 18, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Winter Storms Ahead: Are You Ready?

It’s already been one of those winters here in Minnesota. We know it can be worse because it has been. In April 2013, broke all previous snowfall records and on May 2, 2013 – it snowed!

Winter storms mean traffic snarls, hillsides turning to sheets of ice, and cars sliding around like hockey pucks. Cold temperatures can cause pipes to burst, frost swells and other damage. Heating your home with fireplaces and holiday lighting can increase the risk of fire.

A picture-perfect winter requires a few precautions. . .

Winter-proof your car with good snow tires or chains, new wiper blades, antifreeze, and emergency road supplies.

Keep your attic cool to help prevent ice dams. Insulate the attic floor and make sure it is well-ventilated.

Do not overload circuits with holiday decorations.

When winter storms hit, be smart. . .

If you do not have to drive, stay put. If you must drive, make sure you’ve winterized your car and have a full tank of gas.

When the air is cold, keep bath and kitchen cabinet doors open so warm air can circulate around pipes. If pipes do freeze, let them thaw normally—they’ll be less likely to burst.

And if the power is out, make sure you avoid leaving candles or fires burning unattended. If you use a portable generator, follow the instructions and do not use it indoors.

Know what your insurance covers. . .

We want to help you rest easy. You will be more relaxed when you know you have prepared your property to lessen the chance of winter storm damage. Your insurance policy covers repair or rebuilding costs. However, your deductible does apply. Check your policy to see what is covered and to confirm the deductible you have chosen.

If you have any questions at all about your coverage, call me at 507-226-8121 or email me at dekokinsgroup@gmail.com and I will help you review your options.

Jon

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 gift card.

[tweetthis]Winter Storms Ahead: Are You Ready? #Winter #Minnesota #Insurance[/tweetthis]

Photo purchased from Fotolia and used with permission.

Valentines Day – When You Say Be Mine With Jewelry

February 12, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Have some new jewelry in the house? Protect it!

Valentine’s Day is near, and love is in the air. Well, love and a few other things, such as chocolates, romantic dinners, candy hearts that say “Be Mine” – and, maybe, jewelry.

It’s exciting to receive jewelry from a loved one — or to give it as a gift. Not to mention romantic. But if you’re lucky enough to have some new jewelry in your home this Valentine’s Day, you should take a few minutes to think about something you probably don’t find exciting or romantic: insurance.

Don’t know where to turn? Don’t worry. At DeKok Insurance Group, I can help and am ready to help and can answer all of your jewelry coverage or other insurance questions.

Things to consider when insuring jewelry:

You may need to purchase additional coverage. Your homeowners policy covers valuable items such as jewelry only up to set amounts. If the cost of replacing your jewelry exceeds that limit, you will want to purchase scheduled personal property coverage. You can check your policy or give us a call at 507-226-8121.
You might want to reconsider your deductible amounts. As always, this impacts your policy premium. It’s a good idea to take a look at your deductibles whenever you make a change to your policy.
Do you need an appraisal? You may need to have an independent appraisal if the insurance company requires it or if you don’t know the value of your jewelry. Each item should be listed with a description and value on paper.
What kind of coverage is offered? You’ll want to determine if items are covered no matter where they are, whether they’re in Minnesota, or on an international trip, and if the policy offers full replacement cost. You also should ask if you will be required to replace your jewelry if lost or stolen, or if you can simply keep the cash settlement.
Pictures can be helpful. Lost or stolen pieces of jewelry sometimes can be recreated if the jeweler has a good photograph to work from.
Should I go with a company that specializes in jewelry insurance? There are companies that specialize in jewelry insurance. Whether you choose one of these, or a company that we represent, you’ll want to make sure they are reputable and stable.
Is the value of your jewelry mainly sentimental? Is an item irreplaceable? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes,” you might consider foregoing insurance. But please, give me a call before making that decision. That’s what I’m here for.

Of course, it’s important to store your jewelry securely when it’s not in use; a safe in your home or a safe-deposit box is best. We want your jewelry to be replaced if it’s lost or stolen, but we’d rather your sentimental and valuable pieces stay with you and your family for years to come.

Here’s hoping your Valentine’s Day is full of fun and romance. And if there’s no jewelry involved, well, there’s always next year!

Jon

Email: dekokinsgroup@gmail.com

Phone 507-226-8121

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 gift card.

[tweetthis]When You Say Be Mine With Jewelry #ValentinesDay #Jewelry #Insurance[/tweetthis]

Content provided by DeKok Insurance Group & Safeco Insurance

Graphic purchased from Fotolia and used with permission © Stanislav Prokopenko – Fotolia.com

Snow Shoveling Safety

February 6, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Shovel snow safely this winter!

