ATC Agency Blog

DP-1 vs DP-3: Choosing the Right Landlord Insurance Policy

Michael Carlin — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 18:27:00 GMT

Landlords need to protect their investments with either a DP-1 or DP-3 insurance policy. Depending on the property owner’s needs, a DP-3 policy is usually the better option since it provides broader coverage.

A DP-1 policy typically pays out actual cash value for damage, whereas a DP-3 policy can provide replacement cost coverage on the dwelling—something mortgage companies often require.

DP-3 policies can also insure the landlord’s personal property inside the rental. For example, items like couches, beds, and TVs may be covered. This can be especially important for vacation rentals, which usually must be insured under a Dwelling Fire policy if they are not homesteaded.

Whether you’re insuring a single-family home or a four-plex, ATC Agency has options to meet your needs. The insurance market is constantly evolving—give us a call today!

Read the full article at www.atcagency.com

Preparing Your Home for a Minnesota Winter

Michael Carlin — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 17:40:00 GMT

Winter in Minnesota is no joke, with freezing temperatures, freezing rain and snow. Preparing your home for these harsh conditions not only ensures comfort but also helps protect your investment. Here’s a quick checklist to winter-proof your home:

1. Inspect and Seal Your Windows and Doors

Drafts can cause your heating bills to soar. Check for gaps around windows and doors and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Consider adding storm windows for extra insulation.

2. Service Your Heating System

Schedule a professional tune-up for your furnace or boiler to ensure it’s running efficiently. Replace filters and consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures while saving on energy costs.

3. Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are a common winter issue. Insulate exposed pipes in basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Let faucets drip during extreme cold to prevent freezing, and disconnect outdoor hoses.

4. Clear Your Gutters

Remove leaves and debris from gutters to prevent ice dams, which can cause roof leaks and damage. Ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.

5. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

Minnesota winters can be unpredictable. Keep essentials on hand, including flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a backup heat source in case of power outages.

6. Inspect Your Roof and Chimney

Check your roof for missing shingles and repair any damage to prevent leaks. If you have a fireplace, have your chimney professionally cleaned to avoid fire hazards.

7. Review Your Insurance Coverage

Even with the best preparations, winter accidents can happen. Make sure your homeowners’ insurance policy is up-to-date and provides adequate coverage for potential winter-related damage like ice dams, burst pipes, or snow weight on your roof.

Taking these proactive steps will not only keep your home warm and safe but also provide you with peace of mind throughout the season. Need help reviewing your insurance policy? Contact us today to ensure you’re covered for whatever winter may bring.

Stay warm and stay safe!

Read the full article at www.atcagency.com

Porch Pirates and Holiday Break-Ins

Michael Carlin — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 21:19:00 GMT

It's the most wonderful time of year for porch pirates. The holiday season is a time of friends and family getting together, but it can also attract unwanted attention from burglars and porch pirates. It is important to take steps to protect your property and safety. Here are a few tips to keep you safe.

Upgrade/Install Home Security.

Use Smart Lighting

Schedule Package Deliveries

Ask a Neighbor to keep an eye on your home, mail, packages, etc... while away

Secure Doors and Windows

Avoid Oversharing on Social Media, don't advertise that your away if no one is home

That is no means a comprehensive list. Thefts of opportunity will strike if the opportunity arises. Make sure your property and family are safe this holiday season, and keep the holidays merry and bright.

Read the full article at www.atcagency.com

Increased Vehicle and Deer Collisions

Michael Carlin — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 20:02:00 GMT

Once autumn arrives, leaves start to change and so do wild animals behavior. Wild animals, especially deer become more active during the fall months. Deer are crepuscular animals, which means they are more active at dawn and dusk.

Deer are now more common in the suburbs of the Twin Cities, which means when driving you have to be alert no matter where you are. According to Minnesota's Department of Public Safety (DPS), since 2016-2020 in Minnesota, there were 6,218 reported deer crashes, resulting in 18 deaths; 15 of the 18 deaths were motorcyclist.

There is no one way fits all solution to avoid animal collisions. After all, animals are unpredictable. According to State Farm, Minnesota ranks #11 in the country for vehicle collisions with animals. It is important to slow down, not drive distracted, drive sober and use high beams when possible.

Make sure you have comprehensive insurance on your car, truck or motorcycle to protect your vehicle. In the event of a collision with an animal, comprehensive insurance may provide coverage for your vehicle, which is subject to the deductible.

Read the full article at www.atcagency.com

Road Awareness & Safety

Michael Carlin — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 18:37:00 GMT

As the leaves start to change, so do the vehicles on the road. Motorcyclist are soaking up the last rides of the year before the season is over.

The mild autumn weather has extended the riding season of motorcycles, bicyclist and mopeds. If you are out driving, it is your responsibility to keep your eyes on the road and out for individuals and obstacles. Motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians are all over represented in severe traffic injuries and deaths, according to Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The most recent data online from DPS is shocking. As of August, year to date, there have been 50 motorcyclist deaths in Minnesota alone. Marking June as the deadliest month year to date in 2024, with 18 deaths in one month.

Year to date pedestrian deaths are equally shocking. As of August, year to date deaths for pedestrians stands at 24 people.

Year to date, as of August 2024, there have been 258 fatal accidents in Minnesota. That has resulted in the loss of 289 people.

