Farmers' Roadside Assistance

We've previously warned you about towing scams — how “bandit” tow trucks watch for people stranded along certain stretches of road, stop by, offer to help — but leave the victim with a heavily-inflated bill for their “services.” Getting stuck on the road is a miserable experience, but Farmers can help — with towing and roadside assistance you can count on.

Call (800) 435-7764

Our dispatch service will send the nearest reliable professional to you. With more than 20,000 towing and road service facilities and 10,000 professional locksmiths, we offer roadside service for:

• Emergency tow — covering up to $150 (reasonable and necessary services)
• Dead battery/jump-start
• Flat tire change
• Lockout entry assistance — if your keys are lost, broken or locked inside your vehicle
• Roadside winching — if your car is stuck in the mud, snow, ice, or on the side (within 10 feet) of a public paved road
• Emergency roadside connect — Access police, fire and medical assistance

Or call your own provider

If you have your own provider that you prefer to use, no problem. Pay the bill and submit it to Farmers for reimbursement:

• Report your claim by calling (800) 435-7764
• Make sure your service receipts/documents contain the following information:
• Your first and last name
• Policy number and claim number
• Phone number
• Date of service
• Send in your documents:
  Email: ClaimsDocuments@hpcs.com
  FAX: (877) 217-1389

Call Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency now! We are happy to help with any additional questions.
 
Don’t wait until you break down to think about roadside assistance. Call me for information before you need help. Farmers roadside assistance — help anytime, from anywhere for towing and roadside service.

Why Should I Buy Life Insurance on My Child?

For many adults, the need for life insurance on themselves is clear. They have a household that depends on them (and their income) in order to survive. The income that they bring into the household on a monthly basis allows the family to pay the mortgage, pay for daycare, pay the car loan, pay all other bills, save, and live the lifestyle that they are accustomed to. If an untimely death would occur, the household would cease to receive their income. The surviving family would no longer be able to live the same lifestyle; live in the same home. An untimely death would also put the burden of funeral expenses on the family that may have not been saved for. This is why many adults purchase life insurance. Life insurance isn't bought for you, but for those you would leave behind.

However, babies/children have no income to replace if anything were to happen so why buy life insurance on a child?

At Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency, we not only highly recommend life insurance for parents. We highly recommend life insurance for EACH CHILD of our clients. Why you might ask? Here are four reasons why you should purchase life insurance on your children.

Reason #1: The Coverage
As a parent, a loss of a child is devastating no matter the age of that child. If anything were to ever happen to one your children, you are going to want to spend time with your family to process and recover. Having life insurance on your children allows you the opportunity to take the necessary time to grieve and give your child the proper sendoff they would deserve. Life insurance provides you and your family peace of mind by not having to worry about income stopping during that time, it also would provide you funding for funeral services etc during that time.

Reason #2: Protecting their insure-ability
We all know that the big factors when it comes to qualifying for life insurance is our age and our medical history. If someone is overweight, a diabetic, a cancer survivor, or of just an older age, they may not be able to qualify for life insurance. When purchasing life insurance for your children, they are the healthiest they will ever be. As we age, we are more at risk for issues that would determine if we are eligible for insurance or not. Getting life insurance on a child when they are the youngest allows them to get coverage in force before the risk of any child onset illness that may effect whether they can qualify for life insurance in the future.

Reason #3: Future cash growth
Many permanent type life insurance policies have added benefits of being able to grow cash value in addition to providing needed life insurance. Over time, if funded properly, this cash value can grow to substantial levels. Even better, this cash value can be accessed without penalty (usually after a waiting period) and TAX FREE! Many parents use this benefit to help with down payments on a home for their children, assistance with purchasing a car, or simply let their children reap the benefits of the cash value continuing to grow. Many high income earners who can no longer qualify for tax beneficial savings plans (Roth IRAs), use permanent life insurance as a way of growing cash to access (tax free) in the future. With the assumption that tax rates will do nothing but increase as time goes on, this can be a method of minimizing future taxable income. This would be referred to as tax free supplemental retirement income when accessed. Getting life insurance on a child allows for a very long time period for growing the cash account for future benefit.

Reason #4: It's cheap
After hearing about all the reasons to get life insurance on children and future cash growth benefits, many parents are shocked to know exactly how inexpensive it is. Depending on the age of the child, the type of policy, and the funding intentions, a policy can be purchased for as low as $15/month.

The mindset of purchasing life insurance on a child can be a hard one for parents to put themselves in. However, after having a conversation on all the benefits of a policy, it's usually a very easy decision to make on purchasing a life policy for your child.

For more information on life insurance policies or to receive a personalized proposal, please contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276.

How will you make a difference?

How will you leave the world a better place? Beyond the contents of your last will and testament, what part of you do you want to leave behind? What will be your legacy?

