Insurance Tips & Insights | Rehm Insurance & Financial Services

Insurance Changes After Divorce in Minnesota: Your Complete Checklist

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:00:05 GMT

Financial Planning After Separation Starts with Your Insurance

Divorce changes nearly every aspect of your financial life, and insurance is no exception. Whether you are in the early stages of a separation or your decree has already been finalized, understanding which policies need to be updated — and when — can save you from costly gaps in coverage. In Minnesota, there are specific legal requirements and timelines that make it especially important to stay organized.

This checklist walks you through every major personal insurance coverage category that may need attention during and after a divorce. Keep it bookmarked, print it out, or share it with your attorney so nothing falls through the cracks.

Auto Insurance Changes After Divorce

If you and your spouse shared an auto policy, one of the first things to address is separating your coverage. A joint auto policy cannot simply remain as-is once you are living in different households. Minnesota law requires that every registered vehicle have active liability coverage, so timing matters here.

Before the Divorce Is Final

Contact your insurance agent — Let your agent know about the separation as soon as possible. They can advise you on whether to split the policy now or wait until the decree is signed.
Determine who keeps which vehicles — Your divorce agreement should specify vehicle ownership. Until titles are transferred, the current titleholder is typically responsible for insurance.
Check for bundling discounts — If your auto policy was bundled with homeowners or other coverage, removing one policy may affect your premium on the other.

After the Divorce Is Final

Transfer vehicle titles — Once the court assigns ownership, update the title with the Minnesota DVS (Driver and Vehicle Services) and notify your insurer immediately.
Establish your own auto policy — If you were on your spouse's policy, you will need your own. Your driving record, vehicle type, and address all factor into your new rate.
Update your address — Your garaging address affects your premium. Moving from a rural area to downtown Mankato, for example, could change your rate.
Remove your ex-spouse as a listed driver — Leaving them on your policy after the divorce could create liability issues you do not want.

Homeowners and Renters Insurance Updates

Your housing situation is likely to change during a divorce, and that means your property insurance needs to change with it. Knowing when to notify home insurance of divorce is critical — waiting too long can leave you exposed if something happens to the property during the transition.

If You Keep the Marital Home

Update the named insured — Remove your ex-spouse from the homeowners policy so you are the sole named insured. This protects you from any claims they might file against the policy later.
Reassess your coverage limits — If you are buying out your spouse's share of the home, your dwelling coverage amount should reflect the full replacement cost, not the purchase price or equity split.
Review your personal property coverage — After dividing household belongings, your contents coverage needs may decrease. Lowering this limit could save you money on your premium.

If You Are Moving Out

Get renters insurance right away — Even if you are staying with family temporarily, a renters policy protects your personal belongings and provides liability coverage. Policies in Mankato typically cost $15 to $30 per month .
Notify your agent of the move date — Your homeowners policy should not be cancelled until the property officially transfers. Coordinate the timing with your attorney and your insurance agent.
Set up a new homeowners policy — If you are purchasing a new home, your lender will require proof of insurance before closing. Start shopping early so you are not scrambling at the last minute.

Health Insurance After Divorce in Minnesota

Health insurance is often the most urgent concern, especially if one spouse was covered under the other's employer plan. In Minnesota, losing coverage due to divorce qualifies as a special enrollment event, which gives you options outside of the typical open enrollment window.

COBRA coverage — Federal law allows you to continue your ex-spouse's employer plan for up to 36 months after a divorce. The catch: you pay the full premium plus a 2% administrative fee, which can be expensive. Still, it keeps your coverage consistent while you find an alternative.
MNsure (Minnesota's health insurance marketplace) — You have 60 days from your divorce finalization date to enroll through MNsure. Depending on your income, you may qualify for premium tax credits that make a marketplace plan more affordable than COBRA.
Employer-sponsored coverage — If you have access to your own employer's health plan, the divorce triggers a qualifying life event that lets you enroll outside of open enrollment. Contact your HR department as soon as the divorce is final.
MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance — If your income changes significantly after the divorce, you may qualify for one of Minnesota's public health programs. Check eligibility through MNsure.
Children's coverage — Your divorce decree should specify which parent carries health insurance for the children. In Minnesota, courts often require the parent with access to the more affordable employer plan to provide coverage.

Life Insurance: Beneficiary Changes and Court Requirements

Life insurance is one of the most commonly overlooked policies during a divorce, and it can have serious consequences. If your ex-spouse is still listed as your beneficiary when something happens to you, the death benefit goes to them — regardless of what your divorce decree says. Minnesota courts have upheld this in multiple cases.

Update your beneficiary designations immediately — Do not wait for the divorce to be finalized. You can change your beneficiary at any time on individually owned policies. Consider naming your children, a trust, or another family member.
Review court-ordered life insurance requirements — Minnesota divorce decrees frequently require one or both spouses to maintain a life insurance policy as security for child support or alimony obligations. Make sure you understand the required coverage amount, the required beneficiary, and the duration of the obligation.
Check your group life insurance through work — Employer-provided group life insurance has its own beneficiary form. This is separate from any individual policy you own, and it is easy to forget about.
Consider a new individual policy — If your ex-spouse owned the life insurance policy that covered you, that coverage ends with the divorce. You may need to purchase your own policy, and the sooner you do it, the better your rates will be.

Umbrella Insurance Adjustments

If you carried an umbrella liability policy as a couple, it needs to be addressed during the divorce as well. An umbrella policy provides an extra layer of protection above your auto and homeowners coverage, and it is especially important if you have significant assets to protect.

Determine if you still need umbrella coverage — If you are keeping a home, vehicles, savings, or retirement accounts, an umbrella policy remains a smart choice. Coverage typically starts at $1 million and costs $200 to $400 per year in Minnesota.
Separate the policy — Like your other policies, an umbrella policy needs to reflect your individual risk profile. Your agent can help you determine the right coverage limit based on your post-divorce assets.
Coordinate with your auto and home policies — Umbrella coverage requires underlying auto and home limits to meet certain thresholds. When you split your policies, make sure the underlying limits still qualify.

Your Divorce Insurance Timeline: Before, During, and After

Timing is everything when it comes to insurance changes after divorce . Here is a practical timeline to help you stay on track.

Before Filing

Gather all current policy documents — Auto, home, health, life, and umbrella. Make copies of declarations pages, beneficiary forms, and premium statements.
Inventory your assets — Knowing what you own helps you understand what needs to be insured after the split.
Talk to your insurance agent — A quick conversation can help you understand what changes to expect and plan ahead.

During the Divorce Process

Do not cancel any policies prematurely — Dropping coverage before the decree is signed can leave you legally and financially exposed.
Work with your attorney on insurance provisions — Make sure the divorce agreement addresses who maintains each policy, who pays the premiums, and what coverage is court-ordered.
Update beneficiaries on individually owned policies — You do not need to wait for the divorce to be final to make this change on policies you own.

After Finalization

Notify all insurance carriers within 30 days — Auto, home, health, life, and umbrella. Provide a copy of the relevant sections of your decree if needed.
Enroll in health coverage within 60 days — Whether through COBRA, MNsure, or an employer plan, do not let this deadline pass.
Verify all beneficiary changes are processed — Call each insurer and confirm in writing that your updates have been recorded.
Review your overall coverage annually — Your needs will continue to evolve. A yearly check-in with your agent keeps you properly protected.

Minnesota-Specific Considerations

Every state handles divorce and insurance a little differently. Here are a few things that are specific to Minnesota.

Minnesota is an equitable distribution state — This means marital property (including insurance-related assets like cash value life insurance) is divided fairly, but not necessarily 50/50. How assets are split affects what you need to insure going forward.
No-fault auto insurance — Minnesota's no-fault system means your own PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage pays for your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who caused it. Make sure your individual auto policy includes adequate PIP limits.
Homestead rights — Under Minnesota law, a spouse has homestead rights in the family home. This can affect when and how homeowners insurance is transferred. Your attorney can clarify the timing.
Court-ordered insurance obligations are enforceable — If your divorce decree requires you to maintain certain coverage, failing to do so can result in contempt of court. Take these requirements seriously and keep proof of coverage on file.

Take the Next Step with a Trusted Local Agent

Going through a divorce is one of life's most challenging transitions, and you do not have to figure out the insurance side of it alone. At Rehm Insurance and Financial Services, we work with families across Mankato and southern Minnesota every day to make sure their coverage keeps up with life's changes. As an independent agency, we shop multiple carriers on your behalf to find the right coverage at the best price — especially important when your budget is shifting.

If you are going through a divorce or have recently finalized one, now is the time to schedule a policy review with our team. We will walk through every policy, identify any gaps, and make sure you are fully protected as you move into this next chapter. Call us at (507) 345-3366 or reach out online — we are here to help.

Flood Insurance in Minnesota: Do Mankato Homeowners Need It?

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00:02 GMT

Why Flood Insurance in Minnesota Matters More Than You Think

Most homeowners in Mankato and Southern Minnesota assume their homeowners insurance will cover them if floodwater enters their home. It will not. Standard homeowners policies explicitly exclude flood damage, and that exclusion applies whether the water comes from a swollen Minnesota River, a backed-up storm drain, or spring snowmelt pooling in your yard. If your home takes on water from an outside flood source, you are on your own financially unless you carry a separate flood insurance policy.

This gap catches people off guard every year. According to FEMA, just one inch of floodwater in a home can cause more than $25,000 in damage. For homeowners along the Minnesota River and Blue Earth River corridors in Mankato, North Mankato, and the surrounding communities, the risk is not theoretical. Southern Minnesota has experienced repeated flood events over the past two decades, and climate patterns suggest that heavy rainfall events are becoming more frequent across the upper Midwest.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Actually Cover?

Your standard homeowners policy covers water damage from certain internal sources, such as a burst pipe, an overflowing washing machine, or a sudden roof leak caused by wind. What it does not cover is water that enters your home from outside at ground level. That includes river flooding, flash flooding from heavy rain, overland water flow, and mudflow. The distinction matters because the most destructive water events in Southern Minnesota tend to be exactly the kind your homeowners policy excludes.

With rising homeowners insurance costs across the state, many homeowners assume they are already paying for comprehensive protection. Unfortunately, no matter how much you pay for your homeowners policy, flood damage is never included. It requires a completely separate policy, either through the federal government or a private insurer.

What Flood Insurance Covers

A standard flood insurance coverage policy has two main components: building coverage and contents coverage. Understanding what each one protects helps you decide how much coverage you actually need.

Building Coverage

Building coverage protects the physical structure of your home and its essential systems. This includes the foundation, walls, floors, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC equipment, built-in appliances like water heaters and furnaces, and permanently installed features like cabinets and countertops. Under the National Flood Insurance Program, building coverage is available up to $250,000 for residential properties.

Contents Coverage

Contents coverage protects your personal belongings inside the home, including furniture, clothing, electronics, and portable appliances. NFIP contents coverage is available up to $100,000 . If you have high-value items or need more coverage, private flood insurance carriers may offer higher limits.

Basement Coverage

Basement coverage under the NFIP is limited. The program covers certain items in basements, such as furnaces, water heaters, washers, dryers, and food freezers, but it does not cover finished walls, floors, or personal belongings stored below ground level. This is an important detail for Mankato homeowners, since many homes in the area have finished basements that would not be fully covered under an NFIP policy. Private flood insurance policies sometimes offer broader basement coverage, which is worth exploring if your basement is a significant part of your living space.

NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance

There are two main ways to get flood insurance in Minnesota: through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by FEMA, or through a private flood insurance carrier. Each has advantages depending on your situation.

NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program)

Coverage limits — Up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents
Availability — Available to any homeowner in a participating community, regardless of flood zone
Pricing — Rates set by FEMA through the Risk Rating 2.0 methodology, which factors in flood frequency, distance to water, and property characteristics
30-day waiting period — NFIP policies have a mandatory 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, so you cannot buy a policy when a storm is already in the forecast
Accepted by all lenders — Federally backed mortgage lenders universally accept NFIP policies

Private Flood Insurance

Higher coverage limits — Many private carriers offer building coverage above $250,000 and contents coverage above $100,000
Broader coverage — Some private policies cover additional living expenses, pool repair, detached structures, and finished basements more generously than the NFIP
Shorter waiting periods — Some private policies have waiting periods as short as 10-14 days
Competitive pricing — For properties with lower flood risk, private carriers may offer lower premiums than the NFIP
Lender acceptance — Most private flood policies are accepted by mortgage lenders, but it is worth confirming with yours before purchasing

As an independent agency, we can compare both NFIP and private flood insurance options to find the best fit for your property and budget. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why having an agent who works with multiple carriers makes a real difference.

Mankato and Southern Minnesota Flood Risk

Mankato sits at the confluence of the Minnesota River and the Blue Earth River , making it one of the higher flood-risk areas in the state. The Minnesota River basin drains a massive area of Southern Minnesota farmland, and heavy rain events upstream can push river levels up quickly. The Blue Earth River adds to that flow right in the heart of the Mankato area.

Major flood events in 1965, 1993, 2001, and 2010 caused significant damage in Mankato and the surrounding communities. While flood mitigation infrastructure has improved over the years, no levee or floodwall system eliminates risk entirely. Neighborhoods near Sibley Park, along Riverfront Drive, and in low-lying areas of North Mankato have historically been among the most vulnerable. But flooding from heavy rainfall can also affect areas well outside designated flood zones, particularly in neighborhoods with poor drainage or where the ground is already saturated from prolonged wet weather.

How to Check Your Flood Zone

FEMA maintains flood maps for communities across the country, and you can look up your property for free. Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov and enter your address. The map will show your property's flood zone designation.

Zone A or AE — High-risk flood area. Flood insurance is required if you have a federally backed mortgage
Zone X (shaded) — Moderate risk. Flood insurance is not required but strongly recommended
Zone X (unshaded) — Lower risk. Flood insurance is still available and often very affordable

Keep in mind that flood maps do not capture every risk. FEMA estimates that more than 25% of all flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk zones. Just because your map says moderate or low risk does not mean your property will never flood. If your home is anywhere near a river, creek, drainage ditch, or low-lying area, it is worth getting a quote regardless of your zone designation.

When Flood Insurance Is Required

If you have a mortgage backed by a federal agency (FHA, VA, USDA, or a conventional loan sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac) and your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone A or AE) , your lender is legally required to make you carry flood insurance for the life of the loan. This is not optional and not negotiable.

If your property is outside a high-risk zone, flood insurance is not required by your lender, but that does not mean you do not need it. The cost of flood insurance in lower-risk zones is significantly less, often in the range of $400 to $700 per year , while the potential damage from even a minor flood event can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. For many homeowners, it is one of the most cost-effective forms of protection you can buy.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost in Minnesota?

The cost of flood insurance varies based on your flood zone, the age and construction of your home, your elevation relative to the base flood elevation, and the amount of coverage you select. Under the NFIP's Risk Rating 2.0 system, premiums are calculated individually for each property.

As a general range for Minnesota homeowners:

Preferred Risk policies (lower-risk zones) — Typically $400 to $800 per year
Standard Risk policies (moderate-risk zones) — Typically $800 to $1,500 per year
High-risk zones (A/AE) — Can range from $1,200 to $3,000+ per year depending on the property

Private flood insurance may offer lower rates for properties that score well on risk assessments, particularly newer construction with elevated foundations. The only way to know your actual cost is to get a quote based on your specific property.

Do Not Forget Sewer Backup Coverage

Flood insurance and sewer backup coverage are two different things, and many homeowners need both. Sewer backup coverage protects you when water enters your home through backed-up drains, sewers, or sump pump failures. This is not covered by flood insurance or standard homeowners insurance — it requires a separate endorsement added to your homeowners policy.

In Mankato, sewer backups often happen during the same heavy rain events that cause river flooding, but they can also occur independently. A sewer backup endorsement is typically inexpensive, usually $50 to $150 per year , and it fills a critical gap. If you are adding flood insurance, ask your agent about sewer backup coverage at the same time.

Protect Your Home Before the Next Flood Season

Flood damage is expensive, disruptive, and almost never covered by your standard homeowners policy. Whether you live near the Minnesota River, the Blue Earth River, or in a neighborhood that simply does not drain well after heavy rain, having the right coverage in place before you need it is the only way to protect yourself financially.

Remember the 30-day waiting period for NFIP policies. You cannot wait until floodwaters are rising to buy a policy. The time to act is now, while conditions are dry and you have time to compare your options.

Rehm Insurance and Financial Services is an independent agency in Mankato, which means we work with multiple carriers to find you the right flood insurance at the best available price. We can walk you through your flood zone, compare NFIP and private options, and make sure you have no gaps in your protection. Find out if you need flood insurance by contacting our team at (507) 345-3366 .

Minnesota Surety Bonds: Types, Costs, and How to Get One Fast

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:00:02 GMT

What Is a Minnesota Surety Bond?

If you run a business in Minnesota or need a professional license, there is a good chance you will encounter a surety bond requirement at some point. A Minnesota surety bond is a legally binding, three-party agreement that guarantees you will fulfill an obligation — whether that means completing a construction project, following state regulations, or handling someone else's money responsibly.

The three parties involved in every surety bond are the principal (the person or business that needs the bond), the obligee (the government agency or entity requiring the bond), and the surety (the insurance company that backs the bond financially). If the principal fails to meet their obligation, the surety pays the claim — but the principal is ultimately responsible for repaying that amount.

Think of a surety bond as a financial guarantee rather than a traditional insurance policy. Instead of protecting the bondholder, it protects the public and the obligee. For Mankato business owners and contractors working across southern Minnesota, understanding how these bonds work is the first step toward staying compliant and winning more contracts.

Types of Surety Bonds in Minnesota

Minnesota requires surety bonds across dozens of industries and professions. The type of bond you need depends on your line of work and the specific state or local requirement. Here are the most common categories of surety bonds that Minnesota businesses encounter.

Contractor and Construction Bonds

Contractor bonds are among the most frequently required surety bonds in the state. If you bid on public construction projects in Minnesota, you will likely need bid bonds , performance bonds , and payment bonds . A bid bond guarantees that you will honor your bid price if selected. A performance bond ensures the project gets completed according to the contract terms. A payment bond guarantees that subcontractors and suppliers get paid. Minnesota Statute 574.26 requires performance and payment bonds on most public projects over $175,000 .

License and Permit Bonds

Many Minnesota professionals need a license bond before they can legally operate. These bonds ensure that licensed professionals follow state laws and regulations. Common examples include motor vehicle dealer bonds, collection agency bonds, mortgage broker bonds, and contractor license bonds required by certain cities. The bond amount varies depending on the profession and the issuing authority.

Court Bonds

Court bonds — also called judicial bonds — come into play during legal proceedings. If you are appointed as an estate executor or administrator in a Minnesota probate court, you may need a fiduciary bond . Other court bonds include appeal bonds, attachment bonds, and guardianship bonds. These protect the interests of the parties involved in the legal matter.

Fidelity Bonds

Fidelity bonds protect businesses from employee dishonesty, theft, or fraud. While not always required by law, many Minnesota businesses — especially those in financial services, healthcare, and property management — carry fidelity bonds as part of their commercial insurance package. ERISA fidelity bonds are federally required for businesses that manage employee benefit plans.

Minnesota-Specific Bond Requirements You Should Know

Every state has its own bonding requirements, and Minnesota is no exception. If you are operating a business in the state, here are some of the most common bond requirements you should be aware of.

Contractor bonds — Required for public projects over $175,000 under Minnesota Statute 574.26. Some cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, also require contractor license bonds for residential and commercial work.
Notary public bonds — Minnesota notaries must carry a $25,000 surety bond as a condition of their commission, per Minnesota Statute 358.44.
Motor vehicle dealer bonds — Licensed auto dealers in Minnesota must maintain a $50,000 surety bond with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Collection agency bonds — Collection agencies operating in Minnesota need a surety bond filed with the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Mortgage originator bonds — Individual mortgage loan originators must carry a $25,000 bond under the SAFE Act, with additional requirements at the state level.

These requirements change periodically, so it pays to work with a knowledgeable local agent who stays current on Minnesota bonding regulations. For businesses in the Mankato area and throughout southern Minnesota, having a trusted advisor makes the process much smoother.

How Much Does a Surety Bond Cost in Minnesota?

One of the biggest misconceptions about surety bonds is that you have to pay the full bond amount. In reality, you only pay a premium — typically between 1% and 15% of the total bond amount. So if you need a $25,000 notary bond, your annual premium might be as low as $250 to $500 .

The exact premium you pay depends on several factors, and the range can vary significantly from one applicant to another. Here is what influences your surety bond cost.

Personal credit score — This is the single biggest factor for most bond types. Applicants with credit scores above 700 typically qualify for rates in the 1-3% range. Lower credit scores push premiums higher, sometimes up to 10-15%.
Bond type and amount — Different bonds carry different risk profiles. A $10,000 license bond costs less than a $500,000 construction performance bond, both in absolute terms and often in percentage terms.
Business financials — For larger contract bonds, surety companies review your business financial statements, including revenue, net worth, working capital, and backlog of current projects.
Industry experience — A contractor with 20 years of successful project completions presents less risk than a brand-new operation, and that experience is reflected in lower premiums.
Claims history — If you have had previous bond claims filed against you, expect to pay more — or potentially face difficulty getting bonded at all.

For many small business owners in the Mankato area, standard license and permit bonds cost between $100 and $600 per year . Larger contractor bonds for construction projects can run into the thousands, but even then, the premium is a fraction of the total bond amount.

How to Get a Surety Bond in Minnesota

The process of obtaining a surety bond in Minnesota is more straightforward than most people expect. Whether you need a simple notary bond or a multi-million-dollar contract bond, the basic steps are similar.

Step 1: Determine which bond you need. Start by identifying the exact bond type and amount required by your obligee — whether that is a state agency, city licensing department, or project owner. The obligee will usually provide specific bond requirements in writing.

Step 2: Gather your information. For standard bonds, you will need basic personal and business information including your Social Security number, business details, and the specific bond requirements. For larger contract bonds, be prepared to provide business financial statements, a work-in-progress schedule, and references.

Step 3: Work with a licensed surety bond agent. An independent insurance agent who specializes in surety bond services can shop your application across multiple surety companies to find the best rate. This is where working with a local agent in Mankato makes a real difference — you get personalized guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all online quote.

Step 4: Complete the application and underwriting. Your agent submits the application to one or more surety companies. For small bonds under $50,000, approval can happen in as little as 24 to 48 hours with minimal underwriting. Larger bonds may take one to two weeks as the surety reviews your financials more thoroughly.

Step 5: Pay your premium and receive your bond. Once approved, you pay your premium and receive the original bond document. Your agent or the surety company files a copy with the obligee as required. Most bonds renew annually, and your agent will remind you when renewal is coming up.

Why Work with a Local Independent Agent for Your Bond

You can find surety bonds online through national bond-only agencies, but there are real advantages to working with a local independent insurance agent — especially when your bonding needs are connected to your broader business insurance program.

An independent agent is not tied to a single surety company. That means they can compare rates and terms from multiple carriers to find you the best deal. If your credit is less than perfect or your business is newer, an experienced agent knows which surety companies are more flexible and can advocate on your behalf during the underwriting process.

For Mankato-area contractors and business owners, having a local agent also means you have someone who understands the southern Minnesota business landscape. They know the local bonding requirements, the public project bidding process in the region, and the specific challenges that Minnesota businesses face — from seasonal construction timelines to industry-specific regulations.

Beyond bonding, a local independent agent can coordinate your surety bonds with your general liability, workers compensation, and other commercial insurance coverages. This holistic approach often results in better coverage and can even help with bonding capacity, since surety companies look favorably on well-insured businesses.

Get Bonded with Rehm Insurance in Mankato

Whether you need a simple notary bond, a contractor license bond, or performance and payment bonds for a major public project, Rehm Insurance and Financial Services is here to help. As an independent agency serving Mankato and communities throughout southern Minnesota, we work with multiple surety companies to find competitive rates — even if your situation is not straightforward.

Our team understands Minnesota bonding requirements inside and out, and we will walk you through every step of the process. Ready to get started? Get a surety bond quote today or call us at (507) 345-3366 . We will help you get bonded quickly so you can focus on running your business.

Split Limit vs Combined Single Limit Insurance: Which Is Better?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:00:01 GMT

What Is Split Limit Insurance?

If you have ever looked at an auto insurance quote, you have probably seen a set of three numbers separated by slashes — something like 100/300/100 . Those numbers represent split limit coverage , the most common way liability is structured on personal auto insurance policies in Minnesota and across the country.

Split limit insurance divides your liability protection into three separate caps. The first number is the maximum the insurer will pay for bodily injury per person in a single accident. The second number is the maximum for bodily injury per accident — the total the policy will cover regardless of how many people are hurt. The third number is the cap for property damage per accident . Each bucket operates independently, which means money left over in one category cannot be shifted to cover a shortfall in another.

For example, with a 100/300/100 split limit policy, the insurer would pay up to $100,000 for injuries to any single person, up to $300,000 total for all injuries in the accident, and up to $100,000 for damage to other vehicles, buildings, or property. If one person's medical bills reach $150,000, the policy only pays $100,000 — and you are personally responsible for the remaining $50,000.

What Is a Combined Single Limit?

A combined single limit (CSL) takes a different approach. Instead of splitting your liability into three separate buckets, it pools everything into one total amount that can be used in any combination across bodily injury and property damage claims. A $300,000 CSL policy means the full $300,000 is available for any mix of injuries and property damage resulting from a covered accident.

This structure gives you more flexibility in how the coverage is applied. If one person in the accident has catastrophic injuries totaling $250,000 and property damage is only $20,000, the entire $270,000 comes from the same pool with no per-person cap blocking the payout. With split limits, that same scenario would have been limited by the per-person bodily injury cap.

CSL policies are especially common on commercial auto insurance policies, where businesses face unpredictable claim scenarios involving multiple vehicles, expensive cargo, or serious injuries. However, they are also available for personal auto coverage and are worth understanding even if you ultimately choose split limits.

Combined Single Limit vs Split: Side-by-Side Comparison

Understanding the CSL and split limit differences is easier when you compare them directly. Here is how each structure handles the same accident scenario.

Scenario: A Two-Car Accident With Serious Injuries

You cause an accident that injures two people in the other vehicle. Person A has $120,000 in medical bills. Person B has $60,000 in medical bills. The other vehicle sustains $40,000 in property damage. Total damages: $220,000 .

Split limit (100/300/100) — Person A's $120,000 claim exceeds the $100,000 per-person cap, so the insurer pays only $100,000. Person B's $60,000 is fully covered. Property damage of $40,000 is fully covered. Total paid: $200,000 . You owe Person A the remaining $20,000 out of pocket.
CSL ($300,000) — The full $220,000 is paid from the single pool. Person A gets the full $120,000, Person B gets $60,000, and property damage is covered completely. Total paid: $220,000 . You owe $0 out of pocket.

This example shows the core advantage of combined single limit coverage: it eliminates the per-person bottleneck that can leave you exposed even when your total coverage would have been enough under a different structure.

Scenario: A Multi-Vehicle Pileup

Now imagine a chain-reaction accident involving four people across three vehicles. Individual injuries range from $30,000 to $90,000, and total property damage reaches $80,000. With split limits, no single person exceeds the per-person cap, so the per-person limit is not an issue — but the property damage cap could become a factor if damages exceed $100,000. With CSL, the entire pool is available regardless of how claims are distributed, giving you a broader safety net.

Pros and Cons of Each Option

Split Limit Insurance

Lower premiums — Split limit policies generally cost less than CSL policies with equivalent total coverage, making them the more budget-friendly choice for many drivers.
Widely available — Nearly every personal auto insurer offers split limit options, giving you more carriers and quotes to compare.
Meets state minimums easily — Minnesota's minimum liability requirements are expressed in split limit format (30/60/10), so choosing split limits makes it simple to confirm compliance.
Per-person cap risk — The biggest downside is the per-person bodily injury limit. A single seriously injured person can exhaust their cap while overall policy limits remain untouched.
Less flexible — Unused capacity in one bucket cannot be redirected to another, which can leave gaps in coverage during complex accidents.

Combined Single Limit

Maximum flexibility — One pool of money covers all claims, so there is no risk of one person's injuries being capped while total coverage sits unused.
Better for high-severity claims — If one person sustains catastrophic injuries, the full policy limit is available for that claim.
Simpler to understand — One number instead of three makes it easier to know exactly how much protection you carry.
Higher premiums — CSL policies typically cost 10-25% more than split limit policies with similar total coverage because of the added flexibility.
Fewer personal auto options — Not all personal auto insurers offer CSL, which may limit your ability to shop around.

Personal vs Commercial: Which Structure Fits Best?

For most personal vehicles in Minnesota, split limit coverage is the standard choice. It is widely available, more affordable, and provides solid protection when paired with adequate limits — ideally 250/500/100 or higher for drivers with assets to protect. If you are a typical household with one or two cars and standard commuting patterns, split limits often provide the right balance of cost and coverage.

For commercial vehicles , the equation changes. Businesses face greater exposure — delivery vans, service trucks, and fleet vehicles are on the road more often, carry heavier loads, and can cause more severe accidents. A single serious accident involving a commercial vehicle can easily generate claims exceeding $500,000. A combined single limit of $500,000 or $1,000,000 is common for commercial auto policies because it eliminates the per-person bottleneck and provides a larger, more flexible pool of coverage for the unpredictable nature of business operations.

If you operate a business with vehicles, CSL is almost always the better choice. The modest premium increase is insignificant compared to the financial exposure of an uncovered claim that exceeds a per-person split limit cap.

Cost Differences Between Split Limits and CSL

Premium differences between split limit and combined single limit policies depend on your coverage amounts, driving history, vehicle type, and insurer. As a general rule, a CSL policy costs 10-25% more than a split limit policy with a comparable total coverage amount. For example, if a 100/300/100 split limit policy costs $1,200 per year, a $300,000 CSL policy from the same carrier might run $1,320 to $1,500 per year.

The premium difference shrinks as you move to higher coverage levels. At $500,000 or $1,000,000 in total coverage, the gap between split and CSL narrows because the insurer's risk profile changes less dramatically at those higher thresholds. For drivers or businesses that need high-limit coverage anyway, CSL often becomes the more cost-effective choice per dollar of usable protection.

Keep in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best option. A split limit policy that saves you $150 per year could cost you $50,000 or more in a single accident if the per-person cap falls short. The right question is not which policy costs less — it is which policy protects your finances more completely.

Minnesota Requirements and How Each Option Meets Them

Minnesota requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 30/60/10 — that is $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. These minimums are expressed as split limits because that is how the state statute is written.

If you choose a CSL policy, you need at least $60,000 in combined single limit coverage to satisfy the state minimum, since that matches the highest per-accident threshold. However, carrying only the minimum — whether split or CSL — is risky. The average cost of a car accident with injuries in Minnesota exceeds $50,000 , and serious accidents regularly generate claims of $200,000 or more. State minimums are a legal floor, not a recommendation.

Most insurance professionals in Minnesota recommend carrying at least 100/300/100 in split limits or a $300,000 CSL for personal auto. If you own a home, have savings, or earn a solid income, those assets are at risk in a lawsuit that exceeds your coverage. Higher limits — or an umbrella policy on top — provide a much stronger financial safety net.

When to Choose CSL Over Split Limits (and Vice Versa)

Choose a combined single limit if you operate commercial vehicles, have significant personal assets to protect, want the simplest possible coverage structure, or worry about catastrophic single-person injury claims. CSL is also the better choice if you frequently drive in high-traffic areas where multi-vehicle accidents are more common and claim amounts tend to be higher.

Choose split limits if you want lower premiums, are shopping among multiple personal auto carriers for the best rate, or are comfortable with the per-person cap at the limit level you select. Split limits work well for most Minnesota drivers as long as you carry limits well above the state minimum — at least 100/300/100 , and preferably 250/500/100 or higher.

Regardless of which structure you choose, the most important factor is carrying enough total coverage . A $500,000 CSL and a 250/500/250 split limit policy both provide strong protection. A $60,000 CSL and a 30/60/10 split limit policy both leave you dangerously exposed. The structure matters, but the amount matters more.

Get the Right Liability Coverage for Your Situation

Choosing between split limit and combined single limit coverage does not have to be complicated. The right answer depends on your vehicles, your assets, your risk tolerance, and your budget. As an independent insurance agency in Mankato, MN, Rehm Insurance and Financial Services works with multiple carriers to find the right liability structure for your specific situation — whether that is a split limit personal policy or a high-limit CSL for your business fleet.

If you are unsure which option makes sense for you, give us a call at (507) 345-3366 . We will walk you through the numbers, compare quotes from several carriers, and help you land on the coverage that protects your finances without overpaying for what you do not need.

What Is Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Insurance?

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:00:02 GMT

What Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Actually Covers

If you drive in Minnesota, bodily injury and property damage liability insurance is not optional — it is the foundation of every auto policy in the state. But most drivers never think about what these coverages actually do until they are staring at a claim. Understanding how bodily injury and property damage liability insurance works puts you in a much stronger position to protect your finances, your assets, and your family.

Liability coverage is split into two distinct parts, and each one protects you in a different way after an at-fault accident. Together, they form the core of your personal auto liability coverage and determine how much your insurer will pay on your behalf when you cause harm to someone else or their property.

Bodily Injury Liability: What It Means and What It Pays

Bodily injury liability covers the medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and legal expenses of other people you injure in an accident where you are at fault. It does not cover your own injuries — that is handled by PIP or medical payments coverage. Bodily injury liability protects you from having to pay those costs out of your own pocket.

When another driver, passenger, or pedestrian is hurt because of something you did behind the wheel, your bodily injury liability coverage kicks in. It pays for their emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. It also covers their lost income if they cannot work during recovery, and it can pay for pain and suffering damages if they file a lawsuit against you.

The limits on your bodily injury liability are expressed as two numbers — for example, $30,000/$60,000 . The first number is the maximum your policy will pay for a single person's injuries. The second is the maximum it will pay for all injured people combined in one accident. If the injured party's costs exceed your limits, you are personally responsible for the difference.

A Real-World Bodily Injury Claim

Imagine you run a red light in Mankato and T-bone another vehicle carrying a driver and two passengers. The driver breaks a collarbone and racks up $45,000 in medical bills. One passenger has a concussion with $12,000 in treatment. The other passenger walks away uninjured. If you carry Minnesota's minimum bodily injury limits of 30/60, your insurer pays only $30,000 toward the driver's bills — leaving you on the hook for the remaining $15,000 plus any legal costs. That gap is exactly why minimum coverage often falls short.

Property Damage Liability: Protecting You From What You Break

Property damage liability covers the cost of repairing or replacing other people's property that you damage in an at-fault accident. Most people think of the other car, but property damage liability goes further than that. It also covers guardrails, fences, buildings, light poles, mailboxes, and anything else you hit.

So does liability cover property damage to your own vehicle? No. Your property damage liability only pays for damage you cause to other people's property. If you want coverage for your own car, you need collision and comprehensive — which is often what people mean when they say "full coverage." That distinction matters when you are choosing your policy.

Minnesota requires a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability. That sounds like enough until you consider that the average new car in 2026 costs over $48,000 . If you rear-end a newer SUV and total it, $10,000 does not come close to covering the replacement cost. You would owe the difference personally.

How Bodily Injury and Property Damage Work Together in Your Auto Policy

Your bodily injury property damage coverage is quoted as a single set of three numbers — for example, 100/300/100 . The first two numbers are your bodily injury limits (per person/per accident), and the third is your property damage limit. Together, these three numbers define your total liability protection.

When you cause an accident, your insurer evaluates the claims against both coverages separately. Bodily injury claims from injured people draw from your BI limits. Damage to vehicles, structures, or other property draws from your PD limit. If either claim exceeds its limit, you pay the overage out of pocket. To learn more about the mechanics, read our guide on how BI/PD liability works .

This is why it is important to think of your liability limits as a package. Raising just your bodily injury limits while leaving property damage at the minimum creates a gap. A well-balanced policy increases all three numbers together to give you consistent protection across every type of claim.

Minnesota's Minimum Liability Requirements

Minnesota law requires every driver to carry at least 30/60/10 in liability coverage. That breaks down to:

$30,000 — maximum bodily injury per person
$60,000 — maximum bodily injury per accident
$10,000 — maximum property damage per accident

These minimums have not kept pace with the rising cost of medical care, vehicle repairs, or legal judgments. A single broken bone can easily generate $50,000 or more in medical bills. A multi-vehicle accident with serious injuries can push into the hundreds of thousands. Carrying only 30/60/10 leaves you exposed to personal liability for anything above those limits — and in Minnesota, a court judgment can follow you for years, attaching to your wages and assets.

Most independent insurance agents in Southern Minnesota — including our team at Rehm Insurance — recommend carrying at least 100/300/100 as a starting point. The premium difference between minimum limits and 100/300/100 is often surprisingly small, sometimes just $15 to $30 per month more. The protection difference, however, is enormous.

Why Minimum Coverage Usually Is Not Enough

The math is straightforward. If you cause an accident and the total damages exceed your limits, you pay the rest. With Minnesota's minimums, it does not take much to blow through your coverage. Consider these scenarios:

Rear-end collision on Highway 169 — You hit a new pickup truck worth $55,000 and injure the driver. Property damage alone exceeds your $10,000 PD limit by $45,000. Add $35,000 in medical bills that exceed your $30,000 BI limit, and you personally owe over $50,000.
Two-car accident with multiple passengers — Three people are injured with combined medical bills of $120,000. Your 30/60 limits cap out at $60,000 total, leaving you responsible for another $60,000.
You hit a commercial building — Driving through a storefront causes $80,000 in structural damage. Your $10,000 property damage limit covers a fraction of the repair bill.

In any of these situations, the injured parties can sue you for the uncovered balance. A judgment against you can result in wage garnishment, bank account levies, and even liens on your home. Higher liability limits are the most cost-effective way to prevent that outcome.

How to Choose the Right Liability Limits

Choosing the right bodily injury and property damage liability limits depends on what you have to protect. The more assets you own — a home, savings, investments, retirement accounts — the more coverage you need. Here is a practical framework:

New or young drivers with few assets — 50/100/50 is a reasonable step above minimums
Homeowners and families — 100/300/100 provides solid protection for most households
Higher-net-worth individuals — 250/500/250 or 500/500/500, often paired with a personal umbrella policy for an additional $1 million or more in coverage

An umbrella policy is worth mentioning here because it sits on top of your auto and homeowners liability limits. Once your underlying policy limits are exhausted, the umbrella kicks in. For most families in the Mankato area, a $1 million umbrella policy costs between $150 and $300 per year — a small price for significant peace of mind.

Liability Insurance vs. Full Coverage: What Is the Difference?

"Full coverage" is not an official insurance term, but it is one people use constantly. Generally, full coverage means liability plus collision and comprehensive. Liability pays for damage and injuries you cause to others. Collision pays to repair your own car after an accident regardless of fault. Comprehensive covers your car for theft, hail, vandalism, deer strikes, and other non-collision events.

If you only carry liability, your insurance will not pay a dime to repair or replace your own vehicle. That may be an acceptable trade-off for an older car worth a few thousand dollars, but for a newer vehicle with a loan or lease, your lender will require collision and comprehensive anyway. Understanding this distinction helps you avoid surprises when you file a claim and realize your liability-only policy does not cover your own car.

Commercial Liability for Business Vehicles

If you or your employees drive vehicles for business purposes — deliveries, service calls, client visits — personal auto liability does not cover you. You need commercial liability insurance with limits that reflect your business exposure. Commercial auto policies work the same way as personal policies with bodily injury and property damage limits, but they are designed for the higher risk and frequency that comes with business driving.

Minnesota businesses also face additional liability considerations, including hired and non-owned auto coverage for employees who drive their personal vehicles on company business. A gap in commercial auto coverage can put your entire business at risk in a serious accident. If you operate any kind of business vehicle in the Mankato area, make sure your policy is built for that exposure.

Protect What You Have Built

Bodily injury and property damage liability insurance is the single most important coverage on your auto policy. It stands between your personal assets and a lawsuit that could change your financial life. Minnesota's minimum limits of 30/60/10 were set as a legal floor — not a recommendation for adequate protection.

At Rehm Insurance and Financial Services, we are an independent agency in Mankato, which means we compare rates and coverage options from multiple carriers to find the right fit for your situation. Whether you need to increase your personal auto limits, add an umbrella policy, or set up commercial coverage for your business vehicles, we can walk you through the options side by side. Review your liability limits with our team today, or call us at (507) 345-3366 to get started.

Minnesota Homeowners Insurance Rates in 2026: Why Costs Keep Rising

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

What Minnesota Homeowners Insurance Rates Look Like in 2026

If you have opened your homeowners insurance coverage renewal letter recently and felt a jolt of sticker shock, you are not alone. Minnesota homeowners insurance rates have climbed steadily over the past several years, and 2026 is no exception. The average cost of homeowners insurance in Minnesota now sits around $2,200 to $2,500 per year for a standard policy on a median-value home, depending on your location, coverage limits, and claims history.

That represents a roughly 10 to 15 percent increase compared to just two years ago. For families in Mankato and across Southern Minnesota, those rising premiums can squeeze monthly budgets, especially when they get rolled into mortgage escrow payments. Understanding what is driving the increases is the first step toward finding ways to manage them.

Why Minnesota Homeowners Insurance Rates Keep Going Up

There is no single reason homeowners insurance costs are rising across the state. Instead, several forces are pushing premiums higher at the same time. If you have been wondering why MN homeowners insurance is rising , here is a closer look at the main factors.

Severe Weather Events

Minnesota has experienced a sharp uptick in costly weather events over the past decade. Hailstorms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and heavy flooding have generated billions of dollars in insured losses statewide. Insurance carriers do not absorb those losses quietly. They adjust their rates to reflect the growing frequency and severity of claims. Southern Minnesota, including the Mankato area, sits squarely in a corridor that sees regular severe thunderstorms from May through September, making our region a particular focus for underwriters.

Reinsurance Costs

Most homeowners do not think about reinsurance, but it has a direct impact on what you pay. Reinsurance is the insurance that insurance companies buy to protect themselves against catastrophic losses. Global reinsurance costs have surged due to natural disasters worldwide, from hurricanes in the Southeast to wildfires on the West Coast. When carriers pay more for their own protection, those costs flow downstream to policyholders in every state, including Minnesota.

Inflation in Construction and Labor

Rebuilding or repairing a home costs significantly more today than it did even three years ago. Lumber, roofing materials, siding, and concrete have all seen price increases that remain well above pre-2020 levels. Skilled labor shortages in the construction trades have pushed wages higher, too. When it costs more to settle a claim, carriers have to charge more in premiums to keep their reserves adequate. This is one of the biggest drivers behind the rising average cost of homeowners insurance in MN.

Increasing Home Values

Minnesota home values have risen steadily, and the replacement cost of your dwelling, the amount it would take to rebuild from scratch, has gone up even faster than market value in many cases. Your policy's dwelling coverage is tied to replacement cost, not market value, which means your premium rises as construction costs climb even if you have not made any changes to your home.

How Minnesota Compares to the National Average

Nationally, the average homeowners insurance premium in 2026 is estimated at roughly $2,300 to $2,700 per year . Minnesota falls slightly below or near the national average, depending on the insurer and region. However, that comparison can be misleading. States in the Southeast and along the Gulf Coast tend to pull the national average higher because of hurricane exposure. When you compare Minnesota to other Midwest states with similar risk profiles, our rates are on the higher end, largely because of our severe hail and wind exposure.

The key takeaway is that Minnesota homeowners are not immune to the national trend of rising insurance costs. In some years, our rate increases have actually outpaced the national average due to concentrated storm activity across the state.

How Rising Rates Affect Your Mortgage Payment

Many homeowners do not pay their insurance premium in a single lump sum. Instead, it is bundled into their monthly mortgage escrow payment alongside property taxes. When your homeowners insurance rate increases, your lender adjusts your escrow to cover the higher premium. That means your total monthly mortgage payment goes up, sometimes by $50 to $150 per month or more, depending on the size of the rate increase.

For families already dealing with rising property taxes and higher interest rates on adjustable mortgages, those minnesota homeowners mortgage payment increases can feel especially painful. If you have received an escrow adjustment letter from your lender, your homeowners insurance premium is likely a significant piece of that increase. Reviewing your policy to make sure you are not overpaying is one of the most effective ways to bring that monthly payment back under control.

Mankato and Southern Minnesota: Local Weather Risks That Drive Costs

Living in Southern Minnesota comes with specific weather risks that directly affect what you pay for homeowners insurance. The Minnesota River Valley and surrounding agricultural areas are particularly vulnerable to several types of severe weather.

Hailstorms — Southern Minnesota is part of the central U.S. hail belt. Large hail events can damage roofing, siding, gutters, and vehicles across entire neighborhoods in a single storm. Roof replacement claims are among the most expensive and most common claims filed in our area.
Straight-line winds and tornadoes — The open terrain around Mankato, North Mankato, and surrounding communities offers little natural wind protection. Derecho events and tornado outbreaks have caused significant structural damage in recent years.
Flooding — Properties near the Minnesota River, Blue Earth River, or Le Sueur River face elevated flood risk, especially during spring snowmelt and heavy summer rain events. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, which means you may need a separate flood insurance policy to be fully protected.
Ice dams and winter damage — Heavy snow loads and freeze-thaw cycles create ice dams that can cause interior water damage. These claims add up across the region every winter.

Practical Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Premiums

Rising rates do not mean you are powerless. There are several proven strategies that Minnesota homeowners can use to reduce what they pay without sacrificing the coverage they need.

Bundle Your Policies

One of the simplest ways to save is to bundle your homeowners and auto insurance with the same carrier. Most insurers offer a multi-policy discount of 10 to 20 percent , which can offset a significant portion of any rate increase. If you have other policies like an umbrella, boat, or recreational vehicle, bundling those can increase your discount further.

Adjust Your Deductible

Raising your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 can lower your annual premium by 10 to 15 percent or more. The trade-off is that you pay more out of pocket if you file a claim, so this strategy works best for homeowners who have an emergency fund to cover that gap. Over time, the premium savings often more than make up for the higher deductible.

Invest in Home Improvements

Certain upgrades can earn you discounts or make your home less expensive to insure. Replacing an aging roof with impact-resistant shingles is one of the most effective improvements for lowering your premium in Minnesota. Updating your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems reduces the risk of fire and water damage claims. Installing a monitored security system or water leak detection sensors can also qualify you for credits with many carriers.

Review Your Coverage Annually

Policies should be reviewed at least once a year to make sure your coverage limits, endorsements, and deductibles still match your situation. If you have paid off a major loan, made renovations, or added high-value items, your policy may need updating. Conversely, you may be carrying coverage you no longer need. A quick review can uncover hidden savings.

Work with an Independent Insurance Agent

This is where the biggest savings often come from. An independent agent is not locked into a single carrier. They have access to multiple insurance companies and can shop your coverage across all of them to find the best combination of price and protection. Captive agents who work for one company can only offer you that company's rates, even if a competitor has a better option for your situation.

Independent agents also understand minnesota homeowners insurance laws, including state-specific requirements and consumer protections that affect your coverage options. That expertise means you get policies that are properly structured for where you live and what you own.

Why an Independent Agent Helps You Find Better Rates

When homeowners insurance costs are rising across the board, working with an independent agent is one of the smartest moves you can make. Here is why that matters, especially in Minnesota.

Insurance carriers price risk differently. One company might penalize your area heavily for hail claims while another takes a more moderate approach. One might offer a steep discount for a new roof while another barely adjusts your rate. An independent agent knows which carriers are competitive for your specific situation, whether you are a first-time homebuyer in North Mankato, a longtime homeowner in Eagle Lake, or you own a hobby farm outside of St. Peter.

Independent agents also advocate for you at renewal time. When your rate goes up, they can reach out to other carriers on your behalf to see if a better deal is available. You do not have to start from scratch with online quote tools or sit on hold with call centers. Your agent does the comparison work and presents your options with a recommendation.

Take Control of Your Homeowners Insurance Costs

Minnesota homeowners insurance rates in 2026 are higher than most of us would like, and the forces driving those increases are not going away overnight. But you are not stuck paying whatever number shows up on your renewal. By understanding what is behind the rising costs, taking advantage of available discounts, and working with an agent who shops the market for you, there is a real path to better rates without cutting the coverage your family depends on.

At Rehm Insurance and Financial Services , we are an independent agency right here in Mankato, and we work with multiple top-rated carriers to find the right fit for your home, your budget, and your risk profile. If your premiums have gone up or you just want a second opinion on your current policy, we are happy to help. Get a homeowners insurance review or call us at (507) 345-3366 to talk through your options. There is no cost and no obligation.

Buying a Salvage Title Car in Minnesota: What You Need to Know

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:00:01 GMT

What Is a Salvage Title in Minnesota?

If you have been searching for a deal on a used vehicle, you have probably come across listings for salvage title cars at prices that seem too good to pass up. Before you jump in, it is important to understand exactly what a salvage title means in Minnesota and what you are getting into. A salvage title is issued by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) when a vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. This typically happens when the cost to repair the car exceeds a certain percentage of its fair market value — in Minnesota, that threshold is generally 70% or more of the vehicle's pre-damage value.

Common reasons a car receives a salvage title include major collision damage, flood damage, theft recovery, and vandalism. Just because a vehicle has a salvage title does not automatically mean it is unsafe to drive. Many salvage cars are repaired and returned to the road every year. However, buying a salvage car in Minnesota comes with unique legal requirements, insurance challenges, and risks that every buyer should understand before signing on the dotted line.

Minnesota Salvage Title Laws and the Inspection Process

Minnesota has specific laws governing how a salvage title vehicle can be repaired and returned to legal road use. Under Minnesota Statute 168A.151, once a vehicle is branded as salvage, it cannot simply be repaired and driven. The vehicle must go through a formal process before it can be retitled and registered for road use.

After repairs are completed, the owner must apply for a rebuilt title through the Minnesota DVS. This requires submitting detailed repair documentation, including receipts for all parts used and a description of the work performed. The vehicle must then pass a state-administered inspection conducted by the Minnesota State Patrol. Inspectors verify that the vehicle identification number (VIN) has not been altered, that all parts used in the repair are legitimate and properly documented, and that the vehicle meets basic safety standards.

Once the car passes the State Patrol inspection, Minnesota issues a rebuilt title . This title permanently carries a "rebuilt" brand, which means any future buyer will always know the vehicle was once declared a total loss. The rebuilt brand follows the car for the rest of its life, regardless of how many times it changes hands.

Key Steps to Register a Salvage Title Car in MN

Complete all repairs — Document every repair with receipts and photos
Gather required paperwork — Salvage title, bill of sale, repair invoices, and a completed Application for Title
Schedule a State Patrol inspection — Contact the nearest Minnesota State Patrol office to book your VIN and safety inspection
Pass the inspection — The inspector will verify the VIN, check parts sourcing, and confirm the car is safe
Apply for a rebuilt title — Submit your paperwork and inspection certificate to your local DVS office
Register and insure — Once the rebuilt title is issued, register the vehicle and secure insurance coverage

How to Do a Salvage VIN Check Before You Buy

A salvage VIN check is one of the most important steps you can take before purchasing a salvage title vehicle. The VIN — a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle — is your key to uncovering the car's full history. Running a thorough VIN check can reveal previous accidents, the extent of damage that led to the salvage brand, odometer discrepancies, and whether the car has been reported stolen.

Several services offer VIN history reports, including the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which is a federal database. You can also run a salvage VIN check through well-known providers like Carfax, AutoCheck, or the National Insurance Crime Bureau's free VINCheck tool. For Minnesota-specific title history, you can request records from the DVS directly.

What to Look for in a VIN Report

Damage history — Was the car in a flood, a rollover, or a front-end collision? The type of damage matters significantly
Number of owners — Multiple title transfers in a short period can indicate a car is being flipped to hide problems
Title brands from other states — Some states have weaker salvage title laws, and "title washing" is a real concern
Odometer readings — Look for inconsistencies that could indicate rollback
Recall history — Make sure all open recalls have been addressed

Never skip the salvage VIN check . It costs a fraction of what you would lose on a vehicle with hidden problems, and it is the single best tool for protecting yourself when buying a salvage car.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Salvage Title Car

Purchasing a salvage title vehicle can be a smart financial move — but only if you go in with open eyes. Here are the realistic advantages and drawbacks every Minnesota buyer should weigh before making a decision.

Advantages

Significant cost savings — Salvage title cars typically sell for 20% to 40% less than comparable clean-title vehicles, which can mean thousands of dollars in savings
Access to higher-end models — Your budget may stretch far enough to get a newer model year or a higher trim level than you could otherwise afford
Good for experienced buyers — If you are mechanically inclined or have a trusted mechanic, you can evaluate repairs and know exactly what you are getting
Project cars and parts vehicles — Salvage cars can be excellent for hobbyists building a project vehicle or sourcing hard-to-find parts

Drawbacks

Lower resale value — A rebuilt title permanently reduces the car's market value, typically by 20% to 40% compared to a clean title
Insurance limitations — Many insurers will only offer liability coverage and may refuse comprehensive or collision policies
Hidden damage — Structural, electrical, or flood damage may not be immediately visible, even after professional repairs
Financing challenges — Most banks and credit unions will not approve a traditional auto loan for a salvage or rebuilt title vehicle
Safety uncertainty — Even after inspection, there is no guarantee that all damage was properly repaired

Insurance Challenges and Options for Salvage Title Cars

One of the biggest hurdles when buying a salvage title car is finding adequate insurance coverage. Many major insurers are hesitant to write comprehensive or collision coverage on a vehicle with a salvage or rebuilt title. The reason is straightforward — it is difficult to establish the car's true value after significant damage and repairs, which makes it harder for the insurer to determine an appropriate payout in the event of a future claim.

In Minnesota, you are legally required to carry at least the state minimum liability coverage to drive any registered vehicle. Liability coverage is usually not a problem for rebuilt title cars. However, if you want comprehensive and collision coverage — which protect the car itself from theft, vandalism, weather damage, and accidents — you may need to shop around more aggressively.

This is where working with an independent insurance agency gives you a real advantage. An independent agent has access to multiple carriers and can compare policies from different companies to find one that will cover your rebuilt title vehicle at a fair price. At Rehm Insurance, we regularly help Mankato-area drivers find auto insurance options for all types of vehicles, including those with rebuilt titles. If you are looking at an older or collectible salvage vehicle, we also offer classic and specialty car insurance tailored to unique vehicles.

Tips for Insuring a Salvage Title Vehicle

Get an independent appraisal — Having a professional appraisal of the vehicle's post-repair value gives the insurer a clear number to work with
Document all repairs thoroughly — Detailed repair records and photos make it easier for an insurer to approve full coverage
Work with an independent agent — Independent agents shop multiple carriers, increasing your chances of finding comprehensive coverage
Ask about agreed-value policies — Some carriers offer agreed-value coverage, which locks in a predetermined payout amount

Red Flags to Watch for When Buying a Salvage Vehicle

Not every salvage car is a good deal. Some are genuinely well-repaired vehicles being sold at a fair discount. Others are disasters waiting to happen. Here are the warning signs that should make you walk away — or at least slow down and investigate further.

No repair documentation — If the seller cannot produce receipts for parts and labor, there is no way to verify the quality of repairs
Flood damage history — Flood-damaged vehicles are notoriously difficult to fully repair. Water intrusion causes corrosion in wiring harnesses, ECUs, and structural components that may not show problems for months or years
Mismatched VIN plates — If VIN stickers on the door jamb, dashboard, or engine bay do not match, the car may have been assembled from multiple wrecked vehicles
Fresh undercoating or new carpet — Sellers sometimes apply undercoating to hide rust or replace carpeting to conceal water stains from flood damage
Title from a different state — Be cautious if the car was titled in a state with less stringent salvage laws. Title washing — moving a salvage vehicle through multiple states to strip the salvage brand — is illegal but still happens
Pressure to skip inspections — A seller who discourages you from getting an independent mechanic's inspection or running a VIN check likely has something to hide

For more detailed guidance on evaluating a salvage purchase, check out our post on tips for buying a salvage title car . Taking your time with due diligence is the best way to protect yourself and your wallet.

Is Buying a Salvage Title Car Right for You?

Buying a salvage title car in Minnesota can be a smart financial decision if you do your homework. Run a thorough salvage VIN check , understand the state inspection and rebuilt title process, get an independent mechanical inspection, and make sure you can secure the insurance coverage you need. The savings can be substantial, but only when you approach the purchase with realistic expectations and careful preparation.

If you are considering a salvage or rebuilt title vehicle and have questions about insurance coverage, the team at Rehm Insurance and Financial Services is here to help. As an independent agency in Mankato, we work with multiple carriers to find coverage options that fit your situation — even for vehicles other agencies might turn away. Get insurance for a salvage title vehicle by reaching out to us today, or call us at (507) 345-3366 to talk through your options with a local agent who understands Minnesota's requirements.

PIP Insurance in Minnesota: What It Covers and Why You Need It

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:20 GMT

What Does PIP Stand for in Insurance?

If you have ever looked at your Minnesota auto insurance policy and wondered what all those acronyms mean, you are not alone. PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection , and it is one of the most important coverages on your personal auto insurance policy. Unlike liability coverage that pays for injuries you cause to others, PIP pays for your injuries and those of your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.

Minnesota is one of a handful of states that operates under a no-fault auto insurance system . That means after a car accident, your own insurance company pays your medical bills and certain other expenses first, before anyone argues about who was at fault. PIP is the coverage that makes this system work. Every registered vehicle in the state is required to carry it, and understanding what personal injury protection in Minnesota actually covers can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of stress if you are ever in a collision.

What Minnesota PIP Covers

PIP coverage in Minnesota is broader than most people realize. It is not just about hospital bills. The state requires your PIP policy to cover four distinct categories of expenses after an auto accident, each with its own sublimits and rules.

Medical Expenses

PIP pays for reasonable and necessary medical expenses resulting from an auto accident. This includes emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, chiropractic care, prescription medications, and diagnostic imaging like X-rays and MRIs. There is no deductible on medical expenses under standard Minnesota PIP. Your insurer begins paying from the first dollar, which is a significant advantage over many health insurance plans that require you to meet a deductible before coverage kicks in.

Wage Loss Benefits

If your injuries prevent you from working, PIP replaces a portion of your lost income. Minnesota law allows wage loss benefits of up to $500 per week for the period you are unable to work due to accident-related injuries. This benefit is especially critical for families in Mankato and southern Minnesota where missing even a few weeks of income can create serious financial hardship.

Replacement Services

This is a benefit many drivers do not know about. If your injuries prevent you from performing normal household tasks like cooking, cleaning, yard work, or child care, PIP will pay for someone to handle those services for you. The benefit covers up to $200 per week in replacement service expenses. For a parent recovering from a back injury after a collision, this coverage can be a lifeline.

Funeral Benefits

In the worst-case scenario, Minnesota PIP provides up to $2,000 in funeral and burial expenses if an auto accident results in a fatality. While no amount of money can address such a loss, this benefit helps families manage immediate expenses during an incredibly difficult time.

