Buying a house? Don’t forget to consider insurance

You’re ready to buy a home: You’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, researched school districts and you’ve found the house that’s perfect for you and your family. Is it time to make an offer? Not quite yet: Take a few minutes to investigate the insurance implications. Insurance is an ongoing homeowner expense, so it’s important to make insurance considerations are part of your home-buying decisions.
Do some investigation
There are several factors that typically affect the price and perhaps the availability of insurance for a home:

• Proximity to the coastline or floodplain and risk of flooding
• History of earthquakes or hurricanes/tropical storms
• Quality and location of the nearest fire department
• Age of the home
• Whether the home is well-built and up to code
• Condition of the roof
• Swimming pool or other special features

Before you make an offer

• Get a CLUE — It’s important to learn about prior claims on the house. Prior claims are not necessarily a barrier to securing insurance. In fact, sometimes it may be good news — for example, the roof was damaged by a tropical storm and replaced with a new one. Ask the current owner for a copy of the insurance loss history report, such as a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.) report, or an A-PLUS™ property report from ISO, a source of information about property/casualty insurance.
• For information on how to get a free claims history or C.L.U.E. report from LexisNexis, see www.lexisnexis.com/risk/factact or call (866) 312-8076.
• For information on how to order a free A-PLUS report from Verisk ISO, see http://www.verisk.com/underwriting/how-to-order-your-free-a-plus-loss-history-report.html or call (800) 627-3487.
A record of insurance claims on the house can provide answers to two important questions:

• Have there been any past problems in the home?
• If damage occurred, was it properly repaired?
If the home has been claim-free for five years there will not be a loss history report on the property.

• Get the house inspected — The inspector should:
• Check the general condition of the home.
• Look for water damage, termites and other types of infestation.
• Check the electrical system, water heater and septic tank, if there is one.
• Show you where potential problems might develop.
• Make certain that any past problems have been properly repaired.
• Suggest upgrades or replacements that may be needed.

Call me, the sooner the better
Don’t wait until the last minute to think about homeowners insurance. Contact The Wertzberger Agency to learn about different coverage options today.

It’s time for your fiscal checkup

When was the last time you evaluated your financial health? Many people get a physical checkup annually but how about a fiscal checkup? It’s an opportunity to review how you’ve done financially over the past 12 months and to make sure you’re still headed in the right direction.

• Review your goals. Have you made progress on them this year? If not, where have you fallen short? Have your goals changed? If so, revise them and write them down.
• Evaluate changes in your personal situation. Big life events such as a job change, marriage, divorce, the birth of a child and so on, can disrupt even the best strategies and necessitate a change. For example, you may need to adjust your budget, your spending, your savings, etc. You may need to purchase additional life insurance, if for example, you lost/left your job and no longer have your employer group life insurance coverage.
• Protect your assets. Are you still adequately insured? I can help you review your homeowners, renters and auto insurance policies as well as your life insurance so you can be sure you have the coverage you want.
• How’s your emergency fund? Life is full of unexpected surprises. If you don’t plan for the unexpected — a car repair, illness, unemployment — these events can catch you off guard and leave you financially strapped or tapped. When the unexpected happens, it’s important to have a stash of cash set aside in an emergency fund. At a minimum, an emergency fund should consist of three months of your living expenses.
• Track your net worth. Simply subtract what you owe (your liabilities) from what you own (your assets). Like the stock market, your net worth will fluctuate so track it year-by-year. It’s the overall trend that’s important — as you pay down debt, build equity in your home, acquire more assets, and so forth, your net worth should continue to grow.
• Review your retirement strategy. Are you contributing the maximum to your 401(k) plan? If not, make sure you’re contributing at least enough to capture any available employer-matching funds. If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, consider setting up an IRA on your own and making regular contributions.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Review your estate plan, including your will.
• Do you need to make adjustments? Make sure the beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts and life insurance policies are up to date.

Whether getting started or working toward your goals, contact The Wertzberger Agency today, because the more you know about your overall financial health, the better you can plan for the future.

Life insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

Watch out for these four auto insurance fraud schemes

Dishonest people always seem to find ways to defraud others. Here are four common schemes and what you can do to help avoid becoming a victim:

1. Counterfeit air bags. If you’re in an accident and an air bag deploys, make sure it’s replaced by a trusted professional. Dishonest repair shops often replace deployed bags with cheap knockoffs, and sometimes don’t replace them at all.
   
   Your defense: Work with a trusted, reputable mechanic. Check out Farmers Circle of Dependability Program.
2. Staged accidents. The most common are:
• Swoop and squat. A vehicle passes you, pulls in front and slams on the brakes, forcing you to hit it.
• Drive down. You’re waiting to turn left, and a driver waves you through the intersection, then proceeds just in time to force a collision.
• Wave down. A person waves to you that it’s safe to pull out of a parking spot or parking lot, and another crashes into you.

Your defense: If you’re involved in an accident, take pictures of all vehicles, all passengers and other drivers. If your cellphone isn’t photo-capable, carry an inexpensive disposable camera for emergencies.
3. Windshield replacement rip-offs. Your windshield has a chip or crack, and a stranger approaches you in a parking lot. He says he’s with a vehicle glass company and offers to install a new windshield for free; all he needs is your insurance information. Do not provide this information! The windshield replacement may be poor quality and with your insurance information, the person may submit false claims, which can increase your premium.
   
   Your defense: Simply say “thanks, but no thanks.” If you need windshield repair, call me and I’ll put you in touch with a trusted vehicle glass company. Or you can check out Farmers Vehicle Glass Repair.
4. Towing scams. You’re stranded at the side of the highway and a tow truck just happens to stop by. What a relief — right? Maybe not. It could be what’s sometimes called a “bandit” tow truck, one that looks for people stranded along certain stretches of road. They offer to help, but afterward they charge heavily-inflated prices for their services, and you end up with an enormous bill.
   
   Your defense: Call a tow truck and wait for it. When it arrives, get a cost estimate and towing destination in writing. Better yet, add roadside assistance to your auto insurance coverage. The cost of adding it is low, and you’re sure to get safe, reliable towing. I can help you add this to your policy.

While you can’t predict or prevent every instance of fraud, you can be prepared. Remember that the more you know about insurance the better you can plan for the unexpected.

For more helpful insurance information or to review a proposal with Farmers, contact The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276.

