• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Hunsicker & Associates

"Quietly Doing Things Better Since 1960"

Call Us Today! 641-342-2478
  • Home
  • Products
    • Business Coverage
    • Financial Services
    • Health and Life
    • Personal Coverage
  • Blog
  • Claims
  • Policy Service
  • About Us
    • History
    • Our Agents and Staff
  • Contact Us

Kathryn Smith

How to Maximize Privacy on Winter Nights

By Kathryn Smith on January 3, 2019 0

West Bend_Winter Privacy.jpgLet’s face it – winter presents many problems for homeowners. From cold temperatures that make heating systems work overtime, to snow and ice that clog driveways, gutters, and walkways, winter creates a wide range of challenges that can cost time and money. But that’s not all—winter can make it tough to maintain privacy as well. Thanks to winter’s short days and long nights, homeowners need well-lit homes during active evening hours. That’s why it’s important to have effective window treatments—blocking the view in from the outside.

Here’s a look at five popular window treatments and how they can help you maximize your privacy on winter nights.

1. Cellular Shades. Cellular shades deliver an unbeatable combination of fashion and function. They’re best-known for their light filtering and noise reduction capabilities. At the same time, cellular shades are customizable to suit your individual style. They provide a top-down, bottom-up feature, which means you can allow light in from the top of the window while maintaining your privacy.

Let’s not forget about the superior insulation provided by cellular shades. These shades have been shown to help homeowners lower their energy costs throughout the year, making them an ideal choice to add comfort to a home on winter’s cold and dark days.

2. Roller Shades. For those who are searching for effective light-blocking window treatments, roller shades may prove to be ideal. They effectively block the light from the outside during the day and present optimal privacy from the outside during the dark hours. Roller shades boast a timeless look and feel—they’re a top choice in houses of all sizes and styles.

Roller shades are simple, affordable, and convenient. They generally can be installed in just minutes and won’t require homeowners to break their budgets. Additionally, roller shades can be mounted or paired with curtains, to block any side light gaps and improve your privacy. These shades can even be motorized and controlled remotely.

3. Sheer Shades. Sheer shades instantly bring a hint of elegance to a home’s décor. Unlike other shades, sheer treatments diffuse light that enters a house and distribute it across a space. That way, sheer shades can help create a soft, elegant look in any room.

Depending on the level of translucence you choose, outsiders may be able to view shadows within your home. Keep this in mind when determining the best choice for you.

4. Roman Shades. Searching for high-end window treatments to increase your privacy at home? Roman shades feature both luxurious style and superb quality. They can be made in a variety of colors and fabrics, offering a range of privacy options.

Also, you can select Roman shades with a thermal sateen or liner to further increase your home’s privacy and energy efficiency.

5. Bamboo Shades. Bamboo shades have a look and feel all their own, with their natural, woven style. Perhaps most important, bamboo shades are strong and durable, which means these shades will continue to maintain their appearance for years to come. While their porous nature means that they do let in some steams of light, they provide a good amount of privacy from the outside. You can also install them with a blackout or privacy liner for added light and privacy control.

Just because the sun goes down, it doesn’t mean you have to call it a night. Keep your active evening hours comfortable and private with the right window treatments.

Katie Laird is the Director of Social Marketing for Blinds.com and a passionate home decorator for her family with a love of all things Mid-Century Modern and blue. Visit the Blinds.com website to learn more about the benefits of window shades and how they can help add privacy to your home.

Topics: Home Safety

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jan 2, 2018 9:08:23 AM

Understanding bullying in today’s world

By Kathryn Smith on December 28, 2018 0

bullying.jpgSchool has been back in session for a few weeks. I hope you and your family have adjusted to this more hectic routine.

If your child is attending a new school, including transitioning into middle school or high school, you probably need more time to adjust. At the middle school and high school levels, many more opportunities exist. Each transition in school brings more challenges and homework!

