During this dry weather it is a good idea to make sure the soil around your foundation gets watered.  The drying of the soil expands and contracts and can cause damage to the foundation.  So next time you are out watering your flowers or grass dont skip out on the soil around your home.  This could save against costly repairs and water leaks in the future.  The link below gives further information regarding this. http://www.foundationrepairs.com/foundationmaintenance...

Home Ins Yesterday Etler-Kettenacker Agency posted a page on home insurance specifically relating to replacement cost and actual cash value.  This page discusses the differences and benefits of these replacement options available with your home insurance policy. Replacement cost comes with a slightly higher premium but is worth the expense.  It makes you whole after a loss to your home with current prices of materials for repair or the current cost to replace your home. Ac...

Making a Home Content List This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency posted a page in regards to ways of Making a Home Content List in case of an emergency or loss to your home.  The full page can be found at http://www.ekagency.com/makingahome/content_list.aspx. Making a Home Content List is a task that’s not overly time consuming but is something you may be glad you took the time to do.  Whether it is a simple sketch of the contents of your home or to photographs with complete de...

Insuring Your Stay-At-Home Partner This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency posted a page on the importance of insuring your stay-at-home partner and a few reasons why it is important.  You can read the pull page at http://www.ekagency.com/insurance/stay_at_home_partner.aspx.   No one wants to think about the loss of their partner however, life insurance can’t be purchased after the fact.  The incoming-producing partner must determine what they will have to pay...

Golfing Liability This week Etler-Kettenacker posted a page regarding golfing liability.  The page includes a story based on an actual golfing liability civil case.  You can read the story at http://www.ekagency.com/liability/golfing.aspx.    Etler-Kettenacker Agency is always available to discuss with you in detail what your liability coverages include under your homeowner’s insurance.  In most cases your homeowner’s policy will cover your...

Be Mindful of Your Facebook Status I hope everyone had a chance to look at the blogs and pages for Life Insurance Awareness Month over the past four weeks.  If you didn’t get a chance to check them out go to http://www.ekagency.com/blog and take a look.   This week EK Agency posted a page on why you should be mindful of your Facebook status.  The complete page can be found at http://www.ekagency.com/be_mindful_of_your/facebook_status.aspx.  Those of us...

Home Electric Maintenance This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency posted a page on home electric maintenance.  EK Agency wanted to bring this to the forefront because many people do not think about putting their home electrical system on the list with their HVAC, oil furnace or chimneys to be serviced on a regular basis.  Home electrical maintenance is just as importance as your heat and air.  An electrical panel that is not maintained can lead to a fire or an expensive power failure....

Frankenmuth Insurance This week is Part 1 of a two part series showcasing Frankenmuth Insurance.  Etler-Kettenacker Agency has been a trusted agent for Frankenmuth Insurance for many years and continues to match numerous clients with their products.  The complete Part 1, highlighting Frankenmuth’s personal lines products, can be found at http://www.ekagency.com/frankenmuth/insurance.aspx.             Frankenmuth...

Saving 15% This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency has posted a story and the Jones family and the Smith family who both experienced a devastating tornado.  The Jones family chose not to switch insurance carriers thus not saving 15%.  The Smith family chose to switch to a new carrier and ended up saving 15%.  To find out what happened to each family read the story at http://www.ekagency.com/saving/15_percent.aspx.   If you have any questions regarding your homeowne...

Holiday Claims Etler-Kettenacker wants to wish all of our clients and readers a Happy Holiday Season!  This week EK Agency posted an article on the types of holiday claims that are often seen by insurers during the holiday season.  To see the full article about holiday claims visit http://www.ekagency.com/holiday/claims.aspx.    If you need any of us at EK Agency over the holiday season please contact us with questions or concerns if you should have any h...

Etler-Kettenacker Agency’s Year in Review      This week Etler-Kettenacker Agency wanted to review with our clients and friends some key insurance topics discussed in our articles and blogs of 2013.  The Etler-Kettenacker Agency’s Year in Review article can be found at http://www.ekagency.com/etler_kettenacker_agencys/year_in_review.aspx.  Please take a moment to review the article and the key issues of 2013.   The purpos...

Since today is tax day, it seemed as good a time as any to talk about spring cleaning. I mean, weve all filed those returns, March Madness is over, and the weather is gorgeous -- so theres no more excuses for not getting the cleaning done! We know how daunting spring cleaning can be, and were here to help! Heres a list of items that should be on everyones spring cleaning to-do: 1. Change the furnace filter: Just because youre not running the heat, doesnt mean you shouldnt change your f...

