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DIY Actions Before A Storm In Minnesota

Prokop Team · March 18, 2024 ·

These are the DIY actions I recommend you take before a storm in Minnesota as a 30-plus-year insurance agent. I know it’s important to be prepared for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and tornadoes. I get the call when their property is damaged and they need to use their insurance. A challenge of my job is when clients report the loss of memories or irreplaceable items, and there are times, with proper planning, it could have been avoided. While you believe it never could happen to you, I recommend that you prepare like it could.

It’s important to stay informed about weather conditions, there are several DIY activities you can do to protect your home and keep your family safe during a severe weather event.

Before The Storm

Close your windows and doors:
Shutting doors and windows to protect the structural integrity of the building envelope (roof, windows, walls, and doors) against strong winds. This helps compartmentalize any pressure forces should a window or exterior door take damage. A sealed home is a safe home.
Make sure your cell phone is ready.
Keep your phone charged and emergency alerts on. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your smartphone, even at night. Your phone is a more reliable way to follow ongoing storm developments.
Shut the garage door:
The garage door is one of the most vulnerable parts of a house in high winds. Keeping it closed during thunderstorms and tornadoes minimizes the pressures that can cause roofs and exterior walls to be damaged. See what happens when garage doors fail in high winds.

Now that winter is ending, you should add these activities to your Spring Cleaning list.

Exterior Inspection:
Conduct a thorough inspection for vulnerabilities in and around your dwelling. Embark on a perimeter stroll of your residence, vigilantly observing and cataloging any signs of wear or damage, including compromised roofing materials, unsecured guttering, or encroaching tree limbs looming above. Compile these observations into an organized checklist and arrange for necessary maintenance.
Inventory Possessions:
Take stock of your personal items. Utilize your smartphone to capture images and record details of your possessions. Maintain a current inventory list for easy access should you need to report any lost or damaged property. Examine
Your Insurance Coverage:
Engage in a conversation with your insurance representative to ensure your policy is up-to-date and encompasses protections against the types of storms prevalent in your region. Think about incorporating the Better Roof Replacement option from Nationwide into your policy for assistance in constructing a more resilient and secure roof following a covered loss.

Storm Coming…

Here are 7 pre-storm activities you should do before a severe thunderstorm, flash flooding, or tornado in Minnesota.

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Community Partner: Bell’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal

Prokop Team · February 27, 2024 ·

Bell's Lawn Care & Snow Removal Minneapolis

We are thrilled to introduce our newest community partner, Bell’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal. With a promise that “Big or Small, We Handle All,” this business is set to become your go-to for all things lawn and snow.

About Bell’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal

Owned and operated by Andre Bell, Bell’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal is a company that prides itself on the quality of its services and the satisfaction of its customers. Based out of Minneapolis, this local business understands the ins and outs of Minnesota’s ever-changing climate and is equipped to handle your lawn care and snow removal needs through all seasons.

Bell’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal is not only dedicated to providing top-notch maintenance services but is also fully insured and bonded, giving you peace of mind that your property is in good hands.

Services Offered

Andre and his team are experts in a variety of services to keep your outdoor spaces looking pristine year-round:

Maintenance: Regular upkeep is key to a good-looking lawn. From mowing to landscaping, they’ve got you covered.
Lawn Care: A well-maintained lawn can boost your curb appeal immensely. Trust their expertise to keep your grass green and healthy.
Snow Removal: Those Minnesota winters can be tough, but Bell’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal is tougher. They’ll clear your driveways and walkways, so you don’t have to worry about the snow.
And there’s more they can do—just ask!

Special Offers

To celebrate this new partnership, Bell’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal is offering a variety of deals:

Free Quote: Act now to receive a no-obligation quote for your property.
Flyer Discount: Use the flyer to get $10 off your service (one-time only).
Seasonal Packages: Both commercial and residential customers can take advantage of seasonal packages tailored to their needs.

Pricing

Residential Services: Starting at $35 and up.
Commercial Services: Please call for a personalized estimate. Yearly packages are also available.

Why Choose Bell’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal?

Choosing a service provider can be daunting, but Bell’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal stands out with their commitment to reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction. Their insured and bonded status means you can trust them with your property, and their competitive pricing and special offers make them an excellent choice for both residential and commercial clients.

We are proud to have Bell’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal as our community partner and are confident that our readers will benefit greatly from their services. Whether you’re bracing for the next snowfall or looking forward to a lush lawn come spring, remember that Bell’s Lawn Care & Snow Removal is ready to serve.