Source: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/insurance/auto-insurance-fraud-schemes-1.aspx

Make Your Holidays Safer

Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Did you know one of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems? Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 40 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death, compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires. (National Fire Protection Association and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
Tips to help reduce the likelihood of a Christmas tree fire occurring:

• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from all heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heating vents or lights.
• Make sure the base is steady so the tree won’t tip over easily.
• Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
• Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry trees out rapidly.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

Holiday Lighting and Decoration Safety Tips
Did you know electrical problems were factors in one-third (32 percent) of home Christmas tree fires? (National Fire Protection Association and International Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
Tips to reduce the chances of a fire due to lighting:

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are designed specifically for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp and breakable, and keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children.
• Avoid decorations that resemble candy or food, as they may tempt a young child to put them in their mouth.

Candle Safety TipsDid you know that candles, whether used as decorations or on a candelabra, kinara or menorah, can be a cause of home fires, and home fire deaths? More than half (56 percent) of home candle fires occur when something flammable is too close to a candle. (U.S. Fire Administration)
Tips to prevent a candle from causing a home fire:

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• Think about using flameless candles in your home, as they are much safer, and look and smell like real candles.

Protect Your Home Over the Holidays
Did you know that in 2012 over 2.1 million burglaries occurred in the U.S.? Almost 75 percent of these occurred at residences. (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Home security tips for the holidays:

• If you plan to travel, don’t discuss your plans with strangers.
• Have a trusted friend or neighbor keep an eye on your home.
• Do not leave empty boxes in front of the residence as they alert thieves to attractive items in the home.
• Use your home burglar alarm system.

Fireplace Safety Tips
Did you know that heating was the second leading cause of all residential building fires following cooking? Confined fires, those fires confined to chimneys, flues or fuel burners, accounted for 87 percent of residential building heating fires. (U.S. Fire Administration and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
Tips to stay safe with using a fireplace:

• Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of any flammable materials. Check to see that the flue is open.
• Have the chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned as necessary.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the residence.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM FARMERS INSURANCE - THE WERTZBERGER AGENCY

Do you know your credit score?

If you are someone who checks your credit score regularly, congratulations — many people don’t. It’s best to check your score regularly, as it is a fluid number. So, if you see your score fluctuate, don’t panic, as your credit score may change due to a number of factors:

• Did you max out a credit card? Life happens, as they say. Unforeseen medical expenses or emergency purchases, for instance, may cause you to max out one of your credit cards. If you are unable to pay off the balance in full, pay as much as you can each month. Try to pay more than the minimum payment and make sure you pay on time. This may help boost your score over time, as you demonstrate financial stability and build (or re-build) a solid payment history.
• Did you recently apply for a new credit card, auto loan or mortgage? When you’re in the market for a new home or a new car, potential creditors will check your credit history. These inquiries stay on your record for some time, and too many such inquiries could have a negative impact on your score. Try to limit the number of loan applications you complete and the preliminary credit inquiries you approve.
• Is there suspicious information on your credit report? Verify the information on your credit report with all three reporting agencies (see below). If there’s an entry you don’t recognize or that seems questionable, check into it, as it could mean you’re a victim of identity theft.
• Have you been the victim of ID theft? If you believe that you’re a victim of identity theft or fear that you may become one — for example, if you lost your wallet, gave personal information to a stranger, or your house was burglarized — take these steps immediately:
1. Start a log. As you make phone calls, keep notes of your conversations; make copies of all correspondence to and from authorities and financial institutions, including dates, names, and phone numbers.
2. Contact the credit bureaus. Call or visit the websites of the three major credit bureaus and ask that they issue a fraud alert and attach a statement to your credit report. Also get copies of your report from each of the three bureaus:
• Equifax: (800) 525-6285 or www.equifax.com
• Experian: (888) 397-3742 or www.experian.com
• TransUnion: (800) 680-7289 or www.transunion.com
3. Call the police. File a report of the crime with your local police department.
4. Identity Theft Victim’s Complaint and Affidavit. Download this form from the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/idtheft and complete it as soon as possible. When you refuse responsibility for a new account or transactions on an existing account, creditors may accept this affidavit.

For more information visit ftc.gov.

To help protect against the risk of credit card theft/Identity Fraud, Farmers Insurance offers free Identity theft protection as an added benefit within Home Insurance. For more information about Identity theft protection or other benefits of the Farmers Home Insurance product that make it industry leading, contact The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276.

Business Insurance - Employee Practices and Liability Insurance

If you are a business owner, you likely have business insurance. If you don't, regardless of what type of business you own, get it!

 

What is included in one's business insurance can vary significantly between providers. Many providers offer what is called a "BOP" (Business Owner's Policy). A BOP is a comprehensive package that has many types of coverage inside the policy; some of which apply to one's specific type of business, some of which may not specifically apply.

One VERY important aspect of coverage for businesses that have employees is Employee Practices and Liability Insurance (EPLI).

The Insurance Risk Management Institute defines EPLI as:

A type of liability insurance covering wrongful acts arising from the employment process. The most frequent types of claims covered under such policies include: wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. In addition, the policies cover claims from a variety of other types of inappropriate workplace conduct, including (but not limited to) employment-related: defamation, invasion of privacy, failure to promote, deprivation of a career opportunity, and negligent evaluation. The policies cover directors and officers, management personnel, and employees as insureds. The most common exclusions are for bodily injury (BI), property damage (PD), and intentional/dishonest acts. EPLI policies are written on a claims-made basis. The forms contain "shrinking limits" provisions, meaning that insurer payment of defense costs—which are often a substantial part of a claim—reduce the policy's limits. This approach contrasts with commercial general liability (CGL) policies, in which defense is covered in addition to policy limits. Although EPLI is available as a stand-alone coverage, it is also frequently sold as part of a management liability package policy. In addition to providing directors and officers (D&O) and fiduciary liability insurance, management liability package policies afford the option to cover employment practices liability (EPL). 

If you don't know whether your business insurance includes EPLI coverage, check with your insurance provider. Also confirm what level of coverage is carried.

For other helpful tips on business insurance or to review an option for your business, contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276 or email us.

To our friends, family, clients, employees, and referral sources

As I sit in my home office waiting for the rest of the family to wake, I look forward to the time of morning where I would normally hug them good bye and wish them a good day. As today, that moment will be much different. Today, there are no good byes; just good mornings! Today is the day of thanks and an opportunity to enjoy time with the ones we love.

When I think though of everything and everyone I am thankful for myself, personally and professionally, and for my family, it quickly becomes a long list and includes many, many people. 

Thank you to my friends; You make life that much more enjoyable to go through! Thank you for your shoulders to lean on and your beers to share!

Thank you to my family; Life wouldn't be worth going through without the love we share. 

Thank you to my clients; My entire life all I ever wanted to do was provide for my family. You make this possibly and your business could not be more appreciated!

Thank you to my referral sources; The trust you show in The Wertzberger Agency through your referrals makes growing an Insurance Agency possible. I can not thank you enough for the connections you have help make to the clients of our Agency.

