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Sandvik Insurance Agency Blog

Reduce Car Accident Risk

4/24/2015

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3 Easy Ways to Reduce The Risk of a Car Crash

Spring has arrived, and the warmer weather often prompts people in Rochester, Minnesota to hop in their cars for weekend (or longer) road trips.


Unfortunately, too many of those trips will end up being memorable for the wrong reasons, due to crashes and other risks that drivers face anytime they hit the road.

You can take control of your next trip, whether it’s across the state or across town, by following these simple rules:

1.   Pay attention. Do you know how many drivers around the country are using cell phones or other electronic devices right now? If it’s daytime, the answer is approximately 660,000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says. Anything that takes your eyes off the road or distracts you increases your risk of a crash. Here’s another reason to avoid distractions: If you’re completely alert, you have a better chance of steering clear of that guy who is shaving on his way to work.

2.   Stay sober. One bad decision can change lives forever, and driving under the influence is an extraordinarily bad decision. Nearly 15,000 died in 2012 in crashes involving impaired drivers, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). So get a designated driver — or better yet, be a designated driver. Best of all, have the party at your house and let everyone sleep over.

3.   Slow down. They say “speed kills,” and, as depressing as it sounds, it’s true. Crashes caused by excessive speed cause more than 10,000 deaths a year on average, the NSC says. Surprisingly, you are most at risk on roads where the speed limit is 55 mph or below. Remember, the posted speed limit isn’t always the best speed to travel. Depending on conditions, going slower might be the safest option.
 
Improving safety on the roads isn't rocket science. Just a little common sense can make a big difference for you, your passengers and your fellow drivers. So be alert and be safe out there on the roads in Minnesota.
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Appliance Hoses

4/16/2015

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Should You Be Worried About Your Appliance Hoses?

There’s a ticking time bomb in your Minnesota house right now, waiting to strike when you least expect it. In fact, there might even be more than one. And each can cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage.

We here at Sandvik Insurance Agency are talking about faulty appliance hoses, of course.

Consider your humble washing machine: According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), washing-machine failures cost an average of more than $5,000, and faulty hoses are responsible for more than half of those failures.

You can take steps to defuse these ticking time bombs — or at least make them less likely to go off. Here are the common hoses and tubes you should be checking:


Washing Machine

Most washing machines come with rubber hoses that connect to your water supply — hoses that can wear out and eventually burst. The IBHS says to check frequently for blisters, worn tubing, stress cracks and loose connections. Even if there is no obvious wear, replace hoses every five years. Use a reinforced steel-braided hose, as they are less likely to fail.

Dryer

Although you should clean the lint trap in your dryer with every load, danger lurks behind the dryer as well. Flexible plastic or foil ducting can easily trap lint and increase the risk of fire, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency recommends the use of a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct instead. Whichever you use, be sure to disconnect and clean the ducting annually.

Refrigerator

If your refrigerator has an icemaker or water dispenser, it also has a hose connecting it to the water supply. Replace the standard hose with a steel-braided line for added security.

Dishwasher

Dishwasher leaks can easily go undetected, so it’s important to check these connections regularly as well. Make sure that hoses and lines have no kinks, and periodically remove and clean the filter in the dishwasher, which is designed to stop food pieces from making it into the drain hose. 

Gas Grills

At least once a year (typically when you fire up the grill for the first time after winter), check the hose connecting the fuel source to the burners. Simply brush it with some soapy water, turn the gas on (do not light the grill) and check the hose for air bubbles. If you see any, replace the hose and fitting.

In addition to checking your hoses regularly and replacing them when needed, there are monitoring systems available now that can automatically shut off your water supply in the event of a failure. Some detect leaks with moisture indicators, while at least one new system actually checks your water meter for unusual activity.

To further protect you, your homeowners insurance may cover certain damage that results from appliance hose failures. But, it all depends on the circumstances of your situation and on your specific policy. You may find that an appliance hose failure is not covered by your insurance, so it’s best to maintain your appliances to avoid damage in the first place.


If you have questions about your homeowners insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Sandvik Insurance Agency are happy to help. 


