MN home insurance - DeKok Insurance Group, Inc.

Your Vehicle Insurance Needs

March 27, 2014 By Jon DeKok

DeKok Insurance Group insures vehicles with two wheels to twelve!

As an independent insurance agent, I work with many insurance companies and can help you compare protection and prices to find the coverage and value that’s right for you and the vehicles you own. Whether your insurance needs are for hitting the winter trails, taking a summer drive, or the everyday commute, I can help you find the right insurance to keep you covered when you’re on the go.

I have a question for you, if I could save you a substantial amount of money, and/or get you better coverage would you be interested in a QUOTE?

Here are some of the vehicles the companies I represent cover. If your’s isn’t listed, please call me.

Auto Insurance
Motorcycle Insurance
ATV and Motorsport Insurance
Classic Car Insurance
RV and Mobile Home Insurance
Boat and Watercraft Insurance

Your insurance needs are unique. Do you have any insurance questions? Ask here on the blog in the comments or email me at [email protected]. Or call my office at 507-226-8121. I look forward to answering your questions.

Jon

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 Target gift card.

[tweetthis]Your insurance needs are unique. #Insurance #AutoInsurance #RochesterMN[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]I can help you find the right insurance to keep you covered when you’re on the go.[/tweetthis]

Graphic purchased from fotolia and used with permission © tashatuvango – Fotolia.com

Carbon Monoxide Safety

March 12, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Protect your family from the ‘silent killer’

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas that results when certain fuels do not burn completely. And it can be deadly. That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent it, detect it, and protect yourself and your family from its effects.

In the home, carbon monoxide is most commonly formed by flames and heaters, as well as vehicles or generators that are running in an attached garage. As temperatures drop and more people are cranking the heat and hovering over the stove inside and warming up the car’s engine before hitting the road, it’s especially critical to ensure your family’s safety against this lethal gas.

Since carbon monoxide cannot be detected without a carbon monoxide detection device, it is essential to install and maintain one or more detectors in your home.

Detector Tips

I want you and your family to stay protected, so check out the following tips from CAL FIRE San Diego County Fire Authority for safeguarding your household.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door, and there should be one near or over any attached garage.
Each detector should be replaced every five to six years.
Battery-only carbon monoxide detectors tend to go through batteries more frequently than expected. Plug-in detectors with a battery backup (for use if power is interrupted) provide less battery-changing maintenance.
Thoroughly read the installation manual that comes with the individual detector you purchase. Manufacturers’ recommendations differ to a certain degree based on research conducted with detectors for specific brands.
Remember that carbon monoxide detectors do not serve as smoke detectors and vice versa. You can, however, purchase a dual smoke/carbon monoxide detector that can perform both functions.
Do not install carbon monoxide detectors next to fuel-burning appliances, as these appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon startup.

In case of exposure

If you suspect that you or someone you know has been exposed to carbon monoxide, check for the following symptoms:

dull headache
weakness
dizziness
nausea
vomiting
shortness of breath
confusion
loss of consciousness

If any of the symptoms exist, move the individual into fresh air and seek emergency medical care immediately.

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]Protect your family from the ‘silent killer.’ #CarbonMonoxide #DeKokInsuranceGroup[/tweetthis]

Home Inventory

March 5, 2014 By Jon DeKok

This buffet was my Mom’s and Joy’s dad gave her these typewriters – they are valuable to us. This photo would give us a place to start replacement if a catastrophic event happened at our home. Insurance can’t replace the emotional attachment we have to them, but we agree, it would be nice to physically replace them should a loss occur.

Why a Home Inventory Is Important

Let’s try a little exercise: Can you list everything you own from memory? I can’t either.

The fact is most people own more things than they realize. It’s easy to remember the cars, the computer, the TV. But what about that holiday china in the garage? Or every pair of shoes? Or at our house, Joy’s books.

All of it is regarded as personal property for insurance purposes. And if your home is destroyed by fire or some other disaster, having a list of your possessions makes filing a claim easier — and helps you put your life back together – faster.

Why should I complete a home inventory? What’s the best way?

Comparing the value of your belongings to the “contents” limit listed in your policy helps you make sure you have enough insurance to replace them if they are lost, stolen or destroyed as a result of a covered loss. The easiest way to take an inventory is to use a video camera, recording and describing items as you walk through your house. Or, you can use a regular camera and create a home inventory checklist.

Here are a few tips for completing and storing your inventory:

Use video or photographs – if you use video, you can use your voice to describe the items as you go.
Add brand names and descriptions where you can, especially on large-ticket items. Serial numbers are helpful to note.
Keep any receipts you have with the list to make the claims process easier.
Store your video or photo inventory offsite so you won’t lose it if your house is damaged.
Update your personal property records when you purchase new furnishings and valuables.

