Roadside Assistance

Did you know that just by being a Farmers customer you get roadside assistance? 

DO THIS RIGHT NOW: Save our Roadside Assistance number 1-800-435-7764 in your phone so you are always prepared! 

Use Our Roadside Service - Call 1-800-435-7764

With more than 20,000 towing and road service facilities and 10,000 professional locksmiths, our dispatch service will send the nearest professional to you.

• Emergency tow – covering up to $150
• 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 by the side (within 10 feet) of a public paved road
• Emergency roadside connect — Access police, fire and medical assistance

Or Select Your Own Provider

You may also contact the service provider of your choice, pay the bill and submit for reimbursement.

For any additional questions on Farmers Roadside Assistance or with inquiries about becoming a new client of Farmers Insurance, contact The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276 or click HERE.

Tips for preventing child deaths in hot cars

As the summer months are upon us, we unfortunately hear of another child whose life is lost due to the effects of being left in or climbing into a hot car: on average, 38 children die in hot cars each year.¹ Children should never be left alone in a parked car, as a vehicle’s cabin temperature can rise rapidly in the hot sun, topping 120 degrees on an 80 degree day. Tragedies like these can be avoided, however.

Here are some tips to help avoid accidental deaths in hot cars:

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, not even for a short period of time.
• Whenever possible, use drive-thru windows at banks, dry cleaners and restaurants. Use a debit or credit card to pay for gas at the pump.
• Put a purse, cellphone or other item you will need in the back seat of your car. This will help ensure that you check the back seat before leaving the vehicle.
• Keep a stuffed animal or toy in your child’s unoccupied car seat. As a reminder that your child is in the back of the car, put that item in the front seat when you place your child in the car seat.
• If a child is missing, immediately check the vehicle, including the trunk.
• If you see a child alone in any vehicle for more than a few minutes, try to get the child out and call 911.

Get involved

Awareness and education about this hazard could have an immediate impact on the problem. Get involved in Where’s Baby and help to save a child’s life. Remember: whether it’s cloudy or not, the heat of the sun can be deadly.

Did you know?²

Child heatstroke in cars can lead to:

• Severe injury or death
• Being arrested and jailed
• A lifetime of regret

Children overheat up to five times faster than adults:

• In 10 minutes, a car’s temperature can rise over 20 degrees.
• Even at an outside temperature of 60 degrees, your car’s inside temperature can reach 110 degrees.
• A child dies when their body temperature reaches 107 degrees.

Warning signs of heatstroke:

• Red, hot, and moist or dry skin
• No sweating
• Strong, rapid pulse or a slow, weak pulse
• Nausea
• Confusion or strange behavior

¹http://www.kidsandcars.org/heatstroke.html
²http://www.safercar.gov/parents/InandAroundtheCar/heatstroke.htm

Coverage is not available in all states.

Hydroplaning - What is it and how to avoid it

What is hydroplaning?

April showers may bring May flowers but they can also cause more accidents. Hydroplaning is a situation that may occur when driving on wet roads, and can happen in an instant. When your vehicle hydroplanes, your vehicle completely loses contact with the road and is actually riding on the water. In wet weather you need to be aware - driving across a wet surface can cause your tires to lose their gripping power, and you to lose control of the vehicle.

The 3 main factors that contribute to hydroplaning:

• Vehicle speed. As speed increases, wet traction is considerably reduced. Since hydroplaning can result in a complete loss of traction and vehicle control, you should always reduce speed, paying attention to the traffic around you.
• Tire tread depth. As your tires become worn, their ability to resist hydroplaning is reduced.
• Water depth. The deeper the water, the sooner you will lose traction, although even thin water layers can cause a loss of traction, including at low speeds.

What you should not do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane

• Don’t brake suddenly. Hydroplaning is a loss of traction to the front tires. Sudden braking slows the front tires but can lock the rear tires causing a spin out.
• Don’t accelerate suddenly. Sudden acceleration can pull the vehicle straight ahead which could be dangerous if, for instance, the vehicle is pointed toward the edge of the roadway when it regains traction.

What you should do

• The type of vehicle you are in:
  - If you are in a front wheel drive with or without ABS and traction control or a rear wheel drive with ABS and traction control and you begin to hydroplane, look for open space and plan to travel in that direction. Stay lightly on the accelerator and steer gently toward the open space you have identified.
  - If you are in a rear wheel drive without ABS and traction control look for open space and plan to travel in that direction. Ease off the accelerator and steer toward the open space you have identified.
• Don’t use cruise control. When engaged, your vehicle may recognize the buildup of water as slowing down and send more power to the wheels. This may cause the car to shift to a lower gear and build even more water under the tires.
• Check your tire tread often. Although thin water layers can cause a loss of traction, as your tires become worn, their ability to resist hydroplaning is reduced. Place a penny upside down in your tread. If Lincoln’s head is hidden, your tread is thick enough. If the tread doesn’t hide Lincoln’s head, your tread is too thin and you should consider purchasing new tires.
• Vehicle speed. As speed increases, wet traction is considerably reduced. Since hydroplaning can result in a complete loss of traction and vehicle control, you should always reduce speed, paying attention to the traffic around you.

