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707 Hwy 33 S, Suite 11
Cloquet, MN 55720

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Typical Home Insurance Exclusions

One of the most common misconceptions about insurance is that your home insurance policy covers everything you might encounter. This is far from the truth. As a resident of Cloquet, MN, you likely face various risks. Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC can help you understand what your standard policy covers and what steps you can take to thoroughly protect your home.

Common Standard Policy Exclusions

Standard home insurance policies often exclude coverage for natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, and sinkholes. Another area of confusion involves repairs. Gradual deterioration of your home due to age, lack of maintenance, or regular use is your responsibility. Insurance companies typically won’t pay for repairs unless your home sustains damage from a severe storm. Additionally, poor workmanship resulting in damage is not covered. However, when you have repairs like roof work done, the company performing the work usually provides a warranty for labor and materials.

Other standard exclusions include:

  • Pest and rodent infestations
  • Toxic mold and wet rot
  • Intentional damage
  • Bites and injuries from certain dog breeds
  • Power surges
  • Sewer backups
  • War and nuclear hazards
  • Government actions
  • Home-based business liability

How to Protect Your Home

There are several ways to protect your home from these hazards. Consider adding provisions to your policy for sewer backups and certain types of floods. You can also purchase a separate flood insurance policy. Endorsements for mold, wet rot, and pest infestations may be available as add-ons; however, it’s essential to review how these riders work carefully. Umbrella insurance can provide liability protection for injuries caused by specific dog breeds, though it won’t cover intentional damage to your home.

Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC, serving Cloquet, MN, can help you create a customized insurance plan to protect your home thoroughly. Call our office today to get started.

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Risks Requiring Extra Liability on Your Home Insurance Policy

A standard homeowner’s policy in Cloquet, MN, covers various common risks that can occur. Most of the time, the liability limits included in your policy are sufficient for your needs, but some risks may require additional payouts if they arise. Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC can help determine if you need additional policies to cover your home and its belongings adequately.

Understanding Standard Liability Coverage

The liability portion of your policy covers you against lawsuits for injuries or property damage that occur on your property. Typical liability coverage has a $300,000 limit, but you can increase that amount for an additional premium. Most policies also have a medical payments section that covers minor injuries someone may suffer.

Situations Where Additional Coverage May Be Beneficial

Given our highly litigious society, purchasing more insurance is a good idea if you are a public figure. Several hundred thousand dollars, or even a million, doesn’t stretch far when lawsuits are involved, and you could end up paying out of pocket, whether or not you are at fault. Umbrella insurance can provide you with extra liability coverage to protect your property.

You should also consider additional liability insurance if your property has any of the following:

  • A swimming pool and hot tub
  • Sports equipment, like a trampoline or sports courts
  • Large dogs or other animals that can cause severe injuries
  • You employ staff
  • You frequently host large parties

These instances are all considered high-risk activities. While your homeowner’s insurance may partially cover lawsuits from these mishaps, the likelihood that you’ll be held responsible is high.

Protecting your home is easy when you work with Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC, serving Cloquet, MN. Contact our office today to get started on insurance policies to protect your future.

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How to Minimize Home Insurance Claims Due to Freezing Winter Weather

Winter in Minnesota can be brutal, and the freezing temperatures often put homes at risk for damage. At Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, we understand how costly winter-related issues can be. With a few preventative measures, you can protect your home from winter problems and reduce the likelihood of filing an insurance claim.

Stop Pipes from Freezing

Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst. Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces to prevent this. Keep your home heated consistently, even if you’re away, and allow faucets to drip slightly during extremely cold weather. This keeps water moving, making it less likely to freeze.

Prevent Ice Dams on Your Roof

Ice dams are a common issue in snowy climates. They form when warm air escapes into the attic, melting the snow on the roof. When this melted snow refreezes near the eaves, it creates a dam that prevents proper drainage. To avoid this, clear excess snow from your roof regularly, make sure your attic is adequately insulated and ventilated, and clean gutters before winter arrives to ensure water can flow freely away from your home.

Seal Out the Cold

Small cracks and gaps around windows and doors can let in freezing air, which can drive up heating costs and cause damage. Use weather stripping and caulk to seal any openings and keep your home warm and protected.

At Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, we’re here to help you prepare for winter and ensure your home is fully protected. Contact us today to review your policy and get peace of mind this season!

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What is a home insurance deductible, and how does it work?

At Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, we often receive questions about home insurance deductibles. It’s a topic that can be confusing, but we’re here to clarify things. So, let’s dive in and demystify the world of deductibles, giving you the peace of mind you deserve when it comes to your home insurance policy.

What is a deductible?

A home insurance deductible is the initial amount you need to pay out of your own pocket when you make a claim on your homeowner’s insurance. Most policies offer deductibles in $500 increments, meaning you could choose to pay a $500, $1000, or even $2000 deductible. The more you’re willing to pay upfront, the lower your premium payments will be. Conversely, a lower deductible means higher premiums.

