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Woodbury, MN 55125

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Minnesota Insurance Blog

How Does Umbrella Insurance Work?

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A defamation lawsuit or property damage can quickly lead to financial ruin. Many people involved in such lawsuits must liquidate their assets to pay settlements or medical bills. However, you do have other options. Umbrella insurance can help you maintain your financial status. 

Kriener Insurance, serving Woodbury, MN, explains. 

Liability Coverage

Umbrella policies are designed to provide additional liability coverage. That means if someone sues you, the policy may help pay for the settlement, so you don’t have to. This coverage can apply to accidents at your home, on your boat, or after a car accident. There’s also personal coverage to help with lawsuits, including defamation claims. 

It’s essential to note that this is liability coverage. It will not pay for personal damages like property damage or medical expenses. 

Secondary Coverage

Umbrella insurance kicks in after the limits on your homeowners, renters, auto, or other insurance policy have been reached. For example, suppose someone is injured on your property. Your homeowners policy will take effect first to cover damages, such as medical bills. If there are additional expenses, your umbrella policy will apply. 

Coverage Limits

There are various coverage limits available, depending on your needs. High-net-worth individuals often face frivolous lawsuits and can benefit from higher coverage limits. Review your current policies and their limits, then contact a Kriener Insurance agent to discuss your options. 

Common Exclusions

These policies are known for covering the cost of attorneys and settlements during and after lawsuits. However, there is one exception you should know: Claims are often denied if there is malicious or harmful intent. For example, if someone falls on your property, the policy typically covers damages. On the other hand, if you push someone and cause injuries, this is usually considered malicious intent. 

Agents at Kriener Insurance can help you learn more about how umbrella insurance works. We’re currently serving the Woodbury, MN, area.

Can Life Insurance Be Used for Burial Expenses?

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Families often think about life insurance in broad terms, but there’s one reason for life insurance that comes up often: coverage for burial expenses. It’s a practical concern, and it comes up because end-of-life costs can add up quickly. Most policies don’t restrict how the beneficiary uses the funds, but the way it plays out can depend on timing, planning, and who’s handling the arrangements. Kriener Insurance, serving Woodbury, MN, explains.

How Life Insurance Benefits Are Typically Used

Life insurance is designed to give your beneficiaries financial support after you die. That means the payout can cover funeral, burial, cremation, or whatever other services your family chooses. The insurer doesn’t earmark the money for specific costs. Instead, the benefit goes directly to the named beneficiary, who decides how to allocate it. Some families use a portion for immediate expenses and set aside the rest for bills or longer-term needs.

Why Timing Can Affect Planning

Even though the payout can cover burial costs, it doesn’t always arrive instantly. Claims need to be processed, and that takes time. Funeral homes often expect payment sooner than a policy might pay out, so families sometimes cover initial expenses and reimburse themselves once the benefit arrives. That’s why some people pair life insurance with small savings to bridge that gap.

What To Consider When Naming Beneficiaries

If you intend the benefit to cover burial expenses, it helps to name a beneficiary who understands that plan. Life insurance doesn’t automatically pay the funeral home unless there’s a special assignment in place, and not everyone chooses that route. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings at a difficult time.

Anyone planning ahead may want to review their policy, confirm beneficiaries, and talk through expectations. Contact your agent at Kriener Insurance, serving Woodbury, MN, to learn more.

What Collision Auto Insurance Does and Doesn’t Cover

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If your car collides with another vehicle or object, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your auto insurance will cover it. Collision coverage differs from comprehensive coverage, which pays for accidents caused by deer and other animals. However, it can give you peace of mind if you hit a mailbox or utility pole. To better understand how this policy option protects you from accidents involving stationary objects, speak with a knowledgeable Kriener Insurance agent, serving Woodbury ,MN.

What Collision Auto Insurance Covers

Collision insurance protects you for covered damages, regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage ensures you won’t bear the full cost of repairs once you meet your deductible (the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in). It handles collisions as diverse as fender-benders and more severe damage if you collide with another vehicle. In inclement weather, you may skid off the road into a guard rail, pole, fence, tree, or building. These incidents are typically covered under collision auto insurance. If you flip your car or experience a hit-and-run accident, you can pay for damages under this policy.  

What Collision Coverage Doesn’t Pay For

Car theft and vandalism are two events that collision insurance doesn’t cover. If someone slashes your tires or steals your vehicle, you’ll have to look for reimbursement under other coverage on your policy. Animal strikes and weather damage aren’t covered under collision insurance, either. Additionally, medical costs and some types of property damage are excluded from collision insurance because they’re handled under other coverage types. Speak with your agent to ensure your auto insurance covers these and other incidents you may experience. 

Collision focuses on damages from crashes or rollovers, whether you’re at fault or not. It provides peace of mind so you can focus on recovering from the accident. Contact a licensed agent from Kriener Insurance to discuss all your auto insurance needs. We’re currently serving Woodbury, MN.

