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Do You Have to Carry Boat Insurance Year-Round?

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At Johnsen Insurance, serving the greater Baraboo, WI region, we sell boat insurance. Since boats are primarily used during the spring and summer months, one of the questions that our customers often ask is whether you have to carry boat insurance on your boat year-round. 

Do You Have to Carry Boat Insurance Year-Round?

Legally speaking, you are not required to carry boat insurance year-round. You are only required to carry boat insurance when your boat is actively on the waterway. Because of this, many people freeze their boat insurance policies during the fall and winter months, when their boats are not likely to be used. 

Should You Carry Boat Insurance Year-Round? 

While you are not legally required to carry boat insurance year-round, there are many benefits to doing so. First, if you have a loan on your boat, the lender may require you to carry insurance at all times. Secondly, your boat can be damaged, even if it is not on the water. A tree can fall on your boat, your boat can be vandalized, or your boat can be stolen. Having full boat coverage and carrying that coverage year-round helps to protect your boat both in the water and when it is being stored during the winter months.  

Contact Us Today

If you have a loan on your boat or want to cover your boat when it is in storage, you will need boat insurance year-round. If you are looking to purchase a new boat insurance policy in the greater Baraboo, WI area, Johnsen Insurance is here to help you. Call or email us today and let’s sit down and talk about finding you the best boat insurance policy for your needs. 

Life Insurance for the Protection of Your Family’s Future

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Do you wonder about the financial security of your family after you pass? Make sure they can continue to live as they always have. A life insurance policy from Johnsen Insurance, serving the Baraboo, WI area, will provide the security you desire for your family.

Unless you have enough wealth for them to maintain their current standard of living, life insurance is a necessity. It protects them from disastrous financial losses if something happens to you. Not only does it provide financial stability, but it also pays off debts, and helps with day-to-day living expenses, medical bills, and final expenses.

There are three common types of life insurance:

Term life insurance is the simplest form of life insurance. You pay a premium for a designated period of time, usually 10 to 30 years. If you pass during that time, a cash benefit is paid to your family or your designated beneficiary.

Whole life insurance is sometimes called “straight life”, or “ordinary life” and it remains in force for the insured’s entire life as long as the premiums are paid, or to the maturity date of the policy.

Universal life insurance is a type of permanent insurance. With a universal policy, the insured is covered for the duration of their life as long as any requirements of the policy are maintained, and the premiums paid. The policyholder can only use the cash value of the policy while they are alive. Unlike term insurance, it can accumulate interest-bearing funds like a savings account. Premiums and death benefits can be adjusted, and policyholders can pay additional toward their premiums and receive interest payments on the excess.

Contact Us Today

Make sure your loved ones are financially secure in the event of your passing. Contact the professionals at Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI today for a quote. You will be glad you did.

Minimum Wisconsin Auto Insurance Requirements

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Wisconsin auto owners are required to have insurance, but how do you know what kind of insurance is needed and why? Auto insurance provides protection far beyond simple crash and dent coverage to help protect you against liability, lawsuits, and more. Our team at Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI wants to help you understand state insurance laws, and get you the right coverage for your needs.

Here is what you need to know about Wisconsin insurance law:

Proof of Insurance

Wisconsin law requires proof of insurance for auto owners and operators. You don’t need proof of insurance simply to obtain a license or register a vehicle, but will be required to show this should you get stopped by an officer or involved in an accident — even if it’s not your fault. Failure to provide proof of this insurance can result in $10 for simply failing to show insurance, but it rises to $500 if you are not able to provide that proof later. Showing fraudulent insurance can result in a $5000 fine.

And that’s not counting any damages you may be liable for in an accident.

Liability Insurance

And while proof of insurance is required, you must only prove that you have qualifying liability insurance — not full accident and damage coverage. This distinction is helpful to many older car owners who don’t mind an extra scratch or dent. Wisconsin auto liability must simply cover $10,000 towards property damage and at least $25,000 per person injured or in the case of accidental death. Additional coverage is by choice and not state law.

Contact Us Today

Don’t risk your auto, instead check with the experts at Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI. We’re ready to get you on the road.

What Are The Risks Of Not having Commercial Insurance?

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Running a business is always expensive, so the last thing you want to do is to add more expenses, such as commercial insurance. Therefore, many business owners prefer to operate their businesses without insurance to save money. If you are one of them, it is important to know about possible risks you may face. Consult with Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI for expert insurance advice.

What Are The Risks Of Not Having Commercial Insurance

Not having commercial insurance is always a risky experience, and here is why: 

  • You leave your employees unprotected. One of the purposes of business insurance is to protect your employees in case something happens. For example, if you do not have workers’ compensation and one of your employees is injured at work, you could be liable for a lawsuit. 
  • Your business will not be protected. Anything can happen to your business and your commercial property. If it does and you do not have proper insurance, you will be left with financial consequences of interrupted business operations and repairs that you will have to pay for. 
  • You break the state’s laws. In the state of Wisconsin, for example, it is mandatory to carry workers’ compensation if you own a business. Running a business without it is illegal. Therefore, if you decide not to purchase commercial insurance, you should understand that you break the state laws. 

