Name: Wilcoxon Insurance, Inc.
Address: 4804 S. Minnesota Ave., Ste 103, Sioux Falls, SD, 57108
Telephone: 605-271-6600

Home Insurance: Utilizing Smart Home Detectors

Posted on March 28, 2025March 20, 2025 by admin

Did you know using smart home detectors could lower your home insurance premiums? Insurance rewards homeowners who invest in preventative measures for their homes. Installing detectors such as smoke alarms, water damage detectors, and security devices can help keep your home safe and prevent accidents. Our agents at Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD, can educate you on this topic.

Understanding Smart Home Detectors

While many homes have a smart security system, other types of detectors can protect your house. For example, installing a smart water leak detector can help save your home from water damage. Other detectors include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and video doorbells.

Why Insurance Companies Offer Discounts for Smart Detectors

Insurance companies are responsible for any damage to your home. By installing detectors and other smart devices, you can help protect your home, which lowers risks. Many home insurance companies will give you a discount because you’re essentially ensuring you’ll catch any damages before they happen. So, they may offer small discounts on your premiums.

Choosing the Right Smart Detectors

No, you can’t just install any old detector and ask for a discount. Home insurance agencies will have a list of acceptable devices. Essentially, they want to see a certificate that your device isn’t faulty and works correctly. If you buy a random device online, it may not meet the standard.

Assessing the Worth of Discounts

Some homeowners may feel like the discount isn’t worth it, which can be true. The cost of smart home detectors is high upfront, but they are worth it. You’ll be thankful they prevent damages compared to accidents and higher premiums. If you’re still unsure, contact one of our agents at Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD, today.

Will My Renters Insurance Cover My Home-Based Business Assets?

Posted on February 28, 2025February 19, 2025 by admin

Renters’ insurance policies provide no or minimal coverage for work-related tools and equipment. However, you have several options for gaining coverage if they run a home-based business. If you live in the Sioux Falls, SD, area, our team at Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. will review your insurance options and identify the renters’ coverage that suits you best.

Understanding Renters Insurance and Working from Home

Working from your house or apartment has many benefits, regardless of whether you own or rent. However, you need to know that working from home leads to insurance issues concerning your home-based business assets.

Your renters’ policy is usually intended to cover your personal property only. It does not cover equipment owned by your business, or it covers a minimal value, such as assets totaling $2,500 in value. Many home-based businesses have office furniture and electronics, supplies, inventory, or tools worth more than $2,500 that are uninsured unless you take additional steps. If your business assets are limited, you can add a rider or endorsement to your renter’s policy to cover up to $5,000 in business assets. If you own more, you should acquire a commercial insurance policy.

As important, a personal renters’ policy does not cover the liability for work colleagues or customers injured at your residence while engaging in business activities. However, a commercial insurance policy suited for small businesses will address that problem and provide other protections small businesses need.

Discuss your situation with your insurance agent to ensure you are adequately protected.

Working with Wilcoxon Insurance Inc.

Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. proudly serves the Sioux Falls, SD, area. We will help you select an insurance plan protecting both your personal and business assets. Stop in today or call (605) 271-6600 regarding your insurance needs.

Reasons Why Your Auto Insurance Policy May Not Be Renewed and How to Minimize Your Risk of That Happening

Posted on January 27, 2025January 22, 2025 by admin

Receiving a notice that your auto insurance policy won’t be renewed can be stressful and confusing. While it might seem unexpected, there are often clear reasons behind a non-renewal. At Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD, we aim to help you understand why this happens and how you can take steps to reduce the chances of it occurring.

Reasons for Non-Renewal of Auto Insurance Policies

A common reason for non-renewal is a history of multiple claims or accidents. If you’ve filed several claims within a short period or been involved in at-fault accidents, insurers may view you as a higher risk. Serious traffic violations, such as DUIs or reckless driving charges, can also raise red flags for insurance companies.

Another factor could be a significant change in your risk profile. For instance, if you’ve added a high-powered vehicle to your policy or moved to an area with higher accident rates, your insurer might reassess whether they want to continue coverage.

