The Bechtel Insurance Blog

A parent's homeowners insurance policy may extend limited coverage to a college student's laptops, phones, and tech while living in a dorm, but off-premises limits, high deductibles, and strict exclusions often leave gaps. Once a student moves into an off-campus...

Unlike most states, South Dakota law does not require employers to purchase workers' compensation insurance. Participation is entirely voluntary for business owners. However, choosing to go uninsured exposes a business to civil lawsuits where an injured employee can...

Standard homeowners and auto insurance policies generally do not provide liability or physical damage coverage for recreational vehicles like boats, jet skis, and UTVs once they leave your private property. While a home policy might cover a small watercraft parked...

Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) is a federally subsidized program that protects South Dakota farmers against unavoidable natural disasters, including drought, excessive moisture, and disease. Unlike standard property insurance, MPCI must be purchased prior to...

Standard homeowners insurance typically does not provide liability or physical damage coverage for golf carts once they leave your private property. While your home policy may cover the cart while it is parked in your garage, you generally need a specialized golf cart...

Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover home-based businesses, as they specifically exclude "business pursuits" from liability and property protection. While a personal policy protects your furniture and clothing, it often limits business equipment...

Smart home devices such as water leak sensors, monitored security systems, and smart smoke detectors can lower your homeowners insurance premiums by reducing the risk of fire, theft, and water damage. In South Dakota, many insurance carriers offer premium credits...

South Dakota’s Move Over Law (SDCL 32-31-6.1) requires drivers to move into a non-adjacent lane or significantly slow down when approaching any vehicle stopped on the shoulder with flashing red, blue, amber, or yellow lights. This includes police, fire, ambulances,...

Why Commercial Liability Insurance is Essential for Your South Dakota Investment As an investor or a multi-unit property owner in the Sioux Falls area, you’ve dedicated significant time and capital to building your real estate portfolio. While you understand the need...

Car insurance is a year-round necessity, but when the snow starts flying across the plains of South Dakota, having the right coverage—and preparing your vehicle—becomes paramount. Reduced visibility, sudden black ice, and heavy snowfall certainly raise the risk of...