In addition to winter storm preparation for people and pets, it’s also important to prepare your home for winter conditions. Follow these tips to help make sure your home is ready for a winter weather emergency.
Every Second Matters: Distracted Driving & Insurance
In today’s fast-paced world, being prepared for the unexpected is more important than ever. With U.S. traffic fatalities reaching a 16-year high and distracted driving surging since the pandemic, having the right insurance is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity.
According to the 2022 Travelers Insurance Risk Index, 79% of drivers admit to making or taking calls behind the wheel, and 56% confess to reading texts or emails while driving. The result? A staggering 42,915 lives lost on American roads in 2021 alone, with distraction being a leading cause. At our Plymouth, Minnesota agency, we take these statistics seriously. That’s why we offer comprehensive travelers insurance and auto coverage that go beyond the basics to keep you, your family, and your investments safe.
The Power of Protection — Beyond the Road
While many associate travelers insurance solely with flight delays or lost luggage, it encompasses far more. It’s about protecting your journey—wherever it starts. Whether you’re:
- Driving across the Minneapolis–St. Paul area,
- Heading out on a family road trip,
- Or flying to your next adventure,
We offer our clients policies that are designed to provide peace of mind. With smart coverage options like telematics programs, you can even get rewarded for safe, focused driving.
Telematics use smartphone data to track habits like braking, speeding, and phone use while driving—helping clients become safer drivers and often reducing premiums in the process. Engaged users in these programs are shown to be 57% less distracted and 65% safer overall, according to Cambridge Mobile Telematics.
Local Expertise. National Carriers. Personalized Service.
Based in Plymouth and serving the entire Twin Cities metro, we’re proud to offer Travelers Insurance among other top-rated carriers. Our mission is to match you with the best product, price, and policy available anywhere in Minneapolis–St. Paul.
Whether you need insurance, auto, home, or business insurance, we’re here to make sure every second of your journey is protected.
Get a Free Quote Today
It only takes a few minutes to safeguard your next trip—and your future. Contact us now for a customized quote on travelers and other essential insurance coverage.
Minnesota Insurance Rates Are Set to Rise 15% In 2025 — Here’s What You Should Do Now
If you own a home in Minnesota, brace yourself: homeowner’s insurance premiums are expected to jump by 15% in 2025, In fact Minnesota is now among the top five states in the U.S. for projected insurance rate increases in 2025. That means the average homeowner will pay over $4,000 this year — an increase of $534 in just one year. (Minnesota insurance rates expected to go up 15% according to new report via Kare11.com).
2024 Average: $3,524
2025 Projected: $4,058
At Prokop Insurance Agency, we’re sounding the alarm early: Now is the time to review your policy! Whether you’re a new customer or have been with us for years. Let’s talk about locking in a better rate before your next renewal adjusts upward.
Why Are Rates Going Up?
Several key factors are driving this spike in insurance premiums in Minnesota:
- Extreme Weather Events: Over the past 3 years, Minnesota has been hit by 18 billion-dollar weather events, a dramatic increase from previous decades.
- Severe Hailstorms: Hail-related claims are a major cost driver, and they’ve become more frequent and more damaging.
- Rising Construction Costs: Since 2020, the cost to rebuild has soared 30% due to supply chain delays, labor shortages, and skyrocketing material prices.
These shifts are forcing insurers to reassess risk and raise rates to stay solvent. You might find it hard to believe but, Minnesota is projected to have the fifth highest price increase this year, behind Louisiana’s 27%, California’s 21%, Iowa’s 19%, and Hawaii’s 17%.
The Minnesota Commerce Department negotiates rate increases with insurance companies and because of rising rates several insurance companies are finding it hard to insure Minnesota without substantial rate increases. Some may leave Minnesota to avoid further losses.
Why You Can’t “Set It and Forget It” Anymore
Depending on your age, you might remember a time when insurance was relatively stable — rates barely changed from year to year, and your policy practically ran on autopilot. Unfortunately, those days are over. With so many new variables impacting rates — from climate shifts to construction costs — staying passive could cost you.
That’s where Prokop Insurance Agency comes in. With over 30 years of experience serving Minnesota families, we act as your partner in navigating this changing landscape. We have access to multiple insurance companies and can help you compare options, coverages, and pricing to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Don’t Wait — Act Now Before Rates Reset
If you haven’t shopped your policy in over a year, chances are you’re leaving savings on the table.
✔️ We work with multiple top-rated carriers — not just one
✔️ Our team can reassess your coverage for savings opportunities
✔️ You may qualify for discounts based on home updates or bundling options
And for our current Prokop Insurance clients: if your policy renewal is approaching, contact us ASAP. This is your window to re-shop and potentially lock in lower rates before your next adjustment.
📅 Schedule a Policy Review Today
Don’t let rate increases catch you by surprise. Whether you’re looking to switch or want to ensure you’re getting the best rate possible, we’re here to help.
