The Benefits of Renters Insurance

Even if you don’t own a home, you probably own a great deal more than you think. Consider all of your furniture, electronics, clothing and appliances. Also include any jewelry, collectibles, books or musical instruments you own. Now consider how much it would cost to replace all of these items if you had to do so. Doesn’t seem like such a small number, does it? Imagine you are having a cookout, and a guest trips on the stairs while attending. Could you cover their medical bills if need be? What happens if something leaks in your apartment, and ends up damaging your neighbor’s unit? How would you pay for those damages? The answer is renters insurance.

Renters insurance is very similar to homeowners insurance, in that it helps cover you and your property. The landlord’s insurance policy on the rental unit typically covers the building structure itself, while protecting your property is your responsibility. Renters insurance and what it covers can vary, but in general it covers personal property, personal liability, property damage to others, additional living expenses and medical payments to others. What your policy covers depends on the coverage limits you select.

Here are some of the benefits renters can gain from purchasing renters insurance:

Fire and theft protection

If your apartment or rental home becomes damaged in a fire or other peril named in your policy, your renters policy can help to repair or replace your possessions. Likewise, if your residence is broken into, your renters insurance policy can pay to repair or replace listed items that are damaged or taken. Additionally, renters insurance policies typically provide loss of use coverage, which can help pay your expenses if you have to relocate for repairs. Here’s a tip: Create an inventory of your belongings. Include furniture, clothing, books, electronics, appliances, etc. along with its estimated value. Take photos of your belongings, and keep track of credit card statements — keeping a current list will make it easier should you have to file an insurance claim.

Protection from damage you may cause

Renters insurance covers more than just your property. For example, if you accidentally ride your bike into a parked car, your policy can  cover that, and pay for the losses of people who are injured or suffer property damage because of your actions.

Protection from liability claims

Like to entertain? Ever get a package delivered? Renters insurance can provide liability protection, which covers injury to another person while on your property. So, if you’re sued because someone is injured while at your residence or because you or someone covered under your policy accidentally injure someone, renters insurance can provide liability coverage for legal costs and the settlement of the injury claim up to your limits.

Affordable protection

Many renters assume their belongings will be covered by their landlord’s policy if something should happen. Your landlord’s insurance policy will not cover your losses due to theft or damage. Renters insurance covers your personal property, and even covers you from liability claims while you’re renting. Also, if your rented home ever needs serious repairs, and you’re unable to live there, it also covers the reasonable and necessary increase in living expenses (housing, food, etc.) you may incur from a covered loss. While there’s no law requiring you to purchase a policy when renting, to help protect you now and your future it is important to purchase renters insurance.

Make the call and purchase renters insurance.  It is an inexpensive way to protect your property from damage or loss, and can help you rebuild your life should you experience a loss. Call me today to get the coverage you want to protect both yourself and your belongings. You can reach Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency by calling 913-383-3276 or by emailing us HERE.


Sources: homeproperties.com; realestate.msn.com; smartmoney.com; zillow.com

4 Reasons to buy life insurance on your kids

Boating and Water Safey

When you’re out on the lake on a sunny, summer day, the last thing on your mind may be safety.  It should be though, as a seemingly perfect day can turn tragic in an instant. There are steps that can be taken to lessen the chances of an accident occurring as a boat operator or passenger.

Take a boating safety course

The first thing you should do is to understand the requirements and regulations of operating a boat. Boating safety courses are offered for all types of recreational boaters of all ages. Qualified volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron and others sponsor courses, and many state boating agencies also provide classes.1 An added benefit is that taking a certified safety boating course may qualify you for lower insurance rates.

Perform a vessel check

The goal of a vessel check is to make boating safe for you and any passengers by educating boaters on proper safety and preparation.  For personal pleasure crafts, both the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons have certified vessel examiners who will perform a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) at your boat, at a convenient time.2There is no charge for the check, and no consequences if your vessel does not pass. You can request a vessel check here to get started.