Get Commercial Insurance Today

Are you a business owner operating your business in Baraboo, WI, or any other nearby area? Are you currently shopping for business insurance that would protect you, your commercial property, and your employees?  Do not hesitate to contact us at Johnsen Insurance – we are an experienced insurance agency specializing in different types of insurance, including commercial insurance as well. We will help you find a perfect insurance plan and answer all of your questions. 

How Home Insurance Protects Your Finances

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When you have made the investment into a home of your own, that investment needs to be protected with a good home insurance policy. You need to have all of the coverage you need to protect yourself and your finances if a serious event should occur there. When you need a home insurance policy, call us at Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI.

Protecting Your Home

When a damaging event happens to your house, it can cause an extreme amount of damage that is highly expensive to repair. If you don’t have home insurance when it happens, you could owe tens of thousands in repair costs or even more. When you have home insurance, it covers a wide range of events that can damage your home. When one of them happens, the policy will pay for the repairs that the home needs to get it back into good condition. 

Coverage for What You Own

Like your home, what you own inside your house is also valuable. And, they can be damaged or destroyed by a covered event. When this happens, you need home insurance to pay for your items to be replaced. Without this coverage, you would have to pay for replacing all of your items by yourself, and this would be a serious economic hardship. 

Liability Protection

Another part of your home insurance policy is coverage for your liability. This coverage protects you financially in case someone were to come into your house and become injured in an accident there. If that were to happen, you would likely be judged liable for the person’s medical bills. With home insurance, those bills are paid by the policy. 

Protect Yourself With Home Insurance

When you own a home and don’t have a home insurance policy, don’t wait to get one. Call us now at Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI to get started. 

5 Tips for Renewing Your RV Insurance Policy

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RVs are a great way to see the country and spend time with family and friends. However, renewing your RV insurance policy can be a confusing and daunting task. Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI is here to provide you with expert insurance advice.

Here are five tips to help make the process simpler and less stressful.

1. Review Your Current Policy

When it’s time to renew your RV insurance policy, the first thing you should do is review your current policy. Take a look at the coverages you have and see if there are any that you no longer need or could use more of. This will help you determine what changes – if any – you need to make to your policy.

2. Compare Costs and Coverage

Once you know what changes, if any, you need to make to your policy, it’s time to start shopping around. Compare the costs and coverage of different policies to find one that fits your needs and budget. However, don’t sacrifice coverage for the cost. Make sure you have the right amount of protection for yourself and your RV.

3. Ask Questions

If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your insurance agent should be able to answer any questions you have about renewing your RV insurance policy. They may even offer suggestions on how you can save money or get better coverage.

4. Read the Fine Print

Before you purchase a policy, be sure to read the fine print. This will help you understand what is and isn’t covered under the policy. It’s important to know what you’re getting into before you make a purchase.

5. Purchase Your Policy

Once you’ve found the right policy, it’s time to purchase it. Be sure to have all the necessary information on hand, such as your RV’s make, model, and year. You should also have your driver’s license number and credit card information ready.

Give Us A Call

Renewing your RV insurance policy doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these tips, you can make the process simpler and less stressful. Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI can help you find the right RV insurance policy for your needs. Contact us today for more information or for a free quote.

5 Mistakes People Make When Buying Motorcycle Insurance

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Motorcycle insurance is a vital part of being a responsible rider. Not only does it protect you financially, but it also helps to ensure that you and your bike are properly covered in the case of theft or damage. However, buying motorcycle insurance can be a complex process, and riders often make a few key mistakes. Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI offers a look at five of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing motorcycle insurance and how to avoid them.

Motorcycle Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Knowing What Type of Coverage You Need 

There are various types of motorcycle insurance coverage available, from liability to comprehensive. It’s important to know what type of coverage you need to get the best protection for your bike.

2. Not Shopping Around for the Best Rates 

When it comes to insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every rider is different, and so are their insurance needs. As such, it’s important to shop around and compare rates from different insurers in order to find the best deal.

3. Failing to Disclose Important Details 

When you’re applying for motorcycle insurance, it’s important to be honest, and upfront about any relevant details that could affect your coverage. This includes things like your riding history, the type of bike you ride, and where you live. Remember, lying or omitting important information on your application could result in your policy being voided.

4. Not Reading the Fine Print 

It’s important to read the fine print of any insurance policy before you sign on the dotted line. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a situation where you’re not properly covered.

