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Take a few minutes to read up on Hands-Free
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In Honor of Independence Day our office will be closed! Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!
Winter Recreational Vehicles – Do You Have The Proper Insurance Coverage?
Temperatures have dropped and snow has fallen. With that comes the opportunity to use your winter recreational vehicles. Make sure you have proper insurance coverage, so no matter what happens you’re covered.
Winter Recreational Vehicles
You might enjoy riding your snowmobile or take your ATV out on the trails. Don’t forget about your fish house. If you are heading out ice fishing you’ll want to make sure your fish house is on your insurance policy. These are some of the most common winter recreational vehicles that we see people insure.
Should I Continue Coverage on Summer Recreational Vehicles?
Another question we get from people is whether they should continue to have insurance coverage on things they only use in the warmer summer months. They put their boat and motorcycle in storage, so they won’t be used – can’t they temporarily drop the insurance coverage and save some money? There are a few reasons you won’t want to do that:
- They still face risk – theft, fire, damage
- Some policies are 12-month policies that take into account that you probably won’t be using a boat (or other seasonal item) in winter.
- What if we get an unseasonably warm winter, the snow melts and you want to take your motorcycle out for a ride, but you don’t have insurance coverage?
What kind of coverage do you have on your recreational vehicles? Check with your insurance agent to make sure you have the right policy. Each company and policy offers different coverage. Enjoy the winter and make sure you have the right insurance for piece of mind!
Contact Your Citizens Insurance Agent Today!Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Veterans Days
Hunting Safety Tips and Insurance Considerations
As the deer hunting season kicks off there are many things to consider. We think about safety and insurance coverage. Many have heard hunting safety tips often, but we’ll share a reminder. Maybe you’ll think about something in a new way. Also, it is a good time to check over some insurance coverage to make sure your items are covered.
Hunting Safety Tips
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides hunting safety tips that all hunters should consider. You’re welcome to read the information they provide and check out their resources. We’re going to highlight a few items that stand out to us.
- Take a hunting safety class – firearms safety is a popular choice.
- Be familiar with your surroundings. Know the land you’re hunting on or have a map and review it prior to hunting.
- Carry a basic first aid kit and survival items.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll return.
- Carry a compass and know how to use it in case you get disoriented.
- If you are using an elevated hunting stand check to make sure it is secure and stable. Use a fall restraint device.
- Pat attention to your surroundings and the people around you.
- Be care and enjoy your hunting experience.
Insurance Coverage Considerations
Hunters can spend lots of money on hunting equipment like guns, bow and arrows and more. Do you have your hunting equipment listed on your homeowner’s policy? Would you want them replaced if they were damaged or stolen? Check with your insurance agent today to make sure you have the right coverage before you head out to hunt.
Contact Citizen’s InsuranceFall Harvest Hits Weather Roadblock
How is the fall harvest going for farmers?
Many farmers had a good start with fall harvest, then the rain started, and the sun has stayed hidden by clouds for days. Field conditions need to dry. Once the rain stops and the sun comes out farmers will have to let the fields and crops dry before heading back out to harvest.
The added moisture may increase the need to use grain/corn drying equipment, which adds extra expense and time. Most farmers just want to get back in the field at this point in the year. Other than the current moisture, crops around the Hutchinson area have had a decent growing season. We’re thankful that we haven’t experienced any tornadoes and straight-line winds like areas of southern Minnesota.
Agriculture Insurance Protects Assets
Weather, crop conditions and harvest is something that we watch closely, so we can be timely and helpful for our agriculture clients when they have an insurance claim. Agriculture insurance is offered at Citizens Insurance for farmers and related agriculture operations.
Agriculture Operations Have Varying Needs Such As:
- Dairy
- Livestock
- Equipment
- Cash Crop
- Property
Citizens Insurance can help provide agriculture insurance coverage in case of multiple disasters such as tornado, flood, fire or hail. If a disaster strikes, it can be paralyzing to an agriculture operation without insurance coverage. Losing an entire year of crops or a barn with livestock inside it is often impossible to replace without insurance. We’re hoping the weather cooperates soon for farmers to get back in the field for a successful fall harvest.
Make sure you have the insurance coverage you need on the property and assets that matter to your livelihood. Want to confirm exactly what coverage you have for your farm?
Contact your Citizens Insurance agent today.Prevention Tips for Avoiding Slips and Falls at Your Business
You may not want to think about winter weather yet, but now is a good time to make sure your business is prepared for the conditions that Minnesota winter brings. Regular maintenance and monitoring can help you avoid slips and falls for your clients/customers and employees.
Preventative Maintenance That Minimizes Slip Risks
- Monitor for Damage – Check your parking lot, sidewalks and entrances for holes, cracks, potholes and other damage that can be repaired. Damage like this can collect snow and ice making prime falling opportunities.
- Check Drainage Routes – Where does water run when it comes off the roof of your building? Are downspouts placed in the places where the water won’t run across a walking path. Move the spouts and add additional spouts if neccessary.
- Replace Mats – Do you have mats outside your building and water absorbent mats inside your entry doors? Make sure they are in good condition to soak up water, ice and snow. Curled, torn edges, and cracked mats are trip hazards. Replace mats when they get worn.
Ongoing Best Practices to Avoid Slips and Falls
- Plan for Snow Removal – Is an employee in charge of snow removal or are you hiring someone? Make sure your expectations are clear regarding how much accumulations requires removal. Also, if snow removal needs to be completed by a specific time of day to accomodate employee arrival. You don’t want employess slipping on ice either! Also, if an employee is in charge of removal – do you have the right tools such as a snow blower, shovels, etc.
- Treat Sidewalks – Pretreat your sidewalks if possible when you know a storm is coming. It can help ice and snow build-up. Keep ice melt and shovels accessible throughout the day so that ongoing maintenance can be done.
- Encourage Proper Footwear – Remind employees to wear slip-resistent shoes in winter. Provide a place for employees to keep boots or a change of shoes if possible.
Overall, be prepared. Think ahead and repair any damage to your parking lot or building. When is winter storm is looming provide a few reminders to staff about how to avoid slips and encourage them to report any issues they see that could cause a fall. EMC Insurance shared similar winter safety tips for schools. No matter what type of organization you are, winter safety is important. Stay on top of winter weather and make sure you have a plan to clear snow and ice in a timely manner.
Does your current commercial insurance policy cover slip and fall incidents at your business? Contact your insurance agent today to confirm.
Contact Citizens Insurance Agency