Life Tips

Lower Summer Electric Bills

Prokop Team · June 13, 2023 ·

Figuring out how to lower summer electric bills in Minnesota with our humidity can be difficult, especially when temperatures are at their hottest. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to save on your electricity bill during the summer months. Try these energy-saving tips so you can focus more on the pleasures of summer.

Insulate your home
Heating and cooling account for 50% to 70% of the energy used in the average American home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Reducing the energy spent on cooling by improving insulation is a great way to lower your summer electric bills. Newer homes generally are better insulated than older, unimproved homes because building energy codes have become progressively stricter over the years, says the DOE. If you have an older home, consider adding better insulation. Unless your newer home was constructed with special attention to energy efficiency, your utility bills will still probably benefit from improving your home’s insulation.
Turn on your ceiling fan
Install ceiling fans, which can help everyone in the room feel cooler without the need to run the A/C as much – or at all. While the fans don’t actually lower the temperature in the room, they create a wind-chill effect and make you feel cooler by accelerating the evaporation of perspiration on the skin. Another summer energy-saving tip: Ceiling fans are of no use when no one is in the room, so turn them off when you leave.
Close the drapes and blinds to reduce heat gain
Keep draperies and blinds closed on the sunny side of the house. Adding awnings can help, too. Looking for a longer-term solution that will add to the beauty of your property? Plant trees. “This Old House” recommends particular trees for fast-growing (1½ to 2 feet per year) shade options.
Be smart about peak-time summer utility rates
Plan to run your washer, dryer, and dishwasher before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid peak usage times and potentially higher rates. Utility companies often raise gas and electricity rates during the hottest time of the day, according to Energy Upgrade California. You can still load the dishwasher after meals, but waiting a bit to run it can help lower summer electric bills.
Check for air conditioner efficiency
The DOE recommends having a professional check and clean your air conditioner (and your heater) once a year. If the unit is more than 15 years old, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient unit. A new system can greatly reduce your energy costs, says the DOE, especially if the existing equipment is in poor condition. On your current system, check your ductwork for dirt streaks, especially near seams. These indicate air leaks, and they should be sealed with a duct mastic sealant. Keep yard debris away from the outside compressor of your air-conditioning unit and keep nearby bushes trimmed.
Look for the Energy Star symbol
Planning to replace your washer, dryer or refrigerator? Shop with energy savings in mind. The U.S. government’s Energy Star program certifies products that meet strict energy-saving specifications. According to Energy Star, washers built before 2003 are significantly less efficient than newer models. Energy Star washing machines use about 25% less energy and 40% less water compared with regular washers. Similar money and energy savings can be found in newer dryers, refrigerators and other appliances that are Energy Star-certified.
Use the grill instead of the oven
Running your oven on hot days makes your air conditioner run more to keep the house cool. Firing up the backyard grill for a barbecue instead can help you save on your electric bills in the summer.

Once you finish using these summer energy-saving tips for your home, check out these summer heat safety tips to help protect yourself and your family.

How To Prevent Car Theft

Prokop Team · May 11, 2023 ·

How to prevent car theft? According to estimates from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, there were more than 745,000 motor vehicle thefts in the first nine months of 2022 in the U.S. [1] [2] And when citizens are targeted in the most potentially dangerous of these crimes – carjacking – the attacker succeeds in roughly half of all attempts, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

To find out how to prevent carjacking and car theft, read on.

1. Don’t leave valuables in your car

You don’t display your cash, financial statements, and jewelry in your home’s windows, do you? So why would you do the same in your car? Instead, hide any valuables, including purses, computer bags, and the ignition key. You’d be surprised how often people don’t.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, between 2019 and 2022, more than 100,000 reported vehicle thefts were facilitated by keys, including situations where keys were left inside the vehicle. [3] One-fourth left a purse or wallet inside, and one-third have left bank statements. In addition, one-third say they’ve kept their vehicle running while unoccupied.

2. Park in a well-lit area

Not everyone has a garage. But many have the option of parking on a well-lit street – another deterrent for crooks. Also, etch the vehicle identification number on windows to discourage thieves from stealing the vehicle and selling it to a chop shop.

3. Lock your vehicle doors

The minute you step into an automobile, you’re vulnerable. So lock up right away, before starting the ignition or setting up your music, GPS, etc. (Buckling up is the second “to do.”)

4. Don’t leave your keys in the car

“It’ll just be for a second, I’m only running into the store for a couple things.”

Unfortunately, “a second” is all a thief will need if you leave the keys in the car for them. So always take your keys with you no matter where or how briefly you’ll be out of your vehicle. It sounds obvious, but this is one of the most important ways to prevent car theft.

