 |
Elk Agency
|
Are You Ready for Winter?
Share this with your friends and family and make it a tradition. Taking these steps now could help save a lot of time and aggravation later. So when setting your clocks back (for example), also remember to:
IN THE CAR:
*Check that the tires are properly
inflated, including the spare
*Do a “penny test” on all tire treads
*Check all vehicle fluids
*Change wiper blades if needed
*Prepare a vehicle emergency kit to
keep in the trunk:
*Pair of boots, and gloves
*Small blanket
*Bottled water
*Kellogg protein bars
*Ice scraper
*Small shovel
*Flashlight and extra batteries
*Windshield washer fluid
*Tire Gauge
*First-Aid kit
*Bag of abrasive material such as sand
AT HOME:
*Change your batteries in Smoke detectors and
Carbon monoxide monitors and test them.
*Clean chimney flue
*Furnace check yearly
*Make sure you home fire extinguisher gauge
Is still in the green and the safety pin in the
Handle
*Have snow melt or salt available for driveways
And sidewalks
INSURANCE FOR STAY-AT-HOME SPOUSES
When most people think about Life Insurance, they think about replacing the take-home pay earned by the family's primary breadwinner should he/she die. Yet it could be just as important to insure a stay-at home spouse.
The issue is one of valuation: how do you set a dollar figure on the contributions that a stay-at-home spouse makes to a family? Start by looking at the functions he/she provides: cooking, cleaning, childcare, shopping, laundry, paying bills. How much would it cost for those same services?
In a recent survey, Salary.com estimated that full-time stay-at-home spouses in the U.S. work 96 hours a week and, if paid $25 per hour, would earn more than $123,000 a year. Reduce the hourly rate by half, and you're still talking about more than $60,000 a year.
Another way to look at it is to break out the cost of some of the services the surviving spouse might have to buy if the stay-at-home spouse passes away:
1.In home childcare can easily run $20,000-30,000 or more a year (Source:Fox Business, 2010) and:
2. Housecleaning or weekly maid service can run $5,000-8,000 a year (Source:Costhelper.com)
So, for a newly single parent of two children, the price of continuing to work could mean spending as much as $40,000 or more a year on child care and household services. If you can't imagine finding that kind of additional cash flow, covering your spouse or partner with a life insurance policy to pay those expenses for as many years as needed makes sense.
For help or questions on this subject or assessing your situation, please call.
Rick Roche
Elk Agency, Inc.
763-241-0656
CONTINUATION ON: DOES YOUR INSURANCE NEED ADJUSTING?
5. HAVE YOU SWITCHED JOBS AND/OR DRAMATICALLY INCREASED OR DECREASED YOUR EARNED INCOME?
If you have a significant increase or decrease in your income that has caused changes in your lifestyle, you may want to adjust your life insurance policy. Once you retire, reevaluate your life insurance to see if any changes are warranted. And, if you're no longer commuting every day, you may qualify for lower auto insurance premiums.
6. HAVE YOU AQUIRED NEW VALUABLES?
Your homeowners insurance policy, which also covers personal property up to specified limits, typically covers new purchases automatically. However, make sure that any new purchases don't exceed the limits of your policy. Periodically review your inventory of personal property to make sure everything is covered.
7. HAVE YOU MADE EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS TO YOUR HOME?
Make sure to review your policy limits when you add significant value to your home. It's actually a good idea to review your limits periodically to make sure you policy will replace your home if it is totally destroyed. Changes in the cost of rebuilding a home can outpace to the limits of your policy, and you don't want to be left unpprotected.
OUR ADVICE...............IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO REASSESS YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR. PLEASE CALL IF YOU'D LIKE TO DISCUSS YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS IN MORE DETAIL.
ELK AGENCY, INC.
RICK ROCHE
763-241-0656
CONTINUATION ON:
DOES YOUR INSURANCE NEED ADJUSTING?
3. HAVE YOU HAD A BABY?
You should ensure that your life insurance coverage is sufficient to provide for the child's needs until adulthood, perhaps including educational expenses in addition to day to day expenses.
Also review your disability insurance coverage, since you now have another dependent relying on your income.
Keep in mind that you typically have 30 days after birth to add your child to your employer-sponsored health plan.
4. ARE THERE ANY NEW DRIVERS IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD?
If you have a teenager who has just started driving, be prepared for significant increases in your auto insurance. Insurance companies often give premium discounts when the new driver has taken a certified driver's training course or is a good student, so make sure to check with your insurance company. Once your child goes away to college, inform your insurance company if your child did not take a car to college.
