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Auto Insurance

Drive with confidence with the best advice on auto insurance coverage from Prokop Insurance. Get a quote today.

Home - Auto Insurance

Every Second Matters: Distracted Driving & Insurance

Prokop Team · April 18, 2025 ·

distracted driving minnesota 2025

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.


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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.

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Traffic Cameras Coming to Minneapolis and Mendota Heights: What You Need to Know

Prokop Team · February 20, 2025 ·

automated traffic cameras Minnesota - Prokop Insurance

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.

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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!

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Preparing For Winter – Before The Snow Flies

Prokop Team · November 7, 2024 ·

preparing for winter prokop insurance minnesota

As winter approaches in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul and surrounding areas of Minnesota, preparing for cold weather and snow-related challenges is crucial for protecting your home, vehicle, and well-being. Freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and ice can lead to costly damages, from burst pipes and roof collapses to car accidents and liability risks.

As an insurance agent, I’ve seen firsthand how proactive winter preparation—such as insulating pipes, servicing heating systems, maintaining proper insurance coverage, and ensuring vehicles are winter-ready—can prevent major financial and personal stress. Taking the time to prepare before the snow flies can help you stay safe, avoid unexpected expenses, and enjoy the season with peace of mind.

Before The Snow Flies

  1. Have Your Furnace or Boiler Checked: Schedule a professional check-up for your furnace or boiler. Think of this like a medical physical for your home’s heating system. A qualified technician can spot potential problems before they turn into emergency breakdowns – especially when you need heat the most during a freezing storm. They’ll inspect the flue vent and make sure everything is running smoothly, which can prevent unexpected and expensive repairs. 
  2. Check Your Roof: Look for missing or damaged shingles, and ensure the flashing around chimneys and vents is secure. A damaged roof can lead to water damage and mold growth.
  3. Remove Overhanging Branches: Take a close look at the trees around your house and cut back any branches that hang over your roof or look weak and unstable. During winter storms, heavy snow and strong winds can turn these branches into dangerous projectiles. A branch loaded with ice can snap like a twig and crash through your roof, causing expensive damage.
  4. Inspect Your Chimney: If you use a fireplace, don’t skip the yearly professional chimney checkup. Creosote – a sticky, black substance from burning wood – can build up inside your chimney and create a serious fire hazard. A trained expert can clean out this dangerous buildup and make sure your fireplace is ready to use safely. Skipping this maintenance could put your home and family at risk of a potentially devastating chimney fire.
  5. Winterize Your Sprinkler System: Drain your sprinkler system to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
  6. Protect Outdoor Plants: Cover delicate plants with frost-protective covers or bring them indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures.
  7. Test Your Sump Pump: Basement flooding can be a nightmare, so make sure your sump pump is ready to do its job. Test it a few times a year by pouring water into the pit and watching how quickly it pumps out. If it doesn’t work right, you could end up with a wet, damaged basement that costs thousands to repair.
  8. Insulate Water Lines That Run Along Exterior Walls. This will help keep your water pipes from freezing and help to prevent damage from frozen pipes.
  9. Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction: Switch the direction of your ceiling fans to clockwise to push warm air downward and create a more efficient heating system.
  10. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries if necessary.

Check Your Supplies

  • Plenty Of Wood For A Fireplace. If you will be using a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have a supply of dry, seasoned wood. If you start a wood-burning fire, follow all fireplace or wood stove safety precautions.
  • Prepare An Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and a portable charger. Here is a link our ultimate winter emergency kit for Minnesota.
  • A Supply Of Food, Warm Clothes and Medications. Keep a supply of warm clothing and blankets to stay comfortable during power outages or extreme weather. Pack enough non-perishable food and critical medications to support your family for at least three days. Build an emergency kit with flashlights, extra batteries, a well-stocked first-aid kit, and other crucial supplies. Think of this kit as your family’s backup plan when normal resources become unavailable. Being prepared can make a huge difference in keeping your family safe and comfortable during unexpected emergencies.
  • Power Up Electronics. During storms or unexpected blackouts, having a charged device could be more than just convenient – it could keep you safe.Keep portable chargers, extra batteries, or power banks fully charged so you can call for help, check emergency updates, contact family or be entertained if a sudden power outage hits.
  • Fire Extinguishers: Make sure your fire extinguishers are fully charged and easily accessible.
  • Fuel. Check that you have sufficient fuel for your generator, if you have one.
  • Fun. Keep cards, puzzles and board games around in the event that online entertainment isn’t available.

