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Sandvik Insurance Agency Blog

The Live vs. Artifical Debate

12/9/2014

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The Christmas tree conundrum: real or fake?
The kind of tree that adorns a person’s home during the holidays can provoke debate as much as Coke vs. Pepsi or Chevy vs. Ford.

When it comes to Christmas trees, do you choose live or artificial? Do you cut your own at the local tree farm, or do you prefer the convenience of a tree bought at Home Depot that won’t shed its needles, doesn't need water and already has lights?

Both live and artificial trees have their advantages and disadvantages, and we here at Sandvik Insurance Agency certainly aren't going to try to convince you that one is “right.” But in the spirit of giving, we thought we’d provide some information to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

Artificial trees

According to the North Carolina Consumers Council, artificial trees pose fewer safety concerns than live trees, but that’s not to say they don’t have risks of their own. Even fake trees can catch fire when sockets are overloaded with Christmas lights, and it only takes seconds for any tree to become completely engulfed in flames. And yes, flame-resistant artificial trees will eventually succumb to a fire.

When using a pre-lit tree, always follow instructions, and place the tree in an open area where a fire won’t quickly spread to furniture or other things in close proximity.

The benefits of artificial trees, of course, are well-known. They’re convenient and often less messy than real trees. You can re-use them year after year, saving money and saving the environment. And there’s no need to spend time searching for the perfect tree, since it’s usually easy to adjust the “branches” to your liking.

Live trees

OK, so you want the real deal. That’s great! But you’re going to have to take a little more care than you would with an artificial tree. First of all, pick a tree that’s in good shape. If needles come off easily when you give it a shake or a quick pull on a branch, find another one.

When you get it home, cut off the bottom two inches of its trunk, and fill the tree stand with water regularly. This is the best way to prevent a fire. Remember not to overload it with lights and decorations. And the longer you keep your tree up, the drier— and the more dangerous – it will become.

Dispose of your tree properly as well. Don’t burn it or put it in your fireplace, as a burning Christmas tree can be harder to control than other types of fires.

If you’re a fan of real trees, you probably don’t need us to tell you the benefits. Just take in that smell and enjoy the season!

No matter what tree you choose, the important thing is to keep safety in mind as well. If you do that, your holiday enjoyment will be real, even if your tree isn't!

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!

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

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Polar Bear Plunge

12/8/2014

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Polar-Bear Plunge: Crazy? Rejuvenating? Both?
You've seen these people on the news or in your local paper. Maybe you've seen them in person at a local park or beach in winter. Maybe you’re even one of them.

Who are they? And why are they jumping into a freezing body of water?

The origin of the polar bear plunge, as these events are often called, isn't entirely clear. What is clear is that it happens worldwide. Russians and Scandinavians were doing it before it even had a name.

In the U.S., there are events across the country, particularly on New Year’s Day. In Boston, members of the L Street Brownies have been dipping on New Year’s Day since the early 1900s. And the Coney Island Polar Bear Club in New York has been around about as long. But members don’t just swim in the Atlantic Ocean on the first day of the year. They swim every Sunday from November through April.

The largest American plunge is the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge, also known as “Plunge fest.” The event, which draws more than 10,000 annually and raises money for the Special Olympics, takes place in January, February or even March.

As for why they do it, some say taking a dip in frigid water is rejuvenating. In addition, participants say the plunge increases energy and decreases stress.

Experts in the medical community, however, aren't completely on board. While healthy people feel discomfort for about 30 seconds, the shock of the cold water is a real risk for others, particularly for those with heart disease or other health issues.

So, if you’re considering taking the plunge, just ask your doctor first. We here at Sandvik Insurance Agency will applaud you, even if we think you’re just a little bit, well, crazy!

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Pet Holiday Safety

12/4/2014

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Holiday Safety Tips for Minnesota Pets
The holidays have arrived in Minnesota!  For those with one or more four-legged friends in the house, it’s time to go over some safety tips. After all, you want all of your family members to enjoy the festivities – even the furry ones.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which operates the 24-hour Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435, takes calls year round about pets being exposed to potentially hazardous yet common household items. With the house filled with guests, presents and decorations during the holidays, the risks multiply.

Here are some things to remember and consider from Thanksgiving through New Year’s to help keep Fluffy or Fido healthy, happy and safe:

House guests

Make sure everyone keeps medicine bottles or pill cases safely tucked away – actually that applies to everyone in your household, both permanent residents and visitors. And, just in case a probing pet gets into some medications, always make sure the containers are labeled with the contents and potency so you know what was ingested.