Reducing Your Risk

Maintaining a clean driving record is one of the best ways to avoid non-renewal. Drive responsibly, avoid distractions, and adhere to traffic laws. If you’ve had accidents or claims in the past, take steps to show that you’re working towards becoming a safer driver. Additionally, paying your premiums on time and maintaining consistent communication with your insurer can help build trust.

At Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD, we’re here to help you navigate your insurance needs. If you’re concerned about your policy or need advice, contact us today—we’ll work with you to find the right solutions for your situation.

How Motorcycle Insurance Helps When Borrowing or Lending a Bike

Posted on December 23, 2024December 19, 2024 by admin

Whether you’re letting a friend borrow your motorcycle for a weekend ride or hopping onto someone else’s for a quick spin, it’s important to understand motorcycle insurance. At Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD, we know that life on two wheels presents unique situations, and the right coverage can make all the difference.

Motorcycle Insurance: Does It Follow the Bike or the Rider?

One of the most common questions about borrowing or lending a motorcycle is whether the insurance applies to the bike itself or the person riding it. Generally, motorcycle insurance follows the bike, meaning that if you lend your bike to a friend, your insurance policy is likely the primary coverage in case of an accident. However, if the damages exceed your policy limits, your friend’s insurance, if they have it, may act as secondary coverage. Understanding this can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

What to Consider When Borrowing a Motorcycle

If you’re the one borrowing a motorcycle, you should confirm that the owner’s insurance policy is active and sufficient. While their insurance might cover you, it’s always a good idea to have your own motorcycle insurance, especially if you ride frequently. Having a personal policy ensures you’re protected, no matter whose bike you’re on.

Motorcycle Insurance: Protecting Your Ride and Your Relationships

Borrowing or lending a bike is a gesture of trust, but accidents can happen. Motorcycle insurance helps protect your ride and relationships by minimizing disputes over repairs or liability.

Get Started with Wilcoxon Insurance Inc.

For riders in Sioux Falls, SD, Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. can help you find the right motorcycle insurance to cover all your adventures—whether it’s your bike or someone else’s. Contact us today to get started.

Avoid Creeping Home Damage

Posted on November 25, 2024November 20, 2024 by admin

Do you know what your home insurance provides for your Sioux Falls, SD, home? Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. knows that most blogs talk about what home insurance covers, but how about what it doesn’t cover? Today’s blog covers the things that home policies do not cover.

Damage an Annual Inspection Reveals

No home policy covers creeping damage. Termites, foundation damage, and wood rot top the list of things that homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover because they’re creeping damage. A homeowner could spot the beginnings of any of the three situations and take steps to thwart their development.

When a homeowner hires a home inspector each year to conduct a thorough inspection of the home, it reveals potential issues, such as early signs of termites, wood rot, or small cracks in the foundation that could lead to major damage. In rural areas without professional home inspectors, consider learning what these inspectors look for and examining your home twice yearly to spot these and other problems at their earliest stages.

Self-Inspections and Doing Something About What You Find

Watching a few videos online from termite inspectors will illustrate what their tracks and boring damage look like. This vermin tunnel inside and along the wood, leaving clear marks where they did the damage. Call an exterminator to treat the home at the first signs of damage. Killing the termites and their eggs controls the problem, and you might avoid serious wood damage. The longer you wait to exterminate them, the more damage they can do, which increases your expenses.

Address hairline fractures in the foundation immediately. Patch hairline cracks using cement. Anything larger than a hairline crack requires a professional foundation repair company. Anything larger than a hairline crack can turn into a leak that can cause basement flooding. Spotting these problems before they grow larger can stop them from doing large-scale damage to your home.

Contact Us Today

Don’t let creeping damage hurt your Sioux Falls, SD, home. Call or email Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. today for a home insurance review or to start a new policy.

