Farmers Insurance Champions Celebrate in Chicago with the Rapping Poet & The Band Chicago

This past week the "Champion" agents (Top 3% of agents in Farmers) from Farmers Insurance Celebrated their 2012 accomplishments in Chicago.  

Championship this year was special for several reasons - for me, this was the first time in my 10 year career with Farmers that I have achieved this award & words can not describe how thankful I am for my wife, and her endless support of me and my agency.   

In addition to celebrating our accomplishments, we also celebrated the release of our new logo with the assistance of the "rapping poet" Steve Connell (Video below).  

On top of everything else we (the Farmers Agents) closed out the week with a private concert with the one and only rock band Chicago.  As an agent I could not be more proud to represent this company, I go to work each and every day filled with a true passion to protect our clients and to represent Farmers as a true professional.

Thank you to all of our clients, and everyone who supports our agency - here is a brief glimpse of what we got to experience in Chicago!!!!

Should I turn in an Insurance claim?

With all of the storms that have been impacting our area lately, as an Insurance Agent I feel I should offer up "some advice."

I am often asked following a storm "Should I file a claim" - There are a few different ways to answer this, but First lets be clear - if you had damage as a result of a storm and your policy has coverage for storm damage (which most if not all should) you can turn in a claim, as a paying customer you have that "right" - that being said it is important to evaluate the situation before you turn in a claim.





Insurance claims should be used for situations that can "ruin your life, not your day" - As agents (my self or any other local agent) we do not get to set the rates or the rules the companies have - From my experience Insurance companies care more about how many claims you have had vs how much they have paid out - The reason I bring this up is that our local area has been impacted time and time again lately with major storms which could cause wind damage to your roof, water in your basement if your sump-pump stops working etc. all of these would/should be covered claims - however if in a span of 3 years you have 2 or more claims there is a good chance your current insurance company WILL DROP YOU, and your chances of finding affordable coverage would be very limited.  




I am not telling ANYONE not to turn in a claim, as a policyholder that is your right, I am just asking you to be smart about it - you will see companies (roofers) going door to door offering you a "free new roof," what they dont tell you is the impact it could have on your insurance policy.  The best thing you can do before you file a claim is to call and talk to your agent.  Our area is blessed with several awesome insurance agencies, use these agents to your benefit, ask them for their advice - but please do not go the road alone. For some additional information on this topic please also read this article by clicking HERE - 

Remodeling your house? Make sure you do an Insurance review with your agent FIRST!!!

Summer is here and for a lot of us that means it’s time to do some remodeling around the house. You may want to add a patio with built in grill and Jacuzzi tub, or you maybe you want to remodel the basement into the ultimate “man cave” or family rec-room.  Who knows, maybe the honey do list will also include a kitchen or bath remodel. That being said, when planning these changes our thoughts are usually how we will be enjoying these updates and entertaining our friends, not about our insurance coverage; however with any remodel or update its is very important that we do think about our homeowners insurance.

 BEFORE you start the renovation contact your insurance agent about the proposed work and review the updates and possible need to change your coverage before the job begins. We have included a great article to that gives some of the reasons why contacting your agent can be very important.                                     



http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/home-improvement/covered1.asp

Which Auto Insurance Company offers the most Discounts?

The debate is out as insurance companies proudly advertise they have the "most discounts on auto insurance" - but which company actually does?

Bankrate.com put together a list of 17 discounts that car companies offer, and ABC News Shared the story - check out the image below, and click this link for the full article. 

Staying safe over the July 4th Holiday ~

We found an awesome article with information regarding the 4th of July, and we thought we would share it with you - for the full article click here - 

The Fourth of July is only a day away. Fireworks, picnics, ice cream and get togethers with family and friends seem to be the recipe for this Summer time celebration. Though the Fourth of July brings great fun; according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 60 percent of all fireworks injuries occur around July 4. Firecrackers, aerials, and homemade explosives cause the most deaths and injuries.

