WINTER MISHAPS Auto Insurance What if you and a friend are taking turns driving your car on your way to a ski trip or a family gathering and you get into an accident while your friend is driving?
Auto Insurance coverage follows the vehicle, so your car will generally be covered while your friend is driving, the same as if you were driving.
What if your visit to your family takes you out of the country to Canada or Mexico? Will you have vehicle coverage?
Auto Insurance policies may or may not provide coverage for your vehicle driven outside the United States. It is best to check with your insurance agent or company regarding coverage limitations.
What if you take someone else’s car (with permission) to run an errand because it is more convenient and you hit another vehicle?
The auto insurance coverage on the borrowed car will provide the primary coverage. If no coverage exists on the borrowed car, your auto insurance might provide coverage. Talk to your insurance agent on extended coverage.
Homeowners Insurance What if someone breaks into your vehicle at the mall parking lot and steals all your gifts?
Standard homeowners and renter’s insurance policies provide coverage, subject to the deductible and coverage limits. Some auto policies may also provide coverage. Contact your insurance agent or company if this happens to you to see if you should open a claim.
What happens when a friend or co-worker slips and falls on your icy sidewalk at your holiday party?
If the person would seek medical coverage, standard homeowners policies provide limited medical payments coverage. If they would sue you for additional damages, your standard homeowners policy should provide liability coverage. Check with your insurance agent to be sure that you have the adequate liability limits.
What if an ice or snowstorm causes a tree to fall and damage your home?
Standard homeowners policies generally provide coverage for damage to the home and may cover the cost of tree removal up to a certain limit minus your deductible. Check your policy to find out what limit of coverage you have.
I would like to bring you up to date on some changes that have occurred for those of you that are Medicare eligible.
The annual period for enrolling or changing your prescription drug coverage or your Medicare Advantage coverage has been changed. It is now October 15th- December 7th (previously Nov. 15th –Dec. 31st). You should be receiving from your current company an Annual Notice of Change. This will tell you how your coverage may have changed and what your new premium will be for 2012. If you are going to make any changes, it has to be done during the enrollment period to be effective for January 1, 2012.
You also should be receiving the “Medicare & You” book. This will give you information about what’s new with Medicare, 2012 Medicare costs and all the health and prescription drug plans that are available in Nebraska.
This year the standard deductible on the drug plan is $320. Your plan may have a lower deductible or may not have one. The “gap” or sometimes called the donut hole, starts at $2930.
If you have questions or concerns about your coverage or that of a family member, please give me call so we can discuss your options. We appreciate your business and look forward to hearing from you.
As harvest time nears it is a good time to remind all farmers and Ag operations that you must have a consent form for new employees signed that states they have no coverage under the Nebraska Workers Compensation Act.
LB-210 became operative on August 31, 2003 and this law requires all employers engaged in agricultural operations that are exempt from requirements of the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act and who hire new employees, that they notify those employees that they are NOT covered by workers compensation insurance if such coverage is not voluntarily provided by the employer.
This form should be signed whether you have full time or part time help. It also applies for an exchange of labor. Even if it’s a neighbor who helps with harvest or a handyman that is doing an odd job for you, be sure to get a signature. This form is available at any Town & Country Insurance office. Contact our offices if you have any questions in regards to this matter.
We hear the question regularly on why insurance pays for a claim when someone else is driving your car. Why doesn’t the person driving have to pay for the claim?
In the State of Nebraska the liability for an accident rests with the vehicle OWNER, NOT THE DRIVER. Anything that happens with a vehicle titled in your name becomes your responsibility. This applies even if your child gives permission for someone else to drive his/her car. That’s also why we ask how a car is titled when you insure a vehicle. We want to make sure that the person who owns the car is properly protected under the insurance policy.
The next time someone wants to use your car, ask yourself if you want to be responsible for their actions.
Are you pulling a trailer with a personally owned or commercially owned vehicle? Do you think the trailer is covered?
