Kathryn Smith

If you own a cottage or summer home, I’m sure Labor Day is bitter sweet for you. It’s the last long summer weekend, but it can also be a weekend with a lot of work. Yes, for many, this is the time of year when you decide to close the property for the season.

While it can be a sad time of year for those who love the summer heat and everything summer has to offer, it’s important to cherish all the fond memories and to think about how to close down your summer home or cottage safely.

The list below offers a number of things to consider when shutting down your vacation home for the winter.

1. Inspect your property – Take a walk around the inside and outside of your property to see if anything has been damaged. Create a checklist based of what you find and decide if it’s something that should be fixed now or when you open your home next spring. Items to inspect include your roof, chimney, eaves troughs, siding, foundation, trees that are leaning over your property, and out buildings.

2. Turn off the water – Turn off the water at the main supply point to prevent freezing pipes. Even if you keep your home heated during the winter, this is important in case your furnace fails or the power goes out.

3. Open your faucets and drain all water lines, including your appliances – Even if you turn off the water at the main supply into the home, it’s also important to drain the excess water from the water lines that run to your appliances, sinks, and toilets.

4. Temperature monitoring system – If you heat your home during the winter, consider purchasing a temperature-monitoring system. My brother-in-law purchased a system that sends email alerts to him if his summer home’s temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Water flow monitoring systems – If you choose to leave your water on during the winter, consider purchasing a water flow monitoring system. A water flow monitoring system is attached to your water main and protects your entire house. The system works by measuring water flow into your house. If it detects continuous water flow beyond the normal stopping and starting of your every day appliances, it stops the flow of water into your house automatically.

6. Empty and clean your appliances

• Refrigerator/freezer – Remove all food and wipe them down with a disinfectant that kills bacteria. After you’ve cleaned it, consider leaving your refrigerator/freezer doors slightly ajar to prevent mold and mildew growth. This will also prevent smells from getting into the plastic. Consider putting a box of baking soda inside.
• Oven – Like your refrigerator, wipe it down with a disinfectant that kills bacteria and unplug it or turn off the gas.
• Washing machine/dryer – If you’re lucky enough to have these appliances at your summer home, disconnect the hoses and unplug them. If you want to disinfect your washing machine, consider running a normal cycle with vinegar or whatever cleanser your manufacturer recommends.
• Water heater – Drain your water heater and turn off the gas or switch it to vacation mode.

7. Store outdoor furniture and other expensive items in a locked garage or shed – If there isn’t storage space available on your property, consider renting a storage unit. A nice size storage unit will allow you to store outdoor furniture, bikes, small boats, and other summer toys that could be damaged if left outdoors.

8. Unplug your appliances and electronics – This tip will protect your appliances and electronics from power surges and lightning strikes.

9. Create a home inventory for your summer home – If you don’t have a summer home inventory, consider creating one. If your summer home was destroyed in a fire or by an early spring tornado, would you remember every possession you had in it?

10. Take your valuables home or consider a security system – Vacated summer homes can become easy targets for thieves during the winter months. If you prefer to leave valuables in the home, consider installing a security system.

11. Inspect your fireplace – If you have a wood burning fireplace that you’ve used for a number of years without cleaning, consider having it inspected and cleaned by a reputable chimney sweep. Creosote is a residue that travels up your chimney and builds up on your flue over time. In fact, some creosote builds up every time a wood burning fireplace is lit. If that residue isn’t properly cleaned out, the chance of a fire igniting in your chimney increases.

12. Partner with your neighbors or local police – If you have neighbors or friends who live near your summer home all year round, consider asking them to check on your home periodically. Also leave contact information with your neighbors or local police. Contact information should include your cell phone number, home phone number, and your e-mail address.

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Sep 1, 2015 10:00:00 AM

A car accident can be scary for a driver of any age. Staying calm afterwards can benefit everyone involved and can make a difficult situation easier.

Here are some tips to help you and your family if you’re involved in a minor accident.

1. If you’re not injured after an accident, take a moment to take some deep breaths to relax. Check your surroundings before exiting your car to make sure it’s safe.

