Get Blizzard Ready in 9 Steps

Are you ready? 

Review this nine-day blizzard preparedness guide to see if you’ve got what it takes to help survive in an extreme winter weather event.

Day 1: Understand winter storm “advisories” vs. “warnings”

Learn to decode key forecast terms to tell hype from threat. An “advisory,” according to the NOAA National Weather Service, implies the weather will be an inconvenience, but manageable with proper precautions. “When a Winter Storm Warning is issued, it’s serious,” says Sean Sublette, a meteorologist with Climate Matters, an independent climate research group. “A ‘warning’ implies a threat to life and property if no precautions are taken.”

Blizzards, by definition, are characterized by heavy or blowing snow, sustained winds in excess of 35 mph and visibility less than a quarter mile for at least three hours, according to the National Weather Service.

Day 2: Identify your regional risks

The Great Plains, Great Lakes region and Northeastern states are more prone to blizzard than other parts of the country, and areas in “Blizzard Alley” — stretching from the Dakotas and western Minnesota to Iowa, Nebraska, southeast Wyoming and eastern Colorado — are affected most, according to a study of U.S. blizzards from 1959 to 2000, according to the NO

But blizzards don’t always stay within bounds. In 2015’s Winter Storm Jonas, 25 people from New York to Kentucky died. The lesson? If you live on the border of blizzard-prone areas, storm tracking is vital when forecasts predict winter storm warnings nearby, says Jeff Schlegelmilch, deputy director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP). The National Weather Prediction Service Winter Weather Forecasts shows how vulnerable your area is to blizzards.

Day 3: Plan for a prolonged power outage

Living without electricity for days, or even weeks, can be fairly typical with winter storms due to driving winds and snow and ice piling up on power lines. Schlegelmilch shares these key points:

· Layer up. You may be without heat if you have an electrical heating system. Collect extra blankets and warm clothes to have on hand.

· Use caution with a generator. Keep generators outside, away from your house. “We see a lot of carbon monoxide poisonings after blizzards,” says Schlegelmilch.

· Develop a Plan B for medical appliances. For people dependent on machines like oxygen concentrators, the loss of power is potentially life-threatening. Contact your local Emergency Management Agency or the Red Cross, to make sure they can support medical appliances.

Day 4: Know the signs of and First Aid for extreme cold health emergencies

“Hypothermia and frostbite are big issues, especially if it’s very cold and windy after a blizzard,” says Schlegelmilch. Frostbite occurs when skin and body tissue freezes and turns pale or bright red and feels cold, hard or waxy, according to the Mayo Clinic, and signs of hypothermia — a dangerously low body temperature — can include:

• Uncontrollable shivering
• Slurred or incoherent speech
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Clumisness/lack of coordination
• Low energy or drowsiness
• Confusion or memory loss
• Bright red, cold skin (particularly in infants)

If you can’t get to a hospital, focus on heating the victim’s core body temperature, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you’re stranded outside, shield the victim from wind, particularly the neck, head, and areas most affected by frostbite: fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin. Remove wet clothing immediately and replace with warm and/or dry clothing.

Day 5: Practice a water turnoff

One frozen, burst pipe running at four to eight gallons a minute can do tens of thousands of dollars in damage, says Glenn Gallas, vice president of operations at Mr. Rooter professional plumbing service. “You’re looking at an extremely expensive home disaster.”

Locate the water shut-off valve in your home and label it. This valve is typically located in the basement. Practice turning the valve off clockwise by hand, which you will need to do in an emergency if your pipes burst. In rare cases, if your water valve is located outside the home, you may need to use a hex key at the meter box.

Day 6: Stock your car with supplies

In January 2016, hundreds of motorists were stranded on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for more than 16 hours. “Depending on the temperature of the pavement and the air during a snowstorm, a driver can get trapped in less than an hour,” says Sublette.

Beyond a typical kit with flares and a First Aid kit, Schlegelmilch says your winter car worst-case-scenario kit should include:

· A small shovel

· Sand, salt or cat litter to give your wheels traction

· An invertor powered by your car battery. This should last 30 minutes to an hour. Let your engine run 10 minutes to recharge the battery.

· Extra clothing layers

If you’re stranded and snow is accumulating quickly, remember to keep snow away from your tailpipe to prevent a carbon monoxide build-up.

