"House Hunting and Homeowners Insurance
May is National Moving Month, a time when millions of Americans will prepare for a change of address. If
you’re in the market for a new home, there are a number of factors to consider when purchasing real estate.
One important and often overlooked consideration when buying a home is the value of insurance
protection. After all, you’ll be paying for homeowners insurance for as long as you own the home. Here are
a few points to consider when house hunting.
Age of the home
Common features of older homes, such as ceiling molding, may be expensive to replace and increase the
cost of insurance. Outdated plumbing and electrical systems may also raise the rates of insurance.
Distance from the fire department
Houses located near permanently staffed fire departments, and houses with a nearby hydrant, usually cost
less to insure.
Swimming pool or other special feature
A swimming pool, hot tub or other special feature generally increases the need for excess liability insurance
or an umbrella liability policy, and may limit the availability of insurance options if available. This
coverage provides added protection in the event someone is injured on your property and files a lawsuit
against you.
Flood risk
Damage from flooding is NOT covered by a standard homeowners policy. Homes in an area at risk for
flooding need separate insurance. Flood insurance is available from the federal government’s National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Once you’ve completed the closing process —but before unpacking boxes — make sure you adequately
insure your new home not only to cover its cost, but to rebuild and replace your belongings in the event of a
total loss.
You may need to consider adding special coverage, such as Residential Equipment Breakdown. This
unique offering provides coverage in cases of mechanical or electrical breakdown1 for almost anything that
uses electrical power- furnace, air conditioner, hot water heater and home electronics systems.
Your Farm Bureau agent can help you determine the right amount and type of homeowners insurance for
you, as well as the appropriate deductible and available discounts. Talk to your agent today about
homeowners insurance coverage that protects your investment and gives you peace of mind.
1Coverage terms and provisions are determined solely by forms that are used after purchase and made part of the insurance policy.
Nothing contained in this informational material shall be constructed to grant or broaden coverage that is not explicitly provided in the
policy forms.
Source: Insurance Information Institute, Home Buyers Insurance Checklist, www.iii.org, visited January 18, 2011. Better Business
Bureau, Avoid Moving Scams This Summer, www.bbb.org/article, visited January 18, 2011.
Tips brought to you by Farm Bureau Financial Services. For more information about products and
services, call Tammy at (515) 957-1524 or Chris at (515) 957-1616.
Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave.,
West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance
Company+*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West
Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services
"
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
"Flexibility, Guarantees & Tax Advantages
Looking for lifetime protection that offers flexible premium payments, access to your money and a
tax-advantaged way to accumulate funds for future needs? Universal Life insurance allows you to
tailor a policy to meet your needs and goals, and make adjustments as your life changes.
Pay any amount you want at anytime – as long as it’s within the maximum limit set by tax law, and
sufficient to maintain coverage. Your policy can be funded to the maximum limit and interest earned
on the funds will accumulate on an income tax-deferred basis. This provides greater accumulation in
later years, which can be used as supplementary income for retirement or other needs along the way.
As you pay premiums, your policy’s accumulated value earns tax-deferred interest with a guaranteed1
minimum rate. You can access these funds through partial withdrawals2 or loans3 should a financial
need arise.
Of course, flexibility and tax-advantages aren’t the only reasons to consider a Universal Life policy.
The coverage also offers additional features and options that can be tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you need financial protection for your family or business, or supplemental income for future
needs, Universal Life will allow you to do what’s right for you.
1The guarantees expressed in this article are based on the claims-paying ability of Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company.
2Partial withdrawals are subject to a fee of $25 or 2 percent of the accumulated value withdrawn, whichever is less. Depending on
your issue age, the first 10 to 15 years of the Universal Life policy and for 10 to 15 years following an increase in coverage, full
surrenders are subject to a current surrender charge based on policy year, age, sex and underwriting category. Surrender charges may
be waived if eligibility can be established due to the insured’s terminal illness, total disability or stay in a qualified nursing care center
for 90 consecutive days (after the first policy year.)
