Common Auto Insurance Exclusions

Your car insurance offers excellent protection when involved in an accident — it covers the vehicle and the occupants. While auto insurance offers superb coverage, it doesn’t cover you against all the risks. Like all insurance coverages, your car insurance has limitations and exclusions.

Since Rising Star Insurance wouldn’t want to see you caught flat-footed when filing auto insurance claims, here is what your car insurance doesn’t cover.

Mechanical breakdowns

Is your transmission acting up? Has your engine seized? Your typical car insurance doesn’t cover mechanical failures. You will have to cover these repairs from your pocket.

Commercial use

Are you delivering pizzas for your business? You must purchase commercial auto insurance for your vehicle; otherwise, your car insurance won’t compensate you when accidents happen.

Personal possessions

Car insurance won’t cover the damage or loss of personal stuff in your car. You will have to rely on your home or renters insurance when such losses occur.

Driving outside America

Your car insurance protects you when within the borders of the US. Crossing to another country voids your coverage, but you can consider a “rider” or “endorsement” to cover you in a foreign country.

Unapproved vehicle modifications

If you are customizing your car, it’s important to notify your insurance company. Your insurer assesses your vehicle by assuming its standard equipment, so if you have modifications, they may not be covered when losses occur.

Illegal activities

If your car is damaged when carrying out criminal activities, your insurer won’t come to your rescue. Similarly, if you try to defraud your insurer, your claim will not only be voided, but you can face criminal charges.

Car insurance in Saint Paul, MN

Want to learn more about car insurance? Please get in touch with Rising Star Insurance. We will help you know the basics of car insurance to help you get the most out of your coverage.

Preparing Your Home for Cooler Weather

When the thermometer starts to drop, there are some "to-do" items you can do to prepare your home for cooler weather. This is especially important in a frigid place like the Midwest and Minnesota. Keep the following in mind. These tips are courtesy of Rising Star Insurance serving Saint Paul, MN.

Check and service the HVAC systems.

You should have your HVAC system professionally checked and serviced by a reputable company. That company can tell you if you need any maintenance completed and what to do to get your system into tip-top shape. The reason you should have your HVAC system working correctly is that this leads to greater energy efficiency and overall effectiveness of the system.

Change your home’s filters.

It would be best if you also changed filters around your home before autumn arrives or as soon as possible. That includes the air filters for your HVAC system. That way, your HVAC system will work most efficiently during cold weather.

Check smoke detectors and change batteries.

The change of seasons provides an excellent reminder to check your smoke detectors and change the batteries in them. You want to ensure everything is working correctly throughout autumn and winter. This is extremely important as you work to make your home as safe as possible.

Have supplies like blankets on hand for power outages

You never know when a winter storm or any other reason might cause a power outage in your area. Be prepared by having supplies on hand. That includes blankets, batteries, flashlights, water, and nonperishable food. There are many other ways to prepare for power outages, such as a generator.

Don’t hesitate to contact us at Rising Star Insurance, serving Saint Paul, MN, to get more information about how we can meet your individual insurance needs.

Types of Life Insurance

When loved ones depend on you, it’s always important to have life insurance. These policies have two main types, each with pros and cons. If you don’t yet have life insurance or want more than you have, please give us a call at Rising Star Insurance in Saint Paul, MN to find out more and to get started. 

Whole Life Insurance

This is a popular type of policy as one of the main types of life insurance. It gets its name because a policy lasts for your whole life. It can’t be canceled as you get older if you keep paying the premiums as agreed. Even the issuing company can’t cancel your policy if you keep paying. This type of policy is more expensive, but many people appreciate that it doesn’t expire and can keep it even into their old age. A whole life policy also builds up a cash value. Policyholders can borrow against this sum if they need to. 

Term Life Insurance

A term life policy works much differently. It is suitable for only a set period, often about 20 years, and expires after that term. It does not build up a cash value but is less expensive. Many people find this an affordable way to keep a life insurance policy. Once the policy expires, it will be up to the former policyholder to apply for a new policy to keep life insurance. 

Choosing Your Life Insurance Policy

When you choose between a whole life and a term life policy, it can be helpful to talk to an insurance agent. If you need life insurance, call Rising Star Insurance in Saint Paul, MN to get started with a policy.

 

What other watercraft can you cover with boat insurance?

When you own a boat, you probably also own other watercraft. You might own a jet ski or two, a Seadoo, and athletic gear like water skis. You probably also own a canoe or kayak. They all need insurance, but did you know that you can insure them under your boat insurance policy from Rising Star Insurance?