Contact Information:

Owner: Andre Bell
Phone: 612-998-4343
Email: Drekey32@yahoo.com

For more information or to schedule a service, give Andre a call at 612-998-4343. Don’t forget to mention this blog post to take advantage of the special offers available!

Make sure to check out our Community Partners page for a complete list. Thank you for supporting local businesses and partnerships that make our community stronger!

Home Insurance Rates + Inflation In 2024 Prokop Insurance

Prokop Team · February 21, 2024 ·

What do Home Insurance Rates + Inflation In 2024 and Prokop Insurance have in common? If you’re like many homeowners, you have probably noticed that your insurance premiums keep going up. It’s not just you – insurance rates are rising across the board. In fact, according to a recent report by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, homeowner renewal premiums skyrocketed 21%, while auto policy renewal premiums jumped 17%.

But why are insurance rates increasing so much? There are a few factors why inflation is causing rising insurance rates.

Increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. These disasters can cause significant damage to homes and vehicles, leading to a higher number of claims. Due to inflation, materials, labor, and other construction costs have increased and, in turn, higher premiums for consumers.
Rising insurance rates is the increasing cost of medical care. As medical expenses rise, so do the costs associated with personal injury claims. This means that insurance companies are paying out more for medical expenses, which leads to higher premiums for consumers.
Increase in operating expenses – Inflation affects not only claims costs but also operating expenses for insurance companies. As the cost of goods and services increases, so do the costs of running a business, including employee wages, rent, and technology expenses. Insurers may pass these increased costs on to policyholders through higher premiums.
Reduced purchasing power – Inflation reduces the purchasing power of consumers’ dollars, which means they can buy fewer goods and services with the same amount of money. Insurance policies have limits, and with inflation, the value of those limits decreases. As a result, insurance companies may increase premiums to compensate for the reduced purchasing power of policyholders.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the insurance industry. With more people working from home and driving less, there has been a decrease in commercial insurance policies, leading to a shift in risk and higher premiums for personal lines of insurance.

What action you need to take!

So, what can you do to protect yourself from rising insurance rates? One option is to shop around for the best rates. Different insurance companies have different pricing structures, so it’s important to compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rate for your needs.

At Prokop Insurance Agency, we understand the frustration that comes with rising insurance rates. That’s why we work with a variety of top-rated insurance companies to find our clients the best coverage at the best price. Our experienced agents will work with you to assess your unique needs and find a policy that fits your budget.

In addition to homeowners insurance, we can also provide you with quotes for other types of insurance policies that may be rising in cost due to inflation, such as auto, motorcycle, boat, snowmobile, cabin, and more. By bundling multiple policies together, you may be able to take advantage of multi-policy discounts and save even more money on your premiums. Let us help you find the best coverage at the best price for all of your insurance needs.

Don’t let rising insurance rates get you down. Get a quote from Prokop Insurance Agency today and see how much you can save.

GET HOME INSURANCE QUOTE NOW!

Sources:

National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
2024 Insurance Industry Outlook.
Insurance Information Institute.
Insurance Industry Financial Results, 2024.
Insurance Journal.
Insurance Rates Continue to Rise in 2024.
CNBC
Insurance Costs Hit Corporate Earnings

Top 10 Reasons Someone with Beneficiaries Should Have Life Insurance

Prokop Team · January 15, 2024 ·

30+ years of experience have as allowed me to share the Top 10 Reasons Someone with Beneficiaries Should Have Life Insurance.

Have you ever thought about what would happen to your loved ones if you were to pass away unexpectedly? Who would take care of their financial needs? How would they pay for your final expenses?

Life insurance is a safety net that can provide your beneficiaries with financial security in the event of your death. It’s a way to show your love and care for them, even when you’re gone.

Stats:

According to the Insurance Information Institute, only 54% of Americans have life insurance.
The average death benefit for an individual life insurance policy is $270,000.
Life insurance payouts totaled $94 billion in 2021.
The most common type of life insurance is term life insurance, which provides coverage for a specific period of time.
Whole life insurance provides coverage for your entire life and also has a cash value component that grows over time.

Here are the top 10 reasons why someone with beneficiaries should have life insurance:

1. Provide for Your Family’s Financial Needs

Life insurance can replace your income and help your family maintain their standard of living after you’re gone. This is especially important if you have young children or a spouse who relies on your income.

2. Pay for Final Expenses

Funeral costs, medical bills, and other end-of-life expenses can add up quickly. Life insurance can help your family cover these expenses without having to go into debt.

3. Pay Off Debts

If you have outstanding debts, such as a mortgage or credit card debt, life insurance can help your family pay them off. This can prevent your loved ones from inheriting your debts.