Thank you to my employees; You make maintaining a growing Agency possible. Thank you for making me look good by being so awesome yourselves :)

Wishing everyone a GREAT day and a Happy Thanksgiving from the Wertzberger Family and The Wertzberger Agency.

       

Prepare today for your family’s tomorrow

Life insurance is often an essential component of a sound financial plan. However, if you’re not in perfect health, or if you’ve been turned down for life insurance before, it’s not always easy to get. Yet you want to plan ahead to take care of your obligations — you don’t want to burden your family, the ones you care most about.

Farmers Life^® wants to help. If you think you’re stuck without options, consider this: You may qualify for up to $20,000 of permanent whole life insurance¹ with no medical exam² — answer only three simple health questions. Here are three important features of this life insurance:

• You don’t have to be in perfect health — If you’re between ages 45 and 80 and still living independently you may qualify.
• Your policy builds cash value — You may be able to borrow against your policy to cover unexpected expenses.
• Your rate will never increase — Regardless of your age or health, your premium will never go up.

With the average cost of a funeral³ now more than $7000,⁴ this coverage may be an appropriate way to help you prepare for your family’s tomorrow. Call Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276 to learn more so you can be sure you have the coverage you want. The more you know about life insurance the better you can plan for the future. Learn more, plan better.

¹ Farmers Graded Death Benefit Whole Life Insurance policy. Limited death benefit during the first two policy years. Policy form numbers ICC11-2011-123 or applicable state variation.

² Issuance of a policy may depend on answers to questions set forth in the application.

³ This life insurance does not specifically cover funeral goods or services, and may not cover the entire cost of your funeral at the time of your death. The beneficiary may use the proceeds for any purpose unless otherwise directed.

⁴ http://nfda.org/news-a-events/all-press-releases/3719-nfda-releases-results-of-member-general-price-list-survey.html

Life insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Products and features may not be available in all states and may vary by state.

Do you need rental car insurance?

Will you be renting a car during the holiday season? Whether you’ll be renting at your destination or renting a vehicle and driving to your destination, you’ll face a barrage of questions when you get to the rental car counter: Do you have auto insurance? Can I see your insurance ID card? Do you want CDW, LDW and so on? Here’s some information that may help you understand more about insurance before you get to the rental car counter:

• Call me before you leave — I can help you understand your current auto coverage so you can decide if it’s what you want. If you’ll be using the rental car for recreation only (not for business), in many cases your coverage and deductibles may apply. Let’s have a conversation before you leave.
• Call your credit card company before you leave — If you’ll be depending on a credit card for rental car insurance coverage, it’s very important to check with your card company before you travel. If you have more than one card, consider calling each one to see which offers the best coverage. Insurance benefits vary among companies and/or banks that issue cards, as well as by the level of credit card used. For instance, a platinum card may offer more insurance coverage than a gold card.

Get prepared before you leave
Call me in advance of your travel and I can give you information that may help you make an informed decision about rental car insurance coverage. The more you know the better you can prepare for the unexpected — and you won’t be overwhelmed at the rental car counter.

Be smart when renting a car

CHECKLIST: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN RENTING A CAR
✓	Questions to ask your auto insurance agent before you rent:
	Do I have collision coverage? (If you have an older vehicle and dropped that coverage, you won’t have it on your rental.)
	Does my policy extend to rental cars? (Most do.)
	Am I covered outside the United States? Are any countries excluded?
	Is there a limit on how long I can rent the car?
	Are there any vehicle exclusions?
	Does my policy cover loss-of-use and other fees charged by the rental car company?
	How much liability coverage do I have?
✓	Questions to ask your credit card issuer before you rent:
	Do I have rental car coverage? Is it secondary or primary?
	Does it cover collisions only or collisions and theft?
	What’s the maximum reimbursement?
	Does it cover vehicles rented outside the United States? Are there any vehicle exclusions? (Some won’t cover pickup trucks, moving vans or some types of SUVs.)
	Is there a limit on how long I can rent the car?
	Does my policy cover loss-of-use and other fees charged by the rental car company?
✓	At the rental car counter:
	Decline the rental company’s collision waiver.
	Pay for the car in full with the credit card that provides the protection.
	Include the names of any other people you expect to drive the car on the rental contract. Many insurance programs won’t cover a driver who isn’t on the contract.
	Once you get the car, don’t speed, drive on an unpaved road or drive while intoxicated. All can invalidate your coverage.

For other ways to get smarter about your auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, or business insurance contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276

Checklist Source: http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/rental-car-credit-card-protections-vary-1273.php#ixzz2dBTIe2BM

Diamonds are forever … with the right insurance coverage

The holidays are approaching — a time of giving, sharing and caring. While many choose to give or receive jewelry or other valuable gifts, they often are unclear on how to insure these items. Many people think their homeowners insurance covers the full value of all of their belongings. This may not be the case: although your homeowners policy may offer great coverage, it typically has deductibles and coverage limitations. So how can you avoid a gap and make sure you have the coverage you want?

Add a floater to your Home Insurance or Renters Insurance 
Scheduled Items Floater coverage (also called Personal Articles Floater) is designed to cover your valuable property that may be excluded from or have limited coverage under your homeowners or renters policy. Such property may include:

• Jewelry
• Paintings, sculpture, and other works of art
• Cameras, musical instruments and firearms
• Antiques
• Collectibles
• Personal computers and electronics
• Silverware, goldware, and other high value precious metalware

Get prepared; stay prepared
Call me — I can help you review your policy so you know what coverage you have for valuables, whether there are special lower limits and when those special limits may apply. Then you can decide if you have the coverage you want for your belongings. If you don’t have enough insurance for your jewelry, artwork or other unique valuables, you’d rather know now — not after you suffer a loss.


Coverage is not available in all states.

Surviving Holiday Air Travel

Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, when millions of Americans take to the roads or board trains and planes around the country. If you’re traveling, you’re likely to encounter packed airports, unforeseen schedule changes, bad weather, and probably a few irritable fellow passengers as everyone tries to get somewhere for the holiday. At Farmers, we want to help. So, in addition to the universal rules — plan ahead, pack light, know your airport and choose the best travel days — we’ve assembled some cool travel apps to help keep you on schedule and informed as to airport and flight delays:

• TripIt — Organize your travel plans in one place with TripIt. Once you set up your account, simply forward your travel confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com and TripIt automatically creates a detailed daily itinerary for every trip. You can get directions, maps and weather for each destination and sync trip plans with your Apple Calendar, Outlook, or Google Calendar. Available free for Apple and Android devices. Or upgrade to TripIt Pro for $49 per year and get real-time flight alerts, gate changes, alternate flights and seating info, etc.
• My TSA — Can homemade cookies go through security? How early should you get to the airport for a Thanksgiving Eve flight? Get the answers to these and other important questions that may help you avoid delays by adding the TSA’s free app to your mobile device. Available free for Apple and Android devices.
• FlightStats — Helps you track flight information such as estimated departure and arrival times, terminal and gate numbers, and at which baggage carousel you can claim your bags. You can search by airport for local weather conditions and seven-day forecast, time and date information, and a delay index which tells you if there are any flight delays and how severe they are. Once your flight takes off, interested friends or family can track the plane in the air. Available free for Apple and Android devices.

