Available insurance coverages for your pet

Many of us have dogs and cats that we love dearly. They bring us so much joy, companionship, and love. It’s no wonder we consider these fur babies to be family.

When they get hurt, it can be a financial burden. It is essential to be financially prepared to care for your pets if the unforeseen happens from an accident resulting in injury or even death.

As a pet owner, you may buy pet health insurance that’ll help reimburse you for eligible vet bills, provide a 24/7 vet helpline, and provide accident, illness, and optional preventive care for your pets. The cost of this type of insurance varies based on the coverage you purchase. A quick internet search can aid you in finding the right coverage for you and your family pet. 

But did you know that your homeowners policy may provide Pet Aid coverage? While Pet Aid coverage is not pet health insurance, some homeowners insurance policies may have built-in coverage or an endorsement that could be added to your homeowners policy to help cover sudden and accidental direct injury or death to your cat or dog.

If you have a Home and Highway® policy, this coverage is included under the homeowners portion of your policy. There’s no additional premium charge or deductible for this coverage. The perils that’ll afford coverage if your pet has a sudden and accidental direct injury or death include:

• Fire and lightning
• Explosion
• Smoke
• Windstorm and hail
• Vehicles and aircraft
• Falling objects

The maximum limit that’ll be paid is $500 for each pet injured or killed in a covered event and up to  $1,500  total for any one event. Payments include reasonable and necessary veterinarian expenses, as well as the cost of adopting another pet if your dog or cat should die from injuries.

While no one wants to think about the unimaginable, knowing there may be coverage to help ease out-of-pocket expenses if a loss happens can give pet owners peace of mind during a stressful situation.

Don’t hesitate to contact your independent insurance agent to discuss what your policy may include for Pet Aid coverage or if there’s an endorsement you can add to your homeowners policy for this type of coverage.

Posted by Kayla Eggert on Oct 31, 2023 8:00:00 AM

https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/insurance-coverages-pet

Optional insurance coverages to consider if you’re buying a car

The excitement of purchasing a new car is a feeling like no other. The shiny exterior, the fresh scent of the interior, the new features, and the promise of countless adventures create a sense of anticipation that’s difficult to beat.

But before you go to the dealership, you must research to be prepared. Things to consider include:

• Your credit score
• Your desired payment
• Your car’s trade-in value
• Car features and benefits
• Buy vs. lease
• New vs. used
• Insurance rate and coverage

Once you test drive and purchase your dream vehicle, you must make sure that it’s adequately protected by insurance. Most auto policies include language for newly acquired autos, which provides liability coverage and limited physical damage coverage for your new car. That coverage, however, only lasts for a specified time. You must still notify your agent or insurance company of the purchase. Failing to do so may result in a lack of coverage.

When you contact your agent about adding your new vehicle to your policy, they can advise you about adding additional coverages that may be a good fit for your situation. Theresa, senior personal lines underwriter, will explain some optional coverages that may be available on an insurance policy.

Auto Loan/Lease or GAP coverage covers the difference between the amount still due on your loan or lease agreement and the actual cash value of the vehicle if a covered claim occurs.

Car Damage Replacement coverage changes the loss settlement from actual cash value of the vehicle to the replacement cost for specific covered claims during a specified time. Some exclusions may apply.  

Emergency Roadside Assistance coverage is another optional coverage that can be added to the policy. Roadside assistance covers services for towing, flat tires, gasoline delivery, battery jumpstarts, lockouts, and other minor repairs at the site of disablement. The amount of coverage depends on the coverage limit you select and the terms and conditions of the policy.   

Transportation Expense coverage is for temporary expenses you incur due to a covered physical damage claim to your covered auto. This is the cost to rent a vehicle while yours is being repaired. This coverage usually has a limit of $30 per day with a maximum of $900, which typically allows for the rental of an economy or compact vehicle. In today’s environment, purchasing higher limits is a good idea.

Regardless of the kind of vehicle you purchase, it’s essential to obtain insurance protection as soon as you can. In addition, make sure you read and understand your policy and contact your independent insurance agent with questions.

Posted by Scott Stueber on Sep 12, 2023 10:05:45 AM

https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/optional-auto-insurance-coverages

Four benefits of a furnace inspection

At this time of year, many things start to be added to our “To to-do list” to prepare for winter. Raking leaves, cleaning gutters, disconnecting hoses, and ensuring the snow blower starts are just a few. What about having your furnace inspected? Now is the time to schedule your appointment.

We’ve all seen the news reports about heating systems that go out and repair backlogs that occur with frigid temperatures.

Here are some benefits to getting your furnace inspected now.

1. Uncover minor problems.

Proper maintenance now is necessary to avoid expensive repairs in the future. If a small problem is detected now, the appropriate part(s) can be ordered and replaced promptly. If a problem occurs during the winter when you need your furnace most, hourly rates will likely be higher, and you’ll likely be more frustrated with the process. Here are some things an inspection could uncover.

• Water leaks
• Frequent shut-offs
• Carbon monoxide leaks
• Fluctuating energy bills

2. Maintain efficiency.

Like other mechanical items, a furnace has moving parts. A certified HVAC technician can inspect the moving parts and lubricate, clean, or replace them so your system runs as efficiently as possible.

3. Reduce heating expenses.

If a furnace is poorly maintained, it can work overtime. The more your furnace runs, the more you pay your utility company. A properly-tuned furnace will run more efficiently, thus reducing your heating bills.

4. Extends the life of the furnace.

After years of neglect, things break down. You may get the most out of your furnace by properly maintaining it. Let’s face it. If you have lived in your home long enough or bought an older home, this is one item you’ll need to replace. However, there’s no reason to replace it sooner than you have to.

Here are some furnace safety tips

1. Keep flammable objects away from your furnace.

This tip seems obvious. Nevertheless, if your utility room is anything like mine, things are shuffled around as we go through the different seasons, and it never seems quite big enough.

2. Make sure your exhaust flue is clear.

My exhaust flue is on the side of my house by the hose bib, so I always see it. However, if you don’t see yours regularly, make sure it’s clear of debris and other obstructions. It’s imperative to keep an eye on it during the winter months. Snowdrifts can pile up and prevent exhaust from leaving your house correctly.

3. Change your filter regularly.

Clean filters can help your furnace run more efficiently. The filter size your furnace needs will determine the appropriate replacement interval. Smaller filters will need to be replaced more frequently. If you have any questions, refer to manufacturer recommendations.

4. Install carbon monoxide detectors.

Cars, water heaters, a furnace, and a fireplace produce carbon monoxide. If you don’t have one installed in your home, buy one. Experts recommend having one on every floor of your home. Carbon monoxide detectors range in price and can be plugged into a wall outlet.

Remember to test your smoke detectors and change the batteries if needed.

Posted by Scott Stueber on Sep 19, 2023 1:59:11 PM

https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/four-benefits-of-a-furnace-inspection