Blog Archives - Sandvik Insurance Agency

Black Friday Strategies

11/26/2014

Add some strategy to your ‘Black Friday’ shopping
If there’s anything more satisfying than melting into the couch following a multi-course Thanksgiving dinner complete with all the fixings, it has to be shopping for the best deals of the season the day after in Rochester.

Hitting the shops on Black Friday has become a ritual that is as all-American as watching fireworks on the Fourth of July. And why wouldn't it be, considering what a win-win it is for Minnesota customers and retailers alike?

Over the years, however, Black Friday has evolved. Stores that used to open at 6 a.m. now open at midnight, and Cyber Monday has entered the picture, offering bargain prices online the Monday following Black Friday. All of this means that getting the best deals now requires a bit of strategy.

At Sandvik Insurance Agency, we want you to get the best deals for your holiday shopping, so here are a few pointers for maximizing your experience.

Be willing to forego the shut-eye. It’s a fact: stores open early. Accept that you will not get eight hours of sleep Thursday night (and remind yourself that your wallet will thank you).

Do your research. Go online before the holiday and note who has deals on what and when. Remember to factor in your opportunities for Cyber Monday.

Pick your favorites. You probably won’t have time or energy to go everywhere, so narrow your shopping store list down to focus only on your favorite stores or those that are offering sales on exactly what you’re looking for.

Create an itinerary. Before you go, make a list of stores in order of priority based on times they open and items you want to snap up. Then, map it so you know your route.

From the Sandvik Insurance Agency to you, we wish you a very productive and enjoyable Black Friday!

Fun fact:

Considered as the kick-off to the Christmas holiday season, Black Friday is often described as the busiest shopping day of the year. This has been true since 2005. The millions of Americans who shop on Black Friday have been keeping the streak alive for nearly nine years.

Holiday Travel Tip

11/24/2014

Over the river and through the woods in Minnesota
Millions of Americans will do some traveling this holiday season - the majority of it by car. Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on the roadways, whether you’re simply driving around in Rochester or headed to Minneapolis or Saint Paul.

At Sandvik insurance Agency, we’d like to help you not only enjoy your holiday season, but help ensure you’ll be around for future holidays, too! So please take these winter-travel safety tips to heart.

Prepare your car for winter

Before leaving on your trip in Minnesota, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? Your tires need to be in good shape for driving on wet or snowy roads, and be sure your radiator and cooling systems are up to snuff. And - we know you’ve heard this before, but bear with us - your car should have an emergency kit. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand (to provide traction should you get stuck in snow or ice) are good ideas as well.

Before you leave

Know exactly where you’re going, with printed maps, and check weather conditions along your planned route. Let someone know your itinerary, so if you don’t arrive on time, officials know where to look for you. If your car has snow or ice on it, make sure it is completely cleared off before you depart. Don’t forget to clear your headlights and other lights, along with the roof - ice and snow blowing from your car could create a hazard for other drivers.

When you’re on the road

Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Sorry for repeating ourselves, but it’s absolutely vital to, yes, take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others on the road. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses and shady spots. Remember, having four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean your car will stop or steer better on ice.

If you’re caught in a storm that seems like it’s too much for you to handle, seek refuge as soon as you can. Of course, sometimes it’s best not to drive in snow and ice at all - stay home if you can.

If your vehicle becomes disabled

Nobody wants to think about being stranded on the side of the road in a storm, but it happens to thousands of people every year. If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it. Run your engine and heater for short intervals, and open one of your windows slightly to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now’s the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross-streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.

We hope you enjoy your holidays with friends and family, and we look forward to serving you in the New Year!

Carbon Monoxide Safety

11/21/2014

Protect your family from the ‘silent killer’
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas that results when certain fuels do not burn completely. And it can be deadly. That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent it, detect it, and protect yourself and your family from its effects.

In the home, carbon monoxide is most commonly formed by flames and heaters, as well as vehicles or generators that are running in an attached garage. As temperatures drop and more people are cranking the heat and hovering over the stove inside and warming up the car’s engine before hitting the road, it’s especially critical to ensure your family’s safety against this lethal gas.

