The March of Dimes & Farmers Insurance Partnership: Tornado Relief

With tornado season starting today, here's a look back at some of the good work Farmers Insurance, and its preferred charity, The March of Dimes, did last year.  That time it was Alabama.  We'll keep you updated on this years coming relief efforts.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those effected in Missouri, Illinois, and other Midwest states.


Excerpt from blog originally published on Why Platinum?


The March of Dimes and Farmers Insurance Partnership reaches far beyond the annual fundraisers, many of whom are going on over the next few months.  See blog of recent March for Babies Events.

The March of Dimes is working with Farmers Insurance in the disaster relief in the Southern United States in the wake of the tornadoes and storms these last few weeks.  Together they are providing maternity and infant supplies, as well as valuable information to some of the most vulnerable of the victims.

Press release from March of Dimes Facebook page:

The March of Dimes has mobilized its network of volunteers and sponsors to help pregnant women and families with infants cope with the aftermath of Alabama tornadoes, in coordination with Farmers Insurance.

On site at Home Depot in Tuscaloosa, AL, the Farmers Response Vehicle and March of Dimes Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center are distributing maternity clothes, diapers, wipes and other essentials for pregnant women and infants donated to the March of Dimes specifically for emergency assistance to all residents.

“The resources we have been able to gather to take care of some of the most vulnerable in our community are the little bit of silver lining in the cloud of this terrible situation,” says Jane Massey, March of Dimes executive vice-president and chief operating officer. “Their needs have brought out the best in people who have responded generously and I want to thank Kmart for their contributions of maternity and infant supplies.”

The March of Dimes has brochures addressed specifically to help pregnant women and anyone caring for a newborn during an emergency. The March of Dimes Web site www.marchofdimes.com also has timely and relevant information about food, water, breastfeeding and infant formula, and stress. Farmers Insurance is generously helping to distribute these brochures to families in need.

The brochures and Web site also list the symptoms of both preterm and normal labor. Stress, a risk factor for preterm labor, is increased during an emergency. It’s vital that all pregnant women in affected areas in Alabama know to seek medical care immediately if they have any of the symptoms of labor.

If you would like to help in the efforts to support pregnant women and families with infants in Alabama, please contact the March of Dimes Alabama chapter.

Charitable Estate Planning Seminar Open to the Community

Addendum (2/27/12):  Here are a few bits of info, or ideas, I picked up at the Estate Planning Seminar from below.

1.  Have you remembered to include your favorite school, church, or charity as an additional beneficiary on your life insurance?  You can leave them a set amount, or a percentage.  Like your family, you can still support them after your passing.

2.  Did you know you can add a "preamble" to the beginning of your will to be read to those who attend the reading?  It's a way to make a final state of love to your family, an expression of your faith, or give final instructions.

3.  Five documents you should complete before you become sick or disabled, or pass away.

     a.  Your Will

     b.  A Will with a Revocable Living Trust  -  helps avoid probate and the trust allows you to leave instructions on how to support your family, school, or church.

     c.  Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Matters

     d.  Power of Attorney for Health Care / Advanced Directive

     e.  HIPAA Release  -  Designates someone to control your medical info & records if you cannot.  Dr's and hospitals are more and more hesitant to give out medical info in fear of violating HIPAA guidelines.

As always, consult with a legal professional on how to complete these steps if interested.  This article is in no ways is a complete guide on all the consideration you need to take in matters of estate planning.

Originally Published 2/24/12

Ever wanted to support your favorite church or charity to a greater extent than you already are?

Do you want your good works to live beyond your years?

How about tax benefits for doing the right thing?

Want advice so you do it right?

My church is holding a free Estate Planning Seminar open to the community.  While it uses Christian based teachings as it's foundation, the tax and financial based rules apply to any family or charitable situation, just a different beneficiary.


What:   Christian Estate Planning Seminar

When:   Sunday, February 26, 2012, 9:15am - 10:15am

Who:     Rev. Rich Kogler, WELS Ministry of Planned Giving Counselor, will be leading this Christian estate planning seminar in between our usual services.  

Why:  If you always wondered about such things, and would like to be more informed, attend and get some questions answered.  Everyone's welcome.  All ages would benefit from this seminar. 

Where:   Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 625 Otay Lakes Rd., Chula Vista,  Ca  91913
(click HERE for facebook page)

Newest Farmers Insurance Commercial: NASCAR's Kasey Kahne

Kasey Kahne's #5 Farmers
 Insurance NASCAR

Farmers Insurance's newest commercial, debuting during the Daytona 500, stars Kasey Kahne, the driver of car #5 sponsored by the NASCAR driver.  He visits our University of Farmers and Professor Nathaniel Burke (J.K. Simmons).

