Should You Take a Boating Safety Course?

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If you own a boat or watercraft in Minnesota, it’s your responsibility to secure boating insurance. New boat owners may have questions about their need for boating insurance. If you are in the Saint Paul, MN, area, our team at Rising Star Insurance is ready to answer your insurance queries. We’ve been serving boat owners in your area since 2009.

Should You Take a Boating Safety Course?

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, completing a boating safety course may lead to a discount on your boat insurance premiums. The course costs approximately $20 and is available online or through the local branch of the Coast Guard. Completion of an 8-hour boating safety course will result in a boating certificate.

During the boating safety course, students will learn about boating law and the types of safety equipment available for boating. You’ll learn the necessary actions to take in case of a boating emergency, such as hypothermia, capsizing, or carbon monoxide issues. Navigation rules and the use of navigation aids are also taught during the course. Boat owners who use a trailer can learn safe ways to attach and use a trailer.

Contact Us Today for Your Appointment

Responsible boat ownership involves taking care of your boat and adhering to safe boating rules. Residents of Saint Paul, MN, who want to learn about boat and watercraft insurance options can rely on us for reliable insurance information. Our team at Rising Star Insurance is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and a quick response to any claims. Call us for an appointment today to explore your insurance options.

Cover All Your Doubts with Umbrella Insurance Solutions

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If you have any insurance, you’ve likely asked a common question shared by policyholders everywhere – do I have enough? Whether you phrase it as "Am I covered," "Will my insurance pay for this," or "Do I have the protection I need," it all boils down to having the insurance coverage you need if you ever need it. That’s why so many people from the Saint Paul, MN area rely on the friendly and professional team at Rising Star Insurance for all their insurance needs, like umbrella insurance solutions for all your coverage doubts.

Cover All Your Doubts with Umbrella Insurance Solutions

While many people have questions about their coverage limits or are curious about gaps in their coverage, the good news is umbrella insurance provides a practical and smart solution to help cover those questions and doubts. That’s why working with an experienced and knowledgeable agent who can help with your coverage questions and provide you with the umbrella insurance solutions you need and deserve is important. If you have doubts or questions about your insurance coverage, umbrella insurance could be the answer.

Get Umbrella Insurance Solutions in Saint Paul, MN

If you’re a resident of Saint Paul, MN, or live in the nearby area, and have questions about umbrella insurance, or would you like to learn more about your coverage options with umbrella insurance solutions, we can help. Contact us to find out more, schedule an appointment for the protection you need and deserve at Rising Star Insurance, and cover all your doubts today.

Are Friends or Family Covered by My Policy if They Borrow My Car?

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Understanding Insurance Coverage When Loaning Your Car to Friends or Family

Unexpected situations involving a vehicle, such as breakdowns or accidents, can often lead to a friend or family member asking to borrow your car. Whether you live in Saint Paul, MN or travel to other Minnesota cities, it’s important to understand if your insurance covers friends or family members who borrow your vehicle. At Rising Star Insurance, our agents can explain the nuances.

Considerations When Loaning Your Vehicle in Saint Paul, MN

Generally, if a friend or family member occasionally borrows your car and gets involved in an accident in Minnesota, your insurance policy provides coverage. However, there are instances when your policy may not cover damage incurred by the borrower.

For instance, if the person borrowing your car consumes alcohol and then drives, resulting in an accident and injury to another driver, you could be held responsible. This could mean paying for medical expenses, specialized care, rehabilitation, or other losses the injured party incurs.

Other factors to consider include:

  • The person borrowing the vehicle must have the owner’s permission for normal use.
  • If the borrower allows another person to drive the vehicle, your insurance does not apply.
  • The borrower should have their own insurance in case your coverage is insufficient to cover accident/injury costs.
  • Criminal or negligent use of the borrowed vehicle is not covered.
  • Personal auto coverage does not cover borrowed vehicles used for business purposes.

Contact Us for More Information

When deciding whether to allow a friend or family member to borrow your vehicle, contact us at Rising Star Insurance. We can provide you with the necessary information about policy coverage.

Seasonal Riding and Motorcycle Insurance

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At Rising Star Insurance, serving the greater Saint Paul, MN area, our team frequently encounters questions about seasonal motorcycle insurance. Many people only ride their bikes during certain seasons, avoiding the harsh winter weather. If you’re one of these seasonal riders, here’s what you need to know about motorcycle insurance.

Reducing Insurance in the Off-Season

If you only ride your motorcycle during specific months, you can decrease your insurance when it’s parked for the season. Some insurance companies allow you to reduce coverage or pause it when you’re not riding, helping you save money.

Maintaining Basic Protection Year-Round

Even when you’re not riding, it’s advisable to maintain some basic coverage, such as protection against theft or damage. This ensures you’re covered if something happens to your bike while it’s not in use.

