ATC Agency Blog

from ATC Agency

Fireplace Safety

Dec 22 2014 Happy New Year! With the holiday season in full swing, a lot of people like to have a cozy fire burning in the fireplace. The warmth radiating off of the fireplace is ideal for this time of year. Make sure the surrounding area is cleared of flammable items,... more ›

Holiday Home Security

Dec 22 2014 The holidays can be a great time to get out of Minneapolis to visit family you rarely get to see, hit the slopes or flee to the beach. Regardless of how you spend your time away, you need to ensure your house stays safe while you're gone. A house left empty... more ›

Give 'Green'

Dec 19 2014 As the holidays approach, regular habits tend to fall to the wayside. Folks who are consistently rested lose sleep, habitual fitness fanatics sink into recliners and, occasionally, even the most environmentally committed citizens loosen up on their personal... more ›

Holiday Health

Dec 18 2014 It goes without saying that keeping yourself and your family healthy through the holiday season in Minnesota can be a challenge. When you combine chillier temps, housebound days, year-end deadlines and pre-holiday preparation - not to mention kids passing... more ›

Drivers Beware of Uninsured Motorists

Dec 17 2014 The insurance industry estimates that 10-20% of Minnesota residents drive without auto insurance. State legislators are working on ways to better identify Minnesota residents who drive without auto insurance. Motorists don't have to show proof of insurance... more ›

Trick-OR-Treating Safety Tips

Oct 30 2014 I remember the days of dressing up in a super special costume to tour our neighborhood filling up my Jack-o'-lantern pail with candy. Some of our neighbors handed out terrible treats. It is important to check the Halloween loot before any is eaten. Here are a... more ›

Protect Your Family From the “Silent Killer”

Oct 27 2014 Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas that results when certain fuels do not burn completely. And it can be deadly. That is why it's important to know how to prevent it, detect it and protect yourself and your family from its effects. In... more ›

Deer Safety Tips

Oct 9 2014 more ›

Tucking your boat in for winter?

Sep 23 2014 For boat enthusiasts everywhere, the end of boating season can be disappointing because on-the-water adventures are about to come to an end and the task of winterization is about to begin. As you know, taking the time to protect your watercraft through the... more ›

How to Care for Water/Sewer Backup until Help Arrives

Sep 9 2014 Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other organisms that can cause illness unless you take proper precautions. The longer sewage is allowed to remain in your home, the greater the potential for sickness and irreparable damage to your home. Safety First -... more ›

The Dangers in Driving at Night

Sep 5 2014 A little extra caution can go a long way while driving at night Summer has ended, and while fall and winter have their own pleasures - including skiing- longer nights mean increased danger on the roads. You might think you drive just as well at night, but... more ›

Back to School – Is Your Home Ready?

Sep 2 2014 We're not quite sure where the summer went here at A.T.C. Agency, but, if you haven't noticed, it's already time for the new school year in Minneapolis. As you think about how to get your kids organized and ready, consider doing the same thing for your home.... more ›

Top 10 Stolen Cars of 2013

Aug 26 2014 The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB) annual "Hot Wheels" report examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model and model year most reported stolen in 2013.... more ›

Tenant Insurance

Aug 13 2014 Renters insurance offers renters similar coverage to homeowner insurance. A typical policy provides coverage for personal liability, premises medical coverage, additional living expense, and personal property (contents) coverage. Renters insurance doesn't... more ›

How Much Home Insurance is Enough?

Aug 5 2014 The cost to rebuild your home is its replacement value. This can be very different from the estimated market value or actual purchase price. In most cases, it costs more to rebuild the home you own than to buy a new one. Minnesota - How much home insurance is... more ›

Insurance Tips for Back-to-School Time

Jul 22 2014 College is expensive enough without finding out too late that an accident or theft isn't covered under your current policies. So, as you get your children ready to head off to school in the fall, there's one vital "to-do" to add to your list (other than... more ›

Hit the Road with the Right RV Coverage

Jul 14 2014 RV Coverage RV insurance can protect your motorhome, travel trailer and even your horse trailer. Here at A.T.C. Agency, let us help you select the right coverage for you RV needs and get a great price at the same time. Call us today (800) 422-5352 to get your... more ›

Power Outage Tips

Jul 11 2014 It's always a good idea to have an emergency kit handy in case of power outages or other issues - especially with the threat of stormy weather in fall and winter. See recommendations from the American Red Cross below. Emergency kit basics *Water (one gallon... more ›