Minnesota's $40,000 Minimum PIP Requirement

Minnesota law requires every auto insurance policy to include a minimum of $40,000 in PIP coverage . That $40,000 is the combined limit for medical expenses, wage loss, and replacement services. While $40,000 may sound like a lot, it can disappear quickly. A single emergency room visit with imaging and follow-up care can easily run $15,000 to $20,000. Add a few weeks of lost wages and physical therapy, and you could be approaching your policy limit faster than you expect.

This is why many families choose to carry higher PIP limits . Increasing your coverage from $40,000 to $60,000 or even $100,000 typically costs only a modest amount more per month, but it provides a much larger safety net. If you want to learn more about how PIP works in Minnesota , we have a detailed breakdown on our blog.

PIP Stacking: Stacked vs. Non-Stacked Personal Injury Protection

One of the most misunderstood aspects of Minnesota PIP is the concept of stacking . PIP stacking refers to the ability to combine, or stack, PIP coverage limits from multiple vehicles or multiple policies to increase your total available coverage after an accident.

What Is Stacked Personal Injury Protection?

With stacked PIP , if you own two vehicles and each carries $40,000 in PIP coverage, you could potentially access up to $80,000 in total PIP benefits after an accident. The limits from each insured vehicle stack on top of one another. This can be extremely valuable for families who own multiple cars, which is common in areas like Mankato where most households need more than one vehicle to manage work, school, and daily life.

Non-Stacked PIP

With non-stacked PIP , your coverage limit is capped at the amount on a single vehicle, regardless of how many vehicles you insure. You might have three cars on your policy, each with $40,000 in PIP, but your maximum available PIP benefit after an accident would still be $40,000. Non-stacked policies typically carry lower premiums because the insurer's maximum exposure is limited.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The choice between stacked and non-stacked personal injury protection depends on your family's situation. If you have multiple vehicles and want the highest possible protection, stacking is worth the additional cost. If you are budget-conscious and already carry strong health insurance, non-stacked PIP combined with your health plan may provide adequate coverage. An independent agent can help you compare the true cost difference, which is often smaller than people assume.

When PIP Kicks In vs. Health Insurance

A question we hear regularly from Mankato auto insurance customers is whether they even need PIP if they already have good health insurance through their employer. The short answer is yes, and here is why.

In Minnesota, PIP is the primary payer for auto accident injuries. That means your PIP coverage pays first, before your health insurance is billed. This is actually a significant advantage. PIP has no deductible and no copays for covered expenses. If you relied solely on your health insurance after a crash, you would likely face your annual deductible, copays for every visit, and potentially out-of-network charges if you were transported to the nearest hospital rather than one in your network.

PIP also covers expenses that health insurance does not, including wage loss and replacement services . Your Blue Cross or UCare plan will not write you a check for the three weeks of work you missed while recovering from whiplash. PIP will.

After your PIP limits are exhausted, your health insurance becomes the secondary payer and picks up remaining medical expenses. This layered approach gives you the most complete financial protection available.

How to File a PIP Claim in Minnesota

Filing a PIP claim is more straightforward than most people expect, but there are important deadlines and steps you should not overlook.

Report the accident promptly — Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Most insurers have a 24-hour claims line. Delaying the report can complicate your claim.
Seek medical attention — Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional. Documentation of your injuries starting from the day of the accident strengthens your PIP claim significantly.
Submit a written application — Minnesota law requires you to submit a written PIP application to your insurer within 30 days of the accident. Your insurer must provide you with the application forms, but do not wait for them to reach out. Request the forms proactively.
Keep detailed records — Save every medical bill, receipt, pay stub showing lost wages, and documentation of replacement services you hire. Your insurer will require supporting documentation for every expense you claim.
Know the deadlines — Medical expense claims must generally be submitted within six months of the date the expense was incurred. Missing this window can result in denied benefits, even if the expense was legitimate.

If your claim is denied or you feel the settlement offer is too low, you have the right to dispute it. Minnesota law includes provisions for arbitration of PIP disputes, which is typically faster and less expensive than a lawsuit.

Practical PIP Advice for Mankato Families

Living in southern Minnesota means dealing with unique driving conditions that make adequate PIP coverage especially important. Winter ice, deer on Highway 169, and long commutes on two-lane county roads all increase your chances of being involved in an accident. Here are a few practical recommendations.

Consider increasing your PIP limits above the $40,000 minimum. The cost difference is often $5 to $15 per month, but the additional coverage can mean the difference between full protection and out-of-pocket medical bills. For families with children or anyone who would struggle financially if they missed several weeks of work, higher limits are a sound investment.

Evaluate whether stacked PIP makes sense for your household. If you insure two or more vehicles, stacking your PIP can effectively double your coverage without doubling your premium. Ask your agent to quote both options so you can see the actual dollar difference.

Review your PIP coverage annually. Your life changes. A new job with a higher salary means your wage loss exposure increases. A new baby means replacement services become more critical. Make sure your PIP limits keep pace with your family's actual needs.

Get the Right PIP Coverage for Your Family

PIP insurance is one of those coverages that quietly protects you every time you get behind the wheel. Most drivers never think about it until they need it, and by then it is too late to wish you had carried more. Whether you are evaluating your current limits, weighing stacked vs. non-stacked options, or buying your first policy, the right guidance makes all the difference.

Rehm Insurance and Financial Services is an independent agency here in Mankato, which means we compare PIP options and pricing from multiple carriers to find the coverage that fits your family and your budget. We are not locked into one company. Ready to review your PIP coverage ? Give us a call at (507) 345-3366 or stop by our office at 150 Saint Andrews Court. We are always happy to help our neighbors make smart insurance decisions.

Basic, Broad, and Special Form Insurance: Which Coverage Do You Need?

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:00:21 GMT

What Are Basic, Broad, and Special Form Insurance?

If you have ever looked closely at your homeowners insurance or commercial property insurance policy, you may have noticed references to a "cause of loss" form. This form determines exactly which perils — fires, storms, theft, and other damaging events — your policy will actually pay for. Understanding the difference between basic form insurance , broad form coverage , and special form property insurance is one of the most important steps you can take to make sure your property is truly protected.

There are three standard cause of loss forms used across the insurance industry: Basic (CP 10 10), Broad (CP 10 20), and Special (CP 10 30). Each one offers a different level of protection, and the one attached to your policy has a direct impact on whether a claim gets paid or denied. For Minnesota property owners dealing with everything from ice dams to spring flooding, choosing the right form matters more than most people realize.

Basic Form Insurance: The Foundation of Named Perils Coverage

Basic form insurance is the most limited of the three cause of loss forms. It operates on a named perils basis, meaning your policy only covers losses caused by perils specifically listed in the policy language. If the cause of your loss is not on the list, your claim will be denied — no exceptions.

Basic perils coverage typically includes the following named perils:

Fire and lightning — Direct damage from flames or electrical strikes
Explosion — Including gas leaks and boiler failures
Windstorm or hail — Exterior damage from severe weather events
Smoke — Sudden and accidental discharge of smoke
Aircraft or vehicle damage — Objects striking your building
Riot or civil commotion — Damage during civil disturbances
Vandalism — Intentional damage by others to your property
Sprinkler leakage — Accidental discharge from fire sprinkler systems
Sinkhole collapse — Ground collapse beneath the structure
Volcanic action — Eruption, lava flow, or airborne volcanic debris

That is a relatively short list. Notice what is not included: water damage from burst pipes, falling objects, the weight of ice and snow, or accidental discharge from appliances. These are everyday risks in Minnesota, and basic form insurance simply does not cover them. If a heavy snow load collapses part of your roof, a basic form policy would deny that claim.

Broad Form Coverage: Named Perils With More Protection

Broad form coverage builds on the basic form by adding several more named perils to the list. It is still a named perils policy — meaning only the perils listed are covered — but the list is significantly longer and covers many of the gaps that make basic form insurance inadequate for most property owners.

In addition to everything covered under basic form, broad form perils add these protections:

Falling objects — Trees, branches, or debris landing on your roof or structure
Weight of snow, ice, or sleet — Structural damage from heavy winter accumulation
Water damage — Accidental discharge or overflow from plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or appliances
Collapse from specified causes — Building collapse due to hidden decay, insect damage, or weight of contents
Glass breakage — Broken windows and glass fixtures from covered events

For Minnesota homeowners and business owners, these additions matter enormously. The weight of snow and ice is one of the most common causes of property damage in southern Minnesota. A broad form policy covers this. Water damage from frozen pipes that burst during a January cold snap is another frequent scenario — and again, broad form coverage protects you where basic form does not.

That said, broad form coverage still has limitations. Because it is a named perils form, any cause of loss not specifically listed remains excluded. Unusual or unexpected events — like a vehicle backing into your commercial building's HVAC unit or damage from an undiscovered roof leak — may or may not be covered depending on the exact policy language.

Special Form Property Insurance: The Broadest Protection Available

Special form property insurance takes a fundamentally different approach. Instead of listing the perils that are covered, a special form lists only the perils that are excluded . This is called open perils or all-risk coverage, and it means your property is protected against any special form cause of loss unless the policy specifically says otherwise.

This is a critical distinction. With special form insurance, the burden of proof shifts. Under basic or broad form, you must prove your loss was caused by a named peril. Under special form, the insurance company must prove the loss falls under a specific exclusion to deny your claim. That difference alone can determine whether a borderline claim gets paid.

Common exclusions under special form policies include:

Flood and surface water — Requires a separate flood insurance policy
Earthquake and earth movement — Typically excluded or available as an endorsement
Wear and tear, gradual deterioration — Maintenance issues are not insurable events
Mold, fungus, and wet rot — Usually excluded or severely limited
Government action and war — Standard exclusions across all policy types
Intentional loss — Damage you cause deliberately to your own property
Power failure originating off-premises — Utility outages beyond your property

Everything else is covered. That includes unusual scenarios like a delivery truck crashing into your building, a tree falling through your office ceiling during a calm day, or damage from an animal getting inside your property. These are real claims that special form pays and basic or broad form may not.

Basic vs Broad vs Special Form: Side-by-Side Comparison

When comparing insurance form types , seeing them side by side makes the differences clear. Here is how each form handles common causes of loss:

Fire and lightning — Covered by basic, broad, and special form
Windstorm and hail — Covered by basic, broad, and special form
Theft — Not covered by basic; not covered by broad; covered by special form
Falling objects — Not covered by basic; covered by broad and special form
Weight of snow and ice — Not covered by basic; covered by broad and special form
Water damage from burst pipes — Not covered by basic; covered by broad and special form
Collapse from hidden decay — Not covered by basic; covered by broad and special form
Vehicle striking the building — Covered by basic, broad, and special form
Accidental damage from unknown cause — Not covered by basic or broad; covered by special form
Flood and surface water — Not covered by any form (requires separate flood policy)

The biggest gap between broad vs special form is theft and the open perils structure. Broad form does not cover theft, and it does not cover causes of loss that are unusual or hard to identify. Special form covers both. For that reason, special form property insurance is the most popular choice for both homeowners and commercial property owners who want comprehensive protection.

Which Form Is Best for Homeowners vs. Commercial Property?

For homeowners in Minnesota , special form coverage is almost always the recommended choice. Standard homeowners policies (HO-3) already include special form coverage on the dwelling itself, which means your home's structure is protected on an open perils basis. However, your personal belongings inside the home are typically covered on a broad form basis under an HO-3 policy. Upgrading to an HO-5 policy extends special form coverage to your personal property as well — a smart move if you own valuable electronics, jewelry, or collectibles.

For commercial property owners , the choice between basic vs special form has a direct financial impact on claims. Many commercial policies default to basic or broad form coverage to keep premiums lower. But the cost difference between broad and special form is often modest — sometimes just 10 to 15 percent more in premium — while the difference in claim outcomes can be tens of thousands of dollars. A commercial building in Mankato exposed to Minnesota winters should strongly consider special form coverage to protect against the full range of weather-related risks.

If you are a landlord, contractor, or small business owner, ask your agent specifically which cause of loss form is attached to your policy. Many business owners assume they have broader coverage than they actually do.

Minnesota-Specific Considerations for Property Coverage

Minnesota's climate creates specific risks that make the choice between basic, broad, and special form especially important. Here are the key factors southern Minnesota property owners should keep in mind:

Ice dams and roof damage — Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles create ice dams that can force water under shingles and into your home. Special form policies typically cover this resulting water damage. Basic form does not.
Weight of snow and ice — Heavy snow loads are a real structural threat in the Mankato area. Broad and special form cover collapse from snow weight; basic form does not.
Frozen pipe bursts — When temperatures drop below zero for extended periods, pipes can freeze and burst. Broad and special form cover the resulting water damage, but you must maintain heat in the building to avoid a claim denial.
Spring flooding — None of the three forms cover flood damage. If your property is near the Minnesota River, Blue Earth River, or any flood-prone area, you need a separate flood insurance policy. Do not assume your property policy handles this.
Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes — Wind and hail damage is covered under all three forms, but special form provides the broadest protection for secondary damage that storms can cause, such as water intrusion through storm-damaged openings.

Understanding these regional risks is critical when evaluating whether your current coverage is adequate. A policy that works fine in a mild climate may leave significant gaps in a state like Minnesota.

Review Your Policy and Get the Right Coverage

Most property owners never look at which cause of loss form is attached to their policy until they file a claim — and by then it is too late to change it. Take a few minutes to check your current policy declarations page for the words "basic," "broad," or "special" near the cause of loss section. If you are unsure what you have, or if you suspect your coverage has gaps, now is the time to find out.

As an independent insurance agency in Mankato, Rehm Insurance and Financial Services works with multiple carriers to find the right coverage at the right price. We can compare policy forms across carriers and help you understand exactly what is and is not covered. Whether you need to upgrade from basic to special form or simply want a second opinion on your current policy, ask about your policy form type or give us a call at (507) 345-3366 . Protecting your Minnesota home or business starts with knowing what your policy actually covers.

Can You Deduct Car Insurance on Your Taxes in 2026? Here's the Answer

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:00:01 GMT

Can You Deduct Car Insurance on Your Taxes?

If you are wondering whether you can write off car insurance on your taxes, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions we hear during tax season, and the answer depends entirely on how you use your vehicle. For most personal drivers, car insurance is not tax deductible . However, if you use your vehicle for business, self-employment, or certain qualifying purposes, you may be able to deduct some or all of your auto insurance costs on your 2026 tax return.

Understanding when car insurance becomes tax deductible can save you real money. Below, we break down exactly who qualifies, how to calculate the deduction, and what you need to know before filing this year. If you have questions about your personal auto coverage and how it fits into your financial picture, Rehm Insurance is here to help.

Why Personal Car Insurance Is Not Tax Deductible

For the vast majority of drivers, your auto insurance premium is considered a personal expense by the IRS. That means the monthly or annual premium you pay to insure your everyday vehicle cannot be claimed as a deduction on your federal tax return. This applies whether you are filing as single, married filing jointly, or head of household.

The IRS draws a clear line between personal and business expenses. Commuting to and from your regular workplace, running errands, and driving for personal reasons all fall on the personal side. Even if your premiums feel like a significant expense, they are treated the same as groceries or utility bills in the eyes of the tax code. Is car insurance an itemized deduction? For personal use, no , it is not something you can include on Schedule A.

This is an important distinction because many drivers assume that any insurance premium qualifies for some kind of tax break. While there are several types of insurance premiums and taxes that do interact, personal auto coverage is not one of them for most filers.

When Car Insurance Is Tax Deductible for Self-Employed Workers

Here is where things get interesting. If you are self-employed and use your vehicle for business purposes, your car insurance can become a legitimate tax deduction. Freelancers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and gig workers who drive for business are all potentially eligible. This applies to rideshare drivers, real estate agents, consultants, delivery drivers, and anyone else who uses a personal vehicle to earn income.

The key requirement is that the driving must be for business purposes , not personal errands or commuting. Business driving includes traveling to meet clients, making deliveries, visiting job sites, and driving between multiple work locations during the day. If you use your vehicle exclusively for business, you may be able to deduct your entire car insurance premium as a business expense on Schedule C.

Business Owners and Company Vehicles

If you own a business and the company owns or leases vehicles, the insurance premiums on those vehicles are generally deductible as a business expense. This is true for LLCs, S-corps, C-corps, and partnerships. The vehicle must be used for legitimate business purposes, and the deduction is claimed on the business tax return rather than your personal return.

For business owners who use a personal vehicle for company work, the rules mirror those for self-employed individuals. You can deduct the business-use portion of your insurance premium using either the actual expense method or the standard mileage rate, which we cover in detail below.

How to Calculate Your Car Insurance Tax Deduction

The IRS gives you two methods to deduct vehicle expenses, including car insurance. You must choose one method per vehicle for the entire tax year, so it is worth understanding both before you decide.

Actual Expense Method

With the actual expense method, you add up every cost associated with operating your vehicle during the year. This includes your insurance premiums, gasoline, oil changes, repairs, tires, registration fees, lease payments or depreciation, and parking and tolls. You then multiply the total by the percentage of miles driven for business to determine your deduction.

For example, if your total vehicle expenses for 2026 are $8,000 and you drove 60% of your miles for business , your deduction would be $4,800 . This method requires careful record-keeping, but it often produces a larger deduction for vehicles with high operating costs or expensive insurance premiums.

Standard Mileage Rate

The standard mileage rate is the simpler option. For the 2026 tax year, the IRS standard mileage rate is $0.70 per mile for business driving. You simply multiply your total business miles by this rate to get your deduction. When you use this method, car insurance is already factored into the per-mile rate, so you cannot deduct it separately.

If you drove 12,000 business miles in 2026, your deduction would be $8,400 using the standard mileage rate. This method is easier to track since you only need a mileage log rather than receipts for every expense. However, it may produce a smaller deduction if your actual costs are high.

Which Method Should You Choose?

There is no universal answer. If you drive a newer vehicle with higher insurance and depreciation costs, the actual expense method often wins. If you drive an older, paid-off vehicle with low maintenance costs but high mileage, the standard rate may be better. Many tax professionals recommend calculating both methods in your first year of business use and then choosing the one that produces the larger deduction.

Mixed-Use Vehicles and the Business Percentage

Most self-employed workers and business owners do not use their vehicle exclusively for work. If you use the same car for both personal and business driving, only the business-use percentage of your expenses is deductible. The IRS requires you to maintain a contemporaneous mileage log to substantiate this percentage.

Your mileage log should record the date of each trip, the destination, the business purpose, and the miles driven. There are several smartphone apps that make this easy by tracking your trips automatically using GPS. Without a log, the IRS can disallow your entire vehicle deduction in an audit, so this is not a step to skip.

For example, if you drive 20,000 total miles in a year and 14,000 of those are for business , your business-use percentage is 70% . That means 70% of your car insurance premium and other vehicle expenses are deductible under the actual expense method. Under the standard mileage method, you would simply claim the 14,000 business miles at the per-mile rate.

Other Insurance Types That Are Tax Deductible

While personal auto insurance does not qualify for a tax deduction, several other types of insurance may be deductible depending on your situation. Understanding these can help you get the most from your tax return.

Health insurance premiums — Self-employed individuals can deduct health insurance premiums on their personal return. W-2 employees may deduct them as itemized medical expenses if they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income.
Business insurance — General liability, professional liability, commercial property, and workers compensation premiums are deductible as ordinary business expenses.
Home office insurance — If you work from home and claim the home office deduction, a portion of your homeowners or renters insurance may be deductible.
Long-term care insurance — Premiums are deductible up to age-based limits set by the IRS each year.
Mortgage insurance — Private mortgage insurance (PMI) has historically been deductible for qualifying taxpayers, though this provision is subject to annual renewal by Congress.

If you are unsure which of your insurance premiums may qualify for a deduction, a tax professional can review your specific situation and help you maximize your savings.

Important Reminders for the 2026 Tax Year

Tax laws change frequently, and it is important to stay current. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare your 2026 return.

Keep thorough records — Whether you use the actual expense method or the standard mileage rate, documentation is essential. Save receipts, maintain a mileage log, and keep copies of your insurance declarations page.
Do not double-dip — If you use the standard mileage rate, car insurance is already included. You cannot claim it again as a separate expense.
Consult a tax professional — Tax situations vary widely, and this article is for general informational purposes only. A qualified CPA or tax advisor can give you personalized advice based on your income, filing status, and business structure.
Review your coverage annually — Whether or not your car insurance is deductible, making sure you have the right amount of coverage at the right price is always smart financial planning.

Get the Right Auto Coverage for Your Situation

Whether you are a personal driver, a self-employed professional, or a business owner with a fleet of vehicles, having the right auto insurance matters. At Rehm Insurance and Financial Services, we are an independent agency in Mankato, MN, which means we shop multiple carriers to find you the best coverage at the best price. We can help you understand your policy, identify potential savings, and make sure your coverage fits your needs, whether you are using your vehicle for personal driving, business, or both.

Ready to make sure you have the right protection? Review your coverage with an agent today or give us a call at (507) 345-3366 . We are here to help Southern Minnesota drivers, families, and business owners make confident insurance decisions.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are subject to change. Please consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

Minnesota Homeowners Insurance Laws: What Every Owner Must Know

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:12:56 GMT

Minnesota Homeowners Insurance Laws: What the State Actually Requires

If you own a home in Minnesota, you've probably wondered whether you're legally required to carry homeowners insurance. The short answer: Minnesota state law does not mandate homeowners insurance the way it requires auto insurance. But that doesn't mean you can skip it. Most mortgage lenders require it as a condition of your loan — and going without it leaves you exposed to potentially catastrophic financial loss. Understanding what the law says, what your lender requires, and what coverage actually protects you is essential for every Mankato and Southern Minnesota homeowner.

This guide walks through Minnesota homeowners insurance requirements, what a standard policy covers, the exclusions that catch homeowners off guard, and how to make sure you have the right protection for your specific situation.

Does Minnesota Law Require Homeowners Insurance?

Unlike auto insurance — which Minnesota state law requires all drivers to carry — there is no Minnesota statute mandating homeowners insurance for owner-occupied properties. The state does not set minimum coverage limits for home insurance the way it does for car insurance. This surprises many first-time homebuyers who assume all insurance works the same way.

However, if you have a mortgage, your lender will almost certainly require you to maintain a homeowners policy as a loan condition. Lenders need to protect their financial interest in the property. If your home is destroyed by fire and you have no insurance, neither you nor the bank gets paid. Most lenders require coverage equal to at least the replacement cost value of the home — not the market value — and name themselves as a loss payee on the policy. Fail to maintain coverage, and your lender may purchase force-placed insurance on your behalf at a much higher premium and with far less protection for you personally.

What About Condos and HOAs?

If you own a condo, your homeowners association (HOA) may require you to carry an HO-6 condo policy. The HOA's master policy typically covers the building structure and common areas, but your personal property, interior fixtures, and liability are your responsibility. Always review your HOA's governing documents to understand exactly where their coverage ends and yours needs to begin. Many condo owners are surprised to learn they're responsible for interior walls, flooring, and appliances.

What a Standard Minnesota Homeowners Policy Covers

A standard homeowners insurance policy — typically an HO-3 "special form" policy — provides several types of coverage that work together to protect your home and finances. Here's what most Minnesota homeowners policies include:

Dwelling coverage — Pays to repair or rebuild the structure of your home if damaged by covered perils like fire, wind, hail, lightning, or vandalism
Other structures coverage — Covers detached garages, fences, sheds, and similar structures on your property (typically 10% of dwelling coverage)
Personal property coverage — Replaces your belongings — furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances — if they're damaged, stolen, or destroyed by a covered loss
Loss of use / additional living expenses — Pays for hotel stays, meals, and temporary housing if a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable while repairs are made
Personal liability coverage — Protects you financially if someone is injured on your property and sues, or if you accidentally damage someone else's property
Medical payments coverage — Covers minor medical expenses for guests injured on your property, regardless of who was at fault

These coverages address the most common risks Minnesota homeowners face: severe thunderstorms, winter ice and wind damage, house fires, and liability claims. Together, a well-structured policy protects both your physical asset and your personal financial security. But every policy has limits — and exclusions that can leave you exposed if you're not careful.

What Minnesota Homeowners Insurance Does NOT Cover

Knowing what's excluded from your policy is just as important as knowing what's included. Several common and costly risks are not covered by a standard homeowners policy in Minnesota, and many homeowners only discover this after a loss has already occurred.

Flood damage — Standard homeowners insurance never covers flooding, regardless of the cause. With the Minnesota River running through Mankato and major spring snowmelt events every year, flood risk is real for many Southern MN homeowners. Separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier is the only way to cover this risk
Sewer and drain backup — Sewer backup is one of the most common and costly home insurance claims in Minnesota, especially in older Mankato neighborhoods. It's typically excluded from standard policies but available as an add-on endorsement at relatively low cost
Earthquake damage — Minnesota doesn't have significant seismic activity, but minor earthquakes do occur in the region. Earthquake coverage requires a separate policy or endorsement
Normal wear and tear — Homeowners insurance covers sudden, accidental damage — not gradual deterioration, mechanical breakdown, rot, or deferred maintenance issues
Mold remediation — Mold is often excluded or severely limited unless it results directly from a covered sudden water loss like a burst pipe

Understanding these exclusions is especially critical for Mankato-area homeowners. Flooding along the Minnesota River and its tributaries affects communities throughout Blue Earth County. If your home is in or near a flood zone — or even in an area that has experienced localized flooding — flood insurance deserves a serious look . Don't assume your standard policy has you covered because water caused the damage.

How Much Coverage Do You Actually Need?

Your mortgage lender sets a minimum coverage floor, but meeting the minimum isn't the same as being adequately protected. Here's how to think through the right coverage amounts for each component of your policy.

Dwelling Coverage: Rebuild Cost, Not Market Value

Your dwelling coverage should equal the full replacement cost of your home — what it would cost to rebuild from the ground up with similar materials and workmanship at today's construction prices. This is almost always different from your home's market value or what you paid for it. Construction costs in Minnesota have risen significantly in recent years due to material and labor inflation. It's worth reviewing your coverage amount annually to make sure it keeps pace. Many insurers offer extended replacement cost endorsements that add a buffer — typically 20-50% — above your stated coverage limit in case actual rebuilding costs exceed the estimate.

Personal Property: Do a Home Inventory

Most policies cover personal property at 50-70% of your dwelling coverage limit. If your dwelling is insured for $300,000, your personal property coverage might default to $150,000-$210,000. That sounds substantial — until you add up the value of your furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, tools, jewelry, and collectibles. A home inventory helps confirm your coverage is adequate. Also check whether your policy pays claims at replacement cost (what it costs to buy new today) or actual cash value (depreciated value). Replacement cost coverage typically costs a small amount more but pays out significantly better after a major loss.

Liability: More Than the Minimum

Standard policies include $100,000 of personal liability coverage, but most insurance professionals recommend at least $300,000 . If you have significant assets — a retirement account, home equity, investment accounts — a personal umbrella policy providing $1 million or more in additional liability coverage is worth serious consideration. Lawsuits from slip-and-fall accidents, dog bites, trampoline injuries, or swimming pool incidents can quickly exceed basic liability limits, putting your personal assets at risk.

Minnesota-Specific Risks That Shape Your Coverage Needs

Minnesota's climate and geography create risks that aren't as significant in other parts of the country. Understanding these local factors helps you buy the right coverage rather than just the minimum.

Severe thunderstorms and hail — Minnesota consistently ranks among the top states nationally for hail damage claims. The Mankato area sees significant hail events most summers. Verify whether your policy covers roof replacement at replacement cost or actual cash value — older roofs on actual cash value policies can result in dramatically lower claim payouts
Winter ice dams and frozen pipes — Ice dams form when heat escapes through the roof and refreezes at the eaves, forcing water back under shingles. Frozen pipes that burst are a leading cause of water damage claims in Minnesota winters. Both are generally covered under standard dwelling coverage, but document any damage thoroughly before starting repairs
Spring flooding — The Minnesota River frequently reaches flood stage in March and April. A standard homeowners policy provides zero flood coverage. See our detailed guide on flood insurance for Mankato homeowners to understand your options and risk exposure
Tornadoes and straight-line winds — Southern Minnesota sees tornado activity and severe wind events. Wind and tornado damage is covered under standard dwelling coverage, but verify your coverage limit is sufficient to fully rebuild if your home is severely damaged or destroyed

With homeowners insurance rates rising across Minnesota in 2026 , it's tempting to reduce coverage limits or raise deductibles significantly to lower premiums. A strategic deductible increase can make sense — but cutting coverage below what you actually need creates serious financial exposure. The smarter move is working with an independent agent to find competitive pricing without sacrificing the protection your home and family depend on.

Get the Right Coverage for Your Mankato Home

Minnesota homeowners insurance laws may not set mandatory coverage amounts, but the financial risks you face as a homeowner in Southern Minnesota absolutely require thoughtful coverage. Meeting your mortgage lender's minimum requirement is a floor — not a complete protection strategy.

At Rehm Insurance & Financial Services , we're an independent insurance agency that has served Mankato and communities throughout Southern Minnesota for decades. As an independent agency, we work with multiple top-rated carriers — which means we compare rates and coverage options across the market to find the policy that fits your home, your risk profile, and your budget. Whether you're buying your first home, doing an annual coverage review, or trying to understand exactly what your current policy covers and excludes, we're here to help with straightforward answers and no sales pressure.

Call us at (507) 345-3366 or reach out online to schedule a free homeowners insurance review. There's no obligation — just honest advice from local agents who know Mankato and the real risks Minnesota homeowners face every season.

Key Person Insurance: How It Protects Your Business Investment

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:00:20 GMT

What Is Insurance Key Person Coverage and Why Does It Matter?

Every business has someone who holds things together. Maybe it is the founder who built all the client relationships. Maybe it is the lead engineer whose technical skills drive your product. Or maybe it is the sales director who brings in most of the revenue. If that person were suddenly gone due to death or disability, the financial consequences could be devastating. That is exactly what is key person insurance designed to address.

Insurance key person coverage, also called a keyman life policy or key man policy, is a life insurance policy that a business purchases on the life of its most critical employee or owner. The business owns the policy, pays the premiums, and is the beneficiary. If the insured person dies or becomes permanently disabled, the company receives a tax-free death benefit to help absorb the financial shock and keep operations running.

The key person insurance meaning is straightforward: it is a financial safety net that protects your company from the loss of the people who matter most to its survival. For small businesses in Mankato and across Southern Minnesota, where a single individual often wears many hats, this protection can mean the difference between weathering a crisis and closing the doors.

Who Qualifies as a Key Person in Your Business?

A key person is anyone whose absence would cause significant financial harm to the business. This is not limited to the CEO or owner. The keyman insurance meaning extends to any employee whose skills, knowledge, relationships, or leadership directly drive revenue or operational stability.

Common examples of key persons include:

Founders and owners — The person whose vision, reputation, and relationships built the company from the ground up
Top sales producers — The employee who personally manages your largest accounts or generates a disproportionate share of revenue
Technical specialists — An engineer, developer, or craftsperson with unique skills that would be extremely difficult to replace
Key managers — A general manager or operations director who keeps daily business running smoothly
Licensed professionals — In industries like healthcare, finance, or law, a licensed individual whose credentials allow the business to operate

For many Mankato small businesses, including manufacturing firms, agricultural operations, medical practices, and professional service firms, the owner often fills multiple key roles simultaneously. If you run a construction company and personally manage estimates, client relationships, and crew scheduling, you are the key person several times over. That concentration of knowledge and responsibility is exactly what key person protection is designed to safeguard.

How a Keyman Life Policy Works

The mechanics of a key man policy are simpler than most business owners expect. Here is how the arrangement works from start to finish.

Ownership and Beneficiary Structure

The business entity, whether it is an LLC, S-Corp, partnership, or sole proprietorship, owns the policy. The business is also the beneficiary. This is a critical distinction from personal life insurance where a spouse or family member is typically the beneficiary. With insurance key person coverage, the payout goes directly to the company.

The insured individual, your key employee or owner, must consent to the policy and typically participates in a medical exam as part of the underwriting process. They do not pay the premiums and their family does not receive the death benefit. Their personal life insurance remains separate.

Premium Payments

The business pays all premiums out of operating funds. Premium costs depend on the insured person's age, health, coverage amount, and whether you choose term or permanent life insurance. For a healthy 40-year-old, a $1 million term keyman life policy might cost between $50 and $150 per month , making it one of the most affordable forms of business risk management available.

When a Claim Is Filed

If the key person dies during the policy term, the business files a claim with the insurance carrier. The death benefit is paid directly to the company, typically within 30 to 60 days. The business can then use those funds however it needs to, whether that means hiring a replacement, paying off debts, compensating for lost revenue, buying out the deceased's ownership share, or simply keeping the lights on during a difficult transition period.

How Much Key Person Insurance Does Your Business Need?

Determining the right coverage amount is one of the most important decisions in the key person insurance definition process. Too little coverage leaves your business exposed. Too much means you are overpaying on premiums. Here are the most common methods for calculating the right amount.

Revenue-Based Calculation

Many businesses calculate coverage based on the key person's direct contribution to revenue. If your top salesperson generates $500,000 in annual revenue and you estimate it would take two years to find and train a replacement, you might consider $1 million in coverage. This method works well for sales-driven roles where the revenue impact is easy to quantify.

Replacement Cost Method

This approach estimates the total cost of recruiting, hiring, and training a replacement. For specialized roles in Southern Minnesota, where the talent pool may be smaller than in the Twin Cities metro, replacement costs can be substantial. Factor in recruiter fees, signing bonuses, relocation expenses, and the productivity gap during the transition period. For executive-level positions, total replacement costs often range from $250,000 to over $1 million .

Multiple of Salary

A common rule of thumb is to insure the key person for 5 to 10 times their annual salary . This provides a quick starting point, though it does not account for all the indirect value a key person brings to the organization. Use this as a floor, not a ceiling.

Business Debt and Obligations

If the key person's death would trigger loan recalls, affect credit lines, or create obligations to investors or partners, those amounts should be factored into the coverage calculation as well. Lenders sometimes require key person protection as a condition of business loans, particularly for SBA-backed financing.

Term vs. Permanent Life Insurance for Key Person Protection

When structuring a key man policy, businesses typically choose between term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Each has advantages depending on your situation. Understanding the types of life insurance available helps you make the right choice.

Term Life Insurance

Term policies provide coverage for a specific period, usually 10, 20, or 30 years. They are significantly cheaper than permanent policies, making them the most popular choice for key person coverage. If your key employee plans to retire in 15 years, a 20-year term policy covers the period when the business is most dependent on them. The downside is that the policy expires with no residual value if the key person outlives the term.

Permanent Life Insurance

Whole life or universal life policies provide lifelong coverage and build cash value over time. While premiums are higher, the cash value component can serve as a business asset on your balance sheet. Some businesses use permanent keyman life policies as part of executive compensation packages or deferred bonus arrangements. If you are looking at key person protection with a long-term wealth accumulation component, permanent insurance may be worth the additional cost.

Tax Implications of Key Person Insurance

The tax treatment of insurance key person coverage is an important consideration for business planning. Here is what you need to know.

Premiums are not tax-deductible. The IRS does not allow businesses to deduct key person insurance premiums as a business expense. This is true regardless of whether you choose term or permanent coverage.

Death benefits are generally tax-free. Under current tax law, the death benefit received by the business is typically not subject to federal income tax. This is one of the significant advantages of key person protection. A $1 million payout means $1 million available to the business, not a reduced amount after taxes.

Cash value growth in permanent policies is tax-deferred. If you choose a permanent life policy, the cash value grows without being taxed until withdrawn. However, if the business surrenders the policy and receives the cash value, any amount exceeding total premiums paid is taxable as ordinary income.

Tax rules can be complex, and Minnesota state tax treatment may differ from federal rules. Always consult with your accountant or tax advisor when setting up a key person policy to ensure you understand the full financial picture.

Real-World Scenarios for Mankato Small Businesses

Key person insurance is not just a concept for large corporations. Here are practical scenarios that illustrate the key person insurance definition in action for businesses right here in Southern Minnesota.

A Mankato manufacturing firm relies on its plant manager who has 25 years of experience and deep relationships with suppliers. If that manager passed away unexpectedly, the company would face production delays, strained vendor relationships, and the cost of recruiting a qualified replacement from outside the region. A key man policy provides the financial cushion to manage that transition without compromising operations or laying off workers.

A family-owned restaurant group in the Mankato area depends on the founding chef whose recipes and reputation draw customers. A keyman life policy on the chef ensures the business can survive the loss of its creative heart, covering lost revenue during transition and the cost of bringing in new culinary leadership.

A professional services firm has a partner who manages 60 percent of client accounts. If that partner were to pass away, clients might leave, revenue would drop sharply, and remaining partners would need resources to stabilize the book of business. Insurance key person coverage on that partner gives the firm breathing room to retain clients and rebuild.

A growing tech startup in the Greater Mankato area has a lead developer whose proprietary code and system knowledge would take months or years to replace. Key person protection funds the extended search and onboarding process while keeping the business solvent.

Protect Your Business with the Right Key Person Coverage

No business is immune to the unexpected. The people who drive your company's success are irreplaceable in many ways, but the financial impact of losing them does not have to be catastrophic. Key person insurance provides a straightforward, affordable way to protect your business from one of the most overlooked risks it faces.

Whether you need a simple term policy or a more comprehensive permanent life solution, the right coverage depends on your business structure, the key person's role, and your long-term financial goals. As part of your overall commercial insurance solutions , key person protection is one of the smartest investments a business owner can make.

Rehm Insurance and Financial Services is an independent agency in Mankato, which means we compare policies from multiple carriers to find the best coverage at the best price for your business. We work with businesses across Southern Minnesota to build customized protection plans that address the risks that matter most. Ready to find out what key person coverage would cost for your business? Get a key person insurance quote today or call us at (507) 345-3366 to talk through your options with a local advisor who understands Minnesota businesses.

Minnesota Auto Insurance Requirements 2026: What Drivers Need to Know

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:00:01 GMT

Minnesota Auto Insurance Requirements You Need to Know in 2026

Whether you just moved to the Land of 10,000 Lakes or have been driving Minnesota roads your entire life, understanding the state's auto insurance requirements is not optional — it is the law. Minnesota's Minnesota auto insurance laws mandate that every registered vehicle carry specific minimum coverage levels, and the penalties for driving without insurance can be severe. If you are a driver in Mankato, Southern Minnesota, or anywhere in the state, here is what you need to know about the requirements heading into 2026.

Minnesota's Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage for 2026

Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own insurance policy pays for your injuries and certain losses regardless of who caused the accident. The state requires every driver to carry a combination of liability coverage, personal injury protection, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These are not suggestions — they are legal minimums enforced by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Bodily Injury Liability: 30/60

Minnesota requires a minimum of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage. This pays for injuries you cause to other people in an at-fault accident. If you run a red light and injure two people, your policy would cover up to $30,000 for each person and up to $60,000 total for the accident. These amounts have not changed for 2026, but they remain among the lowest in the country — something worth keeping in mind when choosing your coverage levels.

Property Damage Liability: 10

You must also carry at least $10,000 in property damage liability . This covers damage you cause to another person's vehicle, fence, mailbox, or other property. Given that the average cost of a new vehicle in 2026 exceeds $48,000 and even a moderate fender-bender can result in $15,000 or more in repair bills, the $10,000 state minimum may leave you personally responsible for the difference.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

As a no-fault state, Minnesota requires every policy to include PIP coverage in Minnesota . The minimum PIP coverage is $40,000 in medical expense benefits and $20,000 in non-medical expense benefits . PIP covers your own medical bills, lost wages, replacement services such as childcare or housekeeping, and funeral expenses — regardless of who caused the crash. This is one of the features that makes Minnesota's system different from most other states, and it provides meaningful protection for you and your passengers.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Minnesota also requires $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This protects you if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) kicks in when the at-fault driver's policy is not enough to cover your injuries. Given that roughly one in ten Minnesota drivers is estimated to be uninsured, this coverage is not just a legal checkbox — it is practical protection you may actually need.

What Happens If You Drive Without Insurance in Minnesota

Driving without insurance in Minnesota is a misdemeanor offense, and the state does not take it lightly. If you are caught driving without valid coverage, you face a combination of fines, license consequences, and potential vehicle impoundment.

First offense — A fine of up to $1,000 and potential license revocation
License revocation — Your driver's license can be revoked until you provide proof of insurance and pay a reinstatement fee of $390
Vehicle impoundment — Law enforcement can impound your vehicle on the spot, and you are responsible for towing and storage fees
SR-22 filing requirement — After a lapse in coverage, Minnesota may require you to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility for a period of three years, which significantly increases your premiums
Repeat offenses — Subsequent violations carry steeper fines and longer revocation periods

For drivers in Mankato and the surrounding area, where many people depend on their vehicles to commute to work, school, and daily errands, losing your license even temporarily can be a serious disruption. The cost of maintaining minimum insurance is far less than the financial and legal consequences of going without it.

New Car Insurance Grace Period in Minnesota

One question that comes up frequently is how long you have to insure a newly purchased vehicle. In Minnesota, if you already have an active auto insurance policy, your existing coverage generally extends to a newly acquired vehicle for a limited grace period — typically 14 to 30 days depending on your carrier. This gives you time to contact your agent and formally add the new vehicle to your policy.

However, there are important caveats. If you do not already have an active policy, there is no grace period — you must have insurance before you drive the vehicle off the lot. Dealerships in Minnesota are required to verify proof of insurance before releasing a vehicle. Additionally, your grace period coverage may be limited to the same coverage levels as your existing vehicle, so if you are upgrading from a beater to a brand-new SUV, you will want to update your policy quickly to ensure you have adequate protection.

The safest approach is to call your insurance agent before you finalize a vehicle purchase. A quick phone call can confirm exactly what your grace period is and whether you need to make any changes to your coverage before driving your new car home.

Why Minimum Coverage May Not Be Enough

Meeting the state minimums keeps you legal, but it does not necessarily keep you financially protected. Minnesota's 30/60/10 liability limits were set years ago, and the cost of medical care, vehicle repairs, and legal claims has increased significantly since then. Here are a few scenarios that illustrate the gap.

Imagine you cause an accident where the other driver needs surgery and physical therapy totaling $85,000. Your policy covers $30,000. You are personally responsible for the remaining $55,000 — and the injured party can pursue that amount through a lawsuit against you. Or consider a situation where you rear-end a new truck worth $65,000. Your $10,000 property damage limit covers less than a sixth of the replacement cost.

For drivers in Mankato and Southern Minnesota, where winter weather creates hazardous driving conditions for several months each year and rural highways carry higher-speed traffic, the risk of a serious accident is real. Upgrading to 100/300/100 liability limits often costs only $15 to $30 more per month and provides substantially better protection for your savings, home equity, and future earnings.

Additional Coverages Worth Considering

Collision coverage — Pays to repair or replace your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. Essential if you are financing or leasing.
Comprehensive coverage — Covers non-collision events such as hail damage, deer strikes, theft, and vandalism. In Southern Minnesota, where hailstorms and deer crossings are common, this coverage pays for itself quickly.
Umbrella policy — Provides an additional layer of liability protection above your auto and home policies, typically in increments of $1 million. Surprisingly affordable for the amount of protection it offers.
Roadside assistance — Covers towing, flat tires, lockouts, and fuel delivery. Particularly valuable on long stretches of rural highway between Mankato, New Ulm, and St. Peter.

Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Insurance in Mankato

Shopping for auto insurance in Mankato does not have to be overwhelming. Working with a local independent agent gives you a significant advantage because they can compare rates and coverage options from multiple carriers — not just one company. Here are a few practical tips to help you make the best decision.

Review your coverage annually — Your life changes, and your insurance should reflect that. A new car, a teenage driver, or a paid-off mortgage can all affect what coverage you need.
Bundle your policies — Most carriers offer discounts when you combine your Minnesota auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance. Bundling can save you 10 to 25 percent.
Ask about discounts — Good driver discounts, multi-vehicle discounts, anti-theft device discounts, and good student discounts can add up quickly. An independent agent knows which carriers offer the best discount structures for your situation.
Do not just compare price — The cheapest policy is not always the best value. Look at the carrier's claims reputation, financial strength rating, and local agent support. When you need to file a claim after a January blizzard, you want an insurer that responds quickly and pays fairly.
Understand your deductibles — A higher deductible lowers your premium, but make sure you can afford to pay it out of pocket if you need to file a claim. A $1,000 deductible is a common sweet spot for many drivers.

Protect Yourself on Minnesota Roads

Understanding Minnesota's auto insurance requirements is the first step toward protecting yourself, your family, and your finances on the road. The state's minimum coverage — 30/60/10 liability, $40,000 PIP, and 25/50 uninsured motorist — keeps you legal, but it may not keep you fully covered when a serious accident happens. Taking the time to evaluate your coverage with a knowledgeable local agent can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a financial hardship.

At Rehm Insurance and Financial Services, we are an independent insurance agency right here in Mankato. That means we work for you, not for one insurance company. We compare rates and coverage from multiple top-rated carriers to find the right fit for your situation and your budget. Whether you need to meet the state minimums or want to build a comprehensive policy that truly protects your family, we are here to help.

Ready to review your coverage? Get a quote for Minnesota auto insurance today, or call us at (507) 345-3366 . We are happy to walk you through your options and answer any questions you have about Minnesota's auto insurance requirements.

What Is a Combined Single Limit (CSL) in Auto Insurance? A Guide

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:00:01 GMT

What Does Combined Single Limit Mean in Auto Insurance?

If you have been shopping for personal auto insurance or reviewing a commercial vehicle policy, you may have come across the term combined single limit and wondered what it actually means. The CSL meaning in insurance is straightforward once you see how it works, and understanding it can help you make a smarter coverage decision for your situation.

A combined single limit (CSL) is a type of liability coverage that bundles your bodily injury and property damage protection into one single dollar amount. Instead of having separate caps for each person injured, each accident, and property damage, a CSL policy gives you one pool of money that can be used however it is needed after a covered accident. That flexibility is exactly what makes CSL insurance appealing to many drivers, especially those who want broader protection without worrying about hitting an individual sub-limit at the worst possible time.

CSL Insurance vs. Split Limit Policies

To really understand what CSL means in insurance, it helps to compare it side by side with the more common split limit structure. Most standard auto policies in Minnesota use a split limit format, which you will usually see written as three numbers separated by slashes, like 100/300/100 . Those numbers represent the per-person bodily injury limit, the per-accident bodily injury limit, and the property damage limit, each expressed in thousands of dollars.

With a split limit policy, each of those caps is independent. If one injured person's medical bills exceed the per-person limit, the policy will not pay more for that individual, even if there is unused capacity in the overall per-accident limit. That gap can leave you personally responsible for the difference.

A CSL auto insurance policy eliminates those internal walls. If you carry a $300,000 combined single limit, the entire $300,000 is available to cover any combination of bodily injury and property damage from a single accident. Whether one person is seriously hurt or multiple people are involved and several vehicles are damaged, the full limit applies where it is needed most. For a deeper look at how these two structures stack up, read our CSL vs split limit comparison .

A Quick Example

Imagine you cause an accident that injures two people. Person A has $120,000 in medical bills, and Person B has $80,000. Property damage to both vehicles totals $40,000. Under a 100/300/100 split limit policy, Person A would only receive $100,000 because of the per-person cap, leaving you on the hook for the remaining $20,000. Under a $300,000 CSL policy, the full $240,000 in combined costs is covered because it falls within the single limit. No sub-caps get in the way.

When Is a Combined Single Limit the Better Choice?

CSL coverage is not automatically better or worse than split limits. The right choice depends on your driving situation, the vehicles you insure, and your overall risk profile. That said, there are several scenarios where a combined single limit tends to be the stronger option.

Commercial vehicles and fleets — If you operate work trucks, delivery vans, or any vehicle used for business purposes, a CSL policy is often the industry standard. Many commercial auto coverage policies default to a combined single limit because commercial accidents tend to involve higher dollar amounts and more unpredictable claim distributions. A single large pool of coverage gives businesses the flexibility they need.
Higher-risk driving situations — Drivers who frequently travel in heavy traffic, haul equipment, or drive in urban areas where multi-vehicle accidents are more common may benefit from the flexibility of a CSL policy. When an accident involves several injured parties, the absence of per-person caps can prevent a coverage shortfall.
Umbrella policy requirements — If you carry a personal umbrella policy for extra liability protection, your umbrella insurer may require or prefer an underlying CSL auto policy rather than split limits. The single-limit structure simplifies how the umbrella layer attaches.
Simplicity and peace of mind — Some drivers simply prefer the clarity of one number. You know exactly how much protection you have per accident without needing to parse three separate sub-limits. That straightforward structure makes it easier to evaluate whether your coverage is adequate.

Minnesota Auto Insurance Minimums and How CSL Fits

Minnesota requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. As of the current requirements, the state mandates at least $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Written in split limit notation, that is 30/60/10.

If you were to convert that to a combined single limit equivalent, you would need at least a $60,000 CSL policy to meet the minimum. However, most insurance professionals, including our team here at Rehm Insurance in Mankato, strongly recommend carrying significantly more than the state minimum. Medical costs, vehicle values, and legal judgments in Southern Minnesota and across the state have climbed steadily, and a minimum policy can be exhausted quickly in even a moderate accident.

For drivers in the Mankato area who want the flexibility of a combined single limit, common coverage levels start at $300,000 or $500,000 and go up from there. Business owners operating commercial vehicles often carry $1,000,000 CSL policies or higher, depending on the nature of their operations and contractual requirements.

Potential Drawbacks of CSL Coverage

While the flexibility of a combined single limit is a clear advantage, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before switching from a split limit policy.

Higher premiums — A CSL policy with the same total dollar amount as a split limit policy will typically cost more. The insurer is taking on more risk because the full limit can be applied to a single claimant, so that added flexibility comes with a higher price tag. The difference varies by carrier and by your driving record, so it is worth comparing quotes.
Fewer carrier options for personal auto — Many personal auto insurers default to split limit policies and may not offer a CSL option at all. Combined single limits are more commonly available through commercial auto carriers or specialty insurers. As an independent agency, Rehm Insurance works with multiple carriers, which gives us more flexibility to find a CSL option when it makes sense for your situation.
Not always necessary — If you drive a personal vehicle with low to moderate risk factors, a well-structured split limit policy with high per-person limits may provide the same practical protection at a lower cost. The key is matching the policy structure to your actual risk, not just choosing the option that sounds best on paper.

How to Decide Between CSL and Split Limits

Choosing between a combined single limit and a split limit policy comes down to understanding your exposure and comparing real quotes. Here are the questions worth asking yourself and your insurance agent.

What vehicles are you insuring? Personal cars used for commuting may be fine with split limits. Work trucks, delivery vehicles, or any vehicle that carries passengers for business purposes often calls for CSL coverage.

What are your assets? If you own a home, savings, or a business, you have more to protect in a lawsuit. Higher limits, whether CSL or split, help shield those assets. A combined single limit can provide a stronger safety net when claim amounts are unpredictable.

What does your umbrella policy require? If you have or plan to buy an umbrella policy, check its underlying auto coverage requirements. Some umbrella insurers specify a minimum CSL amount rather than split limits.

What do the quotes look like? Get quotes for both structures at equivalent coverage levels and compare the premiums side by side. Sometimes the price difference is smaller than expected, and sometimes it is significant enough to influence the decision.

Get the Right Auto Insurance Coverage in Mankato

Whether a combined single limit or a split limit policy is the right fit depends on your vehicles, your risk profile, and your budget. The best way to find out is to talk through your options with an agent who can compare multiple carriers on your behalf.

At Rehm Insurance and Financial Services, we are an independent agency serving Mankato and Southern Minnesota. That means we are not locked into one insurance company. We shop your coverage across our carrier partners to find the right structure and the right price for your specific situation. Whether you need a personal auto policy with higher limits or a commercial CSL policy for your business fleet, we can walk you through the options and help you make a confident decision.

Ready to see what your options look like? Get a free auto insurance quote or call us at (507) 345-3366 to talk with our team today.

Independent vs. Captive Insurance Agent: What Southern Minnesota Families Should Know

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:29:44 GMT

When it comes to buying insurance, most people focus on the price and coverage. But there's another decision that can make just as big of a difference in your experience: the type of agent you work with.

If you've ever wondered why some agents only offer one company's products while others give you a range of options, you're already asking the right question. At Rehm Insurance & Financial Services in Mankato, we're proud to be an independent agency, and we think it's important that our clients understand exactly what that means for them.

What Is a Captive Agent?

A captive agent works exclusively for one insurance company. They can only sell that company's products and policies. Think of the big national brands you see advertised on TV. When you call their local office, the agent you speak with is a captive agent.

There's nothing inherently wrong with this model. Captive agents often know their company's products inside and out, and some large carriers offer competitive rates. But the limitation is real: if that single company's pricing or coverage doesn't fit your needs, the agent can't offer you an alternative. Your only option is to start the shopping process all over again with a different company.

What Is an Independent Agent?

An independent agent, like our team at Rehm Insurance, isn't tied to any single carrier. Instead, we have relationships with dozens of top-rated insurance companies. When you come to us with a coverage need, we shop across our entire network to find the policy that fits your situation, your risk profile, and your budget.

Think of it like this: a captive agent is like shopping at a single store. An independent agent is like having a personal shopper who compares every store in town and brings you the best options.

Why Does This Matter for Mankato Families?

Living in Southern Minnesota comes with specific insurance challenges that make the independent model especially valuable.

Weather-related risks vary year to year. One carrier might handle hail claims efficiently and price competitively for our area, while another might raise rates aggressively after a bad storm season. Because we work with multiple carriers, we can move your coverage to a better option if your current carrier increases your rates unfairly.

Your needs change over time. Maybe you're buying your first home in North Mankato, adding a boat for summer weekends on the lake, or starting a business. Each of these milestones may require a different carrier to get the best coverage and price. An independent agent adapts with you. A captive agent can only offer their one company's solution.

Local knowledge combined with broad options. Reegan Rehm and our team live right here in Southern Minnesota. We understand the specific risks that come with our geography, from Minnesota River flooding to heavy snow loads on roofs. But unlike a captive agent who can only apply that knowledge to one carrier's products, we apply it across our entire network to find you the best fit.

Common Myths About Independent Agents

Myth: Independent agents are more expensive. The opposite is often true. Because we compare rates across many carriers, we frequently find lower premiums than what clients were paying with a single-company agent.

Myth: You don't get the same level of service. At Rehm Insurance, you'll always talk to someone who knows your name, your policy, and your priorities. We're a family-run agency, not a call center. Our service is personal, responsive, and rooted in relationships, not transactions.

Myth: It's harder to file a claim with an independent agent. We actually make the claims process easier. We advocate on your behalf with the carrier, help you understand what's covered, and guide you through every step. You have someone in your corner who works for you, not the insurance company.

How to Know If Your Current Agent Is Right for You

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Has your agent compared your coverage across multiple carriers recently, or are you just renewing with the same company every year? When you call with a question, do you reach someone who knows you, or do you get routed to a general call center? Has your agent proactively reached out to review your coverage as your life has changed, like a new home, a teen driver, or a growing business?

If the answer to any of these is no, it might be time to talk to an independent agent.

Experience the Rehm Insurance Difference

At Rehm Insurance & Financial Services, we combine the personal touch of a local Mankato agency with the buying power of an independent network. Whether you need personal coverage, commercial insurance, life insurance, or financial planning, we have the carriers and the expertise to find the right solution for you.

Ready to see what an independent agent can do for your family or business? Call us at (507) 345-3366 or request your free quote online. We'll show you why Mankato families and businesses trust Rehm Insurance to protect what matters most.

Adding a Teen Driver to Your Auto Policy? What Mankato Parents Need to Know

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:26:49 GMT

There are few moments in parenting that are as exciting and terrifying as handing your teenager the car keys. If you're a Mankato parent preparing to add a teen driver to your auto insurance policy, you're probably bracing yourself for the premium increase that comes with it.

At Rehm Insurance & Financial Services, we've helped hundreds of Southern Minnesota families navigate this milestone. Here's what you need to know to keep your teen safe on the road and your premiums as manageable as possible.

Why Does Adding a Teen Cost So Much?

There's no way around it: insuring a teen driver is expensive. Statistically, teen drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in accidents than experienced drivers. They're still learning to handle challenging situations like merging on Highway 169, navigating icy intersections in January, or driving in low visibility during a Minnesota blizzard.

Insurance carriers price their premiums based on risk, and teens represent one of the highest-risk groups on the road. In Minnesota, adding a teenager to your policy can increase your premium substantially, sometimes doubling it depending on the carrier and your current coverage.

When Should You Add Your Teen?

Many parents assume they don't need to add their teen until they have their own car. That's a common misconception. You should add your teen to your auto policy as soon as they get their learner's permit. If your teen is driving your vehicle, even with a permit, and they're not listed on your policy, your carrier could deny a claim in the event of an accident.

At Rehm Insurance, we recommend being proactive. Give us a call when your teen starts driver's education, and we'll walk you through your options before they ever hit the road.

How to Save on Teen Driver Premiums

The premium jump is real, but there are several strategies to bring costs down:

Ask about good student discounts. Most carriers offer a discount for teens who maintain a B average or better. This is one of the easiest and most overlooked ways to save. Keep those report cards handy.

Choose the right vehicle. The car your teen drives has a big impact on your premium. Newer, high-performance vehicles cost much more to insure. Consider putting your teen in an older, reliable vehicle with strong safety ratings. If the car's value is low enough, you may even be able to drop collision and comprehensive coverage on that specific vehicle to save further.

Take advantage of driver training discounts. Completing an approved driver safety course can earn your teen a discount with many carriers. Check with us to see which programs qualify with your specific insurer.

Increase your deductibles. If you're comfortable paying a higher out-of-pocket amount in the event of a claim, raising your deductible can offset some of the premium increase from adding a teen.

Shop your policy. This is where working with an independent agency like Rehm Insurance really pays off. We compare rates across dozens of carriers to find the best deal for your family's specific situation. The cheapest carrier for a family without teens might not be the cheapest once you add a young driver.

Minnesota-Specific Considerations

Driving in Southern Minnesota presents unique challenges for new drivers. Between icy winter roads, deer crossings on rural highways, and heavy rain during spring and summer, teens here face conditions that drivers in other parts of the country simply don't deal with.

Make sure your teen understands the importance of adjusting their driving for conditions. A few practical tips to pass along:

Slow down on gravel roads, especially in rural areas around Mankato and St. Peter. Always increase following distance in winter. Those icy stretches on Highway 22 and 169 can be unforgiving. Watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk during fall. Southern Minnesota sees heavy deer activity, and collisions can be costly and dangerous.

What Happens If Your Teen Has an Accident?

If your teen is involved in an at-fault accident, your premiums will go up. In Minnesota, an at-fault accident can increase your rates significantly, and that increase typically stays on your record for several years.

This is another reason why having an independent agent matters. After an incident, we can re-shop your policy across our carrier network to find you the best rate moving forward, something a captive agent working for a single company simply can't do.

Let Rehm Insurance Help Your Family

Adding a teen driver doesn't have to be overwhelming. At Rehm Insurance, we take the time to understand your family's needs, compare options, and find the coverage that keeps your teen protected without breaking the bank.

Give us a call at (507) 345-3366 or request a free quote online. We'll make sure your family is ready for this next chapter, both on the road and on your policy.

Why Is Homeowners Insurance Rising in Minnesota and What Can Mankato Families Do About It?