3Any loans from the policy’s accumulated value will reduce the policy’s accumulated value and death benefit if the borrowed funds,
plus interest, are not repaid by the time of your death. Further, if your life insurance policy is classified as a Modified Endowment
Contract (MEC), distributions, including loans, may be taxed less favorably than non-MEC
Tips brought to you by Farm Bureau Financial Services. For more information about products and
services, call Tammy at (515) 957-1524 or Chris at (515) 957-1616.
Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave.,
West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance
Company+*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West
Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services
"
Looking for lifetime protection that offers flexible premium payments, access to your money and a
tax-advantaged way to accumulate funds for future needs? Universal Life insurance allows you to
tailor a policy to meet your needs and goals, and make adjustments as your life changes.
Pay any amount you want at anytime – as long as it’s within the maximum limit set by tax law, and
sufficient to maintain coverage. Your policy can be funded to the maximum limit and interest earned
on the funds will accumulate on an income tax-deferred basis. This provides greater accumulation in
later years, which can be used as supplementary income for retirement or other needs along the way.
As you pay premiums, your policy’s accumulated value earns tax-deferred interest with a guaranteed1
minimum rate. You can access these funds through partial withdrawals2 or loans3 should a financial
need arise.
Of course, flexibility and tax-advantages aren’t the only reasons to consider a Universal Life policy.
The coverage also offers additional features and options that can be tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you need financial protection for your family or business, or supplemental income for future
needs, Universal Life will allow you to do what’s right for you.
1The guarantees expressed in this article are based on the claims-paying ability of Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company.
2Partial withdrawals are subject to a fee of $25 or 2 percent of the accumulated value withdrawn, whichever is less. Depending on
your issue age, the first 10 to 15 years of the Universal Life policy and for 10 to 15 years following an increase in coverage, full
surrenders are subject to a current surrender charge based on policy year, age, sex and underwriting category. Surrender charges may
be waived if eligibility can be established due to the insured’s terminal illness, total disability or stay in a qualified nursing care center
for 90 consecutive days (after the first policy year.)
3Any loans from the policy’s accumulated value will reduce the policy’s accumulated value and death benefit if the borrowed funds,
plus interest, are not repaid by the time of your death. Further, if your life insurance policy is classified as a Modified Endowment
Contract (MEC), distributions, including loans, may be taxed less favorably than non-MEC
Tips brought to you by Farm Bureau Financial Services. For more information about products and
services, call Tammy at (515) 957-1524 or Chris at (515) 957-1616.
Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave.,
West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance
Company+*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West
Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services
"
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
"The Road to Understanding Auto Insurance
It’s probably not a surprise that auto insurance is one of the most common types of
personal insurance. But did you know that not all auto insurance is created equal?
Understanding a few key terms could help you select the best coverage for your specific
needs.
Typically, auto insurance includes two main coverage options: liability and physical
damage.
Liability coverage protects you from claims of bodily injury or property damages caused
by accidents involving your personal vehicle. Property damage liability pays for any
damage you cause to the property of others with your auto. This includes damage to other
vehicles, walls, fences and equipment. Bodily injury liability insurance protects you
against claims of others who are injured in an accident for which you are at fault. Claims
may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Keep in mind, if you only carry liability coverage and you’re responsible for an accident,
damage to your vehicle is not covered.
Physical damage coverage includes collision and comprehensive coverage. This type of
coverage protects you from the expense of damages to your vehicle. Collision coverage
pays for damage to your personal vehicle due to accidental collision with an object, such
as another vehicle or a tree. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your personal
vehicle for causes other than collision, such as fire, theft, hail, striking an animal or
vandalism.
Keep in mind, the cost of repairing a car can exceed the actual value of the vehicle. In this
instance, insurers will “total” the car and pay you what the vehicle is worth rather than
fixing it. In some cases, an insurer may offer replacement cost coverage, which will
replace your vehicle with a new model in the event of a total loss.+
Your auto insurance policy may include other optional coverages, such as medical
expense coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and auto rental
reimbursement. Your Farm Bureau agent can explain all your options and help you
choose the best auto insurance coverage for your needs.
Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners “What is auto insurance?”
www.naic.org/consumer_auto_definition.htm, visited August 4, 2008.
+ Replacement cost coverage may not be available in your state. Check with your Farm Bureau agent.
Tips brought to you by Farm Bureau Financial Services. For more information about products and
services, call Tammy at (515) 957-1524 or Chris at (515) 957-1616.
Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave.,
West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance
Company+*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West
Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services
"
It’s probably not a surprise that auto insurance is one of the most common types of
personal insurance. But did you know that not all auto insurance is created equal?
Understanding a few key terms could help you select the best coverage for your specific
needs.
Typically, auto insurance includes two main coverage options: liability and physical
damage.
Liability coverage protects you from claims of bodily injury or property damages caused
by accidents involving your personal vehicle. Property damage liability pays for any
damage you cause to the property of others with your auto. This includes damage to other
vehicles, walls, fences and equipment. Bodily injury liability insurance protects you
against claims of others who are injured in an accident for which you are at fault. Claims
may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Keep in mind, if you only carry liability coverage and you’re responsible for an accident,
damage to your vehicle is not covered.
Physical damage coverage includes collision and comprehensive coverage. This type of
coverage protects you from the expense of damages to your vehicle. Collision coverage
pays for damage to your personal vehicle due to accidental collision with an object, such
as another vehicle or a tree. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your personal
vehicle for causes other than collision, such as fire, theft, hail, striking an animal or
vandalism.
Keep in mind, the cost of repairing a car can exceed the actual value of the vehicle. In this
instance, insurers will “total” the car and pay you what the vehicle is worth rather than
fixing it. In some cases, an insurer may offer replacement cost coverage, which will
replace your vehicle with a new model in the event of a total loss.+
Your auto insurance policy may include other optional coverages, such as medical
expense coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and auto rental
reimbursement. Your Farm Bureau agent can explain all your options and help you
choose the best auto insurance coverage for your needs.
Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners “What is auto insurance?”
www.naic.org/consumer_auto_definition.htm, visited August 4, 2008.
+ Replacement cost coverage may not be available in your state. Check with your Farm Bureau agent.
Tips brought to you by Farm Bureau Financial Services. For more information about products and
services, call Tammy at (515) 957-1524 or Chris at (515) 957-1616.
Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave.,
West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance
Company+*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West
Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services
"
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
"Today’s Needs, Tomorrow’s Dreams - Guaranteed Lifetime Protection
Like most working adults, you’re likely focused on meeting today’s needs – raising a
family, paying a mortgage or caring for elderly parents. But you’re also concerned that
your financial responsibilities will be taken care of in the future.
Universal Life Insurance with Secondary Guarantee can provide the peace of mind you’re
looking for. It offers guaranteed1 and affordable protection for your lifetime, up to age
121. Plus, you control your premium payments. Make a single premium payment or pay
level premiums as you choose, including 10 years, 20 years, to age 65 or even to age 100.
With this affordable coverage in place, yo u can turn your attention to other needs or
priorities in your life. You may see the opportunity to invest some of your dollars in a
college fund for your children, add to your retirement nest egg or perhaps expand your
business.
Even if you have other life insurance coverage in place, Universal Life Insurance with
Secondary Guarantee can complement and broaden that protection to help meet your
current and future needs.
Talk with your Farm Bureau agent today about the benefits of Universal Life Insurance
with Secondary Guarantee. It can help provide the long-term security and peace of mind
you’re looking for, without impacting your current financial priorities.
1 The guarantees expressed in this article are based on the claims -paying ability of Farm Bureau Life
Insurance Company.
Tips brought to you by Farm Bureau Financial Services. For more information about products and
services, call Tammy at (515) 957-1524 or Chris at (515) 957-1616.
Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave.,
West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance
Company+*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West
Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services
"
Like most working adults, you’re likely focused on meeting today’s needs – raising a
family, paying a mortgage or caring for elderly parents. But you’re also concerned that
your financial responsibilities will be taken care of in the future.
