MN Insurance Information - DeKok Insurance Group, Inc.

On the Road Again

June 30, 2015 By Jon DeKok

We love to ride.

For Jon and I a good date night is us in the front seat, the dogs in the back, hot coffee (from Caribou), an audio book we can listen to, a tank full of gas, and a clean windshield. Although Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” could be our theme song, The Oak Ridge Boys singing “The Boys Are Back” is our favorite start to a road trip. We always talk for part of the trip and sometimes we sit in comfortable silence. Drivers who pass us often smile – not because of us – but because Sophie is perched in the back window and Tucker is watching out the side one behind Jon.

Favorite destinations include, but are not limited to, Red Wing, Lake City, Wabasha, and Lanesboro.

And the windshield matters almost as much as having enough gas in the tank.

We prefer the scenery to smudges and bug gunk. They take away from the panoramic view and enjoyment that’s part of recreational riding. (Jon agrees so this isn’t a marital problem.) A chip or a crack are terribly distracting.

And in Minnesota, if the windshield is damaged to the point that it impairs the driver’s vision, a law enforcement officer can issue a ticket.

Here are a couple of links to help you decide if it’s time to fix yours. . .

Windshield Replacement Laws

Minnesota Laws on Windshield Replacement

All of the companies Jon represents offer what is called Full Glass Breakage Coverage. To find out if you are already covered, call Jon at 507-226-8121 or email him at [email protected].

The cost for this coverage is reasonable.

If you have a chipped or cracked windshield and have coverage, here are the steps you can take to get your claim started:

Call your insurance claims department. If you don’t have the number, call the office and we’ll give it to you.

All of the insurance companies have local glass companies normally they work with. However, if you have one you’d like to work with, you can check and see if your company works with them. Glass companies serving in and around the Rochester area that we recommend are: (these are NOT listed in any specific order nor are we endorsing one ove the other)

Abra Auto Body & Glass

Safelight Auto Glass

If you have any questions, call Jon at 507-226-8121 or email him at [email protected]

We hope you enjoy your next road trip.

Joy

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]On the Road Again #WindshieldRepair #MNInsurance #RecreationalRiding[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]Your windshield matters as much as the gas in your tank. #MNInsurance #WindshieldRepair[/tweetthis]

What He Wanted for Christmas

January 6, 2015 By Jon DeKok

This isn’t going to feel much like an insurance guys blog post. That’s because while the story is partly his, he’s not telling it. A few weeks ago, we were talking about our dreams for DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. and we realized we needed a clear division of duties so we could serve our clients better. Jon enjoys serving his clients, talking to potential new clients, and giving quotes. For me, Joy, it’s about connecting with our clients using this blog, emails, and other social media resources. Sometimes I’ll write about insurance stuff. Today? Not so much. Because sometimes serving you means helping you get to know your insurance agent.

What He Wanted for Christmas …

Most years, getting Christmas presents for Jon is difficult. Don’t get me wrong – he’s not difficult it’s just that he doesn’t usually want much, and when he does want something, he usually gets it for himself.

This year, we talked about it and he came up with exactly nothing. Well, okay he did mention an RV, but my Christmas budget wasn’t that big! I sat in our living room, pondering my dilemma. This kind of thinking involves coffee, our dogs snuggled in close, and quiet. Sitting there, I saw the perfect gift for him sitting right in front of me.

When Jon’s mom passed away just over two years ago, a lovely stained-glass piece she had created became his.When we brought it home, we did what she did – we propped it up on the window sill planning on getting it framed someday. That never happened. I knew the time had come. The thing was, it couldn’t be a surprise – this was part of her legacy and only Jon could pick out the right frame. When I told him what I wanted to do, his eyes lit up. Oh yeah – this was it.

He took his mom’s art to the guys at Nigon Woodworks in SE Rochester – because he knows and trusts their work. He told them what he wanted and what wood options he thought would look best. A few days before Christmas I was notified – it was ready. I cannot tell you how much fun it was to pay for this gift. But then there was another problem – there was no way I could wrap it. I should have known better than to worry. Jon saw only the beauty in the stained-glass that was emphasized by the natural maple frame.

