Chaska Home Insurance

To Flu Shot or Not to Flu Shot?

Posted on by Martinson Agency

To Flu Shot or Not to Flu Shot?

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

Flu shots and other vaccinations have been sources of perpetual controversy throughout the past several years, which might make it difficult to decide whether you should get one.

Some individuals have been led to believe there are significant adverse effects associated with the flu shot, but many of these ideas have been proven to be falsehoods by the academic and medical communities. First, keep in mind that the flu is a very dangerous virus that can even kill people in some situations, and the symptoms can last between three and seven days.

Harvard University’s Medical School states someone cannot contract the flu from the shot despite what some may believe. The idea that the flu shot is not necessary for otherwise healthy individuals, or that the vaccination is made with harmful and dangerous chemicals, is completely false.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the government entity devoted to population health management, mentions that no one should wait until the flu season is in full swing to get a vaccination, as it will spread quickly. Flu season typically begins between October and November, then becomes more active in December and January, peaking in February. It is worth noting that these periods will vary by region.

Getting vaccinated at a clinic, pharmacy or primary care physician’s office in mid- to late-October is recommended, and shots should be administered every year. The CDC states all healthy Americans need to be vaccinated even if they are not fearful of their own health.

Another government office, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, affirms one of the biggest reasons why all individuals need to get their flu vaccination is to leverage something called “herd immunity.”

In short, this term describes a community getting vaccinated to prevent the flu – as well as other diseases and illnesses – from spreading throughout their area and impacting individuals who are more susceptible to severe symptoms, including children and the elderly.

Ensuring Safe Use 

The CDC does note some flu shots will not be safe for certain individuals, typically young children, pregnant women, individuals who suffer from chronic health problems and people who have certain allergies. If you are not sure whether you are fit to take the flu vaccine, consult with your primary care physician to find out for certain.

Now, it is worth noting the flu can be extremely dangerous if you do have underlying health conditions. If your primary care physician decides you should not get vaccinated this flu season, take care to protect your health and avoid the prospect of contracting the sickness. This can be done by washing your hands every time you go outside, avoiding touching your face, not going into public areas when an outbreak occurs and more.

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Taking Inventory of Your Possessions

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Taking Inventory of Your Possessions

September 22nd, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Individuals who have an accurate and available record of all personal assets will often be able to help mitigate the disruption and stress associated with a loss. While you could certainly do little more than write all of your items down on a piece of paper, you might want to go a bit further than that to have a more useful point of reference for your possessions and to help protect you in the event of a loss.

Notably, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a group devoted to insurance research and information dissemination, points out only about 40 percent of consumers actually keep a proper inventory of their assets.

Setting Yourself Up For Success

Before taking inventory, you will need to have the right information about your assets. Consider holding on to receipts, especially for more expensive, prized and longer-lasting items like your furniture, antiques, artwork, jewelry and electronics. Also, try to keep your accounting for new possessions categorized. For example, if you have a computer that you use for work and a television for entertainment, keep those items separate.

Property Management Insider, a publication that focuses on asset management, suggests also keeping track of makes and models from manufacturers, and also label the inventory record for where the item resides at any given moment. More obviously, the news source recommends immediately crossing items off of the list when you sell, dispose of or otherwise eradicate assets.

You can then check your inventory once a month or whenever you add or remove an item to ensure it is timely and accurate on a rolling basis.

Easing The Task

You do not necessarily need to find a big ledger and keep all of your inventory on paper. In fact, this will not be the safest, nor most efficient, way to keep up. It’s a better idea to keep inventory information safe outside of your premises, particularly in digital form. Consider one of these apps for personal property inventory management:

“Sortly”: An organization app specifically built for inventory, and several notable publications such as Forbes and Fast Company praise it.

“Know Your Stuff”: The Know Your Stuff app was made by the Insurance Information Institute. It was created as a free app, which offers a range of special capabilities that improve the visibility of your possessions.

As always, part of maintaining protection for your inventory of assets is the right insurance coverage. For more information on the options that are available to you contact your independent agent 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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Do College Students Need Renters Insurance?

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Do College Students Need Renters Insurance?

September 15th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Parents will face plenty of stress when sending their kids off to college. The safety and security of college students’ personal items – including bicycles, computers and other, more expensive belongings – will likely come to mind, begging the question of whether or not to purchase a renters insurance policy.

It is worth noting that most home owner’s policies extend some contents and liability coverage to family members away at school. However, the types of smaller, more likely losses that happen at college may also be less than many homeowners policy deductibles, potentially leaving families to self-insure such property. In addition, what might be covered in a college dorm might not be covered in an off-campus apartment rental. Your independent agent can help you navigate all the questions and options to ensure you have the information necessary to make the right decision.

If possessions and personal liability are not going to be fully covered by your home owner’s policy, you will need to weigh the cost of renters insurance against the benefits.

Let’s break down the facts to help you to decide how to proceed:

  • The National Center for Education Statistics, a government agency tracking higher education trends, recorded 27,600 incidents of crime at universities in 2013. Roughly 15,500 of those – or 56 percent – were burglaries.
  • Citing FBI data, news publication USA Today reports bicycle thefts are the leading crime at college campuses, with an average loss of $250 per incident and annual damages adding up to $350 million. As noted below, most basic renter’s policies are fairly inexpensive, so it may be hard to imagine the yearly cost of renters insurance being higher than a potential theft or loss.

Consider the following information:

  • The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a trade organization for insurance regulatory professionals, estimates the average monthly premium for renter’s insurance falls between $15 and $30.
  • Computers, textbooks, bicycles and other common items kept in dorm rooms and college apartments can be easily valued in the thousands of dollars.
  • CNN Money noted renters insurance can cover liability and extra living expenses in addition to personal property.

