507-226-8121 [email protected]
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
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
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:
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
Hello – Joy here.
I was born and raised a city girl. Cows scared me terribly – they are such big animals. All farm machinery made me nervous.
The summer after Jon and I were married, his dad needed someone to drive his John Deere tractor when it was time to bale hay. Brave man that he was, he asked me. I was pretty nervous, but Dad was confident I could master his fairly new and very comfy machine. The cab had air conditioning and AM/FM stereo radio, honestly, what more could a girl want on a hot and dusty summer day?
Dad taught me how to follow the cut hay and turn the corners. I watched as the hay disappeared only to reappear as rectangular bales. Looking at the field I thought, “This is going to take all day. I’ll just speed it up a little.” Following Dad’s instructions, I kept my eyes on the rows of green alfapha. That tractor could move and soon we were making excellent time. Suddenly I noticed Dad’s arms waving at me and then he gave me the thumbs down. He was seriously sweating and a bit red in the face. I slowed down, when I saw him wave at me to stop. He hopped off the wagon and into the cool cab for a few moments. He used his shirt sleeve to wipe his face the said, “Joy, you’re doing a good job, but we need to go a little slower so I can keep up.”
He left the cab with those kind words. Back on the wagon, he gave me the thumbs up and I moved ahead, keeping a careful eye on where I needed to go and the man behind me.
When we finished with the field, the wagon was neatly piled high with bales. Dad directed me to pull up to a conveyor of sorts (I’m sure there’s an official name for it, but I have not idea what that is.) and then he unloaded the bales alone. I didn’t know it at the time, but those golden rectangles weighed about 100lbs each.
At the supper table, he prayed before the meal and thanked God for me and my help. As we filled our plates he asked me if I could come back and drive again the next day. I knew I’d sort of messed up, but the man needed a driver and assured me I’d do a much better job on day two. I did.
Another year, when he was injured, I drove that tractor again. I plowed, disked, and raked his land. (I am not sure that is the right order.) Dad did the planting, but I’d prepped those rich fields for him. I watched his crops grow with a little bit more interest that year – not a lot, but some.
Several years later, when we moved to where we live now, Jon bought a Gator so we could explore our thirty-five acres of land easily. I was so proud to show Dad our John Deere. He said wearing his signature grin, “I remember the first time you drove a John Deere.” I said, “Me too. Thanks for your patience.” He put his arm around my shoulders and gave me a squeeze then said, “Thanks again for your help.”
I sure do enjoy our John Deere and I miss the man who introduced me to them.
As Jon’s assistant here at DeKok Insurance Group I get an up close and personal view of the way he serves his current and potential clients. I see his integrity and think, like father, like son. I know. I’ve worked for and with them both.
Joy
As an insurance agent, I get asked this question a lot, “What is the difference between comprehensive coverage and collision coverage on car insurance?”
Here is the answer: Comprehensive coverage covers just about everything other than a collision type accident. For instance, if a tree falls on your car, the damage to your car is covered under your comprehensive coverage. If you drive into a tree, your car damage is covered under your collision coverage.
Here’s a visual example of collision damage:
And, of comprehensive damage:
What if you hit an animal in the road (even though technically you collided with the animal), that is covered under your comprehensive coverage. Another loss that seems to confuse is if you hit a pothole and damage your car. That would be covered under your collision coverage (collision with a stationary object).
If you have insurance questions, call me at 507-226-8121 or email me at [email protected].
Jon
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