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Your First Spring Garden

4/14/2015

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Spring Maintenance for Your Home
When springtime rolls around in Rochester, Minnesota, almost everyone thinks of cleaning. That’s fine (we probably all need to do a little more of that, after all), but there’s something even more important to keep in mind: home maintenance.

So, when it’s time to set your clocks ahead for daylight-saving time and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, give your home a checkup, too. Here are some suggestions from the Department of Housing and Urban Development:

 Interior and appliances
  • Check the basement and/or crawlspace for any signs of standing water or dripping. 
  • Pull your dryer out and clean the exhaust hose and vent (lint found here is a common cause of house fires). 
  • Vacuum refrigerator/freezer coils for efficiency.
  • Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens.
  • Check all air filters and replace, if necessary.

 Roof, siding, windows
  • Check for damage to your roof and have a professional inspection, if necessary. 
  • Go into the attic. If there is visible moisture or discoloration, your roof might be leaking.
  • Examine the paint on your siding and trim. If it is peeling, you might need new paint to protect against the effects of weather. 
  • Check for leaks around window and door sills. Improving your seals can lower your energy bills.

 Yard and exterior
  • Check for signs of rodents and other pests.
  • Clean debris from gutters and downspouts, and make sure they are draining away from the home.
  • Trim overhanging tree branches and shrubs.

Remember, winter weather can cause significant damage that is easy to spot, but it often results in wear and tear that homeowners can miss if they aren't looking closely. It’s well worth it to spend a little time on home maintenance this spring, so that wear and tear doesn't turn into something more serious.

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Spring Storm Safety Tips

4/6/2015

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Sandvik Insurance Agency Tips To Protect Yourself And Property From Spring Storms
The saying “April showers bring May flowers” is true, especially to us in the Midwest. Spring storms like thunderstorms, heavy rain and tornados are inevitable and often times unpredictable. When severe weather strikes with little notice the risk of injury to yourself and damages to your property greatly increases. Here are some helpful tips to help protect you, loved ones and property during the next ‘April shower.’

 Keep yourself and loved ones safe

  •   Monitor the weather by downloading an app for emergency info (American     Red Cross or FEMA.gov)
  •   If severe weather strikes, go to the lowest level in your home and stay away   from windows and glass
  •   Never use electronics during a storm and avoid touching metal objects
  •   Conduct a home inventory (photos, video) of your personal belongings for     insurance purposes and store in a safety deposit box or cloud-system
  •   Install a sump pump with a battery backup system
  •   Prepare a basic emergency kit
             o   Bottled water (one gallon per person for up to three days)
             o   Three-day supply of non-perishable food (don’t’ forget a can opener,  disposable plates and utensils)
             o   Flashlight and extra batteries
             o   First aid kit
             o   Fire extinguisher
             o   Battery powered radio
             o   Blankets
             o   Important documents in a waterproof container — insurance policies, medical records, identification


Help avoid a property claim

  •  Clean out your gutters, drains and downspouts so that rain can flow off your  roof
  •  Inspect downspouts so they’re properly secured and placed for water to flow  away  from your house
  •  Trim trees and shrubs
  •  Have a professional inspect your roof and repair loose shingles
  •  Secure outdoor patio furniture or other objects that could be moved by  strong winds
  •  Get all contents off the ground in flood prone areas
  •  Read and understand your homeowner and auto insurance policies,  especially your  deductibles — talk with your independent insurance agent to  make sure you have the  appropriate amount of insurance coverage
 
What other precautions do you take to keep yourself and property safe during a storm? Let us know in the comment field below!

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    826 S Broadway
    Rochester, MN 55904
    contactus@sandvikagency.com

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Sandvik Insurance Agency
826 S Broadway
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 226-8481
(855) 726-3845
contactus@sandvikagency.com

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Serving the Rochester MN area, including Byron MN, Chatfield MN, Dodge Center MN, Dover MN, Eyota MN, Hayfield MN, Kasson MN, Lewiston MN, Mantorville MN, Oronoco MN, Pine Island MN, Plainview MN, St Charles MN, Spring Valley MN, Stewartville MN, Wabasha MN, Zumbro Falls MN, Zumbrota MN, and surrounding areas.
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