Boat Maintenance Tips

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Boat Maintenance Tips

April 8th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Summer is right around the corner, and you’re ready to get out on the water. But, is your boat ready? Even if it has been safely stored for the winter and protected from the elements, there are still numerous things you need to do before your boat is ready to hit your favorite lake.

Your boat hasn’t been used in months, so it’s not ready to cruise around the lake just yet. Here are a few things to check with in regards to your engine and electric:

  • Check to be sure that your fuel hoses are in good working condition. Also make sure that the fittings and clamps are secure.
  • Examine your electrical connections for corrosion and be sure that your battery is holding a charge.
  • Check all fluid levels and change or top off as needed.

Damage to your propeller or hull can be a major buzz kill while out on the water. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Dings or distorted propellers. This will lead to a very rough and choppy boat ride and can also damage your drive train.
  • Hulls with blisters or cracks.

You can’t go boating if you can’t get your boat to the water. Here are some maintenance tips for your trailer:

  • Test the lights on your trailer.
  • Inspect the grease fittings on the hubs and apply more if needed.
  • Look over the trailer bunks to make sure the padding isn’t worn out.

Let’s all remember that the Titanic was supposed to be unsinkable. No matter how safe you think your boat is, make sure you travel with all of the necessary safety equipment.

  • Check to be sure that you have enough life jackets for all passengers.
  • Confirm that your navigation lights are in working order.
  • Have a fire extinguisher on board and make sure that it is functional.

Taking the time to examine your boat and make sure that it is ready for the water is important. So take a little time to make this boating season a safe one. Of course we don’t want to forget about insuring your boat or personal watercraft. Please give the Martinson Agency in Chaska, Minnesota a call today with all of your boat insurance needs!

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Five Ways to Get Your Home Ready For Summer

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Five Ways to Get Your Home Ready For Summer

March 31st, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Summer is right around the corner and while you’ve probably been ready for it since December, your home probably isn’t. Here are five home maintenance tips for you to consider while prepping your home for the warmer weather.

Tune up your air conditioner — Have a professional tune up your air conditioning unit at least once per year. A professional will check for damage or leaks and make sure that your equipment is running efficiently. Don’t wait around. Your family will thank you for it.

Make room for popsicles — Empty your freezer and defrost it. This will help to melt any icy build up. While you’re at it you might as well check the expiration dates of the food in your freezer and toss out any expired items. With your extra freezer space you can load up on your favorite summer treats. (Hint: Popsicles!)

Have your roof inspected — Have a professional come out and check the condition of your roof. If there are any issues be sure to get them taken care of ASAP! A leaky roof is something that you don’t want to find out about during that first summer thunderstorm.

Let the sunshine in — Wash your windows! You can start by brushing the windows and trim with a broom to loosen some of the dirt. Use a rag or squeegee to clean the outside, and rinse with a garden hose. If you have a two story home you may want to have a professional take care of the second story for you.

Clean the gutters — A clogged gutter can lead to basement water damage, mold growth and water spots on the side of your home. These are things that are easy to avoid with a little elbow grease! Clean the leaves and debris from your gutters before you have the deal with any of these issues.

The changing of the season is also a great time to have us review your homeowner’s insurance policy. At Martinson Agency we take pride in making sure that you and your family have a competitively priced product that will provide coverage when you need it most. Give us a call today!

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Buying a Car with Resale in Mind

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Buying a Car with Resale in Mind

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

While looking to purchase a new vehicle, resale is something that you need to consider. What factors will help you sell your vehicle? Consider these things as you are shopping for a new or used car.

Purchase a popular model:

Buy a vehicle that is well known and popular among the masses. This will give you a wide range of people to resell the car to when that time arrives. Buying a very unique vehicle seems like a cool idea at the time, but will drastically limit the people who consider purchasing it down the road.

Choose a standard color:

According to Kelly Blue Book, black, white and silver are the most popular colors for car buyers. By purchasing a vehicle with one of these plain colors you will once again broaden your range of potential buyers. Let us say it this way: You do not need that “sick” blue Range Rover.