When pulling any type of trailer with a personal auto policy, the liability for the trailer extends from the vehicle that’s pulling it. This applies to any type of trailer; a 5th wheel camping trailer, a boat trailer, a utility trailer, a livestock trailer. However, things can change drastically if you’re pulling your personal trailers with a commercially insured vehicle. Most commercial policies will only extend liability to trailers that are specifically listed on their policy. It depends on the type of policy written.
So if you’re pulling any type of trailer with a business owned vehicle, do yourself a favor, and check with your agent to make sure the trailers that you’re pulling are covered for liability.
MEET THE PLAINVIEW STAFF Lois Moser began her insurance career with Town & Country Insurance 25 years ago on June 9, 1986. She is a licensed in Property and Casualty, Crop, Life Insurance and Annuities, Sickness, Accident and Health and Motor Club insurance. Lois is very active in the community. She is a past Plainview City Council member and is currently a member of the Plainview Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Boards of Plainview Pride and Plainview Social Center. Lois is a full-time caregiver to her elderly mother, Lorraine, in their home in Plainview. In her free time, Lois enjoys making embroidered quilts and walking outdoors.
The weather is finally warming up and this can only mean one thing – summer fun. The motorcycles, boats, jet skis, golf carts and four wheelers are all coming out of storage. Do you have the insurance protection you need? Don’t assume that these items are covered under your farm or home policies. Make sure that you are protected against loss or an accident.
Be safe this summer and have the protection you need.
Is a home improvement project on your agenda this spring or summer? Make sure your investment and hard work are properly protected. Don’t forget to call Town & Country Insurance when you are finished. The added value to your home plus continually rising prices of building materials could mean that your current level of protection is too low.
Don’t wait until you have a claim to find out you are underinsured! Call us today to review your insurance coverage - Then sit back, relax and enjoy your home.
We at TCI have been lending a hand to area farmers for generations. Plowing through your farm insurance policy can be a tough row to hoe. You make sure that all your equipment is in proper working order for planting, so stop by our office and let our knowledgeable, friendly staff help make sure your insurance policy is working for you. Yield strong protection from someone you know and trust – TCI.
It’s spring cleaning time. Why not dust off your insurance policies and do an insurance review. As your life changes so do your insurance needs. Is your home insured to value? Do you have the personal property coverage you need? How about your auto insurance? Do you need to add a driver or review your liability limits? Is your farm coverage protecting your entire operations? Do you need the extra coverage that an umbrella policy can provide? All these items and more can be discussed when you contact us.
As we head into the spring thaw there is one thing on my mind: water! With the winter we had there was "A whole lot of freezin' goin on!" With that in mind let’s keep our eye on a few things:
1. Floods: Rivers and streams can jam with ice and that can cause a back up in fields and homes. For homes, flood insurance is a separate policy and must be purchased at least 30 days in advance to have coverage. The exception is a home purchase and bank requirement with that home. For fields, you may have some prevented planting or low ground you may not get planted, make sure to visit with us on your options.
2. Frozen pipes: 30 below can get to a lot of things, whether it is in the house you live in or a seasonal home. Pipes can burst so make sure you are keeping an eye on things. Cabins and seasonal homes were especially vulnerable this past winter. Make sure you check your outside lines too, if you didn't get that garden hose off in time, you may have popped a frost plug line and that makes a mess when you try the spigot this spring.
3. Seepage: Sometimes the ground just gets so saturated that it finds its way through the foundation or fills that sump pump hole. Make sure to check your sump pumps and get them in working order. As for seepage through the floor or walls, there’s not a whole lot insurance can cover, so dry it out as effectively and efficiently as possible.
The thaw and rains are coming so stop in soon and re-visit what you have for "water" coverage. Whether you need a flood policy or a crop policy, we have the companies and people to help.
LTC is the type of ongoing assistance and/or supervision all of us may need someday when we are unable to perform normal daily activities on our own. Those activities include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or getting in and out of bed or a chair. These are the things we needed help with when we were born; ironically these are the same things we may need help with later in life. The need for LTC can also arise from physical limitations or a cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease. It can simply be the result of the normal aging process.
