In the aftermath of an unexpected event, such as a fire, theft, or natural disaster, having a comprehensive home inventory can be a lifeline. This detailed list of your possessions not only aids in the homeowner...

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Owning a boat can make weekends and vacations fun and memorable. Follow these tips to help ensure that when you’re towing your boat you’re being as safe as possible to lower the risk of accidents and unwanted insurance...

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If you’re planning a home improvement project, you probably have many contractors available to choose from. How do you pick the right one that will get the job done safely and without liability issues? Follow these tips....

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When you tackle home improvement projects, it’s wise to prioritize those that add the most to your property’s value, especially if you might put your home on the market in the next few years. Here are the renovations...

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If you have a young driver in your home, you may be fearful about them driving on their own, especially in bad weather or road construction. Here are some tips to share with them to improve safety by adapting their...

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If you’re house hunting, you’re probably looking at many elements like the number of bedrooms or how updated the kitchen is. Don’t forget to check for these things too, which which may help avoid home insurance claims...

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With the new car market impacted by shipping delays, many people are choosing to buy used cars lately. And some people only purchase a used vehicle because it saves them money and lets the first owner figure out if it’s...

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Many insurance carriers today offer smartphone apps that track telematics to monitor driving. Here’s how they work and how these apps may help you lower your auto insurance premium, along with a few other advantages. ...

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If you’re on the fence about renting or owning a home, here’s a helpful look at the upsides of each option. Remember to get the right insurance when you make your choice, so your property is fully protected. The...

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Your boat is an investment that gives you tons of fun all summer long. But come the cold weather months, you want to make sure it’s properly winterized before you store it, so it’s protected from weather and other...

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https://www.thesilverlining.co... Homeowners already have packed home-maintenance checklists. Understandably, “taking care of drains” is far down on the to-do list. For the most part, your drains and sewer line are the...

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Burr, it’s cold outside. Cold temperatures, road salt, ice, and snow can wreak havoc on your car. Here’s some tips to keep your car running at it’s best this winter. 1. Wash your car regularly. While washing your car...

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If you dislike winter driving, or worse, it creates significant anxiety every time you hear a big snowstorm is about to hit, you’re not alone. Every winter the first snowfall causes many accidents. Drivers forget what...

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Snowmobiling is a thrilling and fun hobby to enjoy during the winter season. It’s a great way to satisfy your need for speed as well as to enjoy the outdoors and the beauty Mother Nature has to offer. Unfortunately,...

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- Slipping and sliding can have either very positive or very negative connotations depending on the time of year. During the summer, it can sound like a fun afternoon's activity! But during the winter, the term has a...

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- I can only imagine a few things worse than waking up in the morning and discovering the unexpected – you've been robbed! You may feel violated, and then angry...and then confused. You might think, "Who would do this,...

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- Do you dream of shoveling and snow blowing in a winter wonderland? No? You're probably not alone. It's a winter chore that needs to be done when the snow adds up, but who is responsible? Typically, if you own and live...

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You may tend to overlook your roof, but it's actually the most important component of your home - and the most vulnerable. It protects you from the elements like rain, snow and sun, but roofs don't last forever! I didn'...

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It may come as a surprise to some, but hunting is actually one of the safest sports you can be a part of. Why is that? Because the people who participate have a healthy respect for the rules and regulations involved...

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Rideshare. It's a wildly popular andrelatively new industry that's changing the way we think about transportation. Millions of people have become rideshare drivers, and even more have used their incredibly convenient...

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Buying your first home can be a great experience, but mine has been...complicated, to say the least. The market in West Michigan (where I live) is bursting at the seams with young dreamers hoping to make their first...

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If you’re a contractor who’s just starting out or an experienced contractor who has significantly expanded your business, your tools and equipment may not be properly covered under your standard business insurance...

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Many professionals struggle with the phrase, “leave work at work.” As an insurance agent, you pride yourself on putting your clients first with good customer service and making sure they feel well-cared for. But, after...

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There’s perhaps no organizing task more daunting than the garage-it’s often the dumping ground for the stuff that has no other place in the house, or the things you don’t use but just can’t bring yourself to toss. How...

