The Power of a Thank You

When we sat down with our NASCAR driver, Kasey Kahne, prior to the start of the season, we told him about Thank A Million Teachers and our mission — not only to thank one million teachers, but also give $1 million in educational funding. His immediate response was “That’s really cool. I remember a lot of my teachers who had a positive influence on my life and helped me get to where I am today.” That was all we needed to hear from Kasey. From there, we set plans in place — to change our blue Farmers car to a black chalkboard style theme honoring our nation’s educators, who, like our agents, believe in protecting dreams and helping people plan for the future. But we, along with Kasey, wanted to do more than just place a new logo on the car. In March, Kasey flew back to his hometown, Enumclaw, Wash., to personally thank the teachers at his elementary school and share with the students the importance of education and the influential role teachers play in all our lives. Even better, Kasey surprised his former principal, Jake Thomas, and Jake’s daughter, a deserving teacher at the school, with a trip to see him race in May. As it was important to leave the school better than we arrived, Farmers made a donation for a very much desired reading garden. Watch a recap of Kasey’s visit to his school at ThankAMillionTeachers.com. As May is National Teacher Appreciation Month, we sent Kasey on a Thank A Million Teachers tour with school visits in Birmingham, Kansas City and Charlotte. Each time, we surprised a deserving teacher with a VIP race experience and helped the school with some much needed funding. Our last visit in North Carolina was extra special. We honored a civilian teacher in the National Guard — a perfect tie of educational and military support as we headed into the Memorial Day weekend. You could feel the excitement in every school of having a famous NASCAR driver come to visit. Students decorated the hallways, welcoming Kasey and Farmers. And the cheers were deafening as Kasey made his way onto the stage. But while everyone was fixated on listening and watching Kasey tell stories about his memories of school and his current day job of racing fast cars on the track, I chose to look around the gymnasiums. No matter which school we visited, I saw the same thing — a sea of smiles. Teaching is an under-appreciated, under-paid job, that requires patience, dedication and commitment. From visiting these schools and talking with teachers, it is clear that every teacher gains personal satisfaction knowing they’re helping to shape and mold the lives of their students. As one educator said, “Seeing the students blossom is the most rewarding part of my job.” So when I looked around and saw all those teachers with huge smiles, I then realized the true power of a “thank you.” It’s such a simple gesture, but too often goes unsaid. In our fast-paced world where we are consumed with technology, what would happen if we just stopped ... and said “thank you”? And with that, it’s only fitting to end in that fashion. Thank you Kasey for embracing our mission to thank one million teachers. Thank you to everyone who has joined us in thanking more than 600,000 thus far on ThankAMillionTeachers.com. And most importantly, thank you to all the teachers. I admire you all for what you do and how much you give to our children and the future of our nation. Leslie Withoft Director of Sponsorships Farmers Insurance

Farmers Salutes the Military

Military members can enter for a chance to win a VIP trip to the Phoenix race.

As the Fourth of July has come and gone, we at Farmers took a moment to reflect on the true meaning of America’s Independence Day. When we think about our freedom and privileges that come with living in the United States, we understand it does not come without sacrifice. Our rich 86-year history as an American company has shown us the importance of our United States Armed Forces in defending these freedoms.

The Farmers Heritage Center is a great reminder that military support is part of our DNA. Prior to starting Farmers Insurance in 1928, one of our co-founders, John C. “Jack” Tyler, served in World War I. With our company being founded on an engrained culture of supporting our troops, we naturally continue to be proud supporters of our men and women in uniform.

Farmers doesn’t only support our customers and members of our local communities in the U.S. Armed Forces; our Farmers family serves alongside them with many of our current agents, employees, and district managers being current or former military members. We support Farmers’ servicemembers in many ways, whether it be managing agencies on behalf of our deployed agency owners, providing flexible schedules to accommodate military training, or simply sending care packages to our employees and agents deployed abroad. We are also focusing on providing opportunities to those servicemembers making the transition from military to civilian careers, recognizing they have gained valuable skills while serving our country.

A few weekends ago, we were proud to launch our partnership with G.I. Jobs, a leading resource for military to civilian transition. With a special patriotic paint scheme, our NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne raced the No. 5 Farmers Insurance G.I. Jobs Chevrolet SS around the Daytona International Speedway. There are few things more American than NASCAR and it was a special moment to see the car in the red, white and blue of our nation’s flag. During the race weekend, we also announced an exclusive opportunity in recognition of our nation’s strongest leaders.

Through October 8, current and former military members can enter for a chance to win a VIP experience to meet Kasey Kahne and watch him race in Phoenix, Arizona on November 9, just prior to Veterans Day. We will choose five winners, one from each branch of the United States Armed Forces. If you, a family member or friend are eligible, please visit BeAFarmersAgent.com/AmericanHeroes to learn more and enter.

Thank you from The Wertzberger Agency to all our current and former military members for your service. We truly appreciate your sacrifices to protect our country.

Farmers Insurance makes it easy to do the right thing for loved ones

It should be easy to buy life insurance to help protect your loved ones. But for anyone without a Social Security number (SSN), it may get complicated. Farmers wants to help: We’ve removed certain barriers to allow more people to qualify for Farmers EssentialLife^® Simple Whole Life (FESWL)¹ or Farmers Simple Term Life² insurance.
Farmers Life^® now accepts applications for term and permanent life insurance from U.S. residents who are Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) holders. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a tax ID issued by the IRS to individuals who have U.S. income but are not eligible for a Social Security number (SSN). People who have ITINs and U.S. residency may now be eligible for certain products. If you’re already a Farmers customer, you don’t even have to provide proof of residency. Not a Farmers customer yet? Just verify that you’ve been a U.S. resident for at least six months.

