Does Home Insurance Pay For Damage From Fallen Trees?

Posted on September 30, 2026September 22, 2026 by admin

A fallen tree can lead to thousands of dollars in damage. It can destroy your shed or fall onto your home, leaving you with a need for a new roof. In some cases, your home insurance in Woodbury, MN will help cover the cost of repairs, but it depends on the situation.

Covered Perils

Many policies have a list of covered perils, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, wind damage, and lightning damage. If the tree falls due to a covered event, your policy will usually help pay for the repairs. Ask an agent at Kriener Insurance to learn more about the covered events listed on your policy.

Leaning Trees Are Often Excluded

One of the most common exceptions is if a tree is already leaning and then falls. Even if the leaning tree gets struck by lightning and falls, the company may deny your claim. This also applies to diseased trees. Normal and preventative maintenance are the homeowner’s responsibility, so the fallen tree may be classified as your fault for neglecting maintenance. Companies assess the entire situation before approving claims.

Which Structures Are Damaged Matters

The structures that are damaged can also determine whether your policy can help. Many policies include coverage for other structures, like a garage or shed. If you don’t have coverage for other structures, your policy won’t cover anything that is not attached to your house.

Whose Property Are The Roots On?

If a tree falls on your home, but most of the tree is on your neighbor’s property, it might not be covered. Policies will typically cover a healthy tree falling from your neighbor’s yard onto your house. However, if the tree was diseased, it may still be considered negligence, resulting in a company denying your claim.

Representatives here at Kriener Insurance will listen to your situation and help you learn if your policy can help. Contact us today for more information. We’re currently serving the Woodbury MN, area.

Why Should I Get Renter’s Insurance if I Don’t Have a Lot of Assets?

Posted on August 31, 2026August 16, 2026 by admin

About Renters Insurance and Why You Need It

Regardless of how many assets you may or may not have, unexpected things happen every day that can leave you living in a financial nightmare. Here at Kriener Insurance, we want to make sure our Woodbury, MN, residents have peace of mind when unexpected events occur that may lead to financial ruin.

Benefits of Renters Insurance

Having renters’ insurance is a low-cost way to provide protection. While landlords have insurance to protect the building, it does not provide coverage for your personal belongings, such as clothing, electronics, and furniture. Their insurance also does not cover an accident a visitor experiences in your home. A renter’s policy would take care of medical or legal fees for the injured visitor. If you have a pet, and it bites someone visiting you, your policy covers that, too.

Severe weather may damage the building, requiring you to live elsewhere while repairs are made. A renter’s policy provides for food and housing expenses while your rental unit is unavailable.

In Minnesota, a roommate may be listed on the renter’s policy, so they also have coverage. Requirements vary by insurance companies regarding co-insured/joint policies.

Downside of Not Having Renter’s Insurance

Without a renter’s insurance policy, you are responsible for all out-of-pocket expenses. This means it will be up to you to replace all items lost due to a fire, severe weather, or theft. You will also pay for any living expenses if you must leave your rental due to damage.

Contact Our Team

At Kriener Insurance, our team of experts know the benefits of you having a renter’s policy, as well as what can happen if you don’t. Enjoy your home in Woodbury, MN, stress-free with a renter’s policy in place. Call us, and we’ll get you covered.

Will a Personal Umbrella Policy Protect My Business?

Posted on July 31, 2026July 22, 2026 by admin

Some people who have purchased personal umbrella insurance to protect their assets if something happens in their Woodbury, MN, home believe that this protection will also extend to their business. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Kriener Insurance can help you secure a second policy to protect your business.

Strict Separation Between Personal and Business Liability

One of the hardest and fastest rules in the insurance industry is the separation of personal and business liability. A personal umbrella policy is designed to specifically float over your personal insurance for auto, home, etc. When an incident involves a business activity, commercial entity or an asset owned by an LLC or corporation, your personal umbrella policy will trigger its business pursuits exclusion and deny the claim.

Business activities carry a completely different risk profile. Read your personal policy. When you do, you will find a section explaining how it excludes coverage for bodily injury or property damage arising out of any business pursuits of the insured.

Scenarios Where People "Get Caught"

Business owners and freelancers frequently believe that their personal policies will protect incidents that occur if they have a home office. Common grey areas include:

A home office slip-and-fall
A freelance cyber leak exposing sensitive data or resulting in financial loss for clients
Rental properties owned under your personal name

While some carriers may allow you to cover your rental properties under certain circumstances, a personal umbrella policy will not cover the first two.

