Chaska Auto Insurance

Supporting Your Local Businesses

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Supporting Your Local Businesses

January 9th, 2017 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Small businesses are among the most important components of the American economy, both on local and national levels.

Consider the following statistics from the U.S. Small Business Administration, an entity devoted to supporting entrepreneurs:

  • Small businesses outnumbered large ones by a margin of 28.8 million to 18,600 in 2013.
  • More than 99 percent of all companies that have employees in the U.S. are small businesses.
  • Small businesses are responsible for more than half of the total export value.
  • Between 1992 and 2013, small businesses created 63.3 percent of net new jobs.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at why you should consider shopping at your local retailers.

Support The Local Economy

While entrepreneurs have a massive impact on the national level, their greatest value is often found in the local areas they reside. For example, if you were to shop at a major, multi-national chain, much of their profits will go back to shareholders in other states. On the other hand, small business revenues and profits will often be funneled back into their local economies via the salaries of employees from the area, vendor relationships within the community and more. PV Local First, a nonprofit advocacy group supporting independent businesses, states that local companies are more likely to purchase and sell goods from other entities in their areas.

Higher Quality

Small businesses are also rarely involved in mass-production activities, especially when talking about local retailers. This means that you will be able to purchase more artisanal, higher-quality goods in many situations. If the small local business is a re-seller, then you will be supporting artisans, craft makers, cooks and other professionals in your area as well.

Indirect Philanthropy

When you shop local, the philanthropic and charitable groups in your area are more likely to thrive. Sustainable Connections, a nonprofit that focuses on green initiatives, states that small businesses donate 250 percent more to nonprofit organizations than larger, national chains. These funds, which you will be fueling when shopping local, can go a long way toward making tangible differences in the lives of your neighbors.

Be A Part Of The Movement

American Express, the credit card company that started Small Business Saturday, estimates that $14.3 billion was spent in 2014, and 95 million Americans shopped local during 2015’s iteration of the event. Do not miss your chance to show your support for your community’s companies and entrepreneurs!

If you are looking to make an insurance purchase please contact Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN and remember, SHOP SMALL!

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Preparing Your Car For Winter

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Preparing Your Car For Winter

November 30th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Your automobile is likely one of your most valuable possessions, and you need to ensure it is kept in optimal working order at all times. With winter fast approaching now is a good time to prepare your car for the change in seasons.

Here are a few winterization tips to help keep your vehicle performing well this winter:

General Check-Up

Consumer Reports, an organization devoted to consumer information, states that certain diagnostic checks must be completed, including a thorough test of the battery. Extreme cold temperatures can quickly deplete a battery, so make sure it is in good shape. The nonprofit also suggested checking all fluids, notably oil, and the heating and cooling systems for any irregularities, damages, shortages or otherwise. A quick tune up at your local service center will generally take care of these matters.

Tires, Brakes & Brake Pads

If you live in an area that gets a lot of precipitation, you may want to invest in some winter tires and have them installed soon. These tires not only offer the quiet and fuel-efficient ride of those made for all seasons, but can provide you with that extra traction necessary to drive in slick conditions. If you choose to keep your all-season tires, check the treads to ensure they are not too worn. You should also be sure to check your brakes and brake pads for functionality and wear.

Visibility

To help to maintain visibility even while the salt, snow and other hazards pound on the glass, it is advised to get a windshield treatment. This can be done at your auto body shop, or at home with a variety of windshield solutions. Along with that, DMV.org, a website devoted to automobile related matters, suggests making sure your windshield wipers are in good shape, your defrosting system is fully functional and your windshield washer fluid is full. The DMV also recommends using a windshield washer fluid that contains anti-freeze for maximum effectiveness.

Emergency Prep

Extreme conditions can develop into emergency situations even if you take all of the necessary precautions. We urge winter drivers to keep blankets, boots, water, flares, a flashlight, engine coolant, washer fluid and engine oil in their vehicles at all times during the winter. The best way to avoid a disaster is prepare for it.

We all know that vehicles need year-round maintenance. You are probably asking “what does this have to do with my insurance?” Keep in mind that your driving record is one of the biggest factors when determining your rate. Preparing for winter will improve the odds that you avoid an accident. Please call the Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN for all of your personal and commercial insurance needs!