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Yes, it's already time to start thinking about school again. Getting a head start can pay big dividends for you and your kids as they head back to class. But, it's not just what they need for school that matters. It's...

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It's back-to-school time, and, if you have school-age children, your household is likely bustling with activity and filling up with books and backpacks. There are other households and school districts in your community,...

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For many, the fall season is a busy time of year. High school, college, and professional sports are in full swing. Kids are participating in homecoming festivities and many families are making trips to their local...

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As a small business (SMB) owner, you already know that whatever your business lacks in size, it makes up for in hard work. The majority of owners report working well over the standard 40-hour work week. In fact, ...

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Online data breaches are just an unfortunate fact of life now-as the New York Times put it, you might as well assume that your personal information has been taken, because cyberattacks happen all the time. That’s why we...

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Isn’t technology great? Every day we see new technology that makes our lives better, more efficient, and safer. Cellphones have FaceTime capabilities and great cameras. Fit bits track our active lifestyles. Hover boards...

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House fires are something most homeowners live in fear of, but today’s technology can help you ensure the safety of you, your family, and your home. Here are five high-tech ways you can reduce fire risk. 1. Install...

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Finally, we're welcoming fall, that eagerly anticipated season when we get to enjoy cooler temps, colorful leaves and, of course, football season in Minnesota. Football brings with it a whole host of seasonal activities...

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Fall brings more than just changing leaves and shorter days. In many areas, it also comes with a shift in weather conditions that can have a serious impact on your home. And, don’t forget, winter is right around the...

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Spring has arrived, which means it’s time to clean the cobwebs out of the corners, organize the closets and so forth. While you’re at it, don’t forget to revisit the important documents and other items you have in your...

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If you’ve ever filed a home insurance claim, you may have wondered what goes on behind the scenes. Insurance companies follow established procedures, and knowing them helps the insured understand the process. The...

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When shopping for insurance, you want to receive the most value for your money. This means you need to hire an agent who has your best interests - not their own bottom line - at heart. The key to finding an agent who'll...

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As fall approaches we need to remind ourselves of some safety issues that come with warm days and nights, but a loss of daylight. Fall is the time of year that has the highest occurrence of accidents involving motorists...

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Near the end of August, riders from across the country will converge on Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin to celebrate the 115thanniversary of Harley Davidson®. As the rumble of motorcycle engines fills the air and...

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Memorial Day might be the unofficial start of summer, but Independence Day is when the season truly kicks into high gear. July 4 is a holiday that has something for everyone, whether you like to host (or attend)...

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When the sun is out and the weather’s warm, people flock to the water - whether it’s the beach, a lake, a river or a backyard pool. But, wherever there’s water, there’s also danger. According to the U.S. Centers for...

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It’s easy to lower your insurance costs - especially if you have a great driving record, or don’t mind having higher deductibles. Who doesn’t want to pay less for car insurance? Billions of dollars are spent on ad...

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From building materials to furnishings, many of the things in your home likely aren’t as flame-resistant as those from yesteryear. A fire in a modern home is a “perfect storm,” according to safety consulting and...

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If you have kids in high school, final exam week is just around the corner. Year-end projects are nearing completion, which leads to study packets and a stressful time for students and parents. Exam stress can be the...

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Every dollar you take home is important and you do your best to spend them wisely. When purchasing a house, most people borrow from a bank and are required by the lender to buy insurance. However, when you rent, that...

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In just a few short weeks, college students will put on their caps and gowns and celebrate graduation. For many, graduation will be exciting and scary. Some graduates will start their new jobs right away while others...

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We all know that age-old statistic that motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than cars. Still that doesn’t stop millions of people around the world from jumping on one and going for the ride of their life! Here are...

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The trees in your yard can enhance your property, provide shade and offer abundant environmental benefits. However, trees can also pose a safety hazard to your family and your home if they are not properly inspected and...

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As a landscaping professional, you've invested a lot of time, sweat, energy, and money to build your business. That's what it's important to have an insurance program that protects you from financial disasters that...

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How to Make Earth Day Your Everyday - Earth Day may officially come around only once a year on April 22, but our world would be a better place if we all took steps to take care of the planet year round. So, we here at...

