For drivers in Rosemount, Eagan, Apple Valley, and the South Metro heading out this summer
Summer is here, and if you’re like a lot of Minnesota families, that means road trips, weekend getaways, and maybe a flight somewhere warm with a rental car waiting at the other end. But before you pull out of the lot, it’s worth knowing exactly what your auto insurance actually covers — and where you might be left exposed.
The short answer: it depends
Your personal auto insurance policy often extends to rental cars — but not always, and not always completely. Here’s what typically carries over:
Liability coverage usually transfers to a rental, meaning if you cause an accident, your policy helps cover damage to the other driver and their vehicle
Collision and comprehensive also typically extend to rentals if you carry them on your own policy — so if you’re liability-only back home in Rosemount, you won’t have collision or comp coverage on that rental in Chicago or Denver either
The key word throughout all of this is typically. Every policy is different, and the details matter.
What your policy probably won’t cover
Even if your auto insurance extends to a rental, there are common gaps that catch people off guard:
Loss of Damage Waiver (LDW) costs — Rental companies charge a daily fee for what they call a “loss damage waiver.” Your personal policy may cover the actual damage to the car, but it usually won’t reimburse you for the LDW fee itself.
Loss of use charges — If you damage the rental and it’s out of service for repairs, the rental company can bill you for every day that car isn’t earning them money. Many personal auto policies don’t cover this.
Administrative fees — Rental companies often tack on fees when they file a claim. Again, not always covered by your personal policy.
Business travel — Using a rental for work purposes? Your personal auto policy likely excludes that entirely.
What about credit cards?
Many travel credit cards offer rental car coverage as a perk — but read the fine print carefully. Most card coverage is secondary, meaning it only kicks in after your personal auto insurance pays first. Coverage limits, excluded vehicle types (large SUVs, luxury cars, trucks), and international restrictions vary widely by card.
If you’re relying on your credit card as a backup, call the number on the back before your trip and confirm exactly what’s covered for your specific rental.
So should you buy the rental company’s coverage?
Not necessarily — but it’s not always a bad idea either. Here’s a quick way to decide:
Skip it if you carry full coverage on your personal policy and your credit card offers solid secondary coverage
Consider it if you’re liability-only, traveling internationally, renting a larger or specialty vehicle, or simply want zero hassle if something goes wrong
Buy it if you’re on a business trip, your personal policy excludes rentals, or you just want complete peace of mind on vacation
The rental counter is not the place to figure this out. Make the call before you leave.
Heading out this summer from the Twin Cities?
Before your next trip, take five minutes to call your Rosemount insurance agent and ask two simple questions: Does my policy extend to rental cars? And are there any gaps I should know about? At Sentinel Assurance Group, we’re happy to walk through your coverage so you can hit the road — or the airport — with confidence.
Serving drivers in Rosemount, Eagan, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Farmington, and the greater South Metro area.
What Does “Liability Only” vs. “Full Coverage” Actually Mean?
For drivers in Rosemount, Eagan, Apple Valley, and the surrounding Twin Cities area
If you’ve ever shopped for car insurance in Rosemount or the Twin Cities metro, you’ve probably heard the terms “liability only” and “full coverage” — but what do they actually mean for you and your wallet? Let’s break it down in plain English.
Liability only: the basics
Liability insurance covers damage or injuries you cause to other people in an accident. That means if you rear-end someone on Highway 3 or Cedar Avenue, your liability coverage helps pay for their car repairs and any medical bills — but it doesn’t pay a single dollar toward your own vehicle or your own injuries.
In Minnesota, liability coverage is legally required to drive. The state sets minimum limits, but many drivers in our area choose higher limits for better protection.
What liability doesn’t cover:
Repairs to your own car after an at-fault accident
Theft of your vehicle
Damage from weather, fire, or hitting an animal
Your own medical expenses
Full coverage: what’s actually included
“Full coverage” isn’t an official insurance term — it’s shorthand for a policy that combines liability with two additional coverages:
Collision pays to repair or replace your car after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. Hit a guardrail on 42? Backed into something in a parking lot? Collision has you covered.
Comprehensive covers the stuff that isn’t a collision — theft, vandalism, hail, flood, fire, and yes, the deer that ran out on County Road 38. Minnesota drivers know comprehensive coverage earns its keep every single winter.
