Author: agentinsure

Do You Need to Change Your Auto Insurance When You Move to St. Paul, MN?

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As a new St. Paul, MN resident and car owner, it’s a good idea to determine whether you should add "switching car insurance" to your to-do list. Whether you’re a long-term resident of St. Paul, MN, or a new one, our team of insurance professionals at Rising Star Insurance in Saint Paul, MN is happy to help you navigate the auto insurance field. You might not need to change it depending on where you initially held your auto insurance policy. We’ve compiled some useful information below to show you whether it’s time to change auto insurance in the middle of your move.

Do I Need to Switch Auto Insurance Policies When Moving to St. Paul, MN?

If you were already a Minnesota state resident, you can keep your auto insurance the same if you’d like. Of course, if you moved across the state, switching to an auto insurance option with an office closer to your new residence may be more convenient. What’s more, you’ll have local help if you run into an issue with your auto insurance or need to file a claim. This can give you extra peace of mind and comfort. 

You only need to change your car insurance policy if you move to Minnesota from out-of-state. Even if you’re coming from a nearby neighboring state, you’ll need to switch to a local insurance carrier. Although this can feel like a hassle, our team has helped many out-of-state residents obtain local car insurance. We do our best to make finding the right auto insurance policy a breeze.

For a quote or more information, call our office at Rising Star Insurance in Saint Paul, MN!

Choosing the Right Type of Home Insurance for Your Needs

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A home can be subject to many risks, such as fire, theft, vandalism, or from weather events. Insurance can help defray the cost of a damaging event, and finding the right insurance can take some thought and research. At Rising Star Insurance in Saint Paul, MN, we can help you find the right home insurance for your unique needs.

Many Types of Insurance Are Available

Home insurance is available at several different levels, from the basic to the comprehensive. Each type of policy includes certain coverages, as well as specific exclusions. An HO-1 policy covers only the main structure on your property. HO-2 policies will also cover other structures like sheds, gazebos, and similar items. HO-3 and HO-5 are considered standard policies for the home. The HO-3 policy offers primary coverage for several common perils, while the HO-5 policy offers more comprehensive coverage for additional perils. The price of each type of policy depends on how much coverage it will provide for the structure. Some types of homeowners insurance cover renters, manufactured homes, or condominiums.

Some Risks Are Excluded From Your Homeowners Policy

Homeowners’ policies do not cover flooding that comes from outside the house. If you live in an area subject to flooding, you will need to purchase additional flood insurance for coverage. Similarly, if you live in an area that experiences earthquakes, you will need to purchase earthquake insurance because your standard homeowner’s policy will not cover this risk. Other standard exclusions are wear and tear on the home, war, nuclear hazards, pest infestations, and general negligence of the property.

Make Rising Star Insurance Your Agent for Home Insurance in Saint Paul, MN

Homeowners’ insurance can be confusing, and you may have questions regarding the proper coverage. We offer our experience and training to help make this critical decision. Contact Rising Star Insurance Brokers today for a no-obligation quote on home insurance to protect your home investment.

Life insurance FAQs

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Residents of Saint Paul, MN count on Rising Star Insurance when they need an independent insurance agency that can meet all their insurance needs. Our team is knowledgeable and can answer any questions that you may have about life insurance.  

Can I get life insurance without a physical exam?

Yes, you can. Whole life insurance policies don’t require a physical exam. This is insurance for the long haul and is usually more costly than term life insurance, but it also earns dividends. Some companies advertise term life without a physical, but it will be more expensive, and it is usually for smaller amounts of life insurance. 

Do I need my own life insurance if I get life insurance at work?

Life insurance from an employer is a great benefit. But letting your employer be in control of something as important to your financial future is not the best option. You should purchase your own life insurance in the amount that you know you will need and consider the work insurance as a bonus. 

How do I know how much life insurance I need?

Having an independent insurance agent who knows you and your needs is helpful. The purpose of life insurance is to provide for your dependents if your income is taken away. You need to multiply your income by the number of years you think you will need to provide for. If you have a large mortgage, that is a consideration as well. 

Do I need life insurance if I have no dependents?

If you have enough money in your checking account or savings to pay off any debt you have and pay for your final expenses, then no, you don’t. 

If you live in or near Saint Paul, MN, Rising Star Insurance can help with all of your life insurance needs. We are available to help with any questions you may have. 

Tips to prepare your boat for a storm

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The storm season here in the Saint Paul, MN area can be problematic for boat owners. Preparing your vessel for an incoming storm is essential to protect it from the strong winds and heavy rains that can accompany it. Here are some tips from us at Rising Star Insurance to help you get your boat ready: 

1. Secure all loose objects on board – Anything not tied down should be securely stowed away in a dry location, such as an enclosed cabin or storage locker. Be sure to secure any items that could become hazardous during rough conditions, including large sails, fishing tackle, and boating supplies. 

2. Disconnect the battery – Unplugging the battery is always a good idea before a storm arrives so your electronics won’t be damaged by a power surge caused by lightning strikes or strong winds. 

