Some call it mayhem, and others just call it a risk. Either way, it is a fact – all Cloquet & Duluth homeowners need insurance that protects against the hazards of ownership. At Great Lakes Insurance, we offer comprehensive protection against a wide range of perils and losses, helping you safeguard the investment in your house and personal property. Whether you are buying your starter home or signing the papers on your dream home, let us help you protect the life you are building with personalized Minnesota home insurance.
Experience and Service You Can Rely On
When you choose Great Lakes Insurance, you are choosing an independent agency with local roots in the Cloquet & Duluth community. We know the unique challenges and risks that challenge local homeowners to face, and we work hard to mitigate your financial risks. By working with an agent, you can put a face to your policy –a liaison between you and your insurer. We can provide ongoing support, guidance, and assistance as you need it long after you purchase your coverage.
Building a Policy that Works for You
When it comes to homeowners insurance, having the right coverage is essential. Depending on your assets, home value, and risk factors, we can make coverage recommendations personalized to your needs.
We go beyond the basics to provide comprehensive coverage options that can reduce your out-of-pocket losses after a covered event. Depending on the type of policy you have and the coverage included in it, this may include damages caused by:
- Fire
- Smoke
- Explosion
- Lightning
- Hail
- Wind
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Falling objects
- And more
Talk with your agent about additional coverage options for loss events excluded by your policy. For example, you may be able to obtain protection against earthquake or flood damages by purchasing an endorsement or stand-alone insurance policy.
Dwelling and Other Structures (Coverage A and B)
These two sections of your coverage outline protection for the structure of your home and the other structures on your property, such as a fence, carport, or shed. It determines how much the insurance company will pay to clean up your property and rebuild or repair your home after a covered loss. We typically recommend purchasing full replacement value coverage as opposed to actual cash value (ACV) coverage. This helps minimize your out-of-pocket costs and better fund the rebuilding of your home after a covered event.
Personal Property (Coverage C)
In addition to the outside of your home, you need to protect the things inside it, too. Personal property insurance is coverage for the things you own, from the antique dresser inherited from your grandmother to the brand new TV mounted on your living room wall. This section outlines the available coverage for your belongings if they are stolen, damaged, or destroyed due to a covered event. It can even protect your items when they are not inside your home, whether your luggage is stolen on vacation or your Christmas gifts and laptop are taken from the trunk of your car.
Although your insurer may provide default coverage limits for your personal property, we still recommend taking inventory of your belongings to ensure you are adequately insured. Some items, such as fine jewelry and expensive collections, may require additional scheduled protection beyond the limitations of your primary coverage. Like Coverage A and B, your personal property coverage can include replacement value protection, which fully compensates for the cost of replacing your damaged belongings with new ones.
Temporary Displacement (Coverage D)
If your home is badly damaged, you may need somewhere else to live while it is repaired. Coverage D helps pay for your temporary relocation expenses, whether you need a hotel for a few days or an apartment lease for a few months. This coverage helps pay for additional living expenses due to displacement, including rental fees, laundry service, and more.
Liability (Coverage E)
Nothing drains a nest egg faster than litigation. Imagine losing everything you spent your whole life working for due to a lawsuit. If you are sued for an incident that happens on your property or for property damages and third-party injuries caused by someone in your household, Coverage E in your home insurance policy can help cover your legal defense fees, as well as any judgments or settlements against you. Choose high limits for your liability insurance, as you may be responsible for paying any excess damages beyond the limits of your coverage.
Medical Payments (Coverage F)
When guests are injured on your property, make sure they get the medical attention they need right away. Medical payments coverage helps pay for medical bills due to third-party injuries that occur on your premises. Although it is not liability insurance and it only provides limited protection, it is sometimes enough to cover guests expenses and potentially stave off a lawsuit.
Minnesota Home Insurance Quotes
If you are a homeowner in the greater Cloquet & Duluth area, we want to be your source for quality insurance coverage. When you choose Great Lakes Insurance, you get accessibility and ease – not to mention in-house comparison shopping with multiple leading Minnesota insurers. We will shop for coverage on your behalf and search for discounts that could further reduce the cost of your coverage. We can offer advice on deductibles, explain the details of your coverage, and find ways to lower your premiums.
Minnesota Home Insurance Savings
Many insurance companies offer discounts for homeowners who meet certain criteria. For example, you may be able to lower your coverage costs by:
- Raising your deductible
- Being claims-free
- Installing a monitored home alarm system
- Getting a new roof
- Purchasing additional coverage lines, such as car insurance, with the same carrier
- And more
To find out more about Minnesota home insurance and how Great Lakes Insurance can help you save, contact our office to request your free quotes today. We look forward to serving you soon.