Minnesota - DeKok Insurance Group, Inc.

Insurance Companies DeKok Insurance Group Represents

December 12, 2013 By Jon DeKok

At DeKok Insurance Group, one of the ways I serve my clients is by working directly with companies who deliver high-quality, affordable insurance options. A few of them are on the graphic above.

I partnered with them because they are industry leaders, and because working with more than one company gives you options. It also helps you in another way: because I understand the insurance industry I know where to look for the personal and/or business insurance that fits your needs. Then, after finding the best coverage and prices from top of the line companies, I show you the quotes, and explain what they mean. This saves you time and energy.

Call me today at 507-226-8121 to get free insurance quotes or to ask questions you have about insurance in MN.

How can I help you today?

Jon

[email protected]

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.

Why an Independent Insurance Agent?

November 7, 2013 By Jon DeKok

Not all insurance agents are the same. Choosing the right one can make a big difference – in price, service, and value.

With other agencies, you get one company that sells one brand of insurance. With an independent insurance agency like DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. you get choices.

Why? Because independent insurance agencies, like DeKok Insurance Group, represent a number of different insurance companies, and can compare coverage and prices to find the best possible value for your individual circumstances. As independent agents, we are members of the Rochester and surrounding area (Joy and I live near Pine Island) community, and we’re committed to doing business face-to-face and being your advocate in times of need.

Serving Rochester and the surrounding area and the state of Minnesota, here are a few reasons why Jon DeKok should be your first and last stop when looking for insurance.

We work for you when you have a claim.
We are not beholden to any one company. This means you don’t have to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
We are your consultants, working with you as you determine your needs.
We are value-hunters who look after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage, and service.
We offer one-stop shopping for a full range of products, including home, renters, auto, business, life, health, and retirement plans.
We can periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
We are committed to customer satisfaction – it’s the key to our livelihood.
We treat you like a person, not a number.
We are licensed professionals with strong customer and community ties.

There is a difference. To find out how our independent insurance agency can help you find the right insurance coverage, please contact us today. Give us a call today at 507-226-8121 or email me at [email protected].

I look forward to answering your questions and giving you a no-cost quote on your insurance.

Jon

Email: [email protected]

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]Why an #IndependentAgent? #MNInsurance #DeKokInsuranceGroupInc, #Insurance[/tweetthis]

Call of the Convertible – Buying Tips from DeKok Insurance Group and Edmund’s

August 5, 2013 By Jon DeKok

I used to have a motorcycle. Joy and I rode for hours and loved being outside while we drove. The motorcycle is gone and we have a new dream: an RV pulling a convertible.

The call of the open road is at its strongest during the summer – and so is the call of the convertible. If you’re one of those drivers who has long dreamed of dropping the top and heading across Minnesota and beyond, I have some buying tips for you.

Safety considerations

Of course, you want to be safe when driving your new car, so here are a few things to look for in a convertible, according to Edmunds.com. (If you buy a classic convertible, these will not be options.)

Roll bars: Generally, convertibles offer some sort of roll bar to protect passengers should the car roll over.

Airbags: Side airbags that deploy from seats can be an optional feature on less-expensive convertibles and something you should consider. Some of these airbags offer extra protection for the head.

Rear-view cameras and sensors: When the top is up, it can be difficult to see out of the rear window. Cameras and sensors can provide added safety.

Hard or soft top?

You have two main choices when it comes to tops: Soft, which can result in more road noise and may be more susceptible to damage, and hard, which often look better but add weight and take up more trunk space when down. (A third option is a completely removable hard top, such as those found on some Jeeps.) This choice is largely a matter of personal preference, though cost can be a factor.

You’ll also want to test the top for leaks – regardless of whether it’s a soft or hard top. Spray water where the roof connects with the windshield and where the glass meets the roof along the sides. You’re looking to make sure no moisture gets inside.

Everyday issues

If you’re planning to drive your convertible frequently (and why wouldn’t you?), there are some practical things you should take into consideration:

Wind noise: When you have the top down at Minnesota’s highway speeds, you might find it difficult to hear the stereo system. If you’ll be driving a lot with the top down, getting the upgraded stereo might not be worth it. Then again, a better stereo can have more power, allowing you to actually hear your music.