Day 7: Shop for a week’s meals

The general rule of thumb in disaster preparation: have at least a three-day food supply for everyone in your household, including pets. For major snowstorms, Schlegelmilch recommends stocking up for a full week. “I remember one storm where the snow was higher than the standard plows,” says Schlegelmilch. “Some roads didn’t get cleared for a week.”

Your disaster grocery list should include non-perishable nutritious items that are easy to eat such as dried fruit; proteins like canned tuna, beans and nut butters; and shelf-stable (meaning powdered or boxed) milk.

Day 8: Limit your home’s vulnerability

Survey your house for zones vulnerable to heavy, wet snow accumulation, which can cause structures to collapse. Anything with a flat roof (think: carport or porch) is at particular risk and should be cleared first when snow begins to pile up. J.B. Sassano, president of Mr. Handyman home improvement service, cautions against shoveling from a ladder or the roof itself, where you can easily slip and fall. Instead, consider using a telescoping plastic-edged snow rake with your feet firmly planted on the ground and focus on removing excess weight (versus clearing every bit of snow) or hire a professional to assist.

More home improvement recommendations from Schlegelmilch:

* Locate and label the outside vent to your heating system so you can clear away snow buildup, which can block the exhaust pipe lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

* Have a professional trim branches near power lines

Day 9: Build a community network

Whether you live in a rural or urban environment, develop a plan with your neighbors to check in on each other. In a rural area, that might mean bringing the truly isolated members into town before a storm. In the city, identify elderly or medically fragile neighbors. “In any disaster, it really comes down to neighbor helping neighbor,” says Schlegelmilch. “At its most basic, they might have peanut butter and you may have jelly.”

By Margaret Heidenry

The information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional or expert advice and does not signify an endorsement in any manner. No representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, are made with respect to this information, including, but not limited to, the completeness, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to this article or the information, products, or services. You are solely responsible for any reliance you place on this information, for any injuries or losses incurred, and for decisions made in connection with this information.

For more general tips and tricks of preparedness, contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276 or by email HERE

Ice Damming - Am I Covered?

The short answer to this questions is unfortunately, maybe. Whether or not damage due to an ice dam is covered depends not only on the company that provides you with your home insurance, but even the type of home insurance you carry with that company. If an ice dam is covered, it would also be subject to your home insurance deductible, so filing a claim may not even be worth it due to the damages normally not being too extreme. Then, you also have to know if your rates would be affected due to the filing of a claim. The best course of action would be to speak to your Agent. If you don't have an Agent, get one.

This is a very helpful video about Ice Damming; how it happens and how to prevent it.

What is an ice dam? An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, usually at the gutters or soffit. When it forms the water then backs up behind the ice dam and creates a pool of water. This pool of water can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas

What causes ice dams?

Ice dams are usually caused by heavy snowfall and improper ventilation in the attic. This causes warmer areas in your attic then the snow begins to melt, even when the outside temperature is well below freezing. When the accumulated snow on your roof starts melting it runs down your roof underneath the snow until it reaches a "colder" section like the soffit's, valleys or in gutters then it begins to freeze again, this process of thawing and refreezing is what causes an ice dam.

How to prevent an ice dam?

Cleaning the gutters on your home can help prevent ice dams from occurring as quickly but they can still occur if the conditions are right. The gutters will be just as cold as it is outside and in some cases, full of frozen debris. So even if you don't have a soffit for the water to refreeze in, the melted water will most likely refreeze when flowing into the gutters. Properly ventilating and insulating the attic is usually the best way to prevent ice dams. You can also purchase a roof rake to assist in removing snow from your roof, not allowing it to accumulate on the edges.

What coverage do I need for my vacation home?

Vacation homes can provide a relaxing getaway from stresses of everyday life. Just as with your primary residence, a vacation home needs to have adequate insurance protection. These types of homes require a different type of property insurance, however. A vacation property isn’t your primary residence, so why insure it like it is?
While it may not be your primary residence, your vacation home still faces potential damage or loss due to fire, wind, storms and severe weather. It is also vulnerable to vandalism and theft during the time it is unused. Because of these risks, not all insurance companies will insure second homes.

Farmers Seasonal and Vacation Home Insurance

Seasonal and Vacation Property insurance from Farmers provides coverage for accidental damage, liability, and loss, as provided in the policy. You can choose a prepackaged policy or customize one to meet your specific situation. Unlike many insurers, Farmers doesn’t require you to insure your primary residence with Farmers: coverage options are available for your seasonal or vacation property regardless of your primary home insurer.