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:23:18 GMT

If you've recently renewed your homeowners insurance and felt a jolt of sticker shock, you're not alone. Across Minnesota, homeowners are seeing their premiums climb significantly, and many families in the Mankato area are wondering what's behind these increases and what they can do about it.

At Rehm Insurance & Financial Services, we've been fielding more calls than ever from concerned homeowners looking for answers. Here's what's happening, and how you can protect both your home and your wallet.

What's Driving the Increase?

Minnesota ranks among the top states in the country for extreme weather events. From powerful hailstorms and tornadoes in the summer to heavy snow loads in the winter, our state puts homes through a lot. The Mankato area, situated along the Minnesota River, also faces additional flood risks that many homeowners don't realize until it's too late.

Over the past two decades, the frequency and intensity of billion-dollar storms has surged across the state. Insurance carriers are paying out more in claims than ever before, and those costs eventually get passed on to policyholders.

On top of weather-related claims, the cost of building materials and labor continues to rise. Replacing a roof today costs significantly more than it did even five years ago. Add in the problem of storm chasers who show up after severe weather offering questionable repair work, and it's a recipe for inflated costs across the board.

How Does This Affect Mankato Homeowners Specifically?

Living in Southern Minnesota comes with its own unique set of risks. Our proximity to the Minnesota River means flood damage is a real concern, yet standard homeowners policies typically don't cover flooding. Many Mankato families don't realize they need a separate flood policy until water is already in their basement.

We also experience some of the heaviest hail activity in the state. If your roof is aging or your home hasn't been updated in a while, you could be especially vulnerable to both damage and higher premiums.

What Can You Do to Lower Your Premiums?

The good news is that you're not powerless. Here are some practical steps Mankato homeowners can take:

Review your coverage with an independent agent. This is the single most important step. As an independent agency, Rehm Insurance works with dozens of top-rated carriers. We can compare your current policy against other options to make sure you're getting the best coverage at the best price. Many homeowners are paying for coverage they don't need, or worse, they're underinsured without knowing it.

Increase your deductible. Raising your deductible can lower your monthly premium. Just make sure you have enough saved to cover that deductible if you need to file a claim.

Bundle your policies. If you have your home, auto, and other policies spread across different companies, consolidating them under one carrier often unlocks significant discounts. Many of our Mankato clients save by bundling their personal and business policies with us.

Invest in home improvements. Upgrading your roof, installing storm shutters, or adding a security system can all qualify you for discounts. Minnesota law actually requires insurers to offer discounts for FORTIFIED roofs, which are built to withstand severe weather.

Watch out for storm chasers. After a big storm, be cautious about door-to-door contractors offering roof repairs. Always consult with your insurance agent first to understand what's actually covered before signing anything.

Why Working With a Local Agent Matters

When rates are rising and coverage options are getting more complex, having a local agent in your corner makes all the difference. At Rehm Insurance, we don't just sell policies. We sit down with you, review your specific situation, and help you navigate your options in plain language.

Reegan Rehm and our team live right here in Southern Minnesota. We understand the risks of this area because we face them ourselves. When a storm rolls through Mankato, we're not watching it on the news from some distant office. We're checking on our clients and helping them file claims the next morning.

Don't Wait Until Renewal Day

If your homeowners insurance is coming up for renewal, don't just accept the new rate without exploring your options. Give us a call at (507) 345-3366 or fill out our free online quote form. We'll review your current coverage, compare rates across our network of carriers, and make sure you're protected without overpaying.

Your home is likely the biggest investment you'll ever make. Let Rehm Insurance help you protect it the smart way.

Don’t Let These Life Insurance Myths Leave Your Family Unprotected

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:08:00 GMT

All too often, clients come to me with strong assumptions about life insurance. These assumptions can lead to some of the biggest mistakes when purchasing a policy. Learn more about the biggest life insurance mistakes, here .

Now, let’s dig deeper into the misconceptions surrounding life insurance. Do you really need it, with your unique life circumstances? Will it be too expensive?

Let’s end the confusion and separate fact from fiction. Here are some of those myths I hear most often when helping clients select a life insurance policy.

Myth 1: “Life insurance is too expensive.”

The Reality: Life insurance can actually be very affordable. Sometimes, it is a matter of searching the right markets. Other times, it is about the right type of policy ( term vs. whole vs. universal ).

Instead of assuming you can’t afford it, let’s sit down together to see what makes sense. It doesn’t hurt to get a quote from our office. And I would argue that it is perhaps the cost of NOT having a policy that you can’t afford in the long run.

Myth 2: “Young, healthy people don’t need life insurance.”

The Reality: First of all, you really never know when tragedy can strike. Sadly, very young people are taken from this earth every day for a variety of reasons. Parents should insure children as soon as they are born to protect the family’s financial future, as a “just in case” policy.

Additionally, the younger you are when you seek your first policy, the lower your monthly premiums most likely will be. It is very smart to lock in a low rate at a young age and keep the policy long-term so your monthly costs remain affordable.

Myth 3: “Stay-at-home parents don’t need coverage.”

The Reality: While half of your household may not draw a salary, the price of losing the stay-at-home parent is great. The value you bring to the family’s childcare and household management needs would leave a big hole. In addition to the mourning and loss, your family would face costs that are significant to replace what you bring to the table.

Don’t think that lacking a paycheck means you don’t financially balance the household’s budget. Everyone under your roof should have life insurance!

Myth 4: “My work life insurance is enough.”

The Reality: Typical employer-offered policies are at the bare minimum of payouts. Often, the payout is only one to two times an employee’s salary. While this may help for very short-term solutions, it is often not enough.

Additionally, these policies are not portable, meaning that should you leave your job for any reason, you would immediately find yourself without coverage. Having your own, self-purchased plan to supplement an employer-offered policy is always best.

Myth 5: “Life insurance is just a death benefit.”

The Reality: Some life insurance policies build cash value and can be worth far more than a one-time payout to cover funeral expenses. In addition to lasting for your loved ones beyond the immediate needs of burial or cremation, a policy can also add to your financial portfolio while you are living.

Often, policies that build value can be used for emergencies and even retirement planning. Don’t look at a policy simply as a funeral-cost-coverage plan! There is far more it can do for you as part of a sensible financial plan for the future. Talk to an agent to learn more.

Myth 6: “I can’t get coverage if I have health issues.”

The Reality: Many conditions are still insurable, no matter what your health status. Some offer a guaranteed issuance, and many companies now have simplified underwriting options. A good agent will most likely find something for you!

Plus, when you work with an independent agent, you have many more options. I can search near and far for the policy that is just right for your unique needs. Having a health condition does not necessarily exclude you from owning a life insurance policy.

Myth 7: “Single people don’t need life insurance.”

The Reality: You still need life insurance, even if you’re single . Even without a significant other, someone, somewhere will need to cover your final expenses. There will be debts. There will be arrangements.

Whether it is family, parents, or friends, it is still a responsible and sensible move to obtain a policy today. Don’t leave those who care for you, in any way, financially on the hook for your needs.

If you have more questions or concerns, feel free to reach out. Learn more about what I can do to help you feel confident about your life insurance decision!

2026 Home Insurance Predictions

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:25:00 GMT

While I don’t have a crystal ball, I can tell you my professional opinion on the coming year’s home insurance industry.

After years of being in the business, I have my finger on the pulse of upcoming changes. I keep an eye on things at all times to ensure my clients get the very best coverage at the very best price. And 2026 may have some updates you should be aware of, so let’s talk about it.

Climate Change and Technology

It may sound like a strange place to start, but two major impacts on the year’s insurance prices will revolve around climate change and t echnology .

As we increasingly experience extreme weather (yes, even in Minnesota), more homes are damaged during storms and floods . And because construction costs have risen dramatically, insurance companies are charging higher premiums to cover them.

Still, technology could help even this out as we go forward. With better tools for predicting weather, the ability to enter far more detailed data, and more accurate estimation software, insurance companies can better estimate the risk to your home. These advances could potentially save homeowners money, since companies can more precisely determine their likelihood of a claim.

Insurance Gaps Can be Costly

The biggest issue I see with homeowners’ insurance isn’t what they have, but what they don’t. People aren’t always prepared for the news when a policy covers only an “actual cash value” for items like roof repairs, high winds, or hail damage. I like to be sure clients are fully informed about their policy’s coverage and also help point out any areas where coverage may be lacking.

Learn more about roofing and its cost expectations in my blog here .

Disasters like flooding, hail damage, or even siding repairs can cost more than many expect. Just because you have a sensible policy doesn’t mean every incident is fully covered. Be sure to review yours and fill any gaps ahead of 2026’s cost increases.

Minimum Policy Cost Increases

Nothing in life seems to ever get cheaper, but the positive news for 2026 is that I expect very minimal rate increases. As policyholders have endured fairly hefty price hikes for the past several years , most will be relieved to hear little change is expected this year.

Inflation overall was a major culprit of the big increases over the past few years . But thankfully, things should calm as pricing stabilizes across the economy.

Your Best Protection

While no one can completely predict the future, you can prepare for it. Your best bet in preparing for 2026, and whatever it may hold, is to review your policies with a trusted agent. Together, you can get a better understanding of what really is and what may not be covered. An agent can also help you fill those concerning gaps to be sure your finances aren’t the real victim in any home damages.

As an independent agent, I can work with a variety of carriers offering a wide range of policies. This helps me find the very best fit for you. Reach out today for a no-obligation quote , and we can get you fully protected at a price that makes sense for your household.

What Happens If You’re Underinsured?

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 02:47:00 GMT

Are you investing in the bare minimum insurance? You may think that saving on monthly premiums is helping your bottom line, but being underinsured can be much more financially devastating than having no insurance at all.

Let’s talk about what happens if you’re underinsured, how to tell if you need more insurance coverage, and more.

Picture This Scenario

Imagine you are underinsured on your home. Your home is your largest asset, likely the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make. In addition to the largest bill each month, you’ve been paying down a mortgage for most of your adult life. And, not to mention, your home is the heart of your family. Your children took their first steps here. Their heights are pencilled into the doorframe. You have a world of memories within its walls.

Now imagine a tragic fire that burns everything you own to a pile of ashes. Not only are you emotionally devastated, but this fire has now left you without a home, without a bed, without nearly anything but the clothes on your back.

Without the proper homeowners’ insurance, your policy won’t cover the cost of a rebuild. In fact, if you are too underinsured, you may not be able to afford a replacement home!

Now what? You and your family have nowhere to lay your head, and you are starting over from square one. That’s the reality of underinsurance.

“Minimum Required Coverage” ≠ Adequate Protection

In addition to protecting your home, you need insurance for your vehicles (including recreational items like boats and motorcycles). And in most cases, we recommend going beyond what is minimally required by law. The legally required minimum likely will not cover the repair or replacement of your purchase if you’re in an accident.

Just like the house fire scenario above, having your car totaled in an accident would result in much of the same problem. If your underinsured policy doesn’t cover the replacement or repair of the car, what would you do?

Insurance Needs Change Over Time

With all of life’s changes, it doesn’t take long for a previously adequate policy to become insufficient over time. Perhaps your home was adequately covered, but after that home addition, new garage, and in-law suite, chances are your coverage hasn’t kept up with your changes.

Likewise, adding new members to the family, upgrading your vehicle, or purchasing new “toys” like an ATV or jet ski will mean an upgrade to your policies. Be sure to check in with your agent anytime you have life changes or upgrades to your major assets to ensure you have the best coverage.

A general best practice is to touch base with your insurance agency at least once per year.

Unexpected Costs When You Are Underinsured

In addition to the obvious costs of replacement or repair, there are plenty of other financial issues underinsurance can cause.

Consider that same car accident. Your vehicle is totaled, and you can’t drive to work, take your kids to school, or visit your ailing mother. On top of that, what if you were also injured because of that accident?

Out-of-pocket expenses, delays in repairs, or delays in your own recovery can really take a chunk out of your finances. Potential gaps in your coverage might feel like month-to-month savings that lower your overall premiums, but the destruction these gaps can cause is far worse than a few dollars saved in your monthly budget. Losses due to underinsurance can financially ruin families in a single accident.

How to Know if You Are Underinsured

Underinsurance can be as costly as having none at all. But there are really just two rules you need to follow, to make sure you have enough insurance!

Review your policies with a trusted agency once a year
Call the agency with life changes or new asset purchases ASAP

That’s it! By keeping a tight watch on your policies, and working with a local agency you can trust, you can be diligent about having the proper amount of coverage.

2025 Holiday Lights Displays In and Around Mankato, MN

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:11:00 GMT

Some of the most magical memories of every holiday season are the quality family times! There are only a few times of year when we can all gather and truly enjoy one another.

If you are looking for some family fun this holiday season, why not take in the sights and sounds of area light displays? There is a quality assortment just a short drive away from (or even in) Mankato.

Kiwanis Holiday Lights, Mankato

Event Website

When to go: November 28 to December 31; Sunday to Thursday 5:00-8:00 p.m., Fridays/Saturdays 5:00-10:00 p.m.

No list of holiday light tours would be complete without the Kiwanis Holiday Lights display in Mankato’s Sibley Park!

Whether you walk it, drive it, or take the bus, this display – created entirely by volunteers – is not to be missed. Special events, including visits from Santa himself, live reindeer, and opening parades, round out this perfect family holiday celebration.

Sever’s Holiday Lights, Shakopee

Event Website

When to go: November 27 to December 28

With 2 miles of over 2.5 million lights, this drive-thru display at 3121 150th Street West in Shakopee will delight all ages! You can even bring the family’s furriest members along, as all guests are asked to remain in cars. In addition to the drivable course, food and drink vendors, and holiday music, this is a great stop on your holiday lights tour!

Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights, Waconia

When to go: November 21 to December 31; Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 4:00-8:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The Winery at Sovereign Estates brings families together with its Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights in Waconia. Just an hour north of Mankato, this 20-mile course brings together synchronized holiday music across 20 acres of the winery’s lakefront property. This outdoor walking event features holiday foods, drinks, and even heated cabana rentals for those who don’t want to face the cold!

GLOW Holiday Festival, St. Paul

Event Website

When to go: November 20 to January 4

Located at St. Paul’s CHS Field, this festival of lights is now in its sixth year. Make a getaway of it and spend the night in the city, with reservable ticket times on the hour from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (The event closes nightly at 9:00 p.m. each night).

It won’t just be lights keeping all ages entertained, as the map also includes snowy sledding hills, fairy tale castles, a carousel, playgrounds, bonfires, and even a zip line, keeping everyone’s interest piqued.

Magic of Lights, Eagan

Event Website

When to go: November 7 to January 3; Monday through Thursday, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.

Viking Lakes plays host to a nationwide program called Magic of Lights, and our closest venue will be in Eagan. Cost to attend is by the carload for this drive-thru-only event.

With a holiday village, LED lights, and animations throughout the trail, all ages will enjoy this festive display. The festivities also feature a $10 discount on Wednesdays for First Responders.

Seasonal Safety Reminders

As you prepare your own holiday displays, be sure to remember to keep things safe and sound at home. With just a few basic safety tips, you can be sure the holiday season stays merry and bright!

Here’s your checklist to keep in mind when decorating this season:

Check all cords for any fraying or loose bulbs
Check if the lights are intended for in- or outdoor use
Do not overload outlets or power strips/cords
Only utilize safe ladders that adequately reach your desired heights
Keep cords dry and off the ground
Never use staples, nails, or tacks to hang lights

What are your favorite holiday events? Let me know over on Facebook!

Photo credit: Kiwanis Holiday Lights Facebook page

Insurance Changes After Divorce: A Guide to Protecting Your New Future

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:57:00 GMT

Life is full of changes, and if you are experiencing a divorce, chances are you have a lot of details to work out. While we know there is a LOT to consider while going through a marital separation, it’s important to keep an eye on your insurance policies, too.

Let’s break down some of the crucial items you need to keep in mind as you navigate insurance changes after divorce.

Start by Getting Organized

Whether you were the spouse juggling the finances, arranging policies, and keeping track of the details or not, it is time to take responsibility for your own needs. You will need to sort out the policies you do have, possibly seek new additions, and even tweak the details of others. The first step is to simply get organized.

Now that you are on your own, in terms of marriage and financial responsibilities, you will need to get your files in order. Do you have a copy of your current policies or those you had as a married couple? Do you know your agency or agents? Now is the time to find out.

Insurance Changes During Divorce

Once you have your documents in order, and have gained a clear picture of what policies you had carried while married, it is now time to assess what needs to change. Each individual person will, of course, have unique needs to fit his or her personal circumstances.

However, some common themes to review would include analyzing your changes.

For example, did you retain the marital home? Or did you find a temporary apartment and move from your previous house? Either way, change is necessary for your homeowner’s insurance . If you are the sole owner of the home, you will need to update the policy to reflect that it is your home, alone. Likewise, if you have moved into another home, you may need a new policy (or renter’s insurance).

If you have separated your vehicles, much like the home, you will need to update your personal car insurance policy . Chances are, you may have had one another covered as drivers on each other’s cars, which would no longer be required. If you have shared children, especially of driving age, you will also need to discuss who will continue to cover any drivers in the household.

Next, your life insurance may also need to be updated. Depending on your beneficiaries (for example, if you had your former spouse as the sole one), you will likely want to update your terms. You may also want to be sure young children have protection as necessary, such as a trust fund complete with selected trustees and instructions.

Finally, your health insurance may need to be updated, especially if you were on your spouse’s work-offered policy. Affordable healthcare allows for life changes, including divorce, to be entered into its system, allowing persons to add a policy even when it is not a typical Open Enrollment period. Health insurance may also need to be worked out as part of your custody agreement, if you have minor children.

Name Changes and Insurance

Many women who changed their names during marriage may revert to their maiden names. After you’ve obtained the proper documentation to do so (often changing it with the courthouse, adjusting your driver’s license, social security card, etc.), you can easily adjust your insurance policies, too.

Inform your agent about your name change. Be sure they are able to update each file. This is an ideal time to have your insurance policies umbrellaed under a single agency (more on that later), as it means only making one phone call to do so!

Policy coverage doesn’t have to change when updating your name. If needed, you can do the name change alongside other updates, but it isn’t necessary to change coverage if it’s not necessary.

Work with a Trusted Insurance Agency

When you have a local agency you’ve worked with over time, chances are you are happy with their care. You’ll find that, in a time like divorce, it is ideal to continue on with the same person. Not only are they a trusted and proven stability for you, but they are also likely quite familiar with your insurance policies already.

A known agent will have the insight and ability to review your personal need for change. They may recall or review policies you’d forgotten about or never perhaps knew you had. Thankfully, an agent does not have a “side” in the divorce, and is simply interested in supporting you and your insurance needs. They can be a stable resource at this time, especially if you have already (or should do so now!) have your policies under the same umbrella.

Not only does such bundling save you money, but it makes times like this a tad simpler since you only have one contact to call who can make changes to all policies for you. You certainly don’t need the extra hassle of repeating your needs, basic information, and situation to multiple companies and strange agents you aren’t familiar with, especially at this time!

We’re here to help, at Rehm Insurance, and will help you work out the insurance details during this tumultuous time, as you navigate insurance changes after divorce.

Insurance Considerations for Multi-Generation Households: Protecting Your Whole Family Under One Roof

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 03:44:00 GMT

According to Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) , since the global COVID pandemic, the “number of multigenerational households in the United States recently jumped from one in five to one in four. That’s more than 66 million American adults living in multigenerational homes.” So, why the massive jump?

Well, one big reason is that Americans are living longer! Many members of Gen X are finding themselves part of a “sandwich generation,” meaning they are caring for aging parents and their own children or young adults in the home, simultaneously. Minnesotans, like many of their neighboring states, have also found that living together, under one roof, means financial savings. And in an economy where many households are pinching pennies, it sometimes makes financial sense to bring generations together.

So what can multi-generational living mean for your insurance costs? With careful planning and research, you can, in fact, save money here, too. Let’s take a deeper dive into what this may mean for your bottom line.

Homeowners’ or Renters’ Insurance

Whether you own your own home or rent a living space, having one household means saving on that insurance policy. Rather than having a grandparents’ home, parents’ home, and soon adult children’s homes, all insured separately, living under one roof means you’re all under one policy. By simple math, strictly reducing the number of policies needed means savings.

It should be noted, however, that when calculating your needs, especially if the move-in was recent, you may now have more valuables, belongings, and/or structures to consider insuring. Ensure that all household members have been considered, so that any homeowners ‘ or renters’ insurance policy adequately covers all belongings.

Car Insurance Costs

Keep in mind that most insurance carriers require you to inform them of all licensed drivers living in the household, in order to keep your coverage, so make sure you are updating your policies accordingly if you have had additional adults recently move into your house.

Adding people to your policy can also result in overall savings, since each adult will no longer have to carry their own insurance cost. While it is company policy-specific, many carriers offer a “bundle” discount, meaning the more drivers you have under the same umbrella, the more you can save. Since this is a single household, many companies will consider multi-generational families as a single household. This means you can save more by bundling car insurance policies.

If you have two grandparents driving, two parents, and teen/adult children as they become of driving age, you can be under the same policy, and take advantage of the bundle savings.

Life Insurance Needs

The third major type of insurance to consider is life insurance. In this case, you could be looking at savings or an increased cost, depending on your situation.

On the one hand, the aforementioned “bundling” can mean savings. If each individual in the home has a policy (no matter their age) under the same organization, you can save by “buying in bulk,” so to speak, saving due to quantity.

However, if you are the sole breadwinner in a multigenerational household, you may need a higher payout policy. More lives are depending on you to pay the monthly bills. From the home itself, to utilities, insurance, and care, there are many financial needs to consider should you no longer be here. Ensure your coverage accounts for this increase.

Planning Ahead is Key

Regardless of your living arrangement, planning is the best way to achieve a healthy financial future. From estate planning to insurance needs, basic monthly budgets, and mapping out the best routes to retirement, it is smart to have an experienced partner helping you along the way.

My team is here to help you with the insurance piece of the puzzle, while my wife, Gretchen Rehm, and her experienced associates can assist with the rest of the financial ins and outs through her firm. Discover how we can collaborate to support your financial well-being.

What is Key Person Insurance?

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:09:00 GMT

Is your dependent on one person? Many businesses require an entire team to operate smoothly, but some entities can rely on a single individual to ensure operations continue. If your organization is more of the latter, it is important to understand what Key Person Life Insurance is and how it may provide the protection you need.

Let’s dig into what these policies look like and how they may help you.

What is Key Person Life Insurance?

Key person life insurance policies typically protect one individual. In the event that this single person were to pass or become unable to work, this policy would financially protect its purchaser. In most cases, the business would purchase a policy, sometimes also called a Keyman, Key Woman, or Business Life Insurance, and the business would be responsible for the premiums each month.

Businesses that may want to consider such a policy often have a unique person with specific skillsets or abilities that, without which, the company could not continue. Let’s, for the sake of understanding, imagine Joe’s Bakery as a business. Joe is a talented baker who is famous for his baked goods, which are sold nationwide. These are handcrafted, artisan items that only Joe can make. He has secret recipes and a lifetime of skilled training to achieve these goods.

If our imaginary Joe were to pass away, Joe’s Bakery business may have to close its doors. Without Joe, the talent, the know-how, the recipes? It all goes away. Now, Joe doesn’t run the bakery alone. He has an associate operating a cash register, placing goods in the windows each day. He relies on a janitor to keep the bakery clean. He has a financial officer who handles payroll, taxes, and billing. He even has a salesperson who seeks area businesses that want to offer Joe’s goods in their stores. Without Joe, these four other people would be without employment. Joe’s Bakery needs a Key Person policy.

How does Key Person Life Insurance Work?

In our example, Joe’s Bakery LLC would purchase the policy. It would pay, as the business pays monthly premiums to insure the LLC. Upon Joe’s death, the policy could be used to cover various costs.

Replacing a Key Person

Let’s say the business hopes to continue, carrying on Joe’s legacy even after his life is over. Funds received from the policy may go to hiring a new baker, training that person or persons, and even covering costs while the business restructures.

If the Business Can’t Go On

In the event that it is proven Joe is irreplaceable, as predicted, a key person insurance policy might help to shutter the business, paying out partners, debts, salaries, and other necessary bills as the company comes to a close.

Avoid Bankruptcy

Without a policy, the employees, shareholders, and other connected debtors may face significant financial losses. In fact, the only option once Joe is gone may be to file for bankruptcy. A key person policy could help the LLC to avoid such a filing, protecting the assets and involved funds until future plans can be ironed out.

Types of Key Person Life Insurance

A wide variety of risks can be protected with a key person life insurance policy. Some policies may outline the specific uses for the funds by category. Some of those might include:

Insurance to protect profits, lost income (due to the loss of the key person)
Protection for shareholders’ or partners’ interests
A guarantee for lenders, such as banks, providing loans to the business

The Cost of Key Person Life Insurance

Costs for policies will vary largely based on two factors. First, the amount of payout selected will greatly impact the price. Small policies that may payout $50,000 to $100,000 to the business if there is a loss of a key person will cost far less than, say, one for a $1 million payout.

Second, the choice of a term or permanent policy will impact how much its monthly premiums will cost. A term policy, which is only good to a precise age of the key person or year of the business, will be less costly than one that is permanent (meaning one without a set deadline or end date).

Protections Offered by Key Person Life Insurance

If your business greatly relies on just one or two people, you may want to consider life insurance to protect your investment. A business is much like a family, and if the loss of a key person means the entire family will fail, it is smart to seek a policy that fully covers costs and financial needs, so that the loss of that key person doesn’t mean the end of the business entirely.

If you’re unsure whether your business needs or qualifies for Key Person Insurance, please contact my office for a no-obligation conversation. We can discuss the options and determine if you need to purchase this type of policy.

How to Insure Your Vintage Car

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 08:37:00 GMT

I know how much it means to you. You’ve put your heart, soul, and probably more money than you’d hoped to, and now you have the vintage car of your dreams. She’s your baby, and you always want the very best for her. But what do you do when it comes to insuring this unique type of automobile?

If you have a special car, of course, it deserves special insurance coverage. From legal requirements to policies that offer peace of mind, let’s review some of your options when it comes to insuring your vintage car.

Agreed Value Protection

When you have a basic vehicle, it isn’t tough to value its worth. These days, we have a plethora of assets at our fingertips, right on our phones! From Kelley Blue Book to the countless sites offering to buy, sell, or finance your car, you can find its approximate worth within a few hundred dollars.

But when it comes to your vintage car, things work a bit differently in the world of insurance. Each vintage car can have a much wider possible value or worth. Depending on the vehicle’s features, the authenticity of its parts or upgrades, and its condition, there are numerous factors that can influence the value of your vintage car. Because there are so many factors to consider, having a predetermined amount or an agreed-upon value ahead of time means there is no guesswork should you need to file a claim.

An AVP policy, if your vehicle is a total loss, pays you the full amount of its value, minus only your deductible. These policies are a far better choice for vintage car owners, as your investment is protected for a known amount, making it superior to actual value or stated value policies.

Usage-Based Rates

Let’s face it, you aren’t using your vintage car to commute to and from work each day. In fact, you likely save rides for special occasions, car shows, or beautiful weather. If you seldom get to drive your vintage vehicle, your insurance policy should reflect that limited use. I can create comprehensive insurance policies that take into consideration infrequent use, ensuring you’re fully covered while still paying a fair price for your policy.

Flexible Coverage

What if your vintage car needs roadside assistance? What if you only drive it a few times a year? What if you have poured hours of work into the restoration of your baby? There are a multitude of reasons why your vintage car insurance should be tailored to your specific needs. At the end of the day, you need a flexible agent working for you, providing the flexibility of coverage options while maintaining the utmost protection.

Learn more about how I can ensure your vintage car is properly insured here , or better yet, call today to schedule an appointment so we can work together to create the perfect policy for your “baby.”

Make a Smart Choice: Compare These Three Life Insurance Options

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 01:51:00 GMT

Life insurance. The key word is right in the name… “Life” insurance.

It’s really something that should carry you through life — all its ups and downs, all of its changes, all of its good times and bad, and ready to lend a helping hand when the time comes.

But how do you know which type of life insurance makes sense at each stage of your life? Let’s walk through some of your options, and what makes sense for you!

Life Insurance Options

There are three main categories to choose from, no matter what age you are at the time of application. The pros and cons of each, however, may become clearer as time progresses.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance, as its name implies, is a life insurance policy that covers the insured for a set and predetermined amount of time. Term life insurance typically comes in periods of 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years, and some companies offer terms up to age 95.

This choice is often more affordable, making it accessible to families just starting out, or for young professionals who simply want to relieve their parents of a burden. While it does not accumulate a value over time (you simply pay a monthly premium, a bill for services), it will provide a set amount of financial payout for your loved ones. This also gives you peace of mind, knowing some expenses are taken care of in the case of your untimely death.

One valuable feature of many term life policies is the option to convert to whole life insurance within a specific timeframe, usually within the first few years of the policy. This conversion option gives you flexibility to switch to permanent coverage without having to undergo another medical exam, should your needs change in the future.

Whole Life Insurance

Probably not shocking, whole life insurance covers you for just that: Your whole life. But, it also differs from term life insurance in that it can accumulate value over time. It can be an asset; something you continue to add to over time.

This type of policy is great, as it may provide extra protection later in life. Perhaps you need to pay for a child’s education or save money for retirement. A whole life insurance policy can be the financing you need later in life. While whole life insurance premiums are typically higher than term life insurance premiums, this reflects the permanent coverage and cash value benefits that the policy provides.

Get more details about Whole Life Insurance at this link.

Universal Life Insurance

A universal policy o ffers both death benefits and the ability to build cash value over time. While you pay monthly premiums like term insurance, universal life offers more flexibility. You can adjust your premium payments and death benefits as your needs change.

These policies can be an excellent option at any stage of life, as they combine insurance protection with investment features. The cash value portion earns interest based on current market rates, giving you the potential for growth while maintaining life insurance coverage. These policies truly offer a “best of both worlds” approach, providing the flexibility to adapt to life’s ups and downs.

Find out more about Universal Life Insurance here.

Which Life Insurance Type Is Right For Me?

Much like life itself, insurance can be tough to understand, as your needs change over time. It is also unique to each individual. This makes it challenging to make broad generalizations when providing sound advice.

I find it is always best to consult with an experienced professional, to be sure the life insurance policy you select is right for you and your life stage. Another important thing to remember is to continually check in with your agent. With life’s changes, so too should come life insurance changes.

I recommend that you meet with your local insurance agent at least annually. They can check to see if anything in your life has changed, since this might affect your existing life insurance policy. Adjustments can be made, premiums can be moved up or down the ladder, or coverage can be updated. And this doesn’t have to be an extensive meeting – even just a quick phone call could suffice!

The important thing to remember is that, just like life, your policies are fluid and can change, grow, and support you regardless of your life stage. Just remember to keep your information updated , and check in annually !

Why Will You Pay MORE Out of Pocket if You Have Roof Damage After a Storm in Minnesota?

Wed, 28 May 2025 09:53:00 GMT

When a storm finally passes, you breathe that sigh of relief. You are so glad it wasn’t you this time around.

But, what if it was?

No one can predict the damage that Mother Nature can sometimes cause. Each time a rough thunderstorm charges through or a snowstorm blasts its wrath, any property could be at risk for damage. That’s why we all have homeowner’s insurance , right?

To some extent, yes. Sensible insurance policies will go a long way to protecting your largest asset. But it’s important to be realistic and well-informed about how these policies actually work, these days. If you haven’t heard the term “Actual Cash Value,” it may be time for a quick lesson on the matter.

“Actual Cash Value” and Its Impact on Your Claim

I’ve shared on this blog before about the changing state of insurance in Minnesota:

Here’s a quick summary: As policies have changed, you have new clauses in your policy that bring the letters A-C-V into your vocabulary. An “actual cash value” means that your insurance company may only provide you the ACV of your roof, for instance, and not the cost of replacement if you have a wind/hail claim .

That means that if a storm rips off the roof of your home, or causes a tree to crash into it, you may be left with a heftier portion of the bill than you thought.

With today’s ACV policies, the homeowner is left with far more of the out-of-pocket expense of a repair. Let’s use our example: a storm has crashed an entire tree into your living room. Now, you have far more than a “skylight” view, which you neither expected nor asked for in any way. It’s time to file a claim with your homeowners’ policy. What can you expect from your claim?

The bottom line is, your policy will pay… some. You will be left on the hook for more of the cost than you probably expected. Because here’s the reality: Policies renewed with an ACV also mean that mandatory deductibles for incidents such as wind or hail are now added.

Let’s say you have been insured on a 10-year-old roof on your $400,000 house. According to your policy, you will have a mandatory $5,000 wind/hail deductible. The average replacement cost for a standard roof is $20,000 to $45,000, depending on size and pitch.

So, let’s say that after a particularly devastating storm, you are looking at $20,000 to $45,000 to replace that entire roof. You might think you’re fine after you shell out the deductible right? Wrong! This policy may only pay 85% of the cost to install a new roof, and you’ll have to have that remaining cost plus the deductible.

Many homeowners are used to having a $1,000 deductible. But now, in addition to the heftier deductible of $5,000, you’re also going to have to pay out-of-pocket another $3,000 to $6,750 on average, and maybe even more. That’s a total cost of $8,000 to $11,750 – or more, depending on the cost of the roof. This is a bigger change than most homeowners think!

What can I do about the New ACV policies?

The first part of being prepared is to have a solid understanding of what is happening. We’ve sent out notices to inform our clients, but do people really know the details? Until you have a claim, you may not really appreciate the full picture.

Why is this happening across the industry? The bottom line is that insurance companies are losing money in Minnesota. They’ve found that they may be forced to replace a 20-year-old roof with a brand new one, and they don’t like the price tag any more than you would. This means we are all paying more for our policies, more for our deductibles, and more out-of-pocket if a claim is made.

While you cannot change the industry and its trends, you can prepare yourself with both knowledge and preparation. First of all, be sure you are only using your policy for the utmost in damages. You want to consider only the most catastrophic events when considering filing an actual claim. If you are facing a major financial loss, of course, reach out to your agent . That is what the policy is for, but do not file for every minor scratch, or you will be footing a far larger bill than you imagined.

Can I Prepare Myself for High-Cost Claims?

The good news is yes, you can prepare for the unknown . While we won’t know precisely when, or how, or how much such an emergency may cost, we can all prepare ourselves for the worst. Having a safety net of an emergency fund can go a long way not only to help with peace of mind, but also keep yourself financially secure, no matter what Mother Nature may bring.

My advice would first be to meet with your financial advising team. My wife, Gretchen Rehm, is a financial advisor and just so happens to share an office with my team and me. I would suggest saving for a goal of a $50,000 house maintenance fund, so you have the ability to fix unexpected damages as necessary. Saving money is the best way to prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario.

Call this your “self-insurance” fund. This is your safety net, built in to protect your large assets. While there is no additional policy you can buy to protect against these out-of-pocket costs, having your savings plan in place can go a long way toward preparing for the unexpected expenses that can arise.

This is the Unfortunate Reality of Today’s Insurance Market in Minnesota

It is not a pleasant state to be in, but today’s insurance industry has some stark realities. Insurance companies have found themselves in a non-profitable stance. To make changes and make money, they’ve enforced new standards, largely putting more of the “hit” on the homeowner.

If these drastic changes in policy do not work, many companies may actually leave the Minnesota market altogether. The fewer options there are in companies, the fewer choices you will have. Much like those experiencing the same in Florida, our area’s homeowners may soon find that deductibles have been pushed to the point of non-coverage in areas like siding and roofs. That would be even worse!

Today’s insurance company is happy to insure things that wear out over time. As homeowners, we are used to those things being vehicles, boats, and even “toys” for our outdoor adventures. But today, the insurance company considers things like a roof an item to wear out too, and this means they are less willing to take the “hit” on paying to replace it. Arm yourself with both knowledge and safety nets, and you’ll be far better off than the homeowner who doesn’t prepare!

If you’re feeling anxious about all of this, please don’t hesitate to give my office a call. We would be happy to go over your current policy or provide you with a quote on something new.

The Role of Life Insurance in Your Estate Plan

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:23:00 GMT

There is never a better time to get life insurance than right now. If you don’t have coverage for yourself, you are risking leaving a lot of confusion, chaos, and uncertainty for those you love after you’ve left this world.

Luckily, most adults we know already have some type of policy in place, whether through their work or our agency! They know that life insurance isn’t a luxury; it’s a foundational part of protecting your loved ones and building a complete financial plan. And yes, it’s worth considering coverage for your children, too.

So, whether you’re completing your annual life insurance review, considering a policy, or just wondering what the connection is with estate planning, let’s dig into today’s topic.

Life Insurance: A Natural Part of Financial Planning

At first glance, life insurance might not seem like it fits into the same category as retirement savings or investment strategies, but it absolutely does need to mesh with your estate planning. As you plan for major life events, such as buying a home, sending your kids to college, or retiring comfortably, you should also consider what happens after you’re gone. Life insurance is a natural extension of those same plans.

While thinking about life insurance isn’t always an easy topic, it’s a necessary plan to put into action. Planning ahead with life insurance is one of the most thoughtful and impactful things you can do for the people and causes you care about. Whether your passing is expected or not, life insurance ensures your financial responsibilities don’t become someone else’s burden.

Life Insurance: A Built-In Safety Net

A strong financial plan includes a variety of tools, and life insurance is just one of them. Whole life insurance , for example, not only provides protection but can also grow in value over time, becoming an asset in your portfolio.

While it’s true that accessing funds from a policy may come with penalties, a life insurance policy can provide financial flexibility when you need it most.

Protect Their Future, Even When You’re Not Around

Beyond the basics, life insurance gives you the opportunity to make a lasting impact. You can designate funds to support your spouse, children, or anyone else who depends on you. It’s a way to continue caring for them, even after you’re gone.

It can also reflect your values. Many people choose to support a charity or cause close to their heart by naming it as a beneficiary. This creates a legacy of generosity that lasts beyond your lifetime.

A Must-Have in Your Financial Planning Toolbox

Think of life insurance as one of the essential tools in your overall future-planning toolbox. It can serve you in life and protect those you love when you’re no longer here. Put simply, it can be a smart financial move!

Ready to add this powerful tool to your financial strategy? Let’s schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Visit the contact page of our website to get started!

How to Protect Yourself from Scams

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:14:00 GMT

It seems they are everywhere you look. Weird emails hitting your personal and work inboxes. Annoying text messages with fake warnings. Random phone calls, and even shady people on social media — scams are everywhere!

The best protection we can have for such scammers is simply diligence. By educating yourself, educating your loved ones (especially young people and the elderly), and staying alert, you can avoid most cyber criminals seeking to take advantage of kind souls willing to provide personal data.

How Many People Get Scammed?

Did you know that one in three Americans have been scammed in the past year? As scams become more sophisticated, it can be difficult to know where to draw the line. We’ll be going over some tips that can help you differentiate fact from fiction – but first, let’s dig into what scams look like.

While the stereotypical Nigerian prince needing help depositing his funds into an American bank account is an obvious scam, today’s scammers are much more stealthy. Perhaps we should thank the “Nigerian prince” for alerting more people of such cons, since many of us have our radar up!

But sadly, con artists seem to have no shortage of ideas to scam innocent people. Every time we think we’ve kept up with the latest tactics, and blocked their numbers and email addresses, new schemes keep popping up.

Why? Because they work. The Federal Trade Commission recently reported that consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, which represents a 25% increase over 2023. Check out this staggering summary report:

What Are the Tell-Tale Signs of Scams?

If you get a message (email, text, phone call, mailing, etc.) there are a few signals that might help you determine if something is spam. Firstly, do not ever give out your personal information. There is no reason your bank, for example, would need your account number from you if they called you. They have that on file, and would not reach out to you for a PIN or number.

Secondly, check the source. Hang up the phone, take the name of the alleged contact, and search for that person’s office information online. Let’s say you’re contacted by someone claiming to be your phone company. Google your phone company online – and make sure you find the official website, not the AI summary. Find its toll-free number and call them. Ask them if they are, in fact, trying to reach you. If the call is legitimate, they’d have no problem with you confirming that with a main office.

If you are dealing with an email or text, check the sender. If the number is not listed, not a public-facing company number, chances are that it is not the true organization. Remember scammers can easily steal a logo, copy a social media page, or even spoof a phone number to trick you. The true test is to hang up (or ignore the message) and confirm by reaching out to your provider.

Also… do not click links!! If you get an email or text message with a link, and you were not expecting that to be sent to you or it looks weird or “off,” do not click the link. Worst case, you’ve now had your personal information stolen through malware, and best case, the scammer knows the link was clicked, and they will retarget you now, since they now know you’re a real person at the other end of that phone number or email address.

Scams are often based on the premise that you have to pay a penalty. The sender will tell you that you have to pay them in a way that might be unusual for you, such as cryptocurrency, wiring money, using a payment app, or through a gift card. Legit organizations will not insist on immediate payment in these unusual ways.

Another sign of a scam is when the scammer creates fear and urgency. The FTC puts it best: “Resist the pressure to act immediately. Honest businesses will give you time to make a decision. Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal information is a scammer.”

Scams in the Insurance Industry

People sometimes fall for scammers that pretend to be from their insurance companies! I recently had a client contact me, and I’m very thankful he did. He’d gotten a text that said we were reaching out. The text said something like, “This is your insurance agent. You can get a refund on your premium by clicking the link below.”

Confused and alarmed, this client of mine did the right thing. He called me. As his insurance agent, I would never send such a vague and cryptic text. In fact, the only text I would send would immediately identify myself as Rehm Insurance, and I would not communicate with you in such a cryptic way.

Keeping My Clients Safe

At the end of the day, the best way you can catch scams is to be cautious, use your head, and refuse to divulge information. Worst case, you will have to return the call of authentic providers. That would be eons better than accidentally allowing access to your personal information or finances to a scammer.

If you are ever contacted by someone claiming to be your insurance agent and they are showing signs of being a scammer, simply hang up (or ignore), and call my office directly: (507) 345-3366.

How to Use the Glovebox App

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 19:55:00 GMT

What do you keep in your glovebox? Chances are, it isn’t just gloves!

Many of us use the space to stash important documents, such as our car’s registration and proof of insurance. But what if you had an app that could do all of that for you?

We do – and it’s aptly named Glovebox.

What is the Glovebox App?

Much like that special storage area of a car, the Glovebox App is designed to store insurance documents. Our clients at Rehm Insurance can use this app to store their policy notes, proof of insurance, and important documents about your coverage. The Glovebox App keeps everything in one place — organized and accessible, right on your phone.

Plus, you can easily contact our office if you need to file a claim or have any questions, using the app.

Why Do I Need the Glovebox App?

Let’s face it. Documents are not the easiest thing to keep track of! Even if you stashed the original paper copies in a safe or filing cabinet, have you put your latest cards and documents in there, too?

If you had to run around your house and grab your proof of car insurance (probably in your car, right?), your homeowner’s insurance policy paperwork, the beneficiary list for your life insurance, and the policy outline for your gap insurance to see if a broken leg is covered, how long would it take you?

With the Glovebox App, you can keep all your policy documentation in one handy place. What could be more convenient than that smartphone in your hand all day?

Other Benefits of the Glovebox App

The Glovebox App also makes it easier to make any changes necessary. As the app connects you directly to your insurance agent, you don’t have to go the extra mile to track me down. Messaging in the app, the ability to request policy changes, and even quick checks for coverage can all be done with the tap of a button.

What is the best benefit of Glovebox? It’s absolutely free for clients to use. Just call our office and we’ll get you set up: (507) 345-3366

Driving Safely in the Winter

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:38:00 GMT

A late December snowstorm to end 2024 may have made for a beautifully white Christmas, but it certainly didn’t do Minnesota drivers any good! Our state saw a widespread storm, carrying around six inches of snow on average, and while it may be nice to look at, driving in winter weather requires a bit more preparation and concentration.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol , a reported 453 crashes happened across the state on Thursday, December 19 alone. Additionally, there were 38 injury crashes, 281 vehicles off the road, 37 jackknifed semis, and 28 spinouts. That is one messy day on the Minnesota roads!

Whether this is your first winter on the road, or you’re an “old pro,” it is always smart to review a refresher on winter driving tips. Let’s dig into some practical tips.

Prepare New Drivers for the Winter Roads

One of the most important tips for driving safely in the winter is to practice. Many new drivers, especially teens, have not had a chance to get behind the wheel in the snow yet. If your teen got their license this year, this may be the first winter season when they’re driving on their own.

Review the safety precautions that are required. If possible, find an empty lot to practice in the snow before they try it alone. It’s important for teens to feel how coasting on ice, spinning your wheels in snow slush, or sliding around a curve may feel. Remind them not to panic and not to slam on brakes, as both can cause more disasters. Having even a day of practice in poor winter weather can prepare new drivers for the “real” roads.

Be Prepared for Anything

The Boy Scouts of America always say to “be prepared,” and winter driving is one of those times that they were very right. All of the preventative safety in the world can’t prevent 100 percent of crashes. Accidents happen, and even if you were somehow a perfect driver (that doesn’t exist, by the way) you have countless other drivers all around you at all times. You never know how well they drive in winter weather.

Plan ahead if you’ll be driving on wintry roads. Pack an emergency car kit and leave it in your trunk all season long. Include some nonperishable snacks, water bottles, warm clothes, a blanket, a phone charger/bank, and winter boots if necessary. Consider adding a first-aid kit, jumper cables, and bright roadside cones or flares. Be sure you always have a snow brush with an ice scraper so you’re able to clear your car completely before hitting the road.

Taking a few moments to run a mental checklist through your head can also go a long way to be sure you stay safe this winter. Do you have windshield wiper fluid? Have your wipers been functioning properly? Are all lights operational? Are all windows and lights cleared from ice and snow? Take a moment before you rev that engine to be sure these small tasks done now don’t become big problems later.

Adjust Your Own Driving

Remember to be at your most focused when driving in the winter. Don’t let distractions, such as a cell phone or eating in your car, cause accidents. You also may want to remember to:

Keep a larger distance between your car and anyone in front of you.
Spin into a skid should you begin to slide.
Don’t use cruise control or other automated driving features on winter roads.
Change speeds slowly, avoiding sharp braking or jolted gassing.
Take your time! Lower speeds provide greater reaction time.

Just a few small adjustments to your “usual” habits can make a big difference, giving you more time to notice issues, more space to slow down or stop your car, and react in smart, sensible ways no matter the conditions.

When All Else Fails, Avoid It

This may sound silly, but if the weather has you worried, you are unsure about road conditions, and/or you are not comfortable driving in snow, there is a simple solution: don’t! If your plans are flexible, consider not going if the weather turns too wintry for your comfort. If you can stay home, take the day off work, and keep your kids home when the words are treacherous, that is a privilege to enjoy.

Sometimes the roads just aren’t meant for driving, and you can stay safer at home!

Vital Importance of Smoke Detectors in Minnesota Homes and Vacation Homes

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 10:14:00 GMT

If you could improve your chances of living, with a quick task that would take you only a few minutes, would you do it? If I said you’d be 60% more likely to survive a house fire, by having working smoke detectors in your house, wouldn’t that be worth your time?

A smoke detector is such a small, seemingly unimportant device. But it couldn’t be more crucial to everyone who lives in your home! This includes when you travel – have you verified smoke detectors with your vacation rental property? Let’s talk about it.

Why Do Smoke Detectors Matter?

If you weren’t sure of their importance, let’s review some stats from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA ) directly. According to the NFPA:

“Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.”

Those are some staggering figures. And the only thing you have to do to improve your chances of survival is to install and monitor smoke detectors.

A Smoke Detector Checklist

Let’s make installing, checking, and creating a routine for smoke detectors your first New Year’s resolution. There’s no time like the present to get started!

Here are some points to remember when checking your home:

Install alarms near every sleeping room.
Install alarms on every floor of the home.
Interconnected alarms are ideal so that if one sounds, the system alerts all.
Test your smoke detectors on a routine, monthly date.
Consider combination detectors that alert homeowners to smoke and carbon monoxide.
Be sure detectors are on ceilings or high on walls.
Keep alarms at least 10 feet from the stove.
Replace any detectors that are more than 10 years old.

If you aren’t sure how to routinely check your detectors, research the brand online. Simply type the name into Google, and its instructions should be easily found. Alternatively, if you cannot find the instructions, simply purchase new detectors. You’ll upgrade your alarms, and can rest assured that all are in working order. Store your instructions (included in the package) in a safe place to be sure you remember how to test the battery.

Another great idea is to obtain smoke detectors that run off of the home’s electricity. Hardwired alarms seldom run out of batteries, as they only default to a battery in case of a power outage.

If you fear you’ll forget to check detectors, place alarms in your phone. Pick a date, once every month, and set a reminder to test the batteries in your devices.

Remember to Check While on Vacation, Too

Your home isn’t the only place where smoke detectors should be. If you’re like many Americans, you often take advantage of vacation rentals when traveling. Check your vacation spot ahead of time. If you’re using an app like VRBO or Airbnb, you should be able to reach out to the owner through the app. Ask them if your unit is covered with working smoke detectors and when they were last tested.

You can also check for yourself, upon arrival, although the chances of getting them rectified at that time might be low.

It’s the Law for a Reason

Current Minnesota regulations require working smoke detectors in all residential homes as well as houses used for lodging. Not to mention the fact that most home insurance policies require the house to have functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, too! They should all be in working order and regularly checked.

Share the concept of frequent tests, placement of detectors, and the routine use of them with family and friends. Be sure they have working alarms in their homes, too, and offer older adults assistance in checking their detectors.

Far beyond this requirement, you have the responsibility of keeping yourself and your visitors safe. Having working smoke detectors in your home will improve their chances of surviving a house fire. Be sure you take care of this resolution, today!

Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 17:47:00 GMT

The holidays are intended to be an enjoyable time to gather with friends and family, share traditions, and create handed-down family recipes. We watch picture-perfect movies and listen to music about the joy of being “home for the holidays.”

But for many people, it’s also a very stressful time of year. Teachers get an extra load to carry, since they’re managing classrooms of kids who are excited for presents and less-than-excited about school!

If you are seeking a few ways to lessen that stress, and truly have a happy holiday, today’s blog is for you. Here are a few ideas that can keep things merry and bright, no matter how much jingle you have to juggle.

Simplify the Workload

Let’s start with the basics. No one said you have to do it all! And no one said you have to do it all on your own. Try to get as many helping hands involved as you can. Not only will this reduce your “to-do list,” but it will spread the more tedious chores of the holiday season out, instead of overwhelming just one family member. Have a present-wrapping party or get everyone involved in addressing Christmas cards.

Other ways to lessen the load can include simple changes. Instead of making the entire family feast alone, update the big meal to a potluck. Ask each attending guest to bring a part of the dinner.

Or if cooking or baking is a big time consumer for you, skip it! Pick up the holiday meals instead of making it all from scratch. You can also ditch the usual traditions and order takeout or pizza. Or, go “Peanuts” style and have jelly beans, popcorn, pretzels, and toast!

Plan Ahead

The holiday season can run smoother if you plan ahead. Consider baking cookies a few weeks out and freezing your creations until it’s time to share them.

Shopping can be another stressor over the holidays, and doing that as early as possible helps lessen that load by the deadline. If it feels too late this year, get yourself off to a solid start in 2025 by pacing out your purchases. Yes, you can even begin in December/January by taking advantage of those post-Christmas sales. We won’t tell!

Surround Yourself with Love

Feeling like a Scrooge when it comes to events? Simplify those, too. It’s OK to say “no thank you” to an event you’re not excited about attending. Ask your kids which outings they enjoy the most, and lean into the ones that the whole family enjoys.

We get into traditions and routines, especially around holidays, and that can be great if it makes you happy. But if the thought of an assortment of social interactions makes you exhausted before you even RSVP, consider skipping out on a few. Your mental health, time, and stress level will thank you. There is no reason to push yourself into awkward or difficult interactions “just because it’s Christmas.” If it makes you feel stressed, don’t do it.

If opting out altogether just isn’t an option, consider setting a time limit. Pop into your aunt’s house to make an appearance, but let your family know that in one hour, you’re all heading out the door.

Do What Makes You Happy

At the end of the day, the holiday season should be a time of joy, happiness, and cozy times. If you’re overwhelmed by social aspects, bogged down by the necessary shopping, or just cannot fathom cooking again all on your own, it’s OK to cut back. Slow down the season, and remember what it’s all about!

Home Inventory: How to Create One and What to List

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:25:00 GMT

It has always been a Scout’s motto to “Be Prepared.” If you really want to be sure you’re ready for anything, a home inventory can come in handy.

Many clients ask me how to value what they have in their homes. Whether you are seeking renters’ insurance for your belongings or want to make sure your homeowner’s insurance covers everything inside the house, you need to create a home inventory.

Let’s explore exactly what a home inventory is, how to prepare one, and what to do once you’ve made one.

What Is a Home Inventory?

A home inventory is a list of items in your house or otherwise on your property. You can decide the level of detail this list may contain, but I recommend being as thorough as possible with a lot of detail. If you’re going to do something, after all, you might as well do it correctly the first time.

When listing items, simply go room-to-room. Once you enter the room, jot down all the items in there. Let’s say you start in the living room. Start with large pieces, like furniture. Your television, your coffee table, lamps… put it all down on the list. Don’t forget the toys in the garage – that goes on your home inventory, too.

Along with this basic list, it would be ideal to add details such as:

Its purchase price
Where you bought the item
Any serial number, receipt, or warranty
Its approximate value or cost to replace

You can continue going through your home just like this. Don’t forget things on the walls, such as artwork, or jewelry in your jewelry box. Open cupboards. Dig through drawers. Be thorough in your search.

How Do I Store My Home Inventory?

The method of your inventory is up to you. Maybe you’re a pen-and-paper person. Amazon sells inexpensive books for this project but a simple notebook works just fine. You can also use a digital record like a spreadsheet or app.

Whichever method you select, it is ideal to back it up. Save your digital files in a space that you can reach from everywhere, like Google Drive or other cloud storage. If you’ve created a paper version, put it in a safe and/or scan it to store it digitally.

Why Should I Make a Home Inventory?

Preparing for the worst may seem silly sometimes. Will you really need to remember how much you paid for that couch from 10 years ago? Let’s hope not. But it is great to be prepared, just in case. In the event of any loss, from robbery to fire, flood to alien invasion (hey, who knows), it is ideal to have a list of all you’ve put into your belongings and proof of costs to have them replaced.

Such home inventories can also help you realize just how much your belongings are worth. So many people may estimate a low figure for replacing their personal items, but it really adds up. Creating an inventory could help you tally up what it would realistically cost to replace things.

When Should I Make a Home Inventory?

The holidays are on the way! And if you are like many homeowners, even MORE items are out for the holidays that may otherwise be packed away in your attic or garage. Go ahead, inventory that giant inflatable Santa. Add the prices of your heirloom ornaments. Those things add up, too. Your home inventory should be very detailed.

Winter break may also provide some much-needed downtime while your kids are busy with their new toys. Put on some sweats, grab paper and a pen, and make your home inventory. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

Insuring Your Winter Toys: Snowmobiles, Ice Shanties, and Fat Bikes

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 18:14:00 GMT

Living in Minnesota brings a plethora of amazing outdoor opportunities, all year round. Come winter, the Land of 10,000 Lakes puts away its speed boats, jet skis, and mountain bikes and breaks out the snowmobiles, ice shanties, and fat bikes.

But, just like our summer toys , which require intentional insurance coverage, your winter toys need protective coverage to be sure your investment is safe. Let’s explore some of the questions many clients have had!

Do I Need to Insure my Snowmobile?

Liability insurance for your snowmobile is not legally required if you are using it on private property. However, we highly recommend that you purchase liability insurance for your snowmobile, to protect yourself from any legal liability that you might incur from an accident.

Liability insurance is important because snowmobile accidents happen. The Minnesota DNR tracks snowmobile accidents and fatalities, and in 2023/2024 , there were 15 accidents across the state that resulted in two fatalities, 11 personal injuries, and two property damage incidents.

Is There Insurance for Ice Shanties?

If you ice fish, you know that an ice shanty makes the experience more practical and enjoyable. Not only can you reserve and preserve your fishing spot, but the huts keep you warm and protected from the elements while you enjoy your hobby.

Did you know you can get insurance for your fishing hut? In some cases – you can!

Your auto insurance’s liability coverage will automatically extend from the vehicle while your ice shanty is being towed. There is never any physical damage coverage extended from the auto policy to a trailer; only liability coverage is extended.

So, for example, if you are towing a camper, fish house, trailer, etc. and you get into an accident without having an individual policy on that trailer, there is zero coverage for that trailer. But if the trailer unhooks and hits something, there is liability coverage (extended from your auto policy) for the damage the trailer causes to people or property.

Also, as soon as you park and unhook your ice structure, there is zero coverage for that unit (which could be worth thousands of dollars) through your auto insurance policy.

If you want your shanty covered in case of damage, you will need an individual policy to cover it.

Keep in mind that homemade fish houses are typically not insurable, since most insurance companies require them to be made by a manufacturer with a VIN number to meet underwriting requirements.

Should I Get Fat Bike Insurance?

Much like today’s electric scooters and other fun transportation gear, fat bikes have become a popular mode of winter transportation in Minnesota. If you have one of your own, you know just how fun they can be.

From rental spots to owning their own, these wide-tired cycles often give winter riders more traction with more snow-capable wheel treads. If you have purchased your own, you might know what I’m going to say next: These bikes are not cheap.

While you are not held to a motor vehicle standard when it comes to insuring your fat bike, it is smart to be sure your purchase is protected. Check with your homeowner’s policy (or renter’s policy) to see if your fat bike is covered under your personal property. If not, talk to your agent to add it on.

How Can I Protect my Winter Toys?

The best way to be sure you have your expensive winter toys protected with smart insurance policies is to work with a trusted agent. As an independent insurance agent, I can shop around to find the policy that fits you best. And, when it comes to the unique toys and equipment of Minnesota, you want someone who knows, lives in, and enjoys some of the same winter fun that you do!

It can sometimes take a unique approach to find the particular insurance protections for unusual winter toys, but I’m here to make that search my job. I can prepare a no-obligation quote, and we can discuss together how to best protect your winter hobbies. Click here to get started.

Are Home Insurance Add-ons Necessary?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:49:00 GMT

Most homeowners insurance policies include something called an “add-on” or a “rider” or an “endorsement.” Whatever name you’d like to use, the definition is the same: These are specific adjustments made to a homeowners’ insurance policy.

Let’s explore just what they are and if you should have any!

What are Endorsements to Homeowners’ Insurance?

Endorsements or add-ons are described as additions, exclusions, deletions, or changes to an insurance policy. In the case of a homeowners’ policy, these endorsements can be viewed like accessories to an outfit. Just like throwing on some jewelry or a tie, add-ons are accessories that personalize a policy specifically to your home.

Do I Need Add-Ons for My Insurance?

Yes – I always want you to have at least a baseline set of endorsements to cover your property. These are often necessary to be sure you are protected. My customer service and integrity won’t allow for anything less. Not offering such add-ons would mean I’m not covering your actual needs.

Also, as an independent agent, I’m able to customize your policy to be sure I find you the right fit. No two clients are the same, and that also means no single product will “fit” them in the exact same way. Even your next-door neighbor might not require the same policy you do. There is no “one size fits all” in my agency, because each person has their own circumstances.

