DeKok Insurance Group, Inc.

507-226-8121 [email protected]

Spend a Little, Get a Lot

By

Adding these three options to your current auto policy won’t increase your premiums a lot, but will add excellent coverage. Remember that paying a little more right now might save you a lot in the future.

  • Roadside Assistance
  • Rental Reimbursement
  • Full Glass Breakage

Find out how much adding these options to your insurance policy will cost by calling me at 507-226-8121.

Jon

 

507-226-8121

[email protected]

[tweetthis]Spend a little, get a lot. #Insurance #IndependentAgent #RochesterMN[/tweetthis]

If you have any questions regarding your insurance or insurance in Minnesota, please call me at 507-226-8121.

A Couple of Insurance Myths – Busted

By

These comments are shared as fact. . .when in fact they are false.

  • No-fault insurance means it can’t be my fault.

No fault insurance does not mean that if you caused an accident you’re not responsible. This part of your insurance policy allows all parties to get payment for their immediate medical needs while the insurance companies of all parties are deciding who is going to pay.

Call your insurance agent to find out what no-fault insurance means in the state you live in. Most policies cover medical expenses (up to specific limits) and lost wages (for a specific amount of time) no matter who is at fault in an accident.

  • My friend borrowed my car, so she  has to pay for the damages. 

If you let someone else drive your car, and that person is involved in an accident, your insurance policy – not hers – will cover the damages.

Insurance follows the car, not the driver.

  • My laptop was stolen out of my car, but I have great auto insurance, so it’s covered.

Most car insurance policies don’t cover this kind of personal property. Your laptop or other stolen items might be covered by your homeowner’s policy, but your deductible will apply.

If you have insurance questions or want a quote, call me at 507-226-8121.

Jon

[email protected]

[tweetthis]Insurance myths busted. #InsuranceMyths #GetTheFacts [/tweetthis]

Serving MN clients for almost 30 years, I specialize in home, auto, umbrella, business, and life insurance.

If you have any questions regarding your insurance or insurance in Minnesota, please call me at 507-226-8121.

2 Kinds of Insurance You May Not Need

By

Several years ago when Joy and I went on our first big vacation, we rented a car. She was surprised I didn’t buy the rental-car  insurance, and as we pulled out of the lot asked me if we were covered. My answer: Yes. Another time an insurance company called her and offered her extra coverage on her credit card. She’d been working for me for a while by then and told the guy on the phone she’d call him back after she talked to her credit card company and her current insurance agent. He hung up without giving her his number.
Here’s why we didn’t need the extra policies either time:

Credit Card Fraud Insurance: The Federal government requires credit card companies to provide a substantial amount of protection to credit card holders. To be sure you’re covered, call your credit card company and ask or check their website to see how they cover their clients in cases of credit card fraud and stolen or lost cards.

Note: Stolen identity is a different subject – one I’ll provide information on in another blog post.

Rental Car Insurance: If you carry full coverage on your car insurance, it’s likely that coverage will extend to the car you rent. Before a renting a car, call  your agent to find out what your policy already covers. Then, you can avoid the pressure to buy more at the car rental counter with confidence.

If you have any questions about your insurance, give me a call at 507-226-8121.

Jon

507-226-8121

[email protected]

[tweetthis]Insurance you may not need. #MNInsurance #Information [/tweetthis]

10 Things Burglars Are Watching For

By

Einbrecher öffnet Tür

Many of you are planning your summer vacations, but are you also planning on protecting your home while you’re gone? Here are a few ways some homeowners alert burglars they’re gone.

Burglary Fact: In a matter of minutes, a burglar can grab jewelry, money, and a few valuables – enough to make the risk worth it. Most of them are in and out long before a concerned neighbor notices, or the police arrive.

Here are the top giveaways that you’re gone for an extended amount of time:

1. Closed drapes. If you choose to shut off the air conditioner, drapes can insulate your home from some of the heat. Go ahead and pull some of them part-way shut, but consider leaving at least those on the main level at least partly open.

2. A mail pile-Up. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to have the Post Office hold your mail for the days you’ll be gone and notify your newspaper that you want to cancel delivery for that time as well. Don’t order anything that will be delivered while you’re gone, or have it delivered to a friend’s address.

3. Long grass. Have someone mow your lawn or remove the snow from your driveway and sidewalks. If your front step is raised, have them remove the snow from there too. If you have a lawn service come in, ask them to send you a bill in the mail or pay them in advance. That way they won’t leave a bill hanging on the door – a sure sign you’re gone.

4. Timed lighting. Leaving no lights on or a few lights on all the time is like putting out the welcome mat for burglars. Investing in timed lighting saves electricity and deters break-ins.

5. You might enjoy letting your Facebook and Twitter friends know that you are about to embark on the vacation you’ve been working so hard for, but it’s better to tell them about the trip when you get home. Social media sites are constantly being watched by people you don’t know.

6. Vary the visits. If you have someone stopping by to check on the house, water your plants and lawn, and to feed the cat, ask them to come at different times of the day. If a thief is watching, they will be less likely to take the risk if the visits from your house-sitter happen at different times. Better yet – ask more than one person to stop by at different times.

7. The key. Don’t hide it – give a copy to the house sitter or sitters you have coming over.

8. No parking. If you usually park your other car in the garage, but decide to leave in the driveway while you’re gone, that’s a clue you’re not there.

9. The packed car. If you can, pack the car with the garage door closed. If you don’t have a garage, consider packing it very early on the day you’re leaving. If you get into the car without your luggage, anyone watching will assume you’re not going far.

10. Tell only the neighbors you trust that you’ll be gone. If you don’t know your neighbors well, keep your trip to yourself.

Do burglars really “case” neighborhoods? Yes. Planning ahead allows them a better chance to get in and out before a neighbor notices and the police arrive.

If you have any questions about your insurance, call me at 507-226-8121.

Jon

[email protected]

[tweetthis]10 Things Burglars Are Watching For #InsuranceInformation [/tweetthis]

Bike Helmets

By

Joy and I live near the Douglas Trail and see a lot of bike riders – kids, family groups, couples, and serious cyclists.  Most of them wear helmets.

Did you know that it not only matters that you wear a helmet when cycling, but that HOW it fits is as important? If you helmet fits right, it can save your life.

Here are some statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

  • The average age of cyclists injured in traffic crashes is 31 (2009)
  • 85% of head injuries are caused by helmets that don’t fit or are worn incorrectly.
  • 51,000 cyclists were injured in 2009 in motor vehicle crashes. (2009 are the most current stats released at the time this post was created)

Want to be sure your helmet is the right size and you’re wearing it properly? This website has excellent information:  http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/learn/bicycle+helmet.html

Ride Safe,

Jon

507-226-8121

[email protected]

[tweetthis]Bike Helmets #RideSafe #MNInsurance #Cycling[/tweetthis]

 

All graphics purchased at fotolia.com