2. Call the police immediately.

3. Move cars on the side of the road to a safe location.

4. Only discuss accident details with police or an insurance company representative.

5. Don’t admit fault. You may be entirely blameless.

6. If you can, get:

• Identification information from everybody involved;
• Insurance information from owners of other vehicles; and
• Make, model, and license number of all vehicles involved.

7. If you’re able to do so safely, take photos of the accident scene and damage before the vehicles are towed.

If you’re a West Bend policyholder, you can call DirectConnect® to report a claim. Here are a few reasons why you should:

1. It will get the claim process started right away. In some cases, you can speak directly to the West Bend claim representative who will be handling your claim.

2. West Bend can make arrangements for rental cars if needed.

3. West Bend can provide immediate help with moving vehicles or approving estimates for repairs the first time we talk to you. This means repairs may begin sooner.

4. DirectConnect ensures information is accurate and complete. When we can get the facts directly from the people involved, it ensures we have the facts straight from the start, eliminating delays and unnecessary repetition.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Aug 25, 2015 11:30:00 AM

Tomorrow my wife and I will move our daughter into her college dorm. We’re all excited for this new adventure, and due to my wife’s planning and organization, it should go very smoothly. Your new adventure, however, may be moving your college student into his or her first apartment.

While a homeowner’s policy may provide some content coverage for kids living in a college dorm, living in an apartment brings about a new set of issues. Here are some common reasons why parents and students may underestimate the importance of renter’s insurance.

1. I’m a poor college student. We’ve all heard or used this statement before. Many think because they’re in college, they don’t have anything valuable to insure. I challenge you to take a moment to think about this. If you walk from room to room, your college student may have more valuables than you think. From the collection of video games, to big screen TVs, to a designer wardrobe, things add up. A renter’s policy protects their personal property from perils of wind, fire, theft, and vandalism. It also provides some liability coverage if a friend trips and falls in their apartment. To learn more about renter’s insurance, contact your independent insurance agent.

2. It’s my landlord’s responsibility. Most landlords’ insurance covers only the building, not what’s in it. So if there’s a fire or tornado, your landlord will be insured, but you’ll be left high and dry. That’s why you need renters insurance.

3. I can’t afford it. When you look at the total cost of college, renter’s insurance is one of the least expensive things you’ll buy, and it will provide you with valuable protection. A policy may cost $180 – $240 a year. Here are some factors that may affect your premium.

• Amount of coverage needed;
• Type of coverage selected;
• Your deductible (the higher the deductible, the lower your premium); and
• Location.

4. It won’t happen to me. A lot of times we think it will never happen to us or our kids. Unfortunately, bad things happen to good people. A renter’s policy can help college students get back on their feet if a fire destroys their rented home or apartment.

For more information on renter’s insurance, visit Trusted Choice.

West Bend’s Home and Highway® policy, however, has no coverage restrictions in this situation as long as the student meets the definition of an “insured,” and is enrolled as a full time student.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Aug 18, 2015 9:00:00 AM

If you’re sending your child off to college for their first year, it can be an emotional and overwhelming time in your life. My wife and I are sending our oldest daughter to college in a few weeks and have experienced a variety of feelings such as excitement, nervousness, and sadness. Thank goodness for chocolate!

By this point, classes have been chosen and roommates have been assigned. The only thing left is the big move-in date which should be pretty interesting.

Here are some tips that can help you prepare for this new chapter in life.

1. Keep your emotions in check. On move-in day, there will be many emotions and probably some frustration. The dorm room may be arranged many times or the 55” inch TV won’t fit. To make the move more productive and enjoyable, remain calm. If the day isn’t picture perfect and doesn’t go as planned, that’s ok. Don’t fret.

2. Understand what your insurance policy covers. Typically, the parents’ homeowners’ policy will cover property stolen away from home up to a limit of 10% of the contents coverage. For example, if the parents’ home is insured for $100,000, the contents coverage would be $50,000 so the coverage for a student away at college would be $5,000, minus the policy’s deductible.

The Home and Highway® policy, however, has no coverage restrictions in this situation as long as the student meets our definition of an “insured” which includes:

A student enrolled in school full time, as defined by the school, who was a resident of your household before moving out to attend school, provided the student is under the age of:

(1) 29 and your relative; or

(2) 24 and in your care…

and is temporarily residing off premise. Then the full property or blanket amount is extended, subject only to the perils of the policy and the Section I deductible.

