Frequently Asked Questions

At minimum, you need to meet your state's liability requirements. In North Dakota, that's 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident bodily injury, $25,000 property damage). Minnesota requires 30/60/10. South Dakota requires 25/50/25. Arizona requires 25/50/15. However, most experts recommend higher limits — especially if you have significant assets to protect. Comprehensive and collision coverage are also recommended if your vehicle is financed or worth more than a few thousand dollars.

A standard homeowners policy (HO-3) covers your home's structure, personal belongings, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss. Common covered perils include fire, wind, hail, theft, and vandalism. Flood and earthquake damage are typically NOT covered and require separate policies.

Most carriers offer a multi-policy discount of 15-25% when you bundle your home and auto insurance. On average, our customers save between $400 and $800 per year by bundling. The exact savings depend on your carrier, coverage levels, and individual factors.

Liability insurance covers damage you cause to other people and their property. Full coverage adds comprehensive (covers theft, weather, animals) and collision (covers damage from accidents) to your policy. If you have a car loan or lease, your lender typically requires full coverage. If you own your car outright and it's older, liability only might be sufficient.

There are many ways to save: bundle with homeowners insurance, maintain a clean driving record, raise your deductible, ask about available discounts (good student, defensive driving, low mileage, anti-theft devices), compare quotes from multiple carriers, and review your coverage annually to ensure you're not over-insured on older vehicles.

Key factors include your home's location, age, size, and construction type; the age and condition of your roof; your claims history; your credit score; the coverage amount and deductible you choose; proximity to a fire station and fire hydrant; and whether you have safety features like smoke detectors, security systems, or a sprinkler system.

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area (particularly relevant in parts of North Dakota and Minnesota), you should consider a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer. Even if you're not in a high-risk zone, about 25% of flood claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas.

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and a $3,000 claim, you pay $500 and the insurer pays $2,500. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your premium but increases your out-of-pocket cost when you file a claim.

We recommend comparing rates at least once a year, especially at renewal time. You should also shop when you experience a major life change — buying a home, getting married, adding a teen driver, or moving to a new state. Rates can change significantly between carriers over time.

An independent agent (like us) works with multiple insurance companies rather than just one. This means we can compare rates and coverage from several carriers to find you the best deal. Captive agents work for a single company and can only offer that company's products.

It depends on the type and size of the claim. At-fault auto accidents typically cause rate increases. Comprehensive claims (like hail damage) usually have less impact. Many insurers offer accident forgiveness for your first at-fault claim. Your agent can help you understand whether it makes sense to file a claim versus paying out of pocket for smaller losses.

We are licensed and actively serve customers in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Arizona. We understand the unique insurance landscapes in each state, from Midwest weather risks to Arizona's monsoon season, and can tailor coverage to your specific region.