West Bend Cares Safety Blog

Prepare your home for winter with this fall home maintenance checklist [Infographic]

Scott Stueber, CPCU, CISR, AAI — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 18:15:03 GMT

For many, the fall season is a busy time of year. High school, college, and professional sports are in full swing. Kids are participating in homecoming festivities and many families are making trips to their local pumpkin farms. These activities don’t leave much time to get your home projects completed before the snow flies.

The surge in water damage claims and how to stay afloat

keggert@wbmi.com (Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM) — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:00:00 GMT

What are the chances your home will suffer from water damage this year? Water damage insurance claims are some of the most common for homeowners, accounting for approximately 20% of insurance losses over the last few years. Every year, almost one in 60 insured homes in the country experiences property damage due to water damage. The damage that occurs and the resulting cleanup can be very costly, with an average claim severity of $11,650.

Tips and tools for cleaning up fall leaves

Scott Stueber, CPCU, CISR, AAI — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMT

This time of year, trees put on quite a spectacular show. Their leaves, colored in yellow, orange, and red, create impressive scenery. Unfortunately, the once beautiful leaves turn your lawn into a mess as the season progresses. Whether you’re a veteran homeowner or just bought your first home, cleaning up leaves is cumbersome. Having the proper plan and tools can make it easier.

How do I know if my electrical outlet needs replacing?

West Bend Staff — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMT

How our outlets function directly affects the delivery of electricity to the appliances and other electronic devices we use. Electrical outlets can go bad and malfunction occasionally, but how do we know when it’s time to replace them?

Navigating the impact on car costs and insurance rates

West Bend Staff — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMT

If you have shopped for a new or used vehicle lately, you have probably noticed that vehicle prices have increased dramatically. The average new vehicle costs nearly $49,000, an almost $10,000 increase from before the pandemic. Not surprisingly, the cost of repairing vehicles has also escalated.

Important tree care tips and insurance implications

Scott Stueber, CPCU, CISR, AAI — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:56:29 GMT

Planting a tree in your yard can be beneficial to your family. Not only do trees provide beauty, but they also offer many additional benefits such as:

Four benefits of a furnace inspection

Scott Stueber, CPCU, CISR, AAI — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:59:11 GMT

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.

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

Scott Stueber, CPCU, CISR, AAI — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 15:05:45 GMT

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.

Seven hiking safety tips for beginners

Scott Stueber, CPCU, CISR, AAI — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:18:24 GMT

As cooler temperatures settle in, hiking may be on your bucket list for this fall. Hiking is a wonderful way to connect with nature, get some exercise, and clear your mind. Safety should always be a top priority, whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner. In this blog, I'll explore essential hiking safety tips to ensure your outdoor adventures are safe and enjoyable.

Safety First: Home improvement projects you shouldn't attempt on your own

Scott Stueber, CPCU, CISR, AAI — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:41:50 GMT

Taking on home improvement projects by yourself can be a great way to save money. However, it’s vital to identify which projects are better handled by professionals. Minor mistakes in your work can have terrible consequences, potentially resulting in voided warranties, severe damage to your home, or even injuries to yourself.