****AGAIN, LOOK NEXT WEEK FOR A CONTINUATION OF THIS INFORMATION: ALL GOOD THINGS TO KNOW AND KEEP IN MIND!*******
ELK AGENCY, INC
RICK ROCHE
763-241-0656
DOES YOUR INSURANCE NEED ADJUSTING?
The policies that you put in place 5 years ago or even 1 year ago may not be just right for you today!!
Thus, you should review your insurance every year or after a major life event, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a new job, or the death of a spouse or dependent.
During that review you make of, consider these 7 questions................
1. Have you recently married or divorced?
2. Has your spouse died or become disabled?
3. Have you had a baby?
4. Are there any new drivers in your household?
5. Have you switched jobs and/or dramatically increased or decreased your earned income? Have you Retired?
6. Have you aquired any new valuables?
7. Have you made any extensive renovations to your home?
1. HAVE YOU RECENTLY MARRIED OR DIVORCED?
A marriage or divorce may affect several different types of insurance needs, including: LIFE, HEALTH, HOMEOWNERS AND AUTO
*LIFE...You may want to purchase a life insurance policy that would provide additional income to your surviving new spouse if you die. *HEALTH....You'll typically need to add your spouse to your employer-sponsored health insurance within 30 days of marriage or wait for the open enrollment period that typically occurs once a year. *HOMEOWNERS...if your combining households, you may need to increase personal property insurance so that all of your possessions are protected in case of theft or damage. *AUTO....Many insurance companies offer discounts for multiple policies. The savings can be significat if both you and your new spouse have auto insured by the same company. Insurance companies that offer both auto and homeowners insurance may provide even larger discounts for those who purchase both types of policies.
2. HAS YOUR SPOUSE DIED OR BECOME DISABLED?
These types of changes warrant a reassessment of all your insurance needs. If your spouse died, you'll want to rename beneficiaries on your life insurance policies.
*****MORE TO FOLLOW NEXT WEEK ON THE ADJUSTING OF YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS.....WATCH FOR NEXT WEEKS CONTINUATION!*****
ELK AGENCY, INC
RICK ROCHE
763-241-0656
Be
Careful.
HUGE HOLIDAY WEEKEND...BE SAFE...DONT DRINK AND DRIVE AND..... DONT TEXT AND DRIVE!!!!
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO ALL OUR FRIENDS, FAMILY & CLIENTS!
ELK AGENCY INC./RICK ROCHE/763.241.0656
Boats over 50 HP (Horse Power) must be insured for Liability Separately!
Please give us a call to make sure there are no gaps in your policy.
If you hear of your neighbors, friends or family talking about their insurance rates going up, have them give us a call. We as a team, work with 14 different carriers and we will work real hard in finding them the best rate out there!
Have a Safe and Enjoyable Summer!
Elk Agency, Inc.
Rick Roche
763.241.0656
Travelers Offers: Peace of Mind For Your Special Day!
WEDDING INSURANCE CAN MAKE THINGS RIGHT WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG
A wedding is an investment, and as the average cost of weddings rises, now up to $27,000, wedding insurance is needed more than ever. After all, you wouldn't buy a new car that costs that much without insuring it against damage.
For as little as $160, your wedding insurance policy can cover a variety of situations such as:
- NO DRESS: A gown or tuxedo is lost or damaged
- LOST DEPOSITS: If vendor goes out of business, or declares bankruptcy
- LOST RINGS: Bride or Grooms wedding bands are lost or damaged
- SEVERE WEATHER: Bad weather forces you to postpone
- TRANSPORTATION SHUTDOWN: If commercial transportation shut down preventing bride, groom or parents from getting there
- RUINED PHOTOS: If photographers film is defective, or negatives are lost or damaged.
- CALL OF DUTY: Bride or groom is unexpectedly called up to active duty.
- DAMAGED GIFTS: If wedding gifts are damaged.
- SUDDEN ILLNESS: Need to suddenly postpone due to Illness and bride, groom or parents are unable to attend.
- VENUE REQUIRES INSURANCE: Add liability coverage to protect yourself in case a guest is injured or causes damage to property.
- LIQUOR LIABILITY: Added coverage to protect yourself against liability arising from alcohol-related occurrences.
Elk Agency, Inc.
Rick Roche
763-241-0656
Don't Forget.....We now have a Satelite Office in Monticello!!!!
Bryan Holte is an our Independent Agent in that office and he is located at
4300 School Boulevard (behind Walmart)
Stop in and Say hi to Bryan!
ELK AGENCY, INC
ELK RIVER OFFICE
763.241.0656
MONTICELLO OFFICE
763.295.2922
Roadside Assistance with Progressive
![[]](http://emailimages2.progressive.com/Images/Agency/spacer.gif){kind=spacer}
Before you hit the road, get roadside assistance, so you can roll with total confidence.