Therefore, if you have a $1000 deductible, you will pay less premium than you would if you had a $500 deductible. If you are more likely to file a claim, you may want to go with the lower deductible. If you are less likely to file a homeowner claim, you could take the money you saved in premiums and put it back to save toward the deductible if you must file a claim.

How does the deductible work?

Here’s how it works: when you file a claim on your home insurance policy, a claims adjuster and a contractor will assess the damage. Once they’ve determined the repair cost, you’ll need to pay the deductible (the amount you agreed to) before your home insurance kicks in. For example, if the repair cost for your roof is $7500 and your deductible is $500, your insurance company will pay $7000, and you’ll pay $500.

If the deductible is $1000 but your damages aren’t $1000 or less, you would be responsible for the full amount of the claim.

For more information about Home Insurance in Minnesota

Call Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, at (218) 499-8636 to learn more about home insurance deductibles, costs, and claims processes.

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Three Reasons to Get Home Insurance for Your New Home

When purchasing a home, an important consideration is whether to get home insurance. Several compelling reasons exist for obtaining home insurance. The professionals at Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC, servicing Cloquet, MN, can help you assess your options and make an informed decision. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Peace of Mind

Home insurance offers peace of mind during potential disasters. Whether you’re experiencing a house fire or a burglary, knowing that you have home insurance can alleviate some of the burden in these challenging situations. You can’t put a price on peace of mind, which is why many homeowners opt for home insurance.

2. It May Be Required

If you’re borrowing money to purchase your house, your mortgage lender will likely require you to get home insurance. Starting shopping for home insurance early in the home-buying process can help ensure you secure a policy that fits your budget and meets your needs. Your insurance agent can assist in determining how much coverage is right for you.

3. Insurance Limits Your Financial Risk

A home is a substantial investment. In addition to the costs of purchasing and maintaining your property, you don’t want to bear the financial responsibility of rebuilding if something happens to your home. Getting home insurance can significantly limit your financial risk.

Finding the appropriate insurance policy for your needs is vital. The professionals at Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC, servicing Cloquet, MN, can help. We work with a variety of insurance carriers, ensuring that you have many options when making a decision. We can also assist in narrowing down your choices! Call today to learn more about our services. 

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Cloquet’s Guide to Comprehensive Home Insurance Coverage

When you’re a homeowner in Cloquet, MN, it’s important to be responsible. This means not only having home insurance but also making sure that you have a comprehensive policy. This allows you to enjoy greater peace of mind. If an issue occurs, you can confidently file a claim knowing you have the coverage.

Building a policy is easier when you have help, and our agents at Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC offer a full guide.

What Home Insurance Includes

A home insurance policy is going to include standard items regardless of where you live or what coverage levels you opt for.

This includes:

  • The home itself
  • The property
  • The belongings
  • Liability coverage
  • Coverage if you cannot reside in the home while repairs are being made

Once you have the basic coverage, you can choose how to customize it.

How to Customize a Policy

Customization is critical because you want a home insurance policy that works for you. Consider the value of your home, the value of your belongings, and the various issues that may occur.

It’s possible to add coverage for leaks, cracks in the foundation, and more.

Additionally, you can add coverage so you reduce the likelihood of paying out of pocket if there’s a major catastrophe.

Learn About Your Options

There are many options for buying home insurance in Cloquet, MN. This includes not only the coverage but also the deductible. With help from an experienced and friendly insurance agent, you can learn how your choices can impact the cost of a policy.

Get the help you need to find a comprehensive home insurance policy. Call Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC to learn how we can answer your questions and provide free quotes.

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Why Do Mortgage Lenders Often Require Home Insurance?

Homes can be very expensive, and most families simply don’t have enough cash to buy a house outright. Fortunately, you can take out a mortgage from a bank or another lender. Then, you can buy a property and make monthly mortgage payments. One thing some folks are surprised to learn with mortgages is that the lender(s) will often require that the home be covered by home insurance. We’ll dig into why, but if you’re looking for home insurance and an agency that serves Cloquet, MN, get in touch with Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC.

Why Home Insurance is a Must

Risk is probably the biggest consideration for most lenders. This is why folks with high credit scores often enjoy lower interest rates. The lenders know that these individuals are likely to repay all their loans. Unfortunately, someone with bad credit may be less likely to pay back a loan, so the lender will want to charge higher interest rates because the risks are higher.

Another way to lower risks is to use collateral. This is how mortgages typically work. Banks will have a lot of money on the line, but because the property being bought can be used as collateral, they can often charge lower interest rates even if someone’s credit score is not ideal. Should the home buyer fail to make their mortgage payments, the bank will be able to take control of the property and can then sell it to raise the funds needed to cover the loan, or at least a large part of it.