Travel smart, plan smart
Traveling during the holidays often requires patience and a laid-back attitude — otherwise the many transportation delays, and traffic and travel snags could get you crazy. But with a bit of smart planning you may be able to ease the hassles. Stay safe and have fun!

For other tips about getting smart about your auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, or business insurance contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276

Make a Difference Today!

In 2014, the Farmers Insurance Open set a tournament record by raising more than $2.8M for local San Diego charities. One of the biggest components of the Farmers Insurance Open charity effort is Birdies for Charity. The program serves as an opportunity for twelve select charitable organizations to utilize the magnitude of the Farmers Insurance Open to further their fundraising initiatives. The twelve organizations, which focus on underserved and at-risk youth and military, solicit pledges and donations for every birdie made during the competitive rounds of the tournament.

Whether you love golf or giving back to youth-focused organizations, the Birdies for Charity program is a meaningful investment to future generations. For further information on Birdies for Charity or to make a donation, please click here.

Do you have a life insurance gap?

Are you one of the millions of employees in the U.S. who has life insurance through your place of employment? You may think you have enough coverage, but do you?

Currently, more than half of private businesses offer their employees life insurance plans, and nearly all eligible employees are enrolled.¹ Even though so many take advantage of this benefit, 50 percent of American households don’t think they have enough life insurance.² Are they right?

Life insurance purchased through an employer can be a convenient, cost-effective option, and it often doesn’t require a medical exam. However, tying your life insurance coverage to a job could leave your coverage at risk in the event of layoffs or changes in company benefit plans. If you were to get sick or injured and had to leave work, your group life insurance coverage could terminate, just when you may need it most.

In addition, group life insurance policies typically have low limits. Many financial professionals recommend a death benefit equal to seven to 10 times your annual income.³ However, many households rely solely on employer-provided coverage, which may only replace up to twice your yearly income. The takeaway is this: 50 percent of consumers are probably right, they are underinsured, potentially affecting their ability to pay bills, send their children to school and meet other financial obligations.

So, how do you get the life insurance you need, beyond what your employer may provide?

Close the gap
For many families, personal life insurance may help fill gaps in employer group coverage and provide financial security in case of cutbacks or job changes. You can choose your own insurance provider, lock in rates and have consistent, flexible coverage.

Exactly how much life insurance you need depends on factors such as your assets, your debts, and your family’s other sources of income. You’ll be able to choose between term and permanent life insurance and maybe even receive cash-accumulating benefits.

When it comes to life insurance, cheaper isn’t always better
The cost of life insurance can vary widely from company to company, even for the same amount of coverage. And if coverage appears to be the same, why should you pay more?
Here are some factors to consider when selecting an insurance company:

• Company strength — Life insurance is a long-term investment, so it’s vitally important that you select a provider with a history of financial stability. Companies such as A.M. Best, an insurance rating agency, provide up-to-date information on the financial health of most life insurance companies.
• Company size — Does size matter? Yes and no. Although past performance does not guarantee future results, most of the largest insurance companies have been in business for decades, and some date all the way back to the 1840s. When a company has been in business that long, it’s reasonable to assume that it understands the complexities and nuances of the insurance business, is able to manage risk and grow assets, and has a history of meeting long-term financial obligations. Farmers Life has been meeting its obligations to customers since 1910.
• Agent relationship — Life insurance can be complicated. My goal is to help you find a life insurance policy that best meets your needs based on your family obligations, finances, health, and personal circumstances. Once you purchase your coverage, my goal is to keep the conversation going. We’ll get together annually — or sooner if your life situation changes — and review your policy so you can be sure you have the coverage you want based on your current circumstances.

No matter which company’s policy you decide to purchase, make sure you understand what you are buying. Learn all you can about life insurance because it’s worth knowing about. And remember, the more you know, the better you can plan for the future. A free service that I offer is a Farmers Friendly Review^®, an opportunity to get together and go over your insurance program so you can determine whether your coverage is aligned with your needs. Call me, and together we can work to find life coverage that’s right for you. The Wertzberger Agency can be reached at 913-383-3276 where we can chat about your life insurance plan.

¹http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ebs2.t05.htm

²http://www.limra.com/uploadedFiles/limracom/Posts/PR/LIAM/PDF/Facts-Life-2013.pdf

³http://www.bankrate.com/finance/insurance/how-much-life-insurance-should-you-buy.aspx

Life insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

Accident Forgiveness - Farmers Insurance

BIG NEWS!

For existing auto insurance customers of Farmers in Kansas and Missouri, you are now being given additional benefits.....FREE OF CHARGE!

There are a few additional benefits being rolled out, but one of them is Accident Forgiveness.

Policyholders who have been accident free for three years with Farmers qualify for accident forgiveness which prevents the premium from being increased due to an accident. As long as the policyholder continues to renew their policy, this benefit can be used to forgive one accident (by an insured or permissive driver) every three years - regardless of who is at fault in the accident.

This benefit is meant to reward our clients who have allowed Farmers to provide them with their coverage and shown Farmers their loyalty. This benefit is one that new clients can achieve as well.

For information on other benefits included in Farmers auto insurance, call The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276

Antique and Collectible car insurance

Anyone who collects classic cars realizes there’s a big difference between the vehicles they collect and the ones they drive every day. Yet not all collectors insure their collectibles and everyday vehicles differently, which could potentially leave them at risk if they have a claim. Antique and classic cars have special needs that differ from traditional vehicles. Unlike regular-use vehicles that are on the road every day, antique and classic cars typically are used for limited pleasure driving, car shows and club events.

Special vehicles, special coverage
From classics to modifieds, including muscle cars, exotics, replicars, woodies, kit cars and other types of collectibles, Farmers offers collectible auto insurance packages designed to meet your special needs.

• Multi-vehicle discount — You may be eligible for a discount when you insure more than one collectible car.
• ‘Agreed Value’ Coverage — Prior to issuing your policy, we’ll discuss the coverage you want and decide on an “agreed value” for your vehicle. In the event that there is a total loss to your vehicle, the “agreed value” is the amount you will receive without subtracting a deductible.
• No ‘attendance’ clause — Unlike some other collectible auto insurers, we don’t have an attendance requirement. That means you can bring your car to a classic car show and not have to worry about a loss while you’re away from your collectible enjoying the show.