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After a long Midwestern winter – lots of snow, ice, sleet and cold – it’s finally time to think about opening the windows to capture those cool spring breezes. But before you throw open the doors, take a few minutes to...

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Most people have an idea of what’s covered and not covered under their various insurance policies. But at Modern Insurance Services, we get a lot of questions about borrowing or loaning a car. Now that summer is here,...

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With the large amount of snow melting in the next few weeks, March, April and May are typically heavy volume months for sump pump claims. Significant fluctuations in spring weather can result in water pooling and...

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After the recent snowfall you may have noticed it hard to keep your car clean, including cameras and sensors. While technology in vehicles is nice and helps you with your driving, keeping the sensors clean during winter...

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Ah, Valentine’s Day is near, and love is in the air. Well, love and a few other things, such as chocolates, romantic dinners, candy hearts that say “Be Mine” - and, of course, jewelry. It’s exciting to receive jewelry...

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In today’s online environment, even Fortune 500 companies aren’t exempt from cyber-crime, but they aren’t the only target. Are you aware of your risks? The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) states that...

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With Groundhog Day just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about spring. (Or time to at least hope that springtime is coming, anyway.) And whether Punxsutawney Phil or the local groundhog sees his shadow or...

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If you live or vacation where the weather gets cold and the snow starts falling, some people are content to cozy up next to the fire with a good book and concentrate on staying warm. For others, though, it’s time to get...

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In order to save money in the colder months, many people opt to use a space heater to heat one room rather than heat the entire structure. Regardless of your plan, it is important to be cautious. The National Fire...

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If you are a snowbird heading south for the winter, there are several key things you can do to help protect your vacant home. Taking these steps can help protect your home from theft, water damage, heating or electrical...

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Consider the New Year an opportunity to re-evaluate your insurance needs to decide whether to renew, change, or purchase new policies. Ask yourself these questions to help make sure you are properly protected: Do you...

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Did you know that 2% of weather-related accidents annually occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement? And with ever changing weather patterns such as we’ve seen in the past few years, we know such roads are no longer...

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The gift of time could be the best gift of all this holiday season. For many, the holiday season is a time for celebration and fun with loved ones. But for others in the Detroit Lakes area, the season can be one of the...

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If you’re like many people in Minnesota, you breathe a sigh of relief once the holidays are over. Until you get your credit card statement, that is. From buying gifts to traveling to entertaining, holiday expenses add...

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Throwing a holiday party? A few simple precautions can add safety to the menu. Whether at an office get together or at your home, take simple precautions to help everyone enjoy their food and drinks safely at your...

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The Christmas tree conundrum: real or fake? The kind of tree that adorns a person’s home during the holidays can provoke debate as much as Coke vs. Pepsi or Chevy vs. Ford. When it comes to Christmas trees, do you...

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Shoppers who braved the malls on Black Friday might have risked some pushing and shoving but not a lot more. Those taking part in Cyber Monday run the risk of having their identity stolen. The risk is greater because...

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If there’s anything more satisfying than melting into the couch following a multi-course Thanksgiving dinner complete with all the fixings, it has to be shopping for the best deals of the season the day after in...

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Whether to avoid high utility bills, return to simpler times or for ambiance, a growing number of people from are turning to wood-burning stoves and fireplaces to supplement or replace electrical heating systems. But...

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According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 358,500 home structure fires occurred from 2011 through 2015. On average, these fires caused: 2,510 civilian deaths;12,300 civilian injuries; and$6.7 billion...

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There are many ways to purchase an insurance policy these days, whether it be online, over the phone, or in-person. Ultimately, you will obtain insurance directly from an insurance company or through a licensed...

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Halloween is one of the fall season’s most treasured holidays. Kids love to dress up, get together with friends, and go door-to-door in search of the biggest and best goodies. If your neighborhood tends to be teeming...

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Deer-related collisions in the Midwest have been on the rise, particularly in the northern states. Regardless of location, most happen in the month of November, with October and December ranking second and third. The...

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CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of any carbon-containing material, including gasoline, natural gas, propane, coal or wood. CO is dangerous because it replaces oxygen in the blood and...