4. Fund Your Child’s Education

Life insurance can help you save for your child’s education, even if you’re not around to see them graduate. This can give your child a head start in life and help them achieve their dreams.

5. Leave a Legacy

Life insurance can help you leave a legacy for your loved ones. You can use it to fund a scholarship, donate to a charity, or start a foundation in your name.

6. Protect Your Business

If you own a business, life insurance can help protect your business from financial ruin in the event of your death. It can provide your family with the funds they need to keep the business running or sell it on favorable terms.

7. Peace of Mind

Knowing that your loved ones will be financially secure in the event of your death can give you peace of mind. It can allow you to live your life to the fullest, without worrying about what will happen to your family if you’re gone.

8. It’s More Affordable Than You Think

Life insurance is more affordable than most people think. In fact, you can get a term life insurance policy for as little as $10 a month.

Life insurance can help you save for retirement.

If you have a whole life insurance policy, the cash value component can grow over time. You can borrow against the cash value or withdraw it to supplement your retirement income. This can be a valuable source of funds, especially if you don’t have a pension or other retirement savings plan.

Example:

John is a 45-year-old business owner. He has a wife and two young children. He also has a whole life insurance policy with a death benefit of $500,000. The cash value of the policy is currently $100,000.

John is planning to retire in 20 years. He estimates he will need $1 million in savings to retire comfortably. He can use the cash value of his life insurance policy to help him reach his retirement savings goal.

John can borrow against the cash value of his policy or withdraw it to supplement his retirement income. He can also use the death benefit from his policy to provide for his family in the event of his death.

Life insurance is a versatile financial tool that can provide you with financial security throughout your life.

10. It’s Easy to Get

Applying for life insurance is easy. You can do it online, over the phone, or through an insurance agent.

Sources:

Conclusion

It is my sincere hope that you know how important why your beneficiaries should have Life Insurance. Life insurance is a must-have. It’s an affordable way to provide your loved ones with financial security in the event of your death. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get life insurance today.

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Insurance & Extreme Weather in Minnesota

Prokop Team · October 22, 2023 ·

Insurance & Extreme Weather in Minnesota: Tips for Hail, Wind, Water Damage, and Basement Flooding. As the seasons change, the Minnesota region of the United States is no stranger to extreme weather events. From hail storms to windy days, water damage, and basement flooding, the region is susceptible to a range of weather-related issues that can cause significant damage to homes and properties. In this blog post, we’ll provide helpful tips on how to prepare for and manage extreme weather claims in Minnesota.

Understanding Weather Risk To Your Property

Minnesota experiences various types of extreme weather events, including:

Hail: Hailstorms are common in the region, particularly during the spring and summer months. Hail can cause significant damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles, leading to costly repairs.
Wind: Strong winds are prevalent in Minnesota, especially during thunderstorms and tornadoes. High winds can cause roof damage, break windows, and disrupt power lines.
Water damage: Flooding and water damage are common in Minnesota, especially during heavy rainfall and snowmelt. Basements and crawlspaces are particularly susceptible to water damage, which can lead to mold growth and structural issues.
Basement flooding: Basements are prone to flooding in Minnesota due to the region’s flat terrain and lack of natural drainage. Basement flooding can cause significant damage to personal belongings and structural elements of the home.
Ice Dams: The most significant risk of ice dams is water damage. When the water behind the dam leaks into your home, it can cause damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can be costly to repair.

Managing Extreme Weather Claims

In the event of an extreme weather event, it’s essential to act quickly to minimize damage and file an insurance claim. Here are some tips for managing extreme weather claims:

Contact your insurance provider: Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible after an extreme weather event. Provide detailed information about the damage, including photos and estimates for repairs.
Document damage: Take photos or videos of the damage to your home and property. Keep receipts for any temporary repairs or expenses related to the damage.
Secure your property: Make temporary repairs to secure your home and prevent further damage. This can include tarping a roof, boarding up windows, or removing debris.
Hire a professional: Consider hiring a professional to assess and repair damage to your home. This can help ensure that repairs are done correctly and efficiently.
Stay patient: The insurance claims process can be time-consuming, so it’s important to stay patient and follow up with your insurance provider regularly.

Extreme weather events are a reality in Minnesota, and it’s crucial to be prepared to minimize damage to your home and property. By understanding the risks, preparing for extreme weather events, and managing claims, you can reduce the impact of severe weather on your home and stay safe. Stay informed and take proactive steps to protect your home and your family during extreme weather events.