Does this mean we are going to end up in the nursing home? No, LTC can be received in your home, an adult day care center, an assisted living facility, a hospice facility, or a nursing home.
If you or a family member were to need care, how would you pay for it? Would you use Medicare, Medicaid, your personal income and assets or would a family member assume the burden of care? Long-term care insurance is a cost-effective way for many people to cover the risk of long-term care.
If you have concerns about your future care or that of a family member, please contact us so we can design a plan of insurance to fit your needs. We appreciate your business and look forward to hearing from you.
MEET THE PIERCE STAFF Richard Sirek, President. Rick started with the agency in January 1972 and then purchased it in 1979. Rick is licensed in Personal & Commercial Lines, Farm & Crop, Life & Health, and securities. He has also earned his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation. He is a graduate of Pierce High School and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Rick has a long list of professional activities that he has been involved in. Some highlights include serving on the National Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) Board as well as serving as National Vice-President. He is currently serving on the National PIA Trust Board. On the state level he has been President of the Nebraska PIA and has served on several committees. Locally Rick is involved in the Pierce Lions Club, Zion Lutheran Church and is on the Board of Directors for the Diamond Dick Boy Scouts. Rick and his wife Vicki have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Besides spending time with his grandchildren, Rick enjoys the three H’s – Hunting, Horses and Harley’s.
Chuck Micek joined the agency on September 1, 1985. Chuck celebrates his 25th year with the agency this year. As a sales representative, Chuck is licensed in personal & commercial, crop, life and health insurance and securities. He graduated from St. Edward High School and Midland Lutheran College. His professional activities include past president of the Nebraska Professional Insurance Agents Association. He is also involved with the Pierce Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and Pierce Chamber. He and his wife Janell live in Pierce. They have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Chuck enjoys hunting, fishing and golf.
Josh Sirek joined TCI on January 1, 2007. Josh specializes in securities, life, health, retirement and estate planning. He holds an investment advisor representative designation and is also licensed in personal and commercial lines. He is a graduate of Pierce High School and Concordia University in Seward, NE. His professional activities include being current vice president of Northeast Nebraska National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He was also a founding member of the Lincoln chapter of Orphan Grain Train and is an active member of the Pierce Lions Club and sits on the board of the Elkhorn Valley Chapter of Pheasants Forever. He was also an assistant coach at Pierce for the '07 and '08 state champion football seasons. In his spare time he enjoys hunting, golfing, playing sports, and spending time with his niece and plethora of nephews!
PAM FLESNER started her employment at Town & Country in May of 1978. Pam's duties include personal and commercial lines customer service, crop insurance and office manager. She is married to Dave and lives on a farm northwest of Pierce. She has 4 grown children and 6 grandchildren. Free time activities include being a Mary Kay consultant, school and sporting activities of grandchildren and being with family. She is a deacon and Sunday School teacher at the UCC church and treasurer for the Pierce Kiwanis Club.
CHERYL HIGGINS is a licensed Property and Casualty agent and Customer Service Representative. Joining the agency in March of 1984, Cheryl specializes in claims service and personal lines. Cheryl was born and raised in Hartington NE. She graduated from Cedar Catholic High School and Northeast Community College. She and her husband, Rick, have one daughter, Hannah, and are also foster parents. She is the choir director at her church and serves on other committees within the community. Her "free time" is filled with following kids in their various activities.
Celeste Anderson is a CSR and licensed agent in Property and Casualty and Life and Health for TCI. She graduated from Pierce High School and Northeast College and joined the agency in 1985 celebrating her 25th year this year. Celeste and her husband John live by Plainview where they farm and ranch. John also manages S&A Feedlot. They have three children. Ashley is an RN at Nebraska Heart Hospital in Lincoln and is also married. Keylyn is a student at Wayne State and Cierra is a student at UNL. Celeste is active at Zion Lutheran Church, on the Plainview Q125 Board and is a member of the Pierce County 4-H Council. She enjoys her free time with family, horses and cattle and it generally involves some combination of the three.