How Commercial Insurance Helps Reduce Risk for Woodbury, MN, Business Owners

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Running a business in Woodbury, MN, can be a rewarding experience for local business owners, but it comes with risks. Learn how commercial insurance can help reduce your risk from experts at Kriener Insurance.

How Commercial Insurance Helps Reduce Risk

Commercial insurance is designed with business owners in mind. This business-based insurance includes features that can help protect your inventory, business properties, automotive fleets, and even employees. A major upside of commercial insurance is that it protects from a wide variety of scenarios that would normally lead to high-cost out-of-pocket expenses for repairs, replacements, and legal fees.

Financial protections offered by commercial insurance shield local business owners from incidents like slip-and-falls on your premises, busted pipes in your building, or liability claims related to products and services. Having a well-structured commercial insurance policy offers financial backing that comes from your policy and not your company’s bottom line.

Another feature of comprehensive commercial insurance policies is workers’ compensation protections for your employees. These protections show your employees and customers that you care and offer crucial benefits for workers when they are injured on the job. Workers’ compensation covers medical bills, lost wages, and short and long-term disability.

You can also protect your business vehicles from accidents that can happen during deliveries or customer visits on I-494 or Valley Creek Road with a comprehensive insurance plan.

How Can You Get Commercial Insurance in Woodbury, MN?

Getting started with a new commercial insurance policy is as simple as contacting a trusted agent at Kriener Insurance. Our knowledgeable agents can answer your questions, provide you with a quote, and activate a new policy.

Do You Need To Tell Your Home Insurance Company If You Get A Dog?

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There are several situations that call for an increase in insurance coverage, such as adding a swimming pool to your backyard. Getting a new pet, especially a dog, can also impact your insurance. There are a few reasons why you should contact your home insurance company in Woodbury, MN after bringing home a four-legged friend.

Policy Exclusions

Some companies specifically exclude dog bites from their policies. This means you’ll have to pay a settlement out of pocket if you don’t have additional coverage. You may be able to purchase coverage through your current company, or you may need to go through another provider. It’s important to ensure you have proper liability insurance before an incident occurs. An agent at Kriener Insurance can help you learn more.

Claim Denials

Although some companies have policies that cover liability lawsuits for dog-related injuries, they often require prior notification. Your monthly premium or liability coverage may increase after notifying them. Failure to inform your provider about a dog may result in your claim being automatically denied. It’s best to notify your insurance company to avoid complications.

Insurance Adjustments

Some companies make adjustments based on the type of dog you own. For example, there are typically more lawsuits involving pit bulls than teacup poodles. A company may automatically increase your liability coverage. Whether this impacts your premium depends on your specific policy.

It’s important to remember that every insurance company is different. A professional representative at Kriener Insurance will review your policy with you and let you know if dog ownership will affect your coverage. Contact us today to learn more. We’re currently serving the Woodbury, MN area.

How Pets Can Complicate Renters Insurance Liability Claims

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Renters insurance is designed to protect you financially if you’re held responsible for someone’s injuries or property damage. However, owning a pet can complicate that protection. The type of animal you have, its behavior, and the specifics of an incident can all impact whether a liability claim will be covered. Your insurance agent at Kriener Insurance, serving Woodbury, MN, can help clarify these details.

The Extra Risk Pets Bring

Liability claims involving pets often involve dog bites, but there are many other scenarios to consider. For example, a cat could scratch a guest badly enough to require medical attention, or a large, friendly dog could accidentally knock someone over, causing an injury. Pets can also damage another person’s property, such as chewing through expensive furniture or scratching hardwood floors in a rental unit. While these situations might fall under liability coverage, the outcome depends on your policy language and your insurer’s rules.

Policy Restrictions and Breed Rules

Many renters insurance policies have breed restrictions for dogs, often excluding breeds such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and similar types. Some insurers also refuse coverage for exotic pets or animals with a documented history of aggression. If your pet is on a restricted list, any related claim may be denied entirely. This is why it’s crucial to disclose your pet when purchasing or renewing coverage and to obtain any restrictions in writing.

Why Pet-Related Claims Can Be Tricky

Even if your pet is covered, the specifics of an incident can determine whether a claim is approved. Factors such as whether leash laws were followed, whether the animal was provoked, or whether there were prior complaints or incidents can influence the insurer’s decision. Insurers may reduce or deny payouts based on these details.

Pets bring joy and companionship, but they also add complexity to liability coverage. Understanding your policy’s rules is the best way to avoid surprises. Contact your insurance agent at Kriener Insurance, serving Woodbury, MN, to learn more about how your renters insurance can protect you and your furry friends.

What is and isn’t Covered by Umbrella Insurance for International Travelers?

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Woodbury, MN, residents who travel internationally or own property abroad may find that umbrella insurance for international travelers is an excellent form of protection. It can provide compensation for a range of incidents. However, it’s essential to understand what is and isn’t covered by your policy to avoid unpleasant surprises. Additionally, keep in mind that umbrella insurance is designed to supplement existing policies, not replace them.

