Do You Need Insurance If Your House Is Paid Off?

People keep insurance on their homes while they’re making payments to protect themselves in the event something happens. Lenders often require it as well. However, after your mortgage is paid off, you may think you can take a risk and save yourself money. Rising Star Insurance, serving Saint Paul, MN and the surrounding region, wants to educate homeowners about the risks associated with dropping insurance after their house is paid off. 

Legal Requirements

While you have a mortgage, lenders usually require you to have insurance to make sure they get their money. Additionally, this insurance protects the homeowner as well if something should happen. Since you no longer have a lender who wants payment for your home, you no longer hold any obligation to have homeowner’s insurance. On the contrary, homeowner’s insurance protects you once your home is paid off. It provides you with compensation if your home or possessions should be damaged. Each policy is different regarding how much and what it covers, so it’s important to compare your policy. You’ll also need to make adjustments to your policy once you pay it off.

Saving Money in the End  

Think about what would happen if something caused an extensive amount of damage to your home. Would you be able to afford to make the necessary repairs? Additionally, if something happened that made your house uninhabitable, do you know where you’d go? Would you have the money to stay in a hotel and still afford to hire help to repair the damage? Keep in mind, you may have to spend thousands of dollars in damages. 

Receive a quote for homeowner’s insurance from Rising Star Insurance, serving Saint Paul, MN and the general vicinity, by calling 651-379-2788. 

 

 

 

 

Saint Paul MN 

 

 

Can You Buy Multiple Life Insurance Policies?

At Rising Star Insurance, serving the Saint Paul, MN area, we are asked many questions about life insurance policies. One of the questions that we have heard multiple times is whether one individual can purchase more than one life insurance policy, or have more than one life insurance policies out on their life. If this is a question you have been wondering, read on to learn the answer to this question. 

Can You Buy Multiple Life Insurance Policies? 

You can both purchase as many life insurance policies as you want and have as many life insurance policies as you want out on one person at the same time. There is no limit to the number of life insurance policies that you can buy, as long as the person you are insuring agrees that you can take a policy out on them, when applicable. Likewise, there is no limit to the number of life insurance policies one person can have out on them at one time. 

Why Would You Purchase Different Life Insurance Policies? 

One person may be purchasing various life insurance policies to ensure they are covered in the event someone important in their life passes away, such as their spouse, parents or business partner. 

One person may have different life insurance policies out on them for a number of reasons. It is common for a divorced couple with minor children to have life insurance policies on each other to help ensure the children are supported in the event one parent passes away. A spouse may also have a life insurance policy in place. Lastly, business partners may have life insurance policies out on each other to help protect their business finances in the event one party passes away. 

Whether you are looking to purchase one life insurance policy or more than one life insurance policies in the greater Saint Paul, MN area, we at Rising Star Insurance can help you. Contact us to discuss your life insurance needs with us and we will work with you to find you the right life insurance products for your needs. 

What kind of coverage do I need for my business

Being a business owner comes with lots of liability. Having the correct insurance for your particular type of business is important for your financial security. Commercial insurance is not a one size fits all type of insurance. At Rising Star Insurance in Saint Paul, MN, they would be happy to discuss your commercial insurance needs with you and help you find the perfect policy for your business.

Property Insurance This type of policy covers the physical building in which your business resides as well as the equipment used to transact your business. Depending on the type of insurance you choose you will be covered for fire, theft, vandalism, lightning, hail, wind and other perils. One of our agents can help you decide which offers the coverage you need.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance While similar to personal auto insurance, commercial vehicle insurance typically has higher liability limits. It covers vehicles that are owned by the business as well as vehicles that may be rented. Beyond just liability, collision and comprehensive may be called for.

Liability Insurance If a customer is injured while visiting your business or while using a product that you sell, you could be held responsible. This coverage typically protects against bodily injury, damage to another person’s personal property, personal injury, and advertising that may be considered false or misleading. If you have high assets, an umbrella policy can extend the limits of coverage.

Workmen’s Comp Insurance  In Minnesota, workmen’s compensation insurance is mandatory. Employers can choose to buy insurance or self-insure. This insurance is required for all employees both full and part-time and protects both your business and your employees.

