Understanding the Surge: Why Minnesota Car Crashes Are on the Rise

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Between 2023 and 2024, traffic accidents in Minnesota rose by 12%. They’re so frequent that nearly every day, a driver dies from a car crash. As of this writing, there are no signs of this trend slowing down. Residents of Cloquet, MN, need to understand the causes of these traffic accident spikes to help lower the rising rate. The Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC team has identified the most common reasons for the increase.

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the number one cause of accidents in Minnesota. With today’s technology and lifestyle, it’s too easy to get distracted. Examples include:

  • Eating while driving
  • Wandering minds (concentrating on other thoughts)
  • Conversations between the driver, passengers, or the back seat riders
  • Using the GPS, radio, cell phone, handheld devices, or other electronic devices

2. Speeding

A close second is speeding. Driving over the speed limit gives you less time to react to incidents occurring ahead of you. Examples are black ice, oil spills, potholes, objects flying out of a truck, and a person turning left or right on a side road. The impact of your vehicle hitting another vehicle, object, or pedestrian is massive. The collision is powerful enough to total your vehicle, destroy objects, and cause pedestrian fatalities.

3. Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of medications, alcohol, or drugs is a solid reason for accidents in Cloquet, MN. Operating a vehicle in this state of mind means the medication, alcohol, or drugs are distracting you from obeying traffic rules and making sound decisions. You also cannot react to sudden road changes on time, causing massive accidents.

Other severe causes of Minnesota accidents are:

  • Failure to obey traffic laws
  • Tailgating ("riding someone’s bumper")
  • Winter weather (slushy, icy, and wet roads)
  • Limited visibility
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Not wearing a seatbelt

Auto insurance is there for you when you are in an auto accident. If you follow this list, auto insurance will not help you. Expect to pay more for poor road behavior and less for exemplary road behavior. Call Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC or visit our office for more information on safe driving habits.

Understanding the 10x Rule in Life Insurance

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Starting a life insurance policy is not only a good investment, but it also offers many benefits. It’s a decision that can make a significant difference. For many people deciding on what type of life insurance plan to get, there are many options based on their needs and goals. These include various types of life insurance plans designed to meet the needs of different policyholders. Understanding these types of policies and finding answers to questions like "How much life insurance do I need?" is also why the Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC team is here. If you live in the Cloquet, MN area, and have questions about life insurance, the Brittany Olson Insurance Agency can help.

Understanding the 10x Rule in Life Insurance

In addition to options such as term-life or whole-life policies, people also have to decide how much life insurance to get. That’s where the 10x rule comes in handy. This general guideline suggests multiplying your annual income by ten to understand how much life insurance you need.

The good news is, from choosing which type of plan to get to decide how much life insurance to purchase, these are not decisions you have to make alone. It’s a good idea to work with reputable and friendly agents who can help you understand your options and, most importantly, help you get the life insurance you need to meet your needs and goals.

Find Life Insurance Solutions in Cloquet, MN

If you live in or near the Cloquet, MN area and have questions or need life insurance, we can help. Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment today for the life insurance solutions you need and deserve at the Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC.

How to Minimize Home Insurance Claims Due to Freezing Winter Weather

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Winter in Minnesota can be brutal, and the freezing temperatures often put homes at risk for damage. At Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, we understand how costly winter-related issues can be. With a few preventative measures, you can protect your home from winter problems and reduce the likelihood of filing an insurance claim.

Stop Pipes from Freezing

Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst. Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces to prevent this. Keep your home heated consistently, even if you’re away, and allow faucets to drip slightly during extremely cold weather. This keeps water moving, making it less likely to freeze.

Prevent Ice Dams on Your Roof

Ice dams are a common issue in snowy climates. They form when warm air escapes into the attic, melting the snow on the roof. When this melted snow refreezes near the eaves, it creates a dam that prevents proper drainage. To avoid this, clear excess snow from your roof regularly, make sure your attic is adequately insulated and ventilated, and clean gutters before winter arrives to ensure water can flow freely away from your home.

Seal Out the Cold

Small cracks and gaps around windows and doors can let in freezing air, which can drive up heating costs and cause damage. Use weather stripping and caulk to seal any openings and keep your home warm and protected.

At Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, we’re here to help you prepare for winter and ensure your home is fully protected. Contact us today to review your policy and get peace of mind this season!

What is underinsured motorist, and do I need it?