The same boat insurance protects you while you navigate the waters of the lakes near Saint Paul, MN. While you don’t need a separate policy to protect all of the items you own, you need to list them all in your insurance policy. The list of property you provide to our insurance agent and the cost of your purchase of each of those items forms the foundation of our calculations for your premiums. Still, it also includes the basis for the property amount that your policy covers.

What That Means to You

Let’s say you buy a boat, a Seadoo, and a Kawasaki Jet Ski. You insure the boat for its purchase price of $150,000, but you leave off the Seadoo and jet ski. Even if you transport the three items on the same trailer and an accident damage them all simultaneously, your policy only covers the items named in it so that it wouldn’t cover the other watercraft. That means you’d lose about $14,000 that you would have to pay out of pocket to replace it.

Contact Us

Contact Rising Star Insurance serving the Saint Paul, MN area, for a boat insurance policy that covers all of your watercraft. We can help you obtain coverage for every watercraft you own, so you can avoid an expensive out-of-pocket cost if you have an accident.

Does your auto policy provide the features you need?

If you are a resident in the greater Saint Paul, MN metro area, it’s time to get to know the team at Rising Star Insurance. We are proud to serve the insurance needs of our community and would welcome the opportunity to work with you. Auto insurance policies’ features have changed significantly over the years, and now is a perfect time to double-check that you have the coverage you need!

Choosing the right features for your auto policy

If it’s been a while since you’ve looked at the features available with auto policies, you may be surprised by all of the benefits that currently come with car insurance. 

One of the more exciting features you may be interested in is the Declining Premium. With this feature, you can have the cost of your premium reduced over time as long as you maintain a safe driving record. 

Another popular feature is Roadside Assistance. This allows you to take to the road knowing that you have a backup if you experience a breakdown or another similar type of mishap. 

In most cases, both of these features can be added to your policy. And if it’s time for you to review your current auto policy, it makes sense to take a look at the available features simultaneously. 

There are many great ways that your auto policy can protect you, and not all of them have to do with damage or collision protection.

Find out more today!

Call us if you are in the Saint Paul, MN area and are looking for help with your insurance needs. Rising Star Insurance is here to help you find the right insurance for your needs. Call or stop by today!

It’s time to review your Minnesota auto insurance policy

Saint Paul, MN area residents can rest assured that the team at Rising Star Insurance is here to meet all of their insurance needs! We encourage all of our clients to review their policies regularly to ensure that they still provide the necessary coverage. If, after your review, you find that it’s time to make some changes to your auto policy, give us a call!

Now is a perfect time to review your auto insurance policy

Many folks automatically review their auto insurance policies year after year without giving it much thought. While this might be an okay thing to do for a while, if a significant amount of time has passed since you’ve taken a close look at your policy, now is the time for a full review!

Don’t let complacency cause future problems that can be easily avoided! And, if, when you sit down for that review, you’re not sure what you’re looking for, don’t give up. Call us today if you can’t make heads or tails of your policy or would just like a bit of help. A local agent who understands our community and the insurance needs of our residents can be a fantastic resource for you.

Don’t procrastinate until your coverage is completely outdated! Review your policy regularly and ensure that your protection is in-line with your needs. You may be surprised at how much those needs have changed.

Find out more today!

Rising Star Insurance is here to serve all of the insurance needs of the metro Saint Paul, MN area. If it’s been a while since you have taken a close look at your auto policy, give us a call today! We are here to help you.

How To Choose the Right Motorcycle Insurance Policy

Motorcycle insurance is a must for all riders. But with so many policies to choose from, which one is the right one for you? Here are tips to help you choose the right policy.

1. Get to Know Your State Requirements

All states have minimum requirements for motorcycle insurance, but you should know what they are so that you can make sure your policy meets them. If it doesn’t, you could be found uninsured if pulled over or involved in an accident with another vehicle. In MN, the state requires at least bodily injury liability up to $30,000/$60,000 and property damage liability of at least $10,000. Liability covers another person’s medical expenses if you are deemed responsible for an accident.

2. Understand the Coverage Type

There are many different types of coverage, and it’s important to understand the differences. Bodily injury liability covers another person’s medical expenses if you are deemed responsible for an accident. Personal injury protection (PIP) will pay for your own injuries or that of your passengers regardless of who is at fault. Property damage pays for repairs to another vehicle in an accident you caused. Collision pays for repairs to your own bike after a collision, and Comprehensive covers the cost of stolen or damaged parts on your motorcycle not involved in an accident.

3. Look at the Deductibles

Deductibles are the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. The higher your deductible, the lower your cost, but if you choose a high deductible and an accident occurs, it could be quite costly out of pocket. You may also want to consider who your motorcycle policy covers as well as your policy.