What Add-Ons Would You Recommend?

We all know that homeowners insurance is becoming more expensive , but minimum coverage is still important. These are the three options I recommend to most of my homeowners insurance clients:

Water backup and sump pump overflow endorsement
Extended dwelling replacement coverage
Siding and roof matching endorsement

These are additions I find to be the most important in the event of any loss. They are also features most policies don’t include, but matter to my clients in Southern Minnesota.

How Do I Find the Best Add-Ons For Me?

Do you have an adequate policy now ? Let’s find out – call me to evaluate your home insurance policy: (507) 345-3366

Car Safety Tips for New Teen Drivers

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:21:00 GMT

I’ve heard it said that the two hardest things you’ll ever help your child learn to do is potty training and driving a car. Would you agree?

Helping your teen learn to drive can be a very challenging experience! Between nerves and stress, expenses and risk, there is a lot on your mind. The best way to calm those worries is to prepare. So today, let’s walk through some tips to help you (and your teen driver!) feel more secure while they are learning how to drive.

Tip #1: Be Honest and Realistic

Let your teens know that driving isn’t just a fun activity or a chance at freedom. Driving is a serious task that requires focused attention and a responsible attitude. According to the Office of Traffic Safety for Minnesota , “due to inexperience, distractions, and risk-taking, teens are one of the worst groups of drivers in Minnesota.”

The statistics don’t lie.

“In 2020, teens (15-19) made up just six percent of all licensed drivers,” said the OTS. “Yet, they made up 16 percent of all drivers involved in traffic crashes.” According to the figures in 2020, there were also 39 teenage traffic deaths.

Sharing this type of information with your teen is intended to explain the reality to them. They are operating a vehicle that is objectively dangerous. It is essential that your teen isn’t too afraid to drive but rather understands that this freedom is a privilege that can have drastic consequences if they make poor decisions.

Tip #2: Understand the Laws

Before they even get behind the wheel, reviewing the laws of the road with your teen driver is crucial. You should both be clear and aware of the ins and outs of teen driving regulations. Refresh your memory on the state laws, here to be sure you can guide your teen appropriately.

Some current laws that restrict teen drivers include:

No driving in the first six months from midnight to 5 a.m. without an adult 25 or older
Only one passenger under age 20 unless accompanied by an adult 25 or older
No use of cell phone while driving with or without hands-free under age 18
No texting/messaging at any age while behind the wheel

Tip #3: Prepare for Your Parental Role

As a parent, you will be vital in preparing your teen for the road. You will need to establish clear and strict rules around driving, including access to your vehicles, rules about driving others’ cars, asking permission to drive, alerting you of their whereabouts, times of day they can drive, how to manage risk in poor weather conditions, and more. This is not a time for leniency! The risks can be a matter of life or death, so while it may feel harsh sometimes, you must stand firm and ensure your child adheres to the rules.

Instilling these routines and rules now will also help you (and them) down the road, helping your child form the proper driving behaviors to last them a lifetime. If you’re unsure where to start, review the state’s site here for tips and resources to help you get started on the right foot.

Tip #4: Insure Your Teen Driver

Of course, you knew this tip was coming. One of the first things you need to do is add your new teen driver to your car insurance policy. You could loop them into the conversation with your agent, too, so they understand the costs and coverage.

If you are ready to start on this journey, I am always here to help you secure the best coverage for your entire family. Make sure your new teen driver is well-protected!

Is Life Insurance Affordable?

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:15:00 GMT

Is Life Insurance Affordable?

Everyone should have life insurance – but is it affordable? The short answer is YES; families and individuals have plenty of options.

What Impacts the Cost of Life Insurance?

Let’s go over the factors that impact life insurance costs. Some of these are habits you can change to improve the affordability of your policy. Other life factors may be predetermined or out of your control, but it is still useful to understand what goes into the pricing of a plan.

Some of the factors most companies will review include:

Age, gender, health status
Professional job or field
Driving record
Whether or not you smoke
Your family health history
Financial status/credit
Criminal history
Hobbies

Many of the determinants sound logical. Companies are more likely to offer a young, healthy person lower rates. And in general, women pay less than men.

A good number of factors are something you cannot change nor control. If your family has a history of cancer, passing at a young age, heart conditions, etc., a company may be more wary of extending you an affordable offer.

However, some of the categories are within your power to control. Not committing crimes, not smoking, or avoiding dangerous hobbies like skydiving will probably help you reduce your rates. Living a healthy life, maintaining a solid credit score, or working consistently can all help your premiums drop, too!

How Can I Find Affordable Life Insurance?

Factors aside, you can find policy premiums that fit into your budget, no matter its size. One option to seek lower costs is to select “Term” life insurance instead of “Whole.” As the names imply, a term life policy will be good for a certain number of years. For example, a Term-30 policy is good for 30 years.

Whole life insurance can be a financial asset in the long run, though may have slightly higher monthly premium costs. If you are someone that hopes to put money into something in order to have ownership or value in it, whole life can be viewed as an investment, where term life does not have such value built into it.

Consider the amount you want to insure your life for prior to selecting a plan. Obviously, a million-dollar policy will have a higher monthly cost than a $250,000 payout. Some universal plans will help save you on the bottom line, as there is no medical exam. Some national organizations offer adults of an older age a guaranteed basic life policy that you cannot be turned down for, no matter your health.

Much of your choices will depend on your unique life experiences. So, how do you know which is best for you?

Always Here to Help You Select Insurance

No matter the type of policy, the monthly premium budget, or the payout amount, there is a policy out there for you. The best way to find that policy is with the help of a professional. As an independent agency, I can pull quotes for a wide range of companies to find the right fit for your needs.

I promise there are affordable plans, and I can help you find them. If you’re ready to seek the coverage you deserve, click here , and let’s chat!

Step-By-Step: The Process for Getting Life Insurance

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:56:00 GMT

It feels like this big, looming, and scary task. You put it off, and it’s unpleasant to think about, but getting life insurance is essential in every person’s life. And yes, that means you, too!

September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month , which is geared at spreading awareness of its importance. If something happened to you tomorrow, you can still provide for your loved ones so they aren’t left financially vulnerable, with an uncertain and unstable future.

Life insurance can help secure your home and family, covering expenses after your passing and helping pay for important milestones such as your kids’ or grandkids’ college education. So, let’s break down the steps involved in purchasing a policy.

Selecting the Life Insurance That’s Best

Purchasing a life insurance policy is not the big, scary task many make it out to be. You don’t have to do it by yourself, either!

One of the first questions you will face is which type you want to purchase: Term, Whole, or Universal.

A term policy is , as the phrasing suggests, one that lasts for a predetermined set amount of time. A 30-year term policy, for example, would cover you for 30 years. After that time, the policy is no longer in effect. While very affordable, with significant coverage, the style may not work for an extended life expectancy.

A whole life policy is , well, just that. One that lasts for your entire life. The amounts incurred will be available to your loved ones (those you name beneficiaries) at your passing. It can add up in value, increasing its worth as you make payments, unlike a term which is a set amount from the get-go.

Universal policies can also be a type you consider, as they increase in value like a whole life, but can have the flexibility to change your premiums (monthly costs) and beneficiary payout (the amount your named parties will obtain when you are gone) as you face different life changes.

Steps for Buying Life Insurance

The logistic steps you will encounter will depend on the type of life insurance you’ve decided to pursue. A simplified process can be as easy as an online application form, and no medical exam is required. This may require “simplified underwriting,” which is easier to pursue but may not have as extensive coverage.

A traditional application requires a medical exam, and you will await an underwriter’s decision. They will weigh your health status, family history, hobbies, work, or activities, and then offer a plan tailored to your unique circumstances.

Take the First Step!

When you have questions about handling the first steps of obtaining a new life insurance policy, one of the best first choices you can make is to work directly with an experienced and knowledgeable insurance agency.

Not only does an independent office, such as mine, offer you access to all the best carriers, but you also have the backing of a local, caring agent who knows your needs and can help you to find that perfect fit.

My suggested first step is to make a phone call to my office. We’re here to help!

Do You Need a Personal Umbrella Insurance Policy?

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 14:40:00 GMT

When it rains, you grab an umbrella. The same analogy could be accurate in insurance.

One of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones is through an umbrella insurance policy, because life is full of unexpected storms. You never know what accident might be around the corner, and you never really can ultimately be “ready” for such catastrophes, but you can insure yourself to be sure you are financially protected.

What is a Personal Umbrella Policy?

We’ve discussed in previous blogs what an umbrella policy can do for your business , but did you know that you can also get an individual, personal umbrella policy?

Umbrella policies, also commonly known as personal liability policies, are one way to prepare for nearly any insurance issue. Umbrella policies act as an extra cushion for the underlying liability policies you already have in place. These policies cover costs exceeding the limits of claims outside your current insurance policies’ reach.

How are Umbrella and Excess Liability Insurance Different?

An umbrella policy is similar to excess liability insurance in that they each kick in to cover additional costs once your initial insurance policy is exceeded. Both act as insurance for your initial insurance policy.

A key difference is that an umbrella policy goes a step further, protecting multiple policies. Unlike excess liability insurance policies, Umbrella policies can also cover additional claims not protected in your original insurance policies.

Umbrella policies go above and beyond, protecting you in cases of damages and costs exceeding your average realm of coverage. Umbrella policies can cover property damage and legal fees, among many other costs.

Umbrellas for the “Perfect Storm”

Personal umbrella policies can help you when there is a “perfect storm” of accidents.

For example, imagine you are getting work done on your roof. While carrying supplies from their van to your home, your contractor trips and falls on that pesky step you haven’t been able to fix quite yet. The contractor sustains a serious arm injury from the fall, is subsequently out of work for 12 weeks, and sues you for lost wages.

While your homeowners’ insurance may cover some of the contractor’s medical fees, you may still be responsible for covering wages and legal fees. An umbrella policy could help cover any remaining costs from the accident and the following legal proceedings.

Now, this sounds far-fetched and unlikely ever actually to happen. “Especially not to me,” you may think. But the truth of the matter? Life is unpredictable! We never truly know what is around the next corner, so it is essential to take any possible precautions.

Some other signs that you might need an umbrella property:

You own a rental property or small business
You have teen drivers on your insurance
You possess significant assets
You feel for any reason you may be in a position to be sued

Getting an Umbrella Policy in Minnesota

If you’re still unsure if you need one of these policies, contact my team. We aren’t in the business of overinsuring or underinsuring our customers, so we will give you frank advice about what is really needed. We can take a look at your specific set of circumstances.

Umbrella policies are often comparably inexpensive for the amount of protection they offer. Let’s get you a quick quote, today!

What to Expect at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 17:05:00 GMT

It’s coming… I can almost smell the kettle corn popping, hear the carnival music, and feel the excitement in the air. It’s almost time for the Minnesota State Fair !

Designed to entertain those of all ages, this fair is not to be missed. It is one of the most fun summertime traditions in our state, our family included!

The 2024 fair runs from August 22 to September 2, which is Labor Day. If you’re looking for more details, click here for fairgrounds hours. Let’s take a look at the long list of exciting “must-do” activities for families this year!

Shows, Concerts, and Entertainment

There are five full stages of entertainment happening throughout the week. A robust calendar of daily shows is found right here. More than 900 shows will occur through the festivities of the fair, with over 100 different acts performing across the 12-day event.

Most shows are free to attend, with fairground admittance, and you can determine which shows fall on which dates by using a specialized search page , which dives through the hundreds of performances to find your ideal pick.

Rides for the Whole Family

It’s not just the shows that keep the whole family happy with free music and performances. There is an entire midway filled with excitement. The “ Kid-Way ” specializes in younger visitors and can be found along Underwood Street and Dan Patch Avenue, just behind the Visitor’s Plaza.

Adventure Park will house the most exciting thrill rides for those seeking serious adventure. Many rides will require tickets to board, though special savings days are also slated amongst the 12 fun nights. Some special thrills cost additional funds, including:

Rock Climbing Wall:

$7 per person

Skyscraper:

$40 per rider ($30 during Early Bird Special hours)

Sling Shot:

$40 per rider ($30 during Early Bird Special hours)

Turbo Bungy:

$7 per rider

The Mighty Midway will include more ticketed rides, along with carnival-style games and foods. Tickets for rides will cost:

$1 for an individual ticket
$30 for 33 tickets
$60 for 70 tickets

Coupon books and specialty nights are available.

Unique Attractions for All

From the Butterfly House to the Haunted House, the Minnesota State Fair’s attractions truly aim to please every interest. A “Krazy Maze,” mini golf, and even a Reptile Show are all part of the attractions. There really is something for everyone.

The Great Big Wheel will make its annual appearance, offering Ferris Wheel views of the entire fair. A Giant Slide may keep the youngsters busy, climbing endless stairs to swiftly zip to the bottom atop the traditional burlap bag.

Furry Friends, Too

With all the fun and excitement, don’t forget to stop by the beautiful animals on display, as well. From horses and cows to pigs and poultry, if you can think of a farm animal, chances are it will be there.

Hours for the animals may vary by species. Check the rotating calendars to be sure you don’t miss your favorites.

You Won’t Be Disappointed

For more information on the annual event, visit https://www.mnstatefair.org/ . Enjoy a safe and thrilling time!

How to Handle Insurance Claims for Storm Damage

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 17:21:00 GMT

Minnesota summers are some of the best days of the year – but sometimes, we see a turn of events. Destructive storms can rip through our part of the state a couple of times every year. If you’ve ever experienced storm damage to your home, property, or belongings, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Here are the steps you can take to make your insurance claim a bit easier when it comes to storm-related damages.

Avoid Storm Chasers

Perhaps when you hear the term “storm chasers” you think of the actors Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, rushing toward tornados attempting to launch “Dorothy.” But the plot of “Twister” aside, there really are people known as storm chasers, and they are not nearly as entertaining.

When I refer to storm chasers , I mean some rather shady folks that stalk those with storm damage, following the bad weather all over the country. When they see a potential weather pattern that can cause home or car damage, they flock to this space in order to swoop in and offer “care.”

If a stranger knocks on your door, offering to help you with your insurance claim, they know you’re in a vulnerable state. They know it is a high-stress situation. And they jump in to try to get you to sign an insurance claim on the spot.

Beyond their less-than-ethical business practices, there are plenty of reasons not to trust such transient salespersons. Obtaining coverage in this way puts you at risk. Some concerns include:

How will you reach this person after a claim is filed?
Does this person know about your home or product warranties? Will they tell you if they do?
How will you track down this person to ask questions?
Why do they use such high-pressure sales tactics during such a scary time?

Steps to Handle Insurance After Storm Damage

Once you’ve experienced storm damage, the first thing to do is call your insurance agent. This is a time when you’ll be quite happy to have a single insurance agent, providing coverage for all of your policies! Here are the four steps you need to take after you realize you’ve experienced storm damage:

Call your insurance agent

Your local agent is a friendly face you are familiar with, who knows not only you and what you own, but your family. It’s someone you can trust and rely on at all times, but especially in a crisis. Call them!

2. Assess coverage

When you call my office, we’ll pull up your policy details and help you determine what is and is not covered by your policy. From going to a hotel during repairs to estimating the costs of your repairs, your agent and level of coverage is going to make all the difference at this time.

3. Await an adjuster

Your insurance agent will help you with this step, too. Sometimes this means having a mechanic look at the car, or a carpenter checking your roof. But, one way or another, the insurance company will need to see and assess the damages, and come up with an estimated cost for repairs.

4. Document everything

No matter the stage, and no matter your coverage, I highly suggest documenting your entire process. From the moment the damage occurs, photos, details, receipts, phone calls, emails … everything should be documented. The more details you can provide, the easier the process will be!

Choose Wisely

This is where the insurance you select, the agency you purchase from, and the coverage you opt for truly matters. It is also where a hometown agent can go a long way in de-escalating the trauma. It is a time when you want that friendly face with a personal touch, helping you navigate the stages of filing a claim.

Don’t be left to the abyss, finding solutions all on your own. Make an appointment today. Visit https://www.rehmins.com/contact-us/ to get a quote!

Overcoming Your Life Insurance Procrastination

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:08:00 GMT

Let’s face it. You almost skipped even reading this article, didn’t you?

Life insurance is very easy to put off, because it can be uncomfortable to plan for what happens after we leave this earth. But the inevitable truth is that no one lives forever. Even though life insurance is something all people should have at any age or health status, many don’t!

Whether you’ve been putting off dealing with it, routinely forgetting, or just plain haven’t wanted to face reality, it’s time to stop procrastinating and get yourself a solid life insurance policy.

Top Reasons to Get Life Insurance

Let’s help you end your procrastination and discuss a few reasons you might want to consider making a purchase as soon as possible.

1. Give yourself peace of mind

You can stop worrying about the “what ifs” simply by making a choice today. Not only can you cross it off of your to-do list, but you won’t have to wonder anymore. If anything should happen to you, you can rest easy knowing your loved ones are cared for with a life insurance payout.

2. Protect loved ones

The absolute best reason to stop putting off life insurance is simply because it will be the protection your loved ones need and deserve. Most families today rely on the income of both of the adults in the home. This means that should one suddenly be gone, the family would likely struggle to make ends meet.

Remove that worry now. A solid life insurance policy will provide your beneficiaries with the funds they need to fill in the gaps where you had previously contributed. From the mortgage payment to your children’s education, these funds will go a long way to helping those you care about most financially secure without you.

3. Tax-free funds

Since you’ve already paid taxes on your own income, any funds paid out to your family or loved ones will not be reduced by another tax. This means that whatever the total amount of your payout, your beneficiaries will receive it all.

4. It doesn’t take long

It isn’t a long, drawn-out process to review your options. As an independent insurance agent, I can do the research for you. I’ll find options that may best fit your needs. All you need to do is make a few minutes’ phone call, and I do the rest. Reviewing your options and selecting a plan is a breeze – I’ll do the heavy lifting!

One Simple First Step

Stop procrastinating. It’s time. You can complete a quote request online or simply dial my number: 507-345-3366. I can take it from there.

There is no need to be afraid of this purchase. It may be difficult to think about a world without you, but a few simple steps of planning today will ensure your family is safe tomorrow. Contact my office now!

Commercial Liability Insurance 101: Protecting Your Business

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 22:18:00 GMT

You put your blood, sweat, and tears into your business. To protect this investment, you need to be sure you have comprehensive business insurance policies.

Do you have the right insurance for your business needs? That’s a loaded question, so we’re just going to start with the most critical policy, today: commercial liability insurance .

What Is Commercial Liability Insurance?

Protecting your business in the event of an emergency, disaster, or catastrophe requires quality insurance coverage. Some of the facets covered by commercial liability insurance include:

Property damage
Physical injury
Defense costs
Personal/customer injury

The precise types of coverage you may need will depend mainly on the business you own .

For example, do you have clients coming into a brick-and-mortar store? You will need liability insurance to ensure that your business won’t be at risk if anyone slips and falls or has any other emergency. Do you rely on a fleet of vehicles within you or organizations? You’ll need auto policies that protect your business in an accident.

Types of Commercial Liability Insurance

Some of the most common types of commercial liability insurance include the following:

Business life insurance
Business property insurance
Business auto insurance
General Liability
Risk management

All businesses, regardless of size, number of employees, or industry, should have general liability insurance. Your policy should cover medical, legal, and damages. In the event of an accident of any type, your insurance should help you to cover any costs incurred, so that your business can continue to run smoothly.

Limitations of Liability Insurance

It’s important to discuss all possible needs with your insurance professional. Knowing what is covered , and what is not, is crucial.

From the get-go, one smart move is to seek an experienced professional who has worked in your specific industry. Understanding the many potential needs will depend on their expertise. You should work together to determine any “what ifs” that may occur, and be sure you have protection in various situations.

Find Coverage Today

Commercial liability insurance is one of the most essential purchases for your business. Big or small, online or brick-and-mortar, all companies should be protected with quality insurance policies.

If you are ready to hear a no-obligation, no-risk quote on policies to cover your business, reach out today. We can bring you figures to compare, coverage options that can secure your business, and policies that protect your hard work.

Schedule a meeting online or by calling us at 570-345-3366.

Preparing for Severe Summer Weather in Minnesota

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 16:21:00 GMT

Minnesota experiences most of its severe storm events in April-August every year, with some of these storms producing hail, heavy winds, and/or tornados, often resulting in home and property damage. Look at these 1980-2024 charts and stats from NOAA for more details on the severity.

For homeowners, being prepared is crucial for the safety of you and your loved ones and minimizing financial impact. Let’s review some crucial tips to ensure you’re well-prepared for severe summer weather. We’ll also go over the insurance implications if you experience damage to the exterior of your house, especially your roof.

How to Prepare for Summer Storms in Minnesota

Living in Minnesota means that severe weather is a part of life. But we can’t live in fear – here are some essential steps you can take before, during, and after a storm!

Before a Severe Storm

Create a Family Emergency Plan: Identify safe locations within your home, such as basements or interior rooms away from windows and doors. Make sure all family members are aware of this plan and have practiced it. Make sure you also practice bringing your pets into these safe spaces.
Assemble an Emergency Kit: Your kit should include essentials such as a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, phone chargers, and non-perishable food and water. These items can be lifesavers during an emergency. The Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department prepared this handy printable guide with items to include.

Secure Your Property: Keep your home prepared for summer storms by trimming overhanging branches, clearing gutters, and securing outdoor furniture. Installing steel doors and storm shutters can also provide added protection.

Review and Update Insurance Policies: Ensure your insurance coverage is up-to-date and understand what your policy includes and does not include. Some storms can lead to significant financial losses, and having proper coverage is essential.

During a Severe Storm

Seek Shelter: Take your loved ones to your identified safe spot in the basement or an interior room away from windows and doors. If you are driving, pull over when it is safe, ideally into a parking garage or other covered shelter.

Stay Informed: Keep your phone close by and charged for news updates. If you have a portable radio in your emergency kit, now is the time to use it.

Use Your Emergency Kit: Have your emergency kit handy and ensure everyone knows its location.

After a Severe Storm

Safety First: Once the storm has passed, ensure it is safe to exit your home. Look out for hazards like downed power lines or unstable structures.
Inspect and Document Damage: Conduct a thorough inspection of your property. Take photos and videos to document any damage, which will be crucial when filing an insurance claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Promptly contact your insurance company to report the damage and begin the claims process.

What Happens if You Experience Roof Damage?

Roof damage is a common consequence of severe storms. In years past, a single storm event could result in a whole new for many homeowners. However, in light of many recent changes in our state’s insurance system , Minnesota homeowners need to know what has changed and how that could impact them.

Insurance Payouts for Roof Damage

Insurance companies have started shifting from offering full replacement cost to Actual Cash Value (ACV) for roof damage. This means that your policy might only cover the depreciated value of your roof, not its full replacement cost. For example, if your roof needs repair and the total cost is $10,000, your insurance might only cover $5,000-$7,000, leaving you to cover the rest.

Factors Influencing Your Coverage

The age of your roof will impact your coverage. Older roofs may not be fully covered. Insurance companies often provide full replacement value only for newer roofs (typically 5-10 years old). If you have an older roof, now may be the time to invest in a new one to ensure better coverage.

Another factor to keep in mind is whether or not the damage is purely cosmetic. Many policies now exclude coverage for cosmetic damages unless they impair the roof’s function.

Planning for Roof Replacement

The best-case scenario is that you’ll never experience significant damage. The second best-case scenario is that your insurance policy will cover all your damage. But it’s financially prudent to prepare for the worst-case scenario, which is experiencing damage without having full replacement insurance coverage.

That’s why I recommend that if you cannot afford to replace your roof, start saving now. The likelihood of experiencing storm damage in Minnesota is high, and setting aside funds can prevent financial strain when repairs are needed. Establishing a dedicated savings account and contributing regularly, even in small amounts, can help you prepare for potential out-of-pocket expenses. My wife and her team at Gretchen Rehm Financial have put together this helpful resource for building an emergency savings fund: How to Build an Emergency Fund.

Preparation is Key

Preparing for severe summer storms will minimize their impact on your family. You can protect your home and finances by following these steps and understanding your insurance implications.

If you have any questions or need personalized assistance with your insurance policies, contact Rehm Insurance. Our independent agents are here to help you navigate these complexities and find the best coverage options for your needs. Call us today at (507) 345-3366.

Stay safe and be prepared. Your home’s defense against summer storms starts with you.

My Adventures with Fly Fishing

Tue, 21 May 2024 14:58:00 GMT

Life flies by so quickly, especially when you’re raising a family. It’s important to find outlets for enjoying time on your own and with people you care about. I believe there are always new opportunities for adding fun to our lives.

Take my latest personal adventure, for example: Fly fishing!

A Pal, A Pole, and Paradise

A friend recently asked me to join him on a fishing trip. Did you know that Minnesota boasts plenty of spots that are ideal for fly fishing?

I learned that there are more than 700 miles of natural cold streams in Southern Minnesota. They are filled with brown, brook, and rainbow trout. While I learned the difference between a false cast and a cast, what a fly rod is, and where a tippet belongs in this process, I also got to take in the wonders of nature. The cool, rippling waters were brisk. The sounds of still-bare trees clapped their branches in the wind. The fresh air filled my lungs. It was a lot to take in and appreciate.

Much to my own disbelief, this adventure even garnered us a few catches! It was an exciting and invigorating experience. Needless to say, I enjoyed my day out.

Grab a Guide

There are plenty of options to enjoy the nature that surrounds us in Southern Minnesota. But, a hobby like fly fishing takes some instruction. If you are heading out for your first adventure, I’d suggest taking along a guide.

I went with Mike Toft of White Water Guiding . He promises: “Catching more trout and learning the tools and techniques that will translate into you becoming a better angler!” I highly recommend Mike as your guide!

One Orvis-Endorsed Guide comes in the form of an organization called Minnesota Fly Fishing . Offering half- and full-day, guided trips, these guides are CPR- and first aid-certified. Based in Preston, MN, this organization has been teaching newbies the ropes for over 10 years.

The Drift offers similar adventures, focusing on areas between 60- and 90 minutes from the Twin Cities. “Fish the Driftless” guided trips can also be full- or half-days that offer an exploration of the Northwestern portions of the Wisconsin Driftless Region. These folks even bring along all of the equipment you’ll need to try your hand at re-enacting “A River Runs Through It.”

A License to Love It

Most states, including both Minnesota and Wisconsin, require fishers to have a license. You can find out more about this license by visiting this site . Those under the age of 16 or over the age of 90 won’t be required to have one. But minors trying their hand at fishing must have a licensed adult with them at all times. Fishing residents must also carry their licenses with them.

I can’t say I’m the world’s best fly fishing pro, as this was truly my first time trying it out, but I can say that I truly enjoyed myself. From taking in the surroundings to holding my first “trophy” catch (no, I can’t say I’ll be mounting it to the wall anytime soon), I had a wonderful time. I hope you can take some time, soon, to do the same.

Giving the Gift of Time: How to Volunteer Around Mankato

Wed, 08 May 2024 15:59:00 GMT

One of the best parts of my job is helping others. I really enjoy getting to know a client and their business or family, and finding out their specific needs, hopes, dreams, and goals. I also enjoy being able to help my community – and not just in terms of insurance.

How do you give back? Volunteer work can be very rewarding and fulfilling, not to mention it assists countless people across the region. Studies even show that your overall health can improve by volunteering, including a better mental health outlook.

There are plenty of ways to give back; even for those of us who have very busy schedules. Here are a variety of ways you can donate your time and talents in Southern Minnesota.

Give the Gift of Food

According to Feeding America , one in 11 Minnesota children faces hunger. Here are some places to donate food, funds, or time:

Please review each location’s individual policies online (linked above) about donations or specific needs, before dropping off donations.

Help a Four-Legged Friend

Do you enjoy spending time with animals? There are options right here in and around Mankato for that, too! Check out opportunities at these great organizations:

Mending Spirits
BENCHS (The Humane Society)
Minnesota Animal Services Alliance

You can do things like walk dogs, clean cages, donate items needed (blankets, food, and supplies), and more. There are lots of ways you can volunteer for our community’s animal-focused nonprofits!

Work With Area Youth

If you’d like to give your time to the youth of Minnesota, there are plenty of local organizations that offer mentorship programs, sports coaching, or assistance for children of all ages. Check out some of these local organizations that are seeking a helping hand with our younger Minnesotans.

Mankato Family YMCA
The Boys and Girls Club of Rochester
The Greater Mankato Area United Way

Care for Our Environment

There are ways to give your time, money, or efforts simply for nature, too! Try these options out:

Adopt-a-Creek
Adopt-a-Park
Adopt-a-Flower Bed
Adopt-a-Planter

All nature-based “adoptions” are operated through the City of Mankato. Find out more about the programs online here or call 507-387-8600.

Plenty of Volunteering Options

There is an endless list of needs in our area. Personally, I enjoy giving my time to youth hockey in St. Peter. I also enjoy my work as a member of the Greater Mankato Growth , which always offers a number of opportunities to lend a helping hand .

Community Charities of Minnesota connects organizations with fundraising opportunities, including everything from golf outings to hunts. Habitat for Humanity Mankato brings together volunteers year-round with both its “ReStore” and planned builds. The organization offers a robust calendar on its website. Finally, Vine, Faith in Action helps area seniors with everything from Bingo Nights to Meals on Wheels.

The opportunities are plenty, and the need is strong. How will you give back to our community?

Insurance for Digital Nomads: What You Need to Know Before You Travel

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:30:00 GMT

Becoming a traveling worker might be the job of your dreams. But, before you hit the road to tour the country while working from your laptop, it is important to consider insurance needs for your trek.

What Is a Digital Nomad?

You’ve probably seen them on social media. As you scroll through videos, there are all types of people, of all ages and backgrounds, traveling the country or even the world while they work from their computers. One term used to describe these people is “digital nomads,” meaning one who would work from “home” – but home can be nearly anywhere.

There are plenty of attractions to this lifestyle, since you may have fewer financial obligations (think no property taxes) and are seeing new sights all the time. But, even working remotely means you need to weigh your insurance options.

What Insurance Does a Digital Nomad Need?

Whether you are a family, homeschooling from the RV, or a single working professional saving your pennies as you freelance, there are still coverage plans you will want to consider. Even with fewer assets and no “home,” there are investments worth protecting, including you!

Business Personal Property Insurance

The most important piece of advice is to check into “business personal property” vs. “personal property” insurance for your belongings. Many homeowner’s policies will not cover damage to electronics that are ruined outside the home, so make sure you expand your coverage. As a remote worker, your laptop is your means to your income, so make sure your insurance includes an “inland marine policy.”

This type of insurance also extends to office workers who frequently work from the road, such as contractors and salespeople.

Auto Insurance

Depending on your method of travel, you should ensure that your transportation is protected. If you live in your car, tiny house on wheels, or even a recreational vehicle (RV), you may not qualify for traditional “homeowners” policies, but you do want to protect what you’re driving (and yourself) with an auto insurance policy.

Travel Insurance

You can also invest in travel insurance policies. These packages often are purchased by the trip, but you can also find some that will cover your needs for longer periods of time.

Typically, travel insurance will help you in the event of travel plans changing. From illness to changes in plans, emergencies happen – even for digital nomads. This means you want to be covered for your expenditures, such as pricey flights or hotel stays.

International travelers especially may want to insure their travel. Not only can your own life’s unexpected changes alter your plans, but traveling to other countries can mean facing things like civil unrest, war, pandemics, and other travel warnings that may postpone or cancel your nomadic trek!

Renters’ Insurance

While you might lack a traditional home, your belongings are still important to you. Living in a traveling unit (camper, trailer, RV, car, etc.) might reduce you to the bare necessities, but that means that your minimal assets mean all the more to you, having a value beyond their price tags.

Depending on your method of travel, or the unit that you utilize for living, you may qualify for renters’ insurance policies.

Life Insurance

Whether you are traveling solo as a young professional, or even a retired couple working part-time as they travel, nearly everyone on the planet needs life insurance of some sort. I can’t think of a person I wouldn’t recommend a policy to, from the very tiniest of newborns to the oldest seniors on earth, there is always a need to be sure your life is covered.

I know plenty of young travelers who think that life insurance isn’t necessary. They are on their own and a loss of life is the furthest thing from their mind. But no matter when or how you pass from this life, there is a cost involved in carrying out your final wishes. From funerals and celebrations of life to burial or cremation, there are price tags involved with life’s final selections. A life insurance policy can help you cover any outstanding responsibilities, and ensure that your family isn’t left with debt due to your lack of preparation.

Do I Need an Address For Insurance?

As you might imagine, the nomadic lifestyle can have some consequences. For one, how do you get snail mail? Thanks to today’s technology, so much of our world is handled digitally. Everything from your bills and statements to your beneficiaries and policy details can often be done online, from an app or a website.

Alternatively, some digital nomads opt to have a post office box at a central location they frequent back to from time to time. While you might not have much of a need for snail mail, this can give you a physical address to receive mail.

How Can I Find Unique Insurers for Digital Nomads?

As always, no matter where you are from or where you are headed, I am happy to lend a helping hand in searching for those perfect policies for you. As an independent insurance sales business, I have the flexibility to search far and wide for unique policies that fit your individual needs.

When it comes to the digital nomad, your needs may look a bit different than the traditional brick-and-mortar homeowner. But, that doesn’t mean there aren’t policies that make sense for you!

For more information on the best policies for digital nomads, feel free to reach out via our website: https://www.rehmins.com/ . You can even make an appointment online for a consultation to review your unique needs!

Homeowners Insurance Rates are Rising: What Can You Do?

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:53:00 GMT

We already know that higher homeowners insurance premiums (and out-of-pocket expenses, if you file a claim) are a reality for Minnesotans. Here are the reasons why homeowners insurance is getting more expensive in Minnesota , which include inflation, more weather events that lead to claims, and insurance company losses.

As a result, insurance companies are making changes that affect the coverage homeowners can receive, such as:

Actual cash value payouts (instead of replacement cost)*
Deductible minimums starting at $5,000
Exclusions for “cosmetic” damages**
Tightened restrictions on full roof replacements
Matching exclusions, which means your carrier is not obligated to match non-damaged materials when replacing damaged materials.

*What is “Actual Cash Value” vs. “Replacement Cost” for Damaged Roofs?

Understand that when it comes to your roof, insurance payouts have largely changed from a replacement cos t to an actual cash value . What does this mean? Well, if your policy indicates ACV instead of replacement cost, this means your insurance company will only pay the depreciated value of the roof, not the full cost to replace it.

If you experience roof damage, your policy might only pay 50-70% of the actual cost of the repair, and the rest will be your responsibility.

**What is a “Cosmetic Damage Exclusion”?

Another way that insurance companies reduce their liability is through exclusions. One that affects many Minnesota homeowners, especially when we have hailstorms, is the “cosmetic damage exclusion.”

What is that? According to the American Adjuster Association , “Cosmetic damage exclusions usually apply to metal roofs but also siding, windows, and other exterior components. If the insurance carrier determines the damage is cosmetic, they don’t have to cover the repair costs. Unfortunately, this leaves the policyholder to pay out of pocket for repairs.”

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Unfortunately, there isn’t much that homeowners or insurance agents can do to change these facts! But it IS possible to mitigate the effects that these rising costs have on your monthly budget.

Build an Emergency Fund to Cover Out-of-Pocket Costs

Under these new home insurance policies, with all their new exclusions and restrictions, homeowners who must file a claim are faced with out-of-pocket expenses that are two to four times more than they were before. In addition, larger deductibles mean that you need to have more cash on hand to pay the bills.

In my estimation, homeowners should have at least $20,000 readily available as an emergency fund.

Gretchen Rehm, LUTCF®, is the Agency Owner and Investment Adviser Representative at Gretchen Rehm Financial. She has the following advice for families trying to build an emergency fund.

Set aside a separate bank account for savings. This makes it easier to track how much you have set aside and lessens the temptation to view that money as “available” to you.
Try to find small amounts each month that you can dedicate to the emergency fund. Perhaps the electric bill is down this month. Consider adding that difference to the fund. Maybe you can cut back on one or two streaming services that you don’t use very often. Take those small amounts and put them into your savings account, every month.
Another way to accomplish this is through direct deposit. Many employers allow you to designate your paycheck to different accounts. If you can’t do this automatically with your employer, you can set up an auto-transfer through your online banking. Out of sight, out of mind!
Pick up a side hustle. If you’re a teacher, the website “Teachers Pay Teachers” allows educators to sell their lesson resources for profit. You can also join an app like Uber or Lyft, teach an online course in the evenings, or sell items around the house (and then find deals to flip). All of these side hustles have the potential to help you build your emergency fund to a comfortable level.

Read more on this topic.

Adjust Your Monthly Budget

The next thing you can do is budget your income to account for the additional expenses that you might face in the future. You will need the extra funds for higher premiums, higher deductibles, and building up your emergency fund for out-of-pocket expenses that might accompany your claims.

Gretchen Rehm has this practical advice for putting together a sustainable household budget:

Be Realistic: The first rule of budgeting is to be realistic. Try setting aside $50 a paycheck to start, and slowly increasing over time. In order to find a budget that works for you and your household, it is important to set goals that you can achieve, then increase over time.

Bring the Family Together: Be sure all members of the family are involved with budgeting and are committed to keeping it. Yes, even include the kids! Learning about finances early in life can help your kids be more prepared for their own household budgets. Including all family members can help you also stick to the plan, together. It shouldn’t be a task assigned to only one person. Instead, working together as a family team, you can help each other stay focused on your financial goals.

Follow the 20/30/50 Rule: If you aren’t sure where to even begin with planning out a family budget, consider the 20/30/50 rule. Here’s how it works:

- Determine the amount of funds you bring home (your net income) after taxes. Half of that figure should go each month to the things you MUST have, such as the rent or mortgage, utilities, food, debt, etc. With the other half, split it 30/20.
- Thirty percent of the income should go to WANTS, including dining out, entertainment, streaming services, or fun outings. In theory, these are bills that, should you have a difficult month, you could live without.
- Lastly, the final 20 percent of the income should go toward savings. This can be an emergency savings (aim to have three to six months of savings reserved for emergencies) for unforeseen incidents.

Read more on this topic.

Reach Out to Discuss Options

While not everyone is eligible for a rewritten homeowners insurance policy, it doesn’t hurt to have me check for you. Reach out to my office to talk about your options for a different policy, what your current policy does/doesn’t cover, and other ideas for saving money in your insurance budget.

The Advantages of Bundling Insurance Policies

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:15:00 GMT

It feels like every facet of our lives needs insurance! From our lives as a whole ( life insurance ) to our vehicles , homes , belongings , boats , and beyond, there are so many products on today’s market that can help protect you, your family, and what you care about.

But is better to find separate companies or agents for each insurance that you need? Or is it OK to bundle them all together?

What is bundling insurance, and why might it help you? Let’s explore this topic!

What is Insurance Bundling?

While it is sometimes called “consolidation,” bundling simply means just that: To bring together your various insurance policies under the same “umbrella.” This means having them all under the same agency or the same overarching company.

In today’s economy, as prices for nearly any type of insurance are on the rise , understanding the concept of bundling can help to save on your bottom line, provide you with more comprehensive coverage, and overall benefit you in a number of ways, such as ease of use and simplification of contacts.

Understanding Insurance Policy Consolidation

Insurance policy consolidation (or “bundling”) means bringing those policies under the same company or agency. For example, if you have Life Insurance with Company A and Auto Insurance with Company B and a homeowners’ policy with Company C, bundling would be bringing all three policies, life, auto, and home, under just one company, where all policies would be covered by the same organization.

Well beyond the potential savings on premiums, which we will explore next, the idea of bundling your policies can help you in a few ways.

First, it eases the burden of contact. You would no longer need an office number for your auto, another for your life policy, and a third for your home. Instead, it would be simpler to have all policies with a single phone number, name, email, etc. that you have to save. You’ll always know who to reach in the event of any insurance problem.
Second, because these bundling opportunities often can save on the overall monthly premiums, you can afford more coverage at better rates. This means you may be able to add features you’ve lacked in the past (for example, rental car coverage in the event of your car being damaged in an accident, or accommodation coverage if major repairs to your home require you to live elsewhere). Some added benefits you may have previously thought out-of-reach or too expensive may become realistic because you bundled your policies.

The Financial Benefits of Bundling Insurance in Minnesota

One of the most common reasons for bundling is, of course, that it saves you money. Many companies offer discounts on policies based on the number of insurances you have with them. For a hypothetical example, a company may say if you have one policy with us, you pay a full rate. But if you have two policies, you save five percent on each policy. If you have three policies with them, they offer 10 percent off of each, and so on. This means that the more you bundle, in many cases, the more you can save.

These reductions to monthly rates can really add up! While a few percent doesn’t sound like much on its own, it is certainly a savings. And, once you have a few under the same organization, they really can make a financially noticeable impact on your budget.

Overall, bundling not only saves you financially, but saves you in other ways:

Less stress managing multiple policies in multiple spaces
Fewer bills, meaning less chance of being “late” on any payments
Streamlined service to ease the hassle for you
Reduced number of contacts required to maintain your policies

How to Begin the Process of Consolidating Insurance Policies in Minnesota

The first step to consolidating your policies is simple: Begin with finding an agent or agency that you can trust. Finding a person you enjoy working with, who is familiar with your community, and has the time and patience to understand all aspects of your needs is immensely helpful. Those who take the time to hear your full story, review all potential policy needs, and ensure your worries are accounted for in each policy will go the extra mile to be sure you are not only well covered but also paying the best rates possible.

Once you’ve found an agency or agent you can trust, it is ideal to start with an overall evaluation. Here, you can show them the policies and rates you currently have. You can review your needs, and discuss the benefits of bundling services.

The best way to consolidate is often to find an independent sales office, such as mine. As I am not tied to a particular company, I am able to review policies from all over to find you not only the best savings per month but the best coverage for all aspects of your needs.

For more information on getting your savings started, visit my website at https://www.rehmins.com/ . There you can schedule a consultation, where we can discuss your unique needs, or you can simply request a no-obligation quote.

How Life Insurance Policies Can Benefit Your Business

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:04:00 GMT

You’ve worked hard to create the business you own today. I’m willing to bet that if something happened to you, you don’t want all this effort to go to waste. Your business is part of your legacy, and you want to be sure it is handled in the way you see fit!

Life insurance policies can benefit your business in a number of ways. Let’s talk about some of your options!

If your business relies heavily on you as a prime resource, consider Key Person Insurance. Key Person Insurance is purchased by the company. The company pays the premiums, and the company will be the named beneficiary of the policy.

Key Person Insurance is useful when the success or failure of a business is heavily reliant on one person. If that person dies unexpectedly, the policy’s payout can help cover business losses suffered.

Ensuring Smooth Business Succession with Buy-Sell Agreements

A Buy-Sell Agreement – sometimes called a Business Will or Buyout Agreement – is a legally binding document that outlines the intended purposes of a partner’s share of a business upon that partner’s death. In the process of creating the Buy-Sell Agreement, the overall value of the business must be established.

In many cases, the Buy-Sell Agreement stipulates that the other business partner(s) buy out the shares of the deceased. In these situations, life insurance policies are used to fund this buyout so that the partners don’t experience unexpected financial hardship. This also helps avoid costly legal battles or the heirs of the person’s estate arguing about what happens next.

If the business is owned by a sole proprietor, the Buy-Sell Agreement may name someone within the business who is to buy out the estate.

These agreements typically allow for one of two arrangements: a Cross-Purchase Agreement (partners buy out the deceased) or a Redemption Agreement. In a redemption agreement, the business entity would buy the interests of the selling (or deceased) owner. Some policies combine the two options, splitting predetermined amounts of the partners’ shares into a set split, with some to be purchased by the other partners and some to be purchased back by the business.

Whatever the preference, these agreements, when coupled with life insurance policies, enable the company (or its partners) to purchase back the shares by helping to fund that purchase.

Understanding the Tax Implications and Advantages of Company-Owned Life Insurance (COLI)

Much like a Key Person policy, the Company-Owned Life Insurance policy is one taken out by the business, as a business expense, on an employee. The business is the beneficiary. The idea is that the proceeds from the policy, in the event of the death of said employee, would be used to replace that employee.

Sometimes abbreviated as a “COLI” policy, these life insurances are to ensure that costs the company may incur to replace the named employee are covered. Because some companies used COLI policies as a tax loophole, the COLI policies now are required to meet certain criteria to qualify as non-taxable funds.

The Assistance You Deserve

If some of these concepts have you scratching your head, or if you simply need help making some of the difficult decisions that accompany these purchases, it is always best to seek an experienced and knowledgeable agent.

Please know you can call my office at any time to make an appointment. As an independent agent, I can shop around for you and help provide some options for your business.

Why Homeowners Insurance in Minnesota is Getting More Expensive

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 15:33:00 GMT

You’re not alone if you’ve noticed that your homeowners’ insurance premiums are going up. The national home insurance industry is going through big changes, which have come with hikes in insurance rates.

As rates continue to increase (some people are seeing 30-50% increases), your options for carriers are also decreasing. In Minnesota, it is becoming harder and harder to place new businesses or remarket accounts due to new underwriting guidelines that are restricting new business and reducing coverages. New underwriting guidelines also restrict new businesses from entering the industry, which can make finding a quality policy even more difficult. The same is also happening in some auto insurance situations, too.

Other changes we’re seeing are mandatory wind/hail deductibles of $2500 and $5000, cosmetic damage exclusions, Actual Cash Value roof settlements, matching exclusions, and more.

So what exactly is going on? What are your options moving forward? Let’s break it down.

Why Are Insurance Rates So High?

First, it’s important to understand that the weather is partly to blame for the increased costs of home insurance policies, including in Minnesota. For example, both wind and hail claims have been increasing massively, throwing the “usual” system out of whack.

This is going hand-in-hand with large increases in inflation, which has driven up the cost of materials and labor.

At the same time, insurance companies have been consistently reporting large losses. In the last few years alone, they have had to tighten their belts to keep loss ratios down, per industry regulations. To do this, one of the only levers they have to pull is the size of home insurance premiums.

No one wants a budget in the negative, and that goes double for large companies! To prevent bankruptcy, these homeowner insurance companies are increasing their rates to cover the differences. If you are a homeowner in Minnesota, I can pretty much guarantee that your rates are going to go up, no matter who your insurance agent is.

Each state has its own regulations when it comes to the rules of the industry. In Minnesota, the companies are feeling restrained to keep both reserves and ratios in line.

How Are Insurance Companies Slashing Benefits?

In addition to raising rates, homeowner insurance policyholders are seeing some other changes. These are ways the insurance companies are trying to keep their books in the black. Extra costs may pop up, even if you don’t change companies, as you may notice plans or details you previously had included may no longer exist.

When your policy comes up for renewal, keep an eye on the following changes that your insurance company likely will have made:

Actual cash value payouts (instead of replacement cost)
Deductible minimums starting at $5,000
Exclusions for “cosmetic” damages
- For example, metal roofs/casings need to be “functionally impaired” to be covered
Tightened restrictions on full roof replacements
Matching exclusions, which means your carrier is not obligated to match non-damaged materials when replacing damaged materials.

In short, your homeowner’s insurance company is trying to reduce the number of claims they receive or have to pay out on.

Roof Damage Claims: Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost

One of the biggest reductions in benefits that you’ll see is that payouts have changed from a replacement cost to an actual cash value when it comes to roof damage . This means that the policy will only pay the depreciated value of the roof, not the full cost to replace it.

If you experience roof damage, your policy might only pay 50-70% of the actual cost of the repair, and the rest will be your responsibility.

Can You Maintain Your Current Coverage & Rates?

To be blunt, no.

Not everyone is eligible for a rewritten homeowners insurance policy. This means you may have to stay with your current company and policy. In order to be eligible, you would probably have to have had zero claims in the last five years, including NO weather-related claims!

Benefits of Calling Rehm Insurance

There’s one bright spot in all of this! Unlike many insurance sales professionals, I am an independent agent. This means I am not tied to one single insurance company, and instead can peruse all available policies that may be open to you. I will find the absolute best price that I can, and I am more than happy to comb through your policy details to tell you exactly what is (and isn’t) covered, both now and in the case of your renewal.

If you’re trying to save money in other areas, to make up for increased homeowners insurance rates, I can also take a look at the other types of policies you may have. Perhaps we can find better savings on your auto, life, or supplemental policies! To make up for the rising costs of homeowners’ insurance, it is sometimes best to seek savings elsewhere to put toward these rising costs.

No matter how you spin it, I will absolutely do my very best for you. Call (507) 304-7017 or book an appointment online to see what I can do for you!

“Insure Your Love” – With Life Insurance!

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 12:23:00 GMT

Flowers are beautiful, but they’ll be gone in a week. Chocolates are delicious, but if you have kids, you won’t see them by tomorrow!

Valentine’s Day is all about love, so why not add something to your gift list that will have a lasting impact? A life insurance policy can be a great way to show your loved ones how much you care.

Why Buy Life Insurance?

The purpose of a life insurance policy is to pay for necessary funeral costs, leave a legacy, and/or financially support those left behind when you are gone. It is truly an act of love because you are not really purchasing it for YOU as much as those that you care about and want to protect, even after your death.

If you love someone, it is smart to have an insurance policy to assist them in the event of your death and/or theirs. And though it is really a gift to others, having a policy is a great way to give yourself peace of mind! It’s important for families and single people alike.

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

While the answer to this question varies from person to person, how to determine the number does not. You will need to assess the financial gap you will leave behind as well as the legacy you would like to impart. Think about the income you contribute to the household, the charities you actively support, your children’s future education plans, etc. Think about the costs of your funeral, burial, and/or cremation.

The idea is to leave your family comfortable, living as they would have with your financial contributions, even when you are no longer able to provide for them. You also want to ensure that they’re not relying on crowd-funding sites to cover your funeral costs in the event of your accidental death.

Learn more about how to qualify for life insurance, here.

Types of Life Insurance

You’ve likely heard there is more than one type of life insurance. Typically, you can receive a quote for one of two kinds: Term Life and Whole Life. As the names might imply, these two different types of policies differ in approach.

A term life insurance policy will cover you (or the loved one you purchase the policy for) up until a specific age. Take “Term-80” policies. These policies will pay out to your beneficiaries assuming you pass prior to the age of 80. These term policies do not typically accumulate value; instead, a small monthly premium is paid for the coverage, and a predetermined amount of benefits will be paid if your death is prior to the age limit.

A whole life insurance policy, as you may guess, means that it covers you for your whole life, no matter what age you pass. This policy can sometimes be one that continues to grow in value (has a payout value that may even be cashed out prior to your death in case of emergencies) as you continue to pay your rates. These policies last longer, but may cost more in monthly premiums, depending on the chosen aspects of the policy.

Which Life Insurance Is Best For Me?

If you aren’t sure which policy really fits your needs, it is best to reach out to an experienced professional. Call me anytime to set up a consultation to discuss your individual needs at 507-345-3366. You can also request a quote online at https://www.rehmins.com/ . We can discuss monthly premiums, payouts, beneficiaries, and what program may fit your needs best.

Life insurance isn’t just to cover your own life, but the lives of others. You are protecting the financial futures of those you love. From your own children, to your life partner, it is smart to show your love and care by purchasing a policy to cover those close to you!

Essential Insurance Needs for College Students

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:32:00 GMT

As a parent, you’ll probably feel pretty great when it is time for your child to head off to college or out into the workforce after graduating high school. You’ve gotten them through those first 18 years, and now it is time for them to spread their wings and fly!

Of course, a parent’s work is never over, and your adult children will continue to rely on you for so many things… from holiday visits and oversized loads of laundry to thousands of questions they’ll have living on their own for the first time. One thing you can’t forget about quite yet is their insurance needs.

So, which policies make the most sense for your college-aged son or daughter? Let’s break down the options.

Health Insurance for Your College Student

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, young adults can remain on their parents’ health insurance policies through the age of 26! While at 18 they are considered legal adults in the United States, no one waves a magic wand, making them somehow automatically prepared to deal with things like their own insurance. Instead, this legal action allowed parents to continue to host their college-aged children on their policies.

Car Insurance After Graduating High School

Assuming your child drives, he or she will also need car insurance. Even if your child attends college and does not plan to have a vehicle on campus the first year, it is best to keep them insured if they need to drive another’s car or yours/their own when home on breaks.

It is legally required for any driver to be insured, but depending on the frequency of their driving, you may be able to reduce a college student down to a minimal plan. Call your agent for advice.

Renters’ Insurance for College Students

If your adult child has their own apartment, it may be time to consider a renters’ insurance policy. They probably have expensive furniture, electronics, and other items of worth, that should be insured. You’d be surprised how much those clothes, shoes, and the “ yes, mom, I do need this at college” items really can add up to in value! To be protected, your college student should have their own renters’ insurance policy.

Life Insurance Policies for Your Children

It is never something we want to think about as parents, but it is a smart move to also have a life insurance policy for each of your children. And, that should not just begin at college age. Instead, from birth, it is wise to have coverage for each of your kids.

Anything can happen at any time, and the cost of funeral expenses is certainly not something you want to be figuring out at that horrific time. Give yourself peace of mind with a policy on each child, should the very worst happen. Finances will be the last thing on your mind.

Have Questions?

As with any advice in the world of insurance, I always like to recommend that you run your unique and individual circumstances by a professional. There may be circumstances you aren’t thinking about right now. After all, you’re going to be busy packing up this young adult and preparing him for college classes!

If you’d like to discuss your family members’ needs, please feel free to reach out at any time and schedule an appointment.

Do You Need Insurance for a Home-Based Business?

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:16:00 GMT

When it comes to running your own business, you should always make sure you’re covered by liability insurance – even if you work out of your home!

Let’s explore the options for a home-based business owner and cover which insurance policies may be the best options for you.

The ‘Business Owner’s Policy’ (BOP)

Nearly all business owners should have what is known as a “BOP” or business owner’s policy. This can be a great option for a home-based business, as it does often cover the property. Be sure to ask your agent that’s the case.

The BOP typically also covers interruptions in business, continuation insurance, and liability policies. However, these types of policies often do not cover things like professional liabilities, so depending on the nature of your business, additional policies may be necessary.

What About My Homeowners’ Policy?

A basic homeowners’ policy may help when it comes to your home-based business. For example, you may have a limit already written into your policy that allows you to claim a set amount of damages. For example, your homeowners’ policy may cover your electronic equipment or furniture, but also may come with a limit of $1,500. If your home office were to burn down or be destroyed in a storm, it is likely that that small amount would not go very far.

Adding an “In-Home Business Policy” can be a smart compilation to go along with a homeowners’ policy to be sure you are covered for all business expenses, too.

Tips for a Lower Premium

Oftentimes, it is wise to start your home-based business with a basic BOP policy, adding necessary complementary policies as you grow. However, other options will protect your home and business and also lower your monthly premiums, no matter the policy you purchase.

Many policies will discount rates for taking precautionary measures, such as:

Installing fire alarms and extinguishers
Adding security alarms or cameras
Have a safe for any valuables, especially cash
Ensure a safe working environment (check wiring, trip hazards, etc.)
Only allow those with clean driving records to operate company vehicles

Review your options with your trusted insurance agent!

Seek a Helping Hand

Ultimately, no two businesses are exactly the same. Even home-based businesses can vary from owner to owner. What your precise needs are may not be the same as the home business next door.

In order to truly be sure you are properly covered, it is best to go over these topics with a seasone, independent agent. I know the realities of owning your own business. My office is an independent sales location, meaning I am able to shop countless policy options to find the best fit for your unique needs.

Allowing my experience to help you stay protected just makes sense. You’ll have plenty of duties as a business owner, and you’ll want to be sure that hard work remains safe with sensible and encompassing insurance policies at rates that won’t hurt your bottom line.

To review your home-based business needs, reach out to my office or request a quote right from my website.

Fun Activities for a Snowy Day in Minnesota

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:58:00 GMT

No matter the weather, yes even on the cold and snowy days, there is something awesome to do in Southern Minnesota.

Over the holiday break, chances are high that you will have opportunities to connect with friends and family. Why not create some amazing memories and enjoy everything our state has to offer?

Enjoy the Great Minnesota Outdoors

There are so many fun activities to do in our great state, and chilly winters are no different. Living in the “Land of 10,000” lakes, it is not hard to imagine that even in the winter, our communities have much to offer in terms of fun times!

There are endless chances this winter to take in some great outdoor activities, including:

Skiing
Ice fishing
Sledding or tubing
Ice skating
Snowshoeing
Snowmobiling
Hockey

Did you know you can even go ice climbing in our area? Winona’s Ice Park is new for 2023, and boasts over 100 climbing routes (making it the second biggest ice park in the country!).

If that isn’t wild enough, there are 7.5 miles of trails to go Fat Tire Biking in the Richard J. Dorer State Park . The park offers trails specific to the fat-tire bike sport, which means you won’t have to deal with snowmobile or ski trails and their ruts (and they won’t have to face yours either).

Stay Toasty Warm Indoors

Even with the temptation of hot cocoa after the fun, some days you just want to find some entertainment indoors. No problem, since there is still plenty to do in Southern Minnesota without leaving home.

If you have some time over break and are looking for some fun, you could consider these crowd pleasers:

Build a fort of blankets and pillows with your kids
Plan a movie day and let each family member pick a title
Create a “make-your-own-dessert” bar with fun toppings and treats
Bring the kids into the kitchen to learn a family recipe
Schedule a board game night

If heading outside, at least to quickly run to the car and back, seems acceptable, there are also a lot of fun indoor activities in our Southern Minnesota communities. Any winter breaker can enjoy outings such as:

Hit the movie theater
Dine out at a new place you’ve never tried
Roller skating
Bowling
Museum / Art gallery
Sporting event

If you are looking for an outing that’s a bit more unique, why not let the kids get some energy out at Austin’s Indoor Stay and Play playground ? This space provides a climbing tree, tree house, swinging bridge, an underground tunnel, and slides; and it’s all indoors! Need we say more?

A trip up to Bloomington can get you some family fun time at an indoor waterpark, Great Wolf Lodge ! Or why not check out Old School Arcade in Rochester , which offers ax-throwing, pinball machines, and arcade games?

No matter what you choose to do on a cold winter day, I hope you enjoy it!

The Pros and Cons of High Deductible Health Insurance Plans

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 02:34:00 GMT

If you are seeking a new insurance plan, as many are this time of year during an open-enrollment period that typically ends at the end of the calendar year, you’ve likely seen the phrase “High Deductible Health Insurance Plans” or a “ High Deductible Health Plan ” (HDHP). These are plans that have many pros and cons, and like most insurance policies, will fit the specific needs of specific types of people.

Health insurance is never a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of these high-deductible plans.

Pros of High Deductible Health Plans

Many reasons may make an HDHP the right plan for you. Let’s explore what benefits such plans have.

Low Monthly Premiums

The biggest reason many select a high-deductible plan is due to the cost of monthly premiums. Deductibles are the amount of insurance you must pay, out-of-pocket before your plan kicks in for full coverage. In other words, you must spend a set amount on your own.

You are likely a good fit for an HDHP if you do not anticipate the need for much healthcare. Many younger, single individuals select these plans. Barring a major, emergency, they may decide they’re not likely to visit a healthcare service outside of an annual physical. They are likely not on many or any medications. They simply do not think they’ll need it much, and therefore don’t mind banking on little out-of-pocket cost to get a lower monthly premium.