Of course, the holidays wouldn't be complete without sharing in feasts and treats with family and friends. Just make sure that doesn't extend to your pets. After all, some things on the holiday dinner table, such as alcohol and chocolate, are toxic for pets.

And, because all of the seasonal commotion may become too much for your pets, be sure they have a quiet place to which they can retreat. Let others know your pets shouldn't be disturbed when they are in their quiet spot, whether it’s a bed, a cozy blanket or a kennel.

Presents

Those beautifully wrapped presents under the tree or covering the fireplace mantel can also be harmful to your oh-so-curious felines and canines – especially if a present contains treats for them or food for humans. Animals have a keen sense of smell and, once they sense that food is nearby, they’ll be more than happy to unwrap and eat both the outer and inner contents of the gift. Those ribbons and bows that you worked so hard on perfecting may end up wreaking havoc on your pet’s digestive tract.

Decorations

Besides the obvious of making sure electrical wires, batteries and poisonous/toxic plants (such as holly, mistletoe and poinsettias) are all out of paw’s reach, make sure that plastic and glass ornaments are far away as well. If chewed or eaten, these items can cause electrical shock, acid burns, dermatitis and mouth abrasions. 

You should also remember that, as beautiful and fun as they are, snow globes contain ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance to all pets.  Another substance that you may not think of as harmful to pets is salt, and homemade play dough is loaded with it. Watch pets while your children are playing with it or around ornaments made with it. The dough can cause life-threatening electrolyte imbalances.

Scented candles may also be a holiday staple, but they may be enticing to our pets, which are at risk for serious burns and other injuries. Best to keep those candles completely out of reach.

Finally, make sure you have the phone number for your local emergency veterinarian or the ASPCA hotline on hand for emergencies.

With these tips in mind, you can help keep your four-legged family member safe during the holidays – and all year round. We here at Sandvik Insurance Agency wish you a very happy holiday season!
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Green Holiday Tips

11/18/2014

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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!
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Veterans Day

11/6/2014

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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.
  1. Raise. Display the American flag in your yard to demonstrate your support of veterans everywhere.
  2. Listen. Strike up a conversation with a disabled or homeless veteran and  be an active listener as you hear about their experience.
  3.  Speak. Simply say, “Thank you” to veterans you see.
  4. Reach out. Contact a disabled or homeless veteran whom you know and  spend some quality time together.
  5. Support. Send a donation to organizations that support the special needs of veterans.
  6. Find. Trace your ancestry and identify how many veterans are in your family.
  7. Write. Send a letter to someone who’s currently serving in the military.
  8.  Visit. Visit a disabled veteran in his or her home or a homeless veteran on the street.
  9.  Learn. Educate yourself on the challenges veterans face when retiring from  service to rejoin civilian life.
  10. 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!

 
Content provided by Safeco Insurance
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Fire Prevention Month

10/21/2014

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October Is Fire Prevention Month
October is officially Fire Prevention Month. As your insurance agency, this is an issue that is very important to us! Unfortunately, we've seen clients suffer from home fires, but there are things you can do to prepare now to prevent a disaster later.

Beyond basic fire prevention, like checking cords and not leaving a pot unattended on the stove, there are several important things to do with your children or
grandchildren to make sure they're safe.

First, create a PLAN. When children know what to expect, they can remain calm, even during an emergency. Help your child know exactly what to do if a fire occurs.

Stress the importance of getting out of the house and to your family meeting spot.  Choose an area a safe distance from the house where children should go if making a fire escape. It could be a street light, mailbox, or neighbor's tree.

If you have pets, tell your kids that your pets will find their own way out safely and that they should never go back to rescue the pet on their own.

As a family, go through each room of the house and discuss TWO different ways to get out if a fire occurs. Let children practice opening a latch and unlocking doors too.

Now host a fire drill! Make the practice drills fun and informative. Create sample
scenarios and build up your kid's confidence. They'll be better prepared for a fire and you will too!

When it comes to any sort of emergency situation, people are what matter most. Take precautions to protect your loved ones and let your professional insurance agents at Sandvik Insurance Agency take care of protecting your home and belongings! Call us at 507-226-8481 for a free quote on your Homeowner's Insurance today!
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Future Classic Cars

10/8/2014

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Do you own a classic car of the future?