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Minnesota’s minimum auto insurance coverage required includes liability coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injuries. Additionally, you are expected to carry $10,000 of liability coverage for property damage. The state also mandates personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of $20,000 for replacing lost wages and $20,000 toward medical expenses, covering up to $40,000 per person in your vehicle in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Furthermore, Minnesota requires bodily injury coverage for all in-state insurance policies written for uninsured and underinsured motorists. Each driver must carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

At Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, our knowledgeable licensed insurance professionals will help you make the best decision concerning your auto insurance coverages that fit your unique needs and budget.

The Importance of Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage is essential for Minnesota drivers as it covers additional bodily injuries you or your passengers may incur if you are in an accident with someone with inadequate liability bodily injury coverage. For instance, if you are in an accident where the other driver is liable for your injuries and you have $50,000 in medical bills, but the driver at fault only carries the state minimum liability for bodily injuries on their auto policy, which is $30,000, your underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage would cover the remaining $20,000 toward your medical expenses.

Contact Us for More Information

At Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, we can help you select the best auto insurance coverage to protect you and your family. For more information about underinsured motorist coverage or any other auto insurance questions, call us at (218) 499-8636.

How Term and Whole Life Insurance Are Different

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Whole life and term life insurance are the two main types. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks, but each is popular because of what it offers policyholders and their loved ones. When you’re looking for life insurance, we can help. Call us at Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN.

Duration of Life Insurance

Term life insurance works much differently from whole life. While the whole life lasts for the rest of the life of the policyholder’s life, do this. Instead, it’s good for a certain term of time. This is the period in which the policy will be in effect. The policy expires after this time, generally a set number of years. After that, the policyholder has to apply for a new life insurance policy to be covered again. With a whole life policy, there is never an expiration date. You can keep this type of policy for as long as you want it.

Cash Value

Another big difference between these types of life insurance is the cash value. Term life insurance doesn’t have a cash value but costs less than a whole life policy. Many people get term life for this reason. A whole life policy builds a cash value over the course of years until there is a substantial amount that you can borrow from as needed. For some people, having that cash value in case of an emergency gives them peace of mind. For others, the lower cost of term life is what they would rather have.

Get Life Insurance in Cloquet

Whether you’re interested in term life or whole life insurance, we can help you get started. To find out more about these policies, call Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN.

What is a home insurance deductible, and how does it work?

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At Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, we often receive questions about home insurance deductibles. It’s a topic that can be confusing, but we’re here to clarify things. So, let’s dive in and demystify the world of deductibles, giving you the peace of mind you deserve when it comes to your home insurance policy.

What is a deductible?

A home insurance deductible is the initial amount you need to pay out of your own pocket when you make a claim on your homeowner’s insurance. Most policies offer deductibles in $500 increments, meaning you could choose to pay a $500, $1000, or even $2000 deductible. The more you’re willing to pay upfront, the lower your premium payments will be. Conversely, a lower deductible means higher premiums.

Therefore, if you have a $1000 deductible, you will pay less premium than you would if you had a $500 deductible. If you are more likely to file a claim, you may want to go with the lower deductible. If you are less likely to file a homeowner claim, you could take the money you saved in premiums and put it back to save toward the deductible if you must file a claim.

How does the deductible work?

Here’s how it works: when you file a claim on your home insurance policy, a claims adjuster and a contractor will assess the damage. Once they’ve determined the repair cost, you’ll need to pay the deductible (the amount you agreed to) before your home insurance kicks in. For example, if the repair cost for your roof is $7500 and your deductible is $500, your insurance company will pay $7000, and you’ll pay $500.

If the deductible is $1000 but your damages aren’t $1000 or less, you would be responsible for the full amount of the claim.

For more information about Home Insurance in Minnesota

Call Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, at (218) 499-8636 to learn more about home insurance deductibles, costs, and claims processes.

Adequate Coverage Looks Different for Every Driver

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The driving habits of individuals can significantly vary. Some barely venture beyond their hometown or city, while others drive intensively for their job. This results in a spectrum of coverage needs amongst drivers. However, driving distance is only one factor when assessing adequate coverage to secure you and your vehicle on the road. This comprehension is why drivers in and around Cloquet, MN, look to the professional and friendly agents at the Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC for all their auto insurance solutions.

Adequate Coverage Varies for Every Driver

If you seldom travel outside your city or town, it could be construed that you face fewer risks compared to other drivers. Conversely, the argument could be that familiar routes could lead to complacency, increasing the chances of accidents. On the other hand, if your job involves driving, the assumption is often that the likelihood of encountering an accident increases. Contrarily, there’s an argument that more experienced and ‘professional’ drivers are naturally safer.

What do these scenarios imply? Regardless of how frequently or where you drive, accidents can transpire. This underlines the importance of having adequate insurance, even though the coverage might differ from driver to driver. Hence, it’s crucial to collaborate with an agent who understands your driving needs and concerns.

