Car insurance

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Sending a child away to college is exciting, but it can also create new insurance questions for parents. Before move-in day, it is a good idea to review auto, homeowners, renters, health, and liability policies to see what may need to change.

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Many people will complete a new car purchase on a weekend or evening, and when they call their agent to notify them, the office is not open. So, they wonder if they have insurance and if it is OK to drive the car.

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Graduating from college is an exciting milestone. As you transition into the working world, your insurance needs will change. Knowing how to navigate health, auto, renters, and other insurance options can save you money and help protect your future. This guide offers practical tips for new college graduates in Minnesota so you can make informed decisions.
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As the new year begins, many of us set resolutions to improve our health, finances, or overall well-being. But have you considered making an insurance review part of your goals this year? Taking a closer look at your insurance coverage can ensure you're properly protected, potentially save you money, and help you feel more secure about your future.
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August. The air is thick with humidity, the sun beats down relentlessly, and the smell of barbecue lingers in the air. It's a month that evokes images of long, lazy days and cherished memories. And for many, it's also a month synonymous with classic cars.
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You felt a bump, a crash, a thump. What do you do next?

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According to NHTSA, over 450,000 vehicles are sold annually in the United States with fraudulent odometer readings, resulting in losses exceeding $1 billion for American car buyers each year. Mileage fraud, also known as odometer tampering, is a serious crime that can cost car buyers thousands of dollars. In this blog post, we'll discuss what mileage fraud is, how to spot the signs, and how to protect yourself when buying a used car.

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If the hood of your car unexpectedly pops open while you're driving, it can be a dangerous situation and should be handled with caution. Here's what may happen and what you should do:
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Every state requires you to carry minimum liability auto insurance. Each state has its own minimum liability requirements. However, liability insurance only covers the other driver's car and injuries if you are involved in a vehicle accident.
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Are teens really the worst drivers out there? Is texting the main reason for car accidents, or is it driving under the influence? Here are some interesting statistics about life on the road.
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Having adequate RV insurance is essential to protect your investment and peace of mind while traveling. As with auto insurance, your rates are based on the make and model of your RV, your driving history, and other factors. You may have the option to add RV coverage to your regular auto insurance, but this isn't always recommended. Because your RV is both a home and a vehicle, it may require specialized insurance to provide the right kind of coverage. Each person's RV insurance needs are unique, so choose a policy tailored to your specific requirements and budget.
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Roadside breakdowns can be more than a mere inconvenience, emergencies of this nature, if not prepared for and handled correctly, can be dangerous for all involved, including other drivers. Following a few basic steps can ensure that you and your vehicle make it through the breakdown as easily and safely as possible.

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Distracted driving is defined as engaging in any activity that takes your attention away from driving: It can be considered manual, when you move your hands from the wheel; visual, when you focus your eyes away from the road; cognitive, when your mind wanders to other tasks; or any combination of the three. Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), the world's largest telematics provider, just released its 2022 U.S. Distracted Driving Report, and the results are staggering, with distracted driving levels at their highest point since the pandemic's onset. "Over the past two years, distracted driving has been like a pandemic within a pandemic, increasing at alarming rates and changing drivers' behaviors as the pandemic wears on. As more drivers hit the nation's roads, this intensified distraction will put even more people at risk," says Ryan McMahon, vice president of strategy at CMT.

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As winter thaws into spring blossoms, summer beckons with backyard cookouts and campfires under the stars. Like many people in Minnesota, spring also means an overhaul of all the recreational toys and gear that make those summertime adventures comfortable, including the family camper. Here are some considerations when readying your RV for all the camping and travel expeditions ahead.
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The holiday season is upon us, meaning it's time to be jolly, gather with friends and family, and, hopefully, stay safe. But in addition to the things we're all wishing for, the holidays can bring some unwanted gifts in the form of accidents, damages, or injuries that might result in an insurance claim. So what are the most common holiday-related insurance claims and how can you avoid them? Read on to find out.

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A question we are often asked by my customers is "Do I need to buy the insurance from the rental car company when I am renting a car?"

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Recreational Vehicle (RV) sales soared during the pandemic, as stir-crazy families across the U.S. realized that road trips might be the safest and only way to get out of the house. And according to recent consumer reports, the trend shows no signs of slowing.
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A common question when considering the auto insurance purchase is "How much liability coverage should I have?"

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What should you do after a car accident?

