Three Reasons Umbrella Insurance Is Essential for Homeowners

Saint Paul, MN residents who currently have a homeowners insurance policy that does not feature umbrella insurance may think that umbrella insurance is simply not for them. After all, it’s a common misconception that only the wealthy can purchase umbrella insurance as it is supplementary and not mandatory.

However, this is indeed a misconception. Here are three reasons why umbrella insurance is essential for all homeowners — regardless of your income.

1. It provides liability coverage for your home.

Someone can actually sue you if they are injured on your property and claim that your negligence caused their injury. Umbrella insurance provides coverage for medical bills in these cases and can also provide financial aid for your legal defense.

2. It provides liability coverage for car accidents.

In addition to providing liability coverage for your home and accidents that may occur there and result in lawsuits, umbrella insurance also offers coverage for auto accidents. For example, if you are at-fault in an auto accident and someone sues you, medical bills and legal coverage could be provided by your umbrella insurance.

3. It’s not expensive.

The last reason you should consider umbrella insurance for your homeowner’s insurance policy is that it’s not generally that expensive. Most of any claims you make will be covered by your first-tier homeowner’s insurance plan, so premiums for umbrella insurance are usually not expensive.

Contact Rising Star Insurance Today

If you are a Saint Paul, MN resident, Rising Star Insurance can help you find an umbrella insurance policy that meets your needs. We serve residents of White Bear Lake and the St. Paul area. Speak with one of our agents today about your umbrella plan options by giving us a call or stopping by our nearest location. We look forward to working with you!

Are There Different Types of Life Insurance?

Life insurance is something that we have all thought about at one time or another, but it is also something that very few of us fully understand. Though it would take far too long to explain it in detail, knowing what basic types of coverage are out there can help make the entire process of understanding a bit simpler. The agents with Rising Star Insurance, in the Saint Paul, MN area, can help you find the perfect coverage for your situation.

Term Life Insurance

There are two basic types of life insurance; the first is term. This means that the insurance policy is good for a specific term. This means that the policyholder can only use the coverage during a specified term. The term can be anywhere from 5 to 30 years and is ideal for younger individuals and those in certain situations. If you pass during this time, your beneficiaries will receive compensation for your death.

Whole Life Insurance

There is also something called whole life insurance. With this type of insurance, the insured can receive benefits from their passing at any point in their life. This is the type of insurance that most people want to have as there are no limits on when coverage can be used. The issue with this kind of coverage, however, is that this is going to cost more than term life insurance, but if you can to pay this sort of premium, it is more inclusive than term coverage.

If you have any questions about what type of coverage you might need or if you want to learn more, you can always talk to an agent about what is available and have your questions answered. The agents with Rising Star Insurance Brokers in the Saint Paul, MN area can help you get started with a life insurance policy right away.

3 Reasons to Rethink Your Auto Insurance

Your auto insurance probably doesn’t cross your mind on an average day. With all the things going on, it makes sense that you’d push it to the side for practically any other subject matter. However, this kind of thinking could very well get you into more trouble than you think. See why Rising Star Insurance wants you to rethink your auto insurance. 

It’s Linked to Your Independence 

  • Your car is your transportation to many important things in your life, such as work and school. Saint Paul, MN certainly has public transportation, but it’s not going to be as convenient as having your own car. If you don’t have enough auto insurance coverage to fix it up after a bad wreck, your whole lifestyle may have to change. You may feel like you’ve lost the option to choose how you get around. 

It’s Always Changing 

  • Your car, your location, your lifestyle: it can all change in a heartbeat, and your auto insurance has to change with it. If you add a fancy stereo system to your car, move to a new city, or start using it for your job, you need to call your insurance company to let them know. 

It’s Not All the Same 

  • Not every insurance carrier is the same, and it’s time you find out why. If you live in Saint Paul, MN, then call Rising Star Insurance to see how we’re different. We take the time to answer your questions and to work on your behalf to help you make the best possible decisions. Whether you choose to buy more coverage or stick with your current levels, we want you to feel completely confident and prepared in your choices. Call us today to see how we can help!

Should All Businesses Get Commercial Insurance?

If you own a business in Saint Paul, MN, you are likely to have an insurance policy to cover functions of your business. Companies come in different sizes, yet almost all of them sign up for insurance policies to cover their assets. The real question is if every business needs to get commercial insurance versus simply personal insurance plans. Regardless of the type of insurance you need, Rising Star Insurance will keep you covered.

The Need For Commercial Auto Insurance

If your business needs a large fleet of vehicles that are regularly used, commercial auto insurance would be the clear winner. If you have just one or a few cars that are used for occasional or non-essential tasks, you are probably better off with standard personal car insurance. Keep in mind; personal insurance typically won’t cover damage to products or personal injuries when transporting goods for business purposes.

Property Insurance

Property insurance is a class of commercial insurance that every small or large business should get. Not only would it cover damage done to your building in the event of a disaster, there are other more specific insurance policies for certain aspects of your business. For example, you can take out a policy to cover your boiler system, insurance to cover the windows in front of your store, or even builder’s risk insurance to cover damage during the construction of your new office.

Malpractice Insurance

Everybody has heard of malpractice insurance used for doctors, but it can also be applied to other professionals that are accused of making grave mistakes. High-class professionals like dentists, accountants, real estate agents, and others should consider malpractice insurance to cover lawsuits.

In reality, most businesses should have some kind of commercial insurance if your company is worth a significant amount. If your business operates in the Saint Paul, MN area, you may find what you need with Rising Star Insurance. Reach out to our agents to have all your questions answered.

Weather and Your Home Insurance Policy: Are You Covered?

Each year, insurance companies pay out billions of dollars in weather-related insurance claims. As extreme weather becomes more common and less predictable, the number of claims is expected to rise. If you have a homeowners insurance policy, you’re likely covered for most frequent weather events. However, not all weather-related damages are covered by all insurance policies. It’s up to you to figure out exactly what your policy covers, so you’re protected when severe weather strikes. 

Some policies limit or refuse payouts for select damages caused by wind and water. This applies in particular if you live in a Saint Paul, MN community that’s at risk for certain weather-related disasters. To make sure you have enough coverage, contact Rising Star Insurance Brokers today. You can also scan your current policy.

Pay close attention to: 

Water Damage

Water damage is common in most weather-related events. However, it’s not always covered. Some policies limit coverage for water intrusion caused by flooding while covering water damage resulting from broken pipes, melting snow, and torrential rains. This is particularly the case in policies purchased for homes located in areas that are known to flood. 

It’s up to you to make sure you’re covered before a flood occurs. If your policy does not include flood coverage, you may be able to purchase an additional flood policy or rider. 

Wind Damage

If you live in an area that’s beset with high winds, you may not be covered for certain types of wind damage unless your policy specifically says otherwise. Always pay attention to the exceptions included in your policy and cover the gaps in coverage with additional insurance coverage. 

To find out if you will be covered when severe weather strikes in Saint Paul, MN, call Rising Star Insurance Brokers and talk to an agent today.