SUSAN WARNEKE is the Accountant for the TCI Organization. She joined the agency on June 16, 1997 and has 28 years experience in accounting. Sue is a graduate of Pierce High School and Northeast College. Sue is a past president of the Nebraska Users Group of Applied Systems (insurance software) and is still currently active in the Group. She lives in Pierce where she is actively involved with the Kiwanis Club, Chamber, Zion Church and Pierce Historical Society. In her free time she enjoys reading, flower gardening, working on her home and golf.
Kelly Asmus is a licensed agent and a CSR. Kelly joined Town & Country on May 1, 2000 and specializes in the personal lines underwriting. She graduated from Pierce High School and Northeast College. Kelly and her husband Dwayne farm east of Wee Town. They have 3 children, Casey who is attending Northeast College and Samantha and Cody who are at Pierce High School. Kelly spends her time following her family. Casey is a member of the Northeast Pulling Association, Samantha is into barrel racing with her horse "Star" so attends many horse shows and rodeos, and Cody is into sports, football and basketball. She is leader for the Pierce County 4-H and Saddle Club and a member of the Pierce County Ag Society. Dwayne is a member of the Pierce County Fairboard. Kelly is a member of Community Bible Church in Norfolk, NE.
Stef Roth joined Town & Country Insurance in 2008 and focuses on the personal lines customer service area. She was raised on a farm near Lyons, NE and graduated from Northeast Community College in 1997. She has spent the past 13 years working in the insurance industry on the company and agency levels. Stef is married to Tyler Roth and they have two sons, Dysen and Chaden. Both attend Pierce Elementary School. Stef spends her spare time volunteering as a den leader for cub scouts and enjoys spending time outdoors, boating, golfing and attending her children's activities.
WINTER WEATHER: What to Do When Your Home or Car Is Damaged in a Winter Storm
What to Do if Damage Occurs to Your Home
• Call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and other relevant information as soon as possible. Cooperate fully with the insurance company, and ask what documents, forms and data you will need.
• Take photographs/video of the damage.
• Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (i.e., cover broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls). Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.
• Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your insurance policy.
• If your home is damaged to the extent that you cannot live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses incurred while repairs are being made. Save all receipts to document these costs.
What Damage to Your Home is Covered?
Damage caused by wind, wind-driven rain, trees or other falling objects, and the collapse of a structure due to weight of ice or snow are all covered under most standard homeowners policies. Frozen pipes as the result of extreme cold might not be covered if the damage is due to negligence, such as failing to maintain an adequate temperature in the house when the ability to do so is there. Check your policy and call your insurance agent or company if you need clarification or have specific questions.
What Damage to Your Home is Not Covered?
The following events are typically not covered by the standard homeowners insurance policy: Interior water damage from a storm, when there is no damage to the roof or walls of your home; damage as the result of a flood; removal of fallen trees (if the trees do not land on and damage your home); food spoilage due to a power outage; and water damage from backed-up drains or sewers. Some insurers offer endorsements (i.e., additional protection that may be purchased) for certain coverage’s not covered under the standard homeowner policy. Check with your agent or company to determine your needs.
What to Do if You Are in An Automobile Accident
• Call the police.
• Obtain the following information: The names, addresses, telephone numbers and driver's license numbers of all persons involved in the accident, and any witnesses.
• Record the time, date, location, road conditions, make and year of vehicles involved, apparent damages and injuries, and your version of what happened.
• Call your insurance agent or company to report the incident as soon as possible. Ask your agent what documents, forms and data you will need.
• Take notes each time you talk with your insurance company, agent, lawyers, police or others involved in the situation. Write down the dates, times, names and subjects you talked about, as well as any decisions or promises made.