Since carbon monoxide cannot be detected without a carbon monoxide detection device, it is essential to install and maintain one or more detectors in your home.

Detector Tips

At Sandvik Insurance Agency, we want you and your family to stay protected, so check out the following tips from CAL FIRE San Diego County Fire Authority for safeguarding your household.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door, and there should be one near or over any attached garage.
Each detector should be replaced every five to six years
Battery-only carbon monoxide detectors tend to go through batteries more frequently than expected. Plug-in detectors with a battery backup (for use if power is interrupted) provide less battery-changing maintenance.
Thoroughly read the installation manual that comes with the individual detector you purchase. Manufacturers’ recommendations differ to a certain degree based on research conducted with detectors for specific brands.
Remember that carbon monoxide detectors do not serve as smoke detectors and vice verse. You can, however, purchase a dual smoke/carbon monoxide detector that can perform both functions.
Do not install carbon monoxide detectors next to fuel-burning appliances, as these appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up.

In case of exposure

At Sandvik Insurance Agency, we hope you never have to use the following tips from the Mayo Clinic, but please read on for good information that could help save a life.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has been exposed to carbon monoxide, check for the following symptoms:

dull headache
weakness
dizziness
nausea
vomiting
shortness of breath
confusion
loss of consciousness

If any of the symptoms exist, move the individual into fresh air and seek emergency medical care immediately.

Snowmobile Season

11/19/2014

Tips to stay safe during snowmobile season
If you live or vacation where the weather gets cold and the snow starts falling, some people are content to cozy up next to the fire with a good book and concentrate on staying warm.

For others, though, it’s time to get excited — because it’s time to break out the snowmobiles and head to the nearest winter recreation spot. It’s a popular activity, and for good reason: Snowmobiling allows you to explore natural areas that may be hard to access by foot (or snowshoe), and provides a different kind of excitement than skiing or hiking.

Of course, snowmobiling presents some dangers as well. And here at Sandvik Insurance Agency, we want you to make it home safely after your day in the snow. Read on for safety tips from the American Council of Snowmobile Associations — and keep in mind that following these will not only help you stay safe, but also influence equitable treatment of snowmobile access by government, agencies and landowners.

SPEED: Speed is a major factor in many snowmobile crashes. Always keep your speed slow enough to ensure that you’re in control.

ALCOHOL: Use of alcohol or any other drug that causes impairment is a leading cause of snowmobile-related fatalities. It’s best to refrain from any use at all before and during outings because of potential effects on vision, reaction time, balance and coordination. When combined with excess speed in particular, the results can be deadly.

AVALANCHE: More than 90 percent of the time, avalanches that involve people are triggered by the victims. Learn to follow avalanche safety procedures and always know the risks at all times.

RIDING AT NIGHT: Nighttime snowmobiling is fun, but extra caution should be used. Ride at slower speeds so as not to override your headlights (which generally illuminate your path for about 200 feet). Faster speeds could mean that you have little or no time to react to an obstacle in your path.

ROADWAYS: Always keep an eye out for vehicles, as many trails are located alongside roadways and can cross over them. Be sure to stop fully at all stop signs and unmarked road crossings.

CLOSED AREAS: Areas may be closed to snowmobiles due to hazardous conditions, wintering wildlife, non-motorized recreation or by landowner request. It’s important to honor these closures for safety purposes and to help protect access to other riding areas.

While it’s extremely important to follow these tips for your personal safety, it’s also vital to encourage others to snowmobile safely as well. Helping to educate others will not only promote safety for all snowmobilers, but also protect the sport’s image as well.

Whether you’re a new rider or have been on the trails for years, ask yourself if you could be riding more safely. There are many more winters to come, and we want you to be able to enjoy as many of them as possible!

Green Holiday Tips

11/18/2014

Give the gift of ‘green’ this holiday season
As the holidays approach, regular habits tend to fall to the wayside. Folks who are consistently rested lose sleep, habitual fitness fanatics sink into recliners and, occasionally, even the most environmentally committed citizens loosen up on their personal rules.

