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Football Fan Safety – Tips from DeKok Insurance Group, Inc.

October 31, 2013 By Jon DeKok

Make football season fun and safe!

Fall is here and many of us are enjoying the cooler temps, colorful leaves, the start of school and, of course, football season in Minnesota. I confess I’m not a fan of the sport, but many of our family and friends are. Joy caught a game a few weeks ago while visiting her parents and she had fun watching the Vikings and Bears game – MN lost by one point.

Football season in Minnesota brings with it a whole host of seasonal activities for football fans, from game-day tailgates and sports bar outings, to friendly bets and bowl parties. At DeKok Insurance Group, we want your football season to be both exciting and safe, so as you cheer your team to victory, consider the following tips.

Keep it clean: Tailgating is one of America’s favorite pastimes! If you’re tailgating, opt for non-breakable, recyclable containers. This will make cleanup easier and help avoid injuries resulting from broken glass.
Be smart: Whether you are tailgating, hosting a football-watching party at your house in Rochester, sitting in the stands at the stadium or joining your friends at the local sports restaurant, know your limit on alcohol intake and make sure you have a designated driver.
Know where you’re going: Pre-plan travel to and from the stadium to avoid getting lost and to make finding parking easier if you drive.
Fill those bellies: Whenever alcohol is consumed, make sure food is too!
Be weather wise: If you’re heading to the stadium, be sure to prepare for the weather. In colder temps, bring layers and blankets (especially if you’re bringing the little ones along). Also, avoid umbrellas if you find yourself in a lightning storm.
Keep it close: Whether you’re hitting the live game or the local tavern, be sure to keep your valuables, such as wallets, mobile phones and purses, safe. Also, keep it close to you (better yet, attached) at all times to avoid theft.

Wherever and however you’re watching the game this weekend, we hope you enjoy every last minute.

Game day insurance tips

Here are a few pointers for making sure your insurance provides an additional safety net on game day:

• Make sure you have adequate auto coverage to cover any contents that may be stolen in the unfortunate event of a break-in at the stadium parking lot.

• Ensure you have sufficient liability coverage on your homeowner’s policy, as well as medical payments coverage and possibly umbrella coverage. These exist to protect you in the event someone becomes injured while at your house.

• Consider roadside assistance coverage. In the event your vehicle breaks down or you lock your keys in your car, it can save the day.

Jon

Email: dekokinsgroup@gmail.com

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]Football Fan Safety #Football #Safety #DeKokInsuraceGroup[/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.

Photo Credit: purchased from fotolia.com © FeSeven – Fotolia.com

Why Have Personal Umbrella Insurance?

August 8, 2013 By Jon DeKok

To really feel secure about protecting your assets and your future, you may need the extra level of protection provided by a personal umbrella liability insurance policy.

What’s Peace of Mind Worth to You?

An umbrella policy provides additional layers of liability protection. If the liability limits are exhausted on your home, auto, or other underlying insurance policy, your umbrella insurance policy takes over and provides you with additional protection. The cost is minimal compared to the comfort of knowing you’re covered.

Do You Have Enough Liability Insurance?

Imagine what would happen if your dog was to bite a neighbor’s child, or if there was an accident on your rental property. What would happen if a fire in your condo spread to other units? If any of these things happened to you, there’s a good chance your current liability limits wouldn’t be adequate to protect your assets, or your future earnings.

Liability Insurance Starts When the Others Stop

Once the liability limits are exhausted on your home, auto, or other policy, your umbrella policy takes over and provides a second layer of protection of at least $1,000,000. Higher limits may also be available. Talk with me to determine the right amount of coverage for your needs.

Broad Coverages

An umbrella insurance policy also pays some claims not covered by your home, auto, or other underlying insurance. The policy covers not just you, but your spouse and all family members living in your household, anywhere in the world. Legal defense fees are also paid.

The right coverage for you is unique – call me at 507-226-8121 or email me at dekokinsgroup@gmail.com to find out how to protect yourself, your family and your future with the right personal umbrella insurance for you.