Other specialty coverage
You’ll want to learn all you can about your special car and be certain you understand its potential value so you can be sure you have the type of coverage you want. I can also provide information on other types of specialty insurance, such as policies for boats, RVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles.

Not all products and discounts are available in every state and may vary by state. The Wertzberger Agency can be reached at 913-383-3276.

Incident Forgiveness - Farmers Insurance

BIG NEWS!

For existing auto insurance customers of Farmers in Kansas and Missouri, you are now being given additional benefits.....FREE OF CHARGE!

There are a few additional benefits being rolled out, but one of them is Incident Forgiveness.

After the policy has been in effect for six months, the premium will not be increased due to a new minor traffic violation, such as speeding or improper turn/passing....without limit!

What this means to our clients is if they were to get the occasional traffic ticket, no longer is there a need to pay double or obtain an attorney to keep it off your record. Your rates will not be effected!



If there is a moving violation on your record upon coming to Farmers, the factor that ticket will play will go down as it approaches three years old. There will be no other tickets accounted for or charged for. This benefit is one that new clients can achieve as well.

For information on other benefits included in Farmers auto insurance, call The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276

Ready or not, here come the holidays

For many people, the winter holidays can be one of the happiest times of the year. But the busy holiday season also can leave others feeling overwhelmed and tired. If you fall into the second group, here are some suggestions to help you rein in holiday stress:

• Create a budget. Plan your gift giving and establish a budget in advance.
• Don’t worry about finding the perfect gift. Ask people what they want instead of searching for the perfect gift. Try to shop early and stick to your budget.
• Plan family get-togethers. Consider buying some prepared foods — this way you don’t have to cook for everyone yourself. Ask others to bring their favorite dishes and lighten your load.
• Schedule time with family and friends. Allow time for yourself to do things that you enjoy. Give yourself time to relax and recover after extended visits.
• Manage your time. Set priorities and write them down. Don’t set impossible goals and don’t over commit yourself. Listen to your body: if you are feeling overwhelmed rest when your body tells you to.

The holiday blues
While an enjoyable time of year for many, for some the holidays can be a time of sadness. Feelings of loneliness and anger can intensify when contrasted with the joyful expectations of the holidays. Here are some tips to help you deal with holiday blues:¹

• Find support. Seek help from a partner, family member, friend, counselor or doctor. Talking about your feelings can often lighten the burden you may feel.
• Connect socially. Try not to isolate yourself. Take a vacation with a family member or friend; spend time with people who care about you; volunteer your time to help others. Spending time with those in need helps them while making you feel less isolated.
• Take care of yourself.
  • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out — treat yourself to a therapeutic massage.
  • Maintain a normal routine.

Getting your home ready
Are you preparing for guests this holiday season? Is your home ready? Whether your guests are staying for the day or longer, the following checklist may help make your home safer, more comfortable and help reduce stress as you prepare for the holidays.

Holiday checklist
	Entrance Keep all walkways, steps and porches free of ice and snow. Make sure all outdoor lighting is functioning properly and is turned on at dusk. Establish a place to collect all winter weather apparel, especially boots, where people won’t be likely to trip over them. Living Area If your guests have young children make sure you childproof your home.2 Make sure all smoke detectors are working properly. Keep all areas free of clutter and well lit to reduce tripping hazards. Bathrooms Keep any medication somewhere inaccessible to guests, especially children. Check safety rails in tub and shower enclosure to make sure they are secure. Use non-skid bath mats to reduce the likelihood of a slip. Kitchen Make sure any foods that are cooking are never left unattended. Make sure all food is stored away from cleaning materials and that drawers are closed after use. Make sure any knives or cooking utensils are out of reach of children. Wipe up any spills immediately. Guest rooms Make sure to have nightlights throughout your home. Guests can easily become disoriented in a dark, unfamiliar place. Secure or remove any area throw rugs.

Is your coverage ready for the holidays?
While you are making your home safer for family and guests, it is also a good time to review your homeowners insurance. Call me today to discuss and we can make sure you have the coverage you want. The Werzberger Agency can be reached at 913-383-3276

Put the brakes on accelerating driving costs

Many of us are trying to reduce our driving costs. And manufacturers are helping: More and more vehicles are now equipped with onboard data centers that measure everything from the vehicle’s fuel efficiency to average speed. If you don’t have these features in your vehicle, here are some tools that may help you get to your destination more cost-effectively.

Let’s review the basics
This may seem like a no-brainer, but your driving style and your vehicle’s state of repair (or disrepair) can affect your fuel consumption significantly.

• Don’t drive with a heavy foot, keep it steady. Rapid acceleration and braking can lower gas mileage whether you’re on the highway or in town. Make it your goal to avoid driving aggressively.
• Don’t idle (sitting in neutral while engine is running). If you’re stopping for more than 10 seconds — except in traffic — turn off your engine. Idling uses more gas than restarting your engine.
• Properly maintain your car. Follow guidelines in your owner’s manual. They’re intended to provide optimum vehicle performance.

Use your smartphone
Smartphones can be incredibly useful for car owners, offering a selection of apps, many free of charge, which can help save both time and money. Here’s a selection of tools that may be helpful. Most are available for both Android and Apple phones. Some also support BlackBerry and Windows Phone devices.

Important note: It isn’t safe to use your smartphone while driving. Instead, pull over and check your phone or give the device to a passenger while you keep your attention on driving.

Waze
Considered the go-to app for cars on the road, Waze is one of the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation apps. You can join other drivers in your area who share real-time traffic and road info, saving everyone time and gas money on their daily commute. And it’s simple to use — when you start your car, open the app and enter your destination. Waze does the rest. Waze is a free app available for Apple, Android and Windows phones.

greenMeter
Want to know what your lead foot is costing you? Get the greenMeter, an app for the iPhone and iPod Touch: It computes your vehicle’s power and fuel usage characteristics and evaluates your driving to help you increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. Results are displayed in real time so feedback is instantaneous. greenMeter is available for $5.99; the company claims the software can pay for itself within one or two tanks of gas.

aCar
aCar is a tool to help you track your vehicle’s fuel mileage and expenses to see if it’s operating at peak efficiency. aCar will also remind you when it’s time for maintenance services such as changing engine oil, air filter, oil filter, etc. aCar is free for Android, Amazon Kindle Fire and BlackBerry phones.