A snowdrift is a beautiful thing – if it doesn’t lie across the path you have to shovel or block the road that leads to your destination. -Hal Borland

Winter is here, and with it comes skiing and snowboarding outings, fireplace-lit living rooms, homemade batches of soup… and shoveling snow. Joy and I enjoy rides through Welch Village and enjoy taking a quick glance at the skiers on the slopes as we drive by. Although the snow is beautiful on our land, the only time it looks like fun is watching people on skis glide down the snow-covered hills. Or in the Winter Olympics.

Our driveway is at least 1/4 of a mile long so I don’t shovel it – I have a John Deere tractor with a snow blower attachment, but there are always paths to shovel for our dogs, and around the house.

For many people in Minnesota, snow shoveling is both a reality and a necessity this winter. You probably already know this stuff, but here’s a reminder from the Boston Herald.

Warm-up! Never jump right into an activity. Start by cleaning off your car.
Place your hands a good distance apart on the shovel – it helps with leverage.
Never bend at your waist.
Push the snow when you can.
Scoop smaller loads of snow.
Use your legs, core and arms to help scoop and throw snow.
Always step in the direction you throw snow to avoid excessive twisting on your lower back.
And for 2 tips not included in the Boston Herald. . .you could ask one of the kids in your life for help!
And, when you get in the house, a big cup of hot chocolate is always a good idea.

I don’t know about you, but the below zero temps, snow, and high winds in January have kept me busy. The great thing about living in Minnesota is that if we wait just a little bit longer, we’ll be mowing the lawn!

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. -John Ruskin

Jon

Email: dekokinsgroup@gmail.com

Phone 507-226-8121

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 gift card.

[tweetthis]In #Minnesota, #snow shoveling is both a reality and a necessity this #winter. [/tweetthis]

Snowmobile Season

January 30, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Snowmobile Season Safety Tips from DeKok Insurance Group & the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA)

If you live or vacation where the weather gets cold and the snow starts falling, some people are content to cozy up next to the fire, and concentrate on staying warm. This is what winter means to my wife Joy: if she has a book, her laptop, and a pot of coffee, she’s set for a quiet adventure with words.

For some of our friends and clients, it’s time to get excited — because it’s time to break out the snowmobiles and head to the nearest winter recreation spot. It’s a popular activity, and for good reason: Snowmobiling allows you to explore natural areas that may be hard to access by foot (or snowshoe), and provides a different kind of excitement than skiing or hiking.

Of course, snowmobiling presents some dangers as well. The following safety tips are from the American Council of Snowmobile Associations — and keep in mind that following these will not only help you stay safe, but also influence equitable treatment of snowmobile access by government, agencies and landowners.

SPEED: Speed is a major factor in many snowmobile crashes. Always keep your speed slow enough to ensure that you’re in control.

ALCOHOL: Use of alcohol or any other drug that causes impairment is a leading cause of snowmobile-related fatalities. It’s best to refrain from any use at all before and during outings because of potential effects on vision, reaction time, balance and coordination. When combined with excess speed in particular, the results can be deadly.

AVALANCHE: More than 90 percent of the time, avalanches that involve people are triggered by the victims. Learn to follow avalanche safety procedures and always know the risks at all times. Click HERE for more information.

RIDING AT NIGHT: Nighttime snowmobiling is fun, but extra caution should be used. Ride at slower speeds so as not to override your headlights (which generally illuminate your path for about 200 feet). Faster speeds could mean that you have little or no time to react to an obstacle in your path.

ROADWAYS: Always keep an eye out for vehicles, as many trails are located alongside roadways and can cross over them. Be sure to stop fully at all stop signs and unmarked road crossings.

CLOSED AREAS: Areas may be closed to snowmobiles due to hazardous conditions, wintering wildlife, non-motorized recreation or by landowner request. It’s important to honor these closures for safety purposes and to help protect access to other riding areas.

While it’s extremely important to follow these tips for your personal safety, it’s also vital to encourage others to snowmobile safely as well. Helping to educate others will not only promote safety for all snowmobilers, but also protect the sport’s image as well.

Whether you’re a new rider or have been on the trails for years, ask yourself if you could be riding more safely. There are many more winters to come, and we want you to be able to enjoy as many of them as possible.

If you’d like to see what DeKok Insurance Group can do for you, request a quote today. If your insurance isn’t due for several months, email me your renewal date and the information above. I’ll call or email you around that time.

Have fun and stay safe,

Jon

Email: dekokinsgroup@gmail.com

Phone 507-226-8121

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 Target gift card.

[tweetthis]Snowmobile Season Safety Tips #MNWiniter #SnowMobileSafety #MNInsurance[/tweetthis]

Graphic purchased from Fotolia and used with permission.