Avoid manual transmission vehicles:

You’ve probably noticed, but times are changing quickly. Manufacturers are not building as many stick shift vehicles anymore. Why? Because fewer and fewer people are driving them. DUH! Look for a vehicle with an automatic transmission…trust us.

Cost of repair:

Purchase a vehicle that doesn’t break the bank to repair. Foreign vehicles like BMW and Mercedes can be very costly for even the smallest repair. Vehicles like Ford and Honda are known to be less costly when something goes wrong and this will benefit you in the long run.

Try to save some warranty:

In most cases warranties will transfer over to the new buyer. If your vehicle still has a warranty, selling it before it runs out may be a good idea. Buyers will find that to be appealing and may even pay more for the car.

Keep these five factors in mind while purchasing a vehicle, as they may prove to be crucial in order to max out your resale value. Please contact Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN today with any questions that you may have!

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Popular Celebs Insure More Than Cars and Houses

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Popular Celebs Insure More Than Just Cars and Houses

March 4th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Most people believe that insurance only relates to things like your cars, home or business. Celebrities however, take insurance to a completely different level. We thought it would be fun to share a few examples of popular celebs who have insured their body parts in an effort to protect their money maker.

Trou Polamalu – Troy is a well known retired NFL player who spent 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was famous for being a great player but his three-foot-long hair also turned him into one of the most recognizable players in the league. Because of this, Head & Shoulders hired him to endorse their shampoo. Considering all of this, Troy has those beautiful flowing locks insured for 1 million dollars.

Mariah Carey – Mariah is a five time Grammy winning artist and believe it or not she is also the celebrity with the highest valued legs. She currently has her legs insured for 1 billion dollars. That’s right, billion…with a B.

Bruce Springsteen – No one can belt out “Born in the USA” quite like Bruce Springsteen. Because of this, “The Boss” has his unique vocal chords insured for 5.7 million dollars. Not a bad pay day if Bruce suddenly loses his ability to rock out.

Julia Roberts – Julia is an Oscar winning actress with a million dollar smile, literally. We should probably be a bit more specific, it is actually a 30 million dollar smile. That’s right, Julia Roberts has her smile insured for an astounding 30 million dollars.

Gene Simmons – You know this one right? Mr. Simmons is a bass player for the band KISS. When KISS was at its peak Gene seemed to recognize the value of his signature move; sticking out his ridiculously long tongue. In order to protect himself against the loss of this move, he purchased one million dollars in coverage on that disgustingly valuable skill set.

As you can see, insurance is a valuable resource for far more than just your car, home or business. Obviously, many of us will never have to worry about insuring our tongue, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a long look at your assets prior to purchasing the first policy you stumble across. Contact your friends at the Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN for a comprehensive review of your insurance needs.

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Tips For Traveling With Your Pet

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Tips For Traveling With Your Pet

February 26th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Spring break season is approaching and for many people that means vacation is approaching as well. No matter how excited you are for a vacation, having to say goodbye to your pet can be tough. You don’t have to leave them behind however; there are plenty of ways to make a vacation suitable for the entire family.

If you are traveling by car with your pet, here are a few things to consider:

  • Keep pets in the backseat – Restraining your pet in the backseat is suggested in order to prevent distractions for the driver. Also, by restraining your pet you will keep everyone in the vehicle safe in the event of an accident.
  • Prevent car sickness – Feed your pet a light meal four to six hours before departing and never give them food or water in a moving vehicle.
  • Take breaks – Stop every two or three hours during a long trip. This will give your pet a chance to move around and get some fresh air.

If you are traveling by air with your pet, please consider the following:

  • Be sure that your pet is fit to fly – Cats and certain breeds of dogs including pugs are prone to severe respiratory problems when kept in an airplane cargo area. Those breeds should only fly in the passenger cabin with their owner.
  • Prepare for the flight – Do not feed your pet less than four hours before departure but provide water until boarding. Take your pet for a walk and make sure it has gone to the bathroom before takeoff.
  • Practice proper “petiquette” – Make sure your pet is clean and under control while on the flight as a courtesy to others. If you and your family make the decision to bring your pet, it is your responsibility to make sure he/she doesn’t ruin the experience for others around you.