• Ask your insurance company if you have coverage for a rental vehicle if your car is not drivable. Save all receipts and bills, including those from renting a car or having your car towed and/or stowed.
-The winter article information was taken from the NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) Consumer Alert News.
WINTER MISHAPS Auto Insurance What if you and a friend are taking turns driving your car on your way to a ski trip or a family gathering and you get into an accident while your friend is driving?
Auto Insurance coverage follows the vehicle, so your car will generally be covered while your friend is driving, the same as if you were driving.
What if your visit to your family takes you out of the country to Canada or Mexico? Will you have vehicle coverage?
Auto Insurance policies may or may not provide coverage for your vehicle driven outside the United States. It is best to check with your insurance agent or company regarding coverage limitations.
What if you take someone else’s car (with permission) to run an errand because it is more convenient and you hit another vehicle?
The auto insurance coverage on the borrowed car will provide the primary coverage. If no coverage exists on the borrowed car, your auto insurance might provide coverage. Talk to your insurance agent on extended coverage.
Homeowners Insurance What if someone breaks into your vehicle at the mall parking lot and steals all your gifts?
Standard homeowners and renter’s insurance policies provide coverage, subject to the deductible and coverage limits. Some auto policies may also provide coverage. Contact your insurance agent or company if this happens to you to see if you should open a claim.
What happens when a friend or co-worker slips and falls on your icy sidewalk at your holiday party?
If the person would seek medical coverage, standard homeowners policies provide limited medical payments coverage. If they would sue you for additional damages, your standard homeowners policy should provide liability coverage. Check with your insurance agent to be sure that you have the adequate liability limits.
What if an ice or snowstorm causes a tree to fall and damage your home?
Standard homeowners policies generally provide coverage for damage to the home and may cover the cost of tree removal up to a certain limit minus your deductible. Check your policy to find out what limit of coverage you have.
RENTERS INSURANCE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS College students renting an off-campus apartment or house while away at school should consider purchasing renters insurance. The personal property items that they take with them can add up to thousands of dollars. These items include a computer, television, stereo, clothes, textbooks, bicycle or furniture. Be sure that you have the coverage in the event that it is damaged, destroyed or stolen.
Even if a student is a dependent under his or her parent’s insurance, the student’s personal property, in many cases, is not covered if the student lives off campus. Parents should check their policy or contact their insurance agent to see if renters insurance is right for their son or daughter who is away at school.
INLAND MARINE COVERAGE Have you ever wondered what inland marine coverage has to do with your homeowner’s policy? While this term may appear to be limited only to watercraft it is actually designed to allow you the option to insure certain personal property items with a lower deductible and additional coverages. It allows you to add another layer of protection to existing policy.
As you know your homeowner policy does include coverage for your personal property subject to your policy deductible. Also, there are special limits on certain property such as theft of jewelry or guns. For example you may have a personal computer, laptop or a cell phone that you want covered if you spill a drink on it or you drop it causing it to break. You may lose a stone from your wedding ring or wash it down the kitchen sink. Your hearing aids might get chewed up by your dog. Maybe you’re an avid hunter, golfer or musician who needs coverage when you travel outside the United States. You may own watercraft that is valued over and above the given amount on your homeowner’s policy.
These are just a few examples of how you can better protect those times that are unique to you and your family. Call TCI today to determine how your company can better serve your insurance needs.
PDR - PAINTLESS DENT REMOVAL If you’ve had a hail claim on your vehicle, some of you may have already been introduced to Paintless Dent Repair, also known as PDR. What exactly is PDR?
PDR is a technique for removing minor dents and dings from the body of a motor vehicle. It is most commonly used to repair hail damage but can also be used to repair minor door dings, minor bumper indentations and minor body creases that do not require painting. There are several factors that can limit the use of the PDR technique. This might include the flexibility of the paint, and the amount the metal has been stretched by the damage incurred. If the dent is extremely sharp the creases may not be repairable. An adjuster or the PDR technician can usually tell if the procedure is right for you.