Ok, ok -- last "spring cleaning" post for awhile. Todays topic: stuff you should do to "spring clean" the outside of your house. Because, from an insurance agents perspective, this stuff matters! Not to mention, a well-kept lawn just looks nice (hello: curb appeal!). 1. Mow your lawn. Mowing will force you to pick up loose sticks and branches -- which, if youre noticing lots of dead branches in a particular area, you might need to do some pruning. Dead branches arent just unsightly; theyre al...

Can you believe this weekend is Memorial Day? This all-American holiday means barbecues, pools, and summer. As insurance agents, we are always thinking about safety. There are many things to keep in mind as you head outdoors this summer; but today, we are going to discuss something that will be happening in homes across America: grilling. Did you know that 7,500 grill fires occur each year? Gas grills are responsible for the bulk of these fires, which cause roughly $70 million in damag...

Memorial Day kicks off pool season, with community, private and residential pools opening their doors until Labor Day. Keep your kids safe this summer with the following precautions: The Community Pool/Swim Club In addition to protecting your kids from the sun with appropriate hats/sunscreen, your kids should never run by the pool, as its usually very wet and slippery. As soon as possible, enroll your kids in swim lessons. Everyone should know how to swim -- especially little kids. Swim ...

So, maybe you just got married and are about to go on your honeymoon. Or schools out, so you and the fam are taking a summer vacation. Or maybe you recently retired, and you and the spouse are about to travel the world! Summer is by far the most popular time to vacation. Did you know that 45% of Americans take some type of summer vacation? While youre putting together your check-list of supplies to buy, arrangements to make and what to pack, add another item to your list: travel insurance...

If you are sending your kids off to college this fall, you might be wondering about insurance. Specifically, insuring all that stuff you bought for your college-bound kid: computer, books, bikes and, in some cases, furniture. The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that the average family will spend roughly $900/college student -- on back-to-school supplies alone. If your child is going to live in a dorm, add $126 to that number for furnishings, the NRF says. For a full breakdown of b...

Happy Fall, friends! Hard to believe, but cooler temps, fall colors and football season are just around the corner! In a nationwide survey, nearly 30% of Americans chose fall as their favorite season -- and it isnt any wonder why. Cincinnati is drop-dead gorgeous in the fall -- our skies big and blue, trees rich orange and red hues and weather perfectly cool-but-not-cold-nor-hot-nor-humid. However. If youre a homeowner, you might not be singing the praises of fall quite so... enthusias...

Its been a crisp, beautiful fall week here in the Tri-state -- perfect for pumpkin patches, hay rides and football! This cooler weather also serves to remind us that yes, fall (and eventually winter) are upon us. For homeowners, fall is the time to take care of your yard! View this work as an investment -- the maintenance and preparation you do now will protect your lawn from damage that can be caused by the elements, and allow grass, trees and plants to emerge victoriously come spring. ...

With temps starting to dip into into the 40s at night, you may be tempted to run your furnace. And while conserving energy is great -- its actually a good idea to get the ole furnace running sooner rather than later. Testing your furnace out before winter hits is a wise choice, as it allows you to make sure there arent any leaks, odd smells or issues. Here are 3 things every homeowner should do to make sure the furnace is running in tip-top shape: 1. Change the furnace filter. When yo...

Last week we talked about trick-or-treating tips for your kids; this week, its all about safety guidelines for homeowners. Lots of people really get into Halloween decorations, with homemade "cemeteries" in their lawns, DIY Haunted Houses on their driveways, loads of lights, and lots of hanging skeletons, cobwebs and, of course, Jack o Lanterns. But, as with anything, these decorations can pose a safety risk if youre not careful. Here are 5 safety tips every homeowner needs to follow: ...

This week, were wrapping up our Halloween-themed posts with a fun one: alternative treats to hand out. Now were not suggesting you hand out toothbrushes or boxes of raisins; but nowadays, there are lots of treat options that wont put you at risk for having a tree full of toilet paper on November 1! Here are 25 ideas: Cereal bars/Nutrigrain bars Mini bags of microwave popcorn Snack bags of pretzels or Goldfish crackers Juice boxes Applesauce cups or squeeze...