Putting the top up/down: A motorized top, of course, makes everything easier. But they are more complex. Be sure to test out the top and how long it takes you to put it up or down, especially if it’s a manual process. After all, if it starts raining suddenly, you want to be able to get the top up as quickly as possible.

Luggage space: Most convertibles aren’t large to begin with, but trunk space is even smaller when the top is down. If you plan to take your convertible on vacation (or pack golf clubs or other bulky items), it’s a good idea to really take a hard look at the trunk space before you buy.

Passenger space: Do you need to take more than one passenger on many of your drives? If so, a roadster (two seats) isn’t an option. But even if the convertible you’re eying has four seats, hop in back and check the comfort level. If you aren’t comfortable, your passengers probably won’t be, either.

Special features

According to Edmunds.com, there are certain features that truly make a difference in convertibles, such as wind deflectors, heated/cooled seats and sun-reflective upholstery. Certain features, such as heated seats, can make your convertible much more comfortable to drive on cooler days in Minnesota – especially if you’re at the North Shore.

Above all, you’ll want to choose the convertible that best fits how you’ll use it. If you’re lugging golf clubs (and golf buddies) around in the summer, you probably don’t want a roadster. Conversely, if your idea of a great weekend is to toss a duffle bag in the passenger seat and hit the road, smaller may be better.

One of the great – and annoying – things about buying a car is the sheer number of options out there. But if you get frustrated, remember one thing: You’re buying a convertible for the fun of it.

And when you buy that convertible, give me a call. I’ll make sure you’ve got the right coverage for you rag-top.

Jon

Email: [email protected]

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]Call of the Convertible. #AutoInsurance #MNInsurance #IndependentAgent[/tweetthis]

Better coverage. Better prices.

Jon DeKok has been serving insurance clients for over 30 years. He specializes in home, auto, umbrella, recreational vehicle, business, and life insurance. He is licensed in the state of Minnesota.

When Things go BOOM in the Night – Fireworks Safety

June 28, 2013 By Jon DeKok

For most of us, the Fourth of July is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, having fun and creating memories – whether at home in Minnesota or away on vacation.

But for some families, the holiday is a nightmare. Homes each year in MN are damaged by wayward fireworks. Thousands of people are injured in accidents.

At DeKok Insurance Group, we (Joy & I) want your holiday to be happy and safe. So here are some tips to help you protect yourself and your property on the Fourth.

Protecting yourself (and others)

To minimize the risk of injury, don’t use consumer fireworks. Attend a public display conducted by professionals in Rochester or your town.
If using consumer fireworks, always follow instructions. Do not attempt to re-light “duds” or create homemade fireworks.
Never let children handle or light fireworks. Even sparklers, which burn at more than 1,000 degrees, can cause third-degree burns. Kids under the age of 15 account for approximately 40% of fireworks injuries, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
A responsible adult should always be present when children – even teenagers – are around fireworks. More than half of fireworks injuries happen to those younger than 20 years old.

Protecting your home

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the best way to protect your home is to not use fireworks at home.
Remember, fireworks can cause grass fires and other types of blazes as well. Make sure you light fireworks in a safe area, away from homes and buildings, as well as other combustible material. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
Look out for tree limbs or bushes that could catch fire. Trimming vegetation to keep it away from your home is a good idea anyway, but it could save you from a catastrophic fire on the Fourth of July.
If your gutters have accumulated leaves, pine needles or other flammable material, clean them before using fireworks near your home.
Finally, if you won’t be home on the holiday, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house if others in your neighborhood will be using fireworks.

With some common sense and planning, the Fourth of July can be both safe and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re staying at home or heading to into the town nearest you, we hope you have a wonderful time celebrating our independence!

Jon

Email: [email protected]

Phone 507-226-8121

Better coverage. Better prices.

Jon DeKok has been serving insurance clients for over 30 years. He specializes in home, auto, umbrella, recreational vehicle, business, and life insurance. He is licensed in the state of Minnesota.