Tax Benefits with a HSA

Most high deductible plans are compatible with Health Savings Accounts, known as “HSAs.” These savings accounts allow you to set aside funds, tax-free, to spend on healthcare needs. From over-the-counter medications to copays, many take advantage of the tax benefits these plans can offer, especially if you don’t expect to spend much on your healthcare needs.

Cons of High Deductible Health Plans

An HDHP is not the right product for everyone. There are some concerns, depending on your needs, that you should be aware of before purchasing.

High Out-of-Pocket Costs

As the name implies, those with an HDHP are subject to high deductibles. This may mean a large out-of-pocket cost until you reach your deductible. Often, minimums for such plans (meaning the amount may be much higher) are $1,500+ for individuals or $3,000+ for families. This means, that before insurance kicks in, you’d have to pay at least $1,500 (as an individual) for expenses before you have assistance.

One single emergency can cost thousands of dollars, and that can be a costly way to hit your deductible. While you may have a low monthly bill (premium), your coverage, should you need it, is going to be expensive.

Discourages Necessary Healthcare Use

Sometimes, when you know you have to pay a massive amount out-of-pocket, you may be discouraged to go to the doctor, even when it really is necessary. For example, many HDHP plans are ideal for a college student or recent graduate. They are younger and typically need less healthcare visits per year than their older counterparts.

These same-aged people might decide to put off doctor visits because of the cost. This can lead to dangerous symptoms escalating or treatable conditions not being caught in time. If you do opt for an HDHP, do not fear going to appointments when something is wrong. Your life or overall health may depend on it.

Find the ‘Fit’ For You!

No matter your situation, age, budget, or needs, there is a healthcare plan out there for you. However, it can be difficult to make that choice. You want to be sure you have enough coverage for your needs, but not overspend on monthly premiums. You don’t have to face thousands of dollars in debt because you didn’t select enough coverage. There are loads of pros and cons for all plans.

The best way to find the perfect fit is to work with a professional. I am happy to discuss your healthcare needs anytime, to be sure you are not over or under-paying for the appropriate plan. You can make an appointment with me right online .

Exploring Pet Insurance Options for Your Furry Friends

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:05:00 GMT

We all have insurance. We have different types of insurance for different needs. From your health insurance to car insurance, homeowners and renters insurance, and even our “toys” like boats, campers, and ATVs, we all have unique policies to fit our needs.

But, what about your four-legged friends? Our fur babies are important members of our family, but we don’t always think to be sure they’re insured just like our other relatives. (That is, until that massive vet bill comes, of course…)

Let’s explore your options when it comes to pet insurance to help you prepare for life’s unexpected ups and downs.

A Policy To Fit Your Pet’s Needs

Finding the right policy for your pet involves knowing the right features to ask. Generally, this boils down to considering your precise needs. There are a few questions to keep in mind when reviewing your options.

First, does your pet have a pre-existing condition? Often, plans will have to be tailored to your pup’s (or kitty’s) overall health. If your pet already has some health issues, you may find it harder to obtain a quality policy.

Understand Your Coverage

Different plans offer different features. Typically, pet insurance works a lot like human health insurance does. You will likely pay a monthly premium and then encounter co-pays depending on the procedure.

Each policy varies from organization to organization, so it is important to understand what it will cover (and more importantly perhaps, what it won’t). For example, many pet moms and dads want to know that annual or semi-annual check-ups are covered. Many policies only cover emergency care, extended illness, or accidents. If you want annual needs, such as vaccines, flea and tick medications, and preventative care to be covered be sure to ask if your potential policy will do so.

Each pet insurance policy may also include the phrase “curable” versus “incurable” diseases. Be sure you are clear on what these terms mean, and what precise definition your policy deems common illnesses. Limits, co-pays, and even premiums each month will vary depending on these terms, so it is smart to have a clear list.

Don’t Wait to Explore Options

As it is with most insurance policies, you need to consider your insurance needs AHEAD of actually needing to use them. Insurance choices can be tough, since in the end, you are really being asked to “guess” what your need will be.

Waiting for a pet to need ongoing medical care may be too late to find an insurance policy to cover him or her. Instead, search for a policy when you obtain your furry friend. By covering the pet from the get-go, you are more likely to find a company that will cover them for the long haul.

Check out this list from Forbes to help you explore reputable companies that offer pet insurance.

Not a Necessary Insurance

I will be honest with you – pet insurance is not always worthwhile. It’s good to look into your options, but unlike many other insurance policies that are absolutely necessary, pet insurance is optional. We don’t offer these policies at Rehm Insurance but feel free to reach out if you have questions on other types of insurance!

Health Insurance for the Self-Employed

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 21:39:00 GMT

Working for yourself has plenty of benefits. You get to be your own boss. You get to set your own goals, and chart a course to get there. The sky is the limit when it comes to your income potential.

One of the tough parts about being self-employed, however, is being a “jack of all trades.” You wear many hats and have plenty of responsibilities. You must be an expert in not only your designated trade or service, but also know how to handle things like taxes, payroll, business plans, scheduling, inventory … the list goes on and on.

And you also need to get your own health insurance.

Where Do I Find My Own Insurance?

After the Affordable Healthcare Act (sometimes called “Obama Care”), a national database was created to make the purchase of your own insurance possible. Minnesota is also one of the 17 states that have created its own health insurance marketplace. Found online at MSsure , self-employed residents of the state can peruse various health policies to find a fit for themselves and their families.

You can also reach out to your local insurance agent for help. Finding your own policy can be tricky, as there are MANY options. Each varies in price, coverage, co-pays, prescription costs, and more.

Federal Programs

Depending on your age, income, or military experience, there are also federal programs you can consider. Medicare is a program for United States residents over age 65. The cost of this coverage will depend on your past tax filings.

Medicaid is for those on limited income. Various programs are available, depending on your earnings, the number of members in your household, and needs.

Those who have served in the military may also have unique access to federal programs, such as TRICARE , which serves those on active duty, reserves, guard, retirees, as well as their families. Those who are veterans can also apply for Veterans’ Affairs benefits (VA).

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?

Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” insurance policy. Instead, your selection of plans will be based on many factors. Cost is largely determined by the size of your family. If you are a single individual looking to only insure yourself (unmarried, divorced, or your spouse has employee-provided insurance), the cost will be much lower.

However, if you have a spouse, children, or other dependents that also must be covered under the policy, rates will be higher. For example, the average individual health insurance policy is $385 to $456 per month. A family policy, assuming you have two children, can range from $1,263 to $1,458 every month.

Another factor is age. As we age, it is no surprise that we need more medical care. The cost of health insurance policies tends to increase as we age.

What Options Do I Pick?

From deductibles to co-pays, from flexible spending accounts (FSA) to Plans A, B, C, and D, the world of health insurance can be a confusing space. Some terms are tough to understand, not to mention a huge variety of coverages.

On the one hand, you don’t want to be stuck with high monthly premiums and seldom-used insurance. But, on the other hand, you don’t want to have low-cost monthly bills and skyrocketing hospital bills for the simplest of visits. It can be tough to know what “fits” your needs.

What If I Need Help?

My best advice is to seek the guidance of a professional. When you work at a major corporation, you typically have an insurance advisor, human resources officer, or similar fellow employee who can walk you through the ropes. When you are self-employed, you aren’t completely alone. You do have the option to seek help. Reach out to my offices today, and we can make a great referral!

Protecting Your Business from Cyber Attacks

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 02:34:00 GMT

From Amazon to eBay, Uber to DropBox, companies worldwide have become the victims of cyber attacks. While your company may not be as large, protecting your business from such threats is very important.

Common Cyber Attacks for Small Businesses

You may think “But, we’re such a small business, who would attack us?” but any transaction, email, or log-in via your business’ devices can pose a threat to security. Keep an eye out for these common threats as you strive to protect your livelihood.

Phishing

One style of cyber attack can come in the form of “phishing.” This is typically when a hacker will “fish” for your personal information. This may be leading to a second type of cyber attack, or they may just want to create accounts in your name. Some of these hackers are seeking to use your data (such as a social security number, address, full birth name, and date of birth) to open accounts in your name. They may hit up friends or family to get money sent to them.

Phishing can be a style of attack much like the “old school” identity theft crimes. Hackers seek your personal information to use it in malicious ways. Other times, those “phishing” are seeking to move on to another form of cyber attack.

Malware

Another unfortunate type of cyber attack is called “malware.” In this case, a hacker may add malicious software or a virus to your systems. These may be held for ransom (we’ll get to that in a moment) or aim to simply wreak havoc in your business. These programs can range from a simple annoyance to a total shutdown of all technology. While the goals vary greatly, the overarching theme is to cause problems for you and your small business.

Ransomware

A type of cyber attack that may fall under malware at times is called “ransomware.” As the name implies, the hacker in this case is attempting to gain access to your data or programs to hold them for ransom. Just like a kidnapping in the movies, these hackers will often reply soon after blocking your access to information, asking for some type of money or value. In return, they claim they will return your operations to you.

Viruses

One of the more familiar types of malware or cyber attack is a “virus.” Likely the best known of the attacks, this is a glitch that may come in via an email, a social media DM, or a shared device. Viruses can vary greatly in intent, but aim to disrupt business in any way possible. These are the most common of the attacks, as they are easily slipped into the system by unknowing business owners or employees.

Spyware

Another unfortunately common cyber attack comes in the form of “spyware.” In these cases, some type of program comes into your network allowing access to your information, actions, or data stored either online or on a private network. This attack is designed to obtain information you may think is safe and secure.

Some data hackers aim for may include private customer data (credit card numbers, phone numbers, names, addresses, etc.) or your internal “business secrets.” They may be trying to get your customer or client data, or yours directly, to harm them in some way. They may also simply ignore data if they are seeking to understand processes or internal practices that your business specializes in, especially if it is rare or unique.

How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Attacks

The first thing to do in protecting your small business is to acknowledge that you need protection. No matter your business type or size, you need to understand that hackers are possible. And, much like all unfortunate incidents, no one thinks it will happen to them until it is too late.

Update Your Technology

The Federal Trade Commission offers several tips on protecting your small business and its technology. First, update the software often. From the protective anti-virus programs to your required passwords, updating all information on a regular basis is crucial. If you lack an IT department or even a single IT staffer, be sure to keep a calendar for yourself to remember to update all programs (and instruct your employees to do the same.)

Strong Passwords

Another important factor is to require passwords and make them strong. Chances are you (and/or your employees) are using a “keychain” on their devices. These programs hold all passwords in a device, and can make for easy hacking targets if minimally protected. Require your staff to create, maintain, and update their passwords often.

This same rule applies to you! Be sure your technology is protected with wifi passwords, too. Do not allow customers to use the same network you use for business. Once on your network, hackers can easily access your private files. If you must have free WiFi for visitors, be sure they have a separate network, not tied to your business interactions.

Train Yourself and Your Employees

The best protection you can provide for your small business is to be aware. Starting with blogs like this, a basic understanding of what COULD happen is an excellent first step. Be sure your employees are as updated as you are on new processes, threats, or attacks.

Be sure all employees also know the basic signs of cyber attacks. No staffer should click on links in an email or social media DM, especially from persons they are not familiar with at all. Be sure they know even common partners’ emails can be spoofed or copied in order to make you feel safe and open the attachments, click on the link, or allow access to a foreign device.

Continue your personal education with organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its tips for protection .

Protect Your Small Business with Cyber Insurance

One of the best ways to be sure you are protected is to insure your small business. While you may be ready for accidents or weather events impacting your business, be sure you’ve also considered attacks of a cyber nature.

Cyber Insurance for small businesses can be a great way to be sure you are covered in the event of such attacks. Ideally, you will prevent any mishaps, but when major, worldwide companies with full, and educated, IT departments are still finding themselves victims of these threats, it can be nearly impossible to cover all bases.

When you operate a small business, you know just how hard it is to wear so many hats. You have to juggle so many aspects on your own. It is OK to offload some of those duties! Let me help you find the protection level that makes sense to keep your small business safe from cyber-attacks.

Reach out at any time to make an appointment , and I can work with you directly to get you a policy to keep your hard work, blood, sweat, and tears (aka your small business) protected.

Understanding Insurance for New Parents

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 20:18:00 GMT

Let’s check in on all our new parents, shall we? How are you feeling? Chances are you have not slept a full eight hours in months. You have become accustomed to changing your clothes many times a day due to spit-up stains. Your home is now filled with diapers, bottles, and toys. How did someone so small turn the world upside down?!

While you juggle these new schedules, routines, and larger laundry loads, don’t forget to take some time to review your new family’s insurance needs, too!

What Insurance Do New Parents Need?

Sure, many types of insurance can serve a wide variety of lifestyles, but if you are a new parent, here are a few to consider, which may be new to your changing world.

1. Homeowners’ or Rental Insurance

A new addition to the family may have led to a new living space, too. If you have upgraded your housing, you’ll need to be sure it is properly insured. Even if you rent, your new family addition marks a great time to reevaluate your belongings. Those high-tech baby monitors, bottle warmers, and an endless supply of baby products likely have upped the value of your possessions. Be sure you are properly covered for any changes with sensible homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies.

2. Life Insurance

I’m sure you have noticed by now, but you aren’t on your own anymore. Suddenly, you are responsible for a new, tiny life, not to mention your own and your partner’s. If you weren’t here tomorrow, there are plenty that would miss you, but that also means plenty that may be left in a financial lurch if you were gone.

New parents should obtain or update life insurance policies to be sure the listed beneficiaries have included any new additions. You may also need to up amounts, as a larger family will spend more than a couple or single individual.

Additionally, you should have a policy added for your new child. It is terrible to imagine, I know, but such tragedies happen. Be sure your baby has his or her own policy covering his or her life, too.

3. Car Insurance

That new car seat isn’t the only vehicle change you may need to make with a new baby. You first may want to consider a lower deductible (your cash on hand may be a bit tight as your family adjusts) or increasing your coverage

Secondly, just like a larger home may be in order, a bigger set of wheels may be required with your new addition. If you’re considering a larger vehicle, your insurance policy needs may also change. Be sure all details are updated, and you have the policy you need for all vehicles.

4. Health Insurance

You likely have yourself, and hopefully your partner taken care of, as far as health insurance is concerned. But have you added your new baby to the plan? Whether you work through your employer-offered plan or need to find a new policy on your own, it is time to update those details to be sure each member of your family, no matter their age, is properly covered.

5. Disability Insurance

Just like your other types of policies, a new member of the family means you are responsible for an additional life. Should, for any reason, you not be able to provide financially for your loved ones, it is wise to have a plan in place. A variety of injuries can cause you to be unable to work. It may be a short period of recovery, or life-altering disabilities that affect you for the long haul, but having coverage should you be unable to work is a smart choice now that you have another life to take care of in your house!

Don’t Do It Alone

Your life is in the middle of some major changes. Insurance might be the last thing on your mind, but thankfully it is the first thing on mine! You have enough to juggle as a new mom or dad. The easiest way to be sure you have all of the coverage you need is to work with a professional.

You can easily reach out at any time to schedule an appointment . Let me help you take care of your bouncing, bundle of joy. And, I promise, someday you will sleep through the night again.

The Best Fall Foliage Drives in Minnesota

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 20:05:00 GMT

It’s the most colorful time of year! From the brightest yellows to the glowing oranges, the leaves of fall are an iconic and picturesque sign of changing seasons. It also makes a great time in Minnesota to drive around and take in the beauty.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway weekend or a family fun adventure, there are plenty of gorgeous sites to see. Here are some of the best fall foliage drives in Minnesota!

1. Northwoods

Before the area became better known as the “Great White North,” the Northwoods area of Minnesota is a prime hot spot for enjoying the fall colors. If you are looking for that getaway, the drive also boasts some of the state’s most beautiful resorts.

Exciting resorts also mean a chance to do some hiking, biking, canoeing, or horseback riding, meaning you can take in autumnal colors with or without the car. The trails and lakes in Northwoods allow you to select a number of transportation modes to mix up the fun of fall foliage.

2. Minnehaha Falls

If a family trip is more your style, consider a drive to Minnehaha Falls. Not only does this amazing natural waterfall make for outstanding family photo ops, as well as a unique backdrop for viewing fall colors, but it also doesn’t require much hiking to view.

Those with teens reluctant to swap electronic devices for fall fun will appreciate the shorter distance walks, while Minnehaha Regional Park (in which the falls reside) provides ample entertainment options of its own, nestled in Minneapolis’ parks and recreation area!

3. Itasca State Park

If you are looking for a great viewing opportunity of fall’s finest, try Itasca State Park . Besides its amazing views of the source of the Mississippi River Headwaters, it also offers a paved bike trail, perfect for those seeking some exercise with their scenery!

4. Chippewa National Forest

I’m willing to bet you’ve heard of Chippewa National Forest , but did you know it has a lesser-known feature called “The Lost 40” within its borders? This space boasts a hiking trail taking its adventurers through some of Minnesota’s last old-growth trees.

With fewer guests, this quiet park offers a peaceful space to view the breathtaking yellow foliage among the 300 to 400-year-old red and white pines.

5. Minnesota River Drive

You don’t have to go too far from home to enjoy one of the most scenic fall drives in our state. The Minnesota River Drive , which includes routes such as County Road 6 and Highway 93 from Belle Plaine to Le Sueur, as well as Highway 169 to Mankato or Highway 68 to New Ulm, will allow you to flow with the river’s bends.

Take in the hardwood colors that line the river or stop by the many riverside parks along the way. This beautiful drive can be tailored to your day, with several stops through many towns, or just a quick jaunt around your own neighborhood.

6. Superior National Forest

Minnesota’s great outdoors includes another popular national forest – Superior . Besides driving through, you can climb Oberg Mountain… but don’t let the name intimidate you. Instead, enjoy nine unique overlooks as you hike, giving you the perspective of colorful foliage from above (about 1,000 feet). Two, three-mile trails are of moderate difficulty for a climb, so even novice hikers can enjoy the sights of this special spot!

Which of these picturesque drives will you be taking in, this season?

Tips for Lowering Your Car Insurance Premiums

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 21:24:00 GMT

We’re all looking for ways to save money, these days! Budgets are stretched tighter than ever, and finding ways to cut back can only go so far. Most of us include car insurance premiums as a “must have” if you drive any type of automobile. We need our cars to get to and from work, school, the grocery store, and social events.

And, since a car is a must-have, so too is car insurance. In fact, it’s legally required.

So how can you save on your car insurance, but not lose out on the perks you find beneficial? Let’s go over some lesser-known tips for savvy shoppers!

1. Be a Safe Driver

This may seem obvious, but the less you use your car insurance, the less of a liability you are to insure. Safe driving should be a simple instinct for most, but ensuring you are not in (or the cause of) accidents makes your rates go down.

Some companies offer a “Safe Driver” program, discounting rates annually when you are incident-free or checking your driving habits with a removable device. Either way, keeping your record clean brings costs down!

2. Accept a Higher Deductible

As you likely have seen when getting quotes for your car insurance, rates per month go down when the deductible, or price you are responsible for paying before insurance kicks in, goes up. Let’s say your current deductible is only $100. That means your monthly premiums are likely fairly high. You are assuming you’ll need to use the coverage often, and don’t want to be stuck with a high bill for yourself just to get the repairs you may need in the event of an accident.

However, if you are following step number one and driving as safely as possible, there is a lesser chance of needing to file a claim. If that is the case, you should feel safer raising the deductible amount, because you know you are less likely to need it. With a deductible of $500 or even $1000 instead of $100, you are likely to see a significant change in the monthly bottom line!

3. Surf for the Best Price

The best part about being an independent insurance salesperson is that I am not bound to any one, individual company. I am not stuck selling the same product, no matter the driver. Instead, I am able to search high and low for the policy that fits you, uniquely to a “T.”

This kind of flexibility leads to savings for you! By searching around for the best rates, which vary from company to company, you are bound to get the best monthly premium rates by simply shopping around. You wouldn’t hire a home repairman based on a single quote for the job, and nor should you accept the first price you see on car insurance. Let me do the legwork.

4. Bundle It Up!

No, I’m not talking about our dropping Minnesota temperatures. “Bundling” in the insurance industry has nothing to do with warmth. Instead, bundling means grouping your insurance policies under the same company umbrella.

For instance, your car insurance rate may go down if you also have your homeowners’ insurance with the same organization. Likewise, adding policies such as life insurance, health insurance, or even supplemental plans can bring down the monthly cost of each if bundled or grouped with the same company.

5. Forget the Paper

As so many companies do these days, car insurance billing departments save money when they don’t have to print out, mail, and await the return of your hard copy bill. Instead, the luxuries of the Internet step in and replace the “Snail Mail” of yesterday.

Because of these savings, many companies are willing to pass the bonus along to you, and discount your premiums should you select a “Paperless” option for billing. Likewise, adding an “auto-pay” feature, in which funds are automatically set to deduct from your account on a given day each month or quarter, can add to even more savings.

6. Seek Professional Help

The best way to be sure you are getting the absolute fairest price on car insurance is to work with a professional. Online sites are likely to trip up even the most savvy shopper. There are so many questions to answer, and without the guidance of a professional, you may be saddled with features you didn’t need or want, policies you don’t understand fully, or even higher premiums than you expected.

By working directly with a professional such as myself, you are not only getting the care and compassion of someone truly looking out for your best interests but are also getting the knowledge of someone who works with such policies day in and day out! If you’d like to lower your car insurance premiums, come see me! Schedule an appointment today.

Top Minnesota State Fair Foods (and Drinks!) You Must Try

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:21:00 GMT

Where can you find 80 foods on a stick, 65 new beverage premieres, and over 300 food vendors offering mouthwatering fare? Well, the Minnesota State Fair, of course!

The fair will run from August 24 to September 4, in 2023, and this year’s tasty treats include a few you just can’t miss out on.

So, pack a bag for Saint Paul! I should warn you, if you are remotely hungry, this could be a dangerous read…

Fun Fair Food Combinations

This year’s new foods are all about combining some of our favorites into one, new dish. Have you ever had a bacon-wrapped hot dog? OK, but did it come wrapped in a waffle? The Nordic Waffle’s Bacon-Wrapped Waffle Dog is about to soothe a craving you didn’t even know you had.

Most fairs have cotton candy, right? But have you ever had your cotton candy gently placed on an ice-cold beverage? Spinning Wylde will feature “ Cloud Coolers ” with three unique flavors. With the cotton candy spun around its straw, thirsty fair-goers can select from three yummy flavors: 1. Summer Strawberry – strawberry lemonade topped with strawberry fields cotton candy; 2. Happy Huckleberry – huckleberry lemonade topped with blackberry jam cotton candy; and 3. Flower Power – violet lemonade topped with lavender love cotton candy.

If you haven’t had your fill of fun combos, stop by Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos stand for the Dill Pickle Cheese Curd Taco ! That’s not just a mouthful to say, but a mouthful of yum, too!

Still got the munchies? Try Oodles of Noodles’ Fried Butternut Squash Ravioli. You won’t need a fork for this “pasta,” since it comes deep-fried with a butternut squash filling, all sprinkled with maple cinnamon sugar and served with a side of whipped ricotta. Or maybe some Lobster Loaded Fries courtesy of Cafe Caribe will fill you up?

Are you still hungry!?

If you’ve still got room in your belly, hit up the Minnesota Farmers’ Union Coffee Shop for a Fried Green Tomato, but on a sandwich, with a BLT! Even vegetarians can enjoy this treat by swapping the bacon for charred, sweet corn relish!

Thirst-Quenching Beverages

There will be 69 new beverages debuting at the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” this year. They’ll be a part of over 300 brews and beverages offered up at the 2023 fair. From a Blue Hawaiian (think Pina colada but blue), to the Italian Bellini made with freshly pureed peaches, this year’s fair drinks are not to be missed.

Craving a PB&J? Head for Round Lake Vineyards & Winery booth to try PB&J Hard Honey! Made with fermented honey, Minnesota grapes, fresh roasted peanuts, and Minnesota-filtered water, this six percent ABV carbonated liquid isn’t quite the sandwich your parents used to make!

Craft beer enjoyers won’t be disappointed either! This year’s Minnesota Fair will also feature Lupulin Brewing Company ’s “Vacation Mullet.” A “tropical hazy IPA” has a smooth body and notes of coconut, pineapple, and mandarin orange!

Fun for the Whole Family

In addition to attractions, rides, games, 900 shows, and free, live music , there will be something for every age at this year’s state fair. For more on purchasing tickets to the Minnesota State Fair, visit the website at https://www.mnstatefair.org/tickets/ .

*Photos courtesy of www.mnstatefair.org .

What to Consider When Buying Homeowners Insurance

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 13:36:00 GMT

Whether you are just about to buy your very first home, or you’ve lived in the same one for 20 years, there are always things to consider about your homeowner’s insurance policy. Your house is likely your biggest financial asset, which is why you want to be sure it’s protected. Let’s talk about making sure you have the coverage you actually need.

What Is Homeowners Insurance?

Let’s start with the basics. What is homeowners insurance and why do you need it? Beyond protecting your highest valued asset, homeowners insurance is designed to cover many aspects of the home and your property. Each type of insurance can often be bought separately or in one, all-inclusive package.

Coverage A: covers the replacement of the home, should it be destroyed
Coverage B: other structures on your property (i.e. sheds, detached garage, etc.)
Coverage C: covers the personal property within the home
Coverage D: offers assistance for other living arrangements if displaced (i.e. a hotel)
Liability Coverage: to cover any accidents that may occur on your property
Umbrella Policy: a secondary plan to cover over and above liability limits

You will also want to note that many policies do not cover flood damage. To better understand flood insurance policies, click here.

How Much Coverage Do I Need?

Typically, you will want to cover the cost of a replacement, should your home be destroyed. It is recommended that you have a minimum of 80 percent of the value of your home. For a simple example, if you home was worth $300,000, you would want your policy to supply a minimum of $240,000 to replace it.

Other portions of your policy will largely depend on what you own. If you have no detached structures on your property, you may not need a hefty Coverage B plan, as there isn’t much to protect. On the other hand, you may have valuable personal property, such as fine artworks, antiques, and high-end jewelry. In that case, you may want to beef up on Coverage C to cover the cost of replacing those items.

Costs to Consider

Many buyers select a homeowners insurance policy based on the cost of the monthly rate. However, you absolutely should understand all aspects of that policy, including the costs of a deductible (or the price you pay to file a claim). If a homeowners policy is only $100 a month to have coverage, but your deductible is $3,000, you aren’t likely to file a claim for any minor incidents. Be sure to understand the terms, including the deductible, before signing on the dotted line.

Additionally, you may want to review your policy from time to time. Life changes at a rapid pace, and so too might your homeowners insurance needs. If you’ve been in your house for some time, it is a great idea to review your policy coverages, and be sure your package still fits your needs.

Assistance for Selecting Homeowners Insurance

Minnesota offers state resources via its Consumer Services Center . You can reach this assistance to answer questions or guide your purchasing journey at:

Greater MN: 1-800-657-3602

Local: 651-539-1600

E-mail: consumer.protection@state.mn.us

However, if you want a personalized touch, to guide you through each and every step, tailoring a policy for your individual needs, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional, such as myself.

The benefit of independent agencies, such as mine, is that not only can we review every reputable option to find you the best package possible, but we can also take the time to personalize the policy, to create a plan that fits your unique needs. Schedule an appointment today , and we can help guide you through your homeowners insurance purchase.

Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 08:59:00 GMT

Have you considered what it means to require long-term care?

Even if you are decades away from retirement age, it’s pretty likely that you and/or your partner will, at some point in life, require specialized care services. Thankfully, there is insurance available for long-term care. But, who should buy it? And why?

What Is Long-Term Care Insurance?

Long-term care insurance is designed to cover you or a loved one should you require services such as a nursing home, rehabilitation center, or in-home care. With the proper coverage, these benefits could cover the entire – or at least portions of – your necessary medical services.

Who Needs Long-Term Care Insurance?

Studies show that around 70% of Americans will need long-term care after age 65. These numbers are bound to grow due to an aging U.S. population and longer life expectancies. Both facts put a burden on the long-term care industry, meaning prices for such services are likely to rise with every passing year.

Women tend to live longer than men, and average 3.7 years of long-term care needs, while men average 2.2 years. Additionally, 20% of the population will need long-term care for more than five years.

Studies have also shown that the average care for such specialized care in 2020 cost around $8,821 per month! Projections for costs in 2024 show that figure nearly doubling to just under $16,000. You can see how these numbers are going to only grow as you look at your own late-retirement life.

How will you afford it? All of those statistics mean one thing: Nearly all of us would benefit from having a long-term care insurance policy.

How to Get Long-Term Care Insurance

The best way to find out which type of long-term care insurance is right for you is to sit down with a professional. I am always happy to schedule a meeting to discuss your individual needs and concerns. Everyone has different qualifying factors that can alter both the price and need for such insurance policies. I am able to review many plan options and companies to find the perfect fit for you and your family.

Additionally, Minnesota’s Department of Commerce reviews the cost of such insurance plans, the charges for care, and any concerns or complaints from the public regarding long-term care facilities. If you have a concern or wish to file a complaint with the department, contact the Consumer Services Center by email at consumer.protection@state.mn.us or by phone at (651) 539-1600.

Insurance Considerations for Renters in Minnesota

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 21:52:00 GMT

Our houses, our vehicles, our vehicles, and our health all deserve protection – and insurance is one way we keep these things safe and covered. But if you don’t own a house right now (the market is challenging!), renters’ insurance can help protect your belongings. Let’s talk about it.

What Is Renters’ Insurance?

Renters’ insurance is a type of coverage that allows for your personal property to be covered in the event of an accident. It covers damages and loss in emergencies, such as a fire or flood. It can also protect you, as the renter, from liability should anyone be injured while at your rental unit.

Why Is Renters’ Insurance Important?

Like most types of insurance, renters’ insurance is an affordable way to be sure that, should life’s unexpected incidents occur, you are financially covered. Let’s say a fire burns down your apartment complex. While you may physically be safe, you’ve lost all of your belongings. With renters’ insurance, you should be covered for your losses.

Some policies may also cover you for living arrangements while repairs are being done. If the same fire we used in the example above occurs, you not only have lost all of your possessions, but you also are out a place to live. Comprehensive policies often can cover your time in a hotel while restorations are in progress.

Who Needs Renters’ Insurance?

As the name implies, renters’ insurance is for, well, renters. If you are renting a space such as an office, storage, or apartment, these policies make sense for you. At an affordable rate of $15 to $30 or so per month, it is almost something that would be silly to NOT invest in, for your own protection!

What to Know About Your Renters’ Insurance Policy

Renters’ insurance typically is offered in two different types: personal property and liability. As again the names imply, a policy for your personal property would replace things that you owned, should they be lost in the event of fire, flood, tornado, etc. Liability covers you if someone is injured while at your rental property, so that your policy would pay out in the event of a lawsuit, and not you directly.

Renters’ personal property insurance also can be purchased in two unique styles: broad or comprehensive. In a Broad Renters’ Insurance policy, very specific events are covered. Typical coverage under broad form includes damage from fire, lightning, explosion, smoke, vandalism, theft, and water-related damage from property utilities. Any other incident would not be covered.

If you live in an area prone to weather-related emergencies, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or violent thunderstorms, you may want to consider a comprehensive plan. This would cover incidents that broad policies don’t. Because of this, it will often be the more expensive of the two options.

Do You Have Questions About Renters’ Insurance?

If you are not sure which policy is right for you, it is always best to consult a professional. You can reach out to my office anytime to schedule an appointment , or just give us a call at (507) 345-3366. I am happy to review your situation and get a quote for renters insurance.

Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know in Southern Minnesota

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 15:17:00 GMT

While the chances of Minnesota ever getting a hurricane are pretty much zero, it doesn’t take an ocean to cause serious flood damage to your home. Few people in Minnesota think much of flood insurance – which, by the way, is not typically included in a basic homeowners’ policy – but I’m here to tell you that it might be a good idea to look into it.

First-Hand Experience in Water Damage

I know from firsthand experience just how crucial it is to have good insurance for my home. It wasn’t too long ago , on the first day of the 2022/2023 school year, that I was standing in our own basement, bailing buckets full of backed-up murky waters for three hours of what turned out to be raw sewage. It was not an experience I’d recommend to others.

In our case, though we have a finished basement, we don’t have a sump pump. We do, however, have a flood alarm. We were also home to hear the alarm, and once the damage was assessed, we were thankful that we had great insurance coverage. Even though the worst part of our experience was bailing buckets of water, the financial devastation could have been much, MUCH worse without the right insurance coverage.

What Flood Insurance Do I Need?

As a homeowner, you have to prepare for the unexpected. That may sound nearly impossible, but with the right protections in place, you can take nightmares like our experience described above, and come out unscathed… Well, at least after a hot shower!

Have a Flood-Specific Policy

So, what policies should a southern Minnesota homeowner have in place for floods? First, understand that you will most likely need a flood insurance policy, separate from your homeowners’ policy. With rains being more and more severe in our state, over 50 percent of building damages due to floods happened outside of the mapped flood zones last year.

Flood insurance can cover buildings, buildings’ contents, or both. Be sure to go over your options with a professional to fully understand your policy.

Know Your Floodplains

One quick reference to understanding the Minnesota floodplains is to check out this video. Our state Department of Natural Resources explains how to understand the flood maps, and where your house may be located in relation to them. This can help you determine the likelihood of your insurance needs (and just how much coverage you should have).

Understand Flood Risk

No matter your location, understand that flooding can occur from a number of sources. Ours, for example, had to do with backed-up sewage lines. Risk can come from any water source. According to FEMA , one single inch of water in your home can cause over $25,000 in damages.

Don’t Rely on Federal Disasters

Many people assume that when any large natural disaster occurs, the federal government will step in to declare it a disaster. That may be the case, but did you know most grants are capped at $5,000 ?

Even a small amount of water can cause big problems and costs. Having a private flood insurance policy will give you peace of mind – not to mention financial safety nets – whether a disaster is declared or not.

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While the purpose of this blog was not to alarm you, I do hope it’s made you stop and think. At the very least, give my office a quick call to assess your current policies. You can also request a free quote on my website. Either way, I look forward to putting your mind at ease!

5 Must-Visit State Parks in Minnesota

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:44:00 GMT

Living and working in Southern Minnesota has so many advantages! Being able to raise our three children here means safe neighborhoods, plenty of family-friendly activities, and more. This can include visiting our area’s wonderful state parks, too.

Here are some area favorites, so you can enjoy the bounty Minnesota has to offer all summer long:

1. Minneopa State Park

Why not start with one close to home? Minneopa State Park is located just west of Mankato. Its amazing Bison Preserves make it a must-visit park to add to your list. The kids will be in awe of the live, conservation herd which occupies the lands.

Hikes through this park can also include views of the 32-foot tall flour mill (called Seppmann’s Mill built in 1862), countless waterfalls, and beautiful picnicking spots. There is a little bit of something for everyone here, perfect for animal-lovers, nature-lovers, and activity-lovers. They can all find something worth viewing at Minneopa.

2. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Just a short trip north of Minneapolis, and those seeking some state park fun will find Mille Lacs Kathio State Park . Marked by the massive Mille Lacs Lake, this park boasts spots to swim (an actual beach) in addition to a 100-foot fire tower! Climb up for amazing scenic views.

You might even spot a few bears in your travels, too, so keep your eyes peeled.

3. Myre-Big Island State Park

Those looking for a variety of activities might love a stop at Myre-Big Island State Park , just off I-35. With all-season camping, canoeing, and hiking trails, Myre-Big is also known as a hotspot for those seeking to do some birdwatching.

With fall and spring migration patterns, a glacial esker, and a great marsh, this park is ideal for those hoping to sneak a peek of unique feathered friends.

4. Great River Bluffs State Park

Great River Bluffs State Park might sound like a stop along the Oregon Trail video game, but it is also a beautifully scenic space overlooking the Mississippi River Valley. Show the kids what a “goat prairie” is as you explore unusual landscapes all within the same park – just watch out for lizards and rattlesnakes!

This spot is great for inexperienced hikers with loops that rank “easy” for all ages (try the 2.6-mile loop Kings Bluff Trail) that keep even children’s attention with plenty to see on mild terrain.

5. Glacial Lakes State Park

On the western side of Minnesota, and another easy drive from Mankato, is Glacial Lakes State Park . Here, visitors can not only hike and camp, but also enjoy fishing spots (did you know state residents can fish for free in most state parks?), as well as horseback riding trails.

With native prairie grounds, there are beautiful, untouched lands to see while you take in the fun with varied activities.

Minnesota State Parks

For a full map of the state’s parks and recreational areas, visit the Department of Natural Resources site here or call (651) 296-6157. Summer is a wonderful opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy some quality family time. What better space to do that in than the 66 beautiful state parks of Minnesota?

Don’t Let Storm Chasers Chase You Down

Mon, 29 May 2023 21:13:00 GMT

Remember when the term “Storm Chasers” only meant the heroes of “Twister” who followed tornados to study their incredible power?

Today’s storm chasers are aiming to scam people that were impacted by a devastating storm. From high winds, lightning, hail, and even tornadoes, our Minnesota communities get their fair share of property-damaging weather, and these fly-by-night salespeople are trying to make a quick buck.

The best way to protect yourself isn’t by trusting the people who suddenly appear at your door after a storm, trying to help. The best way to protect yourself is by working with local vendors.

What Is a Storm Chaser?

Storm chasers are people who travel from storm-impacted town to storm-impacted town, seeking to find properties hit hard by severe weather. They know that they will find people in a vulnerable state, so they knock on doors to take advantage of the high-stress situation.

Imagine a tree branch coming down and destroying your roof. You are shaken, thankful that there were no human injuries, but your home now has a massive hole in it. Where will you live? Who will fix this? How will you pay for it? Your mind is racing, and you aren’t even sure where to begin.

Storm chasers seek out these terrified residents and try to get them to sign an insurance claim on thte spot. Sounds helpful, right? Unfortunately, these scammers are far from it.

The Dangers of Storm Chasers

Beyond their less-than-ethical business practices, there are plenty of reasons not to trust such transient salespersons. Obtaining coverage in this way puts you at risk. Some concerns include:

How will you reach this person after a claim is filed?
Does this person know about your home or product warranties? Will they tell you if they do?
How will you track down this person to ask questions?
Why do they use such high-pressure sales tactics during such a scary time?

These are not salespersons you can trust. Instead, working with an insurance company that’s local and already embedded in the community provides many benefits.

Benefits of Rehm Insurance

Let’s start with the obvious: You know where to find me! I am always in the same place. I have a brick-and-mortar office, and you can stop by and see me in person. We even have online tools to schedule appointments at times that fit your schedule. I can also come to you, if your small business keeps you too busy to get out of your office.

Beyond my permanent location, I live alongside you. I know how you feel . I experience the same storms and weather that you do. My house is in the same severe weather paths as yours.

And frankly, I truly care about my community. I love helping small businesses and local families; it’s my passion. I am not out to “make” you buy anything. Instead, I want to protect you, your family, and your assets. I treat each client as I would my own family members, offering you only what you need.

Skip the fly-by-night sales tactics trying to take advantage of scared homeowners. Plan ahead. Get quotes. Do your homework. For more tips on how to plan ahead for severe weather, check out the Better Business Bureau’s website.

Tips for Choosing a Life Insurance Beneficiary

Mon, 08 May 2023 14:25:00 GMT

Finding a life insurance policy is the hardest part! But once you’ve secured one, your work isn’t quite done. Who will you name as your beneficiary? Let’s break down some considerations you may want to weigh in your decision.

What Is a Life Insurance Beneficiary?

Let’s make sure we first understand what we mean by “beneficiary.” In its simplest terms, the beneficiary is the person that will get the payout when you pass away. At the time of your death, the insurance company will, barring any issue with your cause of death, typically award the funds in one lump sum.

Your life insurance beneficiary doesn’t have to be one single person or organization. You can opt to split up the funds however you see fit. You can also decide if you want someone “in charge” of these matters at the time of your death, or if you prefer each beneficiary to simply handle the matters themselves with the life insurance company.

Who Should Be My Life Insurance Beneficiary?

Let’s review some of the most common choices for beneficiaries. Keep in mind that one of the primary motivators for having life insurance is to help your loved ones be financially prepared for your passing. This could include making up your usual contribution to the family budget, covering funeral/burial expenses, paying off the home mortgage, or even getting your children through school, there are plenty of financial worries that will likely arise after you are gone.

But who should handle these funds? And, does that need to change over time?

Your Children as Beneficiaries

Many parents choose to name their children as beneficiaries. Splitting the payout among your heirs is common. Let’s say you have two children – you can opt to split that payout 50/50, with each child getting half of the funds. Alternatively, if you have young children, you may need to consider leaving the money to a caretaker (whoever will care for the children when both parents are gone) or even set up a trust.

A trust allows another person to oversee financial responsibility for the child until they become “of age” and can make choices for themselves. A trust can also dictate how funds are used, the timing of the distributions, and of course, name the “trustee” or person who handles the matters.

Your Spouse as a Beneficiary

Assuming you do not pass at the same time exactly, another common practice is to name your spouse or significant other as a beneficiary. Again, many people consider who, exactly, will handle your matters if you are gone. Chances are, for example, if Mom dies, Dad will be handling the family’s finances. Mom may opt to make dad the primary beneficiary, as the children are too young to make such choices.

Alternatively, you can also choose to split funds between your child and your spouse. For example, if you have two children, you can opt to leave 50 percent of the funds to your spouse, leaving each child 25 percent (or the other “half” to split). You are allowed to divide the percentages of payout however you see fit.

A Charitable Beneficiary

If you have a charitable cause that is very near and dear to you, such as a church or non-profit, you may opt to name that organization as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy. Many nonprofit organizations can accept such a posthumous donation.

Naming Your Parents as Beneficiaries

Some young adults, without children or a spouse, often ask what they should do with their policy. I often advise younger adults to opt for parents as a beneficiary. Again, if you were to pass tomorrow, who would handle your arrangements? Who would be sure your debts are paid and your funeral is covered? These are the people you likely want to place as beneficiaries.

In the event that a young adult, say a 23-year-old, just out of college, in their first solo apartment, suddenly dies, it is likely that person’s parents will handle their financial matters. Additionally, there are times when adults, even with young children, are divorced. They may not wish to leave the funds to their ex, and instead select their own parents to manage the policy after death. These are times that, while they may be older, you name parents as the beneficiary.

Discuss Your Life Insurance Beneficiary Options

If you have followed along but are still scratching your head, the good news is you do not have to decide alone. You may also change your mind from time to time, and make adjustments in the event of life changes, such as a birth of a child, a divorce or marriage, or loss of a spouse or parent.

Many insurance policies even have online options for updating your preferences. You can also reach out to me today . We can set up a meeting to discuss your options, weigh your beneficiary choices, and find a tailored solution to all of your insurance questions.

5 Questions to Ask About Your Homeowners Insurance

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 22:08:00 GMT

Any type of insurance usually comes with a long list of questions. If you aren’t asking them (or aren’t even sure WHAT to ask), we’re here to help! Homeowners insurance, in particular, comes with plenty of confusing options.

Whether you’re buying a new home and getting it insured for the first time, or updating policies on your existing property, here are some of the best questions to ask your insurance agent to be sure you have all of the coverage you need.

1. How Much Coverage Do I Have?

The amount of coverage you will have, should you ever need to use it, on your home is one of the most important questions to ask. Many insurance companies offer to estimate what it will cost to replace your entire home, brand new. Should you lose your home in a covered disaster, you will want to be sure you can afford a new one in its place.

When reviewing this estimate, however, you will want to look to see if it covers things such as detached structures. Many policies differentiate between an attached garage and a detached one. Do you have a workshop, shed, or pool house on your property? These detached structures can be expensive to replace, but may need to be written into your policy separately.

2. Does My Policy Cover the Home’s Contents?

Your next question should be about your belongings. Are the contents of your home included in the policy? Be sure to ask if personal items like your clothes, jewelry, antiques, furniture, electronics, and other property inside your home is included.

If they are included, your questions don’t stop there. Personal property is typically insured in two ways: replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV). A replacement cost would be what that item would cost to replace today.

This means if, let’s say in a disaster, you have a tree crash down into your roof. In the damage, aside from structurally to your home, your grandmother’s antique dresser was destroyed. Beyond the sentimental value lost, how much would a similar piece be to purchase on today’s market?

Actual cash value, however, takes into account the depreciation of an item. A new dresser does not cost the same as grandma’s antique. But, some may consider that the ACV of a dresser that is 100 years old is pretty low, given its age.

3. Are Water, Electric, and Sewer Covered?

Sometimes, homeowners insurance has caveats. Some items might not be covered at all. Some might be covered if there is an abrupt and unexpected incident, but not covered if they are a result of long-term wear or negligence.

If you are concerned about the inner lines of your home, within the home, within detached structures, from your home to the main line, the main line on your street … Well, these can all have unique answers. Be sure to question your provider to understand what is (and what is not) included in your policy.

4. Am I Covered For Additional Living Expenses?

Let’s say your sewer line is broken by a tree root system. Let’s also say (and see number three to be clear), you are covered in this event. Your insurance company is going to replace the lines for you at no cost to you. Great!

However, you now can’t live in your home. The work is going to take five days over a holiday weekend, and you’ll have no flushing toilets. You and your family are headed for a hotel. Does your insurance cover that expense?

Be sure to see if your policy covers these unexpected added expenses should your home be inhabitable during repairs. Hotel nights, especially on a holiday weekend which not only drags out how long the work will take but drives up the price of rooms, can get costly, fast.

5. Am I Covered Due to Weather Damage?

Depending on where you live, your concerns may vary. But all homeowners should ask about coverage like flood insurance. Many companies offer a separate flood policy, depending on your location in the flood zone.

Other considerations regarding weather can include high winds, storms, tornadoes, or hail storms. Flooding isn’t the only concern when it comes to Mother Nature’s wrath! Be sure you understand which conditions and damages may and may not be covered.

Now that you know which questions to ask about your homeowner’s policies, get in touch with Rehm Insurance ! We’re here to help you navigate all your insurance concerns with our friendly, local staff.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Life Insurance

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 01:20:00 GMT

If you are weighing your options about life insurance, you are in the right place. Before making your decision, it’s wise to gather as much information as possible. So today, let’s learn from the mistakes of others and review some issues to avoid when you buy life insurance.

1. Don’t Assume You Won’t Qualify

One common mistake that people buying life insurance make is to assume that they can’t qualify for a decent plan. Whether it’s your age, your lifestyle, or overall health that concerns you, I promise there is still a plan out there for you. Many clients hear the word “medical screening” and automatically think that any findings will disqualify them from a good plan at an affordable rate.

That’s just not the case! There is life insurance out there for everyone. As the phrase goes, “there is a shoe for every foot.” The same is true for insurance. Plenty of policies do not require a medical test at all. Some are specifically designed for older adults. Don’t assume you can’t find a good plan.

2. Don’t Assume You Don’t Need Life Insurance

Not having any life insurance is a dangerous mistake. No one really knows when they will leave this life, and being unprepared means leaving your loved ones financially crippled by your death.

No, it isn’t pleasant to think about, but necessary to address. Funerals are expensive. Even the simplest burial or cremation processes can be thousands of dollars, not to mention the bills, debts, and obligations you leave behind. A life insurance policy can be one of the greatest gifts you leave behind.

3. Don’t Grab The First Policy You Find

Instead of just typing “life insurance” into Google and purchasing the ad that paid the highest price, go to your trusted, local insurance agent. I can help you find a plan that is perfect for your unique needs.

One great aspect of being an independent salesperson is that I can go through a wide range of reputable companies, and am not tied to a single organization. That’s why I can find you the best policies for your needs, at a rate you’re comfortable paying.

Also, having one, single office handle your insurance needs means you still get the benefits of a single contact person, who cares about your individual needs and gets to know you, building a relationship over time..

4. Don’t Rely on Your Workplace Alone

Another common issue many people assume is that their place of employment provides all the life insurance they may need. This is very seldom the case. Firstly, your employer may not provide coverage for family members. Even your children should be covered by some sort of plan. Sadly, the cost of a child’s death is no less expensive than that of an adult.

Secondly, even if your job offers options for family members’ plans, they are not likely the best fit for you (or your family members). Though your employer may have picked the best general plan for the majority of workers, that doesn’t mean it fits your specific needs. There is also a chance that more affordable and suitable options exist out there, outside the single plan they show. You are probably better off purchasing a plan outside of the one your company provides (and yes, it’s sometimes wise to have both).

5. Don’t Wait Too Long

The older you are, the narrower your options may become when it comes to finding a good life insurance policy. So, don’t postpone taking action! You wouldn’t drive your car (even if it was legal) without insurance. It is an expensive piece of property that you want to have coverage on 24/7. Now imagine the risk you are taking on your own life, worth far more than any vehicle could ever be.

6. Don’t Underestimate Your Needs

One of the most common mistakes people make when buying life insurance is to not buy enough. To fully understand your needs, you have to imagine that you will no longer be on this earth. You won’t be there to support the family members you are supporting now, which could include a spouse, minor or adult children, or even your parents.

Now calculate the amount you contribute every month. Do you pay the rent or mortgage? Do you cover all the bills? Is there any other adult contributing to the household?

Once you imagine today’s family budget continuing, but now without your contributions, you can understand how greatly you’ll be missed. It won’t just be your companionship, love, and personality that the world will be without. They also won’t have your financial support.

To be sure your family does not have to worry about money (on top of their loss), be sure your policy covers not just the expenses of your death (such as a funeral, burial, or cremation), but the expenses you leave your family juggling. You will likely want to be sure the home is able to be paid off with your policy. You should calculate the family’s needs over the years and add that in too.

7. Don’t Try to Do it Alone

Buying life insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. But, after watching many folks make major mistakes, it is important to educate yourself on your own, personal needs. I’m happy to assist you in any questions or confusion you may come across.

If you still have concerns, the best advice is to seek the assistance of a professional. As selling insurance is my life, I have become an expert with a wide range of knowledge. Feel free to reach out to get a quote for a policy to meet your specific and unique needs!

Five Savvy Insurance Tips for New Business Owners

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 22:32:00 GMT

Congratulations on launching your new business! This insurance checklist for small businesses is designed to help cover your “what ifs” and questions when it comes to your business insurance needs.

1. Know the Risks of Business

Before you consider what your insurance needs might be, you need to take a close look at the industry you’re entering. Depending on your industry, your insurance priorities can vary greatly from the business next door.

Some of the questions to ask might include:

Will you have vehicles involved in your business?
Do you have customers or clients visiting the business?
How much inventory do you plan to hold at any given time?
Will you personally travel often?

Your answers can help to formulate the start of your business insurance needs.

2. Overestimate Costs

If the last few years of inflation haven’t shown you how quickly prices can change, take this piece of advice: Highball your insurance budget.

Whether your computer system gets hacked, you lose everything due to a flood, or you are robbed overnight… These unforeseen emergencies will leave you high and dry if you don’t have enough coverage. Better to be safe than sorry!

3. Understand the Laws

Depending on your small business, there are likely legal requirements that you must have insurance coverage for. Depending on your location, type of business, required certifications, and industry standards, there can be required policies to keep you compliant with local, state, and federal laws.

Understanding these rules and regulations can add another level of confusion for some. I recommend seeking out a lawyer with a specialty in your field to be sure you have all of your bases covered. When it comes to insurance, I am happy to review options with you to be sure you have absolutely all you need!

4. Bundle Insurances with One Agency

You can potentially save money on your monthly insurance premiums if you package your different insurance policies together. Many companies offer discounts when you bundle.

Knowing all of your needs upfront means you can map out a plan with a trusted agency. Thankfully, I am an independent insurance professional, which means I can scour hundreds of companies and am not tied to any single agency. With so many options, I can not only find the best coverage plans for your needs, but also the best prices to bundle your policies.

Plus, when you house your policies with the same agent, you save a lot of legwork. When you have a question, you only have one number to call. When you have a claim, you have the same trusted agent helping you through each step.

5. Seek a Professional

Owning a business means learning about a lot of processes. From payroll to leases, inventory to taxes, being an owner will require a lot of you. At times, the best method to learn the ins and outs is to outsource to an expert.

Smart business owners seek the advice and guidance of professionals. So if you are wondering how to best cover your small business with the right insurance policies, especially as a new business owner, reach out to me at any time. I’d be happy to consult with you to discuss your needs, seek out the best policies, and even find the best prices, all to help you launch your new venture with confidence!

Four Fun Spring Break Ideas For Your Minnesota Family

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 21:44:00 GMT

It may not seem like Mother Nature is quite ready, but I promise – spring is around the corner. As most families already know, that means spring break isn’t far behind.

The calendar may mark the start of spring as March 20th (and small Pennsylvania rodents may beg to differ…) but nonetheless, it is typically Spring Break that marks the shedding of winter blues for summer greens!

So, what do you aim to do with your family this spring break? Here are some ideas.

Take In a Twins Game

Nothing says Spring like a baseball game. The Minnesota Twins kick off their season with a home opener on Thursday, April 6 at 3:10 p.m. versus the Houston Astros. The first 20,000 fans can receive a Meal Deal, which includes a grandstand ticket to the game, a hotdog, and soda for $12.

The promotional event, presented by the city’s local Northland Ford Dealers, makes it an affordable option for any family to enjoy a night out at the ballpark, with dinner included!

Hike to the Falls

No, you don’t need to trek to Niagara to see gorgeous waterfalls. The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board oversees the Minnehaha Regional Park , “one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most popular parks.”

The space features a “majestic 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and river overlooks, attracting more than 850,000 visitors annually,” according to the board’s website. As snow and ice begins to melt to green grasses and blue skies, a trip to the park can get every member of the family some much-needed fresh air. With walking paths and bike rentals, and even a dog park, all are welcome, even the four-legged family members.

Ride the Longest Minnesota Zip Line

Get your adrenaline high with this birds-eye view of our amazing state. Located in Henderson, MN, the Kerfoot Canopy Tour has been voted one of the country’s best aerial tours. With suspension bridges, viewing platforms, and ziplines, there are a variety of options for those over age 7 (ropes course) or 10 (zipline).

The features at Kerfoot include a choice of a zipline canopy tour or a high ropes course. Age and weight restrictions do apply, so visit the site for more details. While the course is open year-round, there are ideal weather conditions in which to enjoy the fun. Check local weather reports before you schedule your trip!

‘Cave’ Into the Fun with Spelunking

A wonderful adventure awaits in Harmony, MN. Niagara Cave offers visitors a guided tour through the family-owned and -operated underground wonder. The fun begins each year with weekends in April, and continues May to October seven days a week.

Tour-going guests will get to see an underground stream alongside a 450-million-year-old fossil. The kids will (secretly) learn lessons in geology while having a blast on this one-hour tour. Cost is just $20.95 for those 13 and over, while children (ages 2 to 12) are $12.95. Those under age 2 are free.

I hope one of these ideas has inspired you to do something fun with your family over spring break – or at least, during these warmer spring months.

Tips for Buying a Salvage Title Car

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 03:00:00 GMT

If you consider yourself a handy mechanic and good with rebuilding cars, or if you have a trusted garage able to offer reliable repairs, there is a unique way some Minnesotans aim to save some money: buying a salvage title car.

However, there are some very helpful tips that one should follow. Buying a salvage title can be tricky yet can save you quite a bit of money. But, there is also the possibility of many pitfalls. Let’s break down how best to buy a salvage title car.

What Is a Salvage Title Car?

A salvage title car means that the car has been deemed totaled. It has been, most often, wrecked beyond use. These cars have been declared a loss, and are not legal for public streets.

Once a car has been named a salvage title, it is not eligible for insurance and is not legal to drive.

In order for a car to be called “salvage” or totaled, it will have to have at least 70% of the car’s value destroyed. The car will, in simplest terms, be wrecked.

Who Sells Salvaged Cars?

While they are not legal to drive, such vehicles will often be towed by the insurance company after they have been totaled. The company may then decide to rebuild it in order to recoup some of the costs. After such a rebuild, with the proper documentation, it can be sold, though those issues must be disclosed via the rebuilt title.

How to Make a Careful Purchase

The first thing to know when looking at a salvaged title car is to review its damages. Ask the seller for a complete damage report and understand every part that may have been replaced. Even if you aim to do the work yourself or seek the help of a pro after purchase, it is important to first know everything that is wrong.

Ask specifically if the odometer has been broken, replaced, or altered. As this tool measures the miles that have been put on a car, there are very specific laws about its replacement or repair.

Protect Yourself In a Sale

Once rebuilt, a vehicle will need to obtain a rebuilt title. This title will notify any future owners about the ways in which the vehicle has been damaged. Such events as accidents, fire, flood, or major damages are typically noted.

Additionally, a car will have to include a rebuilt title that notes if it was excessively used as a taxi or law enforcement vehicle. Oftentimes, there will also be a note if the car was returned to its manufacturer or if it was still under any warranty when it was salvaged.

Difficulties Buying a Salvaged Title Car

Before you make a purchase, be fully aware of some of the challenges such a vehicle may face. When buying a car, you will likely have to pay for it in cash. Loan services are often reluctant to lend money for such questionable purchases.

You may have difficulty insuring the car, as well. Some insurance coverages either will not accept a rebuilt title or will increase the prices to insure it. Even if you can get insurance at a high rate, the company will likely low-value the car due to its history.

You may also face very low trade-in values. Though today’s used car market is booming, offering sellers an above-average profit on most makes and models, cars with rebuilt titles are a red flag for many. You may have a tough time should you ever choose to resell the car or trade it in.

Not for the Faint of Heart

While it can be done, and certainly there are safety steps to ensure you are making a careful sale, there is no perfect way to be sure a salvaged title car is a smart financial decision. There are many risks involved. Be sure, should you choose to investigate this route, that you do your homework and gather all of the facts before signing on the dotted line.

How to Prevent Ice Dams in Minnesota

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:56:00 GMT

Minnesota’s winters feature a daily high-temperature average of just 29 degrees Fahrenheit , which means we’re pretty accustomed to the cold. But in a state with long, cold winters, we Minnesotans also face unique, weather-related risks!

An ice dam is one of the many threats that surround us in such cold temperatures. Understanding what they are, how to prevent them, and what to do if you do have to deal with them is key. Whether you’ve just moved here or have weathered many winters in our great state, ice dams are a reality.

As an insurance professional, I know all too well the extensive damage these ice dams can do to your home. These losses can end up as a claim on your home insurance. So, what can we do to prevent such costly damage, massive headaches, and mountains of paperwork?

What Is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your home’s roof. Not only can these collections of ice damage a roof, but they are also known for preventing melting snow from draining off the roof’s surface.

Ice dams are caused because there is warm, moist air in your attic or space below your roof. It does not have to be a full, open attic to cause an issue. The snow on top of the roof, in certain weather conditions, begins to melt on the attic side (closest to the roof’s surface).

Water trickles down a roof’s surface, but when it reaches a colder surface, such as the eave or soffit, it refreezes. This small ice build-up grows as more melting snow and ice pile up behind it.

Why Are Ice Dams Dangerous?

As you can imagine, a build-up of ice on your roof is not a good thing. The ice buildup can back up under your roof’s shingles and cause damage. This can cause water to leak down into the ceilings and walls below.