3. Remove covers and tarps – These items are designed to protect your boat from the elements, but they can also act as sails when faced with gale-force winds, potentially damaging your vessel or other nearby boats in the marina. 

4. Inspect the hull – Make sure there are no cracks or gaps in the hull that could let in water during bad weather. If necessary, patch up any areas of concern before heading out on the water again after the storm passes. 

5. Invest in insurance – While you can take steps to minimize damage from storms, it’s best to have adequate coverage for your boat so you don’t want to worry about expensive repairs or replacements if something goes wrong during bad weather conditions.  

For more tips, call us at Rising Star Insurance today. We are proud to serve the Saint Paul, MN area.

How umbrella insurance supplements your home and auto policies

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Despite our best intentions, accidents happen, and that is why you buy insurance. However, some people don’t have the right insurance or the right combination of insurance and coverage. The team at Rising Star Insurance serves Saint Paul, MN, so we want to ensure you are familiar with umbrella insurance and how it can protect you and your family.

Minnesotans experience severe weather, so consider what might happen if someone fell on your property or you were at fault in an auto accident involving serious injuries. In either situation, the liability for those injuries could exceed the amount covered by your home or auto policies, leaving you responsible for the remainder. In the worst case, that could mean the loss of your savings, home, or other assets.

That is where umbrella insurance kicks in by covering amounts over your standard policies’ limits. Of course, most policyholders never need to use their umbrella insurance, which makes these policies relatively inexpensive. In addition, umbrella insurance covers the "What Ifs" and provides peace of mind knowing your family is fully protected.

Besides your home and auto liabilities, umbrella policies can cover legal and court costs. Umbrella insurance doesn’t cover your personal property, business losses, fraudulent actions, or contractual obligations, but it provides an extra layer of protection by covering amounts over your standard policies.

Knowing you and your family are protected is comforting in a world where anything can happen. So, if you live in Saint Paul, MN, and want to discuss how umbrella or other insurance offers protection, the team at Rising Star Insurance stands ready to help. Call us today to look at the options that make the most sense for you.

Should You Provide Your Insurance Information After a Collision?

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Nobody wants to get into an auto collision, but sometimes it happens. When it does, what are you supposed to do? Do you have to provide your insurance information to the other parties? Should you call the cops?

In any collision, the first and most important thing is to ensure that everyone involved is ok. Check for any type of injuries, and call 911 if anyone is hurt. 

If no one is hurt, then you have a little less stress, and you might ponder the right thing to do. You might wonder if it’s even best to give up your insurance information, especially if you’re confident that you aren’t at fault.

Should you give your insurance information to the other party?

Yes, If you get into a car accident, no matter how major or minor, it’s often a good idea to exchange insurance information with the other individuals involved. That info should also include names, license plate numbers, and driver’s license numbers.

So, when in doubt, exchange information. Also, when in doubt, contact your insurance provider and the police to ensure you take the proper action. In Saint Paul, MN, you must legally report an accident to the police if a person is injured or killed in the collision.

Aside from that, you want to exchange insurance information if any of the following is true:

  • A police report is filed
  • There was an injury
  • There was any amount of property damage
  • You are unsure as to whether or not you should

In general, it’s always ok to provide your insurance information. Still, there are circumstances when it might not feel necessary. So, here’s the one time when you can leave the collision without providing insurance information.

If everyone involved agrees that there are no injuries and that there was no damage, everyone agrees not to file a police report, and everyone agrees that you don’t need to exchange information, that is legal. Even then, it’s ok to exchange information, take pictures, and even file a police report. At the very least, you can still contact your insurance provider to ask for their advice, and they’ll walk you through everything necessary.

On the other hand, if you don’t have vehicle insurance, you need legal coverage immediately. For drivers in Saint Paul, MN, Rising Star Insurance is a great option.

Should You Provide Your Insurance Information After a Collision?

Posted on by agentinsure

Nobody wants to get into an auto collision, but sometimes it happens. When it does, what are you supposed to do? Do you have to provide your insurance information to the other parties? Should you call the cops?

In any collision, the first and most important thing is to ensure that everyone involved is ok. Check for any type of injuries, and call 911 if anyone is hurt. 

If no one is hurt, then you have a little less stress, and you might ponder the right thing to do. You might wonder if it’s even best to give up your insurance information, especially if you’re confident that you aren’t at fault.

Should you give your insurance information to the other party?

Yes, If you get into a car accident, no matter how major or minor, it’s often a good idea to exchange insurance information with the other individuals involved. That info should also include names, license plate numbers, and driver’s license numbers.

So, when in doubt, exchange information. Also, when in doubt, contact your insurance provider and the police to ensure you take the proper action. In Saint Paul, MN, you must legally report an accident to the police if a person is injured or killed in the collision.

Aside from that, you want to exchange insurance information if any of the following is true:

  • A police report is filed
  • There was an injury
  • There was any amount of property damage
  • You are unsure as to whether or not you should

In general, it’s always ok to provide your insurance information. Still, there are circumstances when it might not feel necessary. So, here’s the one time when you can leave the collision without providing insurance information.