Alright: its quiz time! Today we are going to play a round of "Would You File an Insurance Claim If...". Answer the following questions honestly -- and remember, this makes a great game for the next family get-together! Would you file an insurance claim if... you got into a fender-bender in the parking lot at Preschool dropoff? Would you file an insurance claim if... a tree branch fell and damaged your gutter? Would you file an insurance claim if... your teenage son backed i...

If youre a fan of live Christmas trees, youre not alone! According to Statistics Brain Research Institute, the number annual sales of live trees outnumber fake by a margin of more than 3:1. Of the people on Team Real Tree, some 84% of them purchase a pre-cut tree. This is dangerous for a few reasons: You dont know how fresh that tree is, and The trunks are often sealed, meaning you cant properly water the tree (and therefore creating a fire hazard. If youre one of the peo...

So youre at the checkout, about to click "purchase" on your online order, when a box pops up asking if youd like to pay an extra $70 for an extended warranty. Youre splurging on a brand-new, $600 DSLR camera... so you hesitate. Should you buy the extra insurance? Is the $70 worth it? Probably not, say the experts. Heres why: New products rarely require repairs. According to Consumer Reports, research reveals that most products usually dont break during the two-to-three-year period...

As 2015 draws to a close, you may be making resolutions to eat healthier, get to the gym and save more money. If saving money is on your list, you may be considering upgrading to new, energy-efficient home appliances. But these new gadgets often come with hefty price tags -- which raise the question of whether theyll save you enough money to be worthwhile. Today, we are looking at some of the "smart" appliance upgrades out there -- and whether you should consider the investment. Thermosta...

For many of us, paying our insurance premiums every month can feel like, well, a waste of money. If were lucky, we dont actually see our money being put to use -- because, the majority of the time, those worst-case catastrophes never happen. Heres the thing: insurance doesnt just protect you from worst-case, life-changing events, it also protects you from that annoying, ugh-why-is-it-happening-to-me-now stuff that can really put a damper on your monthly budget. Safeco coverage is added to...

It has been COLD around here lately -- and theres still lots more time before Mr. Groundhog makes any predictions about spring. In addition to being a nuisance, cold weather can also wreak havoc on your pipes, gutters, cars -- you name it! Here are 5 tips to help avoid any weather-related damage to your property this winter: 1. Check your attic Make sure there arent any leaks, which can lead to roof damage, ice dams and higher heating bills! While youre up there, insulate any areas...

As winter wears on and you find yourself spending more time indoors, you may be noticing little things around the house that you normally wouldnt. The worn-away grout in your bathroom. The drafts coming from your doors and windows. Your old, out-dated appliances. Blame it on one-too-many HDTV reruns, but, if you find yourself wondering whether its time to upgrade or not, here are the guidelines: Dishwasher... 9 years. Average cost to replace: $240-$700. If you want to...

Its going to be a cold week here in Cincinnati, which can only mean one thing: high heating bills. (And snow!) Guess what? You can stay warm and save money!  We have put together a helpful guide that can help you reduce the amount of money you’re spending each month. Here are 5 tips to saving money on your home electricity bill: 1. GET AN ENERGY AUDIT DONE ON YOUR HOME Youve probably gotten energy audit notices from Duke in your mailbox, and tossed them. Dont! A...

Tax season is upon us, and as you sit down to fill out your 2015 return, you may find yourself scrambling to track down all of those receipts, W2s and other important documents. Having an organized filing system is critical -- and easy! Here are 4 ways to stay organized, so you can have everything you need to maximize that return! 1. Toss the ATM receipts and paper statements Once your deposits have been made, youll be able to access your account information electronically. All...

Most local schools are out for summer this week. While kids everywhere are rejoicing, working parents are faced with the issue of summer childcare. If you’re thinking of hiring a nanny this summer, there are several important factors to consider: Taxes If you hire a nanny, you should think of them as an employee, as far as taxes go. The IRS has criteria to help you determine who is and isn’t an employee, which can be found on their website. If your housekeeper or nanny is your...

Tis the season for lawn care! As you walk the aisles of Home Depot in search for a new lawn mower, you’ve probably come to realize it’s not as simple as just picking the one that’s on sale. There are so many options, and what’s best for you is dependent on a number of factors, including: Yard size Lawn topography Mowing frequency Your age/physical fitness level How “green” you are Not to worry; we’re breaking ...

