Chaska Auto Insurance

The Penalties and Consequences of Driving Drunk

Posted on by Martinson Agency

The Penalties and Consequences of Driving Drunk

May 5th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

With just about everyone carrying a smart phone these days, you can understand why distracted driving has garnered so much attention. And for good reason, as according to government data, nearly 3,200 people were killed in 2014 in collisions where multitasking was to blame.

However, equally worthy of the public’s awareness is a behavior that leads to even more senseless deaths: driving impaired.

It’s estimated that 10,000 people per year are killed in alcohol-related car crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s the equivalent of 1 every 51 minutes.

“Intoxicated driving offenses have fallen 80% over the last 40 years.”

Believe it or not, the rate has gone done over the years. Between 2007 and 2014, for instance, the proportion of drivers whose blood-alcohol levels were above the legal limit fell 30%, based on NHTSA estimates. And since 1973, the first time analysis was done on drunk driving prevalence, offenses have decreased by almost 80%.

All 50 states have ignition interlock laws Part of the reason for the decline stems from a national crackdown on the illegal activity. Today, all 50 states require at least some drunk driving offenders – typically those who’ve been caught more than once – to install ignition interlocks in their motor vehicles. These prevent drivers from operating their automobiles when under the influence. Since states first passed ignition interlock laws, nearly 1.8 million attempts at driving drunk have been avoided, according to numbers from social services organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Texas, Arizona, West Virginia and New Mexico have some of the stricter ignition interlock laws in the country, with added legislative efforts being made in other states as well.

Other major deterrents to drunk driving are the consequences that can result, none more significant than potentially being involved in a crash that could cause death or injury. Based on analysis from NHTSA, drivers whose blood alcohol level tests above 0.08 are four times more likely to crash than sober drivers. The chances are 12 times greater with an alcohol level of 0.15, twice the legal limit.

Drunk driving penalties can cost thousands

“The punishment for driving drunk varies depending on the state and gravity of the offense.”

Then there are the financial ramifications, which vary depending on the part of the country that it takes place. For example, in the District of Columbia, penalties after a first offense may include 180 days license suspension, not to mention a $1,000 fine. If caught a second time, the fine more than doubles to between $2,500 and $5,000. License revocation may also increase to a full calendar year.

The consequences related to auto insurance are equally damaging. Because drunk driving is a risk to safety, your premiums are bound to rise substantially. You may also be required to obtain special forms mandated by states before being allowed to drive again or register your car.

Dame Helen Mirren put it best – and rather bluntly – in a commercial at this year’s Super Bowl: If you drive drunk, stop it. The stakes are too high, the consequences too severe.

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Buying a Car with Resale in Mind

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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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Tips For Traveling With Your Pet

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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

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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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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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Avoiding Deer Collisions

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Avoiding Deer Collisions

October 8th, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Picture this: You’re driving along a winding country road enjoying the beautiful fall foliage and all of a sudden a huge buck runs in front of your vehicle. How would you react? Fall is peak time for deer-vehicle collisions thanks to deer mating season which begins in the fall and runs through January. During this time deer are very active and on the move. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large animal-vehicle collisions result in an average of 187 fatalities annually.

Back to the question — how would you react? Not sure? Here are some helpful tips on how to avoid a collision:

1. Say “no” to swerving — Never ever swerve. Swerving is especially dangerous because it puts the driver at risk for a head-on collision with oncoming traffic, trees or even a ditch and confuses the deer as to where to go.

2. SLOW DOWN — Slow down if you’re driving through an area with high deer populations. If you drive defensively, you’ll have more time to break if you cross paths with a deer.

3. Leader of the pack — Deer rarely travel alone so if you see one it’s likely another is close behind. (Ask our good friend Cory Poppitz about this one.)

4. Put your foot on the brake — If you cross paths with a deer, brake firmly while staying in your lane and blow your horn to frighten the deer away.

5. Green eyes — At night watch for the shine of eyes along the side of the road (their eyes usually look green.)

6. Sun up, sun down — Deer are most active at dusk and dawn.

7. Center lane — The center lane on a multi-lane road is the safest place to drive because it gives deer space and drivers additional time to react.

8. Faulty products — There are many products on the market that claim to protect against possible collisions with deer (whistles, repellent ect.) Unfortunately these products have not been proven to reduce the risk of an accident.

Remember deer collisions can happen to even the best of drivers. It you strike a deer never touch the animal. Pull over to the side of road as soon as you can, call the police immediately and report the damage to our agency as soon as possible.

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Driving Under the Influence Will Cost You

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Driving Under the Influence Will Cost You

September 25th, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Nothing good comes from getting behind the wheel of a car while you’re intoxicated. You put other people as well as yourself in danger. Also, if you are pulled over, you will be faced with numerous fines and future expenses. Increased cost of your auto insurance is just one of those expenses.

What kind of impact will a DWI have on your car insurance premium? It can cause your rate to be increased by more than three times what you are currently paying. Many companies will even terminate your coverage and make you find an auto insurance policy elsewhere. You should know that depending on the carrier it can take up to FIVE years before your policy can be rewritten. Also, in certain states, penalties for a DWI can double if your BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) is over a .16.

The best way to avoid a DWI violation is to refrain from driving after you have been drinking. (DUH!) If you have been drinking you should consider having a designated driver, calling a taxi or even riding the bus in order to get from once place to another. Any of these options will make the road a safer place for not only you and your friends, but for the entire community as well.

Call Martinson Agency in Chaska today with any further questions you may have about acquiring auto insurance after getting busted for a DWI violation. We have numerous resources available for you and have tons of experience dealing with policies written specifically for individuals with a DWI on their record.

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Save More on Auto Insurance!

Posted on by Martinson Agency

Save More on Auto Insurance!

July 16th, 2015 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Whether you drive an old beater or cruise around in a brand new ride, having auto insurance is required by law in the state of Minnesota. This means you should be looking for ways to save money on your insurance. Here are some cost-saving tips to keep in mind when purchasing auto insurance.

Inquire About All Available Discounts

Ask your agent about all of the discounts you may be eligible for. Many companies have started to offer a paperless discount. This means that all of your bills and documents would be sent to your preferred email address versus your home address. You can also reduce your monthly payments by having it automatically deducted from a checking or savings account. Additionally, many companies have an advance quote discount. This means that if you begin the quoting process 10 or more days prior to the policy being issued you can save as well.

Take A Defensive Driving Course

Safe drivers typically have the most affordable auto insurance. If you are 55+ and are looking for an easy way to save on your insurance, consider taking a defensive driving course. This course will be taught by a professional driving instructor and will teach you about avoiding danger on the road. Once you take the course simply provide us with a completion certificate and we will apply the discount to your existing auto insurance policy.

Bundle Your Insurance Policies

By packaging your auto insurance and your home insurance with the same company you will receive a multi-policy discount. This can provide significant savings on both products and often times provides additional perks such as a single deductible. A single deductible means that if you have a claim that impacts both policies you will NOT be stuck paying a deductible on both.

Bottom Line: You Have Options

Don’t get caught up with everything you see on TV. Many of the most well known carriers are “captive” companies and can only provide you with one quote. Our agency is independent, meaning we have more carriers than the competition. More carriers means more discounts. More discounts means you get to keep more of your hard earned money in your pocket.

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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