Instead of waving goodbye to your pet before leaving for vacation, bring them along for the trip! By following these tips from Martinson Agency you will find greater success in traveling with your four legged friends.

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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What Is Road Rage and How Can We Avoid It?

Posted on by Martinson Agency

What Is Road Rage and How Can We Avoid It?

February 18th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

The road can be a dangerous place. Even if you are a safe driver, there is still the threat of every other driver on the road. Aggressive drivers tend to create chaos on the roads. Throughout this article we will define the characteristics of an aggressive driver and also give you a few tips to help you avoid road rage.

What Is Aggressive Driving?

Any driver that is tailgating, honking, weaving in and out of traffic, or taunting other drivers would be defined as an “aggressive driver”. When two aggressive drivers engage in these antics, road rage may take place.

How To Avoid Road Rage?

  • Do NOT engage with aggressive drivers. If another driver cuts you off, don’t respond by tailgating or taunting. This can enrage the other driver and escalate the situation.
  • If at all possible, try to stay out of an aggressive driver’s way.
  • In extreme cases, report the driver. If he or she is putting others in danger it is important that they are stopped.
  • Continue to use safe driving habits by driving the speed limit, using your signals, and changing lanes with caution.

How Does This Impact My Insurance?

The impact road rage can have on your insurance may seem obvious but many are shocked to find out the actual costs of accidents and traffic violations. As you know, road rage increases the likelihood of an accident or being cited for a violation. All carriers are have different eligibility rules but many violations can stay on your record for at least three years. Don’t spend more on insurance than you have to. Drive safely.

Road rage only makes matters worse. Please do your part and focus on your own safe driving habits to make our roads a safer place.

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Do Your Part to Help Keep Halloween Safe

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Do Your Part to Help Keep Halloween Safe

October 29th, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Halloween is right around the corner. This means that you will have a number of little ghosts and goblins showing up at your door in search of tricks and treats…well mostly treats! The following is a list of things you can do to ensure that you avoid any accidents or injuries on this holiday.

Around The House:

  • Remove anything a child could trip over, such as garden hoses, toys, bikes or lawn decorations from the porch, driveways, sidewalks or front yard.
  • Make sure your yard and front porch is well lit.
  • Sweep wet leaves or snow away from sidewalks and steps.
  • Be sure to keep a watchful eye on your pets when kids start coming to the door to collect their candy.

In The Car:

  • Popular trick or treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 pm. During these hours be especially alert for kids and be sure you are driving slowly through neighborhoods.
  • Pay extra attention to crosswalks, intersections and the side of the road. Kids tend to walk along the curbs, cutting across the street to get to other homes. Keep scanning all around as you drive, whether you’re driving or following along with your children. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
  • If you are dropping off or picking up children, pull off the road into a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights. If you go with your kids from door to door, leave the hazard lights on.
  • As always, make sure you’re not using your phone or any other electronic device while driving.

Does your home or auto policy include protection in case a Halloween guest of yours is injured? The most expensive part of insurance is being underinsured or uninsured at the time of a loss. Don’t let this happen to you. Give Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN a call today to discuss your current policies or inquire about purchasing additional protection. Happy Halloween!!

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Get Your Home Ready for Cold Weather

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Get Your Home Ready for Cold Weather

October 15th, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Fall brings more than changing leaves, shorter days, and playoff baseball. Here in Minnesota, it also comes with a change in weather conditions. These weather conditions can have a major impact on your home. Before the cold weather takes over, make sure to do some routine home maintenance in order to get things in shape for the months ahead. Here are a few tips to help get you started:

Fall Maintenance Outside Your Home

  • Check your roof: Remove moss from sloped areas and clear any debris from gutters and downspouts. Also, check for any damage and make repairs as soon as possible.
  • Keep your yard free of debris: Clean up and properly dispose of fallen leaves and limbs on a regular basis to help reduce your risk of fire and other hazards.
  • Look out for critters: Rodents and other animals might be looking for warm places to stay for the winter. These critters can be problematic if they find their way into your home for the winter.
  • Check your pavement: If you have cracks in your driveway or other walkways, address them right away. Freezing weather will only make them worse and cause further issues come spring time.