Not to alarm you, but your home or business may be on the brink of major catastrophe. If your home or business was built between 1950 and 1985, its possible that you have a Federal Pacific Electric Stab-Lok breaker panel. Although this company is no longer in business, many of these Stab-Lok panels still exist in basements and electrical rooms. The Stab-Lok panels are associated with several problems related to the breakers not tripping and issues with internal connections on the bus...

In the story of The Three Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf is able to enter the Straw and Stick Houses, as they were flimsy and easy to access. The Brick House, however, was strong and steadfast against the Wolf. Let this be a lesson to all of us to reinforce those doors! As a matter of fact, recent data suggests that burglars aren’t so much breaking and entering, as they are kicking and entering. Nowadays, burglars are simply kicking in doors to get into the house or garage. During a ...

Did your power go out last weekend? Power outages are a major hassle: lack of Heat/AC, lights and electricity can really put a damper on your plans. Not to mention -- an outage can  end up being quite costly. Whether youre reeling over losing precious work-from-home time or are lamenting your quickly warming refrigerator full of perishable food, a power outage can be more than a little inconvenient. Enter: the generator. A portable, powerful little machine on standby for when you nee...

As the weather cools, back porch grill outs become backyard gatherings round the fire pit. (Even for adults, nothing beats a warm fire and smore!) If you have a fire pit, or are considering adding one to your yard, here are 4 things to consider: 1. Permanent or Portable? If you want a more seasonal addition to your yard, youve got options. There are fire bowls that come in a variety of materials: copper or stainless steel bowls are usually lighter, but heavier cast iron bowls a...

Hurricane Matthew is moving toward the U.S. coast -- and for people living down South, the devastation is predicted to be huge. Specifically, the Consumer Federation of America is predicting upwards of 100,000 insurance claims for wind damage, with payouts for damages exceeding $7.4 billion. While were tucked safely in the Midwest -- if you have family or friends down South, please pass along these tips from the CFA: Review your policy Locate your homeowners or renters policy, a...

Halloween is Monday, friends! While its certainly one of our favorite holidays of the year, it comes with its own set of safety concerns. Follow these tips for a safe and fun Halloween! Tips for kids: 1. Never let your child trick-or-treat alone. Children should only trick-or-treat with a group that includes enough responsible adults to manage excited kids in costumes that might make it difficult for them to be seen. A little reflective tape on costumes can also help here, ens...

As homeowners, raking leaves might be the most hated task. Unlike shoveling snow or mowing, raking leaves feels like a Sisyphean task that just.wont.end. But -- there may be good news! The Natural Wildlife Federation (NWF) actually recommends that homeowners ditch the rakes. Heres why: Dead leaves make a great wildlife habitat Butterflies and songbirds depend on leaf litter, says the NWF. "Over winter months, a lot of butterflies and moths as pupa or caterpillar are in the leaf ...

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays -- but its also one of the most hazardous. All that turkey and stuffing prep means lots of work in the kitchen, which is almost always ground zero for house fires. Protect your house -- and your guests! -- this year by following a few simple safety precautions courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association: Watch the bird Check your turkey often - and dont leave anything unattended in the oven! If you have any last-minute errands, wai...

As we get into the holiday season, its crucial to keep an eye on your credit cards, bank statements and online accounts. But did you also know you need to watch your phone? Your door? Your utility bill? Utility scams are becoming quite common: scam artists use increasingly sophisticated and scary tactics: They may threaten to turn off your power, Rig caller ID to make it look like the call is from your utility provider; or Instruct you to put the money on a pr...

So you got engaged for Valentine’s Day — congrats! Or maybe your sweetie surprised you with that rose gold bracelet you’ve been subtly dropping hints about for months. Or, perhaps you’re the jewelry buyer, and wondering if you should purchase insurance on your hefty new investment? Today, we’re talking about jewelry insurance; namely, engagement ring insurance (but these rules pretty much apply to any expensive piece of jewelry). What it is: Just...

As homeowners, there are lots of simple things we need to do in order to ensure the safety of our house: regularly checking smoke detectors, replacing furnace filters, making sure our locks are safe, watching our outlets. Add "cleaning dryer vents" to your list of homeowner to-dos; this simple chore could literally save your house. Between 2002 and 2009, clothes dryers were the culprit for almost 14,000 fires, 10 deaths and some $84 million in damages. Many were caused by blocked drye...