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One of the most certain things in life is uncertainty. Your dog could bite the neighbor’s kid. Your teen driver could hit a cyclist. A guest could fall down your stairs. A rainy morning commute on worn-out tires could...

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That oh-so-covetable experience of taking a dip in your very own pool? Millions of American households enjoy it, at least when the weather’s nice. With the summer heat ratcheting up, you may be coming down with a...

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As a busy homeowner, it's easy to fall into the trap of pushing off tasks that maintain the long-term value of your home in favor of more pressing problems. That’s OK, to a point, as certain house-cleaning projects...

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Your home protects you from the elements, but heavy rains can weaken that protection. With a little maintenance and a lot of vigilance, it’s not hard to stay safe and dry. Spring rainstorms are a fact of life in many...

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Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too. But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can...

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Apartment living can have many advantages: low maintenance, close to work and entertainment, and ease of changing residence. But, if you’re a dog owner, apartment living can present some difficulties. You probably won’t...

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In today’s economy, everyone is pinching pennies. So why worry about umbrella coverage? Shouldn’t a home and auto policy leave you adequately covered? Unfortunately, we live in a world of lawsuits. Large damages can be...

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Talking to Your Teen About Safe Driving When teens begin to drive, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council, the sobering statistics start to pile up:Car...

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You’ve heard all the talk about driverless cars. Yet we’re still years away from living in a world where you can just tell your car where to go and then kick back and relax with a book or your phone. Even still,...

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No matter how safe you are behind the wheel, you’ve probably done things like: Shift into drive while the car is still rolling backward. Ride the brakes on steep hills. Roll into the gas station on empty. Guilty? If so,...

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It seems like a no-brainer to leave the lights on outside your home to deter burglars while you’re away (or even while you’re asleep). But does that really work? Or is it just a waste of electricity — particularly this...

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Technology has made home alarms of all kinds — from security to smoke, radon to radiation — more accessible than ever. Many of them can be configured to work together, and some even alert you to trouble through your...

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It seems everyone these days has a smartphone. Or a smart TV, a tablet, or an ebook reader. Or all of the above – and more. When you add it all up, you may find you have thousands and thousands of dollars tied up in...

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Have you ever noticed that, with roadway anger, it’s always the other guy’s fault? And, it very well could be. The thing is, you can’t control how other people drive. But, you can control how you respond to situations...

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When the sun is out and the weather’s warm, people flock to the water — whether it’s the beach, a lake, a river or a backyard pool. But, wherever there’s water, there’s also danger. According to the U.S. Centers for...

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The family summer vacation is a time-honored tradition, and it often includes a trip to one of our country’s incredible amusement parks. But, while the rides and other attractions at these parks are typically safe, it...

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Spring has arrived, which means it’s time to clean the cobwebs out of the corners, organize the closets and so forth. While you’re at it, don’t forget to revisit the important documents and other items you have in your...

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A fire is a fire, and a fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher, right? Well, not quite. There are actually different types of fires and different types of extinguishers that respond best to each one. So, which is...

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It’s just rain — how much impact can it really have on your driving? The answer: a lot. You’re likely to experience lower visibility, reduced traction and increased difficulty in handling your car both during and after...

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What’s the most important number for you this tax season? The amount of your refund? The amount you owe? The number of hours spent poring over all the other numbers? All of those are pretty important, but none of them...

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Freezing temperatures, gusts of wind, patches of ice – winter can be a horrible time to be on the road, especially if you’re on vacation and aren’t used to driving in winter conditions. And, it’s an even worse time to...

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About 2 million times every year, animals and cars collide on U.S. roadways — often causing serious and even fatal injuries to drivers and passengers, along with about $1 billion in damage, according to the U.S....

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It's not unusual, when you set out on that holiday trip, to look back at the house a little nervously. Sure, you remembered to lock the doors, but just how secure are things? What might happen while you're away?One way...

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It's become almost as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and football: Black Friday, the morning-after (or in some cases evening-after) shopping spree. It's the biggest shopping day of the year, an event in its own...