Typical Forms of Coverage

Coverage varies by policy, so it’s important to read your insurance documents carefully to understand the specifics. Typical umbrella insurance for international travelers includes compensation for legal costs, settlements, and lawsuits arising from incidents overseas. It often covers personal and property injury claims, including those related to rental car accidents.

What’s Not Covered

Many umbrella policies exclude coverage for property you own outside the United States, including houses, land, and vehicles. Additionally, umbrella insurance for international travel generally does not cover business trips or long-term stays abroad. While specifics vary by policy, coverage is typically limited for trips lasting a few months or longer. Please review your policy for details.

Need Help? Contact Kriener Insurance for More Information

Are you planning a trip outside the United States or concerned about coverage for properties you own abroad? At Kriener Insurance, serving Woodbury, MN, we’re dedicated to helping you find the best insurance solutions at competitive prices. Contact us today to learn more about our coverage options, request policy quotes, or explore the pros and cons of different types of insurance.

Life Insurance and Estate Planning

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Financial decisions can be challenging for anyone, and one of the most important decisions is whether to purchase life insurance. If you live near Woodbury, MN, our team at Kriener Insurance invites you to visit us to discuss your life insurance options. We’ve been serving clients like you since 2013.

Life Insurance and Estate Planning

While it may be difficult to think about the time you will pass away, planning how to distribute your estate is a vital part of caring for your family. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, life insurance can provide the necessary funds to cover funeral and burial expenses. You can choose between term life insurance or whole life insurance to provide financial support for your family. One of our agents will be happy to explain the differences between these policy types.

If you want to access the cash value of your life insurance before your death, you can convert your policy into an annuity at retirement or if your retirement savings run low. It’s important to note that death benefits are included in the estate of the policy owner. Consulting an estate lawyer who can work alongside your insurance agent may help ensure the right coverage for your family at the time of your passing.

Contact Us Today for Your Appointment

When making long-term plans, a life insurance policy should be a significant part of those plans. Our team at Kriener Insurance can help you learn about and select the right type of insurance policy for your needs. Clients in the Woodbury, MN area trust us to provide reliable insurance solutions. Call us today to schedule an appointment, and let’s work together to find the best insurance options for you.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents?

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If your vehicle has been hit by a driver in Woodbury, MN, who leaves the scene of the incident, will your auto insurance policy cover the physical damage and medical treatment for you and your passengers? At Kriener Insurance, we can help ensure that your auto insurance policy will adequately protect you if you are involved in such an incident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Driver Provisions Protect You

Minnesota requires auto insurance policies to include uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. This provision pays for damages if you are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who is either uninsured or has inadequate insurance. This provision also applies to hit-and-run accidents. Because Minnesota is a no-fault state, you must also carry personal injury protection (PIP) on your policy.

How Insurance Works in Hit-and-Run Cases

Collision or uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) will pay for damages to your vehicle. If you or your passengers sustain injuries, uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) or PIP can pay for your treatments. The medical payments provision is essential if you don’t have health insurance or have a high deductible. These provisions on your auto insurance policy can help reduce out-of-pocket costs, especially if you have severe injuries.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Drivers should treat a hit-and-run incident much like any other accident. First, ensure everyone in your vehicle is safe. If necessary, call for immediate medical help. Getting local law enforcement on the scene is paramount to obtaining official incident documentation. You’ll also need to gather information from witnesses and take photos of the damage. This information is vital for any reports submitted to your insurance company when you file your claim.

Understanding the provisions of your auto insurance policy can help you in these situations. Contact Kriener Insurance, serving Woodbury, MN, to learn how our auto policy will protect you.

Insurance Coverage That You Shouldn’t Overlook as A New Business Owner

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Are you preparing to launch a new business? Ensuring your place of business has adequate insurance coverage is crucial. Having sufficient insurance can help prevent financial strain and minimize disruptions to your business operations.

Protecting Business Essentials

Commercial property coverage safeguards business essentials. This type of coverage can protect office equipment, tools, furnishings, machinery, and other commercial property that you and your workforce use on a daily basis.

Property coverage protects against damage and loss. Criminal activity and adverse weather could lead to the temporary or permanent loss of an item.

Since business essentials may change over time, a new business owner needs to review their inventory regularly. This will allow them to identify which items to add or remove from their commercial insurance policy.

Addressing Liability Concerns

Every new business owner is likely to have concerns about liability. For instance, a business owner may be unfamiliar with the risks involved with using a particular piece of equipment.

If the equipment causes an injury or damage to another person’s property, the business owner will be liable for the incident. Having adequate commercial liability coverage will minimize the financial loss that a business owner faces.

Liability coverage will be useful if someone sues a business owner. The insurance will cover medical expenses, legal expenses, and other costs that the business owner incurs as a result of being sued.

Support Provided By An Agent

If you’re ready to secure insurance coverage for your new business, schedule a meeting with one of our Kriener Insurance agents. An insurance representative serving the Woodbury, MN region will consult with you first. Then, they will help you plan what your commercial insurance policy will include.

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