Consult With Us

From the lender’s point of view, the more valuable the property, the better. However, if a home is destroyed, say in a fire, the property will be worth much less. For the lender, this leads to increased risks. For this reason, lenders often require home insurance because that insurance provides them with protection too. If you need home insurance, contact Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC. We serve Cloquet, MN and other communities.

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Three Mistakes To Avoid When Shopping for Homeowners Insurance

If you have just purchased a new home in Cloquet, MN, you need to properly insure it. In most instances, your mortgage lender requires you to have a certain level of homeowner’s insurance. There is a litany of different options available to you on the home insurance market, and you are bound to make mistakes as a first-time shopper.

We want to help you shop here at Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC, so here are three of the most common mistakes made by those shopping for homeowner’s insurance to avoid. 

Three Mistakes To Avoid

1. Getting Lured In By the Lowest Price

No one would fault you for going with the lowest price when shopping for insurance for your Cloquet, MN home. Beware that it may be the cheapest for a reason. To put it simply, things are cheap because they are cheap. Make sure you read the contract to see what exactly is covered in the policy. This doesn’t mean you should automatically take the most expensive policy either. 

2. Underinsuring the Replacement Value

 A common mistake people make is insuring their home to the value of the home on the mortgage. This is a mistake because the home’s value will increase over time. If you have an issue down the road and your home has gone up in value by 20%, it won’t be properly covered. Try to account for future gains in value when calculating the replacement value on your homeowner’s policy. 

3. Insure Yourself Against All Risks

Even if you don’t live in California, you could be at risk of damage from an earthquake. You’d also be surprised how many areas get hail or wind damage that aren’t in high-risk areas. Don’t skimp on covering these things to keep your premiums low. 

Consult With Us

At Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC, we help our customers insure their homes properly at a great price. Contact us today if you have questions about your homeowner’s policy and what it should include. 

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How to Choose the Right Neighborhood When Buying Your First Home

As you consider buying your first home here in the Cloquet, MN area, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is deciding which neighborhood to live in. From the type of neighborhood to its location and amenities, there are many factors that you should keep in mind when selecting a neighborhood. Here are some tips from us at Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC to help you choose the right neighborhood for your first home: 

Choosing The Right Neighborhood For Your First Home

1. Consider the type of environment you want.

Think about what type of lifestyle you’d like to have and determine what kind of environment suits your needs. Are you looking for a suburban atmosphere or an urban setting? Do you need access to great schools and outdoor activities? Or do you prefer a more secluded atmosphere with plenty of quiet time? 

2. Look into commute times.

Your commute plays a major role in determining where your ideal neighborhood would be located. If possible, try to find a home that is close enough to work or school so that it won’t take too long for you to get there every day. 

3. Explore safety ratings and crime rates.

As much as possible, look into the safety rating and crime rate statistics of your potential neighborhoods before settling on one. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your family will be living in a safe area with low crime levels. 

4. Examine local amenities and attractions nearby.

Consider if there are any local attractions or amenities nearby such as parks, shopping centers, restaurants, etc., which may add value to your lifestyle in this new area. 

Reach Out To Us

For information on a homeowners policy, give us at Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC a call today. We serve the greater Cloquet, MN area.

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What is Home Liability Insurance?

Liability is a form of legal responsibility, often for a business or a person obligated to pay a sum of money through court. When you own a home, you might end up facing a legal situation over something that happens on your property. At Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC, we provide home liability insurance to the people of Cloquet, MN.

What Would Lead to a Home Liability Lawsuit?

If a person experiences an accident or a form of physical harm while visiting your property, that person might decide to take you to court in a lawsuit. The situation could be anything from a personal injury to a loss of personal belongings. If you’re a homeowner being taken to court over an injury or over property damage, then you’ll need to find financial coverage for this type of situation. Having a decent insurance plan beforehand can help, and it will give you peace of mind during the lawsuit’s proceedings. 

What Does Home Liability Insurance Cover?

Usually, liability insurance will cover the medical costs of a person’s bodily injuries. This could be anything from a slip down a set of stairs to a fall from a balcony. Liability insurance will also pay for property damages. If you’re wondering about what other situations a home liability plan will cover, feel free to ask one of our agents at Brittany Olsen Insurance Agency LLC.

Getting Home Liability Insurance in Cloquet, MN

If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to contact the Brittany Olsen Insurance Agency. Our team would be happy to book you an appointment or answer any of your insurance-related questions. 

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Partner Carriers

  • Allstate
  • American Modern
  • Bristol West
  • Dairyland
  • Eagle Point Mutual
  • Foremost
  • Geico
  • Grinnell Mutual
  • Hagerty
  • JC Taylor
  • Mid Minnesota Mutual
  • National General
  • Nationwide
  • Philadelphia
  • Progressive
  • Ram Mutual
  • Safeco
  • SFM
  • Travelers
  • Universal Property and Casualty
  • Woodland Mutual