For a few bucks a month, you can travel with peace of mind knowing around-the-clock help's just a phone call away.** Progressive's Emergency Roadside Assistance coverage helps give you peace of mind. If you would be interested in having this valuable coverage on your policy, talk to your Progressive agent.
What's Included?
You can purchase this coverage with your Progressive policy. Its available 24/7 — just call 1-888-776-2778 at any time — and a representative will dispatch a roadside service professional to help you with the following services:
- Towing — Whenever your vehicle requires more than at-the-scene service, you can use your Roadside Assistance coverage to have it towed anywhere within a 15-mile radius, or to the nearest qualified repair facility if one doesn't exist within 15 miles.
- Flat Tire Change — No need to panic if you have a flat. A roadside professional can put the spare tire on your vehicle at the scene.
- Battery Jump-Start — Call us if your battery fails. If possible, it will be jump-started at the scene to help get you on your way.
- Emergency Fuel and Fluid Delivery — If you run out of gas or your vehicle overheats, get the required fuel or fluids you need delivered directly to your vehicle. You only pay for the cost of the fuel or fluids. The delivery and service is free.
- Locksmith Service — If your keys are lost, stolen or accidentally locked inside your vehicle, we will dispatch a qualified service provider. You only pay for the cost of the keys.
If you have Roadside Assistance coverage on your policy, the easiest way to use it is to call us at 1-800-776-2778. We'll send a service provider to you to get you up and running as soon as possible. Once the provider takes care of your car, you just sign the invoice and drive away. We pay the bill, and you pay nothing out of pocket (unless, of course, you request work that isn't related to the break down).
Note: In some states, such as North Carolina and Virginia, Roadside Assistance coverage is subject to limits stated on your policy. Roadside Assistance is not available on Progressive Commercial Auto policies.
If you contacted and paid for a Roadside Assistance service provider on your own, please send your receipt/invoice to Progressive Roadside Assistance, PO Box 9147, Medford, Mass., 02155. You'll need to include your name, policy number, the year/make/model of the vehicle that was serviced and a return address. Once we verify your coverage is in order, we'll reimburse you for your expenses, as long as they're within coverage limits.
That Easy?
Yep. That easy. Whether you're in your own driveway or on the road, a Roadside Assistance customer service representative is ready to help. We'll send you some company right away.
Elk Agency, Inc.
Rick Roche
763-241-0656
Tips for a fun (and furry) road trip this spring!
Before you go, call to make sure your pet is welcome at your destination, and make sure your pet's ID tag is updated and includes your cell phone number.
On the road, have your pet ride securely in a crate or wear a harness. And, don't let your pet ride with its head out of the window.
No matter where you go, you protect your dog or cat with Progressive Pet Injury Coverage. It's free with Comprehensive and Collision coverage on your car, boat or RV, and we'll pay your vet bills up to $1,000 if your dog or cat is hurt when you're in an accident.
Pets are family, too!
You take them to the park, to the groomer's, and out for joyrides…we're talking about your pets. And we think they should be covered by your auto insurance policy.
That's why Progressive was the first to offer Pet Injury coverage and is now happy to offer up to $1000 worth of coverage for your dog or cat if they're injured when you’re in a car, RV, boat, or PWC accident or during a car, RV, boat, or PWC fire or theft.
And, it's free. Progressive's Pet Injury coverage is automatically included with your Comprehensive and Collision coverage.*
How Pet Injury Coverage Works
It couldn't be easier because you don't have to do or pay anything. It's absolutely free. You just need to have Comprehensive and Collision coverage for at least one vehicle on your Progressive policy.
Pet Injury coverage pays up to $1000 toward veterinary bills if your dog or cat is injured when you're in a car accident. We also cover them for Comprehensive claims, such as vehicle theft or a fire. In the unfortunate event that your pet dies as a result of injuries sustained in your Collision or Comprehensive claim, we provide a $1000 death benefit.
Coverage also extends to a cat or dog owned by a relative who lives with you.
Elk Agency Inc
Rick Roche
763-241-0656
~BIG NEWS~BIG NEWS~BIG NEWS~
Elk Agency is excited and very proud to announce that we are now members of the "Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce"!
Rick Roche
Elk Agency, Inc.
763.241.0656
~~~~~IT'S SPRINGTIME~~~~
AND YOU'VE GOT A MOTORCYCLE !!
ELK AGENCY wants to remind you that we have 4 different companies that we can write your insurance with! They automatically include accessories such as:
*HELMETS
*CLOTHING
*SADDLE BAGS, ETC.
MAKE SURE YOU GIVE US A CALL IN ADVANCE TO GET YOU SET UP WITH YOUR MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE.......
