Should I get an auto insurance policy for my car in Minnesota?

If you are in the Little Falls, MN area, you will want to know that you are always adequately covered by insurance. One necessary type of insurance you need is an auto policy, which will provide you with coverage for your vehicle and driving risks. You need to have an auto plan for multiple reasons. 

Be in Compliance

You will want to have an auto insurance policy for your car in this state so you can remain in compliance with your obligations. All drivers in this state will be required to carry liability insurance, which can result in penalization. Further, if you have a loan outstanding, you must carry a fully comprehensive plan until it has been paid off in full. 

Financial Protection

Getting an auto insurance policy is also essential to ensure you receive financial protection. People who purchase a car will make a significant investment, and the best way to protect it is with a full auto insurance policy. Further, having an auto insurance policy will provide you with liability protection that will ensure you have financial support if you are required to pay damages you may have caused in an accident.

Those who will buy a car in the Little Falls, MN area clearly need to have an auto insurance policy at all times. When looking for insurance here, it would be wise to call our team with Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. There are a lot of choices you need to make when looking for coverage, and our professionals at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. can ensure you remain appropriately supported at all times. 

Tips to keep your car running smoothly

Owning a car is an investment that requires care and attention. Regular maintenance can help keep your vehicle operating smoothly and avoid costly repairs later. In this post, we’ll share some tips for keeping your car in good shape, including:

Choosing the right oil and filter

Choosing the right oil and filter is essential for keeping your car running smoothly. Not all oils are created equal, so it’s necessary to choose one designed for your vehicle’s make and model. Likewise, not all filters are created equal either – you want to choose one specific to your car’s engine.

Scheduling regular tune-ups and fluid changes

Scheduling regular tune-ups and fluid changes is one of the best ways to keep your car running smoothly. Tune-ups help ensure that your car’s engine runs efficiently, while fluid changes help keep your car’s brakes and other systems in good working order. You can help prevent expensive repairs down the road by routinely scheduling these services.

Inspecting brakes regularly to ensure they are functioning properly

Inspecting your car’s brakes periodically is one of the most important things you can do to keep it running smoothly. Brakes that aren’t functioning properly can lead to dangerous accidents, so it’s important to inspect them regularly and make any necessary repairs.

These simple steps will help you take care of your car so it can continue serving as your reliable transportation! If you have any questions about keeping your car safe, give Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. a call today. We are proud to serve the Little Falls, MN area. 

The Benefits of Participating in a Defensive Driving Course

At Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc., serving the greater Little Falls, MN area, we are often asked many questions about auto insurance. This includes questions about getting the best auto insurance rates, keeping teenage driver’s insurance rates low, and keeping drivers as safe as possible on the roadways. Defensive driving courses are one of the answers we often give to these questions. Read on to learn more about defensive driving courses and the benefits of these courses. 

What is a Defensive Driving Course? 

A defensive driving course is a class that helps teach defensive driving techniques. Most of these classes have two parts; a classroom instructional part and a behind-the-wheel part. Each part is designed to help teach you what to do if your car is sliding on ice, if you are dealing with an aggressive driver, or if you are facing other road hazards. This helps prepare you in case one of these events happens while driving. 

What Are the Benefits of Defensive Driving Courses? 

The most significant benefit to a defensive driving course is that you learn how to drive defensively. Many studies have shown this reduces your chances of being involved in an accident. Defensive driving can reduce your accident risk so much that many insurance companies will offer a discount to drivers who participate in these courses. 

Taking a defensive driving course may help you to get lower auto insurance rates while also helping you to be a better and safer driver. If you are in the market for a new auto insurance policy, Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc., serving the greater Little Falls, MN region, would love to help you. Call or email us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your auto insurance needs. 

What Are Some Common Discounts Offered By Auto Insurance Companies?

If you plan to get auto insurance in Little Falls, MN, you should know that you might be eligible for discounts on your premiums. These discounts will make your premiums more affordable. Here are some common discounts that we at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. believe every auto insurance policyholder should request. 

1. Multi-policy Discounts

You are eligible to receive this discount if you purchase your auto insurance policy and other policies like homeowners insurance and medical insurance from the same insurance provider. The discount can be 5% to 25% if you get your car and home insurance from the same insurer. 

2. Multi-Car Discounts

You can access this discount if you have insured more than one vehicle with the same insurer. The discount can be between 8% and 25%, depending on the number of cars you have insured with the insurance company. 

3. Vehicle Safety Discounts

Insurers offer vehicle safety discounts to car owners with extra safety equipment like airbags, daytime running lights, and anti-lock brakes. While daytime running lights have a small discount, if you have full front-seat airbags, you can get up to 40% discounts applied to your personal injury protection coverage. 