Look for it during the race.

See our past articles:
Farmers Insurance sponsorship of Kasey Kahne and Hendrick Motorsports announced back in 2011.
Kasey Kahne gears up for the 2012 Sprint Cup Series.

Farmers Insurance Donates to School for Homeless Children in San Diego

When asked why we work with Farmers Insurance versus other insurance companies, there's a lot of ways we can answer that:  quality of the products, superior level of customer service, excellent agent training to better serve the client.

Then there's also our commitment to the communities we serve.  The following story, to me, says it all.

This is why we sponsor the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, and make it a fundraising opportunity.  (on Facebook)

Reprint from Farmers Insurance (February, 2012)

Agents, district managers and employees joined Southern California State Executive Director Charles Dabelgott in downtown San Diego as he presented a check for $100,000 to the Monarch School, a one-of-a-kind facility in the United States that’s open to homeless children in the San Diego area. The donation will go into the capital building fund, which will be used to double the size of the school.

Just over 150 homeless children attend grades K through 12 at Monarch, and many go on to college and trade schools. Farmers’ donation will allow the school to double attendance to over 300 homeless children.

During the groundbreaking, which was attended by more than 400 supporters, Monarch School President Ronne Froman asked Dabelgott, who is also a Monarch School Board member, to come forward for the check presentation.

“Supporting Monarch School through our partnership with the Century Club (Farmers Insurance Open) exemplifies Farmers’ commitment to giving back to the communities.” said Dabelgott.

Also at the ceremony, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders said all of San Diego supports the Monarch School and praised the faculty and students for working so closely and producing futures for all the children that attend. He was joined by three San Diego Council men and women, the board of Education, representatives from Senators Diane Feinstein’s and Barbara Boxer’s offices and other major fundraisers and supporters.

The new building is set for immediate renovation and will open this Fall.

Laura White, vice president of Development at Monarch School said, “It’s because of generous donors like Farmers that Monarch School is able to break ground on its new campus, which will allow us to serve more than double the current student population. We are so grateful for all that Farmers has and continues to do for Monarch School and the homeless youth of San Diego.”

“The educational and life-skill opportunities that the Monarch School provides for children in unstable environments embodies the values the Century Club and Farmers share in supporting San Diego charities,” said Peter Ripa, executive director of the Century Club. “This groundbreaking will allow more children to realize their potential in the classroom and in life.”

Auto Safety: "The Swoop & Squat"

From Farmers Insurance, Feb. 2012


‘Swoop and squat’ - It’s no accident


No, this is not an exercise routine although it is a routine — a fairly common one designed to cause an auto accident. In 2010, The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that questionable claims from “staged” accidents rose 46 percent between 2007 and 2009.¹ (Most recent available at time of writing.) 

These staged accidents cost the insurance industry billions of dollars each year.


How it happens
In this staged scenario, you’re stuck in heavy traffic on a busy highway when another car cuts off the driver in front of you forcing him to slam on the brakes. You try to stop, but there’s no time and you rear-end the vehicle. There you have it — the perfectly executed swoop and squat. The first car “swoops” in while the second car “squats” in front of you. After the “accident” everyone in the car you rear-ended files bogus injury claims with your insurance company — complaining of injuries that may be difficult to diagnose such as whiplash. The well organized stagers even have physical therapists, chiropractors, lawyers and auto repair technicians working together to further exaggerate their claims.
  
Similar scams to look out for:

• Drive down — You’re trying to merge into traffic when a dishonest driver slows down and waves you forward. You proceed and then he crashes into your vehicle but, of course, denies he waved you into traffic. Guess who could be at fault for the accident? You.
  

Phone Numbers You Should Store In Your Cell Phones for Emergencies

In times of emergencies you may not remember all the important phone numbers you need, or might not be capable to dial them yourself.

Take a few minutes now to program those numbers into your cell phone.

With the invention of cell phones it seems people are less likely to memorize phone numbers than before.  In a panic situation, you don't want to have to start searching for those numbers.


# 1 -  Add ICE  (In Case of Emergencies) numbers.  If you're in the ER after a car accident, who are the 2 or 3 people you would want the nurse to call first to notify ASAP?