In regards to your auto policy, please keep these items in mind.

• If your student has a vehicle at college, it’s important to contact your agent so your insurance company knows this. A vehicle is rated based on how it’s used and in what city it’s located.
• A student who doesn’t have a vehicle at college and is more than 100 miles from home, will benefit if a resident student rate is applied to the policy. Does your student qualify for this discount?
• Even if a student doesn’t have a vehicle at college, he/she must still be rated on the parents’ auto policy because the student is still considered covered under the policy. This is especially important if the student drives an uninsured vehicle.

3. Create an inventory list. For the entire summer, my wife has been collecting items to send to college. These include health and beauty supplies, furniture, sheets, storage bins, etc.

Inventory what your student takes to college. If there’s an insurance claim, the burden of proof lies with you so a list of items would be helpful and speed up the process. The I.I.I has created free, web-based software available at KnowYourStuff.org.

4. Don’t overlook safety. Whether your son or daughter is going to a large or small school, it’s important to have a conversation about safety and protocols put in place by the school. Don’t have the “it will never happen to my kid” mentality.

For example, texting, talking, or listening to music on a smartphone while walking is common today. However, it can have serious consequences. Like texting while driving, you lose track of your environment. Common accidents include:

• Falling down stairs;
• Tripping on curbs or cracks in the sidewalk;
• Stepping into the path of a car or bicyclist; and
• Becoming a victim to violent attacks.

5. Don’t wear out your welcome. If you get the feeling your child wants you to leave, don’t be offended. Remember, you probably already experienced this in middle school or high school, so this is nothing new. Consider it a sign that your child is comfortable and ready to experience college life.

6. Talk to others. If family or friends have gone through the process, talk to them. Pick their brains for ideas and even ask them for help on move-in day. My daughter’s boyfriend and his parents have been very helpful. In fact, I’m not a handy person, so I’m relying on my daughter’s boyfriend to help set up her bed and other things. To bunk the beds or not to bunk the beds, that is the question.

7. One last treat. If summer flew by and now you’re panicking, relax. You still have time to spoil your son or daughter. Consider taking them to their favorite restaurant, a sporting event/concert, or giving them something simple like a nice picture. Kids cherish the simple things. Celebrate this new chapter in his or her life.

8. Enjoy quality time. It’s amazing how fast time goes by. For the last 18 years, I’ve spent time with my daughter playing with Barbie dolls, taking her to the park, riding bikes, and watching volleyball. Moving forward, the time we spend together will be less. Social media, however, makes it easier to be a part of their lives while they’re gone. A simple text or a funny Snap Chat message can brighten your day and theirs. If you don’t understand social media, now may be the time for a “crash course.”

In addition, when they do finally come home for a visit, make sure you spend quality time with them. House chores can wait. It’s about quality, not quantity.

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Aug 11, 2015 8:47:23 AM

Many people look forward to a summer vacation. Where you’re going usually determines the amount of planning needed. A weekend getaway just a few hours away is much easier to pull off than a trip across or out of the country. Whether a little or a lot of planning is needed to have a successful vacation, don’t forget about ways to protect your home while you’re gone.

Thieves are more active this time of year and so is Mother Nature. Pipes or hoses can spring a leak at any time. Here are seven tips to protect your home and take away the worry.

1. What are friends for? If you have a friend who lives nearby or a trustworthy neighbor, ask them to keep an eye on your house. Our neighbors have helped us several times. We armed them with house keys and security codes so they would have access in an emergency.

A few years ago, we were on a family trip in Florida and received a call from ADT that our fire alarm was triggered. Our neighbor was able to disable the alarm and open up the house for the fire department which was better than a fire ax through the front door.

In addition, if a storm rolls through while you are gone, a friend or neighbor can alert you of significant storm damage.

2. Lay low on social media. While it’s exciting to post pictures or check in using social media, it’s a great invitation to thieves to vacation at your home and take your belongings. As your social network grows, so does your exposure. While I understand the immediate gratification of posting pictures, it’s safer to post when you’re back home.