Jon hung his mother’s masterpiece in the window and we remembered a special time of coffee we had with her at her kitchen table. Mom took a class, then another. She chose the pattern for her second project carefully. The tulip represented Dad’s Dutch heritage. The red was his favorite color. The brown was the color of the dirt he so faithfully farmed. And she wanted the sun to look like it was shining. While she talked, she carefully places a few of the pieces she’d already cut on the pattern to show us what she’d accomplished so far. Evidence of the work was all over her hands – tiny cuts were visible, and a deeper one was hidden under a band-aid. There would be more of those before she was done.

The end result was beautiful, but sitting on the window sill, behind a sheer curtain, it was rarely appreciated – except by the artist and her son Jon who commented on it often and complimented her on its beauty. She would pat his arm in gratitude.

We had no idea how much difference a simple wood frame would make or how beautiful it would be hanging in the window – not just propped up on the sill. Everyday, we enjoy the quiet beauty in the glass. But there’s more. Somehow this piece of stained-glass radiates hope into our hearts. We can’t explain that to you, but it’s there. Maybe in part it’s because of what she did for us, especially in the last months of her life; as her hope of a longer life dwindled, and we hung out with her in the nursing home, she did every thing she could to fill our hearts with hope in our faith, marriage, and work.

And we’re grateful.

We’re also thankful for you – our clients and readers. If you have questions about your insurance, give Jon a call at 507-226-8121 or email him at [email protected].

Sincerely from both of us,

Joy

Tell your family members and friends about your positive experience with DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. If they call for a quote and tell us you sent them, YOU will receive a $20 gift card from us.

[tweetthis]Sitting there, I saw the perfect gift for him sitting right in front of me. #Christmas[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]Oh yeah – this was it. #ChristmasGift #JonDeKok #AMothersLegacy[/tweetthis]

Prom & Graduation Driving Safety – DeKok Insurance Group, Inc.

April 23, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Help Your Teen Keep Prom & Graduation Safe!

High school is full of defining moments for teens and two of the highlights for most are prom and graduation. However, this time of year often sees other, more tragic defining moments – serious car accidents involving teens who are distracted or even under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

I know you want to make this season one to celebrate for your teen. So, with the help of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are some tips that can keep your teen safe. (You probably already know these things, but you can use this post as a check-list.) Remind your teen that these suggestions come from NHTSA – they’re dedicated to keeping all of us safer.

First, ask your teen to follow these general safe-driving rules:

Absolutely no alcohol
Always use seat belts
No cell phone use (including texting) while driving

Special circumstances

Of course, special events such as prom and graduation often present special circumstances. There may be dinner with dates before the dance, and parties before or after either event. It’s a good idea to discuss your teen’s plans well before each event, letting them know there are a few things they can do to make a good time a safe time.

Ask for the itinerary of the evening, as well as who else will be with your teen. You should have contact information for everyone.
Have a way to contact your teen at all times. You may want them to check in with you once or twice over the course of the evening.
Set a curfew, whether they are coming back to your home or staying with a friend. If they are staying elsewhere, make sure the curfew will be enforced by a responsible adult.
Discuss with your teen how to handle difficult situations, such as facing pressure to drink, or accepting a ride with someone who shouldn’t be driving. It’s a good idea to provide your child with money for a taxi just in case. Let them know they have options and what they are.
Offer a “no-questions-asked” ride home, should they need one during the evening.

If you’re worried about your teen driving, consider alternate transportation. A car service or limousine will provide a responsible, experienced adult driver.

Prom and graduation are special times in a teen’s life. A little common sense will go a long way toward making sure your young adult is around to enjoy the other milestones that are sure to come.

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.

Graphic purchased from Fotolia and used with permission. © Franny-Anne – Fotolia.com

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]

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]