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Halloween Driving Safety Tips

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Halloween Driving Safety Tips

October 27th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Help protect trick-or-treaters by following these driving safety tips on Halloween. Be especially careful between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm, when roads and neighborhoods are at peak activity.

  • Drive slowly, and don’t pass stopped vehicles. The driver might be dropping off children.
  • Park your mobile phone. Avoid distractions by waiting until you’ve stopped to call, text, or surf. Get more mobile phone safety tips.
  • Watch for children darting into the street. Kids can cross the street anywhere, and most young pedestrian deaths happen in places other than intersections.
  • Yield to young pedestrians. Children might not stop, either because they don’t see your vehicle approaching or don’t know how to safely cross the street.
  • Communicate with other drivers. Always use your turn signals. And if you have to pull over to drop off or pick up your kids, turn on your hazard lights.

Keep Your Own “Trick-or-Treater” Safe!

  • Teach them how to safely cross streets. They should look both ways and cross only at corners and crosswalks.
  • Consider indoor community Halloween programs for younger kids. Some communities also offer to help you inspect your kids’ treats to make sure they’re safe to eat.
  • Brighten them up. Give them flashlights and glow sticks, and/or use reflective tape on their costumes, so drivers can see them.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Should You Fight A Speeding Ticket?

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Should You Fight A Speeding Ticket?

October 13th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

It’s what everyone hopes to avoid while driving: the dreaded “flashing blues” in their rearview mirror, an indication that someone’s about to be pulled over. Hopefully it isn’t you.

At one point or another, just about everyone drives faster than the posted speed limit. Generally speaking, traffic enforcement officers give motorists some latitude – allowing motorists to drive between 5 and 10 miles per hour faster than what’s allowed for – but anything more than that and a ticket is probably in your future.

There’s no denying that speeding is a significant safety issue. In a poll conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of motorists said that they considered speeding to be a problem on the country’s roads. In 2013, nearly 10,000 people died in speeding-related highway accidents, accounting for almost 30% of all crash fatalities. And in most of these incidents, motorists were traveling faster than 55 miles per hour.

The overriding concern as it relates to speeding is that fellow motorists’ safety is threatened when exceeding the posted limit. To discourage the behavior, police officers issue traffic tickets. Usually costing at least $100, the overall amount typically depends on the state and how egregious the offense was, as driving 20 mph over the limit usually carries a more significant fine than going 5 mph over.

A speeding ticket has lasting effects. It can cause auto insurance premiums to increase for motorists who are convicted and attaches points onto one’s driving record. Accumulate too many, and it could result in a license suspension.

Every ticket lists what a driver’s options are should they be cited for speeding. The question is whether you should contest a ticket’s legitimacy or accept the punishment.  Here are a few things to consider:

Have The Facts

If you can establish proof that you were within range of the posted speed limit, then it’s worth your while to put up a fight. Occasionally, a police officer’s radar may be faulty or their memory may be different from yours. If you have corroborating evidence that demonstrates your side of the story, contesting a citation is worthwhile.

Consider The Consequences

When it comes right down to it, the validity of a traffic ticket is your word against theirs. Generally speaking, most courts decide in favor of the police officer, typically because they have proof that confirms their observation. Furthermore, even if you think you have a compelling argument, there’s no guarantee that the judge will decide in your favor. Thus, you can wind up spending hours in court hearings and paying legal fees if you hire legal counsel, on top of the cost of the original ticket citation.

Objectively Assess Your Situation

Most people who speed don’t have a good reason for it. But occasionally, the ends justify the means. For example, you may have been in a situation where you or a family member required immediate medical attention at a hospital. Alternatively, the flow of traffic may be faster than the limit, requiring you to exceed the limit, such as on the highway, for example. Generally speaking, though, there aren’t many excuses for speeding.