Together, collision and comprehensive protect your vehicle. Liability protects everyone else.
Full Coverage Add-ons worth knowing about
Here’s where a lot of drivers leave money — or protection — on the table. Beyond the core coverages above, there are several optional add-ons that can make a real difference in your day-to-day experience as a driver:
Glass coverage A cracked or chipped windshield is one of the most common auto insurance claims in Minnesota — gravel roads, temperature swings, and highway debris all take their toll. Depending on your policy, glass coverage may come bundled with comprehensive or be available as a separate endorsement. Some policies even cover glass with no deductible, meaning a windshield replacement costs you nothing out of pocket. If you drive regularly on Highway 3, County Road 42, or any gravel roads around the Rosemount area, this one is worth asking about.
Rental reimbursement If your car is in the shop after a covered claim, rental reimbursement coverage pays for a rental car while yours is being repaired. Without it, you’re paying out of pocket — and repairs can take days or even weeks depending on parts availability and shop backlogs. Coverage limits vary (typically a daily cap and a total cap per claim), so it’s worth understanding what your policy actually covers before you need it.
Roadside assistance Flat tire on the way to work. Dead battery in a parking lot. Run out of gas on 35W. Roadside assistance coverage adds towing, jump starts, lockout service, and fuel delivery for a small addition to your premium. If you don’t already have it through a membership like AAA, adding it to your auto policy is usually one of the most affordable ways to get that peace of mind — especially heading into a Minnesota winter.
So which one do you need?
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Liability only may make sense if:
Your car is older and has low market value
You could comfortably pay out of pocket to replace it
You’re looking for affordable car insurance in Rosemount or the surrounding area
Full coverage may make sense if:
You have a newer or financed vehicle (lenders often require it)
You couldn’t easily replace your car without insurance proceeds
You want full protection from Minnesota winters, hail season, and everything in between
One thing most people overlook
Even “full coverage” has gaps. It typically doesn’t include roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, or coverage for custom parts. If those things matter to you, they’re usually easy add-ons — just ask your local insurance agent.
Looking for auto insurance in Rosemount, MN?
At Sentinel Assurance Group, we help drivers across Rosemount, Eagan, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Farmington and beyond find auto coverage that actually fits their needs — not just the cheapest option that checks a box. Give us a call or send us a message and we’ll take a look at your current coverages and provide you a free quote.
If you’ve ever shopped for insurance in Minnesota — home, auto, health, or otherwise — you’ve encountered the word “deductible.” It’s one of the most fundamental concepts in insurance, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
Get this one concept right, and you’ll be far better equipped to choose the right coverage and avoid unpleasant surprises when you actually need to file a claim.
The Simple Definition
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance company starts paying on a claim.
Think of it like this: your insurance policy is a safety net, but you’re responsible for the first portion of any loss. That portion is your deductible. After you’ve covered the deductible, your insurance kicks in and covers the rest — up to your policy limits.
A Simple Example
Let’s say you have a homeowners insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible, and a storm causes $8,000 of damage to your roof.
Your deductible: $1,000
Your insurance pays: $7,000
Your out-of-pocket cost: $1,000
Now imagine a smaller claim — say, $600 in damage. Because the damage is less than your deductible, your insurance wouldn’t pay anything. You’d cover the full $600 yourself. This is one reason it’s not always a good idea to file a claim for every minor incident.
How Deductibles Work Across Different Insurance Types
Deductibles function slightly differently depending on the type of insurance:
Auto Insurance
Auto policies typically have separate deductibles for collision coverage (when you’re in an accident) and comprehensive coverage (theft, weather, hitting a deer, etc.). These deductibles apply per claim — meaning each time you file, you pay the deductible amount.
Example: $500 collision deductible. You back into a pole and cause $2,200 in damage. You pay $500; your insurer pays $1,700.
Homeowners Insurance
Like auto, homeowners deductibles apply per claim. Most policies have a standard dollar-amount deductible, though some — particularly in high-risk areas — use percentage-based deductibles for specific perils like wind or hail.
Percentage deductibles are based on your home’s insured value. A 2% deductible on a $300,000 home means $6,000 out of pocket before insurance pays. It’s important to understand which type your policy uses.