Homeowners insurance is homeowners insurance... right? Its not. Picking a homeowners policy is about as straightforward as choosing a home -- there are lots of options, lots of hidden costs, lots of variety. Dont assume that the same company youve been using for your car insurance will be the best for your homeowners insurance. While its true that bundling policies saves money, you could save more money by moving your policies to a new insurer. Dont be afraid to look around! Here are ...

If the recent rainfall has you nervous about wet basements, backed-up lines or leaky roofs, youre not alone. Lately, Cincinnati could easily be mistaken as Seattle -- and many of us are probably lacking a key form of coverage in our homeowners policy: Flood insurance. Thats right -- Ohioans need flood insurance, too! Flood insurance covers physical damage to structures affected by flooding from heavy snowmelt and runoff following heavy rainfall. Your flood insurance policy will also co...

Spring has sprung in Cincinnati, which means its storm season! Thunderstorms can obviously wreak havoc on your home and yard, but there are several things homeowners can do to prepare. Here are 6 storm preparation tips for homeowners: 1. Clear your gutters You probably havent done this since the fall -- and leaf buildup, ice melt and even dirt have likely collected since then. Keep your gutters in tip-top shape with regular, seasonal cleanings. 2. Consider a portable generator Th...

Landlines are quickly going the way of the VHS player and cassette tape. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, since 2004, the number of U.S. houses with a working landline has dropped from over 90% to less than 50%. Recently, cellphones have eclipsed landlines in popularity. Cost is cited as the number one reason to drop the landline -- and with cellphones, most people dont see a need for a landline. However, according to Consumer Reports, because of cable ...

  Heres a statistic: according to a 2016 survey, 28% of owners had plans to remodel their existing homes within the next 12 months. (For millennial homeowners aged 18 - 29, the number climbed to 37%). As insurance agents, its important to stay in touch with clients in order to provide the best, most up-to-date coverage. Many homeowners arent familiar with remodeling insurance, how renovations will affect their homes value (and therefore, homeowners insurance), and what delays/changes ca...

Theres (a little) good news for homeowners: last Friday, President Trump signed legislation reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program until Dec. 8, 2017, which essentially buys more time for Congress to consider reforms of the program. As we reported recently, the NFIP was set to expire in a few weeks on Sept. 30. The NFIP extension is part of a Congressional resolution raising the debt limit and funding the U.S. government through the beginning of December. It also authorizes $15....

If you have a student just starting college: congrats! As you take mental inventory of the many (expensive) supplies needed for this venture, you may be wondering about dorm insurance. Are dorm-dwelling college students insured? Weve got all the answers in todays blog. The short answer is: yes, your kids are probably covered, in some shape or form. But it depends on where your college student is living. If your kid is living in on campus housing (like a dorm), her belongings may be covered...

As your life changes, your insurance needs change, too. In fact, there may even be types of insurance you didnt know you needed! An "umbrella"  is one of these oft overlooked policies. Umbrella insurance is extra liability insurance thats designed to help protect you from major claims and lawsuits -- and as a result, it helps protect your assets and, ultimately, your future. While the general opinion is that only the wealthy need umbrella insurance, thats a misconception. Here are thr...

Are you a dog parent? We all love our furry family members and hope that they would never bite anyone, but in reality we all realize that there is always a chance! According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs annually. This results in an estimated 800,000 injuries that require medical attention.  More than 50% of dog bites happen on the owner’s property this accounts for one-third of homeowner’s insurance ...

  Why do you need homeowners insurance? What if your home were destroyed in a storm, where would you go?  How would you replace your home, clothing, furniture? A homeowner’s policy will provide coverage on your dwelling (home), and personal property along with offer liability insurance if anyone were to be injured on your property or cause property damage.  If you have a loan on your home your lender will require you to have insurance; they want to make sure that their fi...

    During this crazy time that our world is going through, its nice to be able to say that WE are here for you!  Our partner insurance companies are here for you!  All of our companies have put special modifications in place for their client’s auto, home, and some commercial policies.  Check the companies listed below to see what your company is doing to help you by putting money back in your pocket.      Encova Formally Motorists Mu...

“An independent agent is an insurance agent that sells insurance policies provided by several different insurance carriers, rather than just a single insurance company. The independent agent acts as a middleman to connect insurance buyers and sellers in order to facilitate a transaction. Independent agents are not considered employees of any specific insurance company."    I have found that many people dread talking about insurance or to anyone who works in insurance. This...