With a little know-how, along with a promise to give to the Minnesota environment just as you do to your loved ones over the holidays, you can be just as “green” as you are the rest of the year, if not even greener.

At Sandvik Insurance Agency, we want you and the environment to breathe easy and experience joy this holiday season. Check out these pointers for reducing waste throughout and beyond the season.

Wrap it up (and again… and again…). Are you both giving and getting this year, or holding more than one gift exchange? If so, re-use items like wrapping paper, ribbon and packing materials. No one will complain about this kind of “re-gifting,” especially the environment.

Bring your own. The reusable bags you use for groceries each week work just as well for holiday shopping. Keep them in your trunk or near the door to your home through the season so you always have them on hand for gift buying and giving trips in Rochester,MN.

Think “e-everything.” Everything that you traditionally did on paper - party invitations, greeting cards and holiday letters - can be just as meaningful and attractive when created and sent electronically.

Opt out. Retailers inundate consumers with catalogs through the holiday season. Collect them in a pile and dedicate some time to calling each one and asking to have your name removed from their mailing lists.

“Recycle-ize” your home. Place recycle receptacles in every room in which you will be cooking, having meals, discarding waste, wrapping gifts, decorating and working. This will keep recycling top-of-mind, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

From Sandvik Insurance Agency to you and yours, we wish you the greenest holiday season yet!

Shovel Snow Safety

11/17/2014

Shovel snow safely this winter
Winter is here, and with it comes many traditions and activities: Holiday celebrations with loved ones in Rochester, skiing and snowboarding outings in the mountains, fireplace-lit living rooms, homemade batches of soup… and shoveling snow.

Should you live somewhere in Minnesota when snow storms hit and your driveway and walkways are covered with the cold white stuff, you might want to just stay inside. But if your work and personal commitments make that impossible, you’ll need to first dig out the snow shovel - or make sure it’s handy before the snow flies!

For many people across Minnesota, snow shoveling will be both a reality and a necessity this winter. At Sandvik Insurance Agency, we want to ensure your efforts will get you on your way while also keeping you safe, so here are some snow-shoveling tips offered by the Boston Herald.

·     Warm-up! Never jump right into an activity. Start by cleaning off your car.
·     Place your hands a good distance apart on the shovel - it helps with leverage.
·     Never bend at your waist.
·     Push the snow when you can.
·     Scoop smaller loads of snow.
·     Use your legs, core and arms to help scoop and throw snow.
· Always step in the direction you throw snow to avoid excessive twisting on your lower back.

If snow shoveling is on your winter task list, we at Sandvik Insurance Agency wish you both a clear sidewalk and a healthy body.

Holiday Pet Travel

11/13/2014

Make sure your pets travel well for the holidays

The holiday season is here and that means it’s time to eat good food and join together with loved ones. For many who have families far away, this is also is the time to pack up and get out of Minnesota.

If you are gearing up to travel and have pets at home, you’re probably considering their holiday options, perhaps a dog sitter, cat spa or kennel. If you just can’t bear leaving your furry friends behind, you’re in luck! With the following tips, you and your cuddly companions can be on your way — via car, plane or train — in safety and comfort.

Pre-travel honesty. Before you consider making Fido your backseat driver or your wingman, consider whether he will feel safer en route or at home. Some pets simply don’t like to travel, while others are more versatile.

Hit the rails. If you’re traveling by train, plan ahead. Make sure pets are allowed on the train and find out what rules apply. Also, ensure your pet can stay with you in the passenger compartment, versus needing to be placed in cargo.

Comfort your four-legged friends in flight. Before you book your flight, make sure the air carrier allows pets in the cabin or if they need to ride in cargo. Research weight requirements ahead of time, and check the airline’s website for additional regulations.
Pack their bags with care. Pack a travel bag for your pet, just as you do for yourself and your family. Consider items like food bowls, leashes, treats and favorite toys, as well as immunization records and identification tags.
Put the pedal to the metal. If you have a choice, travel by car. This way you can stop as frequently as necessary for potty stops and feedings.
Avoid accidents. Regardless of your mode of travel, be cognizant of the duration of your journey. Gauge how much your pet eats and drinks according to the length of the trip. If you’re traveling by train, find out in advance if there are stops when you and your pet can get out and get relief.