The National Fire Protection Association reported that firework injury was highest for children ages 5-19 and adult’s 25-44, with 26 percent of the victims of fireworks injuries in 2011 being under age 15. This being said, what can you do to prevent accidents and injuries while using fireworks? The safest way to ensure fireworks safety is to attend an organized fireworks display being offered in your area. Leave the fireworks to trained professionals!

If you do decide to purchase legal fireworks, you are urged to take these safety steps provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

•Make sure the fireworks you want to buy are legal in your area before buying or using them.

•Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Parents may not realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.

•Always have an adult closely supervise fireworks activities if older children are allowed to handle devices.

•Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper, because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.

•Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

•Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

•Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.

•Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

•Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

•Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

•After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire.

Why Life Insurance - Aaron Pace's view

Why do I need life insurance? 

 That was a question I often asked myself when I was younger.  Like most young people, I felt I had my whole life ahead of me to get it taken care of. The older I get the more I realize why it is so important.  I now realize that it is the best gift that I could ever give to my family. There are many reasons to have life insurance.  Here are some great points from an article I read this afternoon.  I love this quote found within the article - "You can’t predict the future, You don’t know what will happen."

1. Life insurance provides financial support to your spouse and family.

2. Your spouse could become disabled after your death and unable to work.

3. You might not be able to obtain life insurance later on when you do want it.

4. If you become terminally ill, you will not spend your last days of life worrying about your family, and regretting that you didn’t purchase life insurance.

5. Your spouse will not be left with the debt you incurred.

6. Life insurance can help with your funeral and burial cost.

7. It offers peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

For more information from this article please click HERE for the entire article.

One of the other misconceptions I had, was purchasing life insurance for my children.  Yes, I know this is something as parents we never want to think about, but it really is a good idea.  If you purchase life insurance when your children are young, they will always be insured regardless of what health conditions they develop later in life.  Policies for children can be very affordable, and it is a great way to lock in the rates for the rest of their life.

If you have any questions regarding why you may need life insurance or how much you need please call us at McKinnon Insurance.  We will be glad to review your current coverage with you.  As we go through life, our life insurance needs change, please make sure your family is protected should something happen. 

 

There is more to Motorcycle Insurance than just having it - Aaron Pace shares his view's

Summer time; the time to start getting all of the summertime toys out of winter storage.  My favorite summer toy....my motorcycle. When I polish that chrome or wax that paint my only worry, making sure it looks amazing.  When I am out on the open road or chillin at the local bike night (New Philadelphia, or Canton) again my only worry, "how does it look."



Before I got into the insurance business my only concern about insurance on my motorcycle was making sure "I was covered" if my bike was stolen or damaged. I did not worry about being at fault in an accident, honestly I never thought that would happen. I did not realize I was grossly under-insuring myself when it came to my motorcycle. I knew had adequate liability coverage on my home and my car but when it came my bike as long as I "had coverage" that's all I was after.  Now that I am a full time licensed agent, I realize that if I am at fault on my motorcycle I am going to be held just as accountable as I would be in my car.
                                                                                           

Some terms I became familiar with after I became a licensed insurance agent are:

Collision Coverage 
Whether it's icy roadways, a blind spot, or an uncontrolled intersection, Collision Coverage pays any amount more than your deductible to restore the damage done to your vehicle to factory new condition in the event of an accident.

Liability 
You never know when someone might get hurt in an accident. You could stand to lose a lot if you are at fault. Liability Coverage provides protection again financial loss.

Medical Payments Coverage 
It's been a month since the accident and you just received your first hospital bill. Medical Payments Coverage makes sure you're protected against the income losses caused by medical and funeral expenses.

Optional Equipment Coverage 
Adding features to your vehicle may add a personal touch but they can get "spendy". That's why we provide Optional/Add-on Equipment Coverage.

Safety Apparel Coverage 
Have a nice helmet? Got some sweat leathers? Make sure you don't have to pay for it all over again if you get into an accident.

Transport Trailer Coverage 
Sometimes transport trailers cost just as much as the vehicles that you own. That's why we offer Transport Trailer Coverage. To make sure that your transport trailer is protected.