For your student, the new school year also means developing new friendships. More than likely, this is probably one of the scariest things for them. My daughter is a freshman in high school this year. She’s very outgoing and confident. However, she was more concerned about who she was going to sit with at lunch, than the difficulty of her classes or the size of her high school.

Meeting new friends is hard. It makes kids feel insecure and vulnerable. Even as adults, we can feel this way in new social settings.

While great new friendships can develop, unhealthy ones can develop as well. Some kids may be rude, mean, or even bullies.

I understand this is a sensitive issue for many families. My intent isn’t to debate each situation, but to share some resources that may help your family.

Therefore, to start, it’s important to understand some definitions.

Rude = inadvertently being impolite or discourteous. An example of a rude person may be someone who jumps ahead in the lunch line or brags about being the best athlete or student.

Mean = saying or doing something with the intention to hurt someone else. An example of a mean person may be someone who criticizes your clothes or lunch. A person who is mean may say something hurtful one day and be nice the rest of the school year. Their behavior isn’t repeated on a regular basis.

Bullying = repeated, unwanted aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Different types of bullying include:

  • Verbal;
  • Physical;
  • Social; and
  • Cyberbullying.

It’s estimated that we’re connected to our electronic devices almost five hours per day. To me, this is why cyberbullying is so concerning. Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If your family struggles with too much time on electronic devices, check out my blog “10 Tips for Parenting the Digital Child”.

If you’d like to learn more about bullying, visit stopbullying.gov. You’ll find information about:

  • What is bullying;
  • Cyberbullying;
  • Who is at risk;
  • Preventing bullying;
  • Responding to bullying; and
  • Getting help.

If your family is struggling with a particular situation, don’t sit back and hope that it passes. Talk to a teacher, principal, therapist, police officer, or religious clergy. Help is available if you look for it.

Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/signe-whitson/bullying_b_2188819.html
https://www.stopbullying.gov/what-is-bullying/definition/index.html#frequency

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Sep 26, 2017 8:57:11 AM

Eleven tips for enjoying the holidays with your family

By Kathryn Smith on December 24, 2018 0

Family drama

 

Holiday traditions often make the holiday season the favorite time of year for many people. Those traditions include:

  • Picking out the perfect Christmas tree;
  • Participating in secret gift exchanges;
  • Baking cookies; and
  • Travelling to visit family.

However, this time of year can be very stressful for families dealing with internal drama. Snide remarks, political arguments, and opinionated relatives can make this a time of year you want to forget.

If you’re chuckling, you get my drift. If you’re a bit upset, take a breath. No one’s family is perfect!

Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holidays with your family a bit more this year.

1. Make a phone call. Carrying a chip on your shoulder year after year is a burden. If you’ve had a disagreement or fight with a family member, pick up the phone, send a text, or send a Christmas card. Discussing a misunderstanding ahead of your family party can make it more enjoyable or at a minimum more tolerable.

2. Be thankful. Even if you have no family drama, you may still get annoyed with some of your relatives. Consider being thankful for another year together. This may be the only time of year you see them. Life is precious and can change in a second.

3. Don’t be so serious. Sometimes we’re our own worst critics. Maybe things aren’t as bad as we think they are. Enjoy a little humor or a lighter outlook on things.

4. Exercise. This time of year is hectic. Family traditions, holiday concerts/plays, shopping lists, final exams, and your company’s year-end makes it hard to enjoy the holiday season. If you’re feeling stressed and losing sleep at night, increase your physical activity. Getting the endorphins flowing makes a big difference in how we handle stress. Get that workout in before your family event!

5. Be genuine. Trying to impress family members can be stressful and a lot of work. Connect with the family members you enjoy being around. Definitely be cordial to all, but don’t go out of your way to be someone you’re not.

6. Stand your ground. Don’t get tricked into a discussion or situation that’s going to upset you. More than likely it’s the same situation or comment from the same person every year. I had an uncle who always told me I looked healthy (over weight). Realize the game is beginning and simply walk away.

7. Just ignore them. Everyone experiences different levels of stress and emotion this time of year. Things may be said or done. It’s probably not because of anything you’ve done. It’s just them. A smile, nod, or simple gesture can keep a situation from escalating.