4. Anti-Theft Device Discounts

You are eligible for this auto insurance discount if your vehicle has anti-theft features like stolen vehicle recovery systems, VIN etching, and GPS-based systems. This discount will be around 5% to 25% and will be applied to your comprehensive coverage. 

5. Good Driver Discounts

Car insurance providers offer discounts to good drivers with an incident-free driving history. Your clean driving history can give you a 10% to 40% discount. 

Do You Require Auto Insurance in Little Falls, MN? 

At Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc., we are a top-notch auto insurance provider serving the Little Falls community. Call us today.

Does your car have the protection it needs on and off the road?

If you are living in the wider Little Falls, MN area, it’s time to get to know the Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. We are here to help our friends and neighbors with all of their insurance needs. We want you to have the protection you need!

Protecting your vehicle on and off the road

Collision insurance is very important, as is liability protection. But does your current auto policy also provide the protection you need when your car is off the road? Protection from theft and vandalism or other damage that can occur while your car is parked is also important. 

For example, if your car is parked under a tree and is damaged by a falling branch, will your auto policy provide coverage for the incident? There are innumerable types of situations where your car can be damaged when you aren’t even driving it. Unfortunately, not all auto policies provide coverage for all types of damage.

In order to have the protection you need, on and off the road, you may want to opt for a more comprehensive policy. While a basic policy can give you a small layer of protection, it may have you paying out of pocket more often than you would like. This makes it a perfect time to take the opportunity to review your current policy and the benefits it provides. 

It may be time to upgrade your auto policy!

Give us a call today!

Little Falls, MN area residents can rely on Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. for all of their insurance needs. If you would like to learn more about the many features and benefits that today’s auto insurance policies provide, give us a call or stop by our office today!

Required Auto Insurance in Minnesota

When you drive in Minnesota, there are many different types of coverage that you have to have in one auto insurance policy. All of these coverage types are required. If even one is missing, the state will consider you uninsured, and you can be subject to fines and fees. If you need auto insurance for your Minnesota vehicle, give us a call at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. in Little Falls, MN.

Liability Auto Coverage 

In Minnesota, there are a few amounts of coverage that are required for liability coverage. There is one amount required for one person who becomes injured in an accident caused by your vehicle. There is another, higher amount required for all of the people who are injured in such an accident. Then, there is an amount required for any property damage done to someone else’s property in an accident like this. All of these coverage types pay for the damages to others but not to those in your vehicle. 

Other Required Coverages

To pay for the injuries to your driver and/or the passengers, personal injury protection is required. This pays for those injuries as well as a host of other expenses, including lost wages and disability payments as well as a death benefit and survivors’ benefits. The policy is also required to have coverage for both uninsured motorists and underinsured motorists. This can pay for the injuries to those in your vehicle if the motorist who causes the accident either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to pay for all of your injuries. This requires one amount for one person who is injured and a larger amount available for all of those who are injured.

Get Auto Insurance in Minnesota

If you need auto insurance, contact us at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. in Little Falls, MN.

Modified Auto Insurance Overview

Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. is an independent insurance agency. We proudly serve the Little Falls, MN community. We have relationships with various carriers throughout the Midwest region. We are committed to helping our clients find the policies they need to protect their assets.

Modified Auto Insurance Overview

Operating a vehicle can be dangerous depending on the road conditions and other drivers. Auto insurance can help protect you as you travel around Little Falls, MN and beyond. You are covered if your vehicle is damaged in an accident. You are also covered if you are held responsible for injuring someone or causing property damage. Comprehensive coverage protects you if your vehicle is stolen or damaged due to a natural disaster. You are also covered if your vehicle hits an object or an animal.

Many people enjoy customizing their vehicles. If you have made any specifications to your vehicle, consider adding modified auto insurance. Modified vehicles often need unique parts if they are damaged. A traditional auto insurance policy isn’t enough to cover the replacement parts. Common examples of modifications to a vehicle include rims, a bumper, custom paint, and suspension changes. Consider having your modified vehicle appraised because the value of the vehicle has likely changed. Modified auto insurance covers your vehicle if you are having engine trouble, and you need urgent towing service. You can add uninsured motorist coverage to your policy, which covers you if you are involved in an accident with someone who does not have insurance.  Having a modified auto policy can give you peace of mind if something goes wrong with your custom vehicle. 

Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. Will Help You Protect Your Investments

Visit our website to learn more information about auto insurance.