Doors & Windows

  • Caulk And Weather-Strip Doors And Windows. Protect your house from freezing temperatures by blocking drafts around doors and windows. Use caulk and weather-stripping to stop cold air from sneaking in – it’s like giving your home a warm winter jacket. If your doors and windows are old and worn out, it might be time for an upgrade. Modern windows and doors can dramatically cut heat loss, keeping your home warmer and potentially saving you money on energy bills.
  • Replace Screens With Storm Windows. Swap out your lightweight screens for sturdy storm windows. They block icy drafts and provide extra insulation. Not only do they help keep your home warmer, but they also shield your windows from potential damage during severe storms. This simple change can make a big difference in keeping your home comfortable and protected during tough winter weather.
  • Consider using plastic insulation over windows. It can help to keep cold air and drafts out of your house, especially if you have old windows. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using plastic window insulation, including safety recommendations.

Winter Activities:

  • Shovel snow regularly: Shoveling snow regularly can prevent ice buildup on walkways and driveways, reducing the risk of slips and falls. If you need a reminder… Here is a funny video of people falling on ice.
  • Remove Snow from Roof: Use a snow rake to remove heavy snow from your roof to prevent ice dams. Ice dams can cause water damage to your roof and ceilings.
  • Maintain Indoor Humidity: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially during dry winter months. This can help prevent dry skin, respiratory issues, and static electricity.
  • Use caution when using ice melt: Be mindful of the type of ice melt you use, as some can damage concrete, animals, flooring and plants.  
  • Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning: Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that can be produced by faulty heating systems. Make sure your home is well-ventilated and have carbon monoxide detectors installed. Never use an oven or a range as a home heating device.
  • Stay safe when using a snow blower: Wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, and be aware of the dangers of throwing snow.  
  • Be prepared for power outages: Have a backup power source, such as a generator, to keep your home warm and your appliances running during power outages.  

By taking these additional precautions, you can help to protect your home and family from winter-related hazards and potential insurance claims.

Other areas of the home

  • Insulate walls and attic. This is a proven way to reduce heat loss if your power goes out in a storm. If you’re not sure how much insulation you need, check with a professional insulation installer.
  • Inspect your roof. From the ground, look for wear and sagging areas. If you find any, have a professional roofer check them out and repair them. Weakened roof areas could be further damaged or collapse under the heavy weight of snow and ice.
  • Repair roof leaks. Expansion and contraction of ice can make roof leaks worse. Have a professional roofer repair leaks quickly in order to prevent additional water damage.
  • Remove weak and overhanging branches. Get rid of any branches that are overhanging your roof or near your house. These branches could break away under the weight of snow and ice or because of severe winds and cause damage to your roof and other property.

Stay inside – and be safe outside

The best thing you and your family can do is to remain indoors during a severe winter storm. However, if you do need to go outside around your property to shovel or salt, there are a few added precautions to take:

  • If you go outside to shovel snow, know your limits and avoid overtaxing yourself.
  • Protect, identify and treat frostbite and hypothermia by wearing layers of warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.
  • Stay away from downed power lines.

Be sure you have the right insurance coverage

Review your insurance policy: Review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for winter-related damage, such as frozen pipes, roof damage, and water damage. If you are unsure if you are protected please contact me for a complimentary insurance review. We make it easy to work with us, send us a message, setup a 30 minute meeting in person or virtual or call us. Prokop Insurance Agency wants to make sure you have the right coverage to protect your home and vehicle.

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How Telematics Can Lower Your Insurance Premiums

Prokop Team · July 16, 2024 ·

auto insurance telematics

As your trusted independent insurance agent, I want to help you understand how telematics can lower your insurance premiums. I’m always on the lookout for ways to help you keep more money in your pocket, so I’m excited to talk about telematics and its potential to revolutionize how you save on car insurance!

What is Telematics?

