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..

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

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..

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..

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

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

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..

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..

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..

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

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

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

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

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..

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..

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..

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..

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..

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..

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..

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

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..

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..

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..

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..

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

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..

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..

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

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..

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

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

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..

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..

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

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..

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...

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..

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

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

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..

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..

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..

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...

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

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..

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..

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..

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

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..

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,..

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

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

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

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..

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

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

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..

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..

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..

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..

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;..

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

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..

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,..

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..

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

If winter 2019 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,..

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...

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

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...

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

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..

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..

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..

‘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..

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..

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

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

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

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..

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..

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..

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

There is a lot we can do to ensure our family’s health and safety. In our daily lives, we can encourage healthy habits and identify..

For many families, summer vacations are the highlight of their year. Hectic schedules are put aside for rest, relaxation, and quality..

While summer is a great time to enjoy many outdoor activities, it can take a toll on our pocket books because of increased utility..

Every year millions of Americans enjoy celebrating America’s birthday with family and friends. Back yard barbeques, pool parties, and..

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

Most parents would agree that the safety of their family is a top priority as they make purchases for the home. Smart home devices are..

Recently, my wife and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. Every year we look at our photo album together and chuckle about how..

As a child, your parents may have taught you never to talk to strangers. As an adult hoping to sell your home, not only are you going to..

The unofficial start of summer is here! This means many families are making plans or final arrangements for this year’s summer road trip.

If you have kids in high school, final exam week is just around the corner. Year-end projects are nearing completion, which leads to..

Is learning to ride a motorcycle on your bucket list? Now that the weather is getting nicer, you’re closer to making this dream a..

The grass is turning green, trees are beginning to bud, and the temperature is rising. It’s time to open your cottage or summer home!

In just a few short weeks, college students will put on their caps and gowns and celebrate graduation. For many, graduation will be..

Depending on where you live, spring may have sprung. For some of us in the Midwest, we’re still waiting.

Whether you’re spring cleaning, downsizing, or preparing to move, getting rid of your unnecessary personal belongings can be a big..

Moving from your home to another can be a daunting task, especially if you’re moving to a new city. Personal items can get lost or..

Cats and dogs add endless joy to our lives. They’re cute, cuddly, and unconditionally love us. However, pets also scratch, claw, break,..

Spring has officially arrived! While many people breathe a sigh of relief because winter driving has ended, spring driving can also pose..

Owning a home is a dream shared by many. Home ownership provides many benefits, such as financial security and stability, the pride of..

According to Tom, West Bend claims manager, March, April, and May are typically heavy volume months for sump pump claims. Significant..

Having worked in the insurance industry for most of my career, I’ve talked to many people about the benefits of a West Bend insurance..

This year’s flu season has grabbed our attention. Hospitalization for people infected with the flu has increased for the first time..

A few months ago, I purchased a new car. Because my previous car was 10 years old, it didn’t have all the safety technology that’s..

Smart home technology use is a rising trend. From connected appliances to Wi-Fi lightbulbs to automated environmental controls, smart..

Howling winds, drifting snow, and cold temperatures make it challenging at times to leave the comfort and warmth of our homes. Snuggling..

Cold winter weather can take its toll on our homes, cars, and bodies. Frozen pipes, dead car batteries, and bodily injuries, are common..

During the winter months, frozen lakes host a flurry of outdoor activities. Anglers, ice shanties, and recreational vehicles are a..

Whether at work, the grocery store, or school, it’s very common to hear sounds of the season. Unfortunately, I’m referring to sneezes,..

Hoarding has not only become a popular topic for media coverage, it's also a trending topic in the insurance industry. Because it's more..

Let's face it – winter presents many problems for homeowners. From cold temperatures that make heating systems work overtime, to snow..

Currently, many of us are frantically buying and wrapping presents in time for Christmas. When Christmas morning arrives, our kids are..

Is your neighborhood filled with the sounds of delivery trucks? Mine definitely is. ‘Tis the season! I’ve seen delivery trucks in my..

The holiday season is officially here! Now comes the hustle and bustle of the season, as well as fun family traditions. Families are..

Insurance 101: You own it, you insure it! Most people understand that when they own something, they must insure it. When people co-own..

Each year in November, I receive my home and auto insurance renewal policy. In my house, my wife looks at how the premium changed and..

It’s happened to all of us at one time or another, whether we’re in a hurry to get to work or on a family road trip. All of a sudden, a..

Now that fall is officially here, it's time to prepare your home for the cold weather like putting on the storm doors, cleaning your..

Attending a Halloween costume party and trick-or-treating, are traditions for many families. I still remember some of the costumes and..

Shorter days, blowing leaves, and cooler temperatures are reminders that winter is coming. If you’re like me, you’re scrambling to get..

Halloween is a fun and festive time of year. Stores are stocked with tons of decorations, costumes, and of course, my favorite,..

In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week. According to the National Archives and Records..

This time of year, a trip to the pumpkin farm is a must for many people. Whether it’s a field trip for school or a weekend trip with..

School has been back in session for a few weeks. I hope you and your family have adjusted to this more hectic routine.

If your child is..

Do you like the new car smell or the shine of new paint? Buying a car can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Negotiations and..

Another summer has ended and kids are back in school. Homework, bedtime routines, and chaotic schedules are again, part of our lives.

In today’s world, everybody is looking for a good deal. Whether it’s on groceries, a new car, or insurance, we always feel better about..

Is it just me, or is it hard to believe Labor Day is almost here? For many, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. Many families..

Soon, kids will be heading back to school. No matter what grade your student is in, there are always mixed emotions. While some parents..

A growing number of individuals today, especially Millennials, choose not to own an automobile. Auto loans and the costs of maintaining..

It seems like just yesterday we moved our daughter into her dorm for the start of her freshman year. In a few short weeks, she’ll be..

When warm weather is here, many look for ways to enjoy our time outside. One of those ways is to get on a bicycle and go for a ride...

Too often in the news, we hear about people dying from their injuries because of being ejected from their car during an accident. In..

If you use Siri, Cortana, or Alexa on a daily basis, you’re like many people who rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to help make life..