Many insurance companies are recommending PDR verses traditional body repair. It is advantageous for both the insurance company and the customer. The cost to repair can be as much as one-third of the cost of traditional body repair. The repair time (the time you are generally without your vehicle) is a fraction of the time and you maintain the integrity of the factory paint finish.
So don’t be surprised if your insurance company suggests a paintless dent repair the next time you sustain a hail claim. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Call our office for a list of qualified, trained technicians in your area.
DOES ANYONE HAVE A 4-ROW ANYMORE? I remember years ago my dad going out early in the morning on an IH806 tractor pulling a 4-row planter and wearing goggles. He came home that night black from dirt (except for coon eyes from his goggles) and had 80 acres planted. This last spring I saw a 24 row planter finish 160 acres before noon; the guy stepped out of a cab tractor and could have went straight to town he was so clean!
Farming has changed; the back 40 is now a ½ section, 4-row planters and combines are replaced by 24 rows and 30-foot heads....., heck you don't even have to steer your tractor anymore! As hundreds of acres turn into thousands, the size and value of equipment has exploded.
As you expand your farm and update your equipment don't forget TCI, your insurance partner. With equipment that can reach $300,000 +, heated shops with offices and guidance systems we need to keep in touch more then ever. We can tailor a policy that fits you, from a blanket that covers the basics to schedule and replacement cost for more in depth coverage.
Time becomes a precious commodity and we respect that, but take some time with us to make sure you're covered. We at TCI wish you continued success and God's Blessings.
POLICY REVIEWS-DON'T "ASSUME"
Reviewing your insurance policies is something that can be easily overlooked. It’s that project that’s always going to get done “someday”. Unfortunately we normally realize we should have done a review at the time of a claim. This is NOT the time to be reviewing your insurance policy.
Our motto here at Town & Country Insurance is “when in doubt-check it out”. Don’t assume something is covered. Don’t assume the bank will let us know your loan is paid off. Don’t assume the new 4-wheeler that you purchased is automatically covered under your home or farm policy. Don’t assume you are properly insured for property improvements. Call us! Check it out! Don’t Assume!
NEW OFFICE IN VALENTINE
Town & Country has now opened a satellite office in Valentine at 130 S Hall St, Suite 1. Tom Lancaster is our new agent in the area and is licensed in both Nebraska and South Dakota. Tom is a graduate of Cody-Kilgore High School and the University of NE-Lincoln. For the last six years he has been selling AFLAC insurance and has now become licensed in property and casualty and is looking forward to providing more products and services to the community.
Tom has been a member of the Kilgore Fire Department for the past nine years and is a life member of the NRA. Tom is the son-in-law of Rick Sirek. He and his wife Claire have lived in Valentine for nine years and have three boys – Hank, Jack and Doc. Tom enjoys spending time with his family as well as rodeo, hunting, fishing and music.
SPRING 2010 NEWSLETTER Check out our Spring 2010 Newsletter. Learn about Liability Limits, Nebraska Minimum Limits, Flood & Groundwater, Renting a Vehicle and much more.
IDENTITY THEFT ---
CAN IT HAPPEN TO ME!!
You find yourself as a victim of identity theft...now what do you do? Did you know that many insurance companies offer an endorsement to your home or farm policy that protects you against identity theft? This coverage will aid in the expenses incurred while rebuilding your identity.
Your lost income, charges for phone calls or mailing, reasonable attorney fees or re-applying for loan applications are some of the examples that could be covered by simply adding this coverage to your existing policy for a minimal fee. Allow your insurance company to be on your side. Contact Town & Country Insurance to ask how you can add Identity Theft Coverage to your policy today.
Town & Country Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency which offers a full line of insurance products. Since 1972 the agency has been committed to working for you the customer.
210 E. Main • P.O. Box 159 • Pierce, NE 68767
(402) 329-4991 • (800) 854-4402 • fax: (402) 329-4993 towncntr@tcagency.com
towncntr@tcagency.com