There are contributing factors to every accident. Most of them can be controlled, like speed, driving sober, paying attention to the road not your phone and buckling up. Our cars have never been so technologically advanced and safe, yet we are seeing our roads become less safe.

Make sure when you drive you are sober, buckled up, not speeding, and paying attention.

Read the full article at www.atcagency.com

Electric Bike Insurance

Michael Carlin — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 17:48:00 GMT

Electric bikes are becoming more popular and more capable. Some models are capable of reaching 60 miles an hour. Minnesota does not require a license or to register e-bike. That means right now, insurance is at the discretion of the owner.

E-Bike insurance provides liability coverage, bodily injury and liability insurance, and you can also carry coverage to protect the bike itself. The cost of policies is relatively low, considering how expensive and fast e-bikes can get.

With the potential of injuring or hurting a pedestrian, or having an accident wreck your transportation. Getting insurance for your e-bike is a smart investment.

Give us a call or email for a quote.

Read the full article at www.atcagency.com

Holiday Gathering- Safety Tips

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 16:55:00 GMT

The holiday season has begun! That means many families and friends will be gathering for festive parties and get togethers. While the spirit of the holidays are to celebrate, it is important to keep safety in mind.

Here are just a few tips on keeping the party safe.

The sunset is still just after 4:30pm in Minneapolis, which means most gatherings will be starting or ending while it is dark out. Make sure there is ample lighting. Lighting can be fun and festive too, so make sure to bring out your favorite holiday light decorations. They will help light the way for the party-goers.

If you have a Christmas tree, make sure the tree is watered. A fresh tree that is watered will last longer and can be less of a fire hazard. Keep open flames and candles away from the tree. Make sure the tree is not next to a HVAC vent or radiator, they will accelerate the drying process of the tree; and make sure the Christmas tree is away from any used fire place.

While most Christmas's in Minneapolis are white (defined as at least one inch of snow on the ground, 71% of the time according the MN DNR), this year might be the exception. That may come as good news for some, it still means we need to be cautious of freezing temps and ice. Even before the party starts, make sure ice has been chipped away and salt has been applied.

Ensure guests are drinking responsibly by offering non alcoholic beverages. Utilize services like uber or lyft.

Most importantly, have a great and safe holiday season with friends and family!

Read the full article at www.atcagency.com

Full Glass Coverage

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 18:22:00 GMT

Winter is tough on your car and on the roads in Minnesota. The roadways start to develop potholes and cracks, which as the freeze-thaw cycle continues, makes the roadways even worse.

The freeze-thaw cycle creates road debris too which can damage your car and even crack a windshield. Adding to that, sand that is spread to help driving conditions can also be a hazard. Most glass claims are related to a road hazard, such as a rock.

In Minnesota, you can have a zero dollar glass deductible. That means you won't pay out of pocket if you file a glass claim. It is a great coverage to have, especially as spring comes around. The cost to replace a windshield has increased over the years, and depending on the make and model of your vehicle can exceed $1,000.

It is a good time to review your comprehensive coverage to make sure you are carrying a zero dollar glass deductible. Call your local independent insurance agent today and stay safe on the roads!

Read the full article at www.atcagency.com

The Big Mess - Cleaning Up After the Snow

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:38:00 GMT

Many people are still digging out from the latest blizzard. The National Weather Service measured 14.9" at Minneapolis St Paul Airport. We have seen nearly our average seasonal snowfall already! While you may have had your fair share of shoveling. Here a few tips on cleaning up after a snow storm.

Make sure to clear out around fire hydrants.

If your home is prone to ice dams, start by carefully raking the snow off of your roof. Raking your roof can damage shingles, but an ice dam can cause a myriad of problems inside and out.

A rapid melt can cause wet basements. You can try to prevent that by removing a strip of snow around the home. We have an impressive snowpack and a rapid melt will cause that water to look for somewhere to go, if the grounds still frozen, hydrostatic pressure will cause the water to end up in your basement. Seepage is not covered by your homeowners policy and could be costly.

About one in 60 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water damage or freezing each year.* (*Insurance Information Institute calculations, based on ISO®, a Verisk Analytics® business, data for homeowners insurance claims from 2016-2020)

Stay safe and enjoy the snow!

Read the full article at www.atcagency.com

Severe Weather Season

Annie Carlin — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:12:00 GMT

A powerful weather system is expect to impact Minneapolis most of the week. The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting a strong storm Tuesday through Friday. High winds are expected, with winds gust up to 45-55 MPH. There is even a risk for tornados in the state. This system is expect to bring a wintery mix after the severe weather. It is quite the rollercoaster of weather. In Minnesota, we need to be prepared for the changes in the seasons and so do our homes.

High winds can cause all types of issues. NWS has a great youtube video on the threats that high winds can cause. Immediately take shelter if you are outside during severe weather.

Take a moment to review NWS's safety guidelines for high winds, thunderstorms and severe weather (https://www.weather.gov/safety...). Below are some tips from the National Weather Service on how to stay safe.

Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for severe weather. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips.
Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warning. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents to severe storms.
Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. Pick a safe room in your home such as a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Get more ideas for a plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when severe thunderstorm warnings are issued. Don't forget pets if time allows.
Prepare Your Home : Keep trees and branches trimmed near your house. If you have time before severe weather hits, secure loose objects, close windows and doors, and move any valuable objects inside or under a sturdy structure.
Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for severe thunderstorms. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt during severe weather.

Read the full article at www.atcagency.com