There’s nothing quite like driving a speedy, shiny classic car that turns heads and starts conversations. In fact, the beauty and elegance of old collectibles – like the 1964 Aston Martin DB5, the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray and the 1969 Dodge Charger – can be downright captivating.  

If you don’t happen to own one of these timeless beauties, it may not mean you will never own a classic. In fact, there are many automobile aficionados and industry experts that predict we can expect a whole new generation of cars that will one day be bestowed the same level of prestige as, say, the 1969 Chevy Camaro.

If your curiosity is getting the better of you, Sandvik Insurance Agency is offering you a peek at the 10 models predicted by CNET’s Car Tech editors as being the vintage cars of the future. Who knows, you just may own a classic after all.
 
    1.   Toyota Prius (first generation): Built from 1997 to 2003, sold in the U.S.               from 2001 to 2003
    2.   Honda Insight (first generation): Sold in the U.S. from 1999 to 2006
    3.   Toyota MR2 Spyder: Built from 1999 to 2007
    4.   Honda S2000: Built from 2000 to 2009
    5.   Scion xB: Offered from 2004 to 2006
    6.   Infiniti G35: Built from 2003 to 2006
    7.   BMW 335i/N54 3-series: Built from 2006 to 2010
    8.   Pontiac G8: Built from early 2008 to mid-2009
    9.   Dodge Magnum: Built 2004 to 2008
    10. Chrysler 300C: Built 2005 to 2011      
 
If any of the above-named vehicles is sitting in your garage, congratulations may be in order. And if not, it’s not too late to start checking the classified and used car lots.

Regardless what you’re driving or what automobile you might have stored away, we at Sandvik Insurance Agency are here to make sure you have it covered! Contact us today. 

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Home Efficiency

10/6/2014

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Is your home as efficient as it could be?
Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.
All are common issues and they’re not only annoying — they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher utility bills.

Would you like to save $200 to $400 a year on your energy costs? That’s how much the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently.

Of course, helping to protect you and your family is our goal at Sandvik Insurance Agency, and keeping your home well-maintained usually means your home will be safer as well. Those are goals we all should share. Several of the tips below from the National Association of Home Builders will help you accomplish both.

Do a home-energy audit

Making your home more efficient can seem like an overwhelming task. But “auditing” your energy efficiency is something you can do yourself, and it’s relatively simple. This will show you where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use. Just inspect the areas listed here and note the problems you find.

Where’s the air? Air commonly “leaks” from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs. Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.

Don’t wait … insulate! Check to see if the amount of insulation in the ceiling and walls is sufficient. Your attic door should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver — the area should be completely filled with insulation.

Do a systems check. Efficient heating and cooling systems can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.

Let there be (efficient) light. Lighting can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s total electricity use, so consider compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which last longer and use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.

The only thing left to do after you complete your audit (and make any necessary changes)? Figuring out how to spend the money you’ll save each year!
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Winterizing Your Home

9/29/2014

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5 ESSENTIAL WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WINTER
With fall officially underway, homeowners everywhere are slowly starting to prepare themselves for the winter that lies ahead. As the leaves begin to change and cool autumn air rolls in, no one wants to be left with a cold, leaky home in a matter of months (or weeks!). Rather than wait until the first snowfall to make your move, however, Sandvik Insurance Agency wants to make sure your home is protected from the get-go. To help keep your home safe from any cold weather damage this winter, make sure you follow these 5 winter prep tips:

1. Clean Your Gutters

 When snow collects on your roof, your gutter acts as a drain for all the snow melt. If the gutter is clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris, however, the water from the snow melt will get backed up and sit in your gutter, eventually freezing and creating an ice dam. This causes a massive weight and wetness strain on your roof, often leading to leaks and damaged shingles. To avoid letting an ice dam form, causing major damage to your home and roof, take the time to inspect your gutters. Grab a ladder, some gloves, and a hose; remove any debris that is clogging your gutter or downspout. When you’re done, turn on the hose and make sure the water flows smoothly from your downspout to be certain you’ve gotten rid of all the blockages.

2. Check Your Shingles

While you’re up on the ladder cleaning your gutters, it’s the perfect time to do a quick roof checkup. After a long summer, chances are your home withstood a summer storm or two. Whether your roof may have been hit with some hail or just some loose branches and debris, it’s very important to check any spots for potential leaks. If you spot any damaged shingles, make sure you get them repaired before snow has a chance to start leaking through your roof!

