What are the chances your home will suffer from water damage this year? Water damage insurance claims are some of the most common for..

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

How our outlets function directly affects the delivery of electricity to the appliances and other electronic devices we use. Electrical..

If you have shopped for a new or used vehicle lately, you have probably noticed that vehicle prices have increased dramatically. The..

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

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,..

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,..

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..

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.

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..

Whether you’re downsizing, decluttering, or moving your college student into a new apartment, finding the proper storage unit is essential.

A severe thunderstorm can roll through your neighborhood, bringing lightning and damaging wind, while nearby there could be hail damage...

Choosing which college or university to attend can take time and effort. So many decisions need to be made. If you or your student plan to..

If you’ve ever had a close encounter with lightning, you know how frightening it can be. I’ve had a couple of close calls in my lifetime...

If you enjoy spending time in your yard, you know how frustrating it can be when bugs invade it. Annoying mosquitos and other bugs can turn..

There’s never a convenient time to learn your car battery is dead. Putting your key in the ignition or pushing the button and hearing..

Purchasing a home is likely the most significant investment you’ll make. And caring for it is extremely important.

A healthy lawn offers numerous benefits, such as curb appeal, recreational space, and a habitat for local wildlife. So, when you start to..

It’s a great time of the year to sit around a bonfire with family and friends. Relaxing conversation and delicious s’mores can create..

Insuring your home is like putting it into a protective bubble. This action secures it against risks and calamities. The insurance policy..

If you’re a cat owner, you know how curious and adventurous cats can be. There’s not one day that goes by that my cat doesn’t make me..

Each year, Arbor Day is celebrated by families and organizations alike. The purpose of Arbor Day is to recognize the important role trees..

Having home insurance is a necessity, and it comes in handy if you’re faced with unexpected and expensive damage to your house.

Almost every state nationwide has some kind of law on texting while driving. Drivers know texting in the car isn’t safe and can lead to..

Moving with reptiles, is anything but a walk in the park. After all, there are a lot more regulations and restrictions in place when it..

Homeowner policies have exclusions for faulty or defective workmanship. So the best way to avoid faulty contractors is to protect yourself..

Traveling with your family is a great way to create memories that’ll last a lifetime. Whether traveling to a new destination or a favorite..

Golf carts have become a popular mode of transportation within gated communities, tourist destinations, and campgrounds. They often share..

Are you confused by the term deductible? A deductible on a homeowners, condo, or renters policy is important as it helps policyholders..

If your car’s coolant temperature warning light goes on, will you know what it is? Or does it even matter if it goes on during winter or..

If you want to add some additional living space to your existing home, finishing your basement is a great way to do so. If you recently..

With a new year comes exciting new challenges and adventures. Starting off as organized as possible will help set the tone for your..

Has your power ever gone out during a storm? Did you wonder how long it would be out and worry about your food staying cold or your home..

No matter where you live in the United States, winter weather impacts everyone. From continuous clouds and rain in the west to cooler..

Children are both sponges and mirrors. They soak up and reflect what they see and hear. And this is particularly true when it comes to..

If you’ve purchased a new home recently, you may be familiar with the dangers of radon gas. If not, January is Radon Awareness Month.

You might think the warmer seasons are the only time to take on home improvement projects, but there are a lot of things you can do this..

The holiday season can be overwhelming and demanding. It can also be filled with high expectations. Children, young and old, are busy..

Whether you’re buying your first home, looking to downsize, or retiring somewhere else, understanding condominium insurance coverage is..

Thanksgiving is an excellent opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends. However, cluttered countertops, multiple cooking stations,..

Unfortunately for many people, this time of year is the peak for deer and auto collisions. If you’re wondering why, it’s because the mating..

Pets are a big part of many families. More than 63 million households own a dog. Because they’re considered part of the family, they often..

When the weather starts to cool down, it’s time to start preparing for winter. Important and easily forgettable jobs are draining and..

Soon, kids in costumes will be roaming neighborhoods on a mission to fill their bags with goodies. Excitement about Halloween can cause..

As the amount of daylight decreases, it’s vital that we adjust our driving habits. Driving in darkness can make routine driving maneuvers..

With high inflation and supply chain delays, it’s more important now than ever to make sure your home and property are kept up-to-date and..

Fall has officially arrived! Now’s the best time of year to give your lawn some TLC. Unfortunately, summer heat, drought, weeds, disease,..

A lot of planning and work goes into getting your college student off to school. And no matter what, something always gets left behind.

Finances are top of mind for many people these days. If you’re planning to move into a new home in a new city, it’s important to have a..

If you're considering adding a new dog to your family, it's essential to consider how the transition will go for your existing pets. Many..

If your child is getting married, you know how much time, effort, and money are involved in wedding planning. From invites to menu..

When choosing new window coverings for your home, picking the most aesthetically attractive choice can be tempting. With so many different..

Sheds have grown in popularity over the years. Not only are they great for storing personal belongings if you run out of space in your..

Whether a contractor is hired for maintenance, renovations, or to repair damage from a covered claim, turning a home into the hands of an..

Recreational vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. With a variety of makes and models, it makes it easier to find the perfect one for..

If you’re a bit unfamiliar and plan to attend a wedding this year, here’s some etiquette information to consider.

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 several years have been challenging for individuals and businesses alike. The COVID-19 pandemic, volatile weather events, supply..

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 with a homeowner’s association (HOA), your insurance policy may offer you coverage for loss assessment...

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 rise, severe storms start to make headlines nationwide. When I was growing up, I remember the weather myth that you..

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, you’ll likely come upon a vehicle pulled over on the shoulder or moving slowly. It could be..

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

Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you’ll make. Your home is also the place where you’ll make the most memories. But the work..

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. However, once the holiday is over,..

As we approach colder winter temperatures, ensuring your furnace is ready to keep you and your family warm is essential. 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 have a decent understanding of how electricity works. However, every year when I put up and plug in my..

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 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 get colder, staying warm can be tricky. In the fall, many homeowners may be reluctant to fire up their furnaces..

Have you ever seen a chipmunk crawl out of your home’s downspout? It's happened to me before. While I know it’s crucial to keep downspouts..

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

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..

Since the start of the worldwide pandemic, sales of travel trailers set records. Unfortunately, many buyers purchased units without knowing..

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 typical 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 most adults in the U.S., you probably haven’t taken steps to create an estate plan. That assumption is based on a survey..

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, one of the most frequently referenced drawbacks of canine companions is the mess they create...

Online shopping has increased significantly. UPS, Fed EX, and Amazon trucks drive through my neighborhood regularly. With holiday shopping,..

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, you must do your homework to ensure the home fits your budget..

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

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

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...

In a few weeks, it's possible that a scary visitor will show up on your front doorstep looking for a treat. While trick-or-treating has..

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..

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..

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 itcomes 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..

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

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 going on vacation with friends or family or visiting a business client,..

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

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

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 and enjoy the..

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

Living in an area that experiences cold and snow this time of year may feel like a routine nuisance. Drive times increase as well as our..

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 need a few new ideas to keep yourself motivated. If you find the thrill of trying out a new..

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 many 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 share safety tips that can keep you and..

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

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..

Test driving a car is a very important step in the car buying process. While you may focus on color, features, and safety technology,..