At Sandvik Insurance Agency, we hope you and your pets have a comfortable, safe journey wherever you travel for the holidays.

Road Safety

11/12/2014

7 ROAD TRIP SAFETY TIPS EVERY DRIVER SHOULD FOLLOW

With the holidays right around the corner, many Americans will be hitting the road to see their family and friends. In fact, 91% of us will travel by car during the holidays – as opposed to only 6% by air. And many of these trips aren’t close to home either. According to the Bureau of Transportation, long distance travel (to and from distance of 50+ miles total) increases by 23% of the average rate during the Christmas/New Year’s holiday period (Source). If your family is taking a road trip this holiday season, you’ll need to be prepared for increased traffic and possibly winter weather road conditions – especially in the Midwest. To help make sure you and your family are ready to make a safe journey, Sandvik Insurance Agency  presents our 7 best road trip safety tips:

1.) Get a Tune-Up

If you haven’t had your car in for its regular maintenance in a few months, make sure it’s ready to go for your trip – and winter in general. Having your car break down during the winter is something no driver wants to    experience, so you’ll want to make sure your car is in tip-top shape before hitting the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends having your tires, battery, fluids, and defrost mode checked by a qualified mechanic before any particularly long distance winter road trips.

  2.) Create an Emergency Safety Kit

Though you might have some jumper cables and some tools for the spare tire in your trunk, you could end up needing a lot more if you get stranded on the side of the road this winter. Apart from the jumper cables, make sure you have:
  ·      Water
·      Small supply of food (protein bars are great!)
·      Blankets
·      Flashlight
·      Road flares
·      First-aid kit
·      Small snow shovel

Call 911 in case of an emergency, but a kit like this should get you through most small problems.

  3.) Clear the Backseat

If you’re travelling with children, you’ll want to make sure the backseats are clear of any dangerous items or choking hazards before they’re spending hours of time back there. In addition, if you’re using a car or booster seat, make sure it’s installed properly as 73% are not. Make sure the kids have something to keep them occupied and leave you undistracted to focus on the road.

4.) Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Before you hit the road for your long trip, make sure you’ve hit the hay long enough too. The NHTSA estimates that roughly 100,000 crashes per year are the result of drowsiness and driver fatigue, resulting in more than 71,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths (Source). Don’t put your family at risk from drowsy driving; make sure you’re well rested and energized before taking the wheel.

5.) Review Your Directions Before Leaving

To help make sure you’re as focused as possible when you’re on the road, make sure you’ve reviewed your directions before you leave. Don’t just rely on a GPS to get you to your destination – review your route beforehand forany tricky route changes or construction zones that could slow you down. This way, if you come up on a detour you won’t be stressed or flustered, and can focus 100% on the road.

6.) Don’t Use Your Cell Phone!

As you should know by now, using your cell phone while driving can be one of the most dangerous things you can do. In fact, talking on a cell phone has been shown to make drivers 4x more likely to get in a car accident, with texting while driving making drivers 23x more likely to crash (Source)! Rather than putting your own and your passengers’ lives at risk, designate the front passenger to be your co-pilot, and have them handle all of your phone duties. This way you can stay focused on driving, and respond to your calls and texts at a safe time.

7.) Make Frequent Stops/Split Driving Duties

In addition to making sure you’re well rested before hitting the road, make the trip easier on yourself by splitting it into manageable chunks with frequent rest, gas, and food breaks. Drivers can easily get fatigued when driving for long periods of time, so these breaks will help keep you energized and fresh. If possible, split driving duties with other passengers to help disperse the responsibility.