Umbrella Insurance
Umbrella policies often have what’s called a “self-insured retention” rather than a traditional deductible, but the concept is similar — there’s a threshold you absorb before the umbrella coverage activates.
Life Insurance
Life insurance policies do not have deductibles. When a claim is paid, the full benefit goes to the beneficiary.
Commercial / Business Insurance
Business policies follow a similar structure to homeowners and auto — deductibles apply per claim, and the amount can vary significantly depending on the type of coverage and the risk involved.
The Deductible-Premium Relationship
Here’s one of the most important things to understand about deductibles: they have a direct inverse relationship with your premium.
Higher deductible = lower monthly/annual premium
Lower deductible = higher monthly/annual premium
Why? Because when you accept a higher deductible, you’re agreeing to absorb more of the financial risk yourself. The insurance company is taking on less risk, so they charge you less.
This creates a real choice every policyholder has to make:
Lower Deductible: You pay more each month, but face less out-of-pocket cost if something happens. Better if you don’t have much in savings.
Higher Deductible: You pay less each month, but need to be able to cover a larger amount if something happens. Better if you have an emergency fund.
How to Choose the Right Deductible
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are the key questions to ask yourself:
1. What Can You Afford to Pay Out of Pocket?
Your deductible should be an amount you could realistically cover without financial hardship. If you choose a $2,500 deductible to save on your premium, but you don’t have $2,500 available in an emergency, that’s a problem.
2. How Often Do You Expect to File Claims?
If you’re a careful driver with a clean record and a newer car in a safe area, a higher deductible might make sense — you’re less likely to need it. If you live in an area prone to severe weather or have a long daily commute with high accident risk, a lower deductible might be worth the higher premium.
3. Does the Math Work?
Compare the premium savings of a higher deductible against how much more you’d pay out of pocket in a claim. For example, if raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 saves you $200/year on your premium, you’d need 2.5 claim-free years just to break even. That analysis helps you decide.
Common Deductible Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a deductible you can’t actually afford: The savings feel great until you need to file a claim and can’t cover your portion.
Forgetting that deductibles apply per claim: If you have two separate incidents in one year, you pay the deductible twice.
Confusing percentage and dollar deductibles: Always confirm which type applies to your policy, especially for homeowners coverage.
Filing small claims just because you’re covered: Filing a $700 claim with a $500 deductible might not be worth it — you only get $200, and your premium could increase at renewal.
Should You File a Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?
This is a question worth asking every time something happens. A general rule of thumb: if the cost of the damage is only slightly above your deductible, it may be better to pay out of pocket. Filing a claim — especially multiple claims in a short period — can lead to premium increases or even policy non-renewal.
A good agent can help you think through whether filing makes sense in a given situation.
The Bottom Line
Your deductible is the foundation of how your insurance policy actually works in practice. Getting it right — choosing an amount you can afford that balances your premium cost — is one of the most important decisions you make when purchasing a policy.
When in doubt, talk it through with your insurance agent. That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Have questions about your deductibles? Whether you’re reviewing an existing policy or shopping for new coverage, our independent agents can walk you through your options and help you find the right balance of coverage and cost. Contact us today for a free review.
It’s one of the most common insurance questions we hear at Sentinel Assurance Group: “If I use my personal car for work, am I still covered by my insurance?”
The short answer:maybe—but don’t count on it without checking first. Let’s walk through it in plain English—no insurance dictionary required.
🚘 What Your Personal Auto Policy Does Cover
Your personal auto policy (PAP) is designed for everyday use:
Commuting to and from work
Running errands
Road trips
School drop-offs and pick-ups
The occasional Target run that turns into a full cart (you know the one 😄)
But once you cross into the realm of business use, your personal policy may tap out.
⚠️ When “Work Use” Becomes a Problem
Here are a few common scenarios where a personal auto policy might not be enough:
You’re a real estate agent showing homes to clients
You drive your own vehicle for work errands—like banking or supply runs
You’re a home health nurse visiting patients
You drive for DoorDash, Uber, Lyft, Amazon Flex, etc.
You use your car to deliver goods, tools, or materials for your business
In these situations, insurers often require additional coverage because the risks are higher—and different—than regular personal use.
👔 What If It’s Just “Occasional”?
