Month: August 2016

Top Vehicles for College Graduates

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Top Vehicles for College Graduates

August 24th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

While younger drivers might be most interested in a vehicle that conveys a sense of the style or sportiness they ascribe to, safety should really be the primary consideration for those who are just exiting college. This is due to the high rate of accidents among youthful drivers.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a government entity focused on population health management and safety, found younger drivers between 19 and 24 years old cause 28-30 percent of the damages related to motor vehicle accidents in America. This is despite the fact that they represent only 14 percent of the population.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the safest vehicles available on the market today:

Subcompact The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – a group devoted to roadway safety – ranked the 2016 Scion iA as the safest subcompact car in its 2016 Top Safety Pick rankings. This car is also highly fuel efficient and easy to maintain.

Small Sedan The 2016 Honda Civic 4-door was recognized by the IIHS as an exceptionally safe automobile. This is also a long-lasting, affordable vehicle, making it a great choice for younger drivers who look to get as much value as possible for their dollar.

Midsized Sedan The 2017 Ford Fusion is another affordable vehicle granted the highest possible safety rating from IIHS in this year’s awards.

Full-Sized Sedan The 2016 Toyota Avalon stood alone in the full-sized sedan category of IIHS’ power rankings for safety this year.

Small SUV If you’re on the adventurous side and need a car that will take you into the mountains, the 2016 Subaru Forrester earned a Top Safety Plus rating from the IIHS this year and is a highly affordable option available to younger drivers.

General Tips When seeking out a car and prioritizing reliability and safety, but wanting to browse a bit more, check out this chart from consumer expert Clark Howard on the vehicle brands that tend to offer the best experiences to owners.

Once you select the right vehicle for you, it will be time to get automobile insurance. Talk to your local independent agent at the Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN today about which coverage is best in accordance with your specific needs. We would be happy to quote multiple options to be sure that the insurance on your new vehicle is affordable.

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today us today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Some Common Insurance Misconceptions

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Some Common Insurance Misconceptions

August 10th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

According to numerous sources, a majority of individuals actually never read the entirety of their personal insurance policies. The fact is, if you do not know your insurance policy well, the risk of experiencing a personal financial loss rises. On the flip side, when you know your coverage, you will be better positioned to avoid a big financial mess.

Here are some matters to keep in mind when evaluating your policies:

  • Education is necessary: Insurance Journal, a publication dedicated to consumer and commercial insurance news, states that 52 percent of U.S. adults do not actually know how to best insure their homes.
  • Ask questions BEFORE you make a purchase: Many think that flooding is covered by their homeowners insurance, but this is not true in most cases; a separate flood insurance policy is normally required for this coverage to apply. This is just one example of a common mistake a consumer can make when making an insurance purchase. Make sure you understand your policy, including both what it does and does not cover.
  • Use replacement cost, not market value: Bankrate, a financial services publication, argues many homeowners will think they should base their home coverage limit on the market value of their homes. Experts suggest acquiring coverage in accordance with the cost of rebuilding the house from scratch, in the event of a total loss. This amount is often quite different from the home’s market value, which is dependent on market factors, location and more. A home’s rebuild value is determined based on features, construction materials, labor costs and more.
  • Know where responsibility falls in automotive accidents: The Insurance Information Institute, an insurance research organization, found car owners will often think their policies do not apply if drivers other than themselves get into an accident while driving their vehicles. In most states, it is the owner’s insurance that would apply, not the driver’s.
  • Do you know the meaning of “comprehensive coverage”?: Insurance Journal also noted that nearly one-third of adults believe comprehensive coverage actually protects them against any and all damages in auto insurance, but this is not true. A range of risks, such as a common collision, are usually not covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto policy.

These are just a few of the many misconceptions, myths and complexities involved in insurance that so many consumers fall victim to every year. Don’t wait for an unwelcome and expensive surprise – speak to your independent insurance agent at the Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN today!

Don’t leave your insurance to luck! Call today us today!

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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