Why not give us a call and make an appointment to come in and talk to one of our agents. At Rising Star Insurance in Saint Paul, MN, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with great service and insurance that will protect them from all the issues that can arise when you own a business.

 

 

Covering the contents of your home

You want coverage on your home against fire and storms, and most people also want to cover the contents of the home as well. The standard homeowner’s policy in Minnesota covers contents as well as the structure itself. Rising Star Insurance in Saint Paul, MN is here to help you have the coverage you need for your particular situation.

On most policies items like furniture, appliances, clothing, rugs, and personal belongings.  This would include furniture in sheds or garages on your property as long as the small outside buildings are listed on your policy. 

Policies may also cover property in your car, such as a laptop that you had locked in the car in your driveway. The only problem may be the deductible, which may be more than the property is worth.  Property stolen, or damaged during a burglary is also covered, but again the amount of the deductible will be a determining factor as to whether it is worth it to make a claim.

If you have some very valuable items, like jewelry of a collection of some kind that has value, you might want to consider a rider on your policy. This would have to be declared when you get your insurance, and it would have to be included in the policy. It is a good idea to keep receipts just in case you do have damage and need to file a claim.

GIve Rising Star Insurance a call in Saint Paul, MN for your homeowner insurance needs. We can help you find just the right overage that fits you and your individual situation. We can also help you cover valuable items or special collections you may have inside your home. Also, remember to update your policy yearly to make sure you are covered.

Is having a motorcycle insurance policy a necessity for me?

Riding a motorcycle in the Saint Paul, MN area on a nice sunny day can be a lot of fun. While a motorcycle is often considered a recreational mode of transportation, it is also an important asset that you need to have fully covered by insurance. There are a variety of reasons why having motorcycle insurance in place could be a necessity for you. 

Meet State Requirements

One of the reasons why you need to get insurance coverage for your motorcycle is because it will help you to meet state requirements. Those that operate a motorcycle are required to carry liability insurance at all times. For owners of a motorcycle in the Saint Paul MN area, this type of coverage will provide protection if you are found liable in an accident. Not carrying this insurance could lead to financial penalties or loss of your license. 

Lender Requirements

In many different situations, you will need to take out a loan to purchase a motorcycle. Lenders that provide these types of loans are used to creating loan agreements that will dictate the type of insurance that they have. These requirements will normally require that you meet the state insurance requirements while also making sure that you have a full insurance policy in place to protect against any type of loss. For a lender, this will make sure that they have adequate insurance protection in place to cover their collateral. 

If you have a motorcycle and want to make sure that it is properly covered by insurance, you should speak with the team at Rising Star Insurance. the professionals at Rising Star Insurance will help you better understand your motorcycle insurance needs and make sure that you get the coverage that you need to have. 

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! 

Home Accidents and How to Prevent Them

Rising Star Insurance serving Maplewood, MN would like to discuss home accidents and how to prevent them.

What to do?

Sadly you can hurt yourself in many ways at home, from slips and falls, to sudden fires, to mishaps with cleaning supplies or medicines, especially with small children. The WikiHow site has comprehensive instructions describing how to prevent accidents in the home.  Some of the more important ones are:

  • Keep your living space uncluttered. A toy left on the floor or a loose rug could cause you to slip and fall with harmful results. A wet kitchen or bathroom floor can also be a danger. Keep all areas well lit.
  • Practice sound fire safety. Don’t keep flammable objects near fireplaces or space heaters. Check your electrical system for frayed wires. Install smoke detectors, and have a fire extinguisher ready, just in case. Don’t smoke and have a fire escape plan.
  • Practice kitchen safety. Do not let food go unattended when it is cooking on the stove. Keep knives and other sharp objects out of reach of children.
  • Keep all medicines and cleaning supplies under lock and key.

Be sure to take other safety measures, such as installing carbon monoxide alarms and keeping your sidewalks and driveway clear of leaves and fallen sticks. If you have a backyard pool, put a fence around it. Make sure your back yard is well lit. Keep your porch light on at night, and have important telephone numbers for your primary care doctor, poison control, and numbers of friends and family posted and on the contact list of your smartphone.

For more information on preventing home accidents, feel free to contact Rising Star Insurance serving Maplewood, MN.

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.