👉 Fill out our Quote form
📞 Schedule a Call at your convenience
The clock is ticking. Insurance rates are rising. Let’s make sure you’re protected without overpaying.
Traffic Cameras Coming to Minneapolis and Mendota Heights: What You Need to Know
A new pilot program aimed at reducing speeding and improving pedestrian safety could soon bring automated traffic cameras to intersections in Minneapolis and Mendota Heights Minnesota. Expected to launch in August 2025, this initiative will monitor traffic violations such as speeding and running red lights—bringing Minnesota in line with other states already using similar technology.
What’s Happening?
In 2024, Minnesota lawmakers approved a pilot program allowing the use of automated cameras for traffic enforcement. The program is set to run from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2029, after which an independent evaluation will determine its effectiveness. If successful, this could lead to a broader statewide adoption.
Currently, 17 states use both red-light and speed cameras, while nine states use one or the other. The remaining states, including Minnesota, have yet to implement either system—but that’s about to change.
Why the Change?
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) conducted a study in 2023, finding that traffic cameras reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities. In fact, studies show a 19-56% decrease in severe or fatal crashes where these technologies are in place.
Minneapolis has seen the real consequences of speeding and red-light violations:
- 31 fatalities from speeding-related crashes in 2022-2023.
- 16 deaths from red-light-running accidents in the same timeframe.
- On average, 150 people die or suffer severe injuries in Minneapolis traffic crashes annually, with speeding as a key factor.
Community sentiment also supports this initiative. Feedback from Vision Zero questionnaires revealed that 62% of respondents favor the implementation of traffic cameras—suggesting a strong public interest in making roadways safer.
How Will It Work?
The pilot program includes the following enforcement measures:
- First-time violators will receive a warning.
- A $40 citation will be issued for exceeding the speed limit by 10+ mph.
- A double fine applies for speeding 20+ mph over the limit.
- Unpaid fines can escalate to $84.
Notably, these citations will not affect driving records or result in license suspension or revocation. Citations are sent to the vehicle owner, but owners can contest them if they were not driving, had sold the vehicle, or if it was stolen.
Importantly, all violations must be verified by a trained enforcement agent before being finalized. Additionally, cameras cannot capture identifying images of drivers or passengers, ensuring privacy protection.
Before enforcement begins, there will be a one-month warning period, and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) will not oversee or implement the program.
What’s Next?
City leaders plan to gather public input on camera locations through a series of community meetings until mid-May. Finalized camera locations will be determined over the summer, with implementation set for August 2025.
Why This Matters for You
As an insurance agent, I know this news might raise concerns—especially if you’ve had previous speeding tickets or simply enjoy driving fast. The reality is, these cameras are coming, and stricter enforcement could impact drivers more than ever.
My best advice? Always drive the speed limit. But if you’ve had past speeding tickets or are concerned about your insurance rates, I can help. With over 30 years of experience as an independent insurance agent, I specialize in finding the best coverage, price, and policy for my clients—including those with SR-22s and high-risk profiles.
If you’re looking to lower your premiums, get a free quote today. Let’s explore options from multiple insurance providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
📞 Contact me now and see how much you could save!
Navigating Rising Insurance Costs In 2025: A 5-Point Plan to Protect Your Home and Wallet
The Minnesota Star Tribune article just featured and article “Property insurance rates in Minnesota climbing fast with no end in sight“, as everyone is facing higher home insurance premiums. This increase is largely due to the financial toll that natural disasters, such as the recent L.A. wildfires, are taking on insurance providers. These events are part of a broader trend where natural disasters are driving up insurance expenses, impacting policyholders across Minnesota.
At Prokop Insurance Agency, we understand the challenges these rising costs present. With over 30 years in the business, acting as a fiduciary for my clients has always been my guiding principle. It’s one of the reasons why Prokop Insurance Agency is recognized as a top agency in Minnesota. To help you navigate these changes, I’ve developed a 5-point plan to help reduce your insurance costs while ensuring you have the coverage you need.
1. Conduct a Comprehensive Coverage Review
Regularly reviewing your insurance policy can uncover areas where you might be over-insured or under-insured. I am happy to re-quote your current policy to ensure it aligns with your current needs and budget.
2. Implement Risk Mitigation Strategies
Simple measures like installing smoke detectors, security systems, and storm shutters can significantly reduce your risk profile, potentially lowering your premiums.
3. Bundle Your Policies
Consider bundling your home and auto insurance policies. Many providers offer discounts for bundling, which can lead to substantial savings.
4. Increase Your Deductible
If you can afford a higher out-of-pocket expense in the event of a claim, increasing your deductible can lower your premium costs.
5. Shop Around for the Best Rates
As an independent agent, I represent multiple companies and can help you find the best mix of product, policy, and price. If you’re not currently a client, I’m happy to provide a quote and compare options for you.
At Prokop Insurance Agency, we’re committed to helping you protect what matters most while keeping your costs manageable. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your insurance needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure you’re prepared for whatever the future holds.