8. Plan an exit strategy. Before going to your family holiday party, discuss with your spouse or other family members on how long you plan on staying. As families grow and mature, it’s hard to stick to everyone’s schedule. Consider taking separate cars in case someone wants to leave early or stay late.

9. Think positive. Don’t let negative self-talk get you down. Stay positive and use tactics to keep the negativity to a minimum.

10. It’s about the kids. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced family drama during the holidays. While it can be hard to sit in the same room with a certain family member, put aside your differences for the kids. Think about the excitement the holiday brings to them. Spending time with their cousins and relatives creates memories that last a lifetime.

11. Respectfully decline. If the ideas mentioned above don’t work for you. Then it may be best to decline a holiday party invitation. At the end of the day, you have to do what’s best for you. Taking on extra stress during an already busy time of year doesn’t make sense. Consider starting a new tradition that brings you more happiness.

Happy Holidays!

Source:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/janet-taylor-md-mph/surviving-holiday-family_b_1140346.html

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 18, 2018 10:18:07 AM

Insuring your adult children: When do insurance coverage gaps arise?

By Kathryn Smith on December 14, 2018 0

Adult college studentsIn today’s society of long-term college careers and high-debt range after graduation, there’s been a drastic increase in the age to which a child attends college or is being financially helped or supported by the parents. Unfortunately, this can create insurance coverage gaps for the adult child that parents may not realize and can jeopardize the child’s financial wellbeing.

When it comes to personal contents and the larger personal liability exposures on the homeowners’ policy, the age of the child, the full- or part-time student status, and where the child lives are all very critical for obtaining accurate insurance coverage.

The definition of who has coverage under a homeowners policy as an “insured” is limited to “residents of your household who are your relative” and further extends away from the home for “a student enrolled in school full time, as defined by the school, and is under the age of ___” (varies by carrier from 24 to 29 years old).

Many children now attend college beyond the ages of 24-29 years. Sometimes it’s because the child is working toward additional degrees. Maybe the child is working while going to school so it may take longer to graduate. Regardless of the reason, if a child is beyond that age, doesn’t have FULL-TIME student status, or is living away from home, it can instantly create a gap in their coverage for all their contents and personal liability insurance.

In more and more cases, parents are renting an apartment or purchasing a condominium or home for their child to live in. Although the parents purchase that dwelling, it’s not THEIR residence and they don’t live there. In many cases, the coverage that had been extended to the child on their parent’s policy is no longer available because the child now lives at this rented/purchased location and no longer resides with the parents.

As for the auto exposure, who the car is titled to, who’s listed on the policy as a Named Insured or Additional Insured, and where the child is living are all very critical in determining if the child has appropriate insurance coverage.

Under a personal auto policy, the definition of who has coverage includes “family members.” Family members are limited to “a person related to you by blood, marriage or adoption who is a resident of your household.”

So a vehicle titled and insured by the parents, but in possession of a child who isn’t a resident of the parents’ household, creates a gap in coverage for a child who rents or borrows a vehicle, as well one who’s injured while a pedestrian or while a passenger in another vehicle that has no or not enough insurance coverage. If a vehicle is co-titled or titled solely to the child, but the child isn’t properly listed as an Additional Insured or Named Insured, that can create a gap in coverage.

Here are some examples where adult children would NOT have coverage because the definitions, as stated above, don’t apply:

• Your child borrows a friend’s truck to pick up furniture they purchased and causes injuries to someone crossing the street. Your child didn’t know the friend had no insurance on the truck. Now your child has no liability coverage for the injuries they caused.

• Your child rents a vehicle while on vacation and doesn’t buy the insurance offered by the rental car company. Again, there’s no coverage for property damage to the rented vehicle or bodily injury to others if there’s an accident.

• Your child is hit by an uninsured motorist while walking across the street. There are no medical payments or uninsured motorist’s coverage for his or her own injuries.