Auto Insurance Solutions in Cloquet, MN

If you live in the Cloquet area and have queries or need insurance for your vehicle, we can assist. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment today for the insurance solutions and protection you need and deserve at the Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC.

Do I need life insurance after I retire?

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Life insurance is a particular type of insurance that provides vital protection for your loved ones. Deciding when and how much you need it can be challenging for many people. At Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, we are here to assist our customers with any inquiries they might have about life insurance. As independent insurance agents, we work for our clients, not for the insurance carriers. We ensure that you are well-informed.

The Purpose of Life Insurance

When you are younger, you may carry life insurance to guarantee your children are taken care of if something happens to you. You may also have used whole life insurance as a method to accumulate further savings beyond your other investments. As you retire, you may no longer have children who rely on you. You may also require your savings to enjoy your retirement.

Who Are Your Dependents?

As you venture into or relish retirement, it’s time to assess what your life insurance is delivering for you. If you are financially secure and if your spouse or partner would remain secure if something were to happen to you, then you might be questioning why you are still forking out for life insurance premiums. The reality is, for numerous people, you don’t need to keep life insurance active post-retirement. It is unnecessary as long as you have already made and covered the cost of final arrangements.

However, if your retirement won’t be financially secure for the person you leave behind, then life insurance can be the lifeline that bridges the gap between a comfortable life and a financial struggle. Only you can make this decision.

Contact our office at Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN for all your insurance needs.

Three Reasons to Get Home Insurance for Your New Home

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When purchasing a home, an important consideration is whether to get home insurance. Several compelling reasons exist for obtaining home insurance. The professionals at Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC, servicing Cloquet, MN, can help you assess your options and make an informed decision. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Peace of Mind

Home insurance offers peace of mind during potential disasters. Whether you’re experiencing a house fire or a burglary, knowing that you have home insurance can alleviate some of the burden in these challenging situations. You can’t put a price on peace of mind, which is why many homeowners opt for home insurance.

2. It May Be Required

If you’re borrowing money to purchase your house, your mortgage lender will likely require you to get home insurance. Starting shopping for home insurance early in the home-buying process can help ensure you secure a policy that fits your budget and meets your needs. Your insurance agent can assist in determining how much coverage is right for you.

3. Insurance Limits Your Financial Risk

A home is a substantial investment. In addition to the costs of purchasing and maintaining your property, you don’t want to bear the financial responsibility of rebuilding if something happens to your home. Getting home insurance can significantly limit your financial risk.

Finding the appropriate insurance policy for your needs is vital. The professionals at Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC, servicing Cloquet, MN, can help. We work with a variety of insurance carriers, ensuring that you have many options when making a decision. We can also assist in narrowing down your choices! Call today to learn more about our services. 

Which Auto Insurance Features Provide the Most Value?

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If you are driving in Cloquet, MN, you definitely need auto insurance. This is true pretty much anywhere you go. However, with so many choices regarding your policy, it’s no wonder you question what coverage would benefit you the most. We at Brittany Olson Insurance Agency, LLC frequently encounter this question, so today, we’re providing you with a straightforward answer.

Liability

Undoubtedly, liability coverage offers the most value. As terrible and expensive as a car accident can be, being liable for the damages can be even more costly, particularly when medical expenses are involved.

Your car insurance can cover your liability against others and their liability failures toward you.

For example, what would occur if you encounter an accident that isn’t your fault and the other person has no insurance? You’re often left alone, but uninsured motorist coverage protects you. It covers you even when the at-fault party fails to meet its liability obligations.

This could cover medical expenditures and compensate for lost time at work, among other benefits.

Vehicle Protection

Vehicle repairs can be pricey, and vehicle protection assistance can help significantly alleviate those costs. For instance, most comprehensive policies cover windshield damage, making it surprisingly affordable to replace your windshield in case it gets damaged beyond repair.

And that’s just one example. There are numerous ways that vehicle protection covers can save you significant amounts of money if your vehicle gets damaged.

Emergency Services

Finally, let’s discuss emergency services. What happens if you run out of gas or your car breaks down during a road trip? It’s a stressful situation, but most insurers offer special options that cover such eventualities.

They can send someone to refuel or tow your car to a repair shop. While these features may not save you as much money as the previous covers, they offer peace of mind. Breakdowns are mentally exhausting, and these policy features provide a reliable source of help when things go wrong.

There are many other auto insurance options worth exploring. The optimal way to ensure you have the precise coverage you need is to converse with your representative at Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC. We have been serving Cloquet, MN residents for years and look forward to serving you as well.

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