7 Words and Phrases to Know Before You Get Auto Insurance

There are many terms that are used in the documents you get for your auto insurance policy. Wouldn’t it be great to know what some of the more common ones mean before you have to read over this paperwork and agree to it? Professionals at the Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. of Little Falls, MN and beyond will discuss anything you want about your auto insurance policy and your questions about this area of insurance in general. 

Agreed Value Policy 

This is defined as coverage that pays the full insured amount of a vehicle (as well as other types of property) if it’s considered to be a covered total loss. 

Antique Automobile

When a private passenger automobile is at least 25 years old, and it’s been maintained, restored, or preserved by hobbyists, it’s an antique automobile. They may be covered under classic car insurance.

Comprehensive Coverage 

This is coverage for vehicle damage that was not caused by an upset or collision. Some of the instances that can lead to this include vandalism, contact with animals, theft, and weather events.

Gap Coverage 

Gap coverage usually is required if you have a new or financed vehicle. This covers the cost difference between the car’s value and what you’d owe if the car it totaled (determined to be a total loss situation). 

Limit 

The limit is the maximum amount that your policy will pay for events such as medical or liability. 

Medical Payments Coverage 

This is an element of the standard policy. It covers the medical expenses of those parties who are injured during an accident.

SR-22 Insurance Form 

This is the form that your insurance company files on your behalf with the state in which you reside. You’ll typically need it if you commit a serious traffic offense that includes a DUI conviction or driving with a suspended license. 

There are many other things you might not recognize in your insurance policy document. Be sure to speak up and ask someone at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. of the Little Falls, MN area if you’d like to know more. 

3 Risks of Driving Without Minnesota Auto Insurance

Considering how vital auto insurance is, it’s difficult to imagine that some motorists in Little Falls, MN, drive without auto insurance. But because humans will always be humans, it’s not uncommon to find uninsured motorists in Minnesota. In fact, recent statistics show that 9.9 percent of Minnesota drivers aren’t insured. 

Until you are involved in an accident, you might think failing to buy auto insurance is a wise saving. However, you are in for a rude shock when an accident or any other disaster occurs on your vehicle. Whether it’s intentional or not, failure to buy auto insurance from Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. exposes you to the below risks. 

Breaking the law

It’s an offense to drive without auto insurance in Minnesota. Penalties for first offenders include a fine of up to $1,000, community service, and suspension of driver’s license and car plates up to 30 days. Of course, the penalties can increase dramatically for repeat offenses. 

Uncovered losses

It’s usually a huge risk driving without auto insurance. Given the inherent risks like distracted, speeding, teenagers, and drunk drivers, the risk of an accident is extremely high on American roads. National Safety Council states that at least 1 in every 11 drivers is likely to be involved in an accident at some point. The result? The aftermath of accidents is injuries and property damage, at the very least.

Without insurance, you need to pay for your medical expenses from your pocket. Similarly, you have to fix your car and that of the other motorist out-of-pocket. 

Legal suits

While a court case can still follow even when you have car insurance, you are likely to incur out-of-pocket legal expenses when you don’t have auto insurance. Worse yet, your assets will be at stake if the case is ruled against you and the settlement claims are enormous. 

Are you feeling like driving without auto insurance in Little Falls, MN? The risk is not worth it. Instead, be a wise driver and purchase auto insurance from Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. Contact us today for an affordable quote.

Is It Time to Update Your Auto Insurance?

Auto insurance is arguably some of the most important coverage you can have. It’s also mandatory, so you don’t want to risk driving without it. If you’re located in the Little Falls, MN area, Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. can help you get the type and level of coverage that’s right for your needs. Depending on how you use your vehicle, who else drives it, and other factors, it might be time to make some updates to your policy. It’s also a good idea to look over your policy with your agent at least once a year, for needed changes.

If there’s been a change in your household, such as a child who turned 16 and got a driver’s license, updating your policy to reflect that change is important. Fortunately, when you work with trusted agents it’s not difficult to make the updates that are important to you. Our trained professionals are here to help, in order to get your policy updated so you have the right kind of coverage for your travels and adventures. That can help with protection, but also with the peace of mind, you need to enjoy your vehicle wherever it takes you.

Come see us today at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. If you’re in the Little Falls, MN area we can help you get your auto policy updated. Our agents will be happy to answer your questions and go over any concerns you have so you can be ready for the road ahead. Then you can make the right choices for coverage levels, add or remove coverage that might need adjustments, and make sure you have the level of protection you’re really looking for. There are plenty of options for auto insurance beyond the minimum limits, so it’s important to know what’s actually right for you.