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You may have heard the term "No-Fault insurance", or perhaps you live or have been in an auto accident in a state where the No-Fault law applies. What does this term actually mean? No-Fault insurance means that your own auto insurance carrier takes care of costs that were incurred as a result of an injury sustained in an auto accident (e.g., medical bills, wage loss, replacement services claims). Your insurance carrier pays the benefits without regard as to who may be at fault for the accident.

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Good tires that are in good shape are critical to safe driving. Every driver should know a little bit about how to assess their tires and how to purchase new ones when they're needed.

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This summer, during these unprecedented times, families are taking to the road as a way to vacation in the safest way possible during the pandemic. While driving may minimize your risk of contracting COVID-19, it isn't always the safest way to travel - in fact, the summer months are some of the most dangerous to be on the road. Here are the top 10 risks that you should be aware of if you're planning on taking that summer road trip.

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Towing and labor cost coverage is an optional coverage that you can add to your car insurance that typically protects you against some of the costs and hassles associated with common roadside breakdowns like dead batteries, flat tires or even an embarrassing lockout. (Some insurers may automatically fold this coverage into their policies, so be sure to ask.)

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If there's one thing that research points out, it's that teens are, literally, the worst drivers. According to the CDC, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teenagers, and the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens aged 16-19 than among any other age group. So while your teen is probably thrilled to be driving, and you're probably thrilled to not be driving them everywhere, it's important to continue teaching them how to stay safe and smart on the road. Luckily, teenagers are stubborn but still pretty impressionable. Here are the most important things you can instill in your brand new teenage driver, and guidelines to have them follow.
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Getting married this summer? Read on for ways that marriage affects insurance and other financial considerations to handle before tying the knot...
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Even if you're used to it, driving on ice and snow can be nerve-wracking even during clear skies. But when a storm rolls in, driving can get extremely scary, as well as dangerous. Whether you live in a climate that gets severe winter weather or are just traveling through one, here are some tips for safer driving in a storm:
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As the end of the year approaches, it's a good time to take inventory, reflect on the past, and make plans for future goals. You might consider your relationships, professional life, health, financial situation, or all of the above. Don't forget to also take stock of your insurance coverage and make necessary adjustments based on things that have changed over the past year. Here are some of the most important areas to consider:
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You know that carrying auto insurance is a must to protect yourself, your family, your vehicle and even other drivers on the road in the event of an accident. But, do you ever feel confused about the different parts of your auto policy? What's the difference between "bodily injury liability" and "personal injury protection"? What does it mean to have comprehensive coverage? If you've ever asked these questions, you're not alone. While the language of auto plans can be confusing at times, with a little education it becomes easier to keep everything straight.

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13 Essential Auto Insurance Tips for Human Drivers

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Stories are great. Mismatching stories after an auto accident, however, can be problematic. What happens if your story conflicts with the other driver's story? Auto accidents are often quick and stressful, and it is common for drivers to remember events differently. Here are some tips to help make sure your account of the accident makes sense and you are able to accurately explain what happened:

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It's summer, which means that millions of Americans will soon start packing their cars to go camping, visit the beach or faraway relatives; or to take part in recreational activities like surfing or biking only to find that there's not enough room for all of their stuff. Fortunately, there are many ways to carry that extra gear or cargo on the roof of your vehicle but it's important that you do it safely. Here's all you need to know about securing your stuff before you hit the road.
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Have you ever wondered if the type of vehicle you drive affects your insurance rate? The vehicle you drive does impact the price you pay. Every vehicle has a unique Vehicle Identification Number or VIN. Each character in the VIN provides information about the vehicle and how it is equipped. Information unique to your vehicle is combined with data collected about similar cars to establish a vehicle code or symbol. Insurers use vehicle symbols to help determine the appropriate premium to charge. Data considered in establishing a symbol includes the following:

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We're all distracted these days. In every moment, there are dozens of things competing for our attention, and well, driving is no exception. Loud music, texting, or an unruly kid in the back seat can threaten to take our focus away from the road just long enough for an accident to happen.

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It takes more than age to make it a classic. A collector car isn't just a way to get around. It's an investment that will continue to appreciate in coming years.

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According to the National Safety Council, someone is killed in a car accident every 15 minutes, and many more are injured each day. Car accidents remain a leading cause of death in the U.S. year after year, and yet, reducing our risk on the road isn't something most of us think about once we've passed the exam and joined the ranks of everyday drivers. Here are some basics to review to make sure that you're doing your part to be a responsible driver, and to protect yourself and your community.