What matters to you?
The cornerstone of your legacy is a deep sense of knowing what’s important to you. Maybe you have strong ties to your college. Maybe it’s the Humane Society who blessed you with your beloved pet; maybe it’s the American Cancer Society or the Ronald McDonald House that helped you out when your child had surgery; perhaps it’s the symphony you love or the YMCA where your kids learned to play soccer; maybe it’s your house of worship or community foundation. Whatever it may be, your first step in legacy planning is to define it.

The planning
Once you know what’s important to you, you need a plan that enables you to make a positive impact on the people and causes you care most about. After you’ve defined your charitable goals and developed your plan, life insurance may help provide the means to fund your plan.

There are many ways to make a charitable gift using life insurance. You (as the owner) can name the charity as the beneficiary on an existing insurance policy. This may allow you to make a larger gift than you could otherwise afford. Another alternative is to donate an existing life insurance policy to charity. Or the charity can purchase a policy on your life. Each method has advantages and disadvantages and which is best for you depends on your individual situation. You should consult with and rely on your own independent legal and tax advisors.

Make a difference
I can show you ways to use life insurance to help maximize your charitable gift while still providing a legacy to your family. Let’s get together. I want to help you learn more about how life insurance can help you make a difference to both your family and the causes you care most about. By combining charitable giving and life insurance in your estate planning, you can help build a lasting legacy and influence the good work of a charity beyond your own lifetime. You can make a difference.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Neither Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, its employees nor its agents provide legal or tax advice. Always consult your own attorney, accountant or tax advisor as to the legal, financial or tax consequences of any transaction.

Your Farmers agent may only sell policies in states in which he or she is licensed.

Farmers New World Life Insurance Company is not licensed to sell life insurance, accident and health insurance, or annuities in the state of New York.

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

Time for a Farmers Friendly Review

It’s a new year, and many of us are thinking about making resolutions — some new, some maybe not so new. Why not make a resolution to review your insurance? Take a close look at the coverages you have vs. the coverages you want. A free Farmers Friendly Review^® (FFR) can make it easy.
Life changes

• Your auto coverage. Has your daily commute changed? Do you have additional drivers? Has your child moved out on their own? Do you feel confident that your coverage is what you want?
• Your home insurance. Maybe you remodeled your kitchen or bath. In the event either is damaged, you’ll want to repair or rebuild them and make them just as beautiful. You may need to update your policy.
• Did you make any major purchases? Do you own costly items such as jewelry, art, musical instruments, furs and collectibles? You may need to add a Personal Article Floater to provide increased limits and/or additional coverage with limits above and beyond those of your homeowners policy.
• Did you increase your liability risk? Did you invest in a swimming pool last year? Add a pet to the family? Let’s have a conversation so you can feel confident you have enough liability coverage.
• Life events. Did you recently have a baby, buy a new home or find a new job? Changes in your life situation can affect your life insurance needs.

What is a FFR?Whenever your life changes your insurance needs may change as well — yet, insurance is often the last thing we think about. A Farmers Friendly Review^® is an opportunity to sit down together and discuss these changes so you can make informed decisions about your insurance coverage.

Let’s schedule a Friendly Review soon — it’s free and it’s valuable. That’s an unbeatable combination.

Contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276 or visit our website.

Tips from the IRS for a less stressful tax season

Many people get stressed during tax season but it doesn’t have to be that way. Start early and follow a few simple tips — straight from the IRS.

Six tips for reducing tax-time stress

• Don’t procrastinate. Resist the temptation to put off tax preparation until the last minute. Deadline pressure may increase your chances of making an error and cause you to overlook potential sources of tax savings.
• Visit the IRS website. Millions of people visit the IRS website each year. Join them and make www.irs.gov your first stop. Check for the latest news and find answers to your questions about tax filing.
• Use Free File. Let Free File do the hard work with brand name tax software or online fillable forms:
• If your annual income is less than $58,000, you qualify for free tax software at www.irs.gov/freefile.
• If your annual income is $58,000 or more and you are comfortable preparing your own tax return, there are Free File Fillable Forms at www.irs.gov/freefile.
• Try IRS e-file. Millions of people use IRS e-file each year — it’s safe and easy. If you owe taxes, you can file immediately and pay later (by the April 15 tax deadline). When you combine e-file with direct deposit the IRS generally can issue your refund in as few as 10 days.
• Don’t panic if you can’t pay. If you can’t pay the full amount of taxes you owe by the mid-April deadline, you should still file your return by the deadline and pay as much as you can to avoid penalties and interest. Most taxpayers eligible for an Installment Agreement can apply using the Web-based Online Payment Agreement application available at www.irs.gov. To find out more about this simple and convenient process, type “Online Payment Agreement” in the search box at www.irs.gov. You can also call your local IRS office to discuss your payment options.
• Request an extension of time to file — but pay on time. If the deadline is approaching and you are not ready to file, you can get an automatic extension through Oct. 15. However, this extension of time to file (which must be filed or postmarked by the April 15 deadline), does not give you more time to pay any taxes due. If you have not paid at least 90 percent of the total tax due by the April deadline you may also be subject to an estimated tax penalty. You can obtain an extension through Free File at www.irs.gov/freefile. Or, file IRS Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, available for downloading at www.irs.gov or by calling (800) 829-3676 to have a paper form mailed to you. Allow at least 10 days for mailed forms and publications.