Though the task may seem daunting, it’s important to try. An incomplete inventory is better than nothing at all.

How much insurance do I need?

I can assist you in analyzing your insurance needs and help you decide how to most effectively protect your personal property. You may want to consider full-value coverage, which will pay for the replacement value of your personal belongings. A standard policy typically covers personal property only up to its actual cash value, determined by taking the replacement cost and deducting depreciation, which can be substantial. (For example, a 5-year-old TV is usually worth much less than what it would cost to purchase a new one.)

Finally, remember your homeowners policy covers valuable items such as jewelry, furs, art and antiques, only up to set dollar amounts. If the cost of replacing them exceeds these limits, you may want to purchase scheduled personal property coverage.

The Insurance Information Institute has a FREE online tool that can help you create your inventory. Just visit www.knowyourstuff.org for more details.

I hope you’ll never need the home inventory, but preparing for the worst can prevent a lot of hassle later!

By the way, I have a question for you: If I could save you a substantial amount of money on your home and auto insurance, would you be interested in a quote? If your answer is yes, call me at 507-226-8121 or email me at [email protected] and let me know.

Jon

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 should I complete a home inventory? #HomeInsurance #MNInsurance[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]How much insurance do I need? #HomeInsurance #IndependentAgent #MNInsurance[/tweetthis]

Winter Storms – Be Prepared

February 18, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Winter Storms Ahead: Are You Ready?

It’s already been one of those winters here in Minnesota. We know it can be worse because it has been. In April 2013, broke all previous snowfall records and on May 2, 2013 – it snowed!

Winter storms mean traffic snarls, hillsides turning to sheets of ice, and cars sliding around like hockey pucks. Cold temperatures can cause pipes to burst, frost swells and other damage. Heating your home with fireplaces and holiday lighting can increase the risk of fire.

A picture-perfect winter requires a few precautions. . .

Winter-proof your car with good snow tires or chains, new wiper blades, antifreeze, and emergency road supplies.

Keep your attic cool to help prevent ice dams. Insulate the attic floor and make sure it is well-ventilated.

Do not overload circuits with holiday decorations.

When winter storms hit, be smart. . .

If you do not have to drive, stay put. If you must drive, make sure you’ve winterized your car and have a full tank of gas.

When the air is cold, keep bath and kitchen cabinet doors open so warm air can circulate around pipes. If pipes do freeze, let them thaw normally—they’ll be less likely to burst.

And if the power is out, make sure you avoid leaving candles or fires burning unattended. If you use a portable generator, follow the instructions and do not use it indoors.

Know what your insurance covers. . .

We want to help you rest easy. You will be more relaxed when you know you have prepared your property to lessen the chance of winter storm damage. Your insurance policy covers repair or rebuilding costs. However, your deductible does apply. Check your policy to see what is covered and to confirm the deductible you have chosen.

If you have any questions at all about your coverage, call me at 507-226-8121 or email me at [email protected] and I will help you review your options.

Jon

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]Winter Storms Ahead: Are You Ready? #Winter #Minnesota #Insurance[/tweetthis]

Photo purchased from Fotolia and used with permission.

Snow Shoveling Safety

February 6, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Shovel snow safely this winter!

A snowdrift is a beautiful thing – if it doesn’t lie across the path you have to shovel or block the road that leads to your destination. -Hal Borland

Winter is here, and with it comes skiing and snowboarding outings, fireplace-lit living rooms, homemade batches of soup… and shoveling snow. Joy and I enjoy rides through Welch Village and enjoy taking a quick glance at the skiers on the slopes as we drive by. Although the snow is beautiful on our land, the only time it looks like fun is watching people on skis glide down the snow-covered hills. Or in the Winter Olympics.

Our driveway is at least 1/4 of a mile long so I don’t shovel it – I have a John Deere tractor with a snow blower attachment, but there are always paths to shovel for our dogs, and around the house.

For many people in Minnesota, snow shoveling is both a reality and a necessity this winter. You probably already know this stuff, but here’s a reminder from the Boston Herald.

Warm-up! Never jump right into an activity. Start by cleaning off your car.
Place your hands a good distance apart on the shovel – it helps with leverage.
Never bend at your waist.
Push the snow when you can.
Scoop smaller loads of snow.
Use your legs, core and arms to help scoop and throw snow.
Always step in the direction you throw snow to avoid excessive twisting on your lower back.
And for 2 tips not included in the Boston Herald. . .you could ask one of the kids in your life for help!
And, when you get in the house, a big cup of hot chocolate is always a good idea.

I don’t know about you, but the below zero temps, snow, and high winds in January have kept me busy. The great thing about living in Minnesota is that if we wait just a little bit longer, we’ll be mowing the lawn!

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. -John Ruskin

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]In #Minnesota, #snow shoveling is both a reality and a necessity this #winter. [/tweetthis]