How you can tell your vehicle is hydroplaning

It may be difficult to determine when you are hydroplaning. The rear end of your vehicle may feel loose, giving you the sensation that it has moved to one side or the other as if it’s caught in a crosswind. The steering may also suddenly feel loose. Watch the road ahead for standing or running water. Pay attention to the spray being kicked up by the cars in front of you. If it suddenly increases, the driver in front of you may have just hit a patch of water that could cause you to hydroplane.

When all precautions fail

If you do wind up hydroplaning, don’t panic — the situation is manageable if you remain calm. Donʹt slam on the brakes, don’t accelerate, don’t oversteer and keep the nose of your vehicle pointed straight ahead. You should begin to slow and regain control.

Why is this important

There are many things that can happen when you lose control of your vehicle. Accidents can be caused and people hurt. Regardless of what you would hit when you hydroplane, it will likely be categorized as an at-fault accident and may cause your auto insurance rates to go up.

For more information about hydroplaning and how it may or may not effect your auto insurance rates, please contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276 or email us HERE.

Comprehensive VS Collision

Having what is commonly referred to as "full" coverage on one's auto insurance is carrying comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. In the event that the vehicle is damaged, there is an opportunity for assistance for repair from your insurance company when these coverages are carried.

The question is a common one when one's vehicle would be damaged, "Is this considered comprehensive damage or collision damage"?

The answer to this is extremely important for two main reasons:

1. There may be a different deductible apply if the damage is consider comprehensive or collision.
2. Your future cost of auto insurance may be affected.

It is always recommended that you speak to your Insurance Agent prior to filing a claim so that you have an idea of the situation prior to starting the process. For many insurance carriers, comprehensive claims will not cause your rates to go up. Collision claims may have an affect on your rates.

For a review of what would be considered comprehensive and collision, please watch the video below:

For more information on auto insurance and how to best structure your full coverage, contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276 or www.thewertzbergeragency.com

5 insurance “dont's” that could cost you

While it’s attractive to look for ways to lower insurance costs, it’s important to make sure you don’t leave yourself vulnerable in the event of a disaster. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

1. Don’t insure your home for its real estate value. After a covered total loss, rebuilding your house is your first priority. Many people base coverage on the price they paid for their home or its current market value, instead of considering what a rebuild would actually cost. It’s essential to consider rebuilding costs when selecting your homeowners coverage limits. Make sure you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace your belongings.
2. Don’t select insurance based on cost alone. It’s important to choose a company that not only offers competitive prices, but also one that is financially sound and provides good customer service. The Farmers Insurance Group is one of the country’s largest insurers of vehicles, homes and small businesses; we also provide a wide range of other insurance and financial services products. Our award-winning Claim Department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. Don’t drop your sewer/water backup insurance. Just a few inches of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage, and most homeowners policies don’t cover backup damage unless endorsed to do so. Every home with a basement is at risk of a backup. Work with me to cover your property for loss. 
4. Don’t settle for legally required minimum liability coverage for your vehicle. Many simply choose insurance based on cost, and this could be a big mistake. For example, if you are sued, the costs could quickly exceed your coverage and you’d have to pay out-of-pocket because the minimum is unlikely to cover it. To guard against this, the insurance industry and consumer groups generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident (if not more).¹ 
5. Don’t forget to buy renters insurance. Your landlord’s policy covers only the building; you need a renters insurance policy to cover your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out due to a covered loss, such as a fire. Renters insurance provides liability coverage in the event someone is injured in your home and you’re found liable for the injuries as a result of negligence. 

The right balance
Insurance doesn’t have to be a guessing game. I can answer your questions and provide information so you can make sure you have the coverage you want. There’s no need to find yourself underinsured when a disaster occurs. Call me today at 913-383-3276 to get started or find us at www.thewertzbergeragency.com

¹http://www.iii.org

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.

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

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

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

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.

Distracted Driving Statistics

DID YOU KNOW:

In 2012, 3,328 people were killed in distracted driving crashes and 421,000 people were injured? This is up from 3,092 fatalities the previous year! Driver distractions are the leading cause of most vehicle crashes. With the rise of cell phone usage, this statistic will likely still increase.

Tips to avoid distractions while on the road:

• Know where you are going before you leave by planning your route and pulling off the road if you need to review your plans.
• Don't use your phone while driving. Your chances of getting in a car accident increase 400% when talking or texting on a cell phone. If you must text or make a call, pull over or ask a passenger to assist. Besides, it may be illegal!

 

To learn how to properly insure your vehicle to protect against other distracted drivers, contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276

Children in the Car - Be Extra Cautious

DID YOU KNOW:

Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children between 1 and 13? And that three out of every four car seats are not used correctly?

