Summer heat = fun toys... to insure!

Are you getting out of this heat...in one or all of these fun toys? If so, we recommend a helmet, life jacket, lawn chair, ice chest, and most importantly, good insurance!!!                          
Whether it is a jet ski, motorcycle, boat or travel trailer, you will want to make sure you have the proper coverage in place to keep you and your adventure and trip successful.  From the www.dmv.org: If you use your vehicle to pull trailers, you should really consider purchasing trailer insurance. This type of insurance will protect you from financial hardship if you damage the contents of your trailer and/or cause damage to another while using your trailer.

While trailer insurance is not a legal requirement in any state, it can especially be valuable to you if you use your trailer on a very regular basis. We’ll review the basics of this type of coverage and go over when you might need it.                                                                                                                                                               Not only on ground but in the water, you will need insurance on boats as well.  From www.bankrate.com it shares why you will need boat insurance. 

Why do I need boat insurance?
If you're new to boating, you may be under the impression that your homeowners insurance will magically stretch to cover your boat. Sadly, in most cases it won't.
"Many homeowners policies will have a minimal amount of coverage for really small boats with either no engine or a very small engine, like a sailboat," says Mitch Jawitz, vice president of marketing and distribution at The Hanover Insurance Group. "But if you're buying a $10,000 or $20,000 boat, your homeowners policy is not going to cover you for what you need."
Lynne McChristian, the Florida representative for the Insurance Information Institute, says boats are unique and require their own policy.

"Your boat has nothing to do with your home, any more than your car can be covered under your homeowners insurance," she says. "Your home isn't mobile. Your boat, like your car, can go anywhere, so it requires a separate policy."
That said, you may save money by bundling your boat policy with your home or auto insurance.
"There's often a cross-sell discount," says Chantal Cyr, vice president of product management for Travelers. "At Travelers, if your boat is less than 30 feet and you have one or more policies, you can save 10 percent for one policy and 15 percent for the second."
A personal loan can be a great option for financing a boat.



How does it differ from home or auto insurance?
In some ways, boat insurance is a mash-up of home and auto insurance.
Like home insurance, a boat policy covers you for liability if someone is injured on your craft and gives you the choice between replacement cost or cash value in a total loss.
Like auto insurance, boat coverage typically includes coverage for bodily injury that your boat inflicts on others, property damage your boat inflicts on docks and other boats, and physical damage to your boat should you hit something or run aground. You can also purchase comprehensive coverage against theft, vandalism, fire and flood, personal property coverage for your fishing gear, uninsured boater insurance and even roadside assistance in the event you need a tow.
Unlike home and auto, a boat policy may allow you to "lay up" or suspend coverage for specified periods when you're not using the boat.
"Sometimes boaters aren't aware of that and (on) some nice day in November, they take the boat out for the day and have an unfortunate incident, only to find out that their boat was to be out of the water from Oct. 15 to April 1," says Cyr.
Call the April Schaffroth Farmers Agency at 602-297-5155 BEFORE your trip to check your coverage. 




www.insuranceinaz.com.

Too hot for customer service?? No Way!

It's SO hot that we have nothin' for you this week other than this picture.. and a request for ice cold lemonade!!
                                                               Even though its 117 degrees today, we are still here for you.                                                                                                 There are many reasons you will want to contact your insurance agency:


1. File a claim
2. Trouble with your claim
3. Add or Remove a Driver
4. Add or Remove Vehicle
5. Moving
6. Questions about payment
7. Change coverage
8. Inquire about cheaper premiums 
9. Adding more policies for multi policy discounts
10. Adding coverage for floaters such as jewelry.                                                                                                                      


Make sure to call April Schaffroth Farmers Insurance 602-297-5155 of all of your insurance needs. www.insuranceinaz.com

No, seriously...they say accessories make the outfit! haha The April Schaffroth Farmers Insurance Agency is proud to support Red Nose Day 2016.                                                         
The money goes to help kids who need us most at home and around the world. Red Nose Day is on a mission to lift kids out of poverty and has raised over $1 billion globally in the last 25 years.       


  
Half of the money distributed by Red Nose Day 2016 will be spent right here in the U.S. The other half will be spent in some of the poorest communities in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. All money raised supports projects that ensure kids are safe, healthy, and educated.                                                                                                                                                                                                   Join us and donate today: https://donate.rednoseday.org.  
April Schaffroth Farmers Insurance P: 602-297-5155 
www.insuranceinaz.com.

May 24, 2016 was the official video shoot for the commercial of AZ DUI Process.com.  We are a free service that offers guidance and discounts every step of the way of your DUI process.  Stay tuned for more details and photos to come!

www.azduiprocess.com

Who wouldn't want to insure these faces?? Believe it or not, many insurance companies won't insure your Home or Renters policy if you own a Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman etc.                                                                                                                                                                                                        From www.blessthebullys.com; Unfortunately, many pit bull owners are faced with a type of breed bias that comes in the form of insurance companies that will not cover their dogs under their homeowners insurance policies. However, contrary to popular belief, these insurance company restrictions, known as "blacklists," do not only apply to “pit bulls.” The following breeds are commonly blacklisted by insurance companies:




American pit bull terrier


American Staffordshire terrier


Bull terrier


Wolf hybrids


Akitas


Chow-chows


Doberman pinschers


Olde English bulldogs 


Rottweilers


German shepherds


Siberian huskies


Alaskan malamutes


Presa canarios


Great Danes


Boxers


Saint Bernards


Mastiffs


Boerboels




The approach to insuring homeowners with dogs varies from city to city and state to state. In Michigan and Pennsylvania, home insurance companies are prohibited by state law from discriminating against certain dog breeds.  Adding to the confusion for those searching for coverage, the decision on whether or not to write a policy to owners of certain breeds can also vary from company to company, and even agent to agent. 
WOOF! April Schaffroth at Farmers Insurance can and would love to insure your home with ALL dog breeds!                         



All animals are welcome except dinosaurs...because they are dangerous. Call us a 602-297-5155 for a quote today! 


www.insuranceinaz.com

Milestone birthday! Can you believe we are finally turning 21?!? Haha                                                                     Birthdays give you a reason to celebrate but also a reason to get life insurance BEFORE the big day.
Did you know that your life insurance rates are based on your current age? It will never be cheaper than it is today!  From www.investopedia.com; they explain how it is in your benefit to get the life policy before you get older.  Thinking of purchasing a new life insurance policy? Before you make a commitment, it’s important to understand how the annual premium for a new life insurance policy is determined.                                                                                                                                                                              
Whether the policy you’re considering is term (a policy for a set amount of time), whole (a policy that accumulates a cash value) or universal (a flexible policy that also builds cash value, but lets you shift between the policy's insurance and savings components), the annual premiums are influenced by a number of factors about your life. Among them are gender, the quality of your health and if you are, or ever were, a smoker. Family health history (did a parent have cancer or heart disease?), hazardous hobbies/activities such as hang gliding or scuba diving, international travel, your height and weight, and occupation (if you have a dangerous job or one with a higher-than-average mortality rate) can also affect the amount you’ll pay.
                                                                                   

Even if it isn’t your birthday; call the April Schaffroth Farmers Insurance agency. Party hats and cupcakes are optional.  www.insuranceinaz.com

April showers brings May flowers; what do Mayflowers bring(besides Pilgrims)... Your favorite Insurance Agent!                                                Come