Adjusting Your Insurance for Riding Season

When it’s time to hit the road again, you can modify your insurance to add more coverage for the season. You can obtain extra protection for things like accidents or medical costs while riding and then adjust it again when you’re not riding.

Looking for a New Motorcycle Insurance Policy? Contact Rising Star Insurance Today

If you’re seeking professional assistance to find the right motorcycle insurance for your riding needs in Saint Paul, MN, you’ve come to the right place. Rising Star Insurance is here to help. Contact us today to learn more or start finding the perfect policy for your seasonal riding needs.

Watercraft Coverage That Protects Against Natural Disasters

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Torrential downpours, high winds, and hail can cause serious damage to your boat. It’s important to explore insurance products that will protect your boat if exposed to inclement weather conditions.

Damage From a Natural Disaster

Damage from a natural disaster may render your boat inoperable or unsafe. Such damage could also affect its resale value.

Insurance products designed to protect against natural disasters provide financial relief. Coverage can be used to repair the damage your watercraft has endured during a natural disaster.

Consider the following disasters and their potential impact.

Torrential Downpours

Torrential downpours could cause water to pool on decking materials, furnishings, navigational aids, and other fixed items within your boat. The excessive moisture could weaken or permanently damage materials. Flood insurance will absorb the costs associated with rehabilitating your watercraft.

High Winds

High winds could cause severe damage to your boat’s exterior. They could also loosen or dent materials, compromising its integrity.

Specialized insurance designed to protect against high winds will help you rehabilitate your watercraft promptly. Insurance may cover the cost of having your boat inspected professionally. It may also handle some or all of the expenses necessary to restore your boat.

Hailstorms

A hailstorm could damage your boat’s interior and exterior. Hail pellets could dent exposed surfaces, greatly reducing their overall value. Hail protection will help pay for the cost of having your boat serviced by a professional.

Contact An Agent Who Serves Saint Paul, MN

Contact one of our insurance agents at Rising Star Insurance Agency. After consulting with the agent, you will receive insurance coverage recommendations to protect your watercraft against natural weather events.

Life Insurance Needs for New Parents in Minnesota

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Saint Paul, MN, is a great place to live and raise a family. Life changes dramatically once you become a parent. While there are many joys when raising a child, it is also costly. You’ll need to re-examine your life insurance needs once you become a parent. You may decide you and your growing family will need extra life insurance.

Why Do You Need Extra Life Insurance?

Even if you already have life insurance, you probably either don’t have enough, or it doesn’t adequately cover the needs of your new family. For example, both parents should be covered, even if one is the primary provider and the other primarily stays home with the child. If a stay-at-home parent dies, the surviving parent would need money to pay for many expenses, including childcare.

What Are Your Options?

It would help to research the several types of life insurance coverage before choosing. Life insurance generally falls into two categories. 

  • Term Life Insurance: Term life insurance covers a certain period, such as 10 or 20 years. This type of coverage is usually more affordable and can be used when starting a family and building savings.
  • Permanent Life Insurance: This life insurance is adequate if you have the policy. There are several types of permanent life insurance, such as whole, universal, and variable life insurance.

How Can Rising Star Insurance in Saint Paul, MN Help?

At Rising Star Insurance, we’re locally owned and serve the Saint Paul area. We offer several types of insurance, including life insurance. Contact us today in Saint Paul, MN, to find out what type of life insurance policy is best for you and your family.

The Many Risks Businesses Face

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Mitigating Business Risks with the Right Commercial Insurance

Owning or managing a business entails significant work and notable risks. Thankfully, there are measures that entrepreneurs and managers can take to manage and reduce these risks, such as choosing the right commercial insurance policies. Coverage varies from one insurance policy to another. If you reside in or near Saint Paul, MN, and require assistance selecting commercial insurance policies, Rising Star Insurance is here to help. Let’s examine some of the prevalent risks businesses encounter.

Crime

It’s indisputable: numerous criminals target businesses. They could reap substantial profits if they manage to thieve expensive products or equipment. It’s not just tangible assets either—cybercrime has become a significant risk for organizations of all sizes. Furthermore, employees sometimes harbor criminal intent, complicating the prevention measures.

Weather Events

Natural disasters can severely impact businesses, with many entrepreneurs suffering enormous losses due to these uncontrollable events. Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards are common weather events to be cautious about. Besides causing property damage, weather events can disrupt production, potentially cutting off revenue streams.

Workplace Injuries

If a worker experiences an injury at a business, the business owner might bear various expenses, and there may be legal implications. Customers, too, can suffer injuries—a slip-and-fall incident, for instance, could unfold into complex liability issues.