In short, the water (melting snow) backs up, causing leaks to form in your home, and damaging walls, ceilings, insulation, or other surrounding areas. Such leaks not only ruin these surfaces but can even create a growing space for mold and mildew. Many people are allergic to these harmful spores and are known to cause respiratory problems.

Additionally, these leaks can dampen your attic’s insulation. Wet insulation does not insulate anything very well, meaning that in addition to damaged plaster (ceilings), cracking paint, and peeling walls, you also may be losing quite a bit of your heat (increased energy costs) out from your roof.

How to Deal with Ice Dams

Whew – now that we’ve talked about the seriousness of ice dams, let’s switch gears. How can you deal with ice dams?

To ensure these ice dams don’t form on your home, you will need to take some precautionary steps. If ice dams are already beginning to form, you will need to take more immediate action. If you want to prevent them (best done before freezing temperatures begin), you can take more long-term steps.

Short-Term Solutions

If you are already noticing ice dams forming, or if you fear they might begin, there are a few immediate steps that can help.

Allow warm tap water to flow over the ice, via a hose, throughout the day
Working from the lower level of the dam, create channels to allow drainage
Remove the snow build-up from the roof

These short-term solutions, however, will only last hours to a few days at most. You will need to plan for longer-term methods to prevent future build-ups or worsening dams.

Long-Term Solutions

To prevent damage to your roof or in your home, you will need to take bigger steps to keep your house free from ice dams. Some of those include:

Create a tighter, less moist air space in your attic (under your roof)
Seal any air leaks between the home, attic, and roof
Cut down heat loss with increased insulation in the attic space
Check for air leaks – especially near plumbing vents, chimneys, or electrical wiring

Newer construction homes should be built to state standards, including having an air barrier throughout the ceiling.

If necessary, you can consult an energy specialist to check for air leaks, weakened insulation, or correction of heat-loss issues. These pros know how to best prevent the issue from coming back again.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

Ensuring your attic does not have any air leaks, or reinforcing any spaces where they are likely to occur (plumbing, ventilation, electrical lines, chimneys, etc.) is the best way to be sure ice dams do not return.

You may also need to assess the level of your insulation. Having the best rated product for your space will keep the heat in your home, and not seeping out through your ceilings and roof.

Lastly, keeping your roof free from heavy snow falls can prevent the issue before it begins. Roofing rakes are created to allow you to safely remove heavy snow that may damage your roofing before ice dams even form.

How NOT to Prevent Ice Dams

The state of Minnesota’s Commerce Department has a division dedicated to Energy Resources . Through this focused department, the state warns that there are steps that should NOT be taken to remove or prevent ice dams.

The state’s department says homeowners should NOT:

Install heating cables (costly and shorten roof’s lifespan)
Remove ice with chippers, chemicals or heat (damages structure)
Adding roof vents (often worsens the problem with additional air leak risk)
Rely solely on insulation (additional steps are required)

The department does recommend a high-density foam plate style of insulation for the most protection against air leaks.

Now that you know what ice dams are and how to prevent them, I hope you can take some proactive steps to protect your home! Reach out to my team if you’re concerned about having the right insurance coverage in case you do experience issues.

Decreasing Your Risk of Accidents Through Regular Home & Auto Maintenance

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 23:43:00 GMT

No one can see the future. Accidents happen. And, in my line of business, I have seen it all! As an independent insurance agent, I have seen my clients experience all kinds of issues. Some of them are even preventable! Accidents and incidents that end up as insurance claims, especially in the winter, can sometimes be stopped before they even begin.

Here are some things you can do with your home and auto to decrease your risk.

Auto Maintenance To Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly

While you can’t predict a car accident, and you certainly cannot account for other drivers, you can do your part to stay safe on the road with a few simple steps. Being sure that your own vehicle is road-ready and safe to drive, you can prevent avoidable issues.

Some things to consider this winter include:

Schedule routine maintenance checks to review all systems
Keep your windshield washer fluid filled
Replace worn windshield wipers
Check your battery periodically
Inspect your tires and measure tread regularly
Stock your car with an emergency kit

These simple steps may sound like the basic care any car requires. But as schedules get filled, money gets tight, and sometimes such things just slip your mind, you’d be surprised how many car owners don’t do these simple preventative measures.

However, taking the time now to double-check your automobile can prevent some accidents down the road.

Home Maintenance To Prevent Risk

Your home is likely one of the largest investments you’ll make in life. Keeping it in tip-top shape will not only help to maintain its value but will also prevent risks and accidents in the future. So many home insurance policy claims could have been prevented with some foresight and routine care.

To keep your home safe, consider taking these actions:

Prevent pipes from freezing with insulation
Have a sprinkler system blown out
Clean your gutters of leaves and ice/snow build-up
Check batteries and the working order of all smoke, radon, or carbon monoxide detectors
Have your heating systems checked before winter months
Clear heavy snow from rooftops
Trim trees away from the home

In addition to these basic tasks that can keep your home in working order, you can also often seek the assistance of companies that do checks for you. Some electric or heating companies offer assessments to gauge any heat loss or sources of unnecessary energy expenditure. Not only can these checks save you on the heating bill, but can also keep your home safer with secured windows, doors, and ventilation by making sure all are in proper order.

Insurance That Has Your Back

At Rehm Insurance and Financial Services, we are far more than just salespeople. We aren’t here just to sell a policy and wish you the best. Instead, we aim to help you stay safe, prevent incidents and insure you’re covered when the unexpected does happen.

Beyond that, we truly care about your well-being. While we are always here and happy to have your back in the event of a claim, we first and foremost hope you don’t need to use these policies.

Taking small measures today can save a lot of suffering tomorrow. Try some of these precautions to keep you and your family secure all winter long. If you’d like assistance in being sure you have all the policy coverage you need, simply schedule an appointment today with our team.

DIY Your Perfect Emergency Car Kit

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 22:05:00 GMT

From the Boy Scouts who warned you to “always be prepared,” to Ben Franklin’s proverb that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” we have all heard the warnings. Traveling by car – especially in the Minnesota winters – requires extra preparedness, in case of an emergency.

Preparing an emergency car kit can be a simple solution to save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Plan ahead with some of these tips to keep you and your loved ones safe!

What Goes Into an Emergency Car Kit?

There are a number of ideas, especially dependent on the season of travel, that can go into a well-rounded emergency car kit. Some specifically winter-based concepts may be removed in the off-season as you see fit.

While packing your kit, keep in mind the weather conditions you are likely to encounter. If you are traveling long stretches that may be isolated from cell phone service, or worry that there won’t be much “civilization” along the way, consider which extra items you may need.

Here are a few helpful suggestions to get you started:

Emergency roadside flares
Jumper cables
Food and water
A package of kitty litter or sand
Warm clothing and blankets
A spare phone charger
A back-up battery for electronic devices
A snow scraper
A shovel
First-Aid Kit and basic medical supplies
Windshield washer fluid and back-up wipers
A flashlight and batteries (or crank, hand-operated light)
An emergency radio and batteries (or crank, hand-operated radio)

Helpful Hints to Stay Safe in Your Car

Taking some preemptive measures to ensure your safety can truly go a long way to keeping your travels pleasurable. With some handy forethought, you can mitigate many frustrations.

Some helpful things to consider before starting your engines might include:

Preview Your Route Before Leaving

Know where you are heading, especially if this is new territory for you. Being unfamiliar with the roads can add to the uncertainty. Pre-plan your stops, know the route, and consider jotting down the major routes or directions on good old-fashioned pen and paper.

Should you lose your cellular or GPS service, it is always nice to have a route in mind as a backup, just in case.

Share Your Travel Plans with Friends or Family

Especially if traveling alone or in small groups, be sure that you have shared your itinerary with others. Be sure they know your planned route along with expected arrival and departure times. Should anything go awry, your loved ones will know where you planned to be traveling, what stops you aimed to make, and when they should have expected you at their door.

Consider Alternative Communication Methods

If you anticipate long stretches without cell services, consider bringing along other modes of communication. Have change for pay phones, opt for aCB radio, or walkie-talkies to chat amongst your caravan (if multiple cars). Folks traveled long before cell phones, and we can still do without them – believe it or not! Just plan ahead.

Review Your Auto Insurance Policies

Another great way to stay prepared is to take time this year to review your auto insurance policies. Be sure you are covered in the event of any unforeseen circumstances. From accidents on the road, to a car flooding, fire, or other emergencies, you want to be sure you have the plan that is the right fit for you, not to mention at the right price to fit your budget.

Make an appointment today with me, and we can discuss your individual needs. Being prepared for a road trip goes beyond what’s packed into the car. Prepare with sensible insurance policies that have you covered in any event.

5 Popular New Year’s Resolutions

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 13:34:00 GMT

It’s that time of year – an opportunity to reflect on the previous year and decide what we want to do in the new one. But what are the most common resolutions, and do they apply to you? Should they?

If you are struggling to decide what to resolve to do in 2023, consider some of the nation’s most popular responses.

1. Be Healthier

Sure, we’ve all heard the usual New Years goals… lost weight, exercise more, drink more water, etc. But instead of guilting yourself about what the scale reads each day, consider a different goal: Just get healthier.

No matter your size or methods of getting in some exercise, there is always room for improvement. Consider discussing with your doctor which of your health statistics might need the biggest boost. Is your cholesterol on target? Are you up-to-date on your screenings appropriate and recommended for your age? What does your metabolic panel show?

There is always a way to get yourself healthier. You want to be around here for the long-haul and taking steps to improve your overall health is one of the best ways to ensure just that.

2. Improve Your Finances

Another popular choice (and no, it’s not just because of my wife’s profession ) is to take a hard look at your budget. No matter what you make or your financial position right now, there is always room for improvement. Much like health, no one is perfect, so you can always tweak and clean up to improve your financial health.

From planning for a brighter future to working on your credit score, there is always a way to be sure you are making the best choices for your circumstances. There are almost always ways to save, too. Having a pro take a look at your budget can not only provide fresh eyes to the situation, but can help you to find the changes that can make the most impact, too.

3. Spending Quality Time with the Family

As a father of three, this one hits especially close to home for me. There never seem to be enough hours in a day. From school and work, to hockey practices, meetings, and events … the hustle and bustle in most family’s homes is non-stop.

In the new year, one great resolution to improve is to find a way to stick to a schedule that includes more frequent quality time with your family. This could look like game nights, movie dates, cooking together, crafting, playing sports as a family , and more there are countless ways to bring all ages together and get off screens for a bit!

4. Try Something New

There are plenty of ways to expand your horizons in the new year. Resolving to do something you’ve never done before can allow you to learn something new, meet new people, and generally widen your network.

Consider things you’ve always “meant to get to” but haven’t made time for yet. Maybe you always wanted to learn to knit? Maybe you aspire to travel to a country you’ve never been to or learn to make a new recipe. From major vacations to minor lessons, you can really explore more of your world by trying something new in the new year.

5. Make Time For You

Many people, especially parents, seem to find it hard to take time for themselves. For our own sanity and well-being, it’s important to squeeze in some “me time” away from the demands of daily life.

I think most people feel guilty spending time focused on themselves. It feels selfish. It seems you have to take away from others. But, the bottom line is, you cannot continue to give yourself to others if you never take the time to heal you.

I recently saw a meme that showed a smartphone with a low battery. It read “You wouldn’t let this happen to your phone, why do you let it happen to you?” Recharge those batteries! Find time for a relaxing workout, a good book, or time with friends you don’t see very often.

No matter which of these resolutions you choose, we hope you enjoy a restful start to the new year!

How Does Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability Insurance Work?

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 20:59:00 GMT

When it comes to hitting the road, car insurance is there to protect you (and others on the road) just in case the road isn’t all you “hit.” But, there are so many variations available to you. What’s the difference between basic, legally required car insurance and policies such as bodily injury or property damage liability coverages?

What Is Bodily Injury Insurance?

Most states require some form of Bodily Injury Insurance. In its simplest form, it is a policy that covers others you may injure in a car accident. Any injuries, treatments, doctors’ visits, or medications may be covered under your bodily injury policy. Additionally, things like missed work due to injury can be included on this type of insurance.

This policy would cover other drivers and passengers in the event of injury. Some examples of covered expenses, in the event of an accident, include:

Medical Expenses
Lost Wages
Legal Fees
Pain and Suffering
Funeral Costs

To better understand what coverage you have, what you need, and what you may want, feel free to schedule a visit with me . I can review how each portion works, and what you may need for your individual situation.

What Is Property Damage Liability Insurance?

The “yin” to Bodily Injury Insurance’s “yang” is Property Damage Liability Insurance. Property damage liability coverage helps you as a driver pay for damage you cause to another person’s vehicle or property.

For example, if you hit someone else’s car, this type of policy would be responsible for its damages. In addition, should you hit, say, a mailbox or a front porch with your car, property damage liability coverage may also help pay to repair the damaged property.

Like bodily injury liability, most states require you to carry a minimum limit of property damage liability coverage. To understand what Minnesota requires, keep reading!

What Insurance Is Required in Minnesota?

According to our state government , Minnesota has set requirements as to what a driver must cover in order to be legal on the roads.

For example, each driver must have a minimum no-fault coverage of $40,000. That amount is available to each person injured in an accident; $20,000 is allowed for medical expenses and $20,000 may be used for non-medical expenses.

This does not mean you can’t add to it, but these types of coverage are required. Any coverage beyond these minimum amounts may be purchased as an addition.

Seek the Help of a Professional Insurance Agent

At the end of the day, these two types of policies, often bundled together and legally required, cover others. If you hurt a person, it typically is a bodily injury claim. If you hurt a person’s property, it is typically a property damage claim.

The best way to keep the different types of car insurance straight is to leave it to the pros. There are so many different types of policies. There are also so many variables that make your needs unique to you.

Chatting with a professional, such as myself, gives you access not only to all of the different types of policies, but also, as an independent insurance agent, I am able to search products from different organizations. I am not tied or obligated to any single company, allowing me to find not only the best “fit,” but also the best price. Reach out to my office today to schedule an appointment and better understand what policies you need, which you may not, and how to get the best price on it all!

Does Minnesota Tax Life Insurance Proceeds?

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 02:20:00 GMT

When it comes to preparing your family for the unexpected, life insurance is a great way to be sure your family is taken care of, in the unlikely event of your sudden demise. But you don’t want to leave your loved ones with the burden of paying extra taxes.

This leads to the obvious question: Are federal and state taxes owed on beneficiary money from life insurance in Minnesota?

The answer? It depends. With careful planning, you can help minimize tax liabilities for your beneficiaries.

Is Life Insurance Taxable in Minnesota?

Life insurance can work in many ways. There are different types of payouts, and different types of beneficiaries (or ways it can be paid out to designated persons). Taking some time when you set up your policy can save a mountain of headaches for those you leave behind.

In most states, the death benefit payout is not a taxable amount. Minnesota is no different. Generally speaking, the payout is not taxable income. This means your beneficiaries will not have to worry about such fees.

However, there are some circumstances where that may change. It takes careful planning, and occasional updates or “checkups” to your policies to ensure they stay that way.

When Would Taxes Be Owed?

If you are married and name a spouse as your 100 percent beneficiary, that spouse will not be subjected to income or estate taxes. But, in which cases might that change?

1. If interest is accrued

Most life insurance payouts come in one, lump sum. However, if your policy opts to release the funds in payments, it may sit in an account before it comes to you. During that time, the funds may accrue interest.

Should this be the case, the one that receives the benefit of those interest payments would be responsible for paying taxes, but only on the interest built up over time.

2. If funds go into a ‘Taxable Estate’

In some circumstances, funds will first be transferred into a “taxable estate.” This is often the case if you do not update your files upon changes in deaths or named beneficiaries.

For example, if you name Joe your beneficiary, but Joe has passed away since your last update, the funds will instead go into your taxable estate. It will remain there until the next of kin or inheritor is named.

This commonly happens for two reasons: the death of a beneficiary or no beneficiary is named specifically. To avoid those issues, keep your beneficiaries up-to-date.

3. Total Inherited Assets Top $1 Million

Let’s say you name your children your beneficiaries. In the state of Minnesota, that means they will be free from income tax on the payout. However, because the funds are then considered part of your “taxable estate” (see number two), they will be subject to taxes if the total estate tops $1 million in value.

4. Three Individuals Are Involved: A Goodman Triangle

On occasion, it is not the insured person that purchased the policy. Instead, its premiums were paid monthly by another party. Let’s say for example a wife takes out a policy for her husband. She names their daughter the beneficiary to that policy. The wife is the “purchaser.” The husband is the “insured” and the daughter is the “beneficiary.”

These three unique roles, being served by three individuals, means that the government views a payout as a “gift” from the wife to the daughter. Sometimes dubbed the “Goodman Triangle,” this would subject the sum to taxes under the “gift” laws and regulations.

Avoiding Life Insurance Taxes

One way many combat the burden of taxes on a life insurance payout is to establish an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT). THe ILIT allows for any life insurance payouts to NOT be considered a part of your estate, thus avoiding the taxable income factor.

Ideally, the trustee would purchase and pay premiums for the policy, avoiding any issue after the death of the insured.

How Do I Set Up A Tax-Free Policy?

If these terms have your head spinning, you are not alone. There is plenty to confuse the average person when it comes to insurance and taxes. To ensure that your loved ones are cared for, work with a professional.

Knowing those confusing ins and outs is my job, and I am happy to sort out a plan along with you to fit your unique needs. We can tailor the approach to fit you perfectly. Make an appointment today to find out more.

Qualifications for Life Insurance Policies in Minnesota

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 02:42:00 GMT

Did you know that the average cost of a funeral in Minnesota is $7,824? However, costs can range from $4,600 to over $14,000.

While it is surely not a fun topic to think about, funeral expenses aren’t the only debts you will leave behind for your family. To protect yourself and your loved ones, a life insurance policy can take care of the costly responsibilities after your death – and much more.

How to Qualify for Life Insurance

So what does it take to qualify for life insurance? It really depends on the type of policy you are aiming to obtain. Most policies will require a medical exam or a medical questionnaire. These inquiries are done in order to determine your health, underlying medical conditions, and your likely length of life.

Depending on the age at which you start the process, prices for such policies can vary greatly. The younger you are, the lower the premiums will probably be. Insurance companies are gauging how long you’re likely to live – and the less likely they have to pay out the policy soon, the lower the company is willing to set its monthly cost.

How Old Do You Have to Be?

The minimum age at which a person can sign a life insurance application is 15. There is no minimum age to have a policy on your life. However, at age 15, most companies will require a child to sign any policy that is taken out on their lives.

If you’ve just had a child, and you wish to purchase life insurance for them. Some companies will ask that you wait until the child is 14 days old. Others do not have a minimum age requirement for life insurance applications.

What Will Life Insurance Companies Ask Me?

Whether they require a full medical exam or just a self-filled questionnaire, many of the questions or checks will be similar. Most will start with the very basic questions about your health:

Height and weight
Date of birth
Lifestyle and habits
Health history of family
Financial history

It is very important to answer the questions very truthfully. If there are any discrepancies or omissions, the insurance company can deny a payout to your beneficiaries.

Some questions may involve asking about your smoking or drinking habits. They may ask you if you do any extreme or risky hobbies, such as skydiving or bungee jumping. The questions, after all, are largely to determine how long you’re likely to live.

Types of Life Insurance

Sometimes the age qualifications, terms, and monthly costs can vary depending on which type of life insurance you are seeking. To understand term life insurance (typically coverage for a set time frame) versus whole life (coverage until death), take a look at this blog .

However, your choices don’t stop there. Some companies offer policies such as Mortgage Insurance – which means, should you pass away before your home is paid off, this type of policy would cover the remainder, covering what is likely a huge expense for your family.

Simplified Life Insurance can help if you want to forgo the exam, but can often come with limits of $500,000. Alternatively, older applicants may want to consider Guaranteed Life Insurance. These policies cannot deny you for coverage, but often are limited to $50,000.

How to Qualify for Life Insurance in Minnesota

When applying for life insurance, it is good to know what to expect. But it is better to have a helping hand.

With access to hundreds of companies and policy options, working with me give you the best chance to find a policy to fit your unique needs. No two people are the same, and their life insurance policies shouldn’t be either.

Make an appointment today to review your individual situation, and I will work to find you a policy you can afford that can also put your mind at ease, knowing your loved ones will be covered even when you’re gone.

How to Compare Minnesota Car Insurance Policies

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 14:32:00 GMT

Does your car insurance policy cover bodily injury liability? How about property damage liability? Do you have comprehensive coverage? What about collision?

If these phrases have your head spinning already, you are not alone. There is a lot to learn when it comes to different automotive insurance policies. Let’s dig in.

Compare Minnesota Car Insurance

The best way to be sure that you have the proper coverage is to do a quick review with a professional. When you work with an independent insurance agent like myself, you can find products to fit your individual needs.

In addition to having access to countless policies and coverages, I have also lived in Southern Minnesota for over 20 years. As a local resident, I know the unique challenges that may be overlooked by out-of-area agents.

Mankato Area Insurance Agents

I can offer specialized packages, bringing you not only the best coverage options, but I can also offer you the best rates. You could lower your monthly costs with a quick consultation!

Because let’s face it – we’re looking at rising living costs. From the grocery store to the gas pump, we are all paying more. Our cost of living seems to be skyrocketing, with no end in sight.

While we can’t control the world’s economy, we can be more sensible with our own individual spending. By analyzing your needs, tailoring your plans, and honing in on only the coverages you need, I can be sure you are only paying what you absolutely have to, and not one penny more!

An Independent Insurance Agent

Some may be thinking, “Reegan, can’t I just go it alone? I can Google these topics myself.” Sure, with today’s World Wide Web, we all have a lot of information right at our fingertips. However, do you have a few decades of insurance experience?

Even if you can sort out the extensive vocabulary, it is ideal to have someone on “your side.” Since I can work with any insurance company, I am not captive to one brand, meaning you get the best of all offers.

Additionally, I can research policies for your unique needs without you putting your personal information out on the internet. Do you really want your name, email, phone, and address floating around, being sold to any marketing list out there?

A Single Solution

There is one simple answer to these questions: Make an appointment with me today . With a free consultation, we can sit down together to understand what your precise needs are. From there, I can research the best policy fit for you.

You’re not alone in this. Searching for car insurance isn’t easy. But, with the right assistance, we can find the right coverage for you!

Don’t try to do it alone. I am happy to do that legwork for you. And, your information is safe with me, not being sold across the web to the highest bidder.

Stay safe. Save money. Feel secure. You can have it all with one brief consultation.

Six Snack Ideas for Your Next Minnesota Football Party

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 22:50:00 GMT

This time of year, there’s one sport Minnesotans can’t get enough of… Football ! From the Vikings to the Gophers to local high school teams, we have plenty to keep us cheering.

Besides the excitement of the game, one of the very best parts of getting together for these games is the food. Wouldn’t you agree?!

Consider Your Guests

When you’re planning a tasty menu for your next football Sunday, consider who is coming along. Try to accommodate unique needs and preferences where possible. Some fans might be dieting, so have some healthier options. Some fans may be gluten-free, have allergies, or restricted, medical diets.

Be considerate of all guests coming to the table (or tailgate). Provide beverage options that include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Offer carbonated and flat drinks for all unique tastes.

Consider Your Location

Where your next football gathering is planned for will greatly impact the menu. Tailgates and games in front of the big screen may require more hand-held or standing-friendly options. Think about sandwiches or snacks on sticks as an option. Treats that can be easily consumed in one bite are best if on the move.

Have Fun with Themes

Consider making the food fun with themes. You can incorporate the team colors into your plates, napkins, or silverware. You can add the colors to your food choices to really get the team spirit high!

If you want to get really creative, consider your opponent, too. If your college is facing the Syracuse Orangemen, a side of mandarin oranges or peelable “Cuties” might be a fun choice. Are the Vikings facing Buffalo? Why not bring in the wings, and take a “bite” out of the competition? Are the Packers on the schedule? A cheese platter will likely go down well!

Fun Options for Football Foods

Once you’ve weighed your options, considered the guests, selected a location, and crafted a theme, you are ready to plan the true star of the game: the food! Here are our top picks for tasty snacks to satisfy your fans.

1. Fruit or Vegetable Tray

Not only are fruits and vegetables very colorful (think team color coordination), but they provide a healthy option, too. Most are also easy to keep silverware-free and hand-held, meaning they’re great options for on-the-go, tailgates, or standing-room-only events.

2. Pizza, Wings, and Subs, Oh My!

Everyone knows the good old stand-bys. Game day snacks often mean those traditional goodies. These options also help out the party planner by being easy to order, often have delivered, and cut out the extra legwork when preparing. If you have to clean the house, prep for your week ahead, and invite guests, consider leaving the menu to the pros.

3. Everyone Loves a Sandwich

A sandwich buffet of sorts can please nearly any diet. Offering plenty of meat and non-meat options (even add in that PB&J), not to mention a chance to make it gluten-free by skipping the bread. Add loads of toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion, not to mention a variety of condiments, and let the crew make their own.

4. Share a Soup

As fall brings in the crisp air, another fun option is a yummy soup or chili. These are an ideal option for those that may want to prep ahead of time, and sit back to enjoy the game come kick-off. Easily stored and served as and when fans want in a crockpot, these goodies can stay warm all game long.

If you are pressed for time, opt for the Share-a-Soup party, and ask each family to bring a pot along! You’ll add plenty of options and reduce the work on yourself, too!

5. The Taco Bar

Another buffet option is to create a taco bar. Offering plenty of options for all diets and tastes, this south-of-the-border choice is another great way to prepare ahead of time. Once you’ve done the chopping and meat prep, you’re able to watch each down without being stuck in the kitchen. Additionally, you can accommodate plenty of diets with beans instead of meats (for the vegetarians) and salad plates (for those avoiding gluten). Allowing folks to make their own lets them pick and choose to fit their hearts’ desires.

6. Football Finger Foods

For me, tailgating screams finger foods. Our traditions for the game day include plenty of appetizer-like goodies. From sweet and sour meatballs (combine equal ounces of grape jelly and chili sauce along with a frozen bag of meatballs and bam! delicious), to chili cheese dip, these foods might not be waistline-friendly but are sure to please the football crowd.

Another favorite in our house is to add Little Smokies to a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce, and instantly, another tasty app. That phrase “there’s an app for that” doesn’t just apply to smartphones.

Your turn! Which snacks are your go-to favorites for football parties?

What to Know About Minnesota Life Insurance Policies

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 15:11:00 GMT

If you’re a resident of Minnesota, and you aren’t sure which way to turn when it comes to life insurance, I have good news. First, you are not alone. And second, I have the solutions and tools you need to find the solution!

What Is Minnesota Life Insurance?

Let’s start with the basics. What is life insurance? No matter where you live, it is a basic coverage most everyone needs. It isn’t something we like to think about, but if you weren’t here tomorrow, what would your family do? Would your loved ones be able to pay for the funeral? What about the bills and responsibilities you leave behind?

Life insurance is designed for those “what if” situations. Life insurance is a policy everyone should have, no matter their age or level of health.

Minnesota Life Insurance Company Research

According to statistica , the number of life insurance companies in the United States is on the decline, yet that figure is currently hovering at 741 companies in the country. While that is down from the 1990 peak of 2,195 companies, it is still quite a massive undertaking.

Minnesota Life Insurance Company Reviews

A simple Google search will slam hundreds of options onto your web browser. From high-end television advertisements to reviews claiming to be honest and fair, you’ll find plenty of folks trying to tell you what is best. It’s no wonder many buyers attempt to get their policies without the help of an agent.

Minnesota Life Insurance Reviews: Word of Mouth

Perhaps you prefer to go with the company your parent’s trust, or maybe it is easier to ask friends and family their opinions. This attempt can save you some research and legwork, but is it really the best option for you?

Minnesota Term Life Insurance vs. Whole Life Insurance

Should you get Term Life or Whole Life insurance?

Term life is a set period of time, such as a 20-year plan. You may purchase the policy, and it is guaranteed coverage, no matter what, for a set period.

Alternatively, whole life is … yes, you guessed it… aimed to cover your whole life. But, which is right for you? And how should you measure the pros and cons?

The Life Insurance ‘Easy Button’

I’ve posed many questions here, and now we’re ready to go over the answers.

There’s really just one answer – and it’s simple: Find a trusted, local insurance organization that can cater to your unique situation.

As with most insurance coverage options, there is no “one size fits all” solution. Instead, each and every individual has a unique set of circumstances. These specific differences should be weighed and analyzed to find a policy that fits you best.

A Trusted Resource in Your Community

In Minnesota, you are lucky to have that “easy button” at your fingertips. Rehm Insurance and Financial Services brings the solutions to you. We are located right in your own backyard and are not tied to any single company. This means we can research any policy on the market to find you the best solutions.

Major Savings on Life Insurance

At the end of the day, we all want sensible solutions we can afford. By allowing Rehm Insurance to do the research for you, you will likely save on the bottom line and find affordable monthly premiums.

Additionally, you are saving the time and effort of trying to dig through the multitude of choices. We can sit down with you, ask just a few basic questions, and narrow your search massively. We also save you the headache of trying to decide. We can present the possible choices and help you find the perfect policy for your unique needs.

One Simple Step for Life Insurance

So, where do you find this easy button? We have two simple ways to get in touch. You can call our offices at (507) 345-3366 to chat with one of our friendly staff members. Alternatively, you can make an appointment online here with just the click of a button.

Don’t try to do it alone, when researching life insurance options. We can find the choice that fits you best!

Our Basement Flooded on the First Day of School: Here’s What We Learned

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 14:37:00 GMT

Like so many other families in Minnesota, we sent our kids back to school on August 31st. But unlike most families we know, extra chaos ensued in the Rehm household that day.

Instead of enjoying first-day-of-school pictures and putting the finishing touches on first-day-of-school outfits, our house was bustling with an entirely different kind of morning. Our basement flooded!

How Our Basement Flooded

It started like any other day, albeit with the obnoxious blasting of our flood alarm. Since it had been malfunctioning, I truthfully didn’t think much of it. But, instead of finding an alarm on the fritz, I descended our steps and found a basement room flooded with murky waters. No one wants to start any day like this, and certainly not the parent of three school-aged children.

With no option but to get busy solving the problem, I grabbed a shop vac, ready to get to work. This attempt, however, ended with me being shocked – and I don’t mean surprised. Word to the wise: Don’t stand in water with wet hands and using an electrically charged appliance.

As I was zapping myself, standing barefoot in our flooded home, my wife Gretchen was already on the phone with the city trying to sort out what might be happening.

We don’t have a sump pump in our home. We do, however, have a finished basement. We spent tens of thousands of dollars finishing it, just two years ago. And while we don’t go down there every single day, it’s still a beautiful space that we cannot afford to see ruined.

Three Hours Bailing Buckets of Sewage

While we waited for help to arrive, I spent three hours bailing buckets of what I thought was runoff water and ended up being raw sewage. Outside our home, the sewage had backed up and began bubbling up from a drain in our basement. Needless to say, an extremely hot shower was my next priority…

The city fixed the sewers within about three hours. I am incredibly grateful that we live in a small town, since this is an unusually fast response time. I have had clients wait hours or even days.

I am also grateful to our daughter, who managed to get her two brothers ready for their first day of school (not to mention herself) just in time. While they did miss the bus, I am thankful for the flexibility of self-emplyment, as my wife was able to drive them to school.

In the end, we only suffered minor damages, thanks to a few factors:

We have a flood alarm
We were home to hear the alarm
We have the right insurance coverage

What You Can Learn

I am sharing this wild and somewhat embarrassing story so that you can learn from our misfortune.

As I was standing barefoot in the basement that day, all I could think about were the “What Ifs.” What if we hadn’t been home? What if we didn’t have a functioning alarm? What if the basement was a total loss? We could have been facing a completely ruined space, with over $150,000 in damages!

As an insurance expert, I also thought about the implications if we were not properly covered. In this case, as the city is at fault, we are working with them to pay for damages. Fingers crossed that our efforts pay off in this respect.

Did you know that an unendorsed homeowners’ policies does not cover sewer back up? You can get coverage by endorsing “sewage” or “sump pump” coverage onto your policy – but be sure to read your policy carefully to be aware if it’s been added and what the coverage limit is.

Even when you have some sort of coverage, it often limits the payout to the endorse amount. Typically 5 to 10,000 We had $10,000, but this would have been nowhere near the $150,000 value of our newly finished space. When in doubt – max out your coverage ( which can vary from company to company). Doublecheck your insurance

Here is what you can do to be sure you aren’t stuck up a creek (or in my case, barefoot in sewage) without a paddle:

Call your insurance agent to check your homeowners policy.
Add sewage/sump pump coverage and max it out
Don’t count on your city to cover damages, even if it is at fault.
Get a flood alarm, and take it seriously.
Have a water pump on hand for emergencies.
Teach everyone in your household what to do if the alarm goes off.
Own waterproof boots in case you need to wade into water.
Keep numbers for the city and trusted service providers handy.
Don’t assume it can’t happen to you.

We never expected to be spending our first day of school bailing sewage out of the basement. We were caught off-guard and weren’t completely prepared for this type of emergency. We’re lucky it won’t cost us much in the long run!

Learn from our mistakes, and be prepared for your next life “What If” with some careful planning and sensible insurance policies. Reach out if you want us to check your policies!

Six Types of Insurance Every Small Business Should Have

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 22:45:00 GMT

Every small business has its own unique needs, services, and products – so that’s why your insurance should be personalized to you!

How do you know what the right amount of small business insurance is? Which policies make sense for your operations? What coverages are ideal for your individual business? Let’s find out.

Types of Policies for Small Businesses

While there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for small businesses, there are six common types of insurance coverage that can be sensible for most business owners.

1. General Liability Insurance for Small Businesses

One of the most common and much-needed coverage is called “General Liability.” Nearly any business can be sued for any reason, and if your business is accused or found legally liable for injuries to someone else or for causing property damage to someone else property – this is the coverage that provides coverage and protects your business assets in settlement or lawsuit.

There is no way to predict the future, and savings can quickly dwindle in the event of a major lawsuit. Protect your business with a policy like this.

2. Property Insurance Insurance for Small Businesses

If your small business actually includes a brick-and-mortar location, even if it is on your own personal property (working from a home-based office), you may need to consider property insurance. These policies can cover you in the event of a major catastrophe, such as theft or fire.

3. Commercial Auto Insurance Insurance for Small Businesses

Does your business rely on a fleet of vehicles? Do you rely on one or two automobiles to get your job done? Chances are your business then needs a tailored commercial auto insurance policy.

4. Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Small Businesses

Unless you are the sole owner and employee of your business (and even then you may want to protect your own earnings), chances are you depend on the work of others to get the job done. If you have a staff, you want to be sure that they are covered, too, especially in the event of an injury while on the job.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance can cover your employees in the event of any life’s unexpected accidents at the workplace.

5. Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) for Small Businesses

You’ve likely learned that, as with most things, buying insurance in bulk can save you money. That’s largely what a BOP means: bundling a few policies into one, major coverage.

Business Owners Policies combine property, liability, and business interruption coverage for small to medium-sized businesses. This packaged coverage is generally less expensive than when purchasing coverage separately.

Additionally, with a BOP you have the ability to customize the policy to meet your individual business needs.

6. Cyber Insurance for Small Businesses

If your small business relies heavily on online services, cyber insurance may be a smart bet. This coverage will help in the event of a cyber attack, or a breach of your sensitive data.

Best Minnesota Insurance Agency

Whatever your small business needs, Rehm Insurance has your back. Our team can customize any policy to be sure your hard-earned assets are covered.

Make an appointment today via our online scheduler , and let’s double-check that your small business has all the coverage it needs!

How Much Personal Property Insurance Do You Need?

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 09:27:00 GMT

One of the most difficult questions I get selling insurance is “How much do I need?” To be perfectly honest, the answer to that is simply: Insurance is not one size fits all… but I can help you find what fits for YOU.

Each person that comes into my office has a different level and need for insurance policies. From the amount of coverage to the type of policies, each client is unique.

What Is Property Insurance?

It is important to know exactly what your current coverage can and cannot do. While homeowners’ insurance policies typically have a personal property coverage section, it is primarily designed to cover the home itself. If a tree crashes through your roof or a tornado takes your roof off, these are often disasters covered by homeowners’ insurance.

However, if a water pipe freezes in your home and bursts and damages all the contents of your home, are you covered? The answer to that can vary greatly depending on the type of policy you have. The Personal Property coverage portion of the homeowner’s policy can be helpful in covering your damaged items depending on what type of coverage you have.

Named Peril vs. Open Peril Coverage

Two types of coverage forms that are typically used are called Named Peril and Open Peril. Named Peril means that the only covered incidents that will be covered are those expressly named in the policy, such as fire, wind, hail, or explosion.

Fire is always covered and is one of the named perils even on a basic policy form (note: the policy coverage forms can be Basic, Broad, and Special for a named peril policy form, Basic being the least amount of coverage, Special being best – but fire is covered in all three) but bursting pipes is not covered on basic form!

In an Open Peril policy, the opposite is true. It covers all perils unless it is explicitly excluded in the policy.
For example, the policy could have a section of exclusions, and if the policy doesn’t exclude the cause of your loss, then the policy will respond.

What Does Personal Property Insurance Cover?

Personal Property coverage protects or replaces your personal property – aka “your belongings.” Everything from the furniture in your home, to the artwork on the walls, to the fancy electronic gadgets in your possession; a property insurance policy can cover most of your belongings.

(Note: When it comes to flood insurance, that typically requires a separate policy altogether.)

How Much Property Insurance Do I Need?

While this answer is unique to each person, a good starting point would be to analyze the belongings you own. Do you have priceless jewelry in your possession, handed down from generation to generation? Do you have artwork that is irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind?

Gathering a list of the most expensive items or those hardest to replace can be a good starting point. You want to ask yourself:

How much are my belongings worth?
How much would it take to replace these items?
What is the overall value of my possessions?

Where a Professional Can Help!

Understanding just home much personal property insurance you need can be tough. The best advice is to seek the assistance of a professional.

With years of experience and access to many companies, my team and I can find you the best insurance to fit your needs. With a simple visit to our website , you can make a phone call or even schedule an appointment online.

From there, we can sit down together and find a policy to fit your precise needs. Each person is unique and different, and no two policies are alike either. It is best to map out a coverage plan that suits you best.

Life Insurance for Accidental Deaths: What You Need to Know

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 21:16:00 GMT

When your family suffers an accidental death, it can seem like the world stops. There are so many questions and so much to handle after an unexpected death – but you can help to ease the burden on your loved ones with an accidental death policy.

What is an Accidental Death Policy?

An accidental death policy is a rider or provision that can be added to a life insurance policy. The benefit produces a payment to the policy’s beneficiaries in the case of accidental death.

While it’s not typically included in standard life insurance policies, many people (especially those who work in high-risk environments) choose to add this optional rider to ensure that their family is protected. If you decide to add this rider, it is important that your agent thoroughly explains to you what your policy considers an “accidental death.”

In some cases, you can add an accidental death and dismemberment policy. In addition to death, these riders cover the loss of limbs, burns, or paralysis.

What is Considered an Accidental Death?

Accidental deaths are described as any death that occurs due to an accident. The exact definition may vary depending on the insurance company and the language of the policy.

Typically, this includes deaths that result from drowning, motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls, choking, machinery-related accidents, firearms, or any situation that cannot be controlled. There is usually a specific time period between the accident occurring and the person passing that will be considered in order for the death to be directly related back to the accident.

Some accidental deaths, however, may not be covered. This is due to the idea that some activities include an acceptance of risk. Examples include specific recreational activities, overdoses, accidents that occur while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or death by suicide.

Is Accidental Death Insurance Worth It?

In certain situations, an accidental death policy is absolutely worth it. But, like all types of insurance, this really depends on the individual purchasing the policy!

The percentage of people who die in accidents is much higher in a younger population. Therefore, if you are between the ages of 25 and 44 years old, you should at the least discuss this option with your insurance agent. He or she will be able to take into account all of your personal factors and make a determination as to whether an accidental death policy is something that is necessary for you.

You should especially consider accidental death insurance if you work in a high-risk line of work such as construction, manufacturing, commercial fishing, trash collection, or any other industry that regularly works with heavy machinery.

Some professions, such as firefighting, law enforcement, or the military may not be eligible for this type of policy. When purchasing an accidental death rider, be sure to make your profession very clear to your agent so they can tell you, definitively, whether or not you qualify.

Have more questions about whether or not an accidental death policy is necessary for you? My team and I would be happy to sit down and walk you through all of your options! Schedule your appointment today.

Staying Safe in the Land of 10,000 Lakes

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 22:32:00 GMT

Though our license plates boast “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” and we’re all well-acquainted with the fun outdoor activities built into the landscape all around us, did you know there are actually 11,842 lakes in Minnesota? That makes for a lot of waterways open to boating fun!

Before you take to the waves, make sure you are prepared with some boating safety measures that all boaters, from the novice to pro, should keep in mind. There is no such thing as too safe, and keeping you and your passengers free from harm is a duty of any boat owner.

Boating Safety Tips

There are so many things to keep in mind when operating or riding in your boat. Some of our top recommended tips are as follows:

1. Wear Your Life Jacket

It might seem a hassle (especially for the kids), but these important safety devices aren’t designed to be a nuisance. They save lives! Children especially need to wear a properly fitted and accurately worn lifejacket at all times while aboard a vessel.

Even swim-capable adults should wear a jacket. You never know when a passing vessel, your own motor, or other swimmers could endanger even the best of swimmers.

When selecting life jackets for each passenger, be aware of weight and size requirements. Labels inside each jacket denote the size person they are suitable for, which is yet another measure to keep us all safe.

2. Stay Sober

It is tempting to have an ice cold drink while aboard your floating vessel, but be sure to keep the beverages to the non-alcoholic variety if you’re operating the boat. Even one drink can impair judgment, making everyone on your boat in danger. Just like you drive your car all summer long, please drive your boat alcohol-free!

3. Watch the Weather

Minnesota weather can change at the drop of a hat. Once blue skies can quickly change to gray. Dangerous storms can roll in anytime.

Keep an eye out for weather warnings and reports. If things look like they may turn for the worse, play it safe and head for shore. Your sun tan isn’t the only thing in danger as clouds gather. Stay observant of local weather warnings at all times.

4. Stick to a Plan

Ideally, you should leave your float/route plan with a friend or family member who is to remain on shore. This way, your intended route is known by others in the event of an accident.

5. Take a Boating Safety Course

While regulations may soon require them for Minnesota boat owners, it is always a good idea for all members of the family to take a boating safety course. Our three children love fishing and paddle boarding, but we always are sure to play it safe.

Designated safety courses like this one can help keep important tips, advice, and regulations top of mind. It’ll also help keep all members of your boating party safe at all times!

Enjoy Your Summer

No matter the way you enjoy it, take advantage of our Land of 10,000 Lakes! Even if there are over 11,000, there are still plenty of reasons to grab the family and recreate all summer long!

We hope you’re enjoying a happy and safe summer!

Commercial Insurance Rates for Minnesota Small Businesses

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 22:58:00 GMT

Every small business has unique needs when it comes to insurance coverage. Some policies are required by law. Other types are wise to have in the event of different types of emergencies. Whatever small business you own, we can help you find the policies to fit your individual needs.

Why Small Businesses Need Insurance

You may think your small retail shop doesn’t need much coverage. Perhaps you operate completely online. No matter the style of business, nor the industry you are in, there are insurance policies built to protect you.

Ultimately, the purpose of insurance is for your safety. Whether it is to keep your bills paid in the event of an injury or to cover any lawsuits that may stem from incidents at your location, there are different products to fit different needs.

No small business should go without these protections. You wouldn’t drive a car without car insurance, and you shouldn’t have a business – even a side hustle – without it, either. While not every policy is a legal requirement, having a solid grasp on what is beneficial for you can help you immensely in the long run.

Types of Insurance Small Businesses Need

Depending on your type of small business, there can be multiple policy needs. Each policy typically has a unique coverage. In other words, each type protects you in a different way.

Some of the typical types of needs include:

General Liability Insurance
Professional Liability Insurance
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Cyber Liability coverage
Commercial car insurance
Business Income coverage
Commercial property insurance
Commercial Umbrella Insurance
Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

As you can see, this is just some of what offerings we can review for your small business needs. There are clearly plenty of options, but knowing what is best for you can still be a struggle.

One-Stop Shopping for Your Small Business Insurance

It is no question that the different types of policies, amounts of coverage, and unique needs for your small business insurance can make your head spin! Thankfully, you have a resource right in your own backyard to make the entire process much simpler.

Rehm Insurance can even come to you, directly where you do business, and discuss the right policies for you. There is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to small business insurance. But, our team is happy to analyze your precise needs to find an individualized package of products to suit your specific business.

Once our team understands your needs, we can compare multiple companies’ offerings at the same time. We take all the legwork out of it for you, remove the task from your lengthy “to do” list, and bring you affordable options.

Located right here alongside you in Southern Minnesota, I understand the challenges of running your own small business all too well. Don’t let insurance coverage confusion be another hurdle! Make an appointment today – schedule a consultation online .

Tips for Buying or Selling a Used Boat

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 15:09:00 GMT

Whether you are in the market to buy a used boat or sell the one you have, there are a few tips that can make the process run more smoothly for all parties involved. Taking a moment to do some research can not only save you some money, but will help any sale conclude with two satisfied parties!

Today’s Wild Market

Between supply chain issues resulting from a worldwide pandemic, to an anxious recreational crowd, the used boat market in Minnesota these days is rather crazy. Costs are going up at a rapid pace, and some people are finding themselves selling a used boat for even more than they paid for it in the first place.

No matter which side of the sale you are on, there are some ways to make the transaction sensible for all involved.

Professional Assistance

While you might think of selling a boat much like selling a house, there are some major differences between realtors and boating salespeople.

Only California and Florida require a boat salesperson to be licensed. This means any number of non-expert salespersons could be trying to sell to you.

Additionally, if you are seeking a pro to help with your sale, the charge for their assistance ranges around 10% (of the sale price). Depending on your needs, this is a hefty price tag, so be sure to weigh your options.

Where To Buy or Sell

You have plenty of options when selecting just where to buy or sell your next boat. From a personal kayak to a major yacht, there are a plethora of options, especially thanks to the Internet!

1. A Boat Broker (for that BIG purchase!)

Ask around your area for the best brokers. Getting some opinions from those that have been there is always a helpful start. Brokers are often more professional, with some even being licensed or a member of the Certified Professional Yacht Broker association, which means they’ve not only passed a test but taken an oath to provide the utmost in service. Yes, these brokers charge for their services, but you might appreciate having a pro handle taxes, tags, and intricate details of the sale process.

2. Private Sales

A sale from one party (the seller) to another (the buyer) is very common in the boating world. If you aim to work amongst yourselves, it is wise to find a contract that is legally binding and have the parties notarize signatures to make it official.

While it would be nice to think a handshake can seal the deal, even trusted sales should have paperwork to back up the ownership.

3. Online Sales

Of course, the Internet, with sites like Ebay to Craigslist, has a wide assortment of sales options, too. Parties on either side of a sale should use caution here, as you never know the true intentions of the nameless and faceless “other side.”

Many less-than-virtuous users are ready to scam others, so always proceed with caution.

Insurance Above All

No matter your choice for a purchase or sale, the one thing to be sure of is that you are covered by your insurance plan. Yes, even our fun “toys” like a used boat need to be covered!

If you are a new buyer, be sure your boat is appropriately covered for any unforeseen accident or issue. Minnesota requires boaters to be insured with certain policies to be legal, and others may be required to fully cover your purchase price (or, God forbid, any injuries or additional property damages.)

If you are selling your used boat, you may need to make sure your policies are fully updated to reflect the change. You don’t want to overpay if the boat is no longer yours, but you also may need to reevaluate some bundles or multi-policy packages, depending on the outcome of your sale.

We Have Your Back

Thankfully, these changes in ownership can be done easily when we have your back. Reach out to our team when you are considering a new purchase. We can evaluate the costs of the proper policies, and be sure you are covered fully.

Every family has unique needs, even for the same exact boat. Schedule an appointment today with our team, and we will be sure to tailor coverage policies to fit your precise needs. Happy boating!

Insurance Checklist for Your Summer “Toys”!

Sun, 22 May 2022 21:52:00 GMT

We’re about to head into a wonderful Minnesota summer. If you are like me, you are more than excited to get out there and enjoy the warmer weather.

As we prepare our “toys” for the fun season ahead, it is an important time to be sure you are covered for the tools of summer. In Minnesota, that means a lot of boats, camper trailers, RVs, ATVs, motorcycles, and classic cars are about to hit the roads, parks, and waterways.

We can only use these fun “toys” for a few months out of the year, so it can be easy to forget about insurance coverage. But before you head out to make those summer memories, make sure you don’t have to worry about what will happen in case of an emergency.

What Insurance Is Required by Law?

When it comes to our fun toys of summer, it can be rather confusing about what coverage is required and what is optional. No matter what your “toy” of choice, it is best to be sure you have your investment (not to mention yourself and loved ones) covered.

Some insurance policies are not optional. In order to operate larger boats for example, you are required by state law to have basic coverage. For more information on requirements, you can visit Minnesota’s guidelines, here .

Do I Have the Proper Insurance Coverage?

There are a wide variety of “toys” that require and necessitate insurance coverage. Sometimes, small boats or trailers up to $1,500 can be covered by homeowners’ insurance policies. Others cannot use public roadways (or waterways) without legally being protected.

Some of the summer fun vehicles you should think of when weighing your coverage options include:

Motorcycle insurance: to ride safely and insure the value of your ride
ATV and Motorsport insurance: policies to cover all of your toys
Class Car insurance: this classic is an icon, insure it well
RV and Mobile Home insurance: coverage for your home-away-from-home
Boat and Watercraft insurance: coverage for the captain of the ship

Each unique item requires unique policies. Often, bundling these coverage options can save you money on things like home and car insurance.

How Do I Know I’m Covered for My Toys?

The best way to be sure you are covered in all of life’s crazy scenarios is to book an appointment with my team for a quick insurance review. We can sit down with you, one-on-one, and calculate your unique insurance needs, to be sure that no matter your mode for fun this summer, you are covered.

Thankfully, we make it easier than ever to schedule that appointment. Simply click here , where you can find a time that works best for your schedule.

We hope that you have a fun-filled summer! However you choose to enjoy it, be sure to have a safe and properly covered experience. When you have the right policies in place, you can focus your energy on making memories, and not worrying about your toys!

The True Meaning of Memorial Day

Wed, 11 May 2022 02:48:00 GMT

We are approaching the annual kick-off to summer! Celebrated with barbecues, parades, and a day off from work and school, Memorial Day in 2022 falls on Monday, May 30. This holiday is fast-approaching and makes for the perfect time to reflect on why it is a holiday in the first place. Honoring Our A

What Does a Personal Umbrella Insurance Policy Cover?

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 08:48:00 GMT

With so many insurance options, it can be overwhelming to figure out exactly what you do (and don’t) need. Thankfully, it is my job to keep tabs on the latest products and what purposes each can serve so that I can tailor an insurance package that uniquely fits your individual family’s needs.

Today, we’re talking about personal umbrella insurance policies. You can find out more on this topic by reading my wife’s blog, too!

Not Just For Business

Even individuals can have umbrella insurance policies. It is not strictly a small business coverage plan. Instead, the basic resident can purchase this (typically low cost) product to protect savings and assets.

For a Rainy Day

In its simplest of terms, umbrella insurance is designed to cover you in the event of a lawsuit. Should your primary insurance not cover all costs of a lost suit, your umbrella policy would kick in to protect you.

Ultimately, this policy, much like an umbrella itself, is designed for a rainy day or emergency situations. You don’t want to be caught in a downpour without an umbrella – and similarly, you wouldn’t want to have to dip into savings or assets should you be required to pay out a large sum of money as the result of a lawsuit.

Think of your primary policies as a rain jacket. It is going to cover you most times. It may even cover you sufficiently enough from basic storms. But come a real downpour, you may want the added protection of an umbrella. This would be the purpose of an umbrella insurance policy.

What Umbrella Policies Cover

Umbrella insurance policies are designed to go above and beyond your primary coverage. For example, during a party, a houseguest trips and falls down the stairs in your home. It is likely your homeowner’s policy will cover basic needs. But, let’s say that the coverage of the policy is only $300,000.

Due to injuries, missed work, and a personal civil suit for damages, the final total of the incident comes to $500,000. That additional $200,000 would have to come out of your savings. But, if you had an umbrella plan, it could cover that $200,000 for you (up to the max amount of your umbrella policy).

Umbrella policies can be additional coverage for homeowners, auto, and water (boat) insurance policies. While each policy may have unique exclusions or coverage amounts, the total limit is able to cover the policyholder in the event of bills totaling over the primary coverage amount.

The policy will often cover (should suit amounts exceed your primary policy coverage limits):

Cost of treatment of injuries to another party
Lost wages
Legal fees
Auto or boat repairs
Property damage
Defamation
False imprisonment
Landlord liability

What Umbrella Policies Do NOT Cover

An umbrella policy is designed to protect you from costs exceeding your primary insurance policies in the event of injuries or damages to the property of OTHERS. This policy does not cover, however, your own property or injuries to yourself.

Policies will also NOT cover:

Purposeful injury or damages
Illegal activities or fraud
Liability of a business
Damages due to nuclear incident, war, or terrorism
Communicable diseases (spreading to another person)

Seeking Professional Advice

With so many ins and outs to the world of insurance, the best advice is to seek the help of a trusted professional. I have years of experience with many types of policies, and am happy to sit down with you to find the coverage that makes sense for your specific needs.

An umbrella policy may not make sense for everyone, but it certainly can keep you covered in major lawsuits, too. Knowing just how much and where to find these insurances is something we can discuss one-on-one, finding products to fit your unique situations.

Feel free to schedule an appointment with me today. To make an appointment, click here and use our simple online scheduler

Are Your Insurance Premiums Tax Deductible?

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 14:28:00 GMT

It is almost Tax Day, and the burning question every taxpayer asks this time of year is: “What is tax-deductible?”

So when it comes to your insurance premiums, what can you claim on your deductions?

Let’s take a look at the different kinds of insurance, which will impact whether or not they are tax-deductible.

Car Insurance

Is car insurance tax deductible? That depends on your employment. Generally speaking, car insurance premiums are deductible for those that are self-employed, people who heavily rely on their own personal automobile for work such as performing artists, or armed forces reservists.

In these cases, the expenses of owning a vehicle are often all included in a deduction, such as repairs, depreciation, gas and oil, and maintenance. Typically, taxes can be deducted by figuring outan average mileage ($0.56 per mile in 2021) or via actual expense records.

NOTE: If you opt for the mileage route, you cannot deduct car insurance premiums. If you track actual expenses, you can deduct the insurance premiums.

Life Insurance

Generally speaking (as each individual case may have unique circumstances), life insurance premiums are not tax-deductible. The tax break here comes in the form of the benefits paid to your beneficiaries after your death.

Life insurance provides a tax-free cash flow for your family after you are gone. While it does not offer you a tax deduction while paying into it, it can be a major financial relief for those grieving your loss.

Health Insurance

If your employer provides your health insurance, you cannot take an additional tax deduction, as your amounts are deducted from your check on a pre-tax basis already. However, if you have to pay health insurance premiums yourself, you have the option to seek a deduction.

Typically, you may choose to take a deduction if you:

Itemize your deductions (not allow a standard deduction)
Pay health insurance premiums directly, not through your employer
Have medical expenses totaling more than 7.5% of your income for the year

The Best Advice

At the end of the day, the individual tax deductions for each family are unique to your circumstances. The best advice is to seek the assistance of a professional CPA or tax professional. Knowing the ins and outs of tax law is a daunting task – not to mention one that is always changing!

Instead of trying to reeducate yourself each year, you can find your best helping hands in those of a professional. Reach out today if you have questions about your insurance or financial needs, as we are able to help you in either case!

What Does a Commercial Insurance Policy Cover?

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 13:18:00 GMT

There are so many types of insurance coverage on the market. It can be difficult to decipher what your small business actually needs since every situation is different.

Let’s take a look at Commercial Insurance Policies and what they cover.

Why You Need Commercial Insurance

As a business owner, you have responsibilities to customers, clients, and even passers-by. Insurance ensures you and your hard work are not at risk.

Commercial insurance specifically protects small business owners against incidents such as theft, property damage, liability, and more. Without exaggeration, I know that commercial insurance is one of the most important investments a business owner can ever make.

Without the right coverage, an unforeseen loss or accident could not only put you out of business but could put your home and personal assets at risk, too.

Types of Commercial Insurance

As unique as your needs are, so too are the plethora of choices when deciding on a commercial insurance policy for your small business. Some of the most common policies include:

General Liability Insurance
Commercial Auto insurance
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Business Owner’s Policy
Commercial Property Insurance
Cyber Insurance
Professional Liability Insurance (Error & Omissions)

Factors that affect your insurance coverage include:

Business location
Business type
Products/Services offered
Number of employees
Business driver needs

It can be hard to understand the ins and outs of each policy. Thankfully, you don’t have to be well-versed in each, because that is what I am here to do!

Which Policy Is Right for You?

As an independent insurance agent, I take pride in reviewing your options with multiple insurance companies and comparing protection and prices to find you the best value for your business.

No two small businesses are alike, and neither are their insurance needs. The best way to know which policies will fit your business is to schedule a no-obligation meeting with me .

We are proud members of the Mankato area marketplace, and we’re committed to being an advocate for you and your business in times of need. We will help you be prepared for the unexpected by protecting your hard work!

For more information, or to contact us directly for an appointment, call 507-345-3366 or email reegan@rehmins.com .

5 Cute Pranks to Prepare for a Fun Family April Fool’s Day

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:06:00 GMT

The first day of April is known to many as April Fool’s Day – and it’s just around the corner! Dating back to the 1500s ( according to History.com ), April Fools’ Day is known to have begun as the French opted to change to a Gregorian calendar.

At that time, people still using a Julian or Hindi calendar (in which the year began on April 1 with the spring equinox) were labeled as “fools.” But news traveled a bit slower back then, so that seems kind of harsh! Anyway…

As the years went on, even mass media caught onto the name and began a trend of jokes and hoaxes for fun, on this date. From claims of spaghetti crops to Taco Bell announcing that they purchased the Liberty Bell, there have been countless pranks pulled over time.

So if you want a fun way to bring some cute pranks into your family this April 1, consider some of these fun ideas!

The Good Ol’ Food Swap

Whether you opt for white toothpaste between the Oreo cookies, or filling a Dunkin’ Donuts box with healthy veggies, there are plenty of pranks for April 1 that involve exchanging foods to prank your friends and family. Consider putting hard-boiled eggs inside the carton or decorating a sponge like a piece of cake!

Surprise! A Party Popper

Those small, plastic party favors can make for a surprise pop that isn’t too scary even for the youngest in the family. Consider tying one end to a door knob or cupboard and shocking its opener. If you’re the kids’ “alarm” for school, maybe some fun confetti bombs or poppers could be a unique wake-up call.

A Bit of Potty Humor

You can hide messages rolled up in the toilet paper to surprise your family members. Others opt to place a funny photo (like an attacking Great White Shark or an outer space look) just under a closed toilet seat. When someone opens it for use, they’re in for a surprise!