What coverage does Seasonal and Vacation Home Insurance provide?

Just like standard Homeowners Insurance, Seasonal and Vacation Property Home insurance helps offset the costs of repairs, replacement costs and living expenses if something happens to your vacation home due to accidents like fire, lightning, wind-driven water, hail damage or theft.

Additional Specialty Homeowners coverages available through Farmers

Do have a rental property? Do you own a vacant property or one in less than optimal condition? As a landlord, with Farmers you can choose a Landlord or Rental Property insurance package that is a good option for you. You can also customize your policy with extra options to suit your unique situation and help you protect your investment.

If your home’s market value is lower than it would cost to rebuild it, some insurance companies may be reluctant to provide coverage. For older or lower-valued properties, Farmers has created specialty policies specifically for these types of homes.

Helping to meet your coverage needs

Farmers Specialty Property insurance covers additional types of properties in addition to seasonal and vacation properties, providing coverage for homes that may not qualify for typical homeowners coverage, such as vacant homes or rental properties. No matter the type of homeowner’s coverage need you have, chances are Farmers will have a coverage that can help.


With numerous choices and options, Farmers offers a variety of Seasonal and Vacation Property insurance packages. Contact me today and we can discuss your property insurance options.

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

Farmers Insurance - Identity Fraud Coverage

Example: You go to refinance your home and discover that someone has stolen your social, opened a credit card, and defaulted on it. Your credit is now ruined. What do you do?

Example: You get a letter in the mail indicating a warrant has been issued for your arrest due to traffic citations in New York. You have never been to New York. What do you do?

Example: You have a family member put you down as a cosigner on a loan without your knowledge. They default on that loan and now you are getting letters about the balance due. What do you do?

These are just SOME examples of situations that can occur that are due to Identity Fraud. Did you know Farmers' Home Insurance INCLUDES Identity Fraud Coverage. Farmers would be able to help in each of the above situations and more and it would not cost the policy holder anything!

There is NO deductible with filing a claim for Identity Fraud coverage.

Filing a claim for Identity Fraud coverage does NOT cause your rates to go up.

Identity Fraud coverage is NOT included in the majority of home insurance products available with other carriers.

We have people come to our Agency, Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency, because they have had to go through rebuilding their identity before and know it can be a time consuming, and expensive process.

If you would like to review a home insurance product that would include Identity Fraud coverage, please give us a call at 913-383-3276 or email us HERE.

More about Identity Fraud coverage can be found here:

State Farm Non Renewing Home Insurance

Over the recent weeks, we have taken more than a handful of calls from soon-to-be former State Farm clients. The story that we are hearing is that State Farm is choosing to no longer have the calling individual as a client of theirs. Understandably, the calling individual is quite upset about it...and wouldn't you be?? One would think, "okay, well, I can see the insurance carrier's stance to some extent. That client must just be a terrible client who files lots of claims." I'll share a review of two of the most recent call we've taken.

We'll call the first client "Joe".

Joe called our office, Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency, last week. Joe let us know that State Farm is choosing to non renew his home insurance. Our first response was of course, "sorry to hear that!". Joe then went on to explain his history with them as a carrier.

Joe's parents were insured with State Farm, as a lot of ours are/were. When Joe bought his first house, he just followed suit of his parents and also became a State Farm customer. Fast forward 10+ years and Joe has been a loyal client for many years.

While Joe was continuing his business with State Farm, he was also having success in his professional career, which soon led him to purchasing a new home. Joe's new home was a $600,000 property for him and his growing family.

Prior to moving into his new home, there was a small water loss which he filed a claim for. In Joe's opinion, not a big deal. He paid a deductible and State Farm paid a few thousand to help with the clean up. Then, Joe moved to his new home and, as luck would have it, three years later had another small water loss. This put Joe as having 2 water losses over a 4 year period at two different location.

Prior to Joe's next home insurance renewal of his $600,000 home, he received a letter indicating that State Farm saw him as too much of a risk to insure and is giving him two options. Option one, carry an extremely high deductible or, option two, find a new carrier. Joe called his Agent but the Agent indicated his hands were tied. After being a client for many, many years and paying State Farm thousands and thousands of insurance premiums, they no longer want his business because of TWO claims at TWO properties no less!