There are numerous other risks that business owners need to be aware of. It’s prudent to scrutinize your business and identify the most pressing threats. From there, you may be able to find commercial insurance policies that offer suitable coverage. However, it’s vital to study every policy to understand what is meticulously and isn’t covered. If you’re seeking commercial insurance agents serving Saint Paul, MN, Contact Rising Star Insurance.

Local Flood Risks and Home Insurance Options in Saint Paul, MN

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Protecting your home in Saint Paul, MN, requires the correct type of homeowner’s and flood insurance, depending on your residential property’s precise location. Understanding the most common flood risks and issues that might impact your home in Saint Paul, MN, is essential whether you’ve just moved to the area or have lived here your entire life. At Rising Star Insurance, we can help you better understand the common risk factors associated with flooding while living in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to help you choose a policy that fits your needs.

Flood Risks Associated With Saint Paul, MN

The most common types of flood risks in Saint Paul, Minnesota, include:

  • Mississippi River: The close proximity of Saint Paul to the Mississippi River increases the risk of experiencing floodwaters, including snowmelt during the winter.
  • Flood Zones: In Saint Paul, it’s important to remember that specific areas are designated as high-risk. Remembering whether you’re moving to Minnesota or seeking comprehensive home and flood insurance is key.

Types of Home Insurance Policies for Flood Risks in Saint Paul

Given that homeowners insurance policies do not always cover flooding, consider the following:

  • National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): The NFIP program can assist in obtaining coverage for flood damage.
  • Private Flood Insurance Companies: Comparing insurance options for flooding with private insurers is also possible.

Knowing which areas of Saint Paul, MN, are high-risk is vital whether you’re already a homeowner in Minnesota or considering relocating to the state. The more familiar you are with flood risks and home insurance options, the easier it will be for you to maintain your peace of mind. Learn more about flood risks in Saint Paul and compare insurance policies that offer you the most protection by contacting Rising Star Insurance today.

Are My Teenage Kids and Friends Covered On My Auto Policy? What You Need To Know

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Understanding the ins and outs of auto insurance can be challenging. The language and terminology can sometimes be difficult to interpret. But don’t worry. The experienced team at Rising Star Insurance, serving the Saint Paul, MN area, is here to help you understand what your policy covers and what it doesn’t.

Our customers often ask, “Does my auto policy cover my teenage kids and their friends?”

According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, if you lend your car to a relative or a friend, and they have an accident and get injured, their injuries will be covered by their policy if they carry an automobile insurance policy. If they don’t have coverage, the benefits will be covered by your policy.

Secondly, if your vehicle is damaged, your damages are covered as long as you have comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. The details can become more complicated depending on who caused the accident. We are always available to help you work through such information.

What is Comprehensive and Collision Insurance?

Required auto insurance in Minnesota includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Liability, Uninsured, and Underinsured coverage. Collision and Comprehensive are two optional types of coverage that provide additional protection.

  • Collision: This is insurance coverage that pays for damages to your vehicle if you are in an accident with another vehicle or object.
  • Comprehensive insurance covers everything not covered by accident or collision coverage, including fire, theft, and falling objects.

Get The Right Saint Paul Auto Insurance Today

Auto insurance offers excellent coverage when you, a family member, or a friend are driving your vehicle. Contact Rising Star Insurance, serving the Saint Paul, MN, area, today.

What New Homeowners Must Know

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Have you recently moved into a new home, or is it in your plans for the near future? Being a homeowner can initially be a bit daunting; however, there are various measures you can take to mitigate risks and potential issues. We will discuss some helpful tips below. If you reside in or around Saint Paul, MN, get in touch with Rising Star Insurance to explore the right insurance policies for your home and other properties or for further advice.

An Effective Approach to Homeownership

First and foremost, it’s essential that you recognize that your home is an investment—likely your most significant one. Any damage to your residence could lead to severe financial and personal troubles. Therefore, maintaining and safeguarding your property against a range of risks is imperative.

Negligence toward your home can result in rapid deterioration, adversely affecting your finances. It’s often crucial to act swiftly. For instance, if you notice mold in your vents and have it cleaned, it might turn out to be a minor issue. However, overlooking and ignoring it can cause the mold to spread swiftly, leading to costly remediation bills.

Moreover, several risks that you need to be vigilant about include burglars, extreme weather conditions, fires, and more. The kind of coverage you will receive depends on your specific insurance policy, so understanding the fine print matters. Policies cover theft, tornadoes, hail damage, and other incidents. Some occurrences, like floods, are often not covered by regular home insurance policies. Still, you might have the option of purchasing separate plans.

If you require assistance choosing a home insurance policy and wish to speak with an agency in Saint Paul, MN, contact Rising Star Insurance. We would be delighted to help you identify the appropriate insurance plans to manage your risks.