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If your car is declared a total loss due to an accident or other covered loss, this insurance will pay the difference between what you owe on a loan or lease and the current value of the car.

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With the increasing populartity of "Car Sharing" services like Uber and Lyft, many people are considering driving for this type of service to make some additional income.

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There are a lot of factors that come into play when trying to decide whether you should buy or lease a vehicle: monthly and down payment amounts, tax benefits, your lifestyle and how much you travel. But this decision is made a little easier when it comes to your insurance.

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Winter hasn't raised its icy head yet, but the calendar never lies and we're inching closer to those shorter days and cooler nights. Now is the time to get ready, starting with how you get around, namely, your car, boat and RV.
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The wind and rain from spring and summer storms can cause all kinds of damage. But what often packs the biggest punch are the hailstones! These little ice balls, formed as raindrops are blown back into the upper atmosphere by strong winds, can cause serious damage to a vehicle. The National Storm Damage Center estimates damages caused annually in the United States to home, buildings, cars, businesses and crops to be around $1 billion!

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If you've ever purchased a new vehicle, you may remember the dealer asking about your auto insurance. You may even have been required to provide proof of coverage before driving off the lot with your beautiful new car!

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The Federal Highway Administration database claims that the total number of reported collisions in the U.S. are around 300,000 per year, with many more going unreported for various reasons. Colliding with an animal is a traumatizing experience for all involved, and it's important that every driver knows what to do when it does. Here are some tips to avoid hitting animals in the first place, and how you should handle it if you do.
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Unpredictable weather, at least in most parts of the country, is here. Suddenly, regular activities like driving and walking outdoors have become more hazardous. Whether you're going about your daily tasks, celebrating the holiday season, or taking part in fun winter activities, here's how to make sure you're safe and protected.

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You may have seen "additional insured" on your insurance documents, or perhaps you heard your agent mention the term. So, what exactly does "additional insured" mean?

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When reviewing your Personal Auto insurance policy documents, you may come across the terms "Uninsured Motorist coverage" and "Underinsured Motorist coverage". You may wonder, what do these coverages provide? In certain situations, Uninsured Motorist coverage and Underinsured Motorist coverage provide protection for you if you are in an accident with another driver who doesn't have adequate insurance:

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Ah, freedom... if learning to drive is on the horizon for your teenager, he or she is probably thrilled about the prospect of getting to travel outside the confines of your schedule and neighborhood. You, on the other hand, might be thrilled about not having to drive them everywhere but the excitement ends there.

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It can be a stressful situation if your car breaks down while you're on the road. While regular maintenance to your vehicle can help avoid serious issues, there's no way to guarantee that your car will run as it should at all times. The best way to handle these situations is to be prepared. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you experience car trouble while driving:

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When it comes to car insurance, there's no one price-fits-all scenario. In fact, car insurance costs can vary greatly from driver to driver, carrier to carrier and even state to state.

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You've just spent a sunny afternoon on the golf course with your friends. You're walking towards your car reminiscing about your birdie putt on eleven, when you see it: your windshield. It's completely unsalvageable with cracks spanning the entire width of the glass, and the guilty golf ball still lingering at the scene of the crime. Your head swivels around searching for someone to blame, but your eyes keep coming back to that golf ball staring up at you from the pavement.

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In car accidents both severe and less so, the vehicle(s) involved may be deemed damaged beyond repair. This is when your insurance company calls with the unfortunate news that your vehicle has been declared a total loss. But, what happens between the accident and that phone call to determine whether a vehicle's next stop is the repair shop or the junk yard?

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We may all long for spring after a long winter, but the season also is known for tornadoes, flooding and other storm events! If you have had wind damage to your home or auto before, then you know this is a real threat and you must have proper insurance coverage to protect yourself and your property from wind damage. Coverage for wind damage typically is part of your homeowner's and your automobile insurance policies.

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They may be your own, or they're your grandkids or your friend' kids, but driving with kids is a task that should always be taken seriously. Having kids in the car can be quite distracting. Perhaps they are fighting in the back seat, or maybe one is asking you for a snack while the other has to make an urgent bathroom stop. Paying attention to the road and to the kids is a trying experience. Read these tips to find out how to keep your pint-sized passengers safe and sound, for any trip at any age.
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"My daughter bought her own car and now it's titled in her name. How does that affect my coverage?"