Farmers Insurance Disaster Response Vehicles

Have those people as a regular entry by their name, but also as second entry such as  ICE 1, ICE 2, and ICE 3.  (Example:  "ICE 2   Mom")


# 2 -  Your auto insurance company's claims number.  If you get into an accident on the weekend, you don't want to have to try to track down your agent who's out of the office.  Program the direct claims number into your cell phone.  You should be able to find it on your most recent bill, on the Evidence of Insurance which should be in your glove box, or online.


FYI:  Farmers Insurance Claims Number:  1-800-Help Point or  1-800-435-7764


# 3 -  Poison Control for your area...especially if you have children.  Click HERE for our "Poison Control: Pills vs. Candy" blog article.


FYI: California Poison Control -  1-800-222-1222


# 4 -  Your children's Pediatrician's Office for when those questions come up, or your child is in need away from home.

# 5 -  Your local Pet Emergency room.  Has your pet ever gotten injured, swallowed something, or got that pesky burr in their ear on a holiday or weekend?  Their regular vet probably isn't available.  Have a back up number handy.


# 6 -  The number of your local police when 911 isn't necessary but you need to contact them for an non-emergency.

The Romance-O-Meter: Insure Your Love

In time for Valentine's Day, a re-print of an earlier blog...


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Like those old arcade "Love Tester" games (see below) which would rate your ability to ... love, click HERE to check yourself on the Romance-O-Meter Quiz.  Then come back to read the rest of the blog.

A message from "Insure Your Love"...

The Things We Do For Love:

You work hard to provide your loved ones with a life filled with happiness, comfort and opportunity. But what if you died tomorrow? Would they be able to maintain their current lifestyle and keep their future plans on track? That’s where life insurance comes in. It can’t put your family back to how it was, but it can keep them in the world they’ve always known. 

InsureYourLove.org is an educational website sponsored by the LIFE Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance decisions to safeguard their families’ financial futures.