At the end of the day, you might want to reach out to a professional to figure out if renters insurance is right for your student. Contact the Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN today to gather more information.

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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Is Your Vacation Home Properly Protected?

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Is Your Vacation Home Properly Protected?

June 23rd, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Vacation homes serve as sanctuaries from the daily stresses of life. And more and more people are investing in them. In 2014, vacation home sales soared to new heights, totaling 1.1 million, according to the National Association of Realtors – nearly 60% more than the previous year.

The question is, are Americans properly protecting their fortresses of solitude? With the median vacation home costing approximately $150,000, these investments are significant.

If you own a vacation home, the following are a few things to take into consideration to properly protect it.

Property Crime

If you’re like most vacation homeowners, your home away from home is used when you’re, well, on vacation. If you don’t rent it out, that leaves lots of time where it’s unoccupied – making it susceptible to theft.

According to the most recent data available from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, property crime in 2014 – including burglary – fell from the previous year. That’s good news, but at 118 victimizations for every 1,000 households, it’s still cause for concern.

Check out Consumer Reports for reviews on home alarm and surveillance systems. Thanks to the Internet, you can see what’s happening at your retreat in real-time. Also, make sure your homeowners insurance policy is up to date by speaking with your agent. Also consider performing a home inventory so you know the proper amount of coverage to secure.

Weather Extremes

Have you ever thought about what would happen if the water pipes in your vacation home burst? You’d have one heck of a messy situation on your hands, especially if you’re nowhere near the property to fix what’s broken. Well, if your water is left on when the temperatures plummet and the pipes freeze, it can happen. That’s why it’s worth your while to do some research on caretaker services. If you visit MindMyHouse.com, you’ll find further information about property caretaking providers and services all around the country. As detailed by The New York Times, property caretaking has become something of a “cottage” industry.

Condominium or Single Family?

When it comes to insurance, the type of property you own helps determine the policy that’s best suited for your needs. For instance, if you own a condominium rather than a single-family residence, your condo association may already have coverage. At the same time, the insurance that the association has may only protect the physical structure of the condo, not your belongings. Be sure to look into this before you consult with your independent agent.

Amenities

Vacation homes often serve as getaways from the stresses of life. As such, it’s not uncommon for owners to have various amenities, be it a swimming pool, hot tub or trampoline, among others. Because accidents are possible with these kinds of recreational items, you may want to speak with your independent agent about the liability portion of your insurance policy and your liability limit to ensure your assets are adequately protected in the event someone is injured on your property and files a lawsuit against you.

Your vacation home’s value is an additional factor that can help you assess your insurance needs. As previously mentioned, the median price for a vacation home in 2014 was $150,000. However, homeowners insurance premiums are determined by how much it would cost to rebuild your residence from scratch should it be destroyed. Your independent agent and insurance carrier can work with you to determine the appropriate amount of coverage you might need.

For more information on this topic give the Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN a call 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 Outdoor Chef’s Guide To A Safe Grilling Season

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The Outdoor Chef’s Guide To A Safe Grilling Season

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

Grilling season is about to commence and it is important to know that even the smallest detail can cause your barbecue to be memorable for all of the wrong reasons. The following is a list of grill safety tips for all of you ‘Grill Master’s’ out there.

  • Keep your grill at least 15 feet from your home. Grills should also not be used underneath wooden overhangs. This will prevent a flare up from causing a house fire.
  • Clean your grill on a regular basis. Grease and fat provide more fuel for a fire. By allowing these things to build up on your grill you are increasing your risk of flare ups.
  • Do not leave your grill unattended. Fires can rapidly grow in size. Make sure you keep an eye on the grill at all times.
  • Never turn on the gas while the lid is closed. This could cause the gas to build up inside, and when ignited, the lid could blow off and cause injuries.
  • If the flame goes out, turn the grill and the gas off and wait a minimum of 20 minutes before re-lighting it.
  • After you are finished with the grill, make sure you close the gas valve on your grill.

Nearly 9,000 home fires a year involve grills, according to a National Fire Protection Association report. By keeping these simple tips in mind we hope that you will have a fun but safe grilling season. Please contact the Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN today with any questions that you may have!

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

Phone: (952) 314-4400

Email: jphagen@aibme.com

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Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems

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Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems

May 12th, 2016 — Martinson Agency LLC — Chaska, MN

Working for a living may be less than thrilling, but it makes the finer, more enjoyable things in life possible. And thanks to a more robust economy, businesses are helping out with that by increasing their employees’ salary, according to a recent poll.

Aiming to both retain workers and reward staff members for all their hard efforts, 8 in 10 businesses intend to increase compensation levels for employees this year, a recent survey from CareerBuilder revealed. Additionally, two-thirds will do the same for new hires.

“While employers have been more willing to pay a premium for high-skill labor, they now have to pay more competitive wages for entry-level positions,” explained Matt Ferguson, CEO for the online job search engine. “Workers are gaining leverage.”

Whether it’s buying a second car, or splurging on an all-new vehicle straight from the showroom floor, more money in your pocket can bring more opportunity to improve your standard of living. At the same time, however, it also brings a greater risk of liability, be it in the form of theft, an accident on the roads or a crash out on the water aboard a newly purchased boat.

In short, when your assets grow more expansive, so do your insurance needs. That’s because the more valuable your belongings are, the more it can cost to replace them should they be damaged, lost or stolen.

You can figure out how much coverage you should buy by performing a home inventory – something few of us have done before. Nearly 60% of consumers have not made up a formal list of the items they own, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

You’ve worked hard to get where you are. Make sure your assets are protected with the proper insurance package. For assistance, speak with your local insurance agent at the Martinson Agency in Chaska, MN.

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