Fuelly
Fuelly lets you track, share and compare your gas mileage. Simply sign up, add a car or motorcycle, and begin tracking your mileage. Fuelly is a mobile site rather than an app, so there is nothing to download or install. Visit http://m.fuelly.com from your smartphone and add data right from the gas pump. Fuelly gives you instant feedback about your fuel efficiency. You can search the site for other drivers with the same make and model as your vehicle to see efficiency comparisons


Common sense
In addition to the apps we’ve highlighted, you can probably come up with many ways to conserve — combine trips to town; telecommute to work once a week, if possible; carpool and/or use public transportation when available. Check out Farmers Facebook page for more great tips on saving and "like" The Wertzberger Agency Facebook page to stay connected to us locally.

Online Reviews

Did a local business go above and beyond your expectations recently when servicing you?

Did a local business fall short of your expectations recently when servicing you?

Did a local business meet your expectations recently when servicing you?

Do you really enjoy a local business and want to do all you can to help them succeed?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you need to leave that local business a review on an online website, detailing your experience and thoughts of the establishment. Local reviews can greatly help a local business attract new customers as people want to know what they can expect when they would come to a business for services needed. They can also help that local business improve their SEO (Search Engine Optimization). With good SEO, that local business is more easily "found" online when people are searching for services needed.

Leaving a local review is easy! Simply go to a search engine like Google, Yelp, or Yahoo. Then, type the name of the business and the zip code of where they are located. There will then likely appear a link to visit their respective site within that search engine. Once there, there should be a link directing you to "leave a review". Through your review, you can detail your experience and thoughts of the business. You can also note whether or not you would recommend then to others needing their services offered as well as give them a rating (usually 1 - 5 stars).

To reach Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency's online search sites on Google and Yelp, click the links below. Once there, click to "write a review"! Your reviews are one of the best ways you can show your appreciation of The Wertzberger Agency!

LINKS:

Google+ Page

Yelp Page

Farmers Insurance Brand Ambassador Stops in Sea Bright, N.J.

PGA TOUR player and Farmers Insurance brand ambassador, Rickie Fowler stopped in Sea Bright, New Jersey, on August 19 to help rebuild a home devastated by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. Working alongside Farmers agents and employee volunteers, Fowler helped install flooring and trim bringing the owner Erik Lovgren one step closer to returning home. Following the rebuilding, Fowler headed across the street to the Sea Bright public beach where he demonstrated his golf skills for more than 150 kids from local chapters of The First Tee and members of the community.

“The recovery effort in Sea Bright and surrounding communities by Farmers and Sea Bright Rising is incredible, and I’m lucky to have the opportunity to help,” said Fowler.

Farmers has a history of being the first on scene to help in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters. Farmers has partnered with Sea Bright Rising, a local nonprofit, to help rebuild more than 100 homes on the Jersey Shore by the end of 2014.


The video below highlights Fowler and Farmers’ day in Sea Bright. Click HERE

What if you didn’t know what Boomer knows?

If you were suddenly removed from the picture, what would happen to those you love? Think about it … would they suffer financially? Boomer knows.

Boomer Esiason is a husband, a dad and a record-setting NFL quarterback. These days he’s a popular radio and TV broadcaster. He’s also a spokesperson for Life Insurance Awareness Month — his hope is that others will learn from his personal story and get the life insurance protection they need.

Boomer was seven when his mother died with no life insurance. His father coped with his own grief and the constant struggle to keep finances, work, home and his kids in balance. “I was handed a life lesson early,” says Boomer. “It wasn’t the easiest life — my dad sacrificed a lot.”

Boomer went behind the counter in “Undercover: Boomer the Barista,” to show that you just never know what’s going to happen next. After all, would you expect to have your morning espresso served up by a sports hero?

Does anyone depend on you for support?
Whether you’re single, starting a family, have kids already in school, are preparing for retirement or already retired, life insurance should be part of your overall financial plan. Helping your family avoid financial hardship in the event of your passing is one of the most important reasons to own life insurance. And if you own a small business, you have business insurance needs as well.
Now is the time to act: You can help ensure that your family does not endure unnecessary financial hardship. I am here to help and so is Farmers Life^®.
Life insurance can be life changing for those you love. It can help them:

• Pay the mortgage
• Maintain their current standard of living
• Fund your children’s college education
• Pay for final expenses

Life insurance is one of the greatest gifts you can give to those you love. Boomer knows.

Did you know your business vehicles need different coverage?

If you’re a small-business owner you know that your company vehicles provide not only transportation but also a consistently professional image and mobile marketing. But do you know that they also require a commercial insurance policy? It’s true: personal auto policies typically exclude coverage for vehicles used in your business. If you use vehicles to transport your employees, equipment or products, you probably need commercial coverage.

Farmers offers flexible coverage options that reflect the characteristics of your business and typically include:

• Bodily Injury: Covers bodily injuries (or death) to another for which you are legally responsible.
• Property Damage: Covers damages to someone else’s property for which you are legally responsible.
• Collision: Covers your vehicle when your car hits, or is hit by, another vehicle.
• Comprehensive: Covers your vehicle for losses resulting from incidents other than collision.
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorists: Covers you for bodily injuries, damages, or death caused by an at-fault uninsured or underinsured driver.
• Medical Payments: Covers medical expenses incurred by you and your passengers injured in an accident.

Avoid, reduce and mitigate potential claims
Whether you manage a few pickups or a full fleet of box trucks, you owe it to yourself and your business to learn as much as you can about our comprehensive commercial auto policy provisions. Farmers has a staff of highly trained loss prevention experts who can guide you through safety programs and provide supporting materials designed to help educate your employees. Let’s get together soon to review your coverage.

Your own stretch of ‘highway’

Whether your driveway is brick pavers, a long stretch of gravel or dirt, your driveway is your responsibility — make sure it’s properly maintained so it won’t become a hazard.

Driveways need regular maintenance to stay in proper condition, as uneven pavers, cracks or potholes are common problems. Not only unsightly, they can be hard on your vehicle and, more importantly, present a tripping hazard. If someone trips and falls on your property you could be held legally responsible for their injuries.

What would you do if you were held liable for a mishap that occurred on your property and caused damage or injuries beyond the limits of your policy? Worse yet, what if you were named as the defendant in a lawsuit because of damages or injuries that occurred on your property? While we don’t expect the unthinkable to happen, sometimes it does. Although there’s no way to completely avoid the possibility of being sued, there is a way to help reduce the potential impact of a devastating lawsuit: Personal Umbrella Liability coverage.

Why you need umbrella coverage
Farmers Personal Umbrella Liability insurance supplements the liability coverage you already have with your homeowners or auto insurance and provides an extra layer of protection through increased or excess coverage limits. The umbrella policy kicks in when you reach the limit on your underlying liability coverage. Most importantly, the cost of your legal defense is provided for a covered loss.


