DeKok Insurance Group, Inc.

507-226-8121 [email protected]

Comprehensive & Collision Coverage

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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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Understanding UNDERinsured Motorist Coverage

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It is estimated that there will be over 12 million motorized vehicle accidents in the U. S. this year. Approximately 40,000 of them will be fatal and more than 2 million people will be injured.

The average annual cost of these accidents: $164.2 billion. Average medical costs per person is $10,000 (most likely higher) because current numbers are not available. (in 2007 the average cost per person was $8,522) This number does not include the following: continued medical treatment, legal expenses, permanent disability, loss of wages, or pain and suffering.

The state of Minnesota requires drivers to carry UNDER insured motorist coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per occurrence. At first glance, these amounts seem adequate until you do a conservative estimate on the potential expenses which  are likely to be at least $30,000 before the add-ons.

If the person who caused the accident doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your injuries, where is that additional money going to come from?

Your underinsured motorist coverage. If your limits are inadequate. . .then what?

As your insurance agent, when I advise you to consider carrying higher limits (at least 100/300), I’m not trying to make more money. It is my goal to offer you the right protection and save you money in the event of an accident. Call me (507-226-8121) to find out if you have enough coverage.

Jon

[email protected]

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Pet Coverage

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Some of you know we have two dogs – Sophie and Tucker. Joy would tell you we love our dogs and the truth is – we do.

Many of us travel with our pets, even if it’s just to the grocery store or the gas station. Have you ever wondered what would happen if you had an accident and your pet or pets were in the car with you? Several of the companies I represent have different levels of coverage for injured pets. Since my focus this week is on Progressive, I thought I’d share this with you. It’s taken directly from their website.

Pets are family, too!

You take them to the park, to the groomer’s, and out for joyrides…we’re talking about your pets. And we think they should be covered by your auto insurance policy.

That’s why Progressive was the first to offer Pet Injury coverage and is now happy to offer up to $1000 worth of coverage for your dog or cat if they’re injured when you’re in a car, RV, boat, PWC, or commercial auto accident or during a car, RV, boat, PWC, or commercial auto fire or theft.

And, it’s free. Progressive’s Pet Injury coverage is automatically included with your Comprehensive and Collision coverage on your boat, PWC, or RV policy, and with your Collision coverage on your auto or commercial auto policy.*

How Pet Injury Coverage Works

It couldn’t be easier because you don’t have to do or pay anything. It’s absolutely free. You just need to have Collision coverage for at least one vehicle on your auto or commercial auto policy. For RV, boat and PWC policies, you need to have Comprehensive and Collision coverage for at least one vehicle on the policy.

Pet Injury coverage pays up to $1000 toward veterinary bills if your dog or cat is injured when you’re in a car accident. We also cover them for Comprehensive claims, such as vehicle theft or a fire. In the unfortunate event that your pet dies as a result of injuries sustained in your Collision or Comprehensive claim, we provide a $1000 death benefit.

Coverage also extends to a cat or dog owned by a relative who lives with you.

Auto insurance for your pet — now that’s Progressive!

NOTE: Pet coverage insurance is NOT Pet Insurance and does not cover your pet health care.

If you have questions on your insurance, call me at 507-226-8121 or email me at [email protected]

Jon

More About Progressive Insurance

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As an independent agent, I have the privilege of writing for some of the top companies in the nation. Here are some things about Progressive I thought you might like to know:

In Minnesota they are the 3rd largest auto insurer and growing steadily. There are 11 claims offices statewide and they employ 282 people. (this number does not include their independent agents)

The following is taken directly from their website:

Overview and History

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies has been called a visionary — a maverick leading a wave of change within the insurance industry. In business since 1937, Progressive is now one of the nation’s largest auto insurance groups, and is the largest writer of private passenger auto insurance through independent agents in the country.

Jon

Did you know. . .

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According to statistics released by the Insurance Research Council in April of 2011 that in the U.S. that approximately 1 in 7 drivers are uninsured?

This is an increase and studies blame the economic decline.

It might be a good idea to call your agent and see what your policy covers if you’re in an accident with an uninsured motorist.

Jon

226-8121

[email protected]

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