3. Turn Off Your Exterior Faucets

When cold winter weather finally hits, the last thing you want in your pipes is stagnant water – especially going to your exterior faucets. Once it gets below freezing, frigid temperatures can freeze the water trapped inside your pipes. As the water freezes and expands it often damages and cracks the pipe, causing the pipe to burst. To help avoid any damage to your pipes from your colder exterior faucets, make sure you open the shutoff valve for each one, and drain any excess water out of it. This is the best way to guarantee that your pipes don’t freeze. 

4. Wrap Your Pipes

Though the pipes connected to your exterior faucets are in the greatest danger of freezing, it’s also important to protect the pipes that pass through unheated spaces in your home (e.g. basement, crawl space, attic, garage, etc.). To prevent these pipes from freezing as well, go to your local hardware store, buy some pre-molded foam insulating sleeves, and wrap the sleeves around the pipes you feel could be in danger of freezing.

5. Give Your Furnace a Physical

 Just like we need yearly checkups with our doctors, your furnace needs one as well. Before the cold weather hits, you should turn on your furnace and make sure it’s working properly. At the minimum, you should be replacing its filter on a regular basis, but it can also benefit greatly from a professional cleaning and tuning. Not only will a professional inspection help add to the longevity of your furnace, it will also maximize its heating efficiency.

Winter weather can take a big toll on your home. By following these tips and making sure you’re well prepared, however, you can avoid almost all of the damage! For more information about how you can start protecting your home for winter, contact Sandvik Insurance Agency today. 
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Fall and Watercraft Insurance

9/17/2014

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Protect your boat with insurance and winterization
Now that summer’s over and the weather is cooling down, it’s time to think about pulling your boat out water and putting it away until next year.

As you begin to prepare your boat for the winter, take the time to make sure it still has the right insurance protection. After all, we here at Sandvik Insurance Agency want to make sure you’re ready for the next boating season! (And maybe, just maybe, you’ll also be ready to invite your favorite insurance agent out for a day on the lake. Just a thought.)

First things first: Insurance

 If you have a small boat with limited power, you may have some coverage under your Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa homeowners or renters insurance policy. If you aren’t sure, please check with us. Of course, larger and faster boats, along with personal watercraft, require their own policies. And we can help with those, too!

But do you even need boat insurance during the offseason when your boat won’t even be in the water? Well, that depends. Keep in mind that your boat can still be damaged no matter where it is. Often, damage from fire and theft isn’t covered unless you have a watercraft policy. And there always is the chance that we could get a streak of great weather in November that lures you to take the boat out on the water for a day or two! There are plenty of reasons to keep year-round coverage, but if you have questions about seasonal policies, give us a call: 507-226-8481.

And while you’re thinking about insurance, consider your current watercraft coverage. Is your boat older? It might be time to move to cash-value coverage instead of agreed value. Do you have a lot of expensive fishing equipment? Make sure you have enough optional coverage so your gear isn’t at risk. You might also want to consider uninsured boater coverage and a personal umbrella policy, which provide more liability protection than a standard watercraft policy.

And remember, you might be able to save money on your insurance by taking a boating-safety course, increasing your deductible or bundling your policies with one company.

Now: A different kind of protection

 After you’ve squared away protecting your boat with the right insurance options, it’s time to think about protecting your boat in a more literal sense – by properly preparing it for winter. Below are some general tips to follow, but, of course, you should check your owner’s manuals for manufacturer recommendations.

Your engine

 Follow manufacturer instructions when winterizing your engine, but you’ll want to flush the engine with fresh water and make sure to drain fuel from the carburetor to prevent a build-up of deposits. Use fogging oil in the cylinders to lubricate cylinder walls and pistons.

Stern drive

 Do a thorough inspection and remove plant life or barnacles from the lower unit. Drain the gear case and clean the lower unit with soap and water.

Fuel tanks

Fill your fuel tanks to avoid a buildup of condensation and add fuel stabilizer, following the product instructions.

Fresh water system

Drain the fresh water tank and water heater, and pump a nontoxic antifreeze into the system. Then, turn on all faucets until you see the antifreeze coming out.

Interior

Remove all valuables from the boat. Clean drawers thoroughly, and turn cushions on their edges to allow air to circulate. Clean the refrigerator and freezer.

Cover it up!

A cover will keep your boat clean and protect it from water and UV rays, which can break down hoses and fade upholstery.

Now, with your boat safely stowed, you can focus on your other toys this winter. Snowmobiles, anyone?
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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.
​​Licensed in MN, WI, IA, SD, AZ
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