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Almost all states require drivers to carry Personal Auto Liability insurance, but does liability insurance provide enough coverage for every driver? Not necessarily. Liability insurance is designed to cover the damages caused to other people and their property due to an auto accident with your vehicle. Liability coverage doesn't pay to repair damages to your own vehicle.

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Most people have an idea of what's covered and not covered under their various insurance policies. But at Rongstad Insurance Services we get a lot of questions about borrowing or loaning a car.

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College is expensive enough without the added cost of unexpected accidents or theft, not covered by your insurance policy. If you have a student heading away to school, below are a few tips to help you get the most out of your coverage.

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Do you have enough liability insurance?

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Buying a Car for Your Grad? Here's What to Keep in Mind

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How many times has the following happened to you? You're speeding down 35W when you spot a Minnesota State Highway Patrol car. You quickly hit the brakes and slow down, relieved that you didn't get caught ... this time.

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5 Ways to Avoid Parking Lot Fender Benders in Minnesota
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Buying a new car is an exciting time — but it can also be stressful. After all, you're trying to get the best deal on price, while also deciding on the make, model and features you need.

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There is no shortage of distractions in the modern world. Distracted driving has become a national issue, and many schools and public agencies are scrambling to raise awareness of the problem. The National Safety Council estimates that one in four car accidents involve cell phone use, but many people still believe that talking or texting while driving is harmless. Using electronics while driving is only one of the dangerous habits that have become all too common for today's drivers.
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They come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, from the rounded-off, vintage "teardrop" types to the mirror-shiny Airstreams and the clever pop-up models. Some are strictly no-frills, utilitarian shelters for fishermen to park by the river for a few days; others are incredibly appointed bastions of luxury that seem as long as a city block and can keep a family of 12 comfortable and. Summer is at its peak, and it's not just the hot sunshine, sandals, and barbecues that remind us; it's the amazing assortment of travel trailers moving all over the U.S. highways. Families love to travel in the summer, and what better way to do it than with a mobile house on wheels towed behind your car or truck, providing all the comforts of home in virtually any new locale you desire?
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Teens are bad drivers, right? They text behind the wheel, speed to impress their friends and barely pay attention. Or so the stereotype says. But parents can help their teens rise above the stereotype and stay safe while driving. Here are two important ways to do that:
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Want to be a better driver? Take a look at the three most common types of at-fault auto claims. These are claims in which the driver is to blame for the accident. This list, compiled by Claims Journal magazine, is a great guide to what NOT to do while you’re on the road:
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Most new parents would probably admit that their driving habits changed after having children. The one-time daredevil of the highway has transformed into a doting dad who never pushes the speedometer past a sluggish 65 mph; the lady lead foot who laughed in the faces of cops is now a minivan-loving, law abider who cruises so slow she would try the patience of a turtle.
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For most of the children in the Minnesota, the end of August means those lazy dog days of summer are coming to a close, and those books and desks are what will be opening up next. For parents, the back-to-school season is a great time of year to look over insurance policies, and make sure they are up to date. Here are some insurance situations to consider as the kiddos hit the books.
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New parents have their hands full. While the nine months leading up to the birth of a child afford plenty of time to research the best gear and make necessary preparations, the list of concerns for that fragile bundle of joy can be intimidating. And selecting the right car seat is one of the most challenging. Between reviews, recalls, budgets, and difficult-to-understand instructions, the world of car seat shopping is not for the faint of heart. But it needn't be so complicated: once you know the lingo and your needs, it's just a matter of finding the right fit for your vehicle and family.
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Spring is fast approaching and for some drivers that means it's time to shop for a new car. The following cars are rated as the top ten most expensive cars to insure. However, at the end of the day, several factors affect your car insurance premium, not just the price tag on your dream vehicle.
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If you have a domestic employee, such as a gardener, housekeeper, or nanny, who drives his or her own auto while working for you, there is a potential for you to incur liability arising from their driving that would not be adequately insured. If your employee negligently causes an accident, you as the employer can be drawn into the lawsuit and held liable. Your employee’s own insurance, if any, will protect you up to its policy limits, but you are on your own after that. And your personal auto policy may not respond to cover the difference. The courts have ruled in different ways on these types of loss situations.
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Your son or daughter headed to college will most likely need computer equipment, cell phones and sometimes tablets.
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