Joe googled for a new insurance provider and found Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency. At Farmers Insurance, we only look back 3 years for any home insurance claim history. We did have to account for one of his water losses but were able to provide insurance for Joe and his entire household for less than he was paying with State Farm!

We'll call the second client "Mary".

Mary called Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency within the last few days. Mary had been with State Farm for 20+ years. Mary had purchased a home to retire in in 2009. Over the next 5 years, the area that Mary lived in was hit by two large storms. The first storm caused lots of shingles to be blown off Mary's roof. Mary filed a claim, paid her deductible, and State Farm helped repair her roof. Three years later, a second storm came through, bringing lots of hail with it. Everyone in Mary's neighborhood, including Mary, needed a new roof due to this storm. Mary filed a claim, paid her deductible, and State Farm replaced her roof. Both claims, as Mary would put it, were "unavoidable".

Prior to her next home insurance renewal, Mary learned that State Farm no longer wanted to insure her as she had filed too many claims over the past 4 years. Mary had been a loyal client for 20+ years and filed TWO weather related claims in the past 4 years and she is now forced to find another provider.

Mary was understandably upset and vented to anyone who would listen. Fortunately, one of those listeners told her to call Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency. We met Mary and were able to be of immense help. Farmers only looks back three years so we only accounted for one of the two hail claims. Also, Farmers Insurance offers a New Roof discount. Not only could we provide insurance, but we lowered her deductible and saved her $1000+ on her home insurance premiums.

If you, or someone you know, is going through a similar situation with State Farm or your carrier, we encourage you to give Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency a call at 913-383-3276 or email us HERE.

Joplin Tornado - May 22, 2011

May 22, 2011 is a day that will forever change how anyone in the Mid West views insurance. May 22, 2011, was a day that gave us all visibility to how bad things can get and why we carry insurance.

May 22, 2011 brought the 2011 Joplin Tornado; an EF5 vortex that reached a maximum width of nearly 1 mile during its path through the southern part of the city.  

Today is a day that we remember May 22, 2011 and the effect it had on Joplin, MO; the many lives lost, the homes and businesses destroyed, and the thousands it effected.

We constantly use what happened in Joplin, MO as an example of catastrophes that can occur that can expose gaps in the home insurance that is available from other carriers.


Many families in Joplin were effected by their policies not having full replacement coverage, not having sufficient loss of use coverage, not having sufficient personal property coverage, not having building ordinance coverage, or just the carriers themselves being too slow to respond and causing the effected to live homeless and wait for assistance from their insurance carrier.

We realize pricing is important with the home insurance we all carry. We do our absolute best to make sure that the policies we provide to our clients are at the best possible price point, but not at the sacrifice of coverage that can prove to be extremely important in times similar to May 22, 2011.

It is reasons like this that it is so important to educate one's self about the policy carried on their home.

What does it cover? 

What does it NOT cover?

Having an Agent you can trust allows one to be confident that the answers to these questions don't come as a surprise when it comes time to file a claim. If Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency can ever be that Agent for you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 913-383-3276. You can read reviews of the Agency from other clients HERE.

Keep children safe from poisons in your home

Young children typically put all kinds of things in their mouths — it’s part of how they learn. Unfortunately, many household products can be deadly if swallowed, and extremely harmful (if not poisonous) when inhaled or put in contact with the skin or eyes; Children move very quickly so it’s critical to take preventive steps so your young child is less likely to get his or her tiny hands on the wrong thing.

Parents of young children aren’t the only ones who should think about poison prevention. If you’re a grandparent, or have friends or relatives with young children, you’ll want your home to be safe for children.

• Common household products — Many items generally considered harmless to and adult, such as over-the-counter medications or cosmetics, are potentially dangerous to a young child. Here are a few examples:
• Medicines — Vitamins and minerals, cold-relief medicines, allergy and asthma medicines, ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen.
• Household products — Moth balls, furniture polish, drain cleaners, weed killers, insect or rat poisons, lye, paint thinners, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil — and even dishwasher detergent

Look for these warning symbols

Special symbols or pictures are put on the labels of products that are dangerous. The symbol shows a picture inside a frame. The picture tells you the type of danger.

