As the years go by, more and more people are working from home, whether full-time or simply a few days a week. And while it's great to not..

Gardening is one of the best ways to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Many studies have shown gardening can reduce stress, strengthen your..

For my friends and family, camping is a favorite pastime during the summer months. Every weekend brings a new adventure at a different..

With current supply chain deficits, now it’s more important than ever to drive cautiously and respectfully, especially near semi-trucks. In..

The last two years have been challenging to individuals and business alike. The COVID-19 pandemic, volatile weather events, supply chain..

Bicycling is growing in popularity, especially since e-bikes have arrived on the scene. Bicycling is easier on your joints than other more..

If you haven't walked through your local building supply store or tried to hire a contractor in the last two years, then you're in for..

If you’re planning a high school or college graduation party this year, it’s not a small task. There’s a ton of things to do to get ready..

If you live in a condo or a home that has a homeowner’s association (HOA), your insurance policy may offer you coverage for loss..

While operating a lawn mower is a common task this time of year, it can be dangerous. Flying debris, moving and hot parts, and errors in..

Did you know April is National Car Care Month? Freezing temperatures, potholes, and road salt can create problems for your car. So, after a..

As the temperatures begin to rise, severe storms start to make headlines around the nation. When I was growing up, I remember the weather..

Born between WWII and the mid-1960s, the baby boomer makes up 21.9% of the U.S. population. Just after the war ended, there was a notable..

Have you ever reached for something in your medicine cabinet only to find it’s expired? I recently grabbed an ointment only to learn it..

With the snow cover starting to disappear, you may be thinking about what projects you need to do in your yard this spring. One of those..

Whether you just finished a home remodeling project or you’re looking to start one, you know there are many things to consider. Cost,..

No matter what time of the year you’re driving, it’s likely you’ll come upon a vehicle that’s pulled over on the shoulder or driving..

Winter weather can cause many challenges. Snow and ice can make driving difficult. Extremely cold temperatures can make it dangerous to be..

Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime. Your home is also the place where you’ll make the most..

If you live in a cold climate, washing your car during winter can be challenging because perfect days can be few and far between. If it’s..

There are plenty of pros and cons to living alone. But one of the cons should never be safety. Some areas of the country are more dangerous..

Getting into a cold car can be uncomfortable. In addition, howling winds and blowing snow can make driving your car stressful. Fortunately,..

Has anyone visiting your home ever asked, “Do you have a USB so I can charge my phone?” Or is your family constantly bickering about who..

If you put up a live Christmas tree this year, I’m sure you’re enjoying its beauty and fragrant smell. Once the holiday is over, however,..

The holiday season is in full swing. Decorating trees, baking cookies, and wrapping presents are some of the traditions we enjoy...

As we approach colder winter temperatures, it’s important to make sure your furnace is ready to keep you and your family warm. Like other..

Those of us in the Midwest face many types of driving conditions during the winter months ... rain, sleet, ice, hail, and snow, sometimes..

Since my dad was an electrician, I feel like I have a decent understanding of how electricity works. However, every year when I put up and..

Decorative outdoor lights for Halloween have become popular. Each year, I notice more lights and elaborate displays in my neighborhood...

As colder temperatures settle in, you may notice a warning light lit up on your car’s dashboard. While there are many warning lights to pay..

In a nutshell, a home warranty is a policy a homeowner can purchase to cover the cost of repairing or replacing many home appliances or..

As outdoor temperatures begin to drop, staying warm can be tricky. Because we don’t know what Mother Nature has planned for the winter..

Have you ever seen a chipmunk crawl out of your home’s downspout? It happened to me earlier this year. While I know it’s important to keep..

Have you ever walked into your kitchen or bathroom and noticed a revolting smell? Surprisingly, some of the foul smells can be traced back..

Did you know October is Fire Prevention Month? The purpose of this observance is to raise awareness and share fire safety tips that can..

If you have pets, you understand the benefits they bring to you and your family. Their inquisitiveness, unconditional love, and playfulness..

Depending on the number of trees around your home, fallen leaves can make cleaning your gutters a dreaded task. Slimy, dirty, compacted..

Fall is a beautiful time to ride a motorcycle. Each year, Mother Nature works her magic changing the leaves, leading to spectacular views...