Now when I talk to my clients I try to educate them on these terms and making sure that all their assets are protected no matter what vehicle there are driving. If you have any questions about your motorcycle coverage or if you are properly covered please contact us here at McKinnon Insurance - we would be glad to review your coverage.

Protecting your Jet Ski & Personal Watercrafts in Ohio

Personal Watercraft...
Our policies provide important standard and optional coverages that are geared toward a number of personal water crafts that may not be available in a conventional auto or homeowners policy.

What Coverages could you need?

For real peace of mind as you travel off the beaten path, you need a policy that provides a wide range of coverages. These should include:

• Collision Coverage
• Other Than Collision Coverage
• Liability Coverage
• Medical Payments Coverage
• Safety Apparel Coverage
• Personal Property
• Towing and Assistance
• Trailer Coverage

Additional Coverages

For extra protection out on the trail, policy offerings vary. Available options:

• Increased limits on Liability
• Optional Equipment Coverage
• Coverage on transport trailers valued up to $7,500

Annual Policy - 

You can enjoy year-round coverage with no lay-up period, so if there's a beautiful day when the trail is calling to you, rest assured that you're covered. No extra phone calls, no hassles!

If you recently purchased a recreational vehicle and would like to learn more about your coverage options, or if you simply want to review your current policy coverages, please contact me at any time.

Joel McKinnon Farmers Insurance 875 Blake Ave SW New Phila, OH 44663(Driving Directions) Phone: (330) 339-3431 Fax: (330) 339-3478 http://www.farmersagent.com/jmckinnon Connect with Me:

Will you be a "Hero" if something happens to you?

Most of our children think of us, the parent, as their "hero."  Without question they know we will provide for them, take care of them, and a lay a foundation for their future.  They know we will put clothes on their back, and food on their table.  They know we will take them on summer vacations, and weekend get away's.  They know we will buy them new backpacks for school, and hopefully a car when they turn sixteen.  But what happens if we are no longer around?  What happens if we suddenly pass away?  Who will take care of our children?  Financially who will provide for them?

As an insurance professional it is my job, it is my PASSION to make sure our clients, and their futures are properly protected.  To many times we as parents let the hustle of life get in the way or making sure our families & their futures are protected.  To many times we over look the importance of life insurance.....

As you sit there and read this, I would ask you to take a moment, and ask your self these question -

• "If I am no longer here, if I can no longer physically provide for my family financially who will?" 
• "If I do not have life insurance, which family member is going to go into debit to provide for my children?"
• "If I don't have life insurance, what will happen to my children's future?"

Life insurance will not ease the pain of losing a loved one, it will not ease the pain of losing a parent, it will not bring that person back, BUT what it will do is ease the burden we leave behind, it will provide a future for our children, that otherwise may be taken away.  Our kids play "super heroes" all the time dressing up like Batman, Superman, Spiderman, and the list goes on and on.  As much as they think they are a superhero, the fact is if we are no longer around they will need someone to take care of them, they will need someone to provide for them, they will need someone who will give them the ability to keep their dreams alive, they will need someone to be their "hero."

If you passed away today, would you be a "Hero" to your family?  Will you leave behind a legacy that continues to provide for your family years after your gone?  Or will your family struggle?  Will they have to worry about losing their home, will they have to worry about being able to afford food, and clothes?  The choice to be a "hero" for your family is up to you, but we CAN HELP.  We can help to insure your families future, and the legacy you leave behind..............

Joel McKinnon Farmers Insurance 875 Blake Ave SW New Phila, OH 44663(Driving Directions) Phone: (330) 339-3431 Fax: (330) 339-3478 http://www.farmersagent.com/jmckinnon Connect with Me:

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Joel McKinnon Farmers Insurance 875 Blake Ave SW New Phila, OH 44663(Driving Directions) Phone: (330) 339-3431 Fax: (330) 339-3478 http://www.farmersagent.com/jmckinnon Connect with Me: