Blake Insurance Agency, Inc.
17156 State Highway 371, Brainerd, MN 56401
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17156 State Highway 371, Brainerd, MN 56401
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1301 S 6th St, Brainerd, MN 56401
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313 NW 3rd St, Brainerd, MN 56401
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Learn about insurance coverage options specific to Brainerd residents.
Brainerd home insurance for lakefront properties, vacation homes, and harsh winters. Rates rising 15% in 2025. Get the coverage you need at the best price.
General Insurance EducationEssential insurance guide for Brainerd, MN residents covering auto, home, watercraft, and vacation rental coverage. Learn about rates, requirements, and risks.
Car InsuranceComplete guide to auto insurance in Brainerd, Minnesota. Learn about no-fault PIP requirements, 30/60/10 minimums, average costs, and winter coverage needs.
Yes, standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, even for homes on lakes. If your property is in a flood zone or near water, you should purchase separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. This protects you from damage caused by rising water, heavy rains, and spring snowmelt—all real risks in the Brainerd lakes region.
Vacation homes face higher premiums because vacant properties have increased risks of theft, vandalism, fire, and undetected damage. Since you're not living there full-time, problems like pipe leaks or break-ins can go unnoticed for weeks or months, leading to more extensive damage. Remote locations with fewer neighbors and limited supervision further increase these risks.
If your insurance policy requires you to maintain heat or winterize your plumbing and you don't comply, your claim for frozen pipe damage will likely be denied. Most vacation home policies explicitly require maintaining at least 55°F heat or completely draining the water system if the property will be vacant during freezing weather. Read your policy requirements carefully and follow them.
It depends on your policy. Detached structures like docks, boathouses, sheds, and garages typically require specific coverage under your homeowners policy, often listed as "other structures" coverage. Standard policies usually cover these at 10-20% of your dwelling coverage, but you may need to purchase additional coverage for expensive structures. Always verify what's covered and increase limits if needed.
Minnesota homeowners insurance rates are projected to rise by 15% through 2025-2026, adding more than $500 to the average annual premium. These increases are driven primarily by severe weather events, including the 190 hail events Minnesota experienced in 2024 alone. Individual rate changes vary by insurer, location, and your specific property characteristics.
Yes, several discounts are typically available. Bundling home and auto insurance can save 10-25%, installing monitored security systems often qualifies for discounts, and having someone regularly check on a vacant property may reduce your rate. Home improvements like roof updates, electrical system upgrades, and modern plumbing can also lower premiums. Ask your insurer about all available discounts.
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