It’s in your best interest to adhere to the speed limit as closely as possible, both for the good of your safety and your auto insurance premiums. To learn more about how being a safe driver can lower your auto insurance costs, speak with an agent at 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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The Worst Driver Behaviors

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The Worse Driver Behaviors

October 6th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Weather conditions, construction and vehicle breakdowns all present dangerous situations to even the keenest drivers. Perhaps the worst – and most preventable – hazard is another driver taking part in irresponsible activities. Bad driving behaviors can cause serious damage and not only put the perpetrator at risk but everyone else on the road as well.

Here are some examples of risky driving behaviors:

Cell Phone Use

The National Safety Council estimated that the following cellular device activities are among the most damaging in the country:

  • Texting: The group stated that texting accounts for 330,000 accidents annually in the United States, or roughly one-quarter of all calamities on the road.
  • General cell phone use: The NSC also reported that general cell phone use while operating a vehicle accounts for roughly 1.6 million accidents annually. This can include anything from making a call to using all sorts of apps, including games.

A separate study from the group found that attempts to take pictures, videos and other multimedia while driving are contributing to even quicker increases in automobile accidents across the country.

Tailgating

The Texas Department of Insurance cited a study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that revealed just less than 25 percent of all accidents are rear-end collisions, accounting for around 950,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths annually. Not surprisingly, tailgating is an extremely common cause of these accidents.

Interestingly, the Myth Busters researched “drafting” as it impacts automobile efficiency. They proved that following closely behind a large 18-wheel truck can indeed help to improve fuel efficiency, but that it is incredibly dangerous to do so. According to those scientists, you have to be within 100 feet for it to really work, and 150 feet or less is a very dangerous following distance.

Driving Under The influence

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that alcohol-related accidents account for more than $44 billion in annual damages on American roads, as well as nearly 10,000 deaths. This is the most dangerous of all driver behaviors.

Drivers who never partake in these activities still need to drive cautiously and defensively to stay safe.  A huge part of driving responsibly is making sure that you are properly covered in the event of an accident. The Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN would be happy to review your current policy to be sure that you do not have any gaps in your auto insurance coverage.

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Top Vehicles for College Graduates

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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

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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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Price Shopping Can Cost You Coverage

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Price Shopping Can Cost You Coverage

July 14th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Insurance is a critical centerpiece of risk management for consumers, yet many tend to seek out the biggest bargain around. Individuals need to be clear on what they will sacrifice for those savings. Simply put, if an insurer emphasizes savings over every other consideration, they are likely not providing coverage options or limits that many customers need to adequately insure their assets – and their very piece of mind.

Shopping based solely on price can lead to devastating consequences.

A few of the common areas that will be missed in cheap personal insurance packages include:

  • Original equipment parts for your car: Do you want aftermarket body panels used as part of a covered claim repair to your newer car?
  • Lower deductibles: Some carriers might default you to a deductible higher than you want or can afford in the event of a loss to your home or vehicle.
  • Higher liability limits: Think about the total value of your assets and all you could lose if you’re sued. Some carriers commonly offer low liability limits to keep prices down – which could leave you heavily exposed.
  • Replacement cost for your home: Should a total loss happen to your home, it’s typically covered for what it is estimated to cost to rebuild it. Are you covered if the actual construction cost to rebuild is greater than the coverage limit stated on your policy?
  • Cash out option: If your home is totally destroyed, will your carrier give you a cash settlement if you decide not to rebuild it?

Expert David Ramsey once noted that individuals who are purchasing cheap insurance will all too often receive the coverage they paid for, with glaring omissions increasing their risk of substantial loss immensely.

Considering the fact that insurance is meant to be a central piece of risk mitigation and continuity, leaning toward convenience and speed rather than comprehensive coverage and accuracy can be a dangerous game. The balance between the coverage you need and can afford is rarely struck with a cookie-cutter approach.

Instead, make sure you are working with an independent agent, as specialized support and expertise can help to ensure that all potential risks are covered and you are not one major event away from potential economic disaster. By putting the effort into the analysis of risks and carefully finding the most affordable coverage for your specific needs, you can cover your bases while still not necessarily breaking the bank.

Give the Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN a call today for any of your insurance needs!

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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What To Avoid When Buying Auto Insurance

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What To Avoid When Buying Auto Insurance

June 17th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Americans sure have been in a car-buying mood lately. Just last year, consumers bought a whopping 17.5 million new automobiles, according to vehicle valuation firm Kelley Blue Book. And in February, the trend has continued, with new-vehicle sales up approximately 8% versus 12 months ago.