Even if it’s just the occasional trip for your boss, you’re still putting yourself at risk of a coverage gap. Why? Because standard personal auto policies often exclude business use unless it’s been specifically disclosed and endorsed.
Likewise, if you own a small business and use your personal vehicle regularly to operate it, you’ll likely need a commercial auto policy.
Employers, listen up too—if an employee gets into an accident while running an errand for your business, your company could be on the hook, especially if there’s no “hired and non-owned auto liability” coverage in place.
🔧 The Coverage Fixes (They’re Easier Than You Think)
Good news: these gaps are fixable! Here’s how:
Be upfront with your insurance agent about how you use your vehicle. (Yes, even the side hustles.)
Ask about a business use endorsement—often very affordable.
If you drive for a delivery or rideshare platform, inquire about rideshare endorsements or commercial policies.
Business owners: make sure you have hired/non-owned auto coverage if employees ever use personal vehicles for work.
✅ Bottom Line
Using your personal car for work can create a coverage gap. And the last thing you want is to find that out after a fender-bender.
The good news? With the right advice, you can stay protected without overpaying. We’re here to help make sense of it all—no jargon, no judgment, just smart guidance tailored to you.
Got questions about how you’re using your vehicle? Let’s talk—before that “quick work errand” becomes a big insurance headache.
Rosemount, MN, October 2024 — Sentinel Assurance Group has been named a 2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave business, the annual awards program that recognizes local businesses loved by neighbors. Neighborhood Fave winners like Sentinel Assurance Group will receive greater visibility and ranking on the Nextdoor app, a Neighborhood Fave badge on their Nextdoor Business Page, and a “2024 Neighborhood Faves Winner” sticker to showcase their win in the real world.
“This year’s Neighborhood Fave businesses represent the outstanding service providers, local spots and eateries that are an essential part of our everyday lives,” said Nirav Tolia, Chief Executive Officer of Nextdoor. “We’re thrilled to celebrate these important members of the community, but more importantly, being a Neighborhood Fave is good for business. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.”
Selected by volume of neighbor ‘Faves’ and recommendations on the platform from the past year, the Neighborhood Faves awards recognizes the most beloved local businesses on Nextdoor. Used by one in three households in the US, Nextdoor is the essential neighborhood network where neighbors, public agencies, and businesses connect around local information that matters. In a May 2023 Nextdoor survey, 94% of Nextdoor neighbors report valuing recommendations for products, services, and businesses from their Nextdoor neighbors and Neighborhood Faves winners receive six times more recommendations on their respective Business Pages.
The complete list of winning businesses is available at nextdoor.com/favorites. Join the neighborhood network by downloading the Nextdoor app in your favorite app store or visiting nextdoor.com.
It may sound surprising, but there are approximately 3,000 hailstorms in the United States each year and Minnesota is always a hotspot for them it seems. The size of hail can widely vary – from golf-ball size to softball size. And when it starts building up size, hail can cause not just severe property and vehicle damage, but also bodily harm and even death. On average, hailstorms annually cause over $1 billion in damage to property, approximately 1,500 injuries and 80 deaths annually.
One of the most frightening places to be during a hailstorm is on the road in your car. Obviously your vehicle is at great risk of damage, but even more importantly, you are in danger in the event you can’t see well enough to drive or your windows are broken in by the power of the storm.
At Sentinel Assurance Group, we want to ensure you, your loved ones, and your vehicle stay safe this hail season. Here are some pointers for navigating a hailstorm while on the roads in the Midwest.
Make sure you have a blanket in your car at all times. It can help protect you from glass injuries in the event the hail breaks your windows or windshield.
Turn on your low-beam headlights, and slow down.
Make sure you have more distance than usual in front of you so you have ample space to brake if necessary.
Turn on the local weather radio station to stay apprised of the status of storms.
If there is enough space on the shoulder of the road, pull over.
Turn on your hazard lights, regardless of whether you are pulled over or moving slowly; this will help other vehicles to see you and avoid accidents.
If there is a covered shelter to pull underneath, do so; this will reduce the damage sustained by your vehicle.
At Sentinel Assurance Group, we hope you stay hailstorm-free this season!
Contact Us!
At Sentinel Assurance Group, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 651.237.5180 or send us a note at info@mysentinels.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!