• Your child is at a concert and accidentally bumps someone off the edge of the stadium bleachers causing severe injuries. There’s no coverage for the injuries caused to that person.

So always be sure to contact your insurance agent with current information about your child’s age, student status, and address to determine if they have the coverage they need. This will ensure, at the necessary time, that your child will avoid these insurance gaps and have the proper coverage in his or her own name. Without the proper insurance protection for injuries and damages, they risk personal financial devastation for many years to come.

Author Bio: Joyce Schuett is a senior Personal Lines underwriter and trainer who has been with West Bend for 13 years. She has her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation and she instructs several insurance classes. She was also an agent for West Bend for 8 years. She enjoys time at their family cabin in northern Wisconsin, deer hunting, and any time spent with her husband, two adult children, and their dog.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 11, 2018 11:27:41 AM

Ten tips for protecting yourself against holiday theft

By Kathryn Smith on December 6, 2018 0

Christmas shopping

Holiday songs fill the airwaves on the radio, neighborhoods are full of bright lights and holiday cheer, and shopping malls are full of hustle and bustle. The holiday season is officially here!

While you’re busy crossing items off your “To Do” list, burglars are looking for ways to fill their wish lists. During this time of year, thefts and break-ins increase significantly. Unoccupied homes and unlocked cars are easy targets. While insurance may provide some theft coverage, a situation like this will dampen your mood.

Here are some ways you can ward off holiday theft this year and keep your family safe.

1. Talk to your independent insurance agent. Contact your agent to make sure you have the appropriate coverages. Whether you own or rent a home, you should have the appropriate insurance coverage to protect you from theft and other perils. If you only have the basic coverage on your auto it may not be enough to cover theft, damage or vandalism.

2. Keep an eye on your packages. Online shopping has become so popular and neighborhoods are filled with delivery trucks this time of year. If a majority of your shopping is done online, it’s highly likely a package or two could be stolen from your front porch. Here are some useful tips that may help keep your packages safe.

3. Keep recent purchases out of sight. Whether at home or at the shopping mall, it’s important to keep your bags and packages out of sight. At home, consider storing them in your basement or a closet that’s away from main entrances. This will make the packages harder to find. When at the shopping mall, don’t put the bags in the back seat of your car. Store them in your trunk or hatchback. If you put them in your hatchback, don’t forget to pull the shade to hide them.

4. Document your recent purchases. If your purchases are on the expensive side, consider snapping a photo for documentation.

5. Lock your doors. If you tend to leave your car or home unlocked, you should consider locking it this time of year. Remember, break-ins increase during the holiday season. Also, make sure your windows are locked. Locked windows help keep burglars out and the heat in. For more information, on keeping your home safe, click here.

6. Always be aware of your surroundings. If you’re visiting the mall, before you exit your car, look around before getting out. When you come back with an armful of shopping bags, make sure you’re holding your keys in case you need to press the panic button or get into your car quickly.

Here is a variety of parking lot safety tips.

Lastly, don’t forget to scan the area when you pull up to an ATM machine to withdraw money.

7. Light up the night. Install motion-activated outdoor lighting. If all the entry points to your home are illuminated, it’s likely burglars will move on to the next house. In addition, consider installing smart lighting inside your home. Smart lighting can be controlled from anywhere in the world and schedules can be created easily.

8. Secure your luggage. If you’re going to be traveling this holiday season, make sure your luggage is secure. I don’t think I’ve ever been at an airport that isn’t busy. However, during the holiday season it’s estimated that 107.3 million Americans travel 50 miles or more from their home. Consider using TSA approved locks on your suitcase or backpacks. After going through security, grab your bags first and then your shoes. Don’t leave your bag sitting at the end of the conveyor belt.

9. Hang onto your purse. Keep an eye on your purse at all times. Purse thieves look for:

  • A purse draped over the back of a chair;
  • A wallet hanging out loosely;
  • A purse or wallet in a shopping cart;
  • A purse or wallet left in an unattended and unlocked car;
  • A purse left in vacant offices or fitting rooms; and
  • Items left on public coat racks.