Have a conversation with your kids since their social network is probably larger than yours and may include people who aren’t their friends, but a friend of a friend of a friend.

3. Consider a home monitoring system. A home monitoring system has many advantages. Several years ago, when my children were small, we signed a contract with ADT. What we liked about their system, besides fire and theft protection, was that every time a door or window opened the system would send out a chirp. This would alert us that somebody was on the move.

Today, we still have the system but we recently upgraded. The system is much more sophisticated and we can now monitor our home with our Smartphones. Depending on what system you choose, there are plenty of monitoring options.

4. Check hoses and faucets regularly. Experts recommend checking hoses that lead to your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator each year, looking for cracks or water leaks. They also recommend replacing all hoses every five to seven years.

5. Know where and how to shut off your water main. If a pipe suddenly bursts in your home, it’s important to know how to shut off the water supply. In most situations, shutting off the water main will stop the flow of water. Shutting your water off at the main will help prevent significant water damage while away. To order a free water main shut off tag, click here.

6. Maintain your lawn. Many homeowners take pride in their yards. If you regularly pull weeds and cut your grass, this should continue if you’re away for several weeks. There’s nothing like a neglected yard to tell a burglar you’re not home. Hire a lawn service or a neighbor while you’re gone.

7. Unplug your electronics and small appliances. Unplugging your electronics while you’re away can protect them if a severe storm rolls through your area and causes a power surge. Unplugging also provides piece of mind. Have you ever been gone and thought, “I wonder if I turned off the coffee pot or the TV?”

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jul 21, 2015 9:00:00 AM

Are you looking for a used vehicle? If so, be careful. If the price seems too good to be true, you may want to walk away. Sue Gerlach, West Bend senior personal lines underwriter, will discuss vehicle titles.

Before making your purchase, you’ll want to see the car’s title to determine if it’s a regular title or a salvage title. Autos have salvage titles for a variety of reasons. Salvage titles are meant to alert potential buyers that the vehicle has a past. Sometimes these vehicles can be a good buy depending on what you’re looking for. However, make sure you do plenty of research to find out why the vehicle has a salvaged title and the extent of the damage.

Why would a vehicle have a salvage title?

It may have been in an accident and the insurance company determined the total damage to the vehicle exceeded a certain percentage of its value. At this point, it’s considered a total loss. A salvage certificate is issued which means the vehicle can’t be driven, sold, or registered in its current condition.

The insurance company will sell the vehicle to either a repair facility or a parts dismantler. If the vehicle is repaired, it must pass a safety inspection in most states before a new title can be issued. The title is “branded” which indicates to a future owner(s) that the vehicle has been salvaged or rebuilt.

What other kinds of damage could a vehicle sustain besides what’s caused by an accident?

Flood damage, hail damage, theft recovery, or vandalism. I once purchased a vehicle that had been a theft recovery. The vehicle worked fine and I never had any problems with it. The first time I vacuumed it, however, I found glass fragments in the hatch area. Apparently, the thieves smashed a window when they stole the vehicle.

Should you purchase a vehicle with a salvage title?

If you’re thinking about it, have it inspected by a trusted local mechanic, purchase it from a reputable repairer or licensed seller, and ask for the original repair estimate. If a vehicle was totaled or listed as salvage due to flooding, many of the mechanical and electrical components could fail and lead to further losses. In fact, many insurance companies won’t insure a vehicle that has a salvage title due to flooding.

Another thing to keep in mind is that these vehicles don’t have the same value as vehicles that weren’t previously totaled and repaired. That means the actual cash value of the salvage vehicle is less. These vehicles are purchased for a lower price due to the salvage title. If you buy a salvage vehicle plan on driving it until it doesn’t run or the repairs are too expensive.

To get more information about salvage vehicles in your state, visit your state’s motor vehicle department’s website. www.dmv.org provides information for all states. When you go to the website, scroll toward the bottom of the page to find “Salvaged Vehicles.”

Source:
http://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/what-is-a-salvage-title-vehicle.html.

WEST BEND – Posted by Scott Stueber on Jul 28, 2015 9:00:00 AM