Universal Life Insurance with Secondary Guarantee can provide the peace of mind you’re
looking for. It offers guaranteed1 and affordable protection for your lifetime, up to age
121. Plus, you control your premium payments. Make a single premium payment or pay
level premiums as you choose, including 10 years, 20 years, to age 65 or even to age 100.
With this affordable coverage in place, yo u can turn your attention to other needs or
priorities in your life. You may see the opportunity to invest some of your dollars in a
college fund for your children, add to your retirement nest egg or perhaps expand your
business.
Even if you have other life insurance coverage in place, Universal Life Insurance with
Secondary Guarantee can complement and broaden that protection to help meet your
current and future needs.
Talk with your Farm Bureau agent today about the benefits of Universal Life Insurance
with Secondary Guarantee. It can help provide the long-term security and peace of mind
you’re looking for, without impacting your current financial priorities.
1 The guarantees expressed in this article are based on the claims -paying ability of Farm Bureau Life
Insurance Company.
Tips brought to you by Farm Bureau Financial Services. For more information about products and
services, call Tammy at (515) 957-1524 or Chris at (515) 957-1616.
Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave.,
West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance
Company+*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West
Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services
"
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
"Pedaling into Summer with Bicycle Safety
May is National Bike Month and kids across the country are pumping up the tires on their
two-wheelers for some bike-riding fun. Whether your child will be logging hours of
riding time, or just a couple of laps around the driveway, it’s important to reinforce some
basic safe cycling guidelines:
- Establish rules for when and where your child can ride a bicycle based on age and
ability. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends children age
10 and younger ride only on sidewalks.
- Check your child’s bike and helmet for proper fit and function. Many states have laws
requiring bicyclists under age 18 to wear a helmet. Bicycle helmets have been proven to
reduce the risk of head injury in an accident by more than 85 percent.
- Most bicycle accidents are due to falls. Teach children to tie their shoes, avoid hazards
like uneven payment, rocks or sticks, and keep both hands on the handlebars.
- Teach safe riding skills to older children, including awareness of other riders or
vehicles, looking both ways before crossing the road and how to use hand signals for
turning or stopping.
One of the best ways to teach your children bicycle safety is by example. Always wear a
helmet and practice safe riding skills. Your kids will follow your lead and enjoy a
summer of cycling fun.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Prevent Bicycle Crashes: Parents and Caregivers,
www.nhtsa.gov, visited March 15, 2010.
Tips brought to you by Farm Bureau Financial Services. For more information about products and
services, call (515) 957-1524 or Chris at (515) 957-1616.
Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave.,
West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance
Company+*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West
Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services
"
May is National Bike Month and kids across the country are pumping up the tires on their
two-wheelers for some bike-riding fun. Whether your child will be logging hours of
riding time, or just a couple of laps around the driveway, it’s important to reinforce some
basic safe cycling guidelines:
- Establish rules for when and where your child can ride a bicycle based on age and
ability. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends children age
10 and younger ride only on sidewalks.
- Check your child’s bike and helmet for proper fit and function. Many states have laws
requiring bicyclists under age 18 to wear a helmet. Bicycle helmets have been proven to
reduce the risk of head injury in an accident by more than 85 percent.
- Most bicycle accidents are due to falls. Teach children to tie their shoes, avoid hazards
like uneven payment, rocks or sticks, and keep both hands on the handlebars.
- Teach safe riding skills to older children, including awareness of other riders or
vehicles, looking both ways before crossing the road and how to use hand signals for
turning or stopping.
One of the best ways to teach your children bicycle safety is by example. Always wear a
helmet and practice safe riding skills. Your kids will follow your lead and enjoy a
summer of cycling fun.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Prevent Bicycle Crashes: Parents and Caregivers,
www.nhtsa.gov, visited March 15, 2010.
Tips brought to you by Farm Bureau Financial Services. For more information about products and
services, call (515) 957-1524 or Chris at (515) 957-1616.
Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave.,
West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance
Company+*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West
Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services
"
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