When considering how to best keep you and your loved ones healthy at home, there are many different aspects that come into play. Coupled..

There’s a lot to discuss before sending your college student off to school. Numerous conversations are needed about the necessities of life..

Many people have a mental image of an ideal driving experience. You know, those roll-your-windows-down and feel-the-air-on-your-face kind..

Whether you’re in college or you’re moving out on your own, living with roommates is a great way to share expenses and save money. However,..

If you’re sending your child off to college, one of your discussion topics may be whether their car is going with them. Depending on where..

Home protection devices and certain types of home construction help you feel safe and secure in your home and prevent the stress and..

If you’re going, or have gone, on a family road trip, you know there are many things that need to be done to make sure your car is in good..

Your pets are much-loved members of your family, but a tribe of furry friends can make it hard work to keep your home clean and odor-free.

Solar panels have been gaining popularity and are a great way to save some extra money. The Solar Action Alliance has listed seven reasons..

Burglars, injuries, health hazards, and natural disasters are just a few of the possible threats that could compromise the safety of your..

The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday because it means getting together with family and friends. Independence Day celebrations often..

Love to entertain and cook outside? Then, it’s no surprise you’re a barbecue and grill fan. It doesn’t matter if it’s a summertime party or..

Are you thinking about buying a boat? For many, buying a boat is a dream come true. Days spent fishing, tubing, or just cruising with..

With the official start of summer near, you may be reviewing your “to do” list to start prioritizing your home projects. If putting up a..

Fishing is a hobby we turn to, to get away from the craziness of life. Out on the water, it’s peaceful, quiet, and seems like a whole..

If you own a home or rent an apartment, there may be a safety device that gets overlooked. That device is a smoke alarm. They’re mounted on..

Few things are as bad as driving while intoxicated. Driving drowsy happens to be one of them. Drowsy drivers are impaired drivers, and that..

With a worldwide pandemic, sales of travel trailers set records in 2020. Unfortunately, many buyers purchased units without knowing some..

If you have a deck, you know how harsh Mother Nature can be. Hot sun, pouring rain, ice, and snow take their toll. A newly painted or..

Home buyers are often overwhelmed with many different thoughts and emotions when house hunting that they often tend to overlook certain..

Have you heard about water backup and sump pump overflow as an optional coverage that can be added to your homeowners policy?

Natural disasters can strike at a moment’s notice. A normal day can be turned upside down by severe weather causing damage and destruction..

Disclaimer: West Bend does not write life or health insurance. However, we thought this blog provides our audience with valuable..

If you have kids, there’s no telling how many different smells can be in your car. While they have no problem bringing things into the car,..

Basement flooding might seem like an afterthought or something that won’t occur anytime soon. However, once it does, it leaves a barrage of..

As we transition from winter to spring, you may encounter fog on your daily commute or while running errands. Fog occurs when Mother Nature..

According to statistics from the Federal Highway Administration, about 29 million Americans of the age 70 years or more are licensed..

If you’ve remodeled your home, you know how messy drywall dust can be. Clouds of fine dust can linger in your home and cause cleanup to..

If you use your personal vehicle for deliveries, will you get a generous tip or a substantial bill for your damaged vehicle?

The change in how we do business across the nation and the world, has allowed for businesses run out of private homes to become a..

If you live on or near a lake, you know how much fun you can have participating in winter activities. Ice skating, fishing, and..

Have you ever come home to the sound of running water or wet floors? If so, you know this can cause a frantic situation. What you do next..

If you’re making home improvements this winter, you may want to consider adding a smart thermostat to your list. While smart thermostats..

Winter provides a variety of fun activities to enjoy with your family and friends. However, winter also causes some challenges. One of them..

If you’re like the majority of adults in the U.S., you probably haven’t taken steps to create an estate plan. That assumption is based on a

Sledding with friends and family is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Not to mention, walking up the hill after an exhilarating ride down..

Unfortunately, every year when the first snowfall arrives, it’s common to see cars sliding through intersections or into ditches. It seems..

In family debates over whether to get a dog or not, one of the most frequently referenced drawbacks of canine companions is the mess they..

With the COVID-19 pandemic, online shopping has increased significantly. UPS, Fed EX, and Amazon trucks are constantly driving through my..

Kids love having their very own pet fish to care for, and betta fish are a popular, easy-care choice. But for your family’s new pet to stay..