Slow down & save lives

Jul 8 2014 How many times has the following happened to you? You're speeding down highway 100, when you spot a state highway patrol car. You quickly hit the brakes and slow down, relieved that you didn't get caught ... this time. Now take a minute to think what could... more ›

When Things go BOOM in the Night - Fireworks Safety

Jul 3 2014 For most of us, the Fourth of July is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, having fun and creating memories - whether at home or away up north. But for some families, the holiday is a nightmare. Homes each year in Minnesota are damaged by... more ›

Keep your pets safe during the Fourth of July Fireworks

Jul 1 2014 For most of us, the Fourth of July is a time to enjoy the pyrotechnics that mark the holiday. But for our pets, fireworks are another story. Many pets can be traumatized by the noisy rockets and firecrackers so many of us enjoy. At A.T.C. Agency, we hope your... more ›

Put the top down & drive in Minnesota

Jun 20 2014 The call of the open road is at its strongest during the summer - and so is the call of the convertible. If you're one of those drivers who has long dreamed of dropping the top and heading across Minnesota and beyond, we here at A.T. C. Agency have some... more ›

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Jun 17 2014 Make reduce, reuse and recycle a part of your routine "Reduce, reuse, recycle." Most likely, you've heard that catchy phrase connected with information about saving natural resources and even saving your family money. But how many of us really make reducing,... more ›

Protect Your Home From Rain Water Intrusion!

Jun 6 2014 If you have not experienced rain water entering you home from the many downpours this past weekend, consider yourself very lucky. With more rain in the forecast your luck may eventually run out... Here are a few tips that may help keep your property dry 1.... more ›

Tornado Truths

May 27 2014 Tornadoes have caused severe and irreparable damage to tens of thousands of Americans and their property in recent years. On top of the physical and emotional fallout, many have also lost their lives as a direct result of a tornado. Although you can never... more ›

Memorial Day Means Hello Summer!

May 23 2014 Just like hamburgers and hot dogs, a sizzling grill is a symbol of summer and grilling isn't just about great food. Backyard barbecues often create treasured memories with friends and family. Keep in mind, however, that when you grill, you're literally... more ›

Prom & Graduation Safety

May 20 2014 High school is full of defining moments for Minneapolis teens and two of the highlights for most are prom and graduation. However, this time of year often sees other, more tragic defining moments - serious car accidents involving teens who are distracted or... more ›

Why a Home Inventory Is Important

May 16 2014 Let's try a little exercise: Can you list everything you own from memory? Didn't think so. The fact is most people own more things than they realize. It's easy to remember the cars, the computer, the TV. But what about that holiday china in the garage? Or... more ›

Let's Keep Our Lawns - and Ourselves - Safe in Minnesota

May 13 2014 For many of our neighbors in Minneapolis, summer means more than sunshine and vacations. It also means working in the yard - often with tools that can be dangerous if not used properly. Each year about 400,000 people are treated for injuries from lawn and... more ›

Hydroplaning or Aquaplaning

Apr 29 2014 The rain is helping usher in spring, but it is also accumulating on the roads. The winter debris is being washed away, but it is clogging the sewers and causing huge puddles to form. Those puddles can be dangerous, they can be huge potholes that can do damage... more ›

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Mar 12 2014 St. Patrick's Day calls for drinks with friends, wearing lots of green accessories, and a healthy dose of responsibility. Here are the top 10 safety tips to a safe night out! 1. Plan ahead, take a friend 2. Predetermine a safe way to get home for you and your... more ›

Spring in Minnesota Means Massive Snowmelt

Mar 6 2014 The winter of 2013-2014 could be one for the record books. Meteorologists claim this is the coldest winter since 1979. The snowfall this season has been substantial and spring is right around the corner, we are most certainly going to experience a rapid snow... more ›

Love Your Valentine’s Day Gift? Insure It!

Feb 3 2014 Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and thoughts of people everywhere turn to ... jewelry. About one of four Americans buys jewelry, spending $2,000 per year on average, and industry experts expect jewelry sales to grow by at least 5% annually through... more ›

Tips to Lower Your Homeowner Insurance Premium

Jan 27 2014 As a consumer, you can take steps to make sure you're getting the best deal on your homeowners insurance. To start, check your premium and compare it to last year's premium. Companies are required to notify you of rate changes, but they don't necessarily... more ›

Common & Preventable Homeowner Claims

Jan 21 2014 1) Kitchen fire - The majority of fire losses originate in the kitchen due to food that is left unattended on the stove, or ignition of grease. Never put a grease fire out with water. Use baking soda or flour instead. 2) Careless smoking - Always pay... more ›