• 

  Poison

  This symbol means the product could make you or your child very sick or even die if it is swallowed or licked. Some products with this symbol can cause you or your child harm if they are breathed in.
• 

  Flammable

  This symbol means the product can catch fire easily. Keep this product away from heat, flames, and sparks.
• 

  Corrosive

  This symbol means the product can burn skin or the eyes. If it is swallowed, it will also burn the throat and stomach.
• 

  Explosive

  This symbol means the product can burn skin or the eyes. If it is swallowed, it will also burn the throat and stomach.

Safety rules

• Keep harmful products locked up and out of your child’s sight and reach.
• Use safety latches or locks on drawers and cabinets where you keep dangerous items.
• Call medicine by its correct name — don’t confuse your child by calling medicine candy.
• Always replace the safety caps immediately after use.
• Keep products in their original containers.
• Read labels with care before using any product.
• Do not take medicine in front of small children. Children tend to copy adult behavior.

Emergency numbers

• Call 911 immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe throat pain
• Burns on the lips or mouth
• Convulsions
• Unconsciousness
• Extreme sleepiness

If your child doesnʹt exhibit any of the serious symptoms listed above, call the Poison Help Line at (800) 222-1222. This number will connect you to emergency help in your area. Keep the number by every phone, along with your doctor’s number, and enter these numbers into your cell phone as well.
Important note: Donʹt have your child vomit unless directed to do so by a medical professional.

Personal supervision

Despite your best efforts to create a safe environment for children, accidents can still happen. Your personal supervision, or that of another trusted adult, will always be the most valuable protection. Call me for more information, and share this with your family and friends so they too can keep their children and homes safe from poisons.

*Remember, if someone else's child is injured while in YOUR care, you may be liable for THEIR injuries. This is another reason to make sure your home insurance protects you properly. For a consultation on how home insurance can protect you, contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276 or by emailing us HERE.

How to keep your home safer

While it may not feel like it, your home can actually be a very hazardous place. We become so accustomed to our homes that we may overlook potentially dangerous habits and situations. Unfortunately, a large number of accidents occur in the home. There are a few simple things you can do that may help prevent many common household accidents and home insurance claims:

• Make sure stairs are clearly lit. Stairs are one of the most dangerous spots in your home.
• Eliminate hazards to prevent falls. Install grab bars in your tubs and showers and use non-slip mats. Have bright lights over stairs and steps and on landings. Keep them well lit and clear of boxes, furniture and other tripping hazards.
• Keep cleaning products, medications and beauty supplies where children can’t reach them. Use child safety locks. Call (800) 222-1222 for information about poisons. If anyone ingests or inhales poison call 911 immediately. (Click here for additional information on poisoning.)
• Regularly check all smoke and fire alarms, and conduct fire evacuation drills with your family. When building a new home or renovating an existing one, install fire sprinklers. Always stay at a stove or heat source when cooking.
• Remove potential choking and suffocation hazards. An item that can fit through a toilet paper tube can choke a young child. Keep coins, latex balloons and hard round foods, such as peanuts and hard candy where children cannot see or touch them. Place babies to sleep on their backs without pillows, blankets, comforters or toys in cribs. When your children are in or near water, watch them very carefully and stay close enough to reach out and touch them. This includes bathtubs, toilets, pools, spas and even buckets of water.

The best way to handle an emergency is to be prepared. Make sure you have an emergency phone list posted by each phone in your house. Ask your agent for a sample list to follow.

Stair safety

Here are some tips that may help keep family and visitors safer on your stairs:

• Install a light switch at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Make sure handrails run the full length of the staircase.
• Fix loose stair carpeting immediately.
• Do not use throw rugs at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs.
• If you intend to paint concrete stairs, add some sand to the paint for a better grip or install rubber or abrasive treads.
• Make sure the outside of your house is well lit, or paint the edges of outside steps white so they are better visible in the dark.

For more insurance advice, contact Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276 or by emailing us HERE.

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

Home Insurance - The Importance of Building Ordinance Coverage

Have you every heard the saying, "you get what you pay for?" The saying holds true for many things in life and home insurance is one of them.

If you were to scroll through the phone book and gather home insurance quotes from every provider, you'll get many different pricing options. Every provider will have a different product and every consumer will price out differently with every provider. When shopping for insurance, going with the lowest cost provider is not recommended as there is usually a reason they are the lowest cost provider. If/when you have a claim and have to utilize your coverage, you may soon find out that you have "gotten what you paid for". The claim service may not be the best and, many times, low cost policies tend to not provide some of the same coverage that other, more comprehensive policies, will.

