Farmers Insurance - Comprehensive and Collision deductibles

Ways to Cover the Cost of Life Insurance

Many people may they think they have a good understanding of life insurance. Often, this may not be the case. When asked how much they thought life insurance would cost for a year, 80 percent of those who answered a recent survey overestimated the cost of term insurance¹ by more than twice what it really costs. The primary reason many people hesitate to purchase life insurance is the belief that it’s too expensive. That’s unfortunate considering that life insurance can help protect the financial future of your family should something happen to you. When you look at the numbers, the cost of coverage should not be a barrier for many people.

For example, a healthy 30-year-old man can get $250,000 of term coverage from Farmers New World Life Insurance Company for $22.68 a month². With the average monthly cost of $61³ for a cell phone, or $64⁴ for a cable subscription, life insurance is a relative bargain. As you can see, life insurance can be affordable.

Here are some money-saving ideas to consider that can benefit many areas of your life in addition to helping cover the cost of life insurance:

Create a budget. Track your expenses: knowing where your money is going may help you identify areas where you can easily reduce your spending. There are many free money management tools and apps that can assist you with this.

Quit smoking. It benefits your health, and a pack-a-day smoker can save over $2,000 per year based on the average cost of a pack of cigarettes⁵. Non-smokers can also expect lower life insurance rates – all other factors being equal – than smokers.

Bring your lunch to work. By not spending just $5 a day you are looking at saving about $1,200 a year. You don’t have to bring your lunch every day: even bringing your lunch every other day can result in savings that can help cover the cost of a life insurance policy, and possibly even more.

Eat out one less time per month. If it costs you about $30 on average each time you go out, reducing this number by once a month will allow you to save over $300 a year.

Bring coffee from home.  Do you spend $3 a day on coffee during the work week? If so, this can add up to $720 per year. Cutting this number in half can result in significant savings.

Save your loose change. It may not sound like much, but setting aside fifty cents a day over the course of a year will allow you to save more than $180.

Take advantage of all company benefits and discounts. Your company may offer corporate discounts on gym memberships, cell-phone data plans, hotels, concerts, etc. that can help you save.

Organize your closet. This can have a number of advantages. You can save time in the long run knowing where everything is located, and you may find forgotten items, reducing the need to purchase new ones. Consider consignment for items you no longer want to keep.

Research major purchases. Check product reviews, price comparisons, features, and other aspects of any product you are looking to purchase. Wait for sales for additional savings and discounts. A little research and timing can save big $$$ on a purchase.

Start small to save big
Starting with some small steps, you can easily find the money to pay for life insurance. The hardest part of any change is getting started. Once you do, things usually start to fall into place, the process becomes much easier, and you can begin to recognize the positive impact it has on your life.

Life insurance can positively impact your life by providing you comfort in knowing that it will help support your family financially in what may be a distressing and uncertain time. While no one likes to think about a time when they can no longer care for their family, your family’s needs will still be there even if you are not.

Contact me today to discuss your options regarding life insurance and how it can help you and your family. You can reach Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency by calling 913-383-3276 or by email HERE

¹ Data from the 2015 Insurance Barometer Study by Life Happens and LIMRA.
² Policy form 2000-230 or applicable state variation. Rate is based on a 20-year Farmers Value Term, 30-year-old male, non-nicotine Platinum Elite underwriting class. Electronic Funds Transfer required. Issuance of a policy and rates are subject to underwriting guidelines and approval. Premiums are subject to change after the initial term period.
³ New Street Research, The Wall Street Journal, March 9, 2014
⁴ Report on Cable Industry Prices, Federal Communications Commission, May 16, 2014
⁵ http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/tables/economics/infographics/index.htm
Your Farmers agent may only sell policies in states in which he or she is licensed.
Farmers New World Life Insurance Company is not licensed to sell life insurance, accident and health insurance, or annuities in the state of New York.
Life insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

Benefits of a Farmers Friendly Review®

There are numerous benefits to having a Farmers agent — one of the most important can be the Farmers Friendly Review (FFR). A Farmers Friendly Review includes quality review and customer service regarding insurance and coverage options. Take Chris, a married man with 2 children. Chris has his auto and home policies with Farmers.  He wants to keep his family and assets protected now and in the future. Chris felt his current coverage was adequate for his situation when he first bought the insurance but wanted to be sure it was still adequate for his family situation. He received an email from his Farmers agent prior to his one-year anniversary as a Farmers customer and he contacted him to discuss his insurance program. “I accepted my agent’s offer of the Farmers Friendly Review, which was easy and convenient to do.”

Chris scheduled his review with Farmers agent Michael Lambert. Michael analyzed the situation and identified some potential gaps that had developed because of changes to Chris’ household. Michael identified some options that would be beneficial to Chris. “My agent reviewed my coverage selections and explained some reasons he felt would make sense to increase my levels of coverage,” said Chris. It was an easy decision, as the cost was minimal given the improved protection it provided. “Since the additional cost was very low to increase coverage, I did so. I feel more comfortable about my coverage knowing my assets are better protected.”

When should you schedule your Farmers Friendly Review?

We recommend scheduling an FFR at least once a year, or whenever a change in your life occurs as this can result in big changes in your insurance needs. A change in marital status, the birth of a child or the purchase of a home are just a few examples of life events that may create overlaps or gaps in your coverage.

Why you should schedule your Farmers Friendly Review today

There are several ways to benefit from scheduling an FFR with your Farmers agent. In addition to keeping up-to-date on the amount of coverage needed and possible ways to save money on your insurance, as a Farmers policyholder, you can be the first to enjoy new benefits such as discounts for alternative-fuel vehicles, pet insurance through Pets Best and experience the Farmers Car Shopping Service through TRUECar.  You can even apply for a Farmers Rewards Visa credit card through your Farmers agent.


Still feel you can’t gain from a Farmers Friendly Review? Even if you feel content with your coverage, you never know what the future holds. A review with your Farmers agent can help identify options to fit your household budget.. Schedule your Farmers Friendly Review today so you can realize the benefits of a full policy review with your agent. You can reach Farmers Insurance - The Wertzberger Agency by calling 913-383-3276 or by email HERE.

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.