What is a state-commissioned, commercial insurance underwriter?

What is a Commercial Insurance Underwriter? How do You Find One in Your State?

Insurance underwriters work in quite a similar function to mortgage or even equity or credit underwriters, for instance, their job being no less thorough and their tasks no less rigorous. Their overall mission is to review multiple applications for insurance coverage and then use risk analysis as the main means by which they can then finalize their decision on rejecting or accepting each applicant, one by one. In any day or week, these professionals can expect to see the data of hundreds of applicants. 

What Kind of Training or Other Credentials Do These Professionals Hold?

Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter, otherwise known as CPCU, is one major professional designation and field of service that many have followed in order to become licensed as insurance underwriters. Another is the Chartered Life Underwriter title, also called the CLU. The Insurance Institute of America offers training for the latter, providing its rigorous program of study to all interested. The American College offers schooling for the CLU.

Other Details to Note

Median annual salaries of appx. $70,000 are what professional certified, locally licensed insurance underwriters tend to make, on average. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics continually updates these statistics. But these figures are from its most recent 2017 findings. Reviewing current clients for continuing coverage is another one of their main tasks. Those insured must continue to qualify or "re-qualify". 

Rising Star Insurance – Great Commercial Insurance in Saint Paul MN

Rising Star Insurance, joyfully serving Saint Paul, MN and beyond, is here for you at any time. Reach out to them directly via web or phone. They’d love to service your needs for commercial insurance, clarifying any doubts you may have as well. Bring your questions or concerns! 

What are the Benefits of Classic Car Insurance?

Owning a classic car is a dream for many people in the Saint Paul, MN area. Like any other type of vehicle, you will need to make sure that you have the standard liability insurance coverage in place if you are to take a classic car out on the road. However, you should also have classic car insurance coverage for your vehicle. This is a unique type of auto insurance that will provide you with a variety of benefits.

Coverage Designed for Classic Cars

One advantage of classic car insurance is that it can provide you with additional vehicle coverage. Most auto insurance providers traditionally use an actual cash value or stated value policy to determine coverage levels. This is often not enough coverage given the underlying value of a classic car. With classic car insurance, you can negotiate a much higher coverage level based on the market value of the collector’s item. 

Specialized Services

If you have a classic car, you can also get specialized services that are designed for these older and valuable vehicles. For example, you can get roadside assistance from services that guarantee flatbed towing, coverage for the expensive replacement parts to retain the classic status, and even the ability to pick the repair shop of choice. This will help to ensure your classic car stays in great shape and retains its value. 

If you have a classic car in the Saint Paul, MN area, you should speak to the team at Rising Star Insurance. The professionals at Rising Star Insurance will be able to better explain to you all of the benefits that come with this specialized insurance. We will then help you to get into a classic car insurance policy that provides you and your vehicle with the right type and level of coverage. Contact our offices to receive a quote.

What about taking my RV to another country, like Mexico or Canada?

Traveling to another country is a fun and enriching experience, and RV owners can get the best of both worlds as they bring the comfort of their home away from home. But before you leave Saint Paul, MN, check with Rising Star Insurance to make sure you are protected in case of an accident. 

Especially when you are in a different country with different rules, you want to make sure you have the protection you need and that you know what to do if there should be an accident. 

Some factors to take into account 

It’s better to know your plans in advance for several reasons. One reason is that identification requirements have changed in the last several years and you want to make sure you won’t be turned away for not having the proper credentials. Another reason is that you will base your conversation about insurance on some important variables. 

Among those are questions like:

  • How many days will you be in the other country? 
  • What is the value of your RV?
  • What areas of the other country are you visiting?  
  • Do you want to take advantage of additional coverage for vandalism, theft, and roadside assistance? 

Other country’s requirements 

For instance, in Mexico, you will be required to show proof that your policy complies with Mexican law. Often, this will mean partnering with an insurance company based in Mexico. 

Don’t let the details drag you down and keep you in Saint Paul, MN. If you want to take the trip of your dreams, call Rising Star Insurance so we can help you get the protection you need for your trip. 

What are my motorcycle insurance requirements?

One of the most exciting forms of transportation that someone can own is a motorcycle. When most people own a motorcycle, they envision themselves on the open road driving at high speeds and enjoying the nice weather. However, a motorcycle is also a very valuable asset that needs to be adequately insured. For those that are in the Saint Paul, MN area, many factors should be considered when trying to figure out their motorcycle insurance requirements. 