How Much Renters Insurance Do You Need in Sioux Falls

Posted on October 21, 2024October 17, 2024 by admin

Renting a home or apartment in Sioux Falls can be an exciting life event for newlyweds, singles, couples, college students, and new residents. Learn how to protect your rental unit and your valuables from the experts at Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD.

What is Renters Insurance and Why Do You Need Coverage in Sioux Falls, SD?

Renters insurance is special coverage designed to protect renters from liability issues and offset the costs of repairing or replacing personal property in the event of an unexpected incident. Well-structured renters’ insurance policies also include liability coverage provisions that safeguard renters from lawsuits and legal damages when someone is injured in their rental unit.

The best way to learn about renters insurance options is to schedule a consultation with a trusted local rental insurance agent. A knowledgeable agent can explain the risks of not having renters’ insurance and the benefits of having it.

A licensed insurance agent can also provide a personalized insurance quote outlining your coverage, costs, and policy details.

How Much Renters Insurance Do I Need?

Several key factors can help local renters determine how much renters’ insurance is enough for Sioux Falls rental homes and apartments. Start by creating an inventory of your personal items to determine the total value of your belongings. Include items like furniture, clothing, electronics, jewelry, and other personal items that you want to protect in your inventory.

A skilled agent can guide you through the process of selecting comprehensive and optional coverage for a total rental insurance solution. Contact the rental insurance professionals at Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. to help you tailor a policy that provides adequate coverage for your rental unit with no unnecessary extras.

Adding a New Driver to Your Policy? We Can Help

Posted on September 30, 2024September 25, 2024 by admin

Adding a New Driver to Your Auto Insurance Policy in Sioux Falls, SD

Having a new driver in your household warrants an important change in your auto insurance policy. Including them in your policy helps protect them, you, your vehicle, and others on the road. For residents in Sioux Falls, SD, Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. is a trusted choice for assistance with this process. We’ll guide you through adding a new driver and ensure you get the most appropriate policy for your needs. Experience peace of mind with our multiple insurer quotes, giving you various options.

Getting professional advice is crucial when dealing with car insurance matters. From adding another driver, changing your vehicle, moving within the town, or simply reviewing your policy, we are here to help. Confidence in your coverage is essential, and having everything accurate on your policy is paramount. By working with us, you are guaranteed personalized support with several quotes to compare and make an informed decision. Our team is here to answer all your questions about the policies you’re considering, allowing you to select the one that suits your needs and lifestyle. With Wilcoxon Insurance Inc., policy selection is no guesswork.

If you’re in the Sioux Falls, SD, area and looking to add a new driver to your auto insurance policy, contact us at Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. We aim to make the process as quick and effortless as possible so you can continue enjoying your drives, knowing your new driver and yourself are adequately protected.

Preparing Your Bike for Cold Weather Rides

Posted on August 30, 2024August 21, 2024 by admin

Despite South Dakota’s chilly winters, many motorcycle enthusiasts aim to ride far into the winter season. In this guide, we at Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. offer tips on prepping your motorbike for riding in those cold conditions encountered in Sioux Falls, SD.

When to Refrain from Motorcycle Riding

Regarding safety, refrain from motorcycling when temperatures dip below 32°F. Do not venture out if the roads bear signs of ice or snow. Also, avoid riding during heavy fog or high winds exceeding 30 mph. If you’ve been in a chilly environment and feel cold or numbness in your extremities, reschedule your ride.

Equipping Yourself for Cold-Weather Motorcycle Rides

Dress not just to stay warm but also dry. Layer moisture-wicking clothing such as merino wool sweatshirts under a wind-resistant jacket and pair it with insulated pants. Further, use insulated gloves, thermal socks, and a full-face helmet to shield against wind chill. Invest in riding gear incorporating insulate, down, or similar materials that offer warmth but don’t inhibit movement, ensuring efficient bike handling.

Prepping Your Motorcycle for the Cold Weather

After selecting your riding gear, focus on getting your motorcycle ready. Begin with a thorough bike inspection, paying close attention to your tire pressure, fluid levels, and battery status. For enhanced safety and comfort during the ride, install hand guards, heated grips, and comprehensive fenders to prevent spray and grit.