Plan for the unexpected
Protect what you have worked to achieve, and your future — you never know when the unexpected may occur. Make sure you’re prepared, and don’t forget your umbrella. Call me for more information.

Your part-time residence needs full-time coverage

Summer is winding down, and many schools are back in session. If you own a second home, you may be getting ready to close it up for the season. Perhaps you’ve decided to rent it out to generate additional income. In any event, your part-time residence should have full-time insurance coverage.

The difference between a primary and vacation home
Many insurers look at seasonal or vacation homes differently than a primary residence. Seasonal homes are often unoccupied for extended periods of time, which can make them a target for thieves or vandals, which can result in a greater risk of damage and loss. This may make your second home more difficult to insure. That’s where I can help. Farmers covers a range of homes, including seasonal/secondary, as well as properties in rural areas, and homes that other carriers reject due to age, condition, value or other considerations. In certain states, Farmers doesn’t even require that your primary residence be insured with us to insure your seasonal or secondary home.

Are you a landlord?
A growing number of homeowners are becoming landlords, whether they relocate for a job, are waiting for market values to increase further before selling or purchase a second home as an investment to rent. Whatever the situation, the type of insurance you need is not the same as your primary residence.
Your property changes classification when you rent it — it becomes a place of business — and typically its insurance requirements change. Your standard homeowners policy may no longer offer appropriate coverage: you would need a landlord insurance policy to help protect you if anyone is hurt on the property.


Call me
Farmers offers property, liability and important optional coverage that lets you customize your policy. You can choose from flexible payment plans and pay online, by mail or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Learn all you can about insurance because the more you know the better you can prepare for the future. Start now: let’s get together so you can be sure you have the coverage you want on your second home.

The Power of a Thank You

When we sat down with our NASCAR driver, Kasey Kahne, prior to the start of the season, we told him about Thank A Million Teachers and our mission — not only to thank one million teachers, but also give $1 million in educational funding. His immediate response was “That’s really cool. I remember a lot of my teachers who had a positive influence on my life and helped me get to where I am today.” That was all we needed to hear from Kasey. From there, we set plans in place — to change our blue Farmers car to a black chalkboard style theme honoring our nation’s educators, who, like our agents, believe in protecting dreams and helping people plan for the future. But we, along with Kasey, wanted to do more than just place a new logo on the car. In March, Kasey flew back to his hometown, Enumclaw, Wash., to personally thank the teachers at his elementary school and share with the students the importance of education and the influential role teachers play in all our lives. Even better, Kasey surprised his former principal, Jake Thomas, and Jake’s daughter, a deserving teacher at the school, with a trip to see him race in May. As it was important to leave the school better than we arrived, Farmers made a donation for a very much desired reading garden. Watch a recap of Kasey’s visit to his school at ThankAMillionTeachers.com. As May is National Teacher Appreciation Month, we sent Kasey on a Thank A Million Teachers tour with school visits in Birmingham, Kansas City and Charlotte. Each time, we surprised a deserving teacher with a VIP race experience and helped the school with some much needed funding. Our last visit in North Carolina was extra special. We honored a civilian teacher in the National Guard — a perfect tie of educational and military support as we headed into the Memorial Day weekend. You could feel the excitement in every school of having a famous NASCAR driver come to visit. Students decorated the hallways, welcoming Kasey and Farmers. And the cheers were deafening as Kasey made his way onto the stage. But while everyone was fixated on listening and watching Kasey tell stories about his memories of school and his current day job of racing fast cars on the track, I chose to look around the gymnasiums. No matter which school we visited, I saw the same thing — a sea of smiles. Teaching is an under-appreciated, under-paid job, that requires patience, dedication and commitment. From visiting these schools and talking with teachers, it is clear that every teacher gains personal satisfaction knowing they’re helping to shape and mold the lives of their students. As one educator said, “Seeing the students blossom is the most rewarding part of my job.” So when I looked around and saw all those teachers with huge smiles, I then realized the true power of a “thank you.” It’s such a simple gesture, but too often goes unsaid. In our fast-paced world where we are consumed with technology, what would happen if we just stopped ... and said “thank you”? And with that, it’s only fitting to end in that fashion. Thank you Kasey for embracing our mission to thank one million teachers. Thank you to everyone who has joined us in thanking more than 600,000 thus far on ThankAMillionTeachers.com. And most importantly, thank you to all the teachers. I admire you all for what you do and how much you give to our children and the future of our nation. Leslie Withoft Director of Sponsorships Farmers Insurance

Farmers Salutes the Military

Military members can enter for a chance to win a VIP trip to the Phoenix race.

As the Fourth of July has come and gone, we at Farmers took a moment to reflect on the true meaning of America’s Independence Day. When we think about our freedom and privileges that come with living in the United States, we understand it does not come without sacrifice. Our rich 86-year history as an American company has shown us the importance of our United States Armed Forces in defending these freedoms.

The Farmers Heritage Center is a great reminder that military support is part of our DNA. Prior to starting Farmers Insurance in 1928, one of our co-founders, John C. “Jack” Tyler, served in World War I. With our company being founded on an engrained culture of supporting our troops, we naturally continue to be proud supporters of our men and women in uniform.

Farmers doesn’t only support our customers and members of our local communities in the U.S. Armed Forces; our Farmers family serves alongside them with many of our current agents, employees, and district managers being current or former military members. We support Farmers’ servicemembers in many ways, whether it be managing agencies on behalf of our deployed agency owners, providing flexible schedules to accommodate military training, or simply sending care packages to our employees and agents deployed abroad. We are also focusing on providing opportunities to those servicemembers making the transition from military to civilian careers, recognizing they have gained valuable skills while serving our country.

A few weekends ago, we were proud to launch our partnership with G.I. Jobs, a leading resource for military to civilian transition. With a special patriotic paint scheme, our NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne raced the No. 5 Farmers Insurance G.I. Jobs Chevrolet SS around the Daytona International Speedway. There are few things more American than NASCAR and it was a special moment to see the car in the red, white and blue of our nation’s flag. During the race weekend, we also announced an exclusive opportunity in recognition of our nation’s strongest leaders.

Through October 8, current and former military members can enter for a chance to win a VIP experience to meet Kasey Kahne and watch him race in Phoenix, Arizona on November 9, just prior to Veterans Day. We will choose five winners, one from each branch of the United States Armed Forces. If you, a family member or friend are eligible, please visit BeAFarmersAgent.com/AmericanHeroes to learn more and enter.

Thank you from The Wertzberger Agency to all our current and former military members for your service. We truly appreciate your sacrifices to protect our country.