State Laws

Similar to most other states, people who operate motorcycles in the state of Minnesota are required by law to carry a minimum level of liability insurance. In this state, you will be required by law to carry bodily injury liability coverage of at least $60,000 per incident with a $30,000 per person cap. Additionally, you also need to have property damage liability coverage of at least $10,000 per incident. It should be noted that this coverage only provides protection to the other party when you are deemed to be at fault in an accident. 

Lender Requirements

If you have taken out a loan to purchase a motorcycle, there are additional lender requirements that you need to think about when you are looking for a motorcycle insurance policy. Since lenders want to make sure that they are secured by their collateral, you will want to make sure that you have a full collision and comprehensive policy in place. This will provide you and your lender with a variety of types of coverage losses. 

If you are in the Saint Paul, MN area and are in need of insurance for your motorcycle, you should speak with the team at Rising Star Insurance. The professionals at Rising Star Insurance will be able to work with you to make sure that you get the right insurance for your situation. 

Should You Keep Boat Insurance All Year Long?

Seasonal Boat Coverage in Minnesota

As summer comes to a close, if you are a boat owner, you may already be thinking about canceling your boat insurance in Saint Paul, MN. While this is a common thing to consider around this time of year, it is not the best thing to do. In fact, here at Rising Star Insurance, we recommend you keep your boat insurance all year long for a variety of reasons. These are just a few of them:

  • Damage can happen even when your boat is in storage. Even if you take your boat out of the water for winter and winterize it, there is still a potential for damage occurring to it over the course of the winter. If you do not have insurance on it during this time and you find the damage when the weather gets warmer, you will be stuck with the bill for the repair.
  • Someone can steal your boat any time of the year. Stranger things have happened and the last thing that you want to happen while you are not focused on your boat is for it to be stolen right out from under you with no way of paying for its replacement. During the winter, you may not even notice it is gone and it could be long gone by summer.

Now that you know why you should keep your boat insurance, you are more likely to think twice about canceling it as soon as the weather starts to get colder. If you already have it in place, we can take a look at your current policy to make sure there are no gaps in coverage. If you do not have it in place, be sure to reach out to us here at Rising Star Insurance, serving Saint Paul, MN, today so we can get you a free quote.

Protect Your Legacy with Umbrella Insurance in Saint Paul, MN

What would you do if you lost a court decision for slander, libel, or anything else? Depending on your lifestyle and your occupation, this might not be an outlandish scenario. There are hundreds of ways an outside actor could put your assets at risk. Unfortunately, your commercial or home insurance may not cover all of these events. Ask your Rising Star Insurance agent how you can protect your Saint Paul, MN home and business with umbrella insurance today.

How it Works

Umbrella insurance covers you if you have to pay damages due to a legal judgment. If someone sues, umbrella insurance can pay for your legal costs or court costs you are ordered to pay, thus protecting your assets. When you protect your wealth, you’re ensuring the future for your spouse and children who still depend on you or protecting your legacy for future generations.

Umbrella Insurance Coverage

Once your basic liability insurance is exhausted or if it’s an event that’s not covered by your basic liability insurance, the umbrella policy kicks in. A claim is made against you as a policyholder, then your insurance will pay a settlement not exceeding your total coverage. You’re responsible for paying the rest.

Without umbrella insurance coverage, you could lose your house, car, investments, and retirement accounts. If your business is subject to this risk, umbrella insurance provides protection for your family against the loss of your business, home, and other assets.

Contact Us

Feel free to call your Rising Start Insurance agent at 651-379-2788 for your umbrella coverage and other insurance needs in Saint Paul, MN. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and make an appointment for a quote. Your agent can help you with questions on other types of insurance as well.

 

Is Your Life Insurance Policy Really Enough?

Having life insurance can give you peace of mind and help provide security for your family. But is the policy you have providing enough coverage? Is it the right one for you? Those are important questions, and working with a knowledgeable agent at Rising Star Insurance can help you get answers you can count on. With the opportunity to get information and quotes from multiple companies, you can choose the policy that’s going to be the best fit for your needs. Some people need more coverage than others, and some have special situations or requirements they want to meet. No matter where in the Maplewood, MN area you live, you want to make sure you work with a company that will protect you the right way.

Whether your life insurance policy is enough often depends on your family situation, but there are additional considerations to address. A lot of people get life insurance when they start a career or a family, and then they just keep that policy. They don’t make any changes to it, meaning the policy doesn’t grow and change as their family grows and their life changes. What was enough for them at a young age with a spouse may not be enough for them at an older age with a spouse and two or three children.