To adequately cover your business, build a group of insurance policies that match your personal lines. General and professional liability, plus commercial umbrella insurance, will typically cover your company.

Let Kriener Insurance help you find the right commercial umbrella insurance policy for your needs. Contact the agents in our Woodbury, MN, office to learn more.

When Is Term Life Insurance the Right Choice?

Posted on June 30, 2026June 9, 2026 by admin

As someone considering life insurance, you know that you’re generally choosing between two options: term life insurance and whole life insurance. Most of the time, what you see being advertised as being the best or "right" choice is whole life insurance. But why would they offer term life insurance if whole life insurance should be the go-to? While whole life insurance does offer a wealth of benefits, term life insurance has its use cases too. Here’s how to know if term life insurance is the right choice for your needs. If you need help shopping, you can always come to us at Kriener Insurance in Woodbury, MN, to request a quote or get the quality support you need.

Who Is Term Life Insurance Designed for?

You might choose term life insurance over whole life insurance if you:

Want to Save Money: Term life insurance is generally more affordable than whole life insurance, making it a better choice for those on a budget who need a cheaper option.
Only Need Coverage for a Specific Period: Are you an older individual only looking for coverage for 10, 20, or 30 years? Are you a business owner looking for life insurance that will ensure the business doesn’t go under if someone passes? There are many reasons why you might need life insurance for a set period. This is where term life insurance becomes the best choice.
Have Dependents Who Don’t Need Extensive Care: Term life insurance is often described as being for those who need to cover debts and basic living expenses. If you’re focused on estate planning or have a dependent who needs extensive care, then whole life insurance would be better.

Shop Term and Whole Life Insurance With Kriener Insurance

With our help at Kriener Insurance in Woodbury, MN, we’ll help you explore your life insurance options so that you can make a confident buying decision. Compare quotes with us now!

What Happens to Auto Insurance When Your Car Hits 100,000 Miles?

Posted on May 28, 2026May 8, 2026 by admin

Every time your vehicle is on the road, the odometer continues to add miles. Over time, even well-maintained vehicles no longer perform as well as when they were new. Within the auto insurance industry, 100,000 miles is often viewed as a turning point. While many drivers have heard of this benchmark, few understand why it matters. The agents at Kriener Insurance explain why mileage plays an important role in auto insurance decisions.

Understanding the 100,000-Mile Rule in Auto Insurance

The 100,000-mile rule is an informal guideline used in the auto insurance industry. It suggests that once a vehicle reaches this mileage, drivers may consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage. The reasoning is tied to vehicle value. Insurance carriers will not pay more for repairs than the car’s current market value, and vehicles with high mileage often have a significantly lower value.

If a high-mileage vehicle is involved in an accident, there is a greater chance the insurance carrier will declare it a total loss rather than pay for extensive repairs. In many cases, dropping collision and comprehensive coverage can reduce premiums, but the decision is ultimately based on whether the cost of coverage outweighs the potential payout.

This guideline generally applies to vehicle owners in Woodbury, MN who own their cars outright. Drivers who are still paying off an auto loan are typically required by the lender to maintain collision and comprehensive coverage until the loan is fully repaid. Leased and rental vehicles also do not follow the 100,000-mile rule, as full coverage is usually required under those agreements.

Will Auto Insurance Still Cover a Vehicle With Over 100,000 Miles?

Auto insurance coverage for vehicles with more than 100,000 miles varies by insurance carrier. Some carriers may recommend liability-only coverage for high-mileage vehicles, while others allow drivers to keep collision and comprehensive coverage regardless of mileage.

The key takeaway is that a vehicle with 100,000 miles or more is often considered a higher risk due to reduced value. That does not mean you must change your coverage, but it does mean your policy should be reviewed carefully.

Kriener Insurance does not tell drivers what decisions to make. Instead, we help vehicle owners understand their options and the potential impact on coverage and cost. If you are driving a high-mileage vehicle, we encourage you to review your auto insurance policy with our team. Contact our Woodbury, MN office to discuss coverage options that help protect you and your vehicle on the road.

Which Health Insurance Plan Should You Choose for Your Employees?