Ensure the tires are appropriately inflated and match the PSI recommended by your tire manufacturer. Consider swapping to wider tires during winter to enhance traction and provide increased safety for reaching a dry spot if it begins to snow or ice.

To enhance bike performance, maintain optimum fluid levels and switch to a winter-grade oil. Inspect the battery before every ride to ensure it’s healthy and fully charged.

Safely Reaching Your Destination

If winter motorcycle riding in Sioux Falls, SD is a necessity, chalk out a route that avoids major elevation changes. Minimizing downhill rides reduces the biting wind chill. Refrain from riding in heavy traffic, which could slow you down. Reach out to Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. before the fall season for an insurance review and rest easy knowing your coverage spans all eventualities.

Sioux Falls Strong: Learn How to Fortify Your Residence with the Right Home Insurance

Posted on July 30, 2024July 24, 2024 by admin

Having home insurance isn’t always mandatory in Sioux Falls, SD, but savvy homeowners who want to safeguard their finances and peace of mind fortify their homes with comprehensive policies that can include a variety of coverages.

Learn more about how to fortify your home with the right insurance from the experts at Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. in the guide below.

Fortify Your Residence with Comprehensive Home Insurance

Smart homeowners know that buying and maintaining a home is a huge lifetime investment. Taking the extra precautions to safeguard the interior and exterior of your home by adding security features, cameras, and fencing can reduce the likelihood of theft or vandalism.

Comprehensive home insurance adds another layer of financial protection to your home by ensuring coverage for covered incidents.

Protect Your Home From Weather-Related Damages

The cold snowy winters and increasingly hot summers in Sioux Falls can lead to unexpected damage to homes and residences that can include natural disasters, hail, high winds, the weight of melting snow, and financial devastation in the wake of powerful tornadoes.

Comprehensive home insurance policies can include coverage for unexpected events that can lead to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. Talk to a knowledgeable insurance agent to learn more about how you can start a policy that includes provisions for fire, theft, and vandalism.

Coverage for Your Home Away from Home

One of the key benefits of having a comprehensive home insurance policy is that your policy can include financial provisions for covering the costs of additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable.

Learn how a home insurance policy can help cover the cost of local hotel stays by contacting a trusted insurance agent at Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD, today!

Lesser-Known Benefits of Renters Insurance For Tenants

Posted on June 28, 2024June 26, 2024 by admin

Most tenants in Sioux Falls, SD know that renters insurance covers their personal belongings in rented homes. However, this type of policy also offers several lesser-known benefits. These benefits help protect renters against a variety of unforeseen expenses.

Off-Premises Losses

Renters insurance doesn’t only insure your possessions when they’re in your house or apartment. It often also covers them when they’re elsewhere. Coverage regularly extends to items in vehicles and self-storage units. Most renters’ policies also cover small boats. However, limits apply; most motorized vessels still require separate boat insurance.

Liability Coverage

When a visitor suffers an injury at your rented home, it could result in legal action. Depending on the circumstances, either you or your landlord may be held responsible. If your negligence accidentally caused the injury, renters insurance will generally cover the resulting expenses. In addition, it can also cover damage to someone else’s belongings.

Temporary Housing

If a fire or other covered incident makes your home uninhabitable, a renters policy will usually cover the cost of temporarily living elsewhere. You may need to stay in a hotel room and eat at restaurants until you find a new apartment or your landlord finishes repairing the building.

Financial Coverage

Renters’ insurance may cover losses related to check forgery or a stolen credit card up to certain limits. Limited coverage for cash theft may also be included. It’s always a good idea to check your policy to see if it provides these features. Some insurers offer them as optional add-ons.

If you’d like to gain these invaluable benefits, Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. can help you secure an affordable renters policy from a reliable insurance provider. Our knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions and help you compare options. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. at our office in Sioux Falls, SD, by calling 605-271-6600 today.

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