See you CAN have fun with Life Insurance!


~~~~~~


Also from Insure Your Love...

March of Dimes 2012 National Ambassador Announced

Reprint from Why Platinum:


Farmers Insurance, and its employees and agents, have remained one of the largest supporters of the March of Dimes year after year.  The March of Dimes leads the fight against the effects of premature birth, a struggle many families face.

March of Dimes 2012 Ambassador, Kieran Wittstruck,
 visits United Airlines Headquarters.

Recently, the 2012 Nation Ambassador for the March of Dimes was announced...

Kieran Wittstruck lives near Seattle with his mom, Shalini, and dad, Shane. Kieran turns six in March, and he's pretty excited about it. However, when he was born, reaching even his first birthday looked to be a challenge. Born at 31 weeks, he weighed about 3 pounds.

Kieran was placed in the NICU, and during his 31 days there he and his family overcame many challenges. "Never did Shane and I think of pregnancy as a life-or-death event," explains Shalini. "Thankfully, Kieran came home with us."

Kieran Wittstruck visits Fox News for interview.

With Kieran healthy at home, Shalini looked for a way to give back. As an employee of Cigna, she has co-chaired Cigna's Seattle March for Babies team since 2007. And now this year, her bright, outgoing boy, Kieran, will serve as our 2012 National Ambassador — traveling the country on behalf of the March of Dimes. 

Click HERE to visit Kieran's Blog: Kieran Wittstruck's Travels.


To see how you can help the March of Dimes, click HERE.

For the 66th year, a March of Dimes Ambassador has met with the President
 of the United States.  Above: The Wittstruck's, Lauren Fleming  (the March
 of Dimes 2011 National Ambassador) and her family, and Mr. Gary Dixon, a
March of Dimes trustee (Texas), posed in front of the White House before
 meeting in the Oval Office.

Benefits for Rescue Dog Heroes: "Here Weego!"

The Super Bowl Commercial from Bud Light featuring "Weego", the dog who fetches beer, has gotten Rescue Dogs a lot of attention this week.

If you choose to adopt a shelter dog, please research and consider your decision carefully.  It is a long term commitment.

If you choose to act as a temporary guardian, foster parent, or rescue/shelter volunteer, there may be some benefits for you to consider.  See the "tax" article below ... and the Bud Light commercial too.





Disclaimer: Not every rescue dog you claim from a shelter will be able to retrieve you beer.  Think carefully before you adopt.

Click HERE for the Bud Light / Weego Facebook page.

Life Insurance Is Income Protection

Life insurance can help fill the gap
Reprint from Farmers Insurance

Did you ever think that life insurance could be a valuable tool during your working years as well as after? Interestingly, life insurance can be a useful tool for many individuals and families who are approaching retirement as well as for those who are already retired.

Most of us buy life insurance to replace the loss of income that would occur should we die or to create an estate for our loved ones (click here see accompanying Did You Know article), but there are many other reasons:

  

• You have an aging parent or disabled relative who depends on you for support 
• You have a large estate and expect to owe estate taxes 
• You own a business and have a partner 
• You have a substantial joint financial obligation, such as a personal loan for which another person would be legally responsible after your death 

Life Insurance and Retirement
Many retired couples depend on Social Security and pension income to survive. When one spouse dies, those payments may be reduced — survivor benefits are often much lower than retiree benefits — while many of the ongoing expenses remain for the survivor. You can help protect your surviving spouse from this reduction in income with life insurance. The death benefit can replace your missing income so a personal loss does not become a financial one as well.

Call us — I can help you analyze your individual situation so you can determine your life insurance requirements and decide whether your coverage is appropriate for your needs and your family. 

Life insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company,

Mercer Island, WA 98040.
Products and features may not be available in all states and may vary by state.

Newest Farmers Insurance Commercial: Jack In The Box ~ Surprises

Insurance is for Life's "Little Surprises".

While you wouldn't normally expect to worry about falling "space junk", some days you gotta wonder... 





This message is brought to you by Farmers Insurance.

Farmers Insurance claims #: 1 - 800 - Help Point

Always make sure your auto, fire (home, condo, & renters), earthquake, flood, umbrella, and life insurances all properly work together to protect your home, your business, your family, your future.

Kevin Tuckey

Mission Valley San Diego

3675 Ruffin Rd.

ste 220

San Diego, Ca  92123

License #: 0B72553

(858) 751-1357

Farmers Insurance uses an investigative and educational process to ascertain your current risk exposure and deliver to you through our 'Value Insurance Proposal' (VIP) the correct levels of coverage at the right price without compromising vital coverages. You need to protect your family and the assets you have spent a lifetime acquiring.

With the Platinum Elite, there is a difference.  Discover:

Why Platinum!

* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.

Congratulations to Susanne Romo, LUTCF

I would like to congratulate Farmers Insurance Agent Susanne Romo for completing the necessary coursework to obtain her LUTCF Life Insurance designation through the American College.

Susanne Romo, LUTCF
Farmers Insurance

As one of the moderators for the course, it was a pleasure having her take part and contribute her experiences and insight to the conversations.

This achievement shows Susanne is commitment to providing comprehensive planning for her clients. A true insurance professional works to help their client develop a plan that not only protects their current assets from life's pitfalls, but helps them accumulate wealth towards life's pleasures like retirement and college funding.

Susanne Romo was just one of several Farmers agents who started the LUTCF coursework at the Platinum Elite Headquarters in Mission Valley back in late 2010.  The course included studying the uses of Life Insurance in both family and business settings.

~Kevin Tuckey

Click HERE for the article from our most recently completed LUTCF class.

Any Life Insurance Agent interested in the achieving the LUTCF designation, click HERE.

Do I Really Need Flood Insurance?

Living in Southern California (a desert) we often forget floods do happen.  And because they are often years in between, they catch us off guard.

Is your home or business in a flood zone that floods every five, ten, twenty, fifty, or one-hundred years?  Are you near a "dried river bed"?

Is your bank making you get a flood policy to secure your mortgage loan?

Read this article and if needed, contact the Farmers Insurance Agent below.

Reprint from FoxBusiness.com

Five Steps to Assess Your Need for Flood Insurance

Written by Jay MacDonald

Published January 31, 2012

Bankrate.com

When torrential rains and massive snowmelt swelled North Dakota's Souris River to 100-year flood levels in June, displacing more than 10,000 residents of Minot, Farmers Insurance agent James Bierschbach's phone began to ring.

"Those houses had been in the high-risk flood zone A back during our last big flood in 1969," he says. "But in the early '80s, they were re-rated to zone X, the 100-year flood level, after some dikes were put in."

As a result, homeowners in the flooded area who had long ago dropped flood coverage or weren't ever required to purchase it were stuck with steep financial losses because most homeowners insurance policies don't cover flood damage.

Not all of Bierschbach's callers were reconsidering flood insurance, however. Some were now buying flood coverage because they had to do so.

"When people want to borrow the money to rebuild, the banks and the Small Business Administration are now requiring flood insurance on any of the houses down in that area to protect them against another flood," he says.