Author: admin

Not all severe weather is alike, which is why your reactions to different storms also shouldn’t be alike. Both hailstorms and tornadoes are damaging in their own way. In order to reduce your risks during each kind of storm, you should react to whether hail or a tornado is present. Use the following information from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to find out how you should react during a hailstorm and tornado. For additional guidance, please use IBHS hail and tornado resources available at DisasterSafety.org.

During a Tornado

Outside (No Shelter):

• Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
• Immediately try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. However, never try to outrun a tornado. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
• If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
• If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
• Approach intersections with caution. Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs both during and after a storm.

Inside:

• Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
• Do not open windows.

During a Hailstorm

• Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
• Do not drive unless necessary.
• Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
• If at all possible, pull into a sturdy garage, parking garage, or under a shelter to minimize hail damage.
• Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
• Avoid downed power lines.
• Approach intersections with caution. Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs both during and after a storm.
• After the storm, thoroughly evaluate your vehicle for damage.
• If you find glass damage, carefully remove any glass from the interior of your vehicle, and cover the damaged area to prevent further water damage to your interior.

Article Provided by Disaster Safety.  Find more information here.

Umbrella Liability

Just because you don’t have a million dollars in assets doesn’t mean someone won’t try to sue you for a million dollars.

Protect yourself against the unexpected

Umbrella liability policies offer coverage beyond your Homeowners and Auto insurance. Coverage is available up to $1 million or $2 million or even more. Even better … it’s very affordable. Actually, you can’t afford NOT to purchase this great coverage.

Don’t get caught unprotected — higher limits of coverage are available for:

• Personal injury or damage if you are legally liable
• Protection against libel, slander and defamation of character
• Defense and attorney costs
• Interest on unpaid judgments and premiums on appeal bonds
• Loss of earnings

There are LOTS of situations where an Umbrella policy might help; here are a few …

… a MULTI-CAR ACCIDENT, it doesn’t take very many fancy SUVs to exhaust your regular auto limits
… PETS, your dog bites someone
… POOLS, you have a pool and a visitor is hurt
… LAWSUITS, many times the litigation fees cost more than the actual event

 

This coverage is very important. Talk with your Farmers Alliance agent today to learn how you can protect your most important assets.  Don’t wait!

IMPORTANT: Refer to the policy for coverages provided and pricing. If there is any conflict between the policy and this information, the provisions of the policy shall prevail.

Farmers Alliance offers B.A.S.I.C. Training at Camp FAMI twice each year at the company’s home office in McPherson, Kansas. New agency staff, producers and owners, or agents new to Farmers Alliance, review each of the company’s products, discuss marketing sales strategies, and network with company staff. Our most recent group of “graduates” are pictured here — we’re expecting great things from this group!

Farmers Alliance’s Amy Timson and Jason Hageman Awarded the President’s CPCU Scholarship by The Institutes

MCPHERSON, KANSAS –Congratulations to Amy Timson and Jason Hageman for  being chosen to receive the President’s Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) Scholarship by The Institutes. The CPCU designation is respected as the premier property casualty insurance credential.

Timson is a Regional Underwriting Manager and Hageman is a Senior Field Claims Adjuster at Farmers Alliance. Both are pursuing the CPCU designation. According to Joe Brossard, President and CEO at Farmers Alliance, “I couldn’t be happier to have Amy and Jason recognized in this way. They are great examples of the commitment to ongoing education at Farmers Alliance, and it is rewarding to see them receive this well-deserved recognition.” The President’s CPCU Scholarship recognizes high performing individuals within the property-casualty industry. The Scholarship covers the cost of CPCU textbooks, course guides, SMART Study Aids and exam registration fees.

The property-casualty insurance industry is constantly changing, and so are the education and skill requirements needed to succeed in today’s challenging economy. That’s why Farmers Alliance continues to place a high value on continuing professional development. Lifelong professional development provides employees with the insurance knowledge and competencies needed to reach career goals.

The Institutes are independent, not-for-profit organizations offering knowledge solutions and professional development services to the risk management and property-casualty insurance community. The Institutes offer the CPCU designation program; associate designation programs in claims, risk management, underwriting and reinsurance; introductory and foundation programs; and online courses, all of which help drive better decision making to propel business success. To learn more about these programs, visit The Institutes’ web site.

 

MCPHERSON, KANSAS  — In early March, 2015, Farmers Alliance CEO Keith Birkhead retired from Farmers Alliance after a 38-year career. He will continue as Chairman of the Board for the Farmers Alliance Companies.

Moving to Kansas from Texas, L. Keith Birkhead joined Farmers Alliance in 1976 in the Accounting Department.  He was promoted to Assistant Vice President, and then Vice President of Accounting in 1979. Continuing to accept additional responsibilities, he served as Treasurer from June 1985 to June 1997, and as Secretary from March 1989 to June 1997. In June 1997 he was named President and CEO of the Farmers Alliance Companies.

During his tenure as President & CEO, Birkhead also provided leadership to several industry organizations, including the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, the Alliance of American Insurers, and American Institute for Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters.

Birkhead has made significant contributions to the McPherson community. In addition to supporting church and school activities as his children grew up, he also served on the boards of Peoples Bank and Trust, McPherson Health Care Foundation, McPherson Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Multi-Community Diversified Services (MCDS), Disability Supports of the Great Plains and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). With his family, he also developed a large area in downtown McPherson, including multiple retail spaces.

In 2007 Birkhead received the “President’s Award” from the McPherson Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of his contributions to the business community of McPherson. Birkhead was heralded as “someone who has unselfishly given their time for the betterment of McPherson.”

Birkhead was recognized by a special resolution at the Farmers Alliance Companies’ 127th Policyholders’ Meeting in February, 2015. The resolution formally thanked him for his exemplary, loyal, and dedicated service to the Companies.

According to Joe Brossard, President and CEO at Farmers Alliance, “Keith leaves a legacy of service and professionalism, carried out each day through the staff at Farmers Alliance. We will work hard to maintain the standards that he has set, and to build on the strong foundation he helped to create.”

Birkhead was honored at a reception at the Farmers Alliance Home Office in early March, where hundreds of coworkers, agents, policyholders, community members, family and friends gathered to celebrate his career.

With an Agri-Range farmowners policy from Farmers Alliance, you can have the best all-in-one insurance package!

Coverages: all the basics you need, plus great “extras”!

Basic coverages for your residence, other structures and your personal property. Includes coverage for your home, including additions and built-in components, other structures related to your home (fences, driveways, sidewalks and other permanently installed outdoor fixtures), and your household property. There are special limits for some items (money, securities, watercraft, jewelry, etc.), which can be personalized for your specific needs. Some coverage is also available for outdoor antennas, well pumps, and private power and light poles.

Extra coverage options. You can choose a great package of additional coverages — the AR PLUS, or use the a la carte approach and choose only what you want. The AR PLUS includes thousands of dollars of coverage for one low price.

Remember you need liability coverage, too. The type of coverage you need is partially determined by the ownership structure of your farm or ranch. Your Farmers Alliance agent can advise you on the proper approach. And rest assured that options are available for personal or commercial liability coverage, plus a great Umbrella Liability policy option for even more protection. costa rica You’ve worked hard for what you have — make sure it’s protected!

Keep building your own great package.

With your Agri-Range policy, you can include personal vehicles or farm trucks or even your home in town if you don’t live on the farm. There are discounts available specifically for your auto coverage (for example, anti-lock brakes, defensive driving course completion, driver training, good student, and passive restraint discounts), as well as savings for combining your auto and property coverages. And, your billing is conveniently combined as well.

BONUS: Excellent claims service

You might never need it, but it’s great to know you’re protected by Farmers Alliance’s excellent claims service. With more than a century of experience protecting farmers and ranchers, our experts understand your needs. You’ll choose your claims settlement option at the time you buy your policy (replacement cost or actual cash value), plus you’ll have the instant savings of our Common Cause of Loss Deductible in the event your property and vehicles or equipment are all damaged at the same time.

Agri-Range from Farmers Alliance is truly the ultimate “package deal”. Talk to a Farmers Alliance agent today to learn more!

IMPORTANT: Refer to the policy for coverages provided and pricing. If there is any conflict between the policy and this information, the provisions of the policy shall prevail.

 

We could provide a lengthy list of reasons to choose Farmers Alliance as your insurance company, but one of our policyholders provides the best reason of all.

Here is Faye’s story…

May 4th of 2007 will be marked forever on calendars in western and central Kansas. That evening a category F5 tornado ripped through much of the area, particularly devastating the community of Greensburg, while affecting many, many others on the storm’s path through Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. Such a devastating event right through Farmers Alliance territory created many challenges for our company, but also presented the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to our policyholders. Faye needed us!

Faye survived the Greensburg tornado, in her home, by covering her body with a recliner for protection. Faye strongly feels that the Lord’s hand was on her shoulder, as large sheets of metal roofing were found slashed through the bathroom area where she had originally planned to take cover. Faye’s home was totally destroyed, yet she feels blessed in that several special pieces of jewelry, including her wedding rings, and pieces of her Angel figurines were found in the debris.