Buying your first snow blower can be overwhelming. There are many models to choose from all with varying features. To make your decision..

Owning a home comes with both responsibilities and rewards. So before buying, it’s important to do your homework to make sure the home fits..

Moving into a new home can be stressful and exciting. There are so many decisions to make and tasks that need to be completed to prepare..

We all have personal property and we want to protect it in the event of a loss. But many people don’t understand how it’s covered by their..

Imagine your surprise when you get a call from an IRS representative saying that you owe money, and you’ll go to jail if you don’t pay up...

This time of year, trees put on quite a spectacular show. Their leaves colored in yellow, orange, and red create impressive scenery...

While there may not be as many kids in Halloween costumes roaming your neighborhood this year, it still may be possible for a scary visitor..

Have you ever used a new appliance and had the whole house experience a blackout? If you've been living in the same home for years,..

A beautiful in-ground pool can create hours of fun with family and friends. It’s critically important, however, to properly winterize the..

If you’re growing mold and mildew on your home’s siding, now’s a good time to clean it. If you’ve never done this before, you may not know..

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

Whether you plan to do a custom paint job or add a major modification like a supercharger, customizing your car can have insurance..

If you live in an older home, chances are some things may not be working as well as they used to. In some cases, problems in your home can..

Keeping your deck looking nice is a tough job. Mother Nature throws a lot of different weather elements at it. As an owner of a cedar deck,..

The first five years of a child’s development provide a good foundation for long-term academic and social benefits so choosing a quality..

For my wife, keeping our cars clean has always been a priority. While she likes a shiny car on the outside, she’s more focused on keeping..

While West Bend designs our home and auto insurance forms to be coverage rich, we do practice restraint in automatically including bells..

With busy lifestyles, it’s often hard to find free time for ourselves. Sometimes, however, we need to purposefully schedule relaxing time..

For some, remote working sounds like the perfect work arrangement. You get flexible work hours, escape the office hullabaloo, and have more..

If you’re purchasing a new homeowner’s insurance policy, the insurance company will want to inspect your home. They do this to make sure..

Owning a house makes you realize the significance of ventilation. Improper ventilation in the bathroom can lead to an incessant war with..

If you own a boat, now’s the time to start having fun in the sun. If you’re thinking about buying one, there are many benefits to..

Taking a road trip in an RV is a great way for families to spend quality time together during the summer. With the COVID-19 pandemic,..

Learning how to drive is a major milestone in a teenager’s life, symbolizing expanded independence and widened opportunities. While parents..

If you love technology, and you have a new dog that needs training, these two things can go perfectly with the number of gadgets that are..

A severe thunderstorm has many damaging and life-threatening perils, such as wind, hail, and lightning. Lightning strikes the United States..

This year, many homeowners will start a home remodeling project of some kind. Whether you’re tearing down your kitchen and starting from..

For some, Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of the grilling season. However, if you’re like me, you enjoy grilling out..

If the spring weather has motivated you to do some DIY projects in your yard, it’s best to think through your project before jumping into..

Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime. Once the purchase is made, it doesn’t end there. Maintaining a..

First impressions are everything, especially when it comes to your home.  And if you’re looking to increase your home’s value, it’s likely..

When the first nice spring day arrives, you may be inclined to pull off the cover, jump on, and go for a ride. However, before you do that,..

Do you know what umbrella coverage is? Like an umbrella that covers your head to protect you from the rain, an umbrella policy extends..

As the arrival of warmer weather gets closer each day, you’re probably starting to think about yard work and outdoor projects you want to..

While spring showers bring May flowers, they can also bring unwanted water into your basement or cause water backups through your sewers or..

If you own a home, you know that if something breaks or fails, it can  cause unexpected and devastating expenses. Underground lines that..

Life just isn’t possible without water. But for all its life-giving benefits, water can also be a very destructive force of nature. If you..

No matter where your travels take you, renting a vacation home is a nice option to consider. Having a home with multiple bedrooms and..

The majority of homeowners will tell you that the homebuying process is exhausting, but also quite exhilarating at the same time. They’ll..

Traveling, whether it’s for work or leisure, can be pricey. When you're going on vacation with friends or family or visiting a client for..