If everyone involved agrees that there are no injuries and that there was no damage, everyone agrees not to file a police report, and everyone agrees that you don’t need to exchange information, that is legal. Even then, it’s ok to exchange information, take pictures, and even file a police report. At the very least, you can still contact your insurance provider to ask for their advice, and they’ll walk you through everything necessary.

On the other hand, if you don’t have vehicle insurance, you need legal coverage immediately. For drivers in Saint Paul, MN, Rising Star Insurance is a great option.

The Best Ways to Protect Yourself While Riding a Motorcycle

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Riding a motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than driving in a car, truck, or similar vehicle. This doesn’t mean riding a motorcycle is especially dangerous, however. You can mitigate many risks with proper driving practices and taking steps to safeguard your well-being. One of the best steps is to ensure the right motorcycle insurance policy covers you. Contact Rising Star Insurance, serving greater Saint Paul, MN, to discuss motorcycle safety and insurance options.

Let’s take a gander at some things riders can do to make riding a motorcycle safer.

The Proper Gear is a Must

When you ride a motorcycle, you can’t take advantage of much of the safety equipment found in automobiles. Cars and trucks have crumple zones that deflect forces away from passengers in the cabins. The pillar supports can provide protection during a rollover, and airbags can ensure softer landings even with the hardest of stops.

Motorcycles lack many of these safety features. The best piece of safety equipment with a motorcycle is a helmet. With both drivers and passengers, helmets are about 40 percent effective at preventing death. The right jackets, pants, and other gear designed for the road can also prevent or reduce road rash and other injuries.

Not every state requires that riders wear helmets and other gear. However, if you spend a lot of time riding motorcycles, there’s a relatively high risk that you will eventually be involved in an accident. If and when that day comes, a motorcycle helmet and other gear could save your life or prevent serious injuries.

Have the Right Motorcycle Insurance Policy

If you get in an accident, medical bills can quickly skyrocket. You may also be liable for other people’s medical bills, such as other drivers and also passengers. The right motorcycle insurance program can protect you from financial risks. Contact Rising Star Insurance, serving greater Saint Paul, MN, to discuss motorcycle insurance options.

Should I invest in boating insurance?

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Many states don’t require boat owners to carry insurance. However, this doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t or might not be required to carry boat insurance for other reasons. Our team at Rising Star Insurance is dedicated to helping Saint Paul, MN boat owners get the coverage they need.

What is Boat Insurance? 

Boat insurance is similar to car insurance because it provides liability coverage for personal injury and property damage to others. Boat insurance will also cover the repair or replacement of your boat as well. If the damage is covered under your insurance policy, your repairs or replacement will be covered up to the policy’s limits. Liability coverage will pay for any damage or injuries while you’re boating. Your boat is covered for theft, vandalism, damage, and loss or damage of personal belongings. However, some things may not be covered by your boat insurance policy. Towing may be one of those uncovered items. 

Boat insurance isn’t Legally required where I live, but I go Boating all the time. Should I invest in Boat insurance?

Minnesota doesn’t require boat owners to carry boat insurance. However, it’s probably still a good idea to invest in it anyway. Some marinas may require boat owners to carry liability insurance. Also, if you have a boat loan, your lender will probably require you to carry boat insurance until your boat is paid in full. Typically, a lender will require you to carry both comprehensive and collision coverage on your boat until it’s paid off. If you have questions about boat insurance and its benefits, call us. We’d be happy to answer your questions. 

Three Ways Life Insurance Makes Dealing with a Death Easier

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If you’re like most people, you have loved ones in your life who count on you a lot. They could be children, a spouse, aging parents, or other relatives. And ideally, you’ll be around for a long, long time to ensure their lives stay secure, but it’s also essential to prepare for the worst.

You never know what life might bring your way, but the right Saint Paul, MN life insurance policy can help make a loved one’s untimely passing easier for those left behind. Before calling a Rising Star Insurance agent for more information, here are some benefits to consider.

1. It can make a funeral easier to pay for

Like many significant events in life, funerals can cost a pretty penny, even when they’re kept relatively simple. A good life insurance policy can help take the edge off of the associated expenses for your family – something that can be a great relief for those who are grieving.

2. It can help make up for lost income

Life is hard (and expensive) enough these days under the best of circumstances. And anyone who’s ever lost a job or other line of income unexpectedly already knows how devastating that can be – especially if it accompanies other hardships like losing a loved one. Life insurance can help take the edge off any issues caused by income loss, if not dissolve them altogether.

3. It can safeguard your family’s future

Naturally, you’ve got big plans for your family’s future. You want your kids to go to good colleges and for your spouse not to have to spend their old age worrying about money, especially if you happen to pass away first. The right Saint Paul, MN life insurance policy can help keep that future viable, regardless of what might ever happen to you.

Taking out a life insurance policy is hands down one of the best things you can do for your family. Call a Rising Star Insurance agent today to discuss your options!