Men should keep their wallet in their front pocket to avoid pick pocketing thieves.

10. Stuff the recycling bin full. Cut gift and electronics boxes into small pieces so they can fit in your recycling bin. There’s no need to broadcast your recent purchases with the neighborhood.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-christmas-travel/record-number-of-americans-to-travel-during-christmas-holiday-aaa-idUSKBN1E823F

https://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/safety-tips/how-purse-thieves-work-2/

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Dec 4, 2018 12:04:35 PM

When you’re away – and even when you’re home – the rodents will play!

By Kathryn Smith on November 29, 2018 0

MouseRodent infestations can cause all sorts of destruction in your house, from messy droppings to structural damage and more. Unlike your auto policy, rodent damage and removal aren’t covered by most homeowner’s insurance policies.

Since infestations and the damage that results from rats and mice are usually considered matters of home maintenance, the responsibility is typically on the homeowner to pay for repairs and pest control methods.

Rodents (typically rats, mice, and squirrels) are most commonly found in your walls, roof spaces, cupboards, and storage areas so it might be difficult to detect them right away. Here are a few clues you might have an infestation:

  • Droppings – The most common sign you have a rodent problem is droppings. Droppings usually look like small grains of black rice and are often found where food is kept, under sinks, along baseboards, on top of wall beams, and inside cardboard boxes.
  • Odd noises – Scurrying in your walls, attic, or heck, even right across your living room — mainly at night. If you’re worried about critters getting to family heirlooms or other valuables in your attic or storage areas, it’s best to store those items in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes that they can easily chew through.
  • Gnaw marks – Rodents can cause major damage just by chewing. In addition, they can chew through materials you wouldn’t even suspect — including pipes and electrical wiring.
  • Nests – You might not see the nest at first but you’ll notice materials typically used to build them (shredded paper, packing materials, cotton, pieces of fabric, and wall insulation) around your home.
  • Tracks – Rats’ naturally oily fur attracts all kinds of dirt and grease. After a few trips between their nest and their food source, they often start leaving dark tracks or rub marks along your home’s floorboards and walls. These tracks are often signs of rats, as opposed to signs of mice, which can help you narrow down which rodent you’re dealing with.

Here are some tips to help you get rid of them:

  • Simple home maintenance – Keep the house clean, practice good sanitation, and patch up any openings in the home. Rodent proof areas where you keep food by using plastic and glass containers instead of cardboard they can easily chew through. Since droppings can trigger allergies, carry harmful bacteria, and even transmit serious diseases like salmonella, it’s important to use gloves and antiseptic spray to quickly clean up the mess and dispose of it outside your house.
  • Poisonous baits – These are not always the best options. Rodents tend to die in hard-to-reach areas and it’s difficult to locate the dead animal to get rid of the odor. Pets can accidentally ingest these products, as well.
  • Ultrasonic sound – With this method, sound loses its intensity quickly with distance, and it can’t penetrate behind objects like furniture or walls. Rodents who are already in the home can quickly get used to any sounds that may initially affect them.
  • Pest control professional – This is your safest option; they know how to locate rodents and they have the proper clothing and equipment to thoroughly extricate rodents from your home. This helps keep you and your family from being exposed to health hazards during the removal and cleanup process.

It’s always wise to speak with your insurance agent about what kind of protection your specific home coverages can provide.

Author Bio:  Wendy Wagner is a senior Personal Lines underwriter and has been with West Bend for seven years. In her free time, Wendy enjoys snorkeling and swimming with manatees and sharks. Wendy and her family also love fostering dogs and finding them new homes.

Topics: Home Safety

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Nov 27, 2018 10:15:00 AM

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Phone

641-342-2478 Office

641-342-6125 Fax

Address

315 W. McLane Box 160
Osceola, Iowa 50213

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Home
  • Products
  • Blog
  • Claims
  • Policy Service
  • About Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

© 2004 – 2019 Hunsicker and Associates - All Rights Reserved | Developed by Ten Foot Table.