Whether you’re newly engaged, celebrating a milestone anniversary, or the recipient of a Valentine’s day gift, insuring and caring for your..

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or renter, shoveling snow may be a chore you don’t enjoy. However, in areas where snowfall is common..

Burr, it’s cold outside. If you live in an area that’s cold and snowy, your car might look a bit rough by now. Cold temperatures, road..

Believe it or not, one in three middle-school and high-school students has been bullied over the last few years. As if this wasn’t bad..

Every year, people enjoy activities that only winter can offer. Activities include skiing, skating, sledding, snowmobiling, and many more...

Snowmobiling is a thrilling and fun hobby to enjoy during the winter season. It’s a great way to satisfy your need for speed as well as to..

If you dislike winter driving, or worse, it creates significant anxiety every time you hear a big snowstorm is about to hit, you’re not..

If you live in an area that experiences cold and snow this time of year, it may feel like a routine nuisance. Drive times increase as well..

Letting your new teen driver navigate the roadways alone for the first time, is one of the scariest things you’ll do as a parent. Compound..

Homeowners already have packed home-maintenance checklists. Understandably, “taking care of drains” is far down on the to-do list. For the..

With technology being at the forefront of most people’s lives now, it’s no surprise that a large number of apps have been developed to..

Sometimes when you’re cleaning your house you just need a few new ideas to keep yourself motivated. If you find the thrill of trying out a..

Did you know that November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month? In 1983, president Ronald Reagan created this important observance which is..

Daylight Saving Time has ended and winter is just around the corner. Now’s the time of the year, we start doing a lot more things in the..

Transitioning seasons can be a difficult time in many people’s lives. It’s even more strenuous when going from warm, sunny temperatures to..

Children these days aren’t referred to as “digital natives” without reason. In fact, a report from Common Sense Media revealed that, in..

LED lighting technology has been available for many years. However, compared to incandescent light bulbs the price tag was originally..

Did you know October is Fire Prevention Month? The purpose of this month is to raise awareness and to share safety tips that can keep you..

Some people consider homeowners insurance as a luxury when, in fact, it’s a necessity that every homeowner should have. Without it, you may..

For many, Labor Day signals the end of summer. However, summer doesn’t officially end this year until September 23. If you’ve made the most..

How many times a day do you have to call to ensure that your mom or dad has taken their meds? Probably five or six times. Sometimes, you’re..

Are you starting to see bugs or rodents enjoying the comforts of your home? As we transition from summer to fall, many pests are preparing..

Right now, car dealerships are running commercials promoting their year-end clearance events. If you’re in the market for a new car, this..

For many kids, the transition from summer to the new school year can be difficult. The days of staying up late playing games, listening to..

Another summer is ending. It’s hard to believe how fast it went by. I hope you’ve enjoyed time with your family and friends and found time..

If you’re heading off to college or you’re a recent college graduate, renting an apartment is another step into the journey of adulthood...

Sending children off to college for their first year, is an exciting time for families. College allows kids the freedom to make their own..

Every year millions of people travel the globe to visit and explore. No matter your destination, renting a car may be a part of your plan...

As summer temperatures begin to rise, keeping your family and pets safe should be your top priority. If you live in a climate that..

I’m sure you’ve heard the stories of people whose gifts or money have been stolen at their wedding reception. You’re probably thinking,..

Did you know, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, that nearly 35 million people pack up and move each year? Whether you’re relocating for..

Do you remember your first bike? I remember mine very vividly. My neighbor and I had matching his and her bikes. I also remember many bike..

More cats and dogs go missing on the 4^th of July  than any other day of the year. While pet parents look forward to the cookouts, music,..

Many homeowners dream of having a pool. But when the day finally comes that they move into a new home that has one or they have their own..

Whether you’re doing some spring cleaning, decluttering, or moving to a new home, having a garage sale can help you get rid of unwanted..

So, you've arranged a moving-in date for your new home; cleared out your junk; organized transfer of your cable, mail, and utilities; and..

Are you disappointed with how your lawn looks this spring? Do you have bare spots? Harsh winters, insects, animals, and disease can wreak..

Do you remember buying your first new car? Or how about adding a teen driver to your policy? These experiences are often exciting and..

Having your perfect wedding and buying your dream home are both exciting milestones, full of new adventure and hopeful possibility...