5. Not Reviewing Your Policy Regularly 

Your insurance needs can change over time, so it’s important to review your policy regularly to ensure that it still meets your needs. If not, you may need to adjust your coverage or switch insurers altogether.

Following these tips can avoid making common mistakes when buying motorcycle insurance. Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo, WI can help you find the right policy for your needs.

How Can I Get Boat/Watercraft Insurance?

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Many residents of Baraboo, WI may aspire to own a boat or a watercraft. Once you make this precious purchase, you should also get watercraft insurance to protect the boat, yourself, and any passengers you bring along on your boating excursions. As a new boat owner, you are likely wondering how to get boat insurance. Johnsen Insurance provides you with the following tips in navigating boat/watercraft insurance. 

Getting Boat/Watercraft Insurance

1. Pick a Reputable Insurance Provider

There are numerous boat insurance providers in Baraboo. However, you should select a reputable insurer with a good reputation. At Johnsen Insurance, we suggest that you ask friends and family for references and do comprehensive online research to help you create a shortlist of the best insurance providers.

2. Gather Your Information

Whether you are purchasing watercraft insurance for the first or the tenth time, the insurance providers will expect you to share the following information, basic personal details, craft information, and lien or marina information. The insurers will also ask you about your driving record and craft use.

3. Consider Your Coverage Needs

Take time to determine your coverage needs, including policy limits and deductibles, with the help of an insurance expert. Some popular types of coverage that boat owners go for are bodily injury and property damage liability, “all-risk” overage, named perils coverage, fuel spill coverage, and hurricane haul-out coverage.

4. Get a Quote

Request a quote from the insurance providers you shortlisted either by yourself or through an insurance agent/broker and compare them. If you are doing it yourself, you can get the quote for your watercraft insurance by contacting the insurer through the contact details on their website.

5. Get Insured

After comparing the quotes, pick the insurance provider you are most comfortable with from the shortlist and get insured.

Are You Looking For Boat/Watercraft Insurance in Baraboo, WI?

We at Johnsen Insurance are willing and ready to help you get the best boat/watercraft insurance coverage. Contact us today.

Life insurance FAQs

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Life insurance is something that you do for the ones you love. You don’t usually benefit from it, but there is a certain satisfaction and peace of mind in knowing that the ones you love won’t be poverty-stricken if something happens to you. At Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo WI, we know that life insurance is essential coverage most people don’t know a whole lot about. We are here to answer the questions you may have today and every day. 

Is it possible to be too old to buy life insurance?

Not if you have someone dependent on you or want to leave a legacy to your grandchildren or great-grandchildren. It may not be the best investment, but having said that, it is risk-free, so it may be something you feel comfortable buying. Some people buy life insurance to make sure their final expenses are paid for, which is another good reason. 

Do you need to buy life insurance if you get some as an employment benefit?

Yes, you do. Your life insurance from your employer is a great benefit, but consider the possibility that you leave that employer or get sick and cannot work. What then? It is always best to have personal control over your protection. You know better than your employer how much life insurance you need. 

How much life insurance do I need?

How much you need depends on what your income is and who depends on that income. You need to figure out how many years of your income you need to provide and that will give you a basic figure to build your insurance portfolio on. You want to balance that with what you can afford. 

To discuss your life insurance needs, call Johnsen Insurance in Baraboo WI. We are here for you. 

 

The Different Types of Auto Insurance

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There are many different types of auto insurance available today. There is a liability, collision, comprehensive, and medical payments coverage, to name a few. But what does each one do? Do you need all four? Or can you get by with just one type of coverage? Read on to find out the answer.

1. Liability Insurance

Liability insurance covers the losses and damages that may occur to another person or their property if you cause an accident. The main thing that this type of insurance protects is the financial costs associated with an accident that’s your fault.

If you are sued, this coverage can help pay for injuries and damage to others resulting from accidents such as medical care, lost earnings, damaged property, and court costs. A driver’s liability insurance usually has a specific limit of coverage. If the expense is more than that amount, that driver is responsible for paying the additional costs.

2. Collision Insurance

Collision insurance helps cover costs associated with damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another car or object, such as a tree. Suppose you are responsible for damages to your vehicle in a collision. In that case, collision coverage will pay for repairs minus any amount of deductible you have agreed to when signing up for the insurance.

3. Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is a broad term that helps cover losses that do not result from a collision with another vehicle or object. This includes weather damage, theft, fire, and vandalism. Comprehensive policies usually cover more than just your vehicle with the additional options of losing personal belongings left inside your car or coverage for injuries suffered by yourself or passengers in an accident.

4. Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage pays for medical expenses you or your passengers incur after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. These types of insurance usually limit how much they will pay per person and a maximum amount available per accident.

Looking for Auto Insurance in Baraboo, WI?

It’s essential to understand the types of auto insurance available, so you can pick out what you need. Do not hesitate to contact Johnsen Insurance to discuss your options further.