That way your ready for the road!
Elk Agency, Inc.
763-241-0656
"FLOOD INSURANCE"
Did you know that Flooding is not a covered loss event that is covered by your basic homeowners insurance policy? Thats right, this type of coverage can only be purchased through the National Flood Program. This policy can be purchased through ELK AGENCY.
The National Flood Program requires a 30 day waiting period before the policy coverages become effective. That is why it is very important that anyone who feels they have a need for this coverage should contact ELK AGENCY as soon as possible to get your quote for this type of coverage.
If your property is not listed in a flood zone, the cost of the flood policy could be purchased between $250-$455 per year depending on the coverages you choose.
Just Let Us Know!
Rick Roche
ELK AGENCY
763-241-0656
9/27/2010
Its "SNOWMOBILE SEASON"
1. Are you ready? 2. Are you Insured?
Let's make this a safe season and make sure you are insured!
You not only have to have LIABILITY, BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE COVERAGE ON THOSE SLEDS TOO!
GIVE US A CALL, LET OUR STAFF OF PROFESSIONALS
HELP YOU!
Rick Roche
Elk Agency
763-241-0656
Does ordering credit for my Insurance effect my credit scores?
Many clients have voiced concern over insurance companies ordering credit when you apply for a new Insurance company. While it is true that credit will effect your rate quotes and having a good "Insurance Credit Score" can improve the rates you can recieve on a new insurance policy, it is incorrect that the ordering of these reports will harm your "Financial Credit Score"Below is informantion released by MIIA:
Question - When we run social security numbers for the potential clients, could it harm them in anyway? For instance, we have quite a few that are looking to refinance their mortgages...would this be a negative hit for them in any way, shape or form to refinance?
Isn't it true that insurance company inquiries show up on an individual's credit report and affect the overall scoring? Can't this have a negative impact for a person trying to obtain a loan?
Since TransUnion began treating insurance company inquiries into a consumer's credit file as soft inquiries as of July 23, 2003, and since inquiries drop off of a credit report after two years, only the consumer can see these inquiries, much like promotional inquiries. No insurance company or other company can see or consider these inquiries. However, even prior to this decision by TransUnion, Allstate's scoring model ignored all insurance-related inquiries and Fair Isaac, a leading developer of credit scoring models, stopped considering insurance inquiries in their credit and insurance scoring models.*
Basically ordering credit for insurance scoring will not impact your credit score for obtaining a loan.
Thank you for your business and have a great Labor Day weekend.
Take Care,
Rick Roche
763-241-0656
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOU, OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS!
#1 We specialize in "Stand Alone" Products such as:
Boats
ATV's
Campers
Snowmobiles
#2 We can shop 14 different markets for you and also 6 commercial markets!
#3 Whether you have good credit, bad credit, prior insurance or no prior insurance, let us go to work for you!
Rick Roche
Elk Agency
763-241-0656
6/22/2010
REMINDER
If you have purchased any new:
- Furs
- Jewelry
- Guns
Remember to put them all on a rider to your policy to "insure" them properly!
We at Elk Agency wish you all a great safe and happy "4th of July"!!!!
You can always give us a call and talk with our friendly staff at:
Rick Roche
Elk Agency
763-241-0656
Boats over 50 HP (Horse Power) must be insured for Liability Separately!
Please give us a call to make sure there are no gaps in your policy.
If you hear of your neighbors, friends or family talking about their insurance rates going up, have them give us a call. We as a team, work with 14 different carriers and we will work real hard in finding them the best rate out there!
Elk Agency
763-241-0656
Our Carrier "Travelers" offers coverage for:
Keep this in mind while planning yours or your son/daughters upcoming wedding!
For more information, call us at 763-241-0656
Rick Roche
Elk Agency
763-241-0656
If you get yourself a new "toy" (boat, camper atv, motorcylce, etc) make sure to call us and get your best quote for insurance! Remember, these items need their own policies to be properly insured. At Elk Agency we work with many companies that offer customized policies at the most competitive rates avaliable.
You can use our "get a quote" tool to request a estimate to insure your new toy.
Rick Roche
Elk Agency
763-241-0656
 |  |  |  | ||
 |  |  |  |
We serve more than the Elk River! We also serve Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding suburbs including Maple Grove, Plymouth, Champlin, Osseo, Rogers, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, New Hope, Coon Rapids, Anoka, Ramsey, Dayton, Albertville, St. Michael and much more.
503 Jackson Ave. NW | Suite 209 | Elk River, Minnesota 55330 | Phone (763) 241-0656 | Fax (763) 441-7216
Copyright ©2010 Elk Agency Insurance. | All rights reserved.