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As the weather begins to improve, more motorcyclists will bring their motorcycles out of storage...

Warm spring days are a nice preview of what’s to come as we approach summer. However, spring weather is also very unpredictable...

Spring typically conjures up images of running barefoot through the grass. But who wants to run barefoot or roll around in poison? True, we..

Now that spring’s here, it’s time to give your home a post-winter scrub down. While it feels great opening the windows and letting the..

As the weather improves, you may be thinking about getting your bicycle out of storage for the first ride of the season. Whether you ride..

After a long, cold winter, many of us yearn for the transition to spring. More daylight, chirping birds, increased outdoor activity, and..

If winter was your first winter with a teen driver, you’re probably relieved spring is here. Hopefully no more ice, sleet, snow, or..

If you have pets in your household, you understand the benefits they bring to your family. Their inquisitiveness, unconditional love, and..

Power strips and surge protectors are a necessity in many homes today. With smartphones, tablets, streaming media devices, and gaming..

Buying a new vehicle can be very exciting. I remember purchasing my first brand new vehicle. Ahh, that new car smell.

Just when you think you’ve seen your last snowfall or cold spell, Mother Nature plays another trick on you. Winter weather can make it..

With several weeks of winter left, and then the transition to spring, salt could still play a big part in keeping your property safe. Part..

After a quiet December, Mother Nature has really created a ruckus in Wisconsin the last several weeks. From significant amounts of snow to..

Here in Wisconsin, the weather is consistently throwing us for a loop. Anticipating snow and ice is something we all should do.

Extreme cold temperatures put your home or business at risk for frozen pipes. As water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on pipes. When..

During the winter months, Mother Nature can stir up a variety of weather conditions. Howling winds, drifting snow, and freezing rain make..

From smart food dispensers and surveillance systems to ingenious toys and crafty crates, tech-savvy pet products are a booming market...

For many, buying a home is a dream come true. However, if you’ve been through the process, you know it’s not an easy task. You must figure..

Holiday traditions often make the holiday season the favorite time of year for many people. Those traditions include:

• Picking out the..

In today’s society of long-term college careers and high-debt range after graduation, there’s been a drastic increase in the age to which a..

Holiday songs fill the airwaves on the radio, neighborhoods are full of bright lights and holiday cheer, and shopping malls are full of..

Rodent infestations can cause all sorts of destruction in your house, from messy droppings to structural damage and more. Unlike your auto..

‘Tis the season for tossing logs into the fireplace or cranking up the furnace. While winter hasn’t officially arrived, it’s close!

There are plenty of elements to consider when making the decision to buy a home, but those considerations shift slightly if a buyer wants..

Recently, my youngest daughter, McKenna, passed her driver’s test. She absolutely loves her newfound freedom. Sometimes, a bit too much!..

Picture this. You’re driving through town in your 1969 Pontiac Firebird and everyone you pass is stopping and staring as you go by. Now if..

For many, the fall season is a busy time of year. High school, college, and professional sports are in full swing. Kids are participating..

Autumn is a great time of year to enjoy your new motorcycle license. Enjoying the vivid colors and sights of the season helps riders truly..

House fires are something most homeowners live in fear of, but today’s technology can help you ensure the safety of you, your family, and..

As the days get shorter, and the leaves start changing, you may be tempted to light a fire in your wood burning fireplace. While it’s..

If you’ve watched the news lately, there has been significant coverage on wildfires, severe storms, and most recently, Hurricane Florence...

Swat, splat, bang. These are common sounds at my house. The reason for these sounds is mosquitos are invading us. I don’t recall them ever..

Last week’s blog identified areas of your property you should inspect after a severe storm. Some of those areas include roof, siding,..

Severe weather can pop up in your neighborhood quickly. If severe weather strikes, your first priority should be taking cover and..

In just a few short days, our children’s alarm clocks will be ringing and hectic school schedules will become a part of our routine.

Going on vacation with your family can be exciting, but it can also involve a lot of planning, depending on where you’re going. While..

One frequently-asked question we receive from our policyholders and agents is: Are rented vehicles covered by the personal auto policy?

If you’re like me, you carried around paint samples and fabric swatches for weeks before finally settling on the choices. Now that my room..

Surprises are great — but not when you’re closing on your new home. Even if a house passes a pre-close inspection, environmental hazards..