DeKok Insurance Group, Inc.

507-226-8121 [email protected]

Wilson Mutual Insurance Company

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When I started DeKok Insurance Group, I wanted to offer my clients better policies and better prices. In the last year I’ve been able to do this for 90% of the people who have requested a quote. A big part of my success in accomplishing this goal has been working with a small, but excellent company based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Wilson Mutual Insurance Company  was founded on May 6, 1872 when a school teacher named Peter Schnieder met with a group of pioneers in a Wisconsin school house. A year later they had $643.45 in cash.

The company motto was: Hard work pays off.

Dedicated men like August Rammer (who served Wilson Mutual for 50 years) and current President, Bob Western (who has served in his current position for 25 years) took these words seriously. They worked hard, built solid business relationships, and grew a strong insurance company.

In 2007, Wilson Mutual expanded into Minnesota. In 2009 Wilson hit $100 million in written premium and increased that to $110 million in 2010.

Today Wilson has over 250 independent agents in WI and MN. I’m proud to be one of them.

I’ve worked closely with the Wilson team this year, and they live up to the new motto: Our people make the difference.

Jon

507-226-8121

[email protected]

A Bird in My Hand

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This little bird flew into our window. I went out to see if I could help him. I picked him up and rubbed his tiny chest gently. He responded by sitting up and then resting for a bit in my hand before I set him on a branch of the nearest lilac bush. A few minutes later, he fluffed up his feathers and flew away.

I’m so glad I had the chance to help him, and I’d like to help you find a better insurance policy for a better price.

Jon

507-226-8121

[email protected]

Snapshot from Progressive

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Snapshot DiscountSM

One of the companies I represent has a cutting edge program  I want to tell you about.

Snapshot is Progressives Pay As You Drive Program that  allows good drivers to save on their car insurance. Some drivers could save as much as 30% by driving less, in safer ways, at safer times of the day. Although  not available in all states, Snapshot is available in MN.

Once you enroll in the program, the Snapshot device will be sent to you in about 10 days. It’s easily plugged in to your car’s diagnostic  port (usually located below the steering column). After set-up  the device records the number of miles you  drive, the time of day you drive (how often you drive between midnight and 4AM  – what are often called “peak hours”), and how often you make sudden  stops or on the positive side: gentle braking. The other information gathered  is your VIN number and when you unplug and re-plug the device in. It does NOT  contain a GPS or monitor how fast you drive.

To see how you’re doing, you can track the information online.

One of the questions clients ask first is, “Will my  insurance rate go UP because of what the Snapshot records?” The answer is, no. It’s also important for you to know that Progressive doesn’t share any of  the collected data unless it’s required by the law.

You can cancel using the device at any time although  discounts will not be applied if you cancel early.

Your discount is applied about 30 days after you plug in the  Snapshot device. When you renew your policy, Progressive will finalize your  driving Snapshot and you keep saving as long as you stay insured with them.  There is a possibility that if you make significant changes to your policy, they will ask you to take a new snapshot of your driving habits.

Most cars manufactured after 1996 work with the Snapshot technology. If you want to track the use on more than one vehicle, Progressive  will send you one for each car.

One of my clients tried this program out and saved a significant amount on his insurance. He said it made him more aware of his driving habits and he believes he is a better driver after using the Snapshot for a short time.

Jon

507-226-8121

[email protected]

Whole Wheat Apple Cake

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Joy and I have twenty or so apple trees on our land. This recipe is one of my favorites from my childhood. 

 

Whole Wheat Apple Cake

Cream together: 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of butter

Add:

2 eggs

3 cups sifted whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

Blend the above with 1 cup of warm coffee until fluffy.

Mix 4 cups of apples, peeled and cut up into the batter.

Topping: Mix ½ cup of sugar and 2 tsp of cinnamon

Place batter into a greased 9X13 inch pan. Sprinkle on the topping.

Bake at 325 degrees for approx 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

This cake freezes well. It’s heavy and moist so cover it lightly after baking.

Hope you enjoy your weekend.

Jon

DeKok Insurance Group

507-226-8121

[email protected]

PIP – Personal Injury Protection

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What is PIP?

PIP stands for –  Personal Injury Protection  (known as No Fault insurance).

Personal Injury protection is required as part of your auto insurance in some states including MN.  In Minnesota, no fault coverage protects you and your dependants if you are injured or killed in any auto related accident weather you are at fault or not. The basic minimum limits cover your medical expenses up to the first $20,000, and non-medical expenses up to an additional $20,000 (work loss, ect.).  You can choose to increase these limits. Most people leave them at the basic limit if they have health insurance.

Here are a couple examples:

  • You are getting into your car on a icy winter day. You slip on the ice while getting in and are injured.
  • You are driving your child to school. Someone hits your
    car. Your child is fine, but you are seriously injured.  You spend a week in the hospital, can’t go to work, and you need help at home getting meals made and house
    work done.  Under this situation, The basic no fault insurance would cover your
    medical expenses up to $20,000. The at fault drivers Bodily Injury liability would pay for
    the rest (if they have high enough limits).

The non-medical limit would pay for part of your lost wages and to hire help doing domestic chores.

For more details feel free to call me at 507-226-8121 or email me [email protected].

Jon