Tips to play it safe with kids in the car:

• Use the appropriate car seat for every trip, even when you are just going down the street. The car seat should be the appropriate fit for your child, as well as your car. If children are older, ensure that safety belts are worn.
• Talk to your kids about the dangers of playing around vehicles and monitor children closely when vehicles are present.
• Always be conscience of whether you are traveling with your child or not. Accidentally leaving a child in the car can turn into a bad situation fast! Recently, a Veterinarian published a video showing how hot a vehicle can get and how quickly it can get there. See the video here.

Finally, if/when you are involved in a vehicle accident and there is a car seat in your car, make sure you request the responsible driver's insurance company to replace the car seat. Once a car seat has been involved in an accident, it is no longer safe to be used and it will be replaced as part of the accident's claim.

For more helpful tips, contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency in Overland Park, KS.

Summer Tips Every Driver Should Know

Warmer weather attracts different roadway users so stay extra aware!

DID YOU KNOW:

In 2011, 4,432 pedestrians and 677 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles?

 Tips for sharing the road:

• Don't assume that pedestrians see you or that they'll act predictably.
• If you expect to see pedestrians, you are more likely to detect them. Often we filter out things we don't expect to see, so always look for pedestrians, especially at intersections or in school zones.  

For advice as to how to properly protect yourself if/when a pedestrian accident would occur, contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276. If the right auto insurance liability levels are not carried, being held liable in a pedestrian accident could leave someone facing a significant judgment; which could lead to sacrificing 401Ks and garnishment of future earnings.

Burns and McDonnell Discount Farmers Insurance

Did you know: 

All Burns and McDonnell employees qualify for discounted home and auto insurance with Farmers Insurance?

Did you also know that Burns & McDonnell is significantly expanding their workforce in the Kansas City area? See a recent article here. Over the next few years, Burns & McDonnell plans to hire 1,000+ additional employees. Great for Kansas City and great for Farmers!

If you, or someone you know, works for Burns & McDonnell, reach out to The Wertzberger Agency for a proposal that would capitalize on the Farmers Insurance discount! The Agency can be reached at 913-383-3276

Preventing Auto Theft

Help prevent auto theft

Did you know: a motor vehicle is stolen every 44 seconds in the United States? The estimated total value of vehicles stolen nationwide is more than $4.3 billion!

 Tips to help protect your vehicle:

• Nearly half of theft is due to driver behavior. Make sure to lock your doors and remove your keys from the vehicle ignition.
• Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle. If possible, park in well-lit and familiar areas.
• Maintain comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance to ensure you can recoup the value of your vehicle if/when stolen.

For more helpful advice on Auto Insurance and how to properly protect yourself, visit The Wertzberger Agency or call 913-383-3276

Garmin Discount - Home Insurance AND Auto Insurance

BIG NEWS: Farmers Insurance has very recently partnered with Garmin to be able to provide ALL Garmin employees with discounted home insurance and auto insurance. Farmers Insurance has already partnered with many other local employers to be able to extend this discount and Garmin is the newest addition to the list.

If you are already with Farmers, call your Agent and make sure you are getting one of Farmers' occupational discounts, if not, tell them to add the Garmin discount!

If you are not currently with Farmers, call The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276 and have a proposal put together.

The Garmin discount is the same discount that Farmers Agents get!

Cheap Auto Insurance Dangers - Overland Park, KS - Bodily Injury

Low cost auto insurance is what we all want! What can get a consumer into trouble is when they go out looking for "cheap" auto insurance. You may just end up getting what you're looking for! Cheap auto insurance causes many dangers to arise. One in particular is in reference to your bodily injury coverage. 


Bodily injury coverage is defined as Third-party insurance that pays damages arising from bodily injuries caused to others by the policyholder's action(s). It typically covers the expenses such as ambulance service, doctors' fees, hospital charges, physical rehabilitation of the injured, and legal costs of the policy holder. It may also cover injured person's loss of income or earning capacity.

Basically, bodily injury liability coverage is the protection that the policy holder has to make sure the insurance company is writing the check for damages, and not the policy holder, in the event they are held liable for an auto accident.

If you were to go to a website that allowed you to "name your price", bodily injury coverage is one of the first things that may be reduced to help keep the cost of the policy down. If that were to happen, you are getting a cheap policy rather than a low cost auto insurance policy. Contact your Agent to discuss options to lower your cost of auto insurance that does not involve lowering your bodily injury protection. In fact, you may want to review increasing that!

In Kansas, the state required level of bodily injury coverage is $25,000 per person injured, not to exceed $50,000 per accident. While this may be enough coverage to pay for the injuries sustained in a minor accident, there are a vast number of things that could occur that may cause the damages to exceed $25,000. In the case of a permanent injury or a fatality, the damages could be close to $1,000,000.

When reviewing your bodily injury protection, remember that you don't have to be a millionaire to be sued like one! 

Get protection for the damages that could be caused, not what you believe you have to protect!

To review an auto insurance option with The Wertzberger Agency, please contact us at 913-383-3276.