Wherever new or used cars are bought, auto insurance invariably follows. After all, when an accident happens, where else can you go to pay for the expensive repairs that so often occur?

The problem is that because auto insurance is mandated, people will buy it merely to satisfy the requirement, not as a smart investment. As a result, hasty decisions are often made – decisions that could put them in hot water when they have to make a claim.

If an auto insurance purchase is in your future, here are three things you should be sure to avoid when shopping for a policy:

Purchasing The Cheapest Option

We all want to get the best deal possible as a consumer. But as is typically the case, you often get what you pay for. In other words, if there is an auto insurance policy that’s really cheap, there’s a good chance that the coverage it provides is really meager. All too frequently, policyholders wind up learning this the hard way after filing a claim, only to learn that their policy amount is insufficient for the damage that occurred.

Fail to Research

Reams of information are literally at our fingertips, thanks to the Internet, online search engines and quote comparison websites. But these outlets go to waste if you don’t take advantage of them. The Insurance Information Institute has several tips on what to look for both in a policy and an insurance provider.

Choosing The Wrong Policy

As previously mentioned, in an attempt to save money, consumers will often buy auto insurance that’s the least expensive or only the amount that they’re required by law to have. While this may save them in the short run, it will be a different story should they ever have to file a claim. For instance, if a policyholder’s car is stolen and only liability coverage is in place, that person will have to go about replacing the stolen automobile out of pocket.

It really does pay to be a conscientious consumer when you’re in the market to buy auto insurance. Get in touch with your local agent at the Martinson Agency, who can help you navigate the selection process to ensure you get the right type and amount of coverage for your needs.

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Keep Your Car Going Strong

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Keep Your Car Going Strong

May 25th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

The car is arguably our most used possession. It’s what gets us to the corner store, to the workplace and to the far reaches of the country on those annual family road trips. In order to keep it our most reliable possession, it’s important to give it some tender loving care – beyond having the oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

The following are five things that you probably aren’t doing to keep your vehicle going strong:

Check Tire Pressure Regularly

When it’s cold outside, you’re probably pretty good about keeping tabs on your tires, understanding that cold air causes the pressure to diminish. But the winter isn’t the only time you should be doing a visual check; it ought to be done monthly, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, simply because tire quality and pressurization varies, largely depending on how often you drive and the kind of roads you frequent. Ensure that each is at the proper PSI level to improve mileage and evenness of tread wear.

Rotate Your Tires

Speaking of evenness, there’s little to speak of when you don’t rotate your tires. You’ve probably already heard that you should rotate your tires every so many miles. Are you actually doing it? You really should start if not because it can not only lengthen the life of your tires, it can also make your daily commute go much more smoothly – in the literal sense of the term. Whether it’s moving the back wheels to the front wheels or diagonally across from the other, aim to get this completed after compiling 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

Clean Your Headlights

Mother Nature has its own natural cleanser in rain, but it takes more than a heavy shower to keep your headlights shining as brilliantly as they did when you first took your car out for an evening stroll.  Because most headlights are made out of polycarbonate, generic glass cleaner or soapy water are both safe to use and effective, according to Popular Mechanics magazine.

Schedule A Tune-Up

Due to time constraints, many of us don’t address potential car problems until they present themselves, often first manifested via the dreaded “check engine” light. By this point, however, what was a pending issue is now a full-fledged one, as the typical check engine repair costs an average of $387, according to data from CarMD. To stay one step ahead, take your car in for a tune-up on a quarterly basis to a trusted auto body shop. The professionals there should be able to diagnose whatever issues may be boiling just below the surface.

Clean Battery’s Terminals

Your car doesn’t get very far without its battery – something you’ve no doubt realized on those bitterly cold days when the engine won’t turn over. In part due to the variations in temperature, the terminals over time become encrusted with a white powdery residue that can diminish connectivity. To prevent this from happening, take a peek under the hood now and then to see if the residue has developed. If so, remove the cables from the terminals and get rid of the crusted corrosion with a wire brush.

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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