5. Stay alert

Staying alert is the best example of how to prevent carjacking. When stopped or slowing down, you increase the opportunity for a carjacker. So at traffic lights, exercise caution. “When stopped in traffic, leave enough space to move forward,” says Brent O’Bryan, vice president of learning and development for AlliedBarton Security Services, a physical security firm. [4]

6. Know where you’re going

Just as you want to stay in well-lit areas while parking, you don’t want to “hide” in the darkness while driving. “Don’t head into remote or unfamiliar areas,” O’Bryan says. “If you feel like you’re being followed, don’t drive home. Don’t park next to a vehicle such as a van which could be hiding a suspect.” [4]

7. Install an anti-theft system

If someone tries to break into your car, you’ll want to make it apparent to anyone in earshot that this has occurred. Anti-theft systems emit loud alarms when they detect forced entry into your vehicle, alerting anyone nearby and potentially scaring the would-be thief from sticking around. You can also install a GPS tracking system that will show the location of your vehicle if the thief successfully makes off with it.

Having an anti-theft device in your vehicle may earn you a discount on your car insurance.

8. Stay cool during a crisis

Even if you take every precaution, you could still get involved in a carjacking. If so, your and your passengers’ safety remains the top priority. Stay calm – if you panic, it’s more likely a criminal will too. “Never argue; give up your car,” O’Bryan says. “Get away from the area as quickly as possible. Note the suspect’s appearance, and immediately report it to the police.” [4]

Most commonly stolen cars

You might expect thieves to go for the glitziest, most expensive-looking cars they can find, but the trouble with those vehicles is that they stand out in a crowd. No car thief wants to be seen after they make their getaway, so the most commonly stolen cars are some of the most widely owned models. Ford F-series pickup trucks and Honda Civics have been US frequently targeted for this precise reason. In 2021, cars like Civics were also popular because they share parts with other Hondas, making them valuable for stripping and selling. [5]

More recently, in a 2022 HLDI study, 2019-2021 models of Dodge Chargers topped the charts for most stolen vehicles. [6]

What cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft?

Certain vehicles are also being singled out to steal their catalytic converters. Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius use expensive metals to construct their catalytic converters, making them prime targets. [7] Thieves will steal the catalytic converter and sell it for the value of its metal.

Does insurance cover car theft?

So, you took all the precautions, but someone managed to make off with your car anyway. Are you covered? It depends on your policy. Comprehensive policies will typically cover theft. However, policies like liability insurance do not.

Contact us for a FREE review of your insurance, quotes and learn more about what your car insurance will cover in the event of car theft.

27 Spring Cleaning Tips

Prokop Team · May 3, 2023 ·

These are Prokop Insurance best 27 Spring Cleaning Tips for your house, car, and life. We know any cleaning can be a daunting task, but with a little planning and these 27 tips, you can tackle every nook and cranny. From decluttering to deep cleaning appliances to organizing paperwork and cleaning outdoor furniture, these tips will help you create a clean and comfortable space to enjoy all spring and summer long. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your cleaning supplies, and let’s get started!

Declutter: Get rid of anything you don’t need or haven’t used in the past year.
Create a cleaning schedule: Plan out what needs to be done and when.
Start with the big stuff: Clean the larger items first, such as furniture and appliances.
Dust everything: Get rid of dust and cobwebs from corners, ceilings, and walls.
Wash windows: Clean the glass and frames, and don’t forget the sills and tracks.
Clean curtains and blinds: Dust or wash your curtains and blinds to remove accumulated dirt.
Scrub floors and carpets: Give your floors a good scrub or steam clean, and shampoo carpets.
Clean upholstery: Vacuum and spot clean your furniture.
Tackle the kitchen: Clean the fridge, oven, microwave, and cabinets.
Clean the bathroom: Scrub the toilet, sink, shower, and tub.
Wash bedding: Wash and replace your bedding, including sheets, pillows, blankets, and duvets.
Clean out the closet: Declutter your closet and organize your clothes and accessories.
Deep clean appliances: Clean your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer.
Clean the garage: Get rid of any clutter and organize your tools and equipment.
Polish metal fixtures: Clean and polish your faucets, doorknobs, and other metal fixtures.
Clean light fixtures: Dust and clean your light fixtures and replace any burned-out bulbs.
Check smoke detectors: Test your smoke detectors and replace batteries if necessary.
Clean air vents: Vacuum or dust your air vents and replace filters if necessary.
Clean the chimney: Have your chimney professionally cleaned if you have a wood-burning fireplace.
Clean outdoor furniture: Clean your patio furniture and prepare it for outdoor use.
Clean the grill: Scrub your barbecue grill and prepare it for summer cookouts.
Clean the yard: Rake leaves, trim bushes, and remove any debris or clutter from your yard.
Organize your paperwork: Sort through your paperwork and organize important documents.
Clean your car: Give your car a thorough cleaning, both inside and out.
Clean your pets’ areas: Scrub your pets’ beds, toys, and food and water bowls.
Donate unwanted items: Donate any unwanted items to a local charity.
Celebrate: Once you’re finished, enjoy the fresh, clean feeling of your home and treat yourself for a job well done!

Make Spring a time of renewal and rejuvenation by giving your home, budget, and life a good deep clean to feel fresh and new again. If we can help with your auto, home, life, and any other insurance part of your life please contact us for a free consultation.