Farmers Insurance makes it easy to do the right thing for loved ones

It should be easy to buy life insurance to help protect your loved ones. But for anyone without a Social Security number (SSN), it may get complicated. Farmers wants to help: We’ve removed certain barriers to allow more people to qualify for Farmers EssentialLife^® Simple Whole Life (FESWL)¹ or Farmers Simple Term Life² insurance.
Farmers Life^® now accepts applications for term and permanent life insurance from U.S. residents who are Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) holders. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a tax ID issued by the IRS to individuals who have U.S. income but are not eligible for a Social Security number (SSN). People who have ITINs and U.S. residency may now be eligible for certain products. If you’re already a Farmers customer, you don’t even have to provide proof of residency. Not a Farmers customer yet? Just verify that you’ve been a U.S. resident for at least six months.

Farmers knows that protecting loved ones is important to everyone, and we want to help you make sure your loved ones can maintain their lifestyle if something happens to you. A Farmers life insurance policy can help you do that. Call The Wertzberger Agency today for more information about helping protect your family at 913-383-3276

¹ Policy form 2008-352
² Policy form 2005-261 or applicable state variation

Life insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Products and features may not be available in all states and may vary by state.

Summer safety: Lightning facts and safety tips

Each year, lightning causes dozens of deaths, thousands of fires, and billions of dollars in property damage.¹ It’s smart to learn as much as you can about lightning so you can take steps to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property against one of nature’s most dangerous phenomena.
Most lightning deaths and injuries in the United States occur during the summer months, when lightning strikes are more frequent and outdoor activities are at their peak², so when enjoying outdoor activities it’s important to pay attention to the weather and take appropriate actions in a timely manner when thunderstorms approach.
Did you know that:

• When it comes to lightning, rubber shoes do nothing to protect you?
• In the home, talking on a wired landline telephone is the leading cause of lightning injuries? Cordless phones are safe to use.
• You should not seek shelter in a lightning storm under a tall tree? That’s one of the most dangerous places to be.

Flash facts
Here are some facts about lightning excerpted from National Geographic News, Flash Facts About Lightning³:

• Lightning is a giant discharge of electricity accompanied by a brilliant flash of light and a loud crack of thunder. The spark can reach over five miles, raise the temperature of the air by as much as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit and contain a hundred million electrical volts.
• The Fourth of July is historically one of the most deadly times of the year for lightning in the U.S. In summer, especially on a holiday, more people are on the beach, golf course, mountains, or ball fields. Outdoor chores such as lawn mowing or house painting are at their peak.
• If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning — seek shelter.
• Use the 30-30 rule. When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If it’s 30 seconds or less, you are within six miles of the storm and should seek shelter immediately.
• Don’t be fooled by sunshine or blue sky! Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter. 
• Swimming is particularly dangerous. Water conducts electricity and swimmers protrude from the water, offering a potential channel for electrical discharge.
• At home, avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity:
• Stay away from windows and doors
• Don’t use wired landline telephones
• Don’t lie on a concrete floor (it likely contains a wire mesh)
• Avoid contact with concrete walls (they may contain metal reinforcing bars)
• Avoid washers and dryers
• Unplug electronic equipment
• Don’t wash dishes or your hands
• Don’t shower, bathe or do laundry
• Always avoid being the highest object or taking shelter near or under the highest object, including tall trees and umbrellas. Lightning is “lazy,” and usually takes the shortest path to earth, striking the tallest object. Don’t let that be you.
• If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately. Lightning often causes cardiac arrest. Check for respiration and a heartbeat. If the victim isn’t breathing and doesn’t have a heartbeat, immediately begin CPR and continue until emergency medical help arrives.

Flash fiction
Here are some misconceptions about lightning excerpted from National Geographic News, Flash Facts About Lightning³:

• Surge protectors offer protection against direct lightning strikes. False. They don’t! Unplug equipment such as computers and televisions.
• Don’t touch a lightning victim — you could get electrocuted. False. People who’ve been electrocuted don’t retain the charge and are not “electrified.” It’s safe to help them.
• Rubber shoes provide meaningful protection from lightning. False. They don’t.
• Lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice. False. It can — and often does. Tall buildings and monuments are frequently hit by lightning. 

If the worst occurs
While your chances of being struck by lightning are rare, it does happen. Should the worst happen to you, would your family be able to maintain their standard of living? Make sure the answer is yes. Whether you’re just getting started with life insurance or have had insurance for years, there’s a lot to learn. I want to help you understand the basics and feel confident that you’re making informed choices. It’s worth a conversation — let’s get started. Call The Wertzberger Agency today at 913-383-3276

¹http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_lls/nlsi_annual_usa_losses.htm

²http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov
³http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/06/0623_040623_lightningfacts.html

Life insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040

6 helpful tips to make your yard safer for your family, pets and visitors

During warmer months, many families spend time outdoors with their pets. You may think your dog is not aggressive, but even the sweetest dog may bite if provoked. With their natural curiosity and exuberant energy, children often are the most likely to provoke a dog — usually unintentionally. That’s probably why children make up more than 60 percent of the half- to one-million dog bite victims reported annually in the United States.¹ Many dog bites are preventable, however. Here are some tips to help keep both people and pets safer:

• Carefully consider your pet selection — Your veterinarian can help — they can be a great source of information about breed behavior and suitability. Remember to consider who visits you as well as who lives in your household. If you have grandchildren, nieces, nephews or friends with children, you’ll probably want a dog with a gentle disposition.  
• Make sure your pet is socialized — Expose your puppy or adopted dog to a variety of situations as early as possible. Try to do this a little at a time, under controlled circumstances. Continue these short interactions until your dog appears comfortable around children, adults and other animals.
• Spay/neuter your pet — Neutered dogs are less aggressive and less likely to bite.
• Train your dog — Teaching your dog basic commands such as “sit” or “stay” helps develop obedience and builds trust. 
• Keep your dog healthy — Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases, and see your vet on a regular basis.
• Be alert — Be aware of your dog and watch for signs they may be uncomfortable or feel threatened.

Preventing Dog Bites Learn how to play it safe — teach young children these 10 basic dog safety rules:¹
Do’s

1. Do remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
2. Do roll into a ball and lie still if knocked over by a dog.
3. Do report stray dogs to an adult immediately.
4. Do report a dog bite to an adult immediately. 

Don’ts

1. Don’t approach an unfamiliar dog.
2. Don’t run from a dog and don’t scream.
3. Don’t play with a dog unless given permission and supervised by an adult.
4. Don’t make or maintain direct eye contact with a dog.
5. Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
6. Don’t pet a dog without first allowing it to see and sniff you.

Homeowners insurance
Call The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276 and we’ll be glad to work with you so you can be sure you have the coverage you want. Be proactive — learn more about insurance so you can make informed decisions. Let’s have a conversation.