Posted on April 30, 2026April 14, 2026 by admin

If you are a business owner in Minnesota, one of your responsibilities is securing the appropriate commercial insurance coverage. If your company is located near Woodbury, MN, the team at Kriener Insurance can help you evaluate your options and select policies that align with your business needs. We have been assisting businesses in the area since 2013.

One important coverage decision involves choosing a health insurance plan for your employees. Offering the right benefits can support employee satisfaction while helping you manage overall costs.

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan for Your Employees

Selecting a health insurance plan often starts with understanding your employees’ needs. Surveying your team can help determine which benefits matter most, such as lower deductibles, reduced copayments, or broader provider networks. Balancing these preferences with budget considerations is a key part of the decision-making process.

Health insurance costs continue to rise, and some plans may carry premiums that are challenging for employees to afford on their own. To help offset these costs, many employers contribute toward employee premiums or offer benefit programs designed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Some companies choose flexible benefit arrangements that allow employees to allocate pre-tax dollars toward health care expenses. These plans can help lower taxable income for employees while making health coverage more affordable and accessible.

Let Us Help You Build the Right Insurance Portfolio

Your business represents years of hard work and long-term goals for the future. At Kriener Insurance, we help business owners assemble commercial insurance solutions that support those goals. Businesses in the Woodbury, MN area rely on our team for knowledgeable guidance and consistent service. Contact us today to discuss your commercial insurance needs and find coverage designed to protect what you have built.

Home Insurance Coverage for Dog Bites: When Someone Files a Claim

Posted on March 31, 2026March 12, 2026 by admin

As a homeowner, you are responsible for injuries that occur on your property if you are negligent. Some accidents cannot be prevented, but your home insurance can offer protection in these situations. Dog bites are one example where having the right coverage can be especially important.

At Kriener Insurance, we help homeowners find home insurance in Woodbury, MN that includes the right protection for their pets.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

Most insurance companies require homeowners to inform them when pets live on the property, especially dogs. This ensures your policy includes the appropriate coverage for pet‑related risks.

If your dog bites someone, you may be held responsible for the injury. You should ensure the injured person receives medical attention immediately and remove your dog from the scene. Once everyone is safe, contact your home insurance adjuster to report the incident. The adjuster will help manage the claim process and communicate with all parties involved.

If you do not notify your insurer that you have a dog, and your pet causes an injury, the claim process may become more difficult. Some insurance policies exclude injuries caused by dogs or certain breeds, which can leave you financially vulnerable.

How We Can Help You Protect Your Home and Pets

If you are a dog owner, reach out to Kriener Insurance. We can help you review and update your home insurance in Woodbury, MN, so that your policy includes the protection you need. Having the right coverage in place ensures you are prepared if an incident occurs. Do not wait until a bite happens to get the proper insurance.

5 Items That Need Floaters on Your Renter’s Insurance

Posted on February 27, 2026February 16, 2026 by admin

Renter’s insurance is a valuable resource for anyone moving into a new location. Your policy should align with the risks associated with your assets, including additional coverage for certain valuables. Some items in your home may require extra coverage, known as a floater, to ensure they are adequately protected.

At Kriener Insurance, we help residents in Woodbury, MN, find renters insurance that covers their belongings.

When Do You Need Additional Protection?

Carefully review the details of any renter’s insurance policy to understand its coverage limits. Most policies cover personal belongings only up to a certain value, often capped at $1,000 per item. If you own any of the following types of assets worth more than this, it’s wise to purchase a floater for added protection:

Collectible items: Items such as coins, comic books, sports memorabilia, or art may require a floater to ensure proper coverage.
Business equipment: Equipment used for business purposes and kept at home benefits from additional coverage that matches its value.
Valuable electronics: Electronics valued at over $1,000 should be covered by a floater for adequate protection.
High-value personal items: Jewelry, furs, and other high-value items may require additional coverage.
Musical instruments: Instruments with significant value should be protected with a floater.

Adding coverage like this minimizes risk and ensures your items are protected against covered events, such as theft or vandalism.

Choose a Policy That Matches Your Goals

At Kriener Insurance, we help you customize your renters insurance in Woodbury, MN, to address your specific risks. Let us know about any valuable assets you own that may require additional protection. This way, your policy is tailored to your needs and provides the coverage you need when filing a claim.

How Does Umbrella Insurance Work?

Posted on January 30, 2026January 13, 2026 by admin

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?

Posted on December 31, 2025December 10, 2025 by admin

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.

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