In a nutshell, telematics uses technology to track and analyze your driving habits. Think of it like a fitness tracker but for your car! A small device plugged into your vehicle or an app on your smartphone collects data on things like:

  • Mileage: How much you drive and at what times.
  • Speed: How fast you go and if you brake harshly.
  • Acceleration: How smoothly you accelerate and decelerate.
  • Cornering: How safely you navigate turns.

Okay, But How Does This Save Me Money?

I’m glad you asked! Insurance companies have traditionally relied on general factors like age and driving history to determine premiums. Telematics flips the script by focusing on your individual driving behavior. This means:

  • Fairer Pricing: Safe drivers are rewarded! If the data shows you’re a responsible driver, you’ll likely see a significant decrease in your insurance costs.
  • Discounts for Good Habits: Many insurers offer upfront discounts just for enrolling in a telematics program. Plus, you can earn additional discounts based on your safe driving score.
  • Increased Awareness: Telematics provides valuable feedback on your driving habits. By understanding your patterns, you can make conscious choices to improve your driving and potentially lower your premium even further.

Telematics: The Future of Car Insurance

Telematics empowers you to take control of your insurance costs. By demonstrating your safe driving habits, you can unlock significant savings and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re getting a personalized rate that reflects your driving skills.

Nationwide offers two different programs…

  1. SmartRide telematics is an insurance program that rewards safe driving with a discount of up to 40%.
  2. SmartMiles is pay-per-mile insurance for low-mileage drivers that offers a flexible rate based on miles driven.
  3. Telematics Property Discount on the home policy.is available for qualifying customers enrolled in auto policy for telematics when they bundle.

Ready to explore how telematics can benefit you? Contact me today for a free consultation!

Sources:

  • The Zebra. (2023). Telematics Insurance: How it WorksCompanies. 

Finding Insurance for Your Kia or Hyundai

Prokop Team · July 15, 2024 ·

hyundai kia owners

Prokop Insurance can help Kia and Hyundai owners overcome the difficulty in obtaining auto insurance due to increased theft rates. WCCO Channel 4 recently aired a news report “Maple Grove woman says she was dropped by insurance company due to make, model of car. ” This recent news highlights a growing concern for Kia and Hyundai owners. As an insurance agent based in Plymouth, MN, I’ve seen firsthand how this issue affects Hyundai and Kia owners in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and I want to offer my help.

The Hyundai and Kia Insurance Problem:

Some major insurance companies, including State Farm and Progressive, have stopped accepting new applications or are denying coverage renewals for certain Kia and Hyundai models. This decision stems from a significant increase in theft rates for these vehicles, partly due to a social media trend exposing a security vulnerability.

Here are some steps I can take if you’re a Kia or Hyundai owner struggling to find insurance coverage…

  1. I have access to Smaller or Regional Insurers:
    While major companies might be pulling back, smaller insurers or those specializing in high-risk auto insurance may still offer coverage.
  2. Usage-Based Insurance:
    Some companies offer policies based on your driving habits rather than just your vehicle’s make and model.
  3. Consider Bundling Policies:
    If you have other insurance needs (home, life, etc.), some companies might be more willing to insure your car if you bundle multiple policies.

With 30 years of experience as an independent insurance agent, I have cultivated relationships with numerous insurance providers, giving me a unique advantage in today’s challenging market. Unlike captive agents who are limited to a single company’s offerings, my independence allows me to shop around on your behalf. I have access to a wide array of insurance companies, each with their own underwriting guidelines and pricing structures.

Work with me to navigate the complexities of insuring vehicles like Kias and Hyundais, even when some major insurers are pulling back. My extensive network and decades of industry knowledge enable me to find innovative solutions and uncover opportunities that others might miss. I’m committed to leveraging my expertise and connections to secure you not just any coverage but great coverage at a competitive price. Don’t let the current market challenges discourage you – with my resources and experience, we can find an insurance solution that meets your needs and budget.

Remember, while the situation is challenging, it’s not impossible to find coverage. As an insurance agent, I’m here to help navigate these waters and find a solution that works for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized assistance in finding the right coverage for your Kia or Hyundai.

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Prokop Insurance Services
Email: service@prokopinsurance.com
Phone: 612-333-7767
9900 13th Ave N STE 200
Plymouth, MN 55441

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