Phone and Computer Pranks

If you want to help the kiddos prank your significant other, consider changing screen savers, home screens, or passcodes to mess with their tech on April Fool’s Day. These harmless changes will throw someone, but not cause any major harm.

If you really want to get wild with your teenagers, change the WiFi password for the day, and wait for the cries of distress as they can’t get online!

Remove the Power

Take batteries out of the TV remote control, unscrew lightbulbs, or turn the water off at the sink. Minor loss of use of even a handful of household objects can be funny and harmless pranks.

Whatever you decide, make sure you are considering a safe and fun prank. No one wants to hurt their friends or family, so be sure pranks are not dangerous or harmful in any way.

Have fun with the day. Everyone needs to laugh more, and it is a great time to work in this goofy humor with your family! We wish everyone a fun holiday. Enjoy April Fool’s Day… and, no, I’m not joking!

Minnesota-Specific Auto Insurance Laws: What Every Driver Needs to Know

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 15:24:00 GMT

When it comes to auto insurance, there are a lot of tiny details you need to know to make sure you’re carrying the correct coverage. The last thing you want is to get into an accident and find out you aren’t properly insured.

Let’s talk about what you need to know about being insured in Minnesota!

Mandatory Types of Coverage

In Minnesota, you are required by law to carry four types of coverage: Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Liability, Underinsured Coverage, and Uninsured Coverage.

Each type of coverage also has a minimum amount of coverage you must carry in the case of an accident.

For PIP, the minimum amount is $40,000 per person per accident. This will cover $20,000 for hospital or medical expenses and $20,00 for non-medical related expenses.

Liability coverage has a minimum of $30,000 worth of coverage for one person, $60,000 for two or more people, and $10,000 for physical damage to the vehicle or other property.

The minimum limits for uninsured and underinsured coverage are the same. When purchasing a policy, be sure to add $25,000 for injuries to one person and $50,000 for injuries to two people for each type of coverage.

No-Fault Coverage

Minnesota is one of 13 states who have adopted a “no-fault” system . This means that you can file an insurance claim with your own company, regardless of who caused the accident.

No-fault coverage is often misunderstood. It covers medical costs, losses of wages, and replacement services such as housekeeping. It will also cover up to $2,000 in funeral expenses in the event of a death. However, it does not offer any coverage for vehicle or property damage.

To use No-Fault coverage, if the other driver is at fault, you can make your claim against your own PIP coverage. Once that runs out, you can file a claim against the other driver’s liability coverage.

If their coverage is insufficient, then your policy’s underinsured portion would pick up your claims. Your policy’s uninsured coverage will make payments on your claims if the other driver has no coverage.

Rental Car Coverage

When it comes to rental car coverage, the State of Minnesota requires that every driver carry a policy that provides $35,000 in coverage with no deductible for the use, loss of, and damage to a rental car. This can be used when your vehicle is damaged or being repaired from an accident.

Not all states require rental car coverage; however, this law also requires that the driver is notified of this coverage whenever they rent a car in the state of Minnesota. It also alerts the renter that any collision damage waivers are not required when renting a vehicle in the state. The idea behind this notification is to protect the renter from paying any unnecessary fees.

Don’t let misinformation and confusion lead you to be uninsured. Give us a call today. We can walk you through your policy and ensure that you’re properly covered!

Whole or Term: Which Life Insurance Is Best for You?

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 02:00:00 GMT

If you’ve never purchased life insurance, it can be tough to even know where to start. Thankfully, at Rehm Insurance, we not only have the years of experience to help you through these tough questions but also are located right in your backyard!

Life Insurance Basics

The first thing you will want to determine is which kind of life insurance you are looking to purchase. In its most general of terms, life insurance is divided into two main categories: Whole Life and Term Life.

Type 1: Whole Life Insurance

When you are looking at life insurance as a long-term investment, you likely want to consider Whole Life Insurance. Let’s look at some of the major traits of these policies.

Adding a Value

A whole life insurance policy increases in value over time, adding a cash value component that some choose to tap into while still alive.

You can think of a whole life policy as being somewhat like the equity you build when owning a home. Should you find that after some equity is built up, you need to take a loan out against it, this policy allows you to do so.

For a Lifetime

Another plus in having whole life insurance is that it lasts just that – your whole life. Many term life policies are scheduled to end coverage at a predetermined date. However, you do need to keep up with payments on a whole life policy throughout your whole life.

A Costly Venture

Because of its value, the cost of a whole life insurance policy is typically far higher than the cost of a term life policy. Studies have shown that whole life can cost 15 times more for the same end payout.

Type 2: Term Life Insurance

If your main goal is to simply be sure that your family is secure should anything happen to you, then Term Life Insurance is likely the choice for you. This is more of a “pure” solution, where you purchase a policy and want it simply to cover you in the “what if” moments of life.

A Preset Deadline

How long you walk this earth is a question no one can answer with certainty. However, term life insurance policies typically are set to predetermined deadlines. Plans are often for five, 20, or 30 years.

Once the time period expires, so does the policy. You would have to seek an alternative policy if you wanted to continue to be covered.

Simplicity of a Plan

Another plus for Term Life policies is that they are typically more simple to understand. These plans are more direct. If you die, your family gets X amount of dollars. It is really that straightforward!

Other plans can become more complicated, adding features that can help and hinder your future goals.

A Safety Net

If you are a parent, you may view a term life policy as a layer of protection, making sure that your children are cared for, should you pass away. It also can protect families with things like the cost of a funeral, not to mention remaining debts and cost-of-living expenses.

Which Life Insurance Is Best for You?

In the world of insurance, there is no “one size fits all” format. Each individual and family has its own unique needs and circumstances. Some may focus on what is affordable month-to-month, while others may be looking for an alternative way to invest in the future.

By sitting down with my team at Rehm Insurance, we can analyze what products best serve your precise needs, and package policies that will work to meet those needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment, so we can find the best life insurance for you!

Six Ways to Enjoy Winter in Minnesota

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 02:45:00 GMT

With temperatures often below freezing, 60+ inches of snow each year, and typically at least two blizzards per winter, Minnesota winters are truly special. Even if you aren’t “outdoorsy,” there are plenty of ways to truly appreciate all this frosty season has to offer in Southern Minnesota!

Outdoor Winter Activities in Southern Minnesota

Despite sometimes frigid weather, the Great Outdoors is one of the best parts about living in Minnesota. There are countless ways to get out there and enjoy it – even if you have to bundle up!

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

With plenty of options of where to go, skiing and snowboarding are some of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in our neck of the woods. Mount Kato and Afton Alps are our go-to destinations as a family.

Fun fact: Afton is owned by Vail Resorts – so a pass at Afton also works at Vail, Breck, Keystone, etc!

2. Ice Climbing

Do you know what happens when you take an old quarry, add hoses full of water, and allow Minnesota winters to do their magic? You get an ice park! That’s precisely what the City of Winona teamed up with Winona State University’s Outdoor Recreation Center to do. The result is an amazing and free attraction overlooking views of the Mississippi.

The Winona Ice Park , accessed only by the Sugarloaf Trailhead, offers an anchored, giant climbing wall made completely out of ice.

This midwest hotspot (or should I say cold spot?) is a major destination for climbers near and far, and those of us already here can enjoy it anytime!

3. Curling

You’ve likely seen the sport of curling featured in the Winter Olympics. But have you ever tried it for yourself?

Thankfully, with locations like the Chaska Curling Center , even those new to the sport can enjoy events like a “Crash Course in Olympic Curling,” and pair the event with a rinkside dinner. With classes, leagues, and junior lessons, people of all ages can enjoy testing their luck with the broom.

Indoor Winter Activities in Southern Minnesota

It’s not all about getting outside to enjoy a Southern Minnesota winter. Some of the area’s best offerings can occur inside, keeping yourself toasty warm while still having a great time.

4. Take In a Game of Hockey

You can bundle up and watch others do the hard work when you take in one of the area’s most popular sports… hockey. Since I belong to a family of hockey players, lovers, and coaches, of course, we don’t miss out on this favorite pastime of a Minnesota winter.

The Minnesota Wild (NHL) sells single-game tickets online here , starting around $69 per person, but the team isn’t the only game in town. The Minnesota Mullets , a Junior-A team based in Minneapolis which skates out of the Augsburg University Ice Arena, and The Minnesota Moose , which skates out of the Saint Paul Civic Center, are both teams that are a part of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), offering games all winter long both live and on television.

Plenty of youth, high school, and community hockey leagues also abound. Do you have a local favorite?

5. Camp In a Yurt

Three state parks in central and southern Minnesota offer a unique style of camping in an insulated, round building that can best be described as a cross between a tent and a cabin. Called a yurt, these fun dwellings feature wood floors, wood stoves, and even basic furniture – with many rentals holding three to seven guests.

Locations include:

Afton State Park : two yurts near the camper cabins
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area : three yurts along the west side of Yawkey Mine Lake
Glendalough State Park : two yurts on the southeast side of Annie Battle Lake

Enjoy the wonderful offerings of Minnesota’s State Parks , all while staying in the heart of the action with these interesting overnight rentals. With a plethora of trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing during the day, camping offers both indoor and outdoor fun during a Minnesota winter.

6. Tour a Winery

Nothing keeps you warm from the inside out quite like a glass of wine. Check out some of Southern Minnesota’s vineyards this winter, such as Salem Glen Winery , which offers wines and ciders made on-site at its Tasting Room, open Thursday through Sunday, October to May.

From Tuesdays through Sundays, January to April, the Cannon River Winery offers tastings in its winery, but also recently added Bitchin’ Kitchen , a restaurant with a mission to “celebrate spirited women.”

Now that we’ve talked about six ideas to stay busy in Minnesota this winter, I want to hear from you! What are your favorite things to do in the winter?

Everything You Need to Know About Cyber Insurance

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 15:52:00 GMT

The last thing you want to do as a small business owner is to expose your clients’ or customers’ personal information to online hackers. Sadly, in today’s online world, those risks are a serious reality.

The Threat of Cyber Attacks

At Rehm Insurance , we hear plenty of concerns from our small business owners, worrying about protecting their data, hard drives, and digital information storage. There are so many threats out there seeking your data and personal information. From malware to phishing emails, from hackers to cyber attacks, there are many thieves seeking that data.

Thankfully, there is a product in the insurance realm called cyber insurance. While you may already have a general liability insurance coverage plan, it is not likely to cover cyber attacks and leaks of personal information.

What’s At Risk

Your own data, the data of your staff, clients, suppliers, and overall professional network is likely all stored digitally in your business’ computers or cloud. Information such as home addresses, credit card numbers, account numbers, driver’s license information, health data, and social security numbers are all in jeopardy of being stolen by the Internet’s best hackers. How well protected is your information? Are you covered if any of that information is leaked?

Cyber Insurance Coverage

Cyber insurance is designed to cover you and your business in the event of a data breach.

Ideally, your insurance coverage should also help you to handle the data breach itself, with resources for contacting your customers, recovering any exposed data, and restoring any identity theft that may have been a result of the breach.

Your Minnesota Resource for Cyber Insurance

If you have questions about your coverage, especially what is covered in the event of a cybersecurity breach, reach out to us at Rehm Insurance. With the click of a button , you can schedule yourself an appointment with our expert professionals, well-versed in all business insurance needs.

Call Rehm Insurance today to receive a quote today! We can be reached at (507) 345-3366

Five of the Best Ways to Spend New Year’s in Minnesota

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 10:40:00 GMT

There are countless ways to ring in the New Year in Minnesota. We want to help narrow the search with a rundown of some of the top choices! Whether you are a young couple, a family with children, or flying solo, we have solutions to fit your celebration style. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

Hit the Twin Cities for a Night of Glitz and Glam

If you are ready for a black tie affair, the opportunity to break out the sequins and really see the first moments of 2022 in your absolute finest, the Twin Cities will be offering a vast assortment of upscale options.

Travail Kitchens & Amusements is offering two fun options for the crowd looking to go into the New Year dressed to the nines. There are private VIP packages, as well as tickets to the Countdown Party. Tickets are available online for this Robbinsdale hotspot, just northwest of Minneapolis.

The Minneapolis Cider Company will host a New Year’s Eve Masquerade at the Casino with free gambling (sorry no money winnings but prizes instead like drink tokens and time on the pickleball courts) and live music. Guests are asked to dress for the masquerade theme!

Hit the Slopes and Enjoy Fireworks

Burnsville is home to Buck Hill, which is one of the state’s top picks for families looking to hit the slopes. Skiing and tubing will continue up until midnight at the Buck Hill New Year’s Eve Bash . The family-friendly event includes a buffet, fireworks, live music, magicians, and even karaoke!

Snow-covered cabin rentals, cozy fires, and fun on the slopes could be the package for you in Bemidji at the Buena Vista Ski Area .

Slopes will remain open until midnight in St. Croix as the town celebrates its New Year’s Eve Extravaganza . There will be a torchlight ski parade, in addition to bonfires, skiing, live music, and fireworks.

Stay In With the Kids

Keep it simple, low-cost, and family-friendly within the walls of your own home.

Consider a night indoors! Dust off some old-fashioned board games or pick up some new favorites, and create a tournament of winners. Pick up a few small prizes to let the “winners” know they should be proud! Stream a movie online, and cuddle up together to enjoy some downtime. “Relaxed and calm” is a great way to ring in 2022.

If your tots are younger, consider a countdown to noon. Sometimes making it to midnight isn’t worth the glory, but you still want the excitement of celebrating a new beginning. By counting down to “ring in noon,” you still get the fun, but at a more reasonable time of day.

If you want to get away from it all, but still have the cozy, family downtime, consider cabin rentals. This is a popular option during our crisp, Minnesota winters. Try sites like Vrbo or Airbnb to find affordable cabins to fit your needs.

Pick a Year You Miss

We may be headed into 2022, but there is no reason to leave behind the classics. Those longing for the days of the 1970s might want to check out Minneapolis’s Studio 54 New Year’s Eve at the Metropolitan Ballroom . There will be theater performers, aerialists, and of course roller skaters surrounding dancing guests as live music, disco, and finally a DJ helps you ring in the New Year.

First Avenue & Seventh St. Entry will host a New Year’s Eve “90s vs. 00s” party, featuring You Oughta Know, a 1990s enthusiast, and DJ FooLProoF, known for his 2000s dance parties. Joining this battle of the decades and dancing your way into the New Year could be just the fun you need to roll into 2022.

Giggle Your Way into 2022

After the last two years, we could all use a good laugh. Mo Year’s Eve at The Comedy Corner Underground will feature shows from both Mo Alexander and Courtney Baka. There may be no better way than laughing to celebrate 2022.

Maybe you want to beat the crowds and aren’t really up to staying awake until midnight. Thankfully, the 8th Annual East Coast Style New Year’s Eve Comedy Show has a solution for you. Enjoy the comedy of “Advocate Magazine’s funniest queer in the country,” Maggie Faris, as well as the works of Julie Bane, Randall Reid, and Abenezer Merdassa with two shows at 7 and 9 p.m. You can enjoy the show and still get home in time for the ball to drop!

So, which of these ideas strikes your fancy? Or perhaps you have your own family traditions! Either way, we wish you all the best as we close out the year and prepare to ring in the next.

8 Common Insurance Mistakes – And How to Avoid Them

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 18:11:00 GMT

The world of insurance can seem overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Don’t feel bad if you are falling into the common pitfalls listed in this blog. Many people are in the same boat!

Here at Rehm Insurance, we are here to help. First of all, forgive yourself. You aren’t the first person to make these errors, and you won’t be the last. Second, the good news is that you can do something about it.

Here are some of the most common errors we see in the world of insurance:

1. Opting Out of Basic Insurance

The budget can be tight, and you are always looking for ways to cut back. Opting out of your basic insurance needs should NOT be one of those cost-cutting measures.

There are some “bare necessities” you should never consider dropping, such as basic health insurance. You never know when you may need this life-saving coverage.

Additionally, it is illegal to drive without basic coverage. You also will want your belongings covered, whether you own or rent your home.

Having these basics covered isn’t really an option. You don’t want to consider the alternatives. If funds are tight now, and affording insurance is difficult, just imagine the consequences if you don’t have coverage at all.

Lacking basic insurance could mean financial disaster in the long run. While footing the bill today seems costly, the price for not doing so is more than you can handle.

2. Under Insuring Yourself

The flipside of the coin is also true. For every person I know that is overinsured, there is certainly the counterpart: the underinsured. Be sure you know precisely what your needs actually are. And, when you aren’t sure, seek the advice of a trusted professional.

Opting for the bare minimum can leave you high and dry in the event of unforeseen accidents. There are legal levels of insurance required in many cases, but that doesn’t mean that’s the best option for you.

Make smart choices to be sure you don’t have too little (or too much) insurance.

3. Not Asking for Discounts

This may sound like a simple one, but you’d be surprised how many clients aren’t asking for the discounts they deserve.

Many insurance agents can offer discounts when you “bundle” packages, like when you use the same company for home and auto insurance. Additionally, some insurance companies will offer age discounts, safe driver savings, and ways to save money via classes you can take.

Ask your company what you can do to save. Often, a simple phone call can save you money each month. Sometimes it is truly just as simple as asking.

4. Staying “Loyal” to a Company

Do you have the same insurance company as your parents? Have you ever truly shopped around for a new one?

I have seen many clients remain with a company because, quite frankly, it is simple to do. Change can be hard, and no one enjoys the process of shopping for insurance.

There is seldom a reward, however, for staying in one place. Ask your company if there is a loyalty discount. If not, consider shopping around. Sticking with a company just because it is easy is not going to save you money in the long run.

5. Shopping By Price Alone

There are many factors to consider when purchasing insurance of any kind. Price is usually at the forefront of most shoppers’ minds. But, it is not the only thing.

While you want to budget wisely and get the best bang for your buck, you also need to consider customer service, track records, and reputations.

Check reviews of the company you are considering, and see what its own customers have to say. You can also research using neutral parties such as the Better Business Bureau or Nerd Wallet for fair information.

6. Providing the Wrong Information

Before filing with your insurance company, you are going to have to do some homework. You need to gather facts, such as your home’s value, the year it was built, the size of the property, and any historic issues it may have had (if you’re shopping for home insurance.)

Having the wrong information on file can truly cost you big time. Additionally, you will want to keep this information up-to-date with your insurance company. Adding expensive items, upgrading facilities, or adding on to the home can really increase your home/property value. Be sure your files are updated and include all that you own.

7. Not Reviewing Your Policies

Just like you should add to your files when you make large additions to your home or belongings, you should also take some time to refresh your files on a regular basis.

Doing so will give you the opportunity to check for any errors or omissions. You will also have a built-in chance to add discounts or check for new rates or savings you may be missing out on.

Take the time to regularly check in on your policies. If you aren’t getting all that you want from your current agency, it may also be the time to shop around.

8. Trying to Navigate Insurance Alone

In the end, this big world of insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t have to go into it all alone. There is a great resource here in your own backyard.

Seeking the help of a professional is a wise choice, especially if you are unsure of any part of your coverage needs. An agent can walk you through many choices, offer different rates, and clue you in on discounts you are eligible for along the way.

Get in touch with a member of my team today , for all the trusted advice you’re seeking! Let’s sort out any mistakes you might have inadvertently been making.

12 Movies to Watch on Thanksgiving With Your Family

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 14:41:00 GMT

Turkey and football might be the most ubiquitous Thanksgiving traditions… But if you’re not watching football all weekend, consider watching one of these great Thanksgiving movies with your loved ones!

1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973, Not Rated, 30 minutes)

There is nothing more family-friendly than Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. Those of all ages will love taking a trip back down memory lane over the holiday break. Join Snoopy and take part in your own popcorn feast with this short and lovable classic.

2. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946, PG, 2 hours 10 minutes)

As soon as the dishes are done, it’s truly the kick-off of the Christmas season. The season wouldn’t be complete without George Bailey. This movie provides a great chance to remember what we all have to be thankful for and that our lives are a real gift.

3. Home Alone (1990, PG, 1 hour 43 minutes)

Another family classic, Home Alone, brings a touch of humor with a lovely lesson in being thankful for family hidden in the jokes. After spending the holiday weekend with family, you’ll be especially grateful for how much they really mean to you.

4. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987, R, 1 hour 33 minutes)

Keep the laughs rolling with this great comedy featuring Steve Martin and John Candy. Need I say more? This is a John Hughes classic, but with an “R rating,” this one may be for the older audience, with some jokes of a more adult nature.

5. Free Birds (2013, PG, 1 hour 31 minutes)

If the pumpkin pie and cookies have the kids bouncing off the walls, settle down the youngsters with this animated feature. It’s a story about turkeys trying to keep themselves off the traditional menu – perfect for kids! Adults aren’t left out with the enjoyable voices of Owen Wilson, Amy Pohler, Woody Harrelson, and George Takei – just to name a few.

6. The Wizard of Oz (1939, G, 1 hour 52 minutes)

You really can’t go wrong with this family classic. From the ruby red slippers, to the flying monkeys, everyone, of all ages, will take a trip back to childhood once Judy Garland starts dreaming of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

7. The Sound of Music (1965, G, 2 hours 54 minutes)

With a nearly three-hour running time, this one may require those with a longer attention span. (Or perhaps this is the chance to sleep off that Thanksgiving feast…) But there is nothing like a war-time musical to make you thankful for all you have today. The classic songs and famous faces, such as Julie Andrews and Christopher Plumber, will keep you humming all weekend long.

8. The Blind Side (2009, PG-13, 2 hours 9 minutes)

If the sports enthusiast in the family is sad after the final touchdown is scored, you can bring football back into the mix with this movie – based on a true story!

9. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982, PG, 1 hour 55 minutes)

This family classic brings the 1980s back to life with a memorable story all ages can enjoy. The flick will remind you that you can be thankful for anything or anyone – even those from another planet!

10. Labyrinth (1986, PG, 1 hour 41 minutes)

The kids get Jim Henson puppets. The adults get David Bowie. Everyone enjoys a story about being thankful for what you have, even cranky little brothers.

11. Alice’s Restaurant (1969, R, 1 hour 51 minutes)

Another pick for the older audience, this 1969 classic brings the 1967 Arlo Guthrie folk song (oh, and he plays himself) onto the silver screen. Some references to sexual situations make it less appropriate for the youngsters, but many adults will remember this comical classic.

12. Annie (1982, PG, 2 hours 7 minutes)

A red-headed orphan, adorable musical numbers, and a story that keeps those of all ages will enjoy. Children might even remember to be thankful for their parents after watching Daddy Warbucks bond with Annie!

No matter your pick, the best part of Thanksgiving is family. Enjoy some flicks, curl up on the couch, grab the popcorn, and remember to be grateful for all that you have. Happy Thanksgiving!

5 Reasons Why Hockey is Great for Youth

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 14:38:00 GMT

Hockey season is in full swing, so it’s a perfect time to talk a little bit about some of the reasons hockey is the BEST sport for your kids to get involved with.

As a member of a hockey family, I may be a little bit biased. My children are all involved in youth hockey leagues, and I’ve even had the wonderful opportunity to coach! But, as far as youth sports go, there are some great benefits to hockey that you may not have considered. So, let’s get into it!

Hockey is FUN!

Now, whether you’ve been a hockey player yourself or have simply watched from behind the glass, it is easy to see how much fun everyone on the ice is having. One of the best ways to keep your kids engaged in sports is by making sure they’re enjoying themselves, and what’s more fun than flying across the ice with your friends? And my wife and I can attest to the fact that it’s pretty fun being bystanders, too!

Hockey Encourages Teamwork

Lots of other kids’ sports have a heavy focus on individual development and can quickly lead to a few star players getting all of the play-time. One of the most valuable lessons in hockey is the importance of uplifting and supporting your team. Kids are encouraged to work together and grow as a team, not just as individuals.

Hockey Builds Resilience

“Fall seven times, get up eight.”

Nothing teaches persistence quite the same way hockey does. Whether it’s in the heat of a game or in the learning stages of learning basic skate skills, hockey is a sport that will knock you down a few thousand times, but there is always someone there to help you back up.

Learning to roll with the punches and keep your head in the game is a lesson that helps kids not only while on the ice – but far and beyond in life.

Hockey Improves Agility

The physical and mental benefits of playing hockey are hard to miss. Playing hockey can help develop and improve hand-eye coordination, balance, spatial awareness, and many other mental and physical skills.

It’s a sport that helps work out both your body and your brain, setting your kids up for positive mental and physical health down the line.

Hockey Sets Up Healthy Habits

Playing hockey as a kid can set your children up to be even more active adults. Whether they stick with hockey as they get older or move on to other activities, your kids will have the skills, abilities, and endurance to maintain active and healthy lives long after their youth hockey days.

So, if you weren’t already a hockey family before this, here’s to starting your journey! And you might just see us in the stands cheering our kids.

Do Single People Need Life Insurance?

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 03:00:00 GMT

One of the largest blind spots in the discussion of life insurance shows up when we talk about single people. Single adults have full lives with assets and loved ones to protect, yet they’re often glanced over when it comes to life insurance.

This begs the question, do single people even need life insurance?

The short answer is… YES they most likely do. Let’s get a closer look at some reasons why!

Reason #1: End-of-life expenses are costly.

Even if you don’t have a long-term partner, you still have family members who will be left with the bill for any end-of-life services. The average cost of end-of-life expenses and funeral costs in Minnesota is over $20,000 . A life insurance policy can cover these expenses so your family and friends can properly grieve without the stress of signing the final checks.

Reason #2: Your debts can become someone else’s problem.

Whether it’s a cosigner on a student loan, another adult on a joint credit account, or someone you shared a mortgage with, there are many scenarios where your debts can be left to loved ones once you pass.

Any account, loan, or signed agreement that includes you and another adult can leave them responsible for paying the rest off. Life insurance can cover the remainder of your debts and ensure that no one is left paying off any debt you’ve accumulated in life.

Reason #3: Financial dependents need protection.

While “dependents” usually refers to children, the term really just means anyone that depends on your income to maintain quality of life. This can mean children for single parents, but it can also refer to disabled or elderly family members that depend on your income for their care.

If your income is necessary for anyone other than yourself to get by, life insurance is one way to ensure they are covered.

Reason #4:The earlier you purchase life insurance, the better.

Just like any other form of insurance, there are tons of factors that play a role in the type of life insurance you qualify for and the deductibles you may be required to pay.

Establishing your life insurance policy while you’re as young and healthy can provide far more policy options and help secure lower payments. By taking advantage of this, you can save yourself tons of money and stress down the road.

Reason #5: Your policy can benefit you in life, too!

While life insurance is generally used to protect any beneficiaries after your passing, whole life policies can allow you to cash out portions of your policy as well. This means that, with a policy already in place, you can have a guaranteed safety net in the case of any large expenses like a down payment on a house or college fees. These policies still include death benefits, but they also provide more options than many adults even know are possible with life insurance!

The bottom line is that life insurance is in the best interest of most adults, regardless of their relationship status.

While life insurance has a reputation of being for married adults with families, there are tons of people that fall outside of that umbrella that can still benefit greatly from having policies in place.

If you have any questions about life insurance or any other insurance needs, schedule a meeting with one of our team members to start a conversation about your options!

6 More Examples of Insurance Jargon You Should Understand

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 13:53:00 GMT

We understand how confusing insurance policies can be, especially if you don’t work in the industry day in and day out, like we do.

One of our goals here at Rehm Insurance & Financial Services is to make sure that our clients know exactly what they’re signing before they sign it. The last thing we want to do is sell you a policy or set you up with a plan that you don’t understand.

We are always able to walk our clients through the insurance jargon (that can be foreign to the layperson’s eye) during our one-on-one meetings.

But to help you feel more confident and comfortable coming into meetings, we recently put together a blog article that explains some of the most commonly misunderstood terms.

Let’s dive into some more!

Adjuster

An adjuster is the person who will come out to view your property after you submit a claim. They will determine how the loss occurred, if it is covered under your policy, and how much the plan will pay for repairs or replacement.

Claim

A claim is what you file with your insurance company when you suffer a loss. This is your formal request for replacement or repair.

Deductible

A deductible is the monetary amount of the repair or replacement that the policyholder must pay before insurance coverage kicks in. Often, a higher deductible means a lower premium and vice versa.

Premium

A premium is an amount a policyholder pays for an insurance company to take on their share of the risk.

Agent

An agent works as a liaison between the policyholder and the insurance company. This person and their staff are available to answer questions, assist with the claims process, and help the policyholder choose the insurance plan that works best for them.

Personal Property

In the insurance industry, personal property refers to all of the tangible property within your home or business. Your furniture, electronics, clothing, and jewelry are all examples of personal property.

Have specific questions about how these terms apply to you? Schedule an appointment with one of our friendly team members, today!

Differences Between “Combined Single Limit” and “Split Limit” Car Insurance Coverages

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 13:37:00 GMT

When it comes to your car insurance needs, knowledge really is power. Staying well informed on the different forms of insurance – and the terminology used – is how you can make sure you’re getting the best value in your insurance plan. So, let’s dig into two types of liability insurance available to Minnesotans: “ combined single limit” and “ split limit.”

What’s the Difference?

Combined single limit policies have a maximum limit that covers both property damage and bodily injury. If an accident occurs, all costs for damage to your vehicle or injury costs are covered up to this threshold.

For example, say you have a combined single limit (CSL) policy that covers $500,000 per accident. You get into an accident and total out a new SUV worth $70,000 and there was one person in the vehicle (who was the driver) and sustained $400,000 worth of bodily injury. With CSL of $500,000, each accident has full access to the total limit, so the policy will pay $400,000 for the injuries to the driver, plus the 470,000 for the damages to other parties vehicle for a total of 470,000.00.

Split limit policies – you guessed it – split ratio for coverage of property damage and bodily injury. In Minnesota, the minimum split ratio is 30/60/10, meaning coverage of $30,000 per person injured, $60,000 for all people injured, and $10,000 total property damage. (It’s scary to think how many people are driving around with state minimums and no insurance at all!)

Now, say you experienced the same accident as we previously mentioned with split limit coverage. Of 250/500/100 – because the split limits policy has a per person limit the most the policy would pay is $250,000 for the bodily injury to the person, plus the $70,000 for the damages to the vehicle for a total of $320,000.

Which makes you automatically think CSL is the best right?

The reality is split could potentially payoff – let’s use the same situation but add another passenger:

Both passengers sustain major injuries, totaling $250,000 of bodily injury per passenger – plus the $70,000 SUV is totaled – in this situation, the split limit policy will pay $500,000 for bodily injury ( $250,000 to each passenger) and $70,000 for the property damage to the vehicle for a total of $570,000 – compared the CSL, which will be capped at the $500,000

Which is the Better Choice?

It’s often debated which coverage is better. The reality is, both are good as long as you carry the correct coverage limits. We also recommend maximizing your coverage by adding an umbrella to ensure you cover all the potential gaps in coverage that are highlighted in the examples above

As with all matters of insurance, the only way to make sure you have the right policy for your lifestyle and needs is to meet with your insurance agent.

Our team at Rehm Insurance is always here to help inform our clients and make sure you have the insurance plan that provides the best protection for your budget. Book an appointment with a team member to get your insurance questions answered, and to make sure your insurance plan is in good shape!

Who Needs Disability Insurance and Why?

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 23:28:00 GMT

Of all of the types of personal insurance out there, disability insurance is one that people commonly misunderstand. For many, it seems pointless to invest in disability insurance.

They think: “ I’m not in a profession where I’m at high risk for injury, so I have no reason to have disability insurance… right?

Not exactly.

While disability insurance is often used to financially cover work-related injury cases, it can also be used to cover lost income due to long-term illness, pregnancy, mental health illnesses, and other conditions that prevent you from working for extended periods of time.

If you’re still not sure if disability insurance is worth your while, consider some of these reasons for taking the time to include this type of insurance in your personal plan.

Reason #1: A month without your income would seriously impact your household.

Whether you’re single or in a partnership, if a single month without your income would cause financial strain on your household, disability insurance may be necessary for you. Many of the conditions covered by disability insurance can come on quickly and unexpectedly. With a policy in place, you can ensure that no unnecessary strain is put on your finances if you are unable to work.

Reason #2: Your employer’s short-term disability coverage doesn’t quite make the cut.

Many employers offer some form of disability coverage, but many of these policies only guarantee a portion of your normal income. For many workers, a fraction of their income is hardly enough to get by, much less cover the full costs of living while tending to their specific health concerns.

Reason #3: You’re self-employed.

Whether you run a business or do freelance work, if you are self-employed, disability insurance may be a crucial part of your insurance package. Many self-employed people are in especially difficult positions if they are unable to work. By investing in disability insurance, you can create a safety net for yourself to avoid the difficult situation of trying to work through a short or long-term illness or injury.

At the end of the day, the decision to invest in disability insurance is one that requires a bit of research and a conversation with your insurance agent!

Discussing your options with a professional you trust can ensure that you get the best value for your lifestyle. Our team at Rehm Insurance is always here to help you with all of your insurance needs – and disability insurance is one of our specialties.

Book an appointment with a team member to learn more about your options!

5 Tips for a Successful School Year

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 03:00:00 GMT

And just like that, it’s back!

The school clothes, backpacks, homework, team practices, and more all signal that summer has come to a close and a new school year is upon us.

For all of us parents, that means another shot at making the most out of this busy but wonderful season.

A great school year starts at home, so it’s important to make sure you’re taking the steps to help your kiddos have the best year ever! Here are some tips on how to get started:

1.Establish Some Household Routines

Get your whole household on a routine to keep yourself and your kids on track throughout the school year. Everyone may not wake up at the same time, but hitting key schedule points like meals, homework/study times, and rest times throughout the day, you can make sure your kids have some consistency, no matter how hectic the rest of their schedules may be.

Routines provide consistency and predictability for kids, which is important as they tackle the unknown challenges of new lessons, homework, and friends, all school year.

2. Keep Some Space Between You and Their Homework

No matter how old your kids are, establishing clear boundaries with their schoolwork can help keep the peace at home.

As parents, it can be tough to see your kids struggle with a certain homework assignment or project. I’ve been there, myself! But we need to set clear boundaries, such as:

Only jumping in when they ask you for help, or
Making sure they have used all of their available resources before coming to you.

These can save you from too many late nights, crowded around a project that’s equal parts your work and theirs.

Clear boundaries like this can also help your kids establish healthy time management skills and break down some of the fear surrounding asking for help.

3. Don’t Forget the Fun Stuff!

We all get stuck in ruts throughout the school year, where the monotony of a routine makes you forget to add some fun throughout the week. With school, homework, extracurriculars, and all of the other obligations in between, it can be hard to remember to take a breather and enjoy some family time.

Try to utilize not only your weekends but little moments throughout the week. Set up weekly traditions like “Game Night” or pick a TV show everyone enjoys and set aside the time to enjoy some relaxing time together as a family. Family meals can also be a reassuring and fun tradition, even if you can’t make it work every single day.

This can make a huge difference in not only your relationship with your kids but their own relationships with work/life balance down the road.

4. Respect Your Free Time

Remember, your free time does not equate to your availability, and the same goes for your kids! Overbooking yourself and your family can lead to burnout for all parties involved.

Make sure your kids have downtime, whether it’s by their choice or yours. It can sound good to have a rehearsal or meeting to attend every single day after school, but it’s no way to ensure that your kids have time to enjoy being young.

5. Positivity is Key

Your kids will feed off of your energy going into this new school year. If you’re confident they’ll have a great year ahead of them and reach their full potential for the year, then that’s exactly how they’ll feel!

Every kid is different and every school year comes with its challenges, but if you let your children know you believe in them, they’ll believe in themselves and do the best they can. And that’s a foundation that’s destined to bring a successful year into fruition.

What Does Being a “No-Fault” State Mean?

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

We strive to be the insurance agency that’s always there for you. As fellow members of the Mankato area community, we’re committed to providing you and your family with unparalleled service that you won’t find anywhere else.

We also try to educate you about important insurance topics that affect you and your family. Today, we’re talking about what it means to be in a “no-fault” state for car insurance.

What do you need to know about “No-Fault” car insurance?

This refers to the coverage for medical and some nonmedical costs related to injuries sustained in an accident, no matter who claims responsibility for the accident.

As a no-fault state, Minnesota is one of 13 to follow this system. “No-fault” or “choice” car insurance means that when an accident occurs, you can file a claim with your personal insurance to cover medical bills and lost earnings, no matter who causes the accident.

You can file personal injury protection (PIP) claims with your personal insurance to cover costs like medical bills, lost wages, and other household expenses related to your injuries. These other expenses can include extra cleaning help, groceries, and lawn maintenance, amongst other things.

While PIP claims provide for most injury-related costs, compensation for pain and suffering does not fall under these policies.

Why file a claim if you’re not at fault?

Now, you may be wondering why you’d want to file a claim with your own insurance to cover medical bills, especially if the accident isn’t your fault.

When it comes to filing a liability claim against a separate, at-fault driver in a no-fault state, there is a certain threshold your injuries must exceed before they are deemed sufficiently serious enough for you to receive compensation. PIP claims also ensure that all citizens involved in a crash are able to get proper coverage for their injury expenses, without question of who will provide it.

No matter what insurance needs you may have, our team at Rehm Insurance is here to help you along the way. We’re a friendly and helpful local team that can help advocate for you and make sure you have the best insurance plan for your personal needs! Schedule an appointment today, conveniently through our online calendar.

What is PIP Coverage in Minnesota and How Does it Work?

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Let’s break down a commonly misunderstood portion of auto insurance: Personal Injury Protection (PIP). In the state of Minnesota, PIP car insurance is required for all drivers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone understands the ins and outs of what it does and does not cover.

Let’s get into it!

What is PIP?

Basically, Personal Injury Protection makes sure that everyone in an accident is able to have their injury-related costs covered. Also known as “No-Fault” coverage, it covers the cost of injuries to all individuals involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This means that you can file a PIP claim even if reaching settlement with the other drivers involved proves to be a challenge.

What does PIP coverage look like?

Personal Injury Protection covers all injury-related costs following an accident up to a certain amount. Like all insurance policies, the specific coverage details are dependent upon your personal plan, but we’ll go through the basics.

The minimum required PIP insurance includes $40,000 of expenses per person per accident. In the event of death, PIP insurance covers up to $2,000 of funeral costs.
All PIP claims are required to be filed within six months of an accident, and you may file PIP claims for yourself, those on your policy, and any passengers during the accident that do not have their own PIP insurance.
In the division of benefits, $20,000 covers medical costs and the other $20,000 covers nonmedical costs. While you may think that all injury-related costs are medical by nature, nonmedical expenses can include things like lost income and certain household services.
PIP coverage pays a maximum of 85% of wages up to $500 per week and household services like groceries, housekeeping, and other forms of property maintenance up to $200 per week.

To see PIP benefits at work, let’s use an example.

Imagine a couple, let’s name them Jim and Nancy, get rear-ended and the other driver flees the scene. Nancy acquires $12,000 in medical bills and is unable to work for 3 weeks. Jim acquires $15,000 in medical bills and is out of work for 7 weeks. With their injuries, neither is able to keep up with their regular household needs, so they hire a housekeeper and a delivery service to bring groceries.

PIP coverage would include all $27,000 of their medical bills, along with up to $1,000 in weekly wage compensation and $400 in household services for the couple.

What else should I know about PIP insurance?

While PIP insurance covers most injury-related costs, it does not include compensation for pain and suffering or damage to the vehicle or other property. This form of coverage is meant to protect the individuals involved in the crash and ensure that all Minnesotans are able to receive medical care following an accident, without worrying about the cost.

If you own more than one vehicle, you can also stack your PIP insurance. Stacking your policies slightly increases your monthly premium, but also allows you to use the sum of your PIP benefits while driving any of the vehicles included. So, if you stacked the minimum coverage for two vehicles on the same policy, you’d be entitled to a total of $80,000 ($40,000 for medical, $40,000 for nonmedical) per person per accident.

Knowing what level of compensation your PIP insurance entitles you to can help ease some of the stress already involved in an unexpected event. While we only covered the basics of PIP coverage in this article, there is almost always more to learn in a one-on-one conversation with an insurance agent.

Book an appointment with one of our reliable and capable team members to learn more about PIP coverage and any other insurance needs you may have!

Comparing Basic, Broad, and Special Form Insurance Coverages

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 14:30:00 GMT

When taking a close look at the different home insurance options available, you may have noticed the recurring phrases “basic, broad, and special form.” These three terms refer to the different levels of protection for insurance policies, and knowing the level of protection that works for you is crucial. So, let’s take a closer look at what each of those forms of coverage looks like.

Basic Form

This form of coverage is, like its name, the one with the least “extra stuff” included. You’ll have coverage for 11 perils and those 11 perils only. The perils commonly named are:

Fire
Lightning
Smoke
Windstorm and Hail
Explosion
Riot or Civil Commotion
Aircraft or Vehicle Collision
Vandalism and Malicious Mischief
Theft
Glass Breakage
Volcanic Eruption

Anything that falls outside of the listed perils will not be protected. And, while the list may seem pretty all-encompassing, there are some other risk factors that may be important to cover depending on the location and function of the property you’re insuring.

Broad Form

Like basic form coverage, broad form covers only the perils listed in your policy. The key difference between the two is that broad form covers 6 perils in addition to the 11 covered in a basic form policy. Those six additional perils are:

Burglary or Break-In Damage
Falling Objects
Weight of Ice, Snow, and Sleet
Freezing of Plumbing
Accidental Water Damage
Electrical Surge Damage

Special Form

While both basic and broad form coverage encompass perils specifically listed in their policies, special form does almost the opposite. Special form coverage covers all risks EXCEPT the listed exclusions. Special form is the form of coverage that offers the most protection, but it is important to closely evaluate the exclusions in your policy as common exclusions like “flooding” and “earthquakes” may require a separate policy. Depending on the needs of your property considering its location, age, and other factors, these exclusions can make a world of difference in what policy is best for you.

It’s impossible to know which form of coverage is your best fit without taking a closer look at your insurance needs and the policy options in front of you with a team on your side. By consulting a professional, you can make sure you have the right insurance plan for you and your household. Get in touch with the Rehm Insurance team to find the right fit for you!

Getting Married? Here Are Some Insurance Changes Newlyweds Should Know About

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 09:08:00 GMT

No matter how long you’ve been with a partner, getting married changes a million different aspects of your life. For many, marriage comes with changes to their name, living space, family, friends, routines, and goals – just to name a few. Even your insurance policies should change!

Here are some possible changes you might want to make to your insurance policies as a newlywed. (And congratulations, by the way!)

Health Insurance

Time is of the essence.

While the possibilities aren’t exactly endless in the case of health insurance, one thing you and your spouse should evaluate is what policy option serves you and your lifestyle best.

Whether you maintain separate health insurance policies or choose to join under one policy, make sure you find your right path… and act fast! Most insurance plans leave only a 60-day window after marriage to make any changes to a health insurance plan, so you have to strike while the iron is hot.

Auto Insurance

Play it smart.

For many couples, making the decision on how to handle their auto insurance comes down to either discounted rates or inflated risk. The truth is, like any other form of insurance, your rates are dependant upon perceived risk factors. And married people are believed to be more responsible, get into fewer car accidents , and be overall less risky.

With that said, if one partner has a particularly poor driving history, it’s possible that combining policies might not be in your best interest. It’s always wise to confer with your agent before making your final decision.

Life Insurance

The sooner, the better.

When you choose a spouse, you choose a person you want to spend the rest of your life with. With that expectation comes that responsibility to make sure that, no matter what, you’re doing what you can to help provide for them.

If you have a life insurance policy already in place, make sure your new spouse is worked into your plan. If you don’t have a life insurance policy in place, act sooner rather than later. Life insurance rates are generally lower for younger people, so getting a plan in place and reworking it as time goes on may be in your best interest.

Homeowners and Renters Insurance

Cover all of your bases.

Even if you live together prior to your big day, marriage can mean big changes for your property insurance! Both spouses should be included in the policy you have in place, and you should account for any new assets brought in around your wedding. This can include engagement rings, wedding gifts, and anything else valuable that is introduced to the household.

Keep a detailed log of the assets you possess as a couple, and make sure your policy accurately protects what you have.

As you plan your future with a partner, it can seem like there are a thousand little tasks and responsibilities on your plate. But make sure to prioritize your insurance needs to take full advantage of the opportunities marriage brings to the table.

By discussing your options with your partner and your insurance agent ahead of time, you can make the transition from “single” to “married” status as smooth and worry-free as possible.

8 Fun Things To Do In Southern Minnesota This Summer

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 14:28:00 GMT

There’s no hiding it anymore, summer is upon us! And with the sunny weather and smiles all around comes the challenge of cooking up fun and exciting activities to fill up your time. Luckily, the Greater Mankato area is a pretty great place to be when you’re looking for new and entertaining adventures.

Here are a few ideas to get your summer on the right track. We’ve got kids, adults, and all the adventurers in between covered!

1. CityArt Sculpture Walking Tour

Pick up a map and start walking! This exhibit of outdoor sculptures is updated each year with all new works of art that will stand tall year-round. The 2021 lineup includes sculptures in tons of different mediums with some bright colors all around. Take a tour around the city to catch a glimpse of each piece!

2. Minneopa State Park

While just about any outdoor experience in the area is well worth your while, Minneopa State Park requires a slot all its own. From the bison that roam the park to the stunning Minneopa Falls, there is lots to love about the nature preserve. The park’s picnic areas make a great pitstop for families or groups aiming to spend the day soaking in all the park has to offer!

3. Take A Bike Ride!

Get yourself and your family out for a bike ride on one of the many trails in the trail system. Biking loops range from the 10 mile North Mankato Loop to the 35 mile St. Clair, Smith’s Mill, Madison Lake Loop. With over 50 miles of trails, there are options for bikers of any experience level.

4. Red Jacket Trail

The many trails of the greater Mankato area are easy to come by, but Red Jacket Trail is in a league of its own! The trail’s path leads directly into Red Jacket Trail Park on its way to the village of Rapidan. With this beautiful stop, including a canoe launch and picnic area, this trail is a must!

5. Kato Escape Room

If you happen to get caught with nothing to do on a rainy day (or need a break from the outdoors) check this out! Test yourself and your team’s abilities while trying to solve the mystery and get out in time. With five separate themed rooms, this is one summer activity you might have to circle back to.

6. Mankato Playhouse

The Mankato Playhouse’s Broadway Teens will be performing Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. this summer. These young actors, all grades 6-12, will be singing their hearts out and their audience will be thoroughly entertained!

7. Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota

This museum offers kid-friendly exhibits meant to stimulate young minds and illuminate the wonders of STEAM, agriculture, arts, and local heritage. With fun made with safety and learning in mind, this is a trip you can enjoy just as much as the kids!

8. Javens Family Vineyard and Winery

For a little getaway with the grownups in your life, what better than a trip to the vineyard? With a stunning spot on the banks of the La Sueur River and a wide range of wines to choose from, this spot is a great place to sit back and enjoy yourself!

Summer is a time for getting out of the house and soaking in all your area has to offer, and the Greater Mankato Area is teeming with possibilities! This list is just the start of the perfect summer ahead, so get out and enjoy it while you can.

Commonly Misunderstood Insurance Vocabulary

Wed, 26 May 2021 14:05:00 GMT

If you’ve ever started researching insurance policies online but quickly found your eyes glazing over, you’re not alone.

Many people are confused or unsure about the technical ins and outs of insurance. That’s why it’s important to find an agent you know, like, and trust! Agencies like ours are available to answer any questions or uncertainties you may have about your insurance policies.

Ready to learn a little? We’ve compiled six commonly misunderstood concepts in insurance and provided simple explanations for each. Dig in!

Replacement Cost

If your insurance policy is set up to cover “replacement cost” it will do just that – cover the cost to replace or rebuild an item or property of similar quality. Replacement cost coverage does not subtract depreciation from the value.

An example of something that is typically covered under a replacement cost policy is a home.

Actual Cash Value

A replacement cost form will pay to replace the cost of the unit, in today’s dollars. If your insurance policy is set up to cover “actual cash value” (ACV), it only pays for the depreciated value of the item.

A typical motivation to opt for an ACV policy would be to save on replacement cost policy premiums. An example of what is typically covered under an ACV policy are the shingles on your roof.

Recoverable Depreciation

Now let’s talk about the gap between replacement cost and ACV. That number is known as “recoverable depreciation” – a gap that can be recovered if you show proof that a repair or replacement is complete or contracted to be completed.

When you’re covered under a replacement cost policy, your first payment from the insurance company is typically the ACV. Then, once you have repaired or replaced the covered item or property, and show proof, you’re typically able to claim the recoverable depreciation.

Note that the only time you have access to recoverable depreciation is if you have a full replacement policy form.

Agreed Value

When a policy owner would rather have an item replaced at an agreed-upon value, in the event of a loss, you could opt for agreed value coverage. In this type of coverage, you and your insurance company come to an agreement as to what an item is worth. As long as the two parties (owner and insurance company) agree on the value, it can be insured at that value.

Items that are often covered by this type of insurance include classic cars and jewelry – this often requires an appraisal or bill of sale. At the time of a loss, the policy pays out the agreed value of the item.

Wind/Hail Deductible

Depending on where you live, your homeowner’s insurance policy may include a wind/hail deductible. This is a separate, higher deductible that only applies when a loss is caused by wind or hail. In states where hurricanes are common, this deductible could be daily high.

A wind/hail deductible is often calculated as a percentage (1-2%) of the property’s value instead of a flat amount deductible.

Umbrella Coverage

As recently written by Gretchen Rehm Financial: “Umbrella policies, also commonly known as personal liability policies, are one way to prepare for nearly any insurance issue. Umbrella policies act as an extra cushion for the underlying liability policies you already have in place. These policies provide coverage for costs exceeding the limits of and claims outside of your current insurance policies’ reach.”

Continued: “Umbrella policies can cover property damage and legal fees, among many other costs. If you own a rental property or small business, have teen drivers on your insurance, possess significant assets, or feel for any reason you may be in a position to be sued, an umbrella policy may be necessary for you.”

What additional questions do you have about these terms? Reach out to our friendly team for assistance, today!

Prepare your home for winter this fall

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 09:22:00 GMT

For many, the fall season is a busy time of year. High school, college, and professional sports are in full swing. Kids are participating in homecoming festivities and many families are making trips to their local pumpkin farms. These activities don’t leave much time to get your home projects completed before the snow flies.

With the temperatures cooling down and the days getting shorter, now’s the time to prioritize your projects that need to be completed before winter settles in. Completing certain projects now can help you and your home survive winter while looking forward to the return of spring.

Here’s a list of interior and exterior projects to consider this fall.

1. Dispose of leaves. As a kid, I loved playing in the huge leaf piles in our yard, but I hated raking them. I always grumbled when my parents assigned this job to my brother and me. It did become more fun after my dad bought a leaf blower.

While raking isn’t fun, it’s best to get the job done now. Decaying leaves can ruin your lawn and make for a very messy job in spring. Check with your local city government to see if they offer a citywide leaf collection. If they do, this may make your job simpler. If this isn’t an option, check and see if your city’s Department of Public Works has a drop-off yard.

2. Clean your gutters. After all the leaves have fallen, clean out your gutters. Clogged cutters can lead to water damage due to backups or improper draining. They can also cause ice dams during the winter months. If you’re working on a ladder, make sure you have someone to keep it from moving. Also, make sure it’s the right ladder for the job. Avoid standing on the top or over-stretching. A sudden move could cause the ladder to kick out from under you. Lastly, think about what you want to do before making a quick move.

3. Inspect decks, patios, and porches. Remove debris, especially leaves, to prevent staining. Now is also a good time to clean outdoor furniture and prepare it for storage. Covering and storing it in your garage or shed is best. If that’s not possible, cover your furniture with a tarp and make sure it’s secured tightly. Winter winds can be brutal and can easily blow off your tarp. Lastly, secure loose handrails to help prevent guests from slipping and falling when entering or leaving your home during the holidays.

4. Remove garden hoses and shut off faucets. Putting away my hoses is always the last job on my list. There always seems to be one last cleaning project. If your hose(s) are stored in a covered reel, make sure you don’t forget to unscrew them from your faucet(s). Freezing temperatures can cause excess water in the hoses to expand, damaging the faucet and pipes. If you’ve turned off the water to exterior faucets in the past continue doing that. If you haven’t and have freeze resistant faucets, don’t touch them. Lack of use can cause the seals to become brittle. Turning them off now can cause them to leak into your home.

5. Remove or cover air-conditioning units. Removing air-conditioning units from your window is the best option for preventing cold winter drafts from entering your home. If removal isn’t an option, securely cover it with an insulated tarp. If you have a central air unit, consider covering it with a tarp to prevent rodents from using it as their winter home.

6. Properly store your gas-powered tools. One of the easiest things you can do is run your lawn mower out of gas. If you have leftover gas in your mower or gas can, consider adding fuel stabilizer. Adding stabilizer will prevent your gas from deteriorating over the winter months. If you add stabilizer to your lawn mower, make sure you run it for at least five minutes. Don’t forget about your other gas-powered tools such as trimmers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws.

Now is also a good time to have your blade(s) sharpened. When spring returns and the growing season starts, you’ll be ready to go.

Conversely, make sure your snow blower is filled with gas and it starts. A significant snowfall can sneak up on you quickly. If you’re experiencing problems, give your local small engine repair shop a call.

7. Inspect your home’s exterior. Walk around your home’s exterior looking for roof, siding, or foundation damage. If you find significant damage, contact your local contractor. Fixing the damage now can prevent it from getting worse.

8. Schedule a furnace inspection. Having your furnace inspected can prevent it from breaking down during the months you need it most. In addition, it can help prevent after hour service calls, which can cost a fortune. Lastly, replace your furnace filter . Replacing it regularly helps your furnace run more efficiently.

9. Have your chimney and fireplace inspected. Reading a book or drinking a cup of coffee by a warm fire is relaxing. However, every time a fire is lit creosote buildup can occur. Creosote is a residue that travels up your chimney and builds up on your flue. If that residue isn’t properly cleaned out, the chance of a fire igniting in your chimney increases. Many consider a creosote fire in the chimney one of the most dangerous fires a homeowner can experience; it can spread quickly and severely damage or destroy your entire home within minutes.

10. Clean dryer vents. Lint buildup occurs in your dryer over time, which leads to inefficiency. In addition, heating your home can cause it to dry out quickly. The dryness in your home increases static electricity. Increased lint and static electricity can lead to a fire. If your vent is accessible, take a good look to make sure it’s clear. If not, contact a professional to clean it.

Umbrella Insurance – Why It’s Critical for Small Business Owners

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 10:17:00 GMT

As a small business (SMB) owner, you already know that whatever your business lacks in size, it makes up for in hard work. The majority of owners report working well over the standard 40-hour work week. In fact, according to a recent study , 30 percent of entrepreneurs work more than 50 hours per week and 19 percent work more than 60. And with all that hard work, you want to make sure your investment — both in money and time — is well protected.

Owning your own business comes with risk: no matter how carefully you plan and no matter how hard you work, unforeseen events, accidents, and costs are bound to occur. And while your primary commercial insurance policy might cover up to $1 million in damages from accidents or lawsuits, that amount does not stretch very far. In today’s economy, a single accident or legal issue could quickly spell disaster for your business’s bottom line.

Fortunately, there’s an affordable solution for protecting your livelihood: umbrella insurance.

What is umbrella insurance?

While some small business owners make the mistake of thinking umbrella insurance is only for large businesses, that isn’t the case. Businesses of any size face risks great enough to necessitate umbrella insurance—and SMBs often have a higher need, as many smaller companies just don’t have the extra capital on hand to cover themselves in an emergency.

Essentially, umbrella insurance is extended liability coverage. For many SMBs, adding umbrella insurance can actually be more cost effective than raising the limits on existing liability policies. Plus, with umbrella insurance, you can expand your coverage across multiple policies — all under one “umbrella.” For instance, legal expenses are covered under umbrella insurance — an important benefit for SMBs that deal with high-net-worth clients, which can leave them vulnerable to higher lawsuit settlements. This peace of mind can be invaluable to the stability of your business when you’re up against a lawsuit.

Despite the benefits and low overall cost of adding umbrella insurance, many SMB owners don’t think about increasing their coverage until it’s too late. Here’s why you should avoid falling into that trap.

4 Reasons Why Umbrella Insurance is Crucial to Small Businesses

Prevention won’t cover you. It’s important to do everything you can to prevent workplace accidents and ensure employees are properly protected and trained. However, no amount of prevention can protect your business from freak accidents or catastrophic events. Despite your best efforts, the unexpected can still happen — resulting in injuries to your customers, vendors, or employees. Given the potential medical costs and legal expenses, these accidents can jeopardize your business’ relationships, reputation, and even viability. And if you’re like many other small businesses, you might not have the capital to recover from such an event.
Most SMBs are underinsured. According to Tim Hagen, a casualty underwriting strategy leader at Liberty Mutual, many small businesses are unaware of their coverage limits — and how quickly those limits can be met. “If a business-related automobile accident occurs and multiple parties are injured, the total claim can easily go over a million dollars,” he says. Since primary commercial policies don’t generally go higher than $1 million, your small business could be left with a hefty bill. This lack of awareness and understanding of their coverage means most small business owners don’t purchase the proper coverage without first experiencing a catastrophe. When disaster strikes, you want to be focused on the safety of your people and the day-to-day details of your business — not worried about how you’re going to afford to cover your expenses.
Accident costs are on the rise. Both medical and legal costs are consistently on the rise, which means that a $1 million commercial policy just doesn’t go as far as it used to go. Consider this: if you have a customer who is injured in an accident, the damages could include lifelong care, in addition to the cost of current care. Making those payments would be nearly impossible for most small businesses, causing them to acquire years of debt without the proper coverage. And small businesses are just as vulnerable to legal repercussions from accidents and workplace incidents as larger businesses; consider that 43 percent of SMB owners have been involved in a civil lawsuit. Plus, while small businesses comprise less than 25 percent of U.S. revenue, they incur more than 75 percent of tort liability expenses. While some of these costs would be covered by the primary insurance policy, SMBs are paying an estimated $35 billion of these expenses out of their own pockets each year!
Umbrella coverage is surprisingly affordable. Though many small business owners might assume they can’t afford an additional insurance policy, umbrella coverage is actually quite affordable, especially in comparison to primary coverage plans. When weighing the cost of umbrella insurance against the potential costs of not having umbrella insurance, the benefits are far greater than the setbacks. And you can’t put a price on the peace of mind that umbrella insurance provides.

How to Get Umbrella Insurance

The best time to protect your business against unforeseen events, accidents, and legal trouble is before something happens. If your SMB is underinsured, now is the time to start planning. You work too hard on your business to take unnecessary risks. Talk to your independent insurance agent , who can recommend a provider with specific experience in umbrella coverage.

Five Ways to Protect Your Personal Electronic Data

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 10:08:00 GMT

Online data breaches are just an unfortunate fact of life now—as the New York Times put it, you might as well assume that your personal information has been taken, because cyberattacks happen all the time.

That’s why we recommend identity-recovery coverage, which may be available for as little as $1 a month for our homeowner insurance customers.