Farmers knows that protecting loved ones is important to everyone, and we want to help you make sure your loved ones can maintain their lifestyle if something happens to you. A Farmers life insurance policy can help you do that. Call The Wertzberger Agency today for more information about helping protect your family at 913-383-3276

¹ Policy form 2008-352
² Policy form 2005-261 or applicable state variation

Life insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Products and features may not be available in all states and may vary by state.

Summer safety: Lightning facts and safety tips

Each year, lightning causes dozens of deaths, thousands of fires, and billions of dollars in property damage.¹ It’s smart to learn as much as you can about lightning so you can take steps to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property against one of nature’s most dangerous phenomena.
Most lightning deaths and injuries in the United States occur during the summer months, when lightning strikes are more frequent and outdoor activities are at their peak², so when enjoying outdoor activities it’s important to pay attention to the weather and take appropriate actions in a timely manner when thunderstorms approach.
Did you know that:

• When it comes to lightning, rubber shoes do nothing to protect you?
• In the home, talking on a wired landline telephone is the leading cause of lightning injuries? Cordless phones are safe to use.
• You should not seek shelter in a lightning storm under a tall tree? That’s one of the most dangerous places to be.

Flash facts
Here are some facts about lightning excerpted from National Geographic News, Flash Facts About Lightning³:

• Lightning is a giant discharge of electricity accompanied by a brilliant flash of light and a loud crack of thunder. The spark can reach over five miles, raise the temperature of the air by as much as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit and contain a hundred million electrical volts.
• The Fourth of July is historically one of the most deadly times of the year for lightning in the U.S. In summer, especially on a holiday, more people are on the beach, golf course, mountains, or ball fields. Outdoor chores such as lawn mowing or house painting are at their peak.
• If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning — seek shelter.
• Use the 30-30 rule. When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If it’s 30 seconds or less, you are within six miles of the storm and should seek shelter immediately.
• Don’t be fooled by sunshine or blue sky! Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter. 
• Swimming is particularly dangerous. Water conducts electricity and swimmers protrude from the water, offering a potential channel for electrical discharge.
• At home, avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity:
• Stay away from windows and doors
• Don’t use wired landline telephones
• Don’t lie on a concrete floor (it likely contains a wire mesh)
• Avoid contact with concrete walls (they may contain metal reinforcing bars)
• Avoid washers and dryers
• Unplug electronic equipment
• Don’t wash dishes or your hands
• Don’t shower, bathe or do laundry
• Always avoid being the highest object or taking shelter near or under the highest object, including tall trees and umbrellas. Lightning is “lazy,” and usually takes the shortest path to earth, striking the tallest object. Don’t let that be you.
• If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately. Lightning often causes cardiac arrest. Check for respiration and a heartbeat. If the victim isn’t breathing and doesn’t have a heartbeat, immediately begin CPR and continue until emergency medical help arrives.

Flash fiction
Here are some misconceptions about lightning excerpted from National Geographic News, Flash Facts About Lightning³:

• Surge protectors offer protection against direct lightning strikes. False. They don’t! Unplug equipment such as computers and televisions.
• Don’t touch a lightning victim — you could get electrocuted. False. People who’ve been electrocuted don’t retain the charge and are not “electrified.” It’s safe to help them.
• Rubber shoes provide meaningful protection from lightning. False. They don’t.
• Lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice. False. It can — and often does. Tall buildings and monuments are frequently hit by lightning. 

If the worst occurs
While your chances of being struck by lightning are rare, it does happen. Should the worst happen to you, would your family be able to maintain their standard of living? Make sure the answer is yes. Whether you’re just getting started with life insurance or have had insurance for years, there’s a lot to learn. I want to help you understand the basics and feel confident that you’re making informed choices. It’s worth a conversation — let’s get started. Call The Wertzberger Agency today at 913-383-3276

¹http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_lls/nlsi_annual_usa_losses.htm

²http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov
³http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/06/0623_040623_lightningfacts.html

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

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.

Test Your Insurance IQ

Are you an educated insurance consumer?
Test your insurance IQ

See if you can answer these questions about auto insurance:

1. If you’re in an accident and the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, will you be covered?
2. Does uninsured motorist coverage (UM) pay for your injuries if someone with no insurance causes an accident or if you’re struck by a hit-and-run driver?
3. Does underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) apply when the person who caused an accident has insurance but the limits aren’t high enough to fully compensate you for your losses?

Here are the answers:

1. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, the answer is probably yes. UM or UIM coverage is designed to pay for injuries to you and your passengers when there is an accident and the other driver is both legally responsible for the accident and considered uninsured or underinsured — i.e., has no liability coverage or not enough to cover your damages.
2. Yes. UM typically pays for your injuries when someone with no insurance causes an accident or when you’re struck by a hit-and-run driver. Although auto liability insurance is compulsory in most states, many people still drive without it. The Insurance Research Council estimates that one in seven motorists is uninsured.¹ The next time you’re on the road, take a careful look around: Do you see more than seven vehicles? At least one of them likely is uninsured, but you don’t know which one. That’s scary!
3. Yes. An underinsured driver is someone who has insurance that meets minimum legal requirements, but is insufficient to pay for the damage caused by the accident.

The “other guy”
You know you have auto insurance coverage, but what about the other drivers you see on the road? You can never be sure. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps protect you from drivers who do not have proper coverage — or any coverage at all. I encourage you to learn more about UIM/UM coverage — and consider adding it to your auto policy. Give me a call, and we’ll review your insurance so you can be sure you have the coverage you want.

For more helpful tips and tricks and advice on proper protection, contact The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276

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