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Insights, Tips & Insurance Updates

Stay informed with the latest from First State Insurance Agency. Our blog features expert tips, industry news, and helpful guides on everything from auto and home coverage to business, farm, and life insurance. Whether you’re looking to better understand your policy or keep up with changes in the insurance world, our blog is here to help you make confident, informed decisions.

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What is the Average Cost of Homeowners’ Insurance in Minnesota? 

If you’re a homeowner in Minnesota (or thinking about becoming one) you’ve probably asked yourself: What’s the average cost of homeowners’ insurance in Minnesota? It’s a smart question. After all, insurance is more than just a line item in your budget; it’s a financial safety net for everything from storm damage to liability claims. At First State Insurance, we help

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Storm Season Is Here – Is Your Insurance Ready?

Storm Season Insurance Checklist: Be Ready Before It Hits Every year, storm season sweeps in with little warning — catching homeowners and business owners off guard. And when you’re unprepared, that often leads to costly repairs, insurance claim surprises, and a lot of unnecessary stress. At Central States Insurance, we believe in preparation, not panic. Let’s walk through how you can

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What If Summer Gets a Little Wild?

“What If” Summer Scenarios (That Could Really Happen) Summer is here—and with it comes sunshine, grilled burgers, poolside laughs, road trips, and unforgettable memories. But as much as we all love the season, it doesn’t always go off without a hitch. At Central States Insurance, we’ve helped many people navigate summer surprises with the help of good insurance coverage. So we

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First State Insurance Agency Southwest, Inc. Expands with Acquisition of Central States Insurance

Worthington, MN – June 12, 2025 – First State Insurance Agency Southwest, Inc. is proud to announce the acquisition of Central States Insurance, a well-established, Sioux Falls, SD–based agency. This strategic move not only strengthens First State’s footprint in South Dakota but also expands its service into the Pipestone, MN market. Central States Insurance has earned a strong reputation for delivering dependable

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Spoiler Alert: We’re Better Than A Chatbot

Confessions of a Real-Life Insurance Agent Hi there! Ever try to file a claim through one of those sleek, modern, minimalist insurance platforms, only to be ghosted by a chatbot named Zara? Yeah. Us too. 😐 Zara’s got the vibe of someone who’s very into essential oils but has never helped anyone through a claim in her life. She can spell “deductible”,

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New Tariffs Could Affect Your Auto & Home Insurance

Central States Insurance: How Tariffs May Affect Your Insurance Costs Let’s Talk Tariffs – and Why They Matter to You We get it – the word “tariff” might sound like something that only economists care about. But here’s the deal: recent government-imposed tariffs on goods from overseas—particularly on Chinese imports—are already creating ripple effects that could affect you in ways

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