It’s best if you don’t have to use that coverage—but many people don’t take even simple steps that would make it harder for thieves to gain access to banking details, Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. And even those who have been victimized previously can find themselves falling into old habits.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do, quickly and easily, to keep your data more secure. And while a really determined and skilled hacker could still find a way in, putting up a few roadblocks might encourage them to move on to a different target, similar to a burglar choosing an obviously unoccupied home instead of one with the lights on.

Here are five things experts recommend to better protect your personal information:

Use a stronger password. People have some truly awful passwords: The worst of 2017, as compiled by password-management company SplashData (using data leaked in various breaches), included “123456,” “qwerty,” “letmein” and the ever-popular “password.” You should try to create complex passwords using a combination of special characters, numbers and odd phrases that aren’t easily guessed. Instead of “mike2013,” for example, remember something like “In 2013, Mike broke his leg in Omaha” and translate it into “i13MbhliO!” Password-management software can help, too; these programs generate strong passwords for you and require you to remember just one master password.
Better yet, use multi-factor authentication. Many companies and online service providers offer this feature, which forces you to provide verification beyond a password to sign in. You might be required to enter a code that is sent to your mobile device, or answer security questions. Beware the security questions, however—thanks to publicly available information, including posts on social media, these can be easy to guess. (“What is your favorite food?” is not a great question to use, particularly if your answer is “pizza.”) So make sure your answers are things only you would know. If multi-factor authentication is available, you should use it, especially for sites with your most sensitive information.
Watch out for phishing attempts. We’ve all gotten calls or messages that were clearly scams, such as when the “IRS” calls to say you’re going to be arrested if you don’t immediately make a payment via credit card. But they’re not “clearly” scams to everyone, and if someone happens to send you an email that is plausible because of your present situation, you could be fooled, too. Unless you’re absolutely sure about the person or company you’re dealing with, don’t give out personal or financial details on the phone or via email. If you have a question about someone’s authenticity, type the organization’s web address into your browser (don’t click links in an email or use an address provided by a caller). Then call or email back using the information on the actual website, or get the correct contact information from your account statement.
Back up (or wipe out) your data. Not only is this important in case your device is stolen, it also can save you in the event of a “ransomware” attack, where someone blocks access to your data unless you pay a fee. Some devices and platforms have a feature that allows you to erase everything remotely if needed, so consider enabling that feature if it’s available. And remember to always fully wipe old devices before selling or recycling them. Simply deleting files isn’t enough—check with the manufacturer and learn how to completely erase all of your information.
Watch where you go online (and where you’re connected). If you’re making a purchase online, don’t enter your credit-card information (or other sensitive details) unless the site’s address begins with “https.” And it’s best to avoid entering this type of data when you’re on a public network, especially if it’s unsecured.

Of course, nothing can completely protect you from all risk online. Even the founder of LifeLock, a data-security company, famously had his identity stolen multiple times. (To be fair, he did use his actual Social Security number in an advertising campaign, which in hindsight wasn’t the best move.) But if you use the steps above, you’ll be ahead of most people.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Back-up Cameras: Not as safe as you think

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 10:07:00 GMT

But sometimes you have to wonder if all of these great inventions really DO make our lives better and safer. Take the back-up cameras in our cars. While they’re helpful in providing a view we normally can’t see, they can lead to more accidents because drivers may rely too heavily on them.

Back-up cameras were introduced as early as 2003. At that time, just three car models, out of 278, offered the cameras. By 2017, it’s estimated that all but 20 of 362 car models will have back-up cameras! In fact, the federal government has mandated that all new vehicles sold in the U.S. have back-up cameras by 2018.

The primary purpose of back-up cameras is to prevent “back over” accidents of young children who are not otherwise visible to the driver. That said, the cameras are typically located on the back of the car at about waist level. The camera provides a great view of objects immediately behind the vehicle, as well as 50 to 70 feet behind the vehicle. The camera view typically extends to 8 to 10 feet on each side of the vehicle.

Despite the quality of the image and size of the screens in the car, back-up cameras only provide a limited view of what’s going on behind and around the vehicle. In fact, most cameras only provide an 80-degree field of view behind the vehicle. That leaves 280 degrees of view around the vehicle not accounted for if the driver only views the back-up camera while backing. That’s why it’s critical, for their own safety and the safety of those around them, that drivers do not become overly dependent on back-up cameras.

Even with the significant increase in the number of vehicles with back-up cameras, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that back-over accidents have gone down by only 8% (statistics from 2008 to 2011).

Backing is the most difficult maneuver in a car and yet we perform it when we usually first get into the car and aren’t yet in the “driving mode.” When you’ve been out driving a while and are in the driving mode, practice backing into parking places whenever practical. It allows you to drive past the opening before you back into it and get a complete view of any obstructions like children’s toys, etc.

This is why you see UPS trucks and Wisconsin State Patrol cars backed into spaces when parked. They park while in the driving mode so when they leave, they’re not backing out which, again, is the most difficult maneuver to perform when they’re not in the driving mode.

To prevent property damage and personal injury, every driver should practice these steps to safe backing:
Whenever possible, park so you avoid backing altogether.
Walk around the vehicle before backing up to make sure your path is clear of people and obstructions. Remember this acronym: G.O.A.L. – Get Out And Look.
Back slowly, watching for people, vehicles, or objects entering your path of travel.
Frequently check mirrors and blind spots, scanning from left to right. Check the left blind spot by looking over your left shoulder, check the left side view mirror, check in front of the vehicle, check the rear view mirror, check the back-up camera screen, check the right side view mirror, check the right blind spot by looking over your right shoulder. Repeat this frequently while backing.

Back-up cameras can be convenient by providing a view you normally wouldn’t have. They should not, however, be the only view you use when backing up.

Turning your head while using the side mirrors, review mirror, and back-up camera, greatly improves visibility and reduces the potential for accidents.

Reposted from https://www.thesilverlining.co…

Five High-Tech Ways to Reduce Fire Risk

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 14:03:00 GMT

House fires are something most homeowners live in fear of, but today’s technology can help you ensure the safety of you, your family, and your home. Here are five high-tech ways you can reduce fire risk.

1. Install smart smoke detectors for added efficiency and convenience.

Traditional smoke detectors excel at one thing in particular: beeping at the least convenient times. They also rely on older technology to detect the presence of smoke. While this doesn’t mean these traditional devices are inefficient or faulty, a smart smoke detector can offer a number of benefits that put it head and shoulders above traditional models.

Smart smoke detectors send alerts to your smartphone when they detect smoke. If they’re part of a full home security system, they’ll also notify the authorities. These devices can link to the rest of your home and perform other actions, like flashing your smart lights. Imagine if your home security cameras activated when smoke was detected, so you could discover the cause of the fire!

Some models of smart smoke detectors have built-in carbon monoxide detectors, too. If the detector picks up a cooking experiment gone wrong, you can silence it with the press of a button. Most smart alarms also send push notifications when the battery is low, instead of the ear-shattering chirp of traditional smoke alarms.

2. Install smart batteries to make your old smoke detectors more efficient.

A smart smoke detector can be a big boost to your home’s fire safety, but you might not want to replace every single smoke detector. After all, the costs can add up. The next best option is to install smart batteries in your existing detectors. Smart batteries are inexpensive alternatives to more complex smart home systems.

Rather than beeping when the battery is low, a smart battery will send a notification to your smartphone. If one alarm goes off, it can be set to trigger the other alarms with smart batteries. You can connect your alarms together like this to better secure your home against fires.

3. Turn appliances off remotely with smart plugs.

How many times have you felt your stomach drop when you can’t remember if you turned off the iron? According to the United States Fire Administration, 9.6 percent of all home fires in 2016 were caused by an electrical malfunction. Appliances that generate a lot of heat or use higher amounts of power bring a greater risk for fires.

Smart plugs allow you to flip off the power to your appliances from your phone, whether you’re at home or at the office. If you plug your more hazardous appliances (e.g. irons, hair straighteners, etc.) into the smart plug, you don’t have to worry whether you turned them off. You can check your phone to find out whether the plug is providing power, and if so, you can flip it off.

4. Prevent cooking fires with smart stovetops.

Too many house fires occur because homeowners walk away while something is on the stove. It’s understandable; after all, a watched pot never boils, and if you have to let something simmer or boil for several hours, watching it could take a while. But if the stovetop flares and no one is around to stop it, fire can easily spread throughout the home.

Smart stovetops have built-in heat and motion sensors. If no one is detected in the kitchen for a pre-set amount of time (usually around 15 minutes), then the device automatically shuts off the stovetop to reduce the risk of fires. It can also detect sudden increases in heat and shut off the stovetop if it senses a fire.

If you’re worried about it interrupting the meal, there’s no need to. Just check on the dish every few minutes; as soon as the motion sensor detects motion, it resets the countdown.

5. Link your entire system together for maximum efficiency.

A smart home system should not be a walled garden. Smart fire detectors, alarm systems, batteries, plugs, and other devices should all be connected to one another through a smart home hub, like one provided by your local Internet company. When one sounds an alert, the others should too. Imagine if your smoke detector identified carbon monoxide in the air and sent a signal that caused your smart lights to flash. Even if you didn’t hear the siren, the lights would warn you. You would also receive a notification on your smartphone.

Ensuring your entire smart home system works together, whether through the same connection protocol (like Z-Wave or Zigbee) or through the use of a smart home hub will give you the most efficient system possible.

By spacing smart home devices around your home, you can give yourself the most warning possible if there is a fire, and you can reduce the chances that a fire will happen in the first place. When it comes down to it, you want to know if a fire starts so you can protect what’s most important: yourself and your family.

Patrick Hearn is an Atlanta-based tech writer for Xfinity Home . When he’s not researching the latest gadget or home automation solution, he can be found at the latest coffee shop trying the newest pour-over.

If you have a home monitoring/detection system that sends you an alert if a fire breaks out in your home, you may be eligible for a discount on a West Bend Home and Highway ^® insurance policy. To learn more, contact your independent West Bend agent or find an agent near you by visiting www.thesilverlining.com .

Make Football Season Safe and FUN

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 13:29:00 GMT

Finally, we’re welcoming fall, that eagerly anticipated season when we get to enjoy cooler temps, colorful leaves and, of course, football season in Minnesota.

Football brings with it a whole host of seasonal activities around Rehm Insurance and Financial Services for football fans, from game-day tailgates and sports bar outings, to friendly bets and bowl parties. At Rehm Insurance and Financial Services, 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, sitting in the stands, or joining your buddies at the local bar in Mankato, 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. Go team!

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 insurance 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 home insurance 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.

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact Rehm Insurance and Financial Services at 507-345-3366 or reegan@rehmins.com.

Your Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 13:28:00 GMT

Before the rain and cold take over, it’s time to do some routine maintenance to get things in shape for the months ahead. Besides, preventative maintenance can help you save money and keep you and your family healthy. That’s well worth your time.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Fall Maintenance Outside Your House

Check your roof : Remove moss from sloped areas and clear any debris from gutters and downspouts. Additionally, look for signs of damage/wear and make repairs as soon as possible. Use binoculars if you need to. Fall is no time for a leaky roof!
Look out for critters : Rodents and other animals might be looking for warm places to hide out, and they can cause big problems if one of those places happens to be in your home or garage. Watch for termites, roaches and other insects as well, and call a professional if you need assistance. (And, be sure to check the basement and crawlspace, too!)
Get hoses ready for the cold : When the weather starts to turn, drain water from outdoor hoses, faucets and irrigation systems. Place covers on faucets as necessary.
Inspect your vents and ducts : Attic vents, dryer vents and exhaust ducts should be clear (check inside and out).
Watch those windows : Clean window wells and check drainage.
Walk around : If you have cracks in your driveway or other walkways, address them now — freezing weather will only make them worse.

Fall Maintenance Inside Your House

Keep things dry in the crawlspace, basement and attic : If you have a sump pump, make sure it is in good working condition, and check for wet spots or puddles in the crawlspace.
Look for leaks : Give your water heater (have you drained it lately?) and boiler a quick exam, and don’t forget your water main/meter or well pump.
Do some fall cleaning : Clean and tune your furnace, boiler and/or water heater, along with your oven and range.
Seal things up : If you feel any drafts around windows or doors, now is the time to address them. And, check your attic insulation, too.
Check your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors : Even ones that are powered through your home’s electrical system typically have a backup battery that might need replacing.
Get ready for fireplace season : Make sure there’s no soot or creosote accumulation, and consider having a chimney sweep do an inspection.
Speaking of fires … do you have fire extinguishers in your home? You should (one per floor, at least). The pressure indicator should show a charge, and the lock pin should be intact.

One final tip: Since these lists largely are about keeping your family safe and comfortable, this also is a fine time to revisit (or create) your family emergency escape plan and emergency kit. Make sure everyone knows how to get out of their room, and where to meet once they’re out of the house. Your home is replaceable, of course — your family isn’t.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

What Should Go Into Your Home Safe (or Safety Deposit Box)?

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 13:21:00 GMT

Spring has arrived, which means it’s time to clean the cobwebs out of the corners, organize the closets and so forth. While you’re at it, don’t forget to revisit the important documents and other items you have in your home safe and in that safe-deposit box at the bank.

What documents do you need to keep? What can your shred? Are your valuable items properly secured?

Wait, what’s that? You don’t have a home safe? Or a safe-deposit box? Well, let’s look at why you may want to get one – or both – and what to keep inside.

Home Safes

Oftentimes these are well suited for safeguarding important documents and valuable things you access somewhat regularly, such as jewelry or watches. Keep in mind that while residential safes help protect against fire and theft, they often aren’t as robust as commercial models. For the best protection in a home safe, select a model that is heavy enough that a burglar couldn’t make off with it, and consider bolting it to the floor. Here are some of the things you may want to keep inside:

Insurance policies and your agent’s contact information.
Passports, original birth certificates and Social Security cards.
Photocopies of passports, credit cards and driver’s licenses, in case they are ever lost or stolen from your purse or wallet.
Tax documents and tax returns, from the past six to seven years.
A list of your family’s medical information and contacts, including doctors, pharmacies and medications.
Investment and banking documents, including billing contact information, as well as emergency cash.
Heirloom and other valuable jewelry and watches.
Wills and other important legal documents, including wills that list you as the executor.
Computer backup disks or drives, or other small electronics you don’t use regularly.
Safe-deposit box keys.

Safe-Deposit Boxes

Speaking of safe-deposit boxes, are they an old-fashioned notion or something that’s worth your while? To answer that question, U.S. News & World Report recommends gathering everything you might want to store in a safe-deposit box and then determining whether you feel secure enough storing it all at home.

If not, a safe-deposit box may be a better, more secure option. A bank is more heavily guarded that your home, after all – against theft, fire and other disasters.

If you do decide on a safe-deposit box, here’s what you might want to keep in it:

Originals of key documents, such as property deeds, car titles, etc.
Valuable collections or family keepsakes that you don’t access very often.
Pictures or videos from your home inventory to use for insurance purposes.

If not, store these items in your home safe. And, here’s what NOT to put in a safe-deposit box:

Anything you may need to access quickly, such as passports, powers of attorney documents, etc.
Cash. Not only will your money not earn interest in a safe-deposit box, it won’t be protected by FDIC insurance, either.

Remember, putting something in your home safe or a safe-deposit box is more secure than stashing it in your sock drawer, but it doesn’t guarantee anything, either. So, think about having document backups, as well as insurance for your valuable items.

After all, if something is valuable enough to lock up, isn’t it valuable enough to insure, too? Talk to an agent at Rehm Insurance and Financial Services today about your personal property coverage and about scheduling any high-value items, especially expensive jewelry and collectibles, separately.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Does your insurance agent have your best interests at heart?

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 09:43:00 GMT

When shopping for insurance, you want to receive the most value for your money. This means you need to hire an agent who has your best interests — not their own bottom line — at heart. The key to finding an agent who’ll always do what’s most favorable for you is to understand the differences between the two main types — independent and captive agents — and know which type will steer you in the right direction. Here’s what you need to know.

Captive Insurance Agents Offer Limited Choices

Captive agents work for one insurance company and are limited to selling the policies of that particular company. This means that they have thorough knowledge of company-specific insurance policies, but can’t assist you if you don’t need or qualify for those policies.

They usually receive a salary and commission, or just commission. They may be hired as full-time employees or independent contractors with the company; if they’re independent contractors, they typically receive reimbursement for their expenses.

They may be encouraged to sell certain policies or meet certain sales quotas, and failure to hit targets can result in lower wages or job losses. This means that they may place pressure on you to purchase insurance you don’t want or need.

Independent Insurance Agents Offer More Choices

Independent agents sell policies provided by multiple insurance companies, offering you more choices of coverage and multiple price quotes. They aren’t considered employees of any one particular insurance company, and they receive the majority of their earnings through the commission of insurance policies sold.

Some independent agents are completely independent of a primary insurance company, but most report the majority of their business to one company. However, their independence and detailed knowledge of the market allows them to compare and sell policies offered by other insurance companies when their primary insurance company’s policies don’t meet your needs. Independent agents also evaluate the financial stability of the companies they work with, providing you with added peace of mind.

The Anatomy of a Typical Home Insurance Claims Process

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 09:41:00 GMT

If you’ve ever filed a home insurance claim, you may have wondered what goes on behind the scenes. Insurance companies follow established procedures, and knowing them helps the insured understand the process.

The typical home insurance claims process from beginning to end.

1. Report Claim

You can submit your claim online, directly to your agent, or to claim services with your insurance company.

2. Assignment

The insurance company assigns a claims professional to your claim, and that person helps you navigate the required procedures.

3. Initial Contact

The claims professional gets in touch to find out about your loss to discuss your insurance coverage and outlines how the company plans to handle your claim. Pay attention to advice he/she offers you on how to prevent more damage.

4. Evaluation

The claims professional investigates your claim, collecting facts, inspecting and estimating the damage and consulting witnesses, if necessary.

Keep a written record of information pertaining to your claim in case questions come up.

5. Resolution

For simpler claims, you may receive payment for the amount of estimated repairs after the first inspection. In more complicated claims, payments may take longer to arrive.

6. Claim Closed

The claim is resolved and closed by the insurance company.

You can contact your claims professional at any time if you have questions.

If your policy allows for replacement cost, two or more payments may be made. The initial payment will be for the actual cash of the item(s). The remaining amount can be claimed upon the replacement of the item(s).

Tips for getting your home insurance claim paid:

File claim promptly
Keep claim number and contact info handy
Meet deadlines
Submit all required forms
Respond promptly to queries
Attend inspections of the damage

Fall Safety: Pedestrians, Drivers and Deer

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 09:38:00 GMT

As fall approaches we need to remind ourselves of some safety issues that come with warm days and nights, but a loss of daylight. Fall is the time of year that has the highest occurrence of accidents involving motorists and pedestrians. Low light contributes to this, so we need to be extra careful as daylight vanishes. Also, school buses will be on the roads and we need to ensure that we are observing traffic laws as it relates to school buses and yielding to pedestrians. This is also the time of year that deer become active. Share these tips and reminders with young drivers as well to be alert this fall.

School Bus Safety – Keeping Children Safe

School buses are the safest mode of transportation for children – the mass of the bus is designed to take the bulk of the crash force, and they are also less likely to roll over. The inside of the buss is designed as an egg carton with strong, closely spaced seats, energy-absorbing seat backs, and padded seats.

The biggest safety concern is for children OUTSIDE of the bus. That’s why motorists need to stop and stay back from buses when the red flashing lights are operating. This means kids are entering or exiting the bus and likely trying to cross streets or in front of the bus where they are not easily seen.

Altering a route or schedule to avoid a bus in one way motorists can help improve safety. In doing so, motorists won’t find themselves behind a bus, and as a result, won’t be putting children at potential risk.

Reminders for school children:

When getting off the bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder or side of the road
Before crossing the street, take five “giant steps” out from the front of the bus, or until the bus driver’s face can be seen
Wait for the driver to signal that it’s safe to cross
Look left-right-left when coming to the edge of the bus to make sure traffic is stopped. Keep watching traffic when crossing

Parents also play a vital role in bus safety by teaching their children what to do around buses:

How to cross safely
The importance to stay back from the road while waiting for the bus
The importance of making eye contact with the driver before crossing the street to ensure the driver sees them

Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrian/vehicles crashes can be avoided. Pedestrians can ensure their safety by:

Crossing at a corner, a marked cross walk, or where a traffic light is present
Pay attention, look both ways before crossing, and make eye contact with drivers before entering the road to ensure the driver sees you
Never cross in the middle of the road or walk down an interstate
Wear bright colored clothing when walking or running at night

Motorists must treat every corner as a crosswalk and stop for crossing pedestrians at all corners and crosswalks whether marked or unmarked – it’s the law! And, most importantly, drive distraction-free. Driver distraction is a leading cause of pedestrian/vehicle crashes.

Watch for Deer

Watch for deer during dawn and dusk – this is when most deer-vehicle crashes occur. Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes on the side of the road. If anything looks suspicious, SLOW DOWN.

Remember, deer do unpredictable things. Sometimes they stop in the middle of the road when crossing. They will occasionally and quickly re-cross back from where the came from and other times they move toward an approaching vehicle.

Do not swerve when encountering deer – it’s safer to brake and hit a deer than to swerve into oncoming traffic or off the road
Always wear your seat belt – it’s the first line of defense in a crash

Information provided by Carver County Sheriff’s office.

Motorcycle Safety

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 09:40:00 GMT

Near the end of August, riders from across the country will converge on Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin to celebrate the 115 ^th anniversary of Harley Davidson®. As the rumble of motorcycle engines fills the air and the shine of chrome and custom paint jobs line the streets and highways in Southeastern Wisconsin, it’s the perfect time to share motorcycle safety tips with all motorists.

All motorists should safely share the road with motorcycles. They have the same rights and privileges on the roadway as other vehicles. Stay alert, as motorcycles can be harder to see due to their size, and they can be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. Allow motorcycles the full width of a lane and follow at least three to four seconds behind them. Keep in mind that road conditions, like wet pavement, gravel, or potholes, that may seem minor to drivers of cars and trucks, can pose greater hazards to motorcycle riders. Motorcyclists may need to slow down, stop, or adjust their lane position.

The National Safety Council (NSC) says motorcycle riders should:

Wear a DOT-approved helmet;
Know and follow the rules of the road;
Invest in anti-lock brakes;
Not drink and drive;
Watch for hazards; and
Always use headlights.

Visit nsc.org for more information, including motorcycle accident statistics, a complete list of their motorcycle safety tips, and additional resources.

Tips for a safe 4th of July – from food to fireworks

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 12:49:00 GMT

As you celebrate America this year, however, keep safety in mind — those fireworks aren’t the only holiday staple that can be dangerous. So, along with using plenty of sunblock and staying hydrated, follow these tips to help ensure that you, your loved ones and your friends all have a great Fourth.

Food Safety
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or attending one, you’ll want to make sure the food you’re serving — and eating — is safe. The following U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines can help:

Cook food thoroughly . Steaks, chops and roasts (beef, pork or lamb) should have a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit before being removed from the heat source. Ground meats need to be at 160 degrees and poultry at 165.
Keep hot food hot and cold food cold . You can keep cooked meats warm by placing them to the side of the grill rack, in a warm oven or in a chafing dish. Place dishes holding cold foods on ice.
Bringing food to the party? Use an insulated cooler with ice or ice packs to minimize the growth of bacteria.

On the Road According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the July 4 holiday period ranks as the nation’s deadliest in terms of people killed by drunk drivers. So, if you’re heading somewhere to enjoy the fireworks or just driving to a friend’s get-together, plan ahead: Have a designated driver or don’t drink at all.

On the Water Spending the holiday on a boat? Lucky you. Just make sure all equipment is operating properly and that you have the right supplies on board. Here are two more recommendations from the Coast Guard:

If you’re driving the boat, don’t drink or use drugs . That should go without saying, but it’s still a problem — alcohol use is involved in about a third of all recreational boating deaths.
Everyone needs a life jacket . A boat needs a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person aboard. Kids need their own — adult-sized jackets will not work for them.

Fireworks Thousands of people are hurt each year by fireworks. In the month around the July 4 holiday, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 240 people go to the emergency room daily with a fireworks-related injury. Don’t be one of them. If fireworks are legal in your area and you intend to set some off (or to be around when others are doing so), check out these quick tips for some general guidelines:

Find a safe place, and be prepared . Always have a bucket of water or a garden hose at the ready. And never point fireworks at a person, animal, home, tree or car.
Make sure adults are present . Kids should never play with fireworks.
Don’t stand too close . The most injured body parts in fireworks accidents are the hands and fingers (36 percent), head, face and ears (22 percent) and eyes (16 percent), the commission says. All are pretty important, don’t you think?

While these tips are great, perhaps the best thing about them is this: You can follow them and still have a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Here’s to America — and to you!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Safety tips for summer swimming

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 12:47:00 GMT

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10 people drown every day — and two of those are children 14 or younger. Even seasoned swimmers can find themselves in dangerous situations, so brush up on these basic safety tips before your first – or next – summer swim:

Swimming Safety Tips

Consider the swimming level of everyone in your party before selecting a place to swim. Just because swimmers are comfortable in a pool doesn’t mean they can handle swimming in the ocean.
Swim in designated areas with a lifeguard present, and follow any posted warnings or instructions. However, don’t rely on the lifeguard alone. Never leave young children or other inexperienced swimmers unattended or in the care of another child.
Teach children to ask permission before going near the water. If a child is missing, always check the water first.
Young children should wear swim diapers and Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Even still, maintain constant supervision.
Avoid alcohol or drug use during water activities.
Know CPR and other life-saving measures.
Don’t dive into unfamiliar water. You never know what might be below the surface.
In open bodies of water, watch for dangers that just aren’t present in pools. These can include plants and animals, as well as riptides, currents, waves and rapids. If you see someone in danger, reach out to them with a pole or tree branch – anything that extends your reach – or throw them a floating object while someone else alerts the lifeguard. Wading in yourself could put you in just as much danger, so leave the water rescues to the professionals.
Don’t swallow the water, no matter where you’re swimming. It could cause illness.
Check the weather and be aware of changing and potentially dangerous conditions.

If you happen to have a pool on your property (lucky you), you have even more responsibilities. Your pool should be completely surrounded by a locking fence, at least 4 feet tall, and all pools and spas should have compliant drain covers. Keep life-saving equipment, such as life rings and poles, within easy reach. If you have a small kiddie or wading pool, be sure to empty it after each use. A baby can drown in just 1 inch of water.

Summer fun in and around the water is for people of all ages — just keep in mind that some people need more supervision than others, and everyone needs to keep safety in mind at all times. Happy splashing!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

How to lower your auto insurance bill

Tue, 29 May 2018 12:44:00 GMT

It’s easy to lower your insurance costs — especially if you have a great driving record, or don’t mind having higher deductibles.

Who doesn’t want to pay less for car insurance? Billions of dollars are spent on ad campaigns to convince you to “switch and save” — but the truth is, many people can find savings no matter who their insurance company is. According to the Insurance Information Institute and other experts, here’s how you can, too:

Drive safely. Accidents, speeding violations, and other incidents on the road can put your safety at risk, of course. But they also can hit your wallet pretty hard, because some can cause your insurance premiums to skyrocket. On the flip side, many companies will give you a discount if you don’t have an accident or moving violation over a set amount of time — so not only will you not pay more than you should, you could pay less than you would otherwise.
Make sure your coverage fits your life (and your car). If you can afford higher deductibles — that is, the amount you have to pay before your insurance kicks in — you can save significantly on your premiums. The Insurance Information Institute says raising your deductible from $200 to $500 could drop your overall cost by as much as 30%. You’ll also want to consider dropping collision or comprehensive coverage if your car is old and worth far less than it once was.
Pay your bills on time. And not just the ones from your insurance company, either. Most carriers use credit information when they’re determining how much your coverage will cost, so it pays to have a good credit history. Other things that can impact your standing include your outstanding balances and how much available credit you have.
Ask about discounts. There are all kinds of discounts available for drivers — including some you might not have realized. Do you own your home? You might save on your car insurance. Do you purchase your homeowners and auto policies from the same company? You’re probably already getting a discount for that. If you don’t drive much, you could be eligible for a low-mileage discount. The list goes on and on (literally), so we’ll help you get the savings you deserve!
Shop around. This goes for cars and insurance policies! Your car has a big impact on how expensive your insurance will be, so if you’re buying a new one, be sure to do your research on how much it costs to repair that particular model, the likelihood of theft, etc. And when it comes to insurance, we can help you get quotes from a number of insurance companies — we’ll make it easy to weigh your options and find the right balance between coverage and cost.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Why today’s homes burn faster

Tue, 22 May 2018 12:43:00 GMT

From building materials to furnishings, many of the things in your home likely aren’t as flame-resistant as those from yesteryear.

Larger homes, more open layouts, new construction materials and other factors mean fires burn more quickly, leaving less time for occupants to escape — and for firefighters to stop the flames. How much less time? About 30 years ago, you had about 17 minutes to get out of the house once it caught fire. Today? Just three or four minutes.

A lot goes into creating that “perfect storm,” experts say. Here are some key factors:

Building materials. Particle board and other man-made materials, which are lighter and cheaper than natural wood, often are used to construct homes today. This leads to larger homes at a lower cost, but they also burn more quickly than homes built with solid wood, concrete or masonry.
More space — and more stuff. Fires can spread quickly in homes that are largely open, with high ceilings, etc. And homes that are bigger typically have more things in them — which means there’s more fuel for the fire.
Newer stuff. The old days of couches, carpets, etc., made from all-natural materials are long gone. That’s great news for durability and price, but it’s not great for limiting fires. Though many modern furnishings are excellent at resisting smoldering (such as if a cigarette is dropped), once they actually catch fire, they burn very quickly.

What can you do? Well, unless you’re having a house built or doing an extensive remodel, you can’t really change the materials used to construct your home. However, there are a few things you should do immediately to help keep you and your family safe, no matter where you live:

Make sure your smoke detectors are in working order.
Create an escape plan for you and your family.
Place fire extinguishers on each level of your home, as well as in the garage.

To learn more about fire safety, check out these tips from the American Red Cross . Because the best fire protection of all is preventing one from starting in the first place!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Three Important Reasons to have Renters Insurance

Mon, 14 May 2018 14:06:00 GMT

If you rent your home, you must know these three important reasons to have renters insurance. Why? Because every dollar you take home is important and you do your best to spend them wisely. When purchasing a house, most people borrow from a bank and are required by the lender to buy insurance. Howev

Top 5 Motorcycle Safety Tips

Mon, 07 May 2018 13:58:00 GMT

We all know that age-old statistic that motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than cars. Still that doesn’t stop millions of people around the world from jumping on one and going for the ride of their life! Here are the top 5 safety tips I’ve learned over the years to help keep you safe on your next ride.

1. Defense is the best offense

The moment you start your ride you should be on the lookout for road hazards like gravel, trash, pedestrian crossings, bad drivers and more. You should always leave plenty of room between yourself and the vehicles in front of and behind you. This will give you enough space and time to react in case the unexpected happens. Remember, most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers.

2. Gear, be smart about it

Proper safety gear like a helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and boots, are essential to keeping you safe in the event of an accident. Bright gear makes you more visible to other drivers, and protective eye wear keeps your delicate eyeballs safe and glued to the road. A good jacket, gloves and boots will help keep you warm and dry while protecting you from road debris, and can even protect your skin in an accident. Wearing full gear can also help boost rider confidence.

3. Know and choose the right bike for you

Everyone has a different skill level and goal when it comes to riding. Riders get into trouble when they buy more bike than they can handle. I have seen riders on bikes where their feet don’t reach the ground. How you want to use your bike is also important to consider. A dirt bike with off-road tires on a highway at high speeds is also not ideal. It is important to consider both skill level and where you will ride the bike when picking one out. Things to think about: bigger bikes are heavier so they will drive differently; off-road tires are difficult in corners; and high handlebars affect the stable handling of the bike.

4. Making tough choices quickly

Your personal safety is in your own hands when you ride. As a rider you should be prepared to make smart choices when the unexpected happens. Always assume the worst of other drivers when on the road – imagine they all have one eye covered when they drive, so never presume they will see me as they merge or change lanes. Another preventative technique is to place yourself in a position where you have two different escape points. An open space to both your left, and right to merge into quickly at any given moment is key.

If you find yourself in an uncomfortable or dangerous position on the road sometimes overtaking a vehicle or pulling over and letting them pass is the best preventative measure to keep you both safe. And finally, on the highway you are statistically safer going with the flow of traffic, so follow everyone else to stay safe.

5. Don’t get distracted and maintain your bike

Make sure you do a visual inspection before you jump on the bike. You should check that your turn signals, brakes, headlight, tires and horn are in working order before you take off every time. A quick visual inspection to make sure all your wires, cables, chains and components are in good condition and where they need to be is also important. This can help you prevent a catastrophe when you are on the highway.

Whether you ride out for the weekend or just the day, be sure to follow these tips to make your next ride as safe as possible.

Original post from: https://www.progressive.com/li…

Tree Maintenance and Care

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 14:01:00 GMT

The trees in your yard can enhance your property, provide shade and offer abundant environmental benefits. However, trees can also pose a safety hazard to your family and your home if they are not properly inspected and maintained.

Trees can present a particularly significant danger during a storm. Wind, lightning, snow and ice can all transform a tranquil row of trees into an imminent threat to your property. Proper tree maintenance involves more than pruning and trimming overgrown branches. These are some of the key steps you can take to protect your trees and prevent them from becoming a safety hazard.

Steps to Take Before a Storm

Remove any dead trees on your property.
Enhance the health of trees through timely watering, proper fertilization and protection from soil compaction. Healthy trees will be able to better adapt to changes in the environment, remain firm in the wind and react more effectively to damage.
Regularly prune dead or broken limbs to help trees maintain their structural integrity. In addition, thin excess branches every three to five years. For more information, visit arborday.org.
Remove or treat pest problems as soon as you spot them to minimize potential damage to trees. Be careful not to over-treat tree hollows, and do not remove decayed wood from hollows unless it falls away in your hands. Cleaning hollows can cause additional internal damage to trees. If possible, cover the opening to hollows.

Six Signs to Monitor

When performing maintenance on the trees in your yard, please make safety a priority. If you are unable to safely prune or remove trees and limbs, contact a professional tree-care service or arborist to help you do so. It may be a good idea to consult with a professional if the trees in your yard already display any of the following characteristics:

Cracks in the trunk or major limbs.
Signs of hollowing and decay.
Mushrooms growing from the bark.
Significant leaning to one side.
Limbs in contact with power lines.
Branches hanging over your house.
Although the branches may not be touching your house under normal conditions, high winds can cause trees and branches to bend or break.

Is Your Landscaping Insurance Coverage as Clean Cut as Your Business?

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 10:19:00 GMT

As a landscaping professional, you’ve invested a lot of time, sweat, energy, and money to build your business. That’s what it’s important to have an insurance program that protects you from financial disasters that cannot just set you back, but potentially put you out of business.

Your clients require specialized services, so you have money invested in equipment, tools, and chemicals. You may also need a business locations to run your operation and store your equipment, even if it is at your house. Note: Your home insurance will not cover any commercial liability or equipment used in a business.

A comprehensive program should protect your tools and equipment so you can keep working. You should also consider investing in liability coverage in case of any accusations or causing property damage or injury to another.

What every Landscaper needs in a comprehensive insurance policy:

Inland Marine Coverage

You buy the right tools to do the job right, and if your equipment is damaged or destroyed, you’re not only out of a job, you may be out of business. Since your equipment goes where you go, you need Inland Marine insurance. It is a type of insurance that covers your equipment where the job takes you. Inland Marine policies can also provide coverage for tools and small items like shears, hedge trimmers, and other landscaping items under a lump sum limit called a blanket.

Liability Coverage

Even if you take care to work safely, your operation may cause injury or damage to others or their property. Your worker may accidentally cut down the wrong tree or break a window on a job. A mower blade could toss a stick or rock damaging an object, home or homeowner. As a result of such an incident, you may be held legally responsible for damages, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering as well as other expenses. Your landscaping insurance policy not only covers your tools and equipment, but can also investigate, defend and pay damages or injury for which your business has been found liable. This is critical as the cost of defense alone can bankrupt a business, not to mention a settlement for damages.

Additional Coverages

If you work with chemicals, you may need specialized coverage for the unique hazards they present.

Business Owners Policy

A package policy, such as a Business Owners Policy (BOP), combines the property and liability coverages you need in a single comprehensive policy. As a landscaper, your BOP can be tailored to meet your specific needs for business property, business personal property, and liability coverages.

It’s important to have insurance that protects you and keeps your business going strong. Contact Modern Insurance Services for more information on setting up the right insurance program and coverages for your landscaping business.

Earth Day Everyday

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 11:21:00 GMT

How to Make Earth Day Everyday

Earth Day may officially come around only once a year on April 22, but our world would be a better place if we all took steps to take care of the planet year round.

So, we here at Rehm Insurance & Financial Services put together several ways to both commemorate Earth Day and to live a little greener in Mankato all year long.

Earth Day Activities

Start a Recycling Drive at Your Kids’ School
Get some parents and teachers together to look at how your children’s school does or doesn’t recycle. Look for improvements and possibly ways to raise money, such as redeeming recycling credits on certain bottles or cans collected during a special drive.

Organize an Eco-Fair in Your Neighborhood
Invite local businesses and environmental organizations to educate you and your neighbors on the benefits of green living. Think businesses that install solar panels and groups that restore hiking trails.

Plant a Tree
It’s easy to make an impact locally by planting trees, either in your own yard or by organizing a community event to beautify neglected parks or other areas of your city. Be sure to get the proper permissions or permits first, if needed.

Invite an Expert to Speak in Your Community
If you’d like to raise awareness about particular environmental issues, host a community forum and invite a local teacher, professor or simply someone who’s passionate about the environment to speak.

Arrange a Trash Pickup Event
Work with your local parks or other department to clean up a park, beach or other waterfront, school or senior center. Recruit volunteers from your work, your child’s school, your church and other community groups.

Green Living Tips

Buy Products in Easily Recyclable Containers
Learn which types of plastics, metals and glass that recyclers most desire and do your best to buy products that come in those materials. Also look for products that use minimal packaging to begin with.

Start a Neighborhood Compost Pile
Get a group together to create a compost pile the entire neighborhood can contribute to and draw from. It’s a great way to spend some quality time with your neighbors.

Ditch Your Car
If you can walk, bike or take public transportation to work or school, give it a try. If not, why not organize a carpool? You may just shorten your commute time by using the carpool lane.

Switch Your Light Bulbs
High-efficiency light bulbs will make a big impact in the light fixtures you use the most. Look for the Energy Star label when choosing an LED or compact fluorescent bulb.

Reduce Your Water Usage
With more states experiencing water bans, especially during the summer, it’s a good time to look at your own water usage. Shorten showers, set your washing machine to the appropriate water level and only run the dishwasher when it’s full. Also consider water-wise landscaping.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate Earth Day and to live green in Minnesota. Find the ones that are easy and meaningful for your family, and be sure to get the kids and even the community involved. Because, the more you reduce, reuse and recycle, the more you’re making the right kind of impact!

Preparing for Spring – a Checklist for Home and Property Owners

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 03:00:00 GMT

After a long Midwestern winter – lots of snow, ice, sleet and cold – it’s finally time to think about opening the windows to capture those cool spring breezes. But before you throw open the doors, take a few minutes to review this checklist of things to do to keep your home safe and secure throughout the rainy season.

Tips to help property owners safeguard their homes this spring:

Make sure your windows are operating properly . Check to make sure the mechanisms of your windows – whether they’re casement, sliding or double-hung – are functioning properly. Lubricate tough-to-open windows to that opening and closing take little effort.

Trim your trees and bushes . Now’s the time, before the buds are on the greenery, to cut back limbs that overhang your gutters and to trim shrubbery that’s too close to the house. Keeping them away from your home will help prevent moisture buildup, mold, and storm-related damage.

Make sure spring rainfall runs away from your house. Grade your lawn and landscaping beds to direct water away from your foundation. Foundation leaking and cracks can be extremely costly. Use downspout extenders to keep drainage as far away as possible.

If you have ivy crawling up your house, now’s the time to cut it back. As attractive as ivy is, it’s not good for your exterior, whether wood, vinyl, brick or stone. Ivy traps and holds moisture against the home and forms attachments to exterior surfaces that could degrade their strength and integrity.

Fix any leaks you’re aware of. Winter often brings with it ice dams that develop on the shingles over your gutters. If these caused you problems over the winter, have a professional repair the spot, both inside and out to prevent further damage from rainwater.

Repair concrete driveway cracks. Winter cold expands concrete and often leads to cracking. Keep yours from eroding further during this wet, rainy season by patching any spots that may have erupted over the winter.

Clean dryer vents. Spring is a good time to check your vent – clogged vents cause warm air to blow back into the room and, more importantly, can pose a fire threat if left unchecked.

Have your air conditioner professionally checked. Often air conditioning systems require new insulation over the pipes coming into your home and a good cleaning at the base to remove leaves and other debris. This will help the unit function at higher efficiency.

Clear out planting areas. Rake all the dead leaves and plants from your landscaping areas to reduce mold and allow rain to reach the roots of shrubs or other plants. This is most important for those areas up against the house, where added moisture is never a good thing!

Check caulking and weather stripping around all doors and windows. The harsh temperatures and built-up ice can cause caulking and weather stripping to crack and lose effectiveness. Replace any that’s worn with new, making sure to paint caulk where required to seal out moisture.

These tips will help you take on spring with confidence that your house and yard are ready for spring!

Courtesy of Integrity Insurance .

I’m borrowing my friend’s car – am I covered?

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 03:00:00 GMT

Now that summer is here, and you might be looking to borrow your neighbor’s truck for a home-improvement project or a trip to the local landfill, we thought it was a great time to provide a little more information.

Generally, insurance coverage follows the vehicle rather than the driver. So in most instances, as long as the owner of the car has insurance, it’s covered even if someone other than the owner is driving it — as long as they have the owner’s permission.

The borrower’s insurance is considered secondary, meaning that in the event of an accident, it could apply if the owner’s insurance is insufficient to fully cover the damage.

It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to what is called “permissive use” coverage. For example, permission must be given by the owner, unless the borrower has a reasonable belief that they are allowed to use the car. However, the borrower cannot give permission to someone else. So if your teenager allows one of his or her friends to drive your car to {local destination}, your coverage likely won’t apply.

Coverage might also be denied if the borrower operates the vehicle in a negligent or criminal manner. And if the borrower is using your car for business purposes, your personal auto policy likely won’t cover that.

If you have a regular long-term arrangement to either borrow or lend a car, the borrower should probably be added to the owner’s personal auto policy. Those who don’t own a car, but often borrow one, might also consider “named non-owner coverage,” an endorsement that provides bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorists coverage and more.

Ultimately, it’s usually safe to loan your friend your car for occasional errands or projects. And the same goes for borrowing a car. Just make sure it’s for “normal” use. You’ll want to confirm that the car has coverage and that your insurance, whether you’re the owner or borrower, will apply.

Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions — after all, you don’t want to wait until after an accident to get answers!

Tips to make sure your sump pump is ready for spring

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 10:18:00 GMT

With the large amount of snow melting in the next few weeks, March, April and May are typically heavy volume months for sump pump claims. Significant fluctuations in spring weather can result in water pooling and saturating soil. Spring months means “sump season”. Here are some facts regarding water damage.

Estimates indiciate 98% of basements in the U.S. will eventually experience water damage.
The average insurance claim for water damage is $6,965

Unlike other appliances, a sump pump quietly does its job and you probably don’t pay attention to it. It’s usually found in your basement and its primary function is to keep your basement dry.

How a sump pump works?

A sump pump collects ground water in a sump tank, also known as a basin, crock, or pit. When the ground water fills the tank to a certain level, the float travels up a float rod and activates a switch causing the pump motor to turn on. The motor then removes the water from the tank and discharges it away from your house.

Types of sump pumps

1. Submersible. This type of sump pump is the most common and it’s installed during home construction. The pump is covered inside the tank.

2. Non-submersible (Pedestal). This type of pump consists of a motor and a hose. The motor is installed above the basement floor. The hose is connected to the motor and then routed into the sump tank. This pump is less expensive and can be installed in any home at any time.

Benefits of a sump pump

1. Prevents flooding. Heavy periods of rain can cause water to accumulate around the base of your foundation. A sump pump will prevent the water from entering and flooding your basement. In addition, if you experience a burst pipe in your basement, a floor drain may not be enough to eradicate the water. A sump pump may help push this water out, minimizing the amount of standing water.

2. Reduces mold growth. Standing water can lead to mold growth. Mold can be harmful to your health and your house. Keeping your basement dry can prevent growth.

3. Prevents dampness.

4. Prevents fires. Water entering your basement can cause appliances to short-circuit which could lead to an electrical fire.

5. Relatively inexpensive. Depending on where you live, Mother Nature can keep your pump running on a regular basis. For the protection that a sump pump provides your home, they are relatively inexpensive. Keep in mind that they may last 15-30 years, so replacement does not occur regularly.

If you decide to “do it yourself”, it’s estimated that a standard 1/3 hp sump pump can cost between $100 and $200. If you have one professionally installed by a plumber it could cost on average around $1,100.

The actual cost will depend on your location, the plumber you choose, and the pump options.

Maintenance tips

Each spring, follow these sump pump maintenance tips to ensure yours works properly.

1. Remove the cover. Check the tank for debris, such as mud, rocks, or gravel.

2. Flush the system. Ensure proper pump operation by flushing out the system with water from a hose or bucket of water. When the pump turns on, listen for strange sounds. The pump should run smooth. If it doesn’t that could signal worn or damaged parts. Contact a local plumber immediately for service.

3. Inspect the float. As water fills the tank, make sure the float travels freely on the float rod.

4. Inspect the discharge pipe. Before major rain, make sure the discharge hose is free from debris, such as mulch, mud, stones, or rodent nests. Ensure that the discharged water runs away from your foundation.

5. Inspect the check valve. Make sure your sump pump has a 3/16 relief hole in the pipe between the pump and the check valve. This prevents check valve vapor locks and greatly extends the life of your pump.

Give Rehm Insurance a call to check if you’re adequately covered.

How Exactly Will Roadside Assistance Help?

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 03:00:00 GMT

If you are looking to purchase a new auto policy or are considering making changes to your current one, you might also be thinking about adding roadside assistance coverage.

With this type of coverage, the next time you find yourself stranded alongside I-94 or that back road out of Henderson, you will be able to call from the road for help at the scene when:

Your car suffers a mechanical/electrical breakdown
You get locked out of your vehicle
You need to have your car towed to a nearby, preferred repair facility
Your car battery dies
You get a flat tire
You run out of gas
You get stuck in mud or snow within 100 feet of a roadway

Talk to Rehm Insurance & Financial Services at 507-345-3366 or email reegan@rehmins.com to learn more about roadside assistance coverage from our different carriers.

3 Important Reasons to have Renters Insurance

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 03:00:00 GMT

Every dollar you take home is important and you do your best to spend them wisely. When purchasing a house, most people borrow from a bank and are required by the lender to buy insurance. However, when you rent, that check and balance isn’t in place to remind you of the risks of being uninsured. In fact, an Insurance Information Institute (III) poll showed that only 3% who rent a house or apartment are insured.

Did you know that if you rent, your landlord’s insurance will only cover the costs for damage to the building and not your personal items? Renters insurance is well worth the investment. Check out the three ways that renters insurance protects you – the renter.

Coverage for your personal possessions

It doesn’t seem likely that you could ever lose your “stuff”, but it can happen to even the most careful person because well, unexpected things happen. Then what? Well, renters insurance may reimburse you for loss of, or damage to your personal possessions from causes such as fire or lightning, windstorm or hail, explosion, vandalism or malicious mischief, theft, falling objects, weight of ice, snow or sleet, water damage resulting from utilities and electrical surge damage. Some policies even include a limited amount of off premises coverage for when you travel.

Liability protection

If you’re sued because you, your family member or your pet cause someone to suffer bodily injury or incur property damages, a renters insurance policy gives you protection. How? The policy pays for your defense attorney and any damages awarded – up to the limit of your policy. A standard policy typically provides at least $100,000 of liability coverage, with more available for additional premium. Your renters policy also provides compensation to someone who is actually injured while in your rental unit. Most policies allow between $1,000 and $5,000 in coverage.

Additional living expenses

Where would you stay if your property was damaged by fire or storm and you had to move out temporarily? A renters policy may provide you with additional living expenses (ALE) so you can live elsewhere if your rental is damaged or destroyed by a disaster. The ALE pays for meals, hotel bills and normal expenses (laundry, utilities, etc.) you incur while the property is repaired or rebuilt. Make sure you know how much coverage you have and what the limitations are. Some insurance companies provide coverage for a specific amount of time and others have a financial cap.

Protect your personal property and your savings by contacting your independent insurance agent to discuss your options for renters insurance today. Ask about discounts you may be eligible for. The benefits far outweigh the cost and you’ll sleep better knowing you’re covered.

Courtesy of Integrity Insurance

Have some new jewelry in the house? Protect it!

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 03:00:00 GMT

Ah, Valentine’s Day is near, and love is in the air. Well, love and a few other things, such as chocolates, romantic dinners, candy hearts that say “Be Mine” – and, of course, jewelry.

It’s exciting to receive jewelry from a loved one — or to give it as a gift. Not to mention romantic. But if you’re lucky enough to have some new jewelry in your home this Valentine’s Day, you should take a few minutes to think about something you probably don’t find exciting or romantic: insurance.

Don’t know where to turn? Don’t worry. At Rehm Insurance & Financial Services, we think it is exciting to help our customers protect what’s most important to them — so we’re ready to help and can answer all of your questions.

Things to consider when insuring jewelry:

You may need to purchase additional coverage. Your homeowners policy covers valuable items such as jewelry only up to set amounts. If the cost of replacing your jewelry exceeds that limit, you will want to purchase scheduled personal property coverage. You can check your policy or give us a call at {agency-phone-#} .

You might want to reconsider your deductible amounts. As always, this impacts your policy premium. It’s a good idea to take a look at your deductibles whenever you make a change to your policy.

Do you need an appraisal? You may need to have an independent appraisal if the insurance company requires it or if you don’t know the value of your jewelry. Each item should be listed with a description and value on paper.

What kind of coverage is offered? You’ll want to determine if items are covered no matter where they are, whether they’re in Mankato, Minneapolis, or on an international trip, and if the policy offers full replacement cost. You also should ask if you will be required to replace your jewelry if lost or stolen, or if you can simply keep the cash settlement.

Pictures can be helpful. Lost or stolen pieces of jewelry sometimes can be recreated if the jeweler has a good photograph to work from.

Should I go with a company that specializes in jewelry insurance? There are companies that specialize in jewelry insurance. Whether you choose one of these, or a company that we represent, you’ll want to make sure they are reputable and stable.

Is the value of your jewelry mainly sentimental? Is an item irreplaceable? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes,” you might consider foregoing insurance. But please, talk to us at 507-345-3366 before making that decision. That’s what we’re here for.

Of course, it’s important to store your jewelry securely when it’s not in use; a safe in your home or a safe-deposit box is best. We want your jewelry to be replaced if it’s lost or stolen, but we’d rather your sentimental and valuable pieces stay with you and your family for years to come.

Here’s hoping your Valentine’s Day is full of fun and romance. And if there’s no jewelry involved, well, there’s always next year!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact Rehm Insurance & Financial Services at 507-345-3366 or reegan@rehmins.com .

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

6 Ways to Protect Your Business from Cyber Attacks

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 03:00:00 GMT

In today’s online environment, even Fortune 500 companies aren’t exempt from cyber-crime, but they aren’t the only target. Are you aware of your risks?

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) states that companies with less than 100 employees lose approximately $155,000 every year as a result of fraud. Small businesses are often at greater risk resulting from less security across the business, such as inadequate network and computer security or lack of background checks in their hiring process. Companies and government organizations worldwide are focusing on cybersecurity as a critical priority. Here are six tips to protect your business assets and data:

Keep up with current trends

Employees are potentially your biggest weakness when it comes to fraud, but if informed, can act as a first line of defense. Educate yourself and your staff on current security threats and prevention measures. Frequent training and written policies for passwords and handling of company information are just a couple ways to help reinforce behaviors and stay ahead of an ever-changing risk.

Guard important information

Make sure personal and business accounts are separate. This is a common area of fraud for a business of any size, so check account activity every day. Don’t give your card or the number to an employee or company unless you’re familiar with them. Switch to online bill pay and protect your mail to prevent any sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands.

Put security first

Invest in a firewall, quality anti-virus and malware/spyware detection software and be vigilant about keeping them up-to-date. Back up daily to help keep your business moving forward in the event you experience a cyber-attack. Dedicate one computer for online banking transactions and try not to use it for email, social media or web-surfing if possible.

Good hiring practices

One of the best ways to help prevent fraud is by hiring the right people. Basic background checks are just good business practice, especially if employees will be dealing with sensitive customer information, high value merchandise or handling cash. Stay informed about which background checks you can legally pursue and how you can do some research on your own.

Be smart about your phone and Wi-Fi use

You’re busy and on the go, but resist the urge to connect when you’re away. Your devices may be set to search and connect to available networks in range. Adjust smartphone, tablet or laptop settings to avoid automatically connecting to a network that appears public, but could be monitored by a cyber predator.

Contact your independent insurance agent

Rehm Insurance & Financial Services understands the risks unique to your business and will work with you to find an insurance company that has the right coverage for you. Cyber liability insurance can help you recover from the effects of cyber-crime and minimize the impact on your bottom line.

From a risk that began with the so-called “Y2K” or Millennium bug that prompted fears of widespread computer failure, cyber coverage has changed at the rate of technology and will continue to do so. Stay informed and make sure your business is insured.

Courtesy of Integrity Insurance

Spring is coming (depending that groundhog!)

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 03:00:00 GMT

With Groundhog Day just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about spring. (Or time to at least hope that springtime is coming, anyway.) And whether Punxsutawney Phil or the local groundhog sees his shadow or not, we here at Rehm Insurance & Financial Services have you covered.

Get ready for spring

Although everyone thinks of cleaning when it comes to spring, there are a number of things you should do to make sure your home is ready when the weather in Minnesota changes. Below is a selection of maintenance tasks from the National Center for Healthy Housing (you can see the full list at https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=DOC_12334.pdf).

Check to make sure your roof’s shingles are in good condition, and check your attic for any possible roof leaks that should be repaired.

Look for peeling paint and repair/touch up as needed.
Check for signs of leaks at window and door sills and use caulking or weather stripping to seal.
Clean your dryer vent and make sure exhaust ducts are clear.
Make sure there are no puddles or wet spots in your basement or crawlspace.
Look for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc. Call an exterminator if you suspect an infestation.
Clean your gutters and downspouts.
Clean air conditioner coils and drain pans.
Check/replace the batteries your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Replace filters in your air conditioner and dehumidifier.
Store winter heaters, ensuring that liquid-fuel heaters are completely emptied. These should be stored outside, if possible.

What? Six more weeks of winter?

Well, you can take solace in the fact that spring will be here eventually. In the meantime, here are some quick tips from Johns Hopkins University to avoid the “winter blues” and get through those long weeks of waiting.

Keep active. Exercise releases endorphins that will elevate your mood.

Eat well. High-sugar foods and large amounts of caffeine can feed depression and actually decrease your energy level. Foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood and lean meats can help your immune system.

Go to the light. Bring as much light into your life as possible, by spending time outdoors, opening your shades so your home receives more natural light, or even get help from a “light box.”

Get your rest. Go to bed around the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning. You’ll have more energy during the day.

Of course, if you have strong feelings of depression, please seek assistance from friends, family or a trusted health-care provider. There are people ready to help, whatever the season.

SIDEBAR: Time for an insurance review?

If an annual insurance review wasn’t included in your New Year’s resolutions, why not get it done while you’re in the cleaning and organizing mood this spring? Your life changes over the course of a year — sometimes in monumental ways. That means your insurance needs can change, too.

At Rehm Insurance & Financial Services, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time utilizing all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 507-345-3366 or email reegan@rehmins.com . We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

Tips to Stay Safe During Snowmobile Season

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 03:00:00 GMT

If you live or vacation where the weather gets cold and the snow starts falling, some people are content to cozy up next to the fire with a good book and concentrate on staying warm.

For others, though, it’s time to get excited — because it’s time to break out the snowmobiles and head to the nearest winter recreation spot. It’s a popular activity, and for good reason: Snowmobiling allows you to explore natural areas that may be hard to access by foot (or snowshoe), and provides a different kind of excitement than skiing or hiking.

Of course, snowmobiling presents some dangers as well. And here at Rehm Insurance & Financial Services, we want you to make it home safely after your day in the snow. Read on for safety tips from the American Council of Snowmobile Associations — and keep in mind that following these will not only help you stay safe, but also influence equitable treatment of snowmobile access by government, agencies and landowners.

SPEED: Speed is a major factor in many snowmobile crashes. Always keep your speed slow enough to ensure that you’re in control.

ALCOHOL: Use of alcohol or any other drug that causes impairment is a leading cause of snowmobile-related fatalities. It’s best to refrain from any use at all before and during outings because of potential effects on vision, reaction time, balance and coordination. When combined with excess speed in particular, the results can be deadly.

AVALANCHE: More than 90 percent of the time, avalanches that involve people are triggered by the victims. Learn to follow avalanche safety procedures and always know the risks at all times.

RIDING AT NIGHT: Nighttime snowmobiling is fun, but extra caution should be used. Ride at slower speeds so as not to override your headlights (which generally illuminate your path for about 200 feet). Faster speeds could mean that you have little or no time to react to an obstacle in your path.

ROADWAYS: Always keep an eye out for vehicles, as many trails are located alongside roadways and can cross over them. Be sure to stop fully at all stop signs and unmarked road crossings.

CLOSED AREAS: Areas may be closed to snowmobiles due to hazardous conditions, wintering wildlife, non-motorized recreation or by landowner request. It’s important to honor these closures for safety purposes and to help protect access to other riding areas.

While it’s extremely important to follow these tips for your personal safety, it’s also vital to encourage others to snowmobile safely as well. Helping to educate others will not only promote safety for all snowmobilers, but also protect the sport’s image as well.

Whether you’re a new rider or have been on the trails for years, ask yourself if you could be riding more safely. There are many more winters to come, and we want you to be able to enjoy as many of them as possible!

Space Heater Safety Tips

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 03:00:00 GMT

In order to save money in the colder months, many people opt to use a space heater to heat one room rather than heat the entire structure. Regardless of your plan, it is important to be cautious. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that nearly 18,000 residential fires every yea

Snowbirds: Winterize Your Home While You’re Away

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 03:00:00 GMT

Happy New (Insurance) Year!

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 03:00:00 GMT

Consider the New Year an opportunity to re-evaluate your insurance needs to decide whether to renew, change, or purchase new policies.

Ask yourself these questions to help make sure you are properly protected:

Do you have an immediate need to renew any of your current policies before the coverage period ends?
Did you receive holiday gifts or valuable items last year that should be appraised and possibly insured?
In the event you need to file any homeowners, auto or other type of claim, are you able to afford your current deductible?

Talk with Rehm Insurance & Financial Services today to evaluate your needs at 507-345-3366 or email reegan@rehmins.com .