Farmers Alliance’s claims staff and the area agents did their jobs well during the catastrophe, and have received many compliments from customers. Faye, though, wanted to do just a little more. As her new home was nearing completion and she prepared for an Open House celebration, Faye contacted her Farmers Alliance agent, asking for permission to display a “This Property is Protected by Farmers Alliance” sign in her yard at her new home. What a testimony to the impact our superb claims handling has had on our customers during their most challenging of situations. We were happy to provide Faye with her sign!

There is much rebuilding yet to be done in Greensburg, but Faye is rebuilding her life, just as she was able to rebuild her home. Best wishes to Faye on her new home, which Farmers Alliance is happy to protect!

 

Farmers Alliance is known for providing excellent claims service. This customer’s story is just one example of that service. If you’re not a Farmers Alliance customer yet, contact a Farmers Alliance agent today! To find out more about our great products, click here.

Feeling lost about identity protection? We’ll help you find your way. Get the direction you need with the ID RiskCompass™.

This easy-to-use tool evaluates whether you are effectively protecting your personally identifiable information. Identity theft is a fast-growing crime that targeted nearly 13 million Americans this year. Don’t become another victim. Answer a few questions to get your Risk Level, which determines if you are at low, medium or high risk of identity theft. You will have an opportunity to review your answers and print a summary report. The report also will provide helpful tips on how to better safeguard your identity and shield yourself from potential risk.

 

 

All Farmers Alliance policyholders automatically receive professional Identity Resolution Services from IDT911 at no charge. Contact your Farmers Alliance agent, who will get you in touch with the IDT911 experts. You can also find more helpful information from IDT911 here.

Not a Farmers Alliance customer yet? Contact an agent today!

Today, equipment keeps all kinds of farms going… and income flowing. When equipment breaks down, it can bring farm operations and income to a halt. Most equipment now contains highly sensitive technology that can be badly damaged by something as common, simple and sudden as a power surge. Most property insurance coverage (like an Agri-Range policy) excludes equipment breakdown losses, leaving farm owners with a big exposure. Unbudgeted losses from a breakdown can be extremely costly, and in many cases, greatly impact the bottom line.

Why do you need Agri-Range Equipment Breakdown coverage?

All farms have equipment breakdown exposures. When surveying your farm, look around: grain augers, grain dryers, emergency generators, power panels, pumps, motors and ventilating fans and systems — all of these have potential for equipment breakdown exposures.

Equipment Breakdown coverage provides protection from damage by:
• Short circuits/electrical arcing • Utility power surges
• Mechanical breakdown • Motor burnout • Centrifugal force

Types of covered equipment:
Electrical Distribution Systems
Heating and Cooling Systems
Refrigeration and Controlled Environments
Boilers and Pressure Vessels
Computers & Electronic Equipment
Mechanical Equipment
Irrigation Equipment – including center pivots, wheels, drive mechanisms, motors & gears
Vehicle-mounted GPS Equipment

Please Note: Coverage does NOT apply to certain vehicles, such as: cars, trucks, trailers, tractors, harvesters or other self propelled vehicles.
To add this coverage to your Agri-Range policy, contact your agent today!

If you’re not a Farmers Alliance customer yet, click here to find a Farmers Alliance agent near you.

IMPORTANT: Refer to the policy for coverages provided and pricing. If there is any conflict between the policy and this information, the provisions of the policy shall prevail.

 

 

 

 

Having the right Homeowners insurance is very important. It’s a “safety net” in case something were to ever happen to your home. Having the RIGHT coverage, and having ENOUGH coverage are both critical.

So what’s covered?

• Your home, including additions and built-in components (built-in cabinets, decks, attached garage).

•   Unattached structures related to your home. Coverage also applies to fences, driveways, sidewalks and other permanently installed outdoor fixtures.

•   Your household property owned by you, or in your care. There are special limits for some personal property items (money, securities, watercraft, jewelry, etc.) which can be personalized for your specific needs.

•   Additional living expenses you might incur if a covered loss makes your insured premises unlivable.

•   Other specialized coverages are available, such as Lock Replacement, Riding Lawn Mowers & Snowblowers, Refrigerated Food Products and many more. These can be customized to your personal situation, and may even be included at no additional charge.

 

Click here to find out more information on Homeowners insurance from Farmers Alliance.

To find a Farmers Alliance agent near you, click here.

IMPORTANT: Refer to the policy for coverages provided and pricing. If there is any conflict between the policy and this information, the provisions of the policy shall prevail.