Fall Maintenance Inside Your Home

  • Check for leaks: Examine your water heater and your water main to make sure everything is working properly.
  • Seal things up: If you feel any drafts around windows or doors make sure to take care of the issue right away. This will help keep your energy costs down which saves you money!
  • Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Make sure that these devices are functioning properly in order to prevent a catastrophe.

Home maintenance is key preventing many issues that may otherwise pop up over the winter months. If you have any questions regarding this topic or are interested in how many of these issues impact your home insurance feel free to give our office a call today!

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Driving Tips for the Holiday Season

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Driving Tips for the Holiday Season

November 12th, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Winter is the most challenging season for drivers, and the challenge is even greater around the holidays. If you’re setting out on a holiday road trip, you can likely look forward to more traffic and worse weather than usual. Throw in the fact that everyone seems to be in a rush to arrive at the celebration on time, and you will find yourself in some very unsafe driving conditions. To avoid these, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Make Sure the Car is Ready: Check to be sure that your tires are properly inflated, that your gas tank is full and that your windshield wipers are functioning properly. Also, make sure that you have a window scraper, a flashlight and a shovel in case of an emergency situation.
  2. Stay Charged: Make sure you bring your cell phone as well as your phone charger along for the trip. If you have your phone, you can call for help in the event of an emergency. As always, don’t use it while operating your vehicle. Keep the contact information for roadside assistance handy as well.
  3. Leave Early: Before you go, take time to check the weather and learn your route in advance. Leave early enough to give yourself plenty of time and always plan for traffic. On the road, keep your younger passengers occupied to reduce distractions and always expect the unexpected from other drivers.
  4. Don’t Hurry: You’ve left early, so you don’t need to worry about arriving on time. Now give yourself time to react to danger by slowing down. Stay within the speed limit, or even below it if the weather and road conditions are poor.
  5. Designate a Driver: DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! Have a plan before the party starts and stick to it. Calling a cab is always a better option than driving if you have been drinking.

Plan ahead and keep your cool, and this year the road trip could turn out to be as memorable and enjoyable as the rest of the season. Happy Holidays!

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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New Carrier Alert: Acuity Insurance

Posted on by Martinson Agency

New Carrier Alert: Acuity Insurance

November 5th, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

We are proud to announce that we have added a new carrier to our stable. We are now appointed with Acuity Insurance based out of Sheboygan, Wisconsin to write home, auto, umbrella and commercial insurance policies. Acuity offers a great selection of products and we wanted to take a moment to share some facts about our new partnership.

Facts about Acuity:

  1. 96% of claimants rate the award winning claim service as “very good” or “excellent”.
  2. Acuity was named the #3 large company to work for in America.
  3. Rated A+ by both AM Best and Standard & Poor’s
  4. Acuity has been in business since 1925 and is listed as the 62nd largest insurer in the nation, with over $3.5 billion in assets.
  5. They write a broad spectrum of property and casualty coverages for families and businesses in 24 states including Minnesota and Wisconsin.
  6. Named to Ward Financial Group’s list of the 50 best run insurance companies in the nation for 15 straight years.
  7. Named one of the top 500 technology companies in the nation by Information Week.
  8. Won more ACORD technology awards than any other carrier in the country in the past 13 years.
  9. With turnover of less than 2%, they attract and retain motivated, experienced and dedicated professionals who are looking to develop a long term relationship with you and your family.

If you are interested in having our agency provide you a quote from Acuity Insurance please contact us at (952) 314-4400 or visit our website, www.martinsonagency.com today!

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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