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]Personal Umbrella Insurance #DeKokInsuranceGroup, #MNInsurance #UmbrellaInsurance[/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.

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: dekokinsgroup@gmail.com

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.

Make the Most of a Classic Car Show

July 29, 2013 By Jon DeKok

Summertime there are dozens of classic car shows in Minnesota. These automotive events are a great way to kick start your weekend or vacation. Several times during the summer classic car enthusiasts get together in Pine Island, MN.

Some people attend classic car shows as spectators to check out unique and rare vehicles. Others go to connect with fellow car buffs or to show off their prized possession. And some attend shows to shop or to sell.

Whether you’re planning to shop, sell, show, or just go, here are some tips for making the most of a classic car show.

Family fun. Larger classic car shows typically feature entertainment, food vendors, raffles and more. Bring the whole family for a day of fun.
Plan. Take note of the event schedule, plan before you go, and make sure you’re aware of the hours for check-in.
Be the early bird. If you’re entering your automobile in a competition, sign up early. Most are limited to a certain number of entries, and it’s usually first come, first served.
Know the value. If you are planning to sell or buy, you must be well versed on the value of the vehicle and the market conditions. Buying or selling a car—especially a classic—can be an emotion-driven experience. Knowing the facts is essential if you are to get the right deal.
Need parts? Some larger car shows also feature a swap meet. Before you go, research the show and take note of car accessories and parts you might need.
Get some rest. Larger car shows can sprawl for miles upon miles. Make sure you’re rested, hydrated, and fed so you have plenty of energy for a long day of roaming.
Pack a bag. Be prepared to get the most out of the day by bringing along what you might need for the weather – from coats to sunscreen – and for your basic needs – from water to snacks.

Whatever your reason for attending the next classic car show, I hope these pointers will ensure you make the very most of it.

If you own a classic car and want the best coverage available, call me at 507-226-8121 or email me your questions at jondekok@dekokinsgroup.com. I represent Haggarty Insurance and others who provide the best coverage available for you classic.

Jon

Email: dekokinsgroup@gmail.com

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]Car Shows #AutoInsurance #IndependentAgent #MNInsurance #CarShows[/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.

Heading to Sturgis?

July 25, 2013 By Jon DeKok

Which cyclists have the highest risk for serious motorcycle accidents? Surprise: It’s 40-year-olds.

Whether you’re taking your cycle and heading across country (This year, the Sturgis rally is 76 years old.), or riding the Minnesota back roads, we want your ride to be safe this summer. Here are a few top tips:

No one’s too old to wear a helmet.

A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is forty percent more likely to sustain a fatal head injury in a crash than a rider with a helmet.* A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study reports that “helmets saved 1,658 motorcyclists’ lives in 2006, and that 752 more could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.”* Buy a full-face helmet for the best protection for your head and eyes. Wear other protective gear as well: heavy leather or synthetic gloves, long pants and jacket, and over-the-ankle leather boots.

Take breaks.

Plan to stop for water breaks to prevent dehydration, which can cause riders to feel tired or weak. Don’t ride tired. A short walk around a park, or a cup of coffee while filling up with gas is often enough to revive a weary rider.

In a crash, the SUV wins.

When cars and motorcycles collide, it’s usually because the driver of the car failed to see the cyclist. With more SUVs on the road, it’s even more critical to take extra steps to become more visible. Use your headlamps—both night and day—and wear yellow, red or orange jackets to make yourself easy to see. Make a point of positioning yourself in your lane for visibility.

Training saves.

One out of four motorcycle drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2006 were driving with invalid licenses.* Safeco offers discounts to riders who attend the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s safe riding courses or are active in one of 10 approved groups that promote safe riding. Do both those things and you can reduce your premium.

New Gear? Update your policy.

Some companies, including Safeco, offer special coverage for custom parts and equipment—but you have to make sure each piece of equipment is listed on your policy. Anytime you buy new leathers or safety equipment or customize your bike, call me at 507-226-8121 or e-mail dekokinsgroup@gmail.com before you head out on the highway.

Enjoy the ride,

Jon

Email: dekokinsgroup@gmail.com

Phone 507-226-8121