One example of something not included with many inexpensive policies is Building Ordinance Coverage. The International Risk Management Institute (www.irmi.com) will define Building Ordinance Coverage as coverage for loss caused by enforcement of ordinances or laws regulating construction and repair of damaged buildings.

Basically, if you have a claim and there are extra costs incurred due to the reconstruction of your home having to adhere to building codes or city ordinances Building Ordinance Coverage would be your saving grace to make sure the policy pays for the extra expense and not you...in addition to your already paid deductible!

REAL WORLD EXAMPLE:

In Kansas City, it is often said that it is not if, but when, the insurance company will buy you a new roof due to hail. However, what if the insurance company comes out after a hail storm and only authorizes a replacement of half the roof? Replacing half of a rood doesn't make a lot of sense. The homeowner would have some options of a re-inspection to possibly see if the decision of the insurance company could be changed but that may not happen. Replacing half of a roof doesn't look right cosmetically and it actually effects the longevity of the entire roof! Cities have become aware of this and have put codes in place that dictate if significant enough repairs are done to a roof, the whole roof has to be replaced. So, if you are replacing a large portion of the roof, the city may require you to do the full roof. If you don't have Building Ordinance Coverage on your policy, the cost of the rest of the roof is on YOU in addition to your already paid deductible.

There are many ways insurance companies cut costs to make the consumer think they are getting the best deal on their home insurance. More times than not though, it is these cut costs that lead to bad claims experiences and the consumer being more-so self insured than they may be aware of.

Educate yourself fully on your Home Insurance and whether or not it includes Building Ordinance Coverage, if not, it may be time to call the next provider from the phone book.

Insurance Agent VS Insurance Broker

Bicycling safety and insurance tips

Bicycling is on the rise across the U.S. as people capitalize on the health and economic benefits of ‟active” transportation. And an increasing number of young people are embracing bicycling and forgoing drivers’ licenses to save money.¹

Whether you use your bicycle to commute to work or simply enjoy riding, it’s important to understand how to insure your bike; how to keep your bike safe; and most importantly, how to keep yourself and your family safe.

How to insure your bike

• Property coverage
  Bicycles are typically covered under the personal property section of standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Minus your deductible, this coverage will reimburse you if your bike is stolen or damaged in a fire or other disaster listed in your policy. I can review your coverage options with you — give me a call.
• Liability protection
  Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies also typically provide liability protection for harm you may cause to someone else or their property. If you injure someone in a bicycle accident and he or she decides to sue, you will be covered up to the limits of your policy. Your homeowners or renters insurance also typically includes no-fault medical coverage in the event you injure someone.

Keep your bike safe²
Avoid theft by keeping your bike safe. Here are some simple rules:

• Always lock up your bike, no matter where it is.
• Lock up your bicycle in a visible, well-lit area.
• Buy the best locking system you can afford. Consider a system that cannot be easily cut, such as a U-shaped lock or a heavy duty lock with a strong wire cable.
• Always try to secure the bicycle’s frame and both wheels to a stationary object, such as a post or a fence.
• Do not lock up your bicycle in the same location all the time. A thief may notice the pattern and target you.
• Protect your investment by recording your bicycle’s serial number; this may help to recover your bicycle if it’s stolen.
• Register your bicycle with your local police department.
• Consider registering your bike with the National Bike Registry.

Keep yourself and your family safe³
It is even more important to keep yourself and your family safe while you are riding. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that cyclists follow these seven rules:

1. Protect Your Head — Wear a properly fitted helmet
2. Assure Bicycle Readiness — Ensure proper size and function of bicycle
3. Ride wisely — Learn and follow “Rules of the Road”
4. Be predictable — Act like a driver of a motor vehicle
5. Be visible — See and be seen at all times
6. Share the road — “Drive with care”
7. Stay focused — Stay alert

Additional information on bicycle safety
Bicycling is a fun activity appreciated by millions. Your safety and that of everyone on the road depends on everyone knowing and following the same rules, however.
For more bicycle safety information download this brochure prepared by Farmers. Some of these tips may prevent damage to, or loss of, your bicycle. Some of these tips may even save your life.

¹http://bikeleague.org/sites/default/files/equity_report.pdf
²http://www.farmers.com/pdf/BicycleSafety.pdf
³NHTSA, Seven Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety for Adults, Sept. 2012, http://www.nhtsa.gov

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!