There are many things you need to be prepared for when taking a long distance road trip – especially during the holiday season. With so many drivers on the roads and winter weather driving conditions likely, it’s only a recipe for accidents. To help make sure you and family avoid these accidents and arrive at your destination as safely as possible, Sandvik Insurance Agency hopes you remember to keep these tips in mind before setting out for your holiday trip. For more information about travel tips and safe driving, please contact your local independent insurance agent today!

Winter Storms

11/10/2014

Winter Storms Ahead: Are You Ready?
We admit it: As insurance pros, our picture of winter isn’t exactly cozy. Winter storms mean traffic snarls, hillsides turning to sheets of ice, and cars sliding around like hockey pucks. Cold temperatures can cause pipes to burst, frost swells and other damage. Heating your home with fireplaces and holiday lighting can increase the risk of fire.

A picture-perfect winter requires a few precautions

Here are a few of our top tips to help reduce weather-related hassles this winter.

Winter-proof your car with good snow tires or chains, new wiper blades, antifreeze, and emergency road supplies.

Keep your attic cool to help prevent ice dams. Insulate the attic floor and make sure it is well-ventilated.

Do not overload circuits with holiday decorations.

When winter storms hit, be smart

If you do not have to drive, stay put. If you must drive, make sure you’ve winterized your car and have a full tank of gas.

When the air is cold, keep bath and kitchen cabinet doors open so warm air can circulate around pipes. If pipes do freeze, let them thaw normally—they’ll be less likely to burst.

And if the power is out, make sure you avoid leaving candles or fires burning unattended. If you use a portable generator, follow the instructions and do not use it indoors.

Know what your insurance covers

We want to help you rest easy. You will be more relaxed when you know you have prepared your property to lessen the chance of winter storm damage. Your insurance policy covers repair or rebuilding costs. However, your deductible does apply. Check your policy to see what is covered and to confirm the deductible you have chosen.

If you have any questions at all about your coverage, call Sandvik Insurance Agency at (507) 226-8481 and we will help you review your options.

Veterans Day

11/6/2014

Veterans Day
Top 10 ways to honor a veteran on Veterans Day
Americans celebrate Memorial Day in the spring and Veterans Day in the fall. While it can be easy to confuse the two holidays, Memorial Day is set aside to honor American’s war dead; Veterans Day is intended to honor the service of all U.S. veterans, both living and dead.

In fact, celebrations surrounding Veterans Day often place a special emphasis on thanking all living U.S. military veterans who have or are currently serving in any U.S. armed service. And it’s the perfect time for all Americans to show appreciation for their service.

The best way to thank a military U.S. veteran for his or her service depends on the individual and his or her needs. But the most important thing is to do something to show your gratitude.

Here are 10 ideas to get you thinking about how to be grateful for veterans on November 11.

Raise. Display the American flag in your yard to demonstrate your support of veterans everywhere.
Listen. Strike up a conversation with a disabled or homeless veteran and be an active listener as you hear about their experience.
Speak. Simply say, “Thank you” to veterans you see.
Reach out. Contact a disabled or homeless veteran whom you know and spend some quality time together.
Support. Send a donation to organizations that support the special needs of veterans.
Find. Trace your ancestry and identify how many veterans are in your family.
Write. Send a letter to someone who’s currently serving in the military.
Visit. Visit a disabled veteran in his or her home or a homeless veteran on the street.
Learn. Educate yourself on the challenges veterans face when retiring from service to rejoin civilian life.
Share. Use your social media to help celebrate Veteran’s Day and acknowledge the service of all veterans.

To learn more ways to honor a veteran on November 11, visit http://www.wallawalla.va.gov/Misc/Honor_Veteran.asp.

To all our American heroes, we at Sandvik Insurance Agency thank you for your service to our country.

Did you know? Veteran’s Day is always celebrated on November 11, regardless of the day of the week. It’s also a federal holiday, so federal government employees take the day off on Monday if the 11th falls on a Sunday, and they take the day off on Friday if the 11th falls on a Saturday.

Contact Us!

At Sandvik Insurance Agency, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 507-226-8481 or send us a note at contactus@sandvikagency.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!

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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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