There are plenty of options when it comes to motorcycle insurance. Make sure you understand your state requirements and choose a policy that fits your needs and budget. Looking for motorcycle insurance in Saint Paul, MN? Rising Star Insurance is here to help. Call us today for a free quote.

How does boat insurance work?

Boat insurance is a must because it provides you with both essential protection. And more than just protecting your boat, it protects you as well. Rising Star insurance, in Saint Paul, MN, offers two types of quality insurance coverage designed to meet your needs. Both levels provide personal liability protection if you are sued by someone injured while they were on your boat.

Boat insurance is a method of risk management used by boat users to mitigate financial losses from perils, particularly physical damage or loss resulting from accidents or negligence. Boats are insured against many but not all risks. Insurance coverage varies in the amount and type of risk it covers.

How does boat insurance work?

Boat insurance covers damage to your boat and the things you keep in it. Like a car, your boat, and everything you own on it is covered by insurance when you have a comprehensive policy. This protects against theft, fire, vandalism, malicious damage, and acts of God. Collision cover is there to pick up the pieces if someone hits your boat or if you run into something.

Boat insurance covers your boat from theft and financial losses, including loss due to fire, storm, explosion, and sinking. Most boat insurance policies also cover personal items on board, such as clothing, toiletries, and fishing equipment. If you have an accident or your boat is vandalized, your third-party liability cover will pay for the damage you cause to a third party’s property and legal costs in defending you. When choosing boat insurance, it is essential to understand precisely what you want to be covered for and how much protection you want for your boat and its contents.

Why do you need boat insurance?

Why do you need boat insurance? You need to protect yourself against unexpected damage, theft, or total loss of your boat. Whether a boat insurance policy covers you or not, anything can happen to your boat. On top of normal wear and tear, your boat is exposed to the elements and may become damaged if not properly maintained. Even if it’s well-maintained, you never know when an accident might happen while you’re enjoying your time in the water. Having a standard insurance policy on your boat is essential for when accidents occur and for unforeseen problems that can affect your boating enjoyment.

Rising Star insurance is dedicated to all kinds of boats, including fishing and cruising boats, so if you’re looking for excellent insurance for your boat, we are here to help. Please speak to one of our agents in Saint Paul, MN, and get boat insurance coverage today!

The Reasons Why You Need Life Insurance

Are you debating life insurance for your Saint Paul, MN family but aren’t sure if it’s right for you? Let us help you at Rising Star Insurance. There are many reasons why you need life insurance. However, these simple reasons all help to make your family safer after you pass. Here are three of the most common reasons people get life insurance and what you need to know about them.

Death Can Come at Any Time 

Are you still relatively young and in good health? That’s wonderful, but death can happen even to the most prepared person. We’re not trying to scare you here, but it is essential to remember that things like car accidents, cancer, and much more don’t care about your overall health and youth. 

Your Loved Ones Need Protection 

Are you the primary breadwinner in your family? Then it would help if you had life insurance for after you pass. This policy will help your family take care of your after-life needs and recover after losing you. Money is not enough to replace you, but it can help make life a little easier to handle. 

Life Insurance is Usually Not Taxed 

When you leave money to your family after you pass, much of it will be heavily taxed, and your family won’t see that portion ever again. However, a life insurance policy is not taxed, meaning that they’ll get the vast majority of the payment, making life easier after you pass away. 

Give Your Family This Help 

If you want life insurance that Saint Paul, MN can trust to handle your after-life needs, please call us at Rising Star Insurance right away to learn more. Our team will work with you to find a meaningful policy and ensure that you are satisfied. 

Can commercial insurance protect a Minnesota business?

The Saint Paul, MN area has continued to be a good place to own and operate a business. If you do own a business in this part of the state, you can find that there is a lot of support for small organizations and that you can be quite successful. While there are clear opportunities for those in this area to do well, there are risks as well. A way that some risks can be offset is by getting a commercial insurance plan as it can protect a company in several ways.

Mitigate Liability Risk

A great way that someone can benefit by having a commercial insurance plan is that they can offset their liability risk. Business owners should always be aware that there is a chance that they could be held liable for an accident that results in a loss. As the damages can be significant, getting commercial insurance to mitigate the risk is helpful. 

Protect Assets of Company

You can also be protected by commercial insurance as it can cover your assets. A commercial property insurance plan can cover a wide range of assets that are owned by a business. If they are stolen, damaged, or destroyed, your commercial insurance plan can give the coverage you need to repair or replace them. 

Businesses all over the Saint Paul, MN area are going to need to have proper insurance support in place. If you would like to get commercial insurance protection here, it is always beneficial to speak with someone that you can trust and that is experienced. In this area, Rising Star Insurance is always a great group to call. The team with Rising Star Insurance can help you carefully assess all insurance options and give any support needed to build your next plan.