It’s important to update and review a policy when things change in life to make sure the current coverage is still the best option. At Rising Star Insurance, we serve the Maplewood, MN area and are ready to help you get a life insurance policy that meets your needs or make changes to the existing one you have so it’s a better fit for your current life situation. Reach out to us today, and make sure your family is protected financially when your time comes.

Different Kinds of Commercial Insurance

Every business is different, which means every commercial insurance plan needs to be a bit different as well. The insurance coverage needs to be designed specifically for your company in mind. That is why Rising Star Insurance is here to help assist in finding the right coverage for your business in and around the Saint Paul, MN area. 

Property Insurance

Property insurance isn’t just for someone who owns the building. It also goes for those who rent out the facility as well. Property insurance will cover furniture, equipment, the loss of items from theft and so on. Replacing these items can prove costly, and many companies do not have the available capital to pay for such replacements. That’s why having the insurance coverage is important. 

Home Insurance

If you run your business out of the house, there’s a specific insurance coverage for it. While many businesses start out of the house, traditional home owner’s insurance does not always cover certain elements. This can include product stock, electronics and other hardware associated with running the business. Much like property insurance for a physical business location, home insurance for a business is necessary as well. 

Product Liability Insurance

In the off chance one of your products injures someone, it can cost you a considerable amount of money, if you’re not properly protected. Product liability insurance will give you this protection. 

No matter what kind of business you own and operate, you need appropriate commercial insurance. There are varying forms of commercial insurance available, so finding the right plans and packages is important. At Rising Star Insurance, you can work with a team of trained professionals, each of whom is on hand to help you find the coverage you need when doing business in and around Saint Paul, MN. Talk with one of our agents to get a quote and get started.

How Should You Handle Insuring Your Classic Car?

Most motorheads tend to keep a project or two around just for those wide-open weekends where they can work on bringing an old classic back to life. Car enthusiasts like to use the skills they have developed throughout their life. For others, it can be a gift for a son or daughter or even a retirement plan.

Here are a few tips from Rising Star Insurance to get the best possible policy for your classic car.

Determine the Value – The assigned value of the car will vary depending on which agency you go to. For instance, some insurance agencies might value the work you have already put in differently from others. Whereas you think it only needs a couple more Saturdays put in, the insurance agency might find that hard to believe. Decide on a specific value range you will feel good about.

Driving Frequency – For most cases in Saint Paul, MN, a classic car will be kept in the garage, wrapped in a tarp and hidden from the elements. This is not your everyday vehicle. It is the change-of-pace, Sunday drive type vehicle. This means you will not be driving it as much as you would a main policy vehicle, your policy should reflect that.

Different Company, Different Coverage – Classic cars are known in the public sphere by their distinctive look. The Chargers, Challengers, and older Mustangs of yesterday have a style that makes them very desirable today. But there are lesser-known classic cars that appeal to different drivers. Be aware of the market for your vehicle. You need a policy that fits your exact collector’s car.

Classic cars can be a beautiful but stressful endeavor. If you are located in the Saint Paul, MN area and want to explore your option for classic car insurance, call us at Rising Star Insurance to find your ideal policy.

What Information Do You Need to Provide When Getting a Quote for Recreational Insurance?

Here at Rising Star Insurance, serving the greater Saint Paul, MN area, one of the products we sell is recreational insurance. This is insurance that covers all of your recreational vehicles and toys, including quads, dirt bikes, jet skis, and RVs. If you are looking to purchase a new policy, you may wonder what information you will need to provide the agent to get a quote. Here are three critical pieces of information you should be prepared to provide.

The Type of Recreational Vehicle You Are Insuring

The first piece of information you will need to provide when you are looking to obtain a quote for recreational insurance is the type of recreational vehicle you are looking to insure. Always try to determine what type of vehicle your recreational vehicle is classified as and provide the proper term for it. 

The VIN of the Vehicle

Another key piece of information that you will need to provide when getting a quote for recreational insurance is the VIN of the vehicle. The VIN allows the insurance agent to pull information on the vehicle, such as its age, condition, and what type of classification the vehicle has. 

If There Are Any Add-On Parts

The last piece of information you should be prepared to provide when you are looking to get a quote for recreational insurance is whether there are any add-on or specialized parts on your recreational vehicle. These add-on or specialized parts are not typically covered. However, you may be able to take out a supplemental policy to cover these additional parts. 

If you are looking to purchase a new recreational insurance policy in the greater Saint Paul, MN area, Rising Star Insurance is here to help. Contact us today to obtain a free estimate.