Make sure all passengers have life jackets

To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a boat must have a U.S. Coast Guard Approved life jacket for each person aboard.3Make sure children have life jackets that fit them correctly — adult-sized life jackets will not work for children. Any pets that travel onboard should have life jackets too. Life jackets should be tested for wear and buoyancy at least once each year.  Any waterlogged, old/faded or leaky jackets should be discarded.4

Do not drive while impaired

The importance of this cannot be overstated: the use of alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities.5 The same rules apply on the water as they do for operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Do not operate a boat under the influence of any substance.

Stay safe and have fun

Recreational boating accidents often increase as the temperature rises. Every year, hundreds of lives are lost, thousands are injured and millions in property damage occurs due to negligence. These accidents are preventable through proper vessel maintenance and following boating training and safety procedures. By performing the necessary safety checks, staying sober and playing it safe, everyone can enjoy a relaxing time out on the water.

With numerous choices and options, Farmers offers a variety of industry-leading Boat insurance packages so you can select the Marine Choice boat insurance package you want. Contact me today to get started.

To discuss how to insure your boat with Farmers, please contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-33-3276 or email us HERE

1 http://www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/boating-safety-courses.php

2 http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=i-want-a-vsc

3 http://www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/life-jacket-wear-wearing-your-life-jacket.php

4 http://www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/life-jacket-wear-wearing-your-life-jacket.php

5 http://www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/boating-under-the-influence.php

General sources:

http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=i-want-a-vsc

http://www.boatus.org/

Help protect your loved ones’ financial future with Life insurance

A summer’s evening spent by a campfire, the sound of your children’s laughter as they play on the beach, grilling your “famous” burgers at an afternoon picnic ... there are many enjoyable ways to spend a summer weekend, and these events are usually made all the more special with family as part of them. You hope these traditions are passed down, and that your family has many days filled with similar memories in their future.

Unfortunately, simply wanting the best for those you love isn’t enough: no one can guarantee they will always be there to care for loved ones. Life insurance can help protect your family, however, by lessening the financial impact of your loss if your family has to carry on without you.

Life insurance can help loved ones

Life insurance can help protect your spouse and children from potentially devastating financial losses that can result if you were to die prematurely. Too often, when an income earner dies, survivors are forced to make tough financial decisions at a time when they may not be in a position emotionally to do so. Life insurance would provide your survivors a chance to adjust to this change over time, instead of having to look immediately for a new residence or a higher-paying job. Some of the ways life insurance can help your family include:

• Providing income in a time of need:  While life insurance won’t replace you, it can help replace some or all of your income if you die. It can help cover the cost of funeral expenses, be used to pay off debts, and help with day-to-day living expenses such as food, clothing and housing. It can help longer term goals, such college tuition or retirement plans, become a reality.
• Assisting with household needs:  Something that can get overlooked is the financial value a stay-at-home parent provides. The services they provide are invaluable to a family. In the event of the loss of a stay-at-home parent, life insurance can help pay for important household services like childcare, transportation and general household duties.
• Supplying financial benefits during your lifetime:  If you choose Whole Life insurance, the cash value of your policy increases over time and you can access those funds for a variety of needs. 1 These funds can be used to help pay for life events such as buying a home, a wedding, or educational expenses. Whole Life insurance can also provide the ability to take out a loan from your policy at a lower rate than banks offer, to add to an investment portfolio or to supplement your retirement income.

Give those you love a lasting gift

Whether for their family, a spouse or an essential business partner, people purchase life insurance to help those they care about have a more secure financial future. You can do this for those important to you as well. Start a new tradition and make life insurance a part of your family legacy. It may end up being the most valuable one of all. Contact me today and we can get started.

To speak to a representative with Farmers about Life Insurance or other products, call us at Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276 or email us HERE

1Policy loans and withdrawals will reduce cash surrender value and death benefit. Policy loans are subject to interest charges. If your policy is a modified endowment contract, loans and withdrawals may be subject to taxes and penalties.