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Fall brings more than just changing leaves and shorter days. In many areas, it also comes with a shift in weather conditions that can have a serious impact on your home. And, don’t forget, winter is right around the...

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It's back-to-school time, and, if you have school-age children, your household is likely bustling with activity and filling up with books and backpacks. There are other households and school districts in your community,...

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Two thirds of households in America have air conditioners, according to the U.S. Department of Energy — and they spend a total of $11 billion each year running them. Our guess is that most of those households (which may...

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Memorial Day might be the unofficial start of summer, but Independence Day is when the season truly kicks into high gear. July 4 is a holiday that has something for everyone, whether you like to host (or attend)...

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There are plenty of great reasons to bike to work: Commuters who ride save money on gas and car insurance, stay fit and help the environment (they don’t get stuck in traffic, either). And they even have fun — as long as...

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Spring is here, and you’re ready to get out on the water. But is your boat ready? Even if you’ve kept it properly stored for the winter and protected from the elements, there are still a number of things you need to do...

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Spring is a time for rejuvenation, and, as the weather gets warmer here in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and the days grow longer, there's a positive energy in the air. Many people decide it's the perfect time for...

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From genetically modified crops to the environmental and health effects of pesticides, more and more Minnesota residents are questioning whether they should grow what they eat. Wherever you stand on the issues...

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Slippery sidewalks. Freezing temperatures. Power outages. Winter isn't always a wonderland. If you regularly lend a hand to a senior friend or family member here in Minnesota, it may be a good time of the year to...

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It's easy to forget about your tires when it comes to vehicle safety. But with winter weather already in many parts of the country, tires are an important aspect you should keep in mind. Your tires can be the difference...

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As a nation, our pets are like family, so let's make sure they enjoy the holidays with us while staying safe. As a general rule of thumb, always keep pets on a regular routine, even during the holiday season. Don't let...

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The holidays can be a great time to get out of town 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...

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If you own a boat (or better yet, as the joke goes, you know someone who does), you've probably thought about spending some evenings on the water - especially in the summertime. It's a great thought, of course. But,...

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Yes, it's already time to start thinking about school again. Getting a head start can pay big dividends for you and your kids as they head back to class. But, it's not just what they need for school that matters. It's...

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In 1984, National Night Out - "America's Night Out Against Crime" - began as a way to promote crime prevention through neighborhood camaraderie. Since then, according to the National Association of Town Watch (NATW),...

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"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, reusing and...

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If you're like most people, there are certain items you own that you can't imagine ever losing - possessions you deeply cherish or those that would be impossible to replace due to the cost of re-purchasing them or...

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One of the most disheartening experiences is to find flooding or extreme water damage to your treasured home. At Modern Insurance, we know you want to protect what's important. That's why we're offering these tips to...

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While fall and winter have their own pleasures, longer nights mean increased danger on the roads. You might think you drive just as well at night, but consider this: Even though nighttime driving accounts for just 23%...

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Everyone wants to keep their home safe from burglars or intruders, but not everyone wants to have an alarm system installed. There are plenty of people who prefer the do-it-yourself route, whether it's home improvement...

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Most people would say their car is one of the most valuable assets they own – if not the most valuable. Despite that, however, some people make it downright easy for thieves to drive off in their pride and joy. At...

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Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas that results when certain fuels do not burn completely. And it can be deadly. That's why it's important to know how to prevent it, detect it, and protect yourself...

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The holiday season is here - time to eat good food and join together with loved ones. For many who have families far away, this is also is the time to pack up and get out of Minnesota. If you are gearing up to travel...

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Finally, we're welcoming fall, that eagerly anticipated season when we get to enjoy cooler temps, colorful leaves and, of course, football season in Minnesota. Football brings with it a whole host of seasonal activities...

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Fall is a wonderful time to be outside on your bike, thanks to the crisp, cool weather and changing colors of the landscape. Staying safe on the road in autumn requires some special precautions, however. Because we at...

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The end of summer in Minnesota means many things, such as cooler weather, shorter days and ... the start of football! But most important, it means kids are headed back to school. And that means we all should be extra...

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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 But for some families, the holiday is a nightmare. Each year, homes in...

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