Follow these IRS tips and you’ll be on your way to a less stressful tax season.
This information is provided for illustrative purposes and not meant to be taken as advice. Always consult your tax professional about your individual situation. 

For more advice to help better protect your $$, please contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276. We specialize in proper structure of home insurance, auto insurance, umbrella insurance, business insurance, and life insurance.

10 Must Do Activities in Kansas and Missouri this Winter Season

When old man winter hits Kansas City, don’t stay inside and hibernate, there are too many fun places to explore in this beautiful city. Make KC your winter wonderland!

1. Go ice skating! January is National Ice Skating Month, celebrate by visiting the many

fun destinations KC has to offer for Ice Skating.

• One of the best known places to Ice Skate in KC is Crown Center. Its outdoor with a covered terrace. Check out Two for One Tuesdays after 5pm. Learn more at: Crown Center Ice
• Visit The Ice at Park Place, its Johnson County’s hidden gem. Warm up with hot Cocoa afterwards at Ingredient and spend some time shopping around the lit up streets of Park Place. Learn more at: Park Place Ice
• KC Ice Center in Shawnee, check out this indoor ice skate rink offering loads of fun events for all ages including $5 Friday skate nights with various themes in January. Learn more at: KC Ice

2. If Ice Skating has you itching for more cold weather fun, head Northeast of KC to Snow Creek for some thrills of Snow Tubing and Skiing! Learn more at: Snow Creek

3. Channel your inner foodie and explore all the restaurant’s of your hearts desire during Restaurant week January 16-25, 2015. Multi-course lunch menus for $15 and dinner

menus for $33. Learn more here: Restaurant Week

4. Cheer on the Missouri Mavericks at the Independence Hockey Center! Game times listed here: Missouri Mavericks

5. The Kansas City Zoo- visit KC’s favorite Polar Bear- Nikita! While there enjoy the many other activities the Zoo has to offer this winter. Learn more at: KC Zoo

6. Forget the egg nog this winter, go for a Snow Cocktail! located in the Crossroads district at 1815 Wyandotte St., features craft cocktails with real juices. It was recently named best frozen cocktail bar in the country by Paste Magazine. Visitor information: Snow & Co

7. Not afraid of the cold? Take the Polar Plunge, its for a good cause! Raising money for the Special Olympics, brave souls across Kansas at various locations and times will commit to take the plunge. Check out times and locations here: Polar Plunge

8. Relax in Excelsior Springs: located a half an hour Northeast of KC and is home of one of the largest spa’s in the Midwest. Check out the recently renovated 125 year old getaway Elms Hotel and their brand new spa area. Get a massage and head into the grotto for some much needed R and R. Learn more here: Elms Hotel 

9. Tour Powell Gardens: located 40 minutes southeast of Kansas City in Kingsville. The foliage at the conservatory changes six times a year and they will re-open Jan 11th. Learn more at: Powell Gardens

10. If the cold weather is just too much and you need to burn off some energy. Stay inside and jump yourself warm at the new Cosmic Jump in Olathe Kansas. Learn more at: Cosmic Jump

Enjoy your Winter Season!

Sincerely,

The Wertzberger Agency

10560 Barkley St Ste 330

Overland Park, KS 66212

Don't forget about Long Term Care Insurance

Just a reminder that this is a good time to talk to family about their plans for long term care someday – and if they say you will do it –that is just not what truly happens in care giving – sure we kids do the best we can but at the end of the day we have our own families and careers to handle.  And the costs of care can be staggering – not just today but later on in life.  Here is an interactive “Cost of Care” map that tells you the AVERAGE costs today and when you look down below tomorrow too as inflation is not our friend – especially for you younger folks!

http://www.johnhancockinsurance.com/long-term-care/cost-of-long-term-care-calculator/

Also many are not aware that 70% of us – that is two out of every three- end up needing care that averages about three years or so …. And that the longer you put this decision off the more you pay in premium as well as health is a concern as the carriers are very picky about medical underwriting.

A great resource for Long Term Care is Janine Tate. Her information is below:

Janine Tate

Specialist in Long Term Care Insurance Solutions

Business: 913/660-0488

Mobile: 913/579-7383

Fax: 1-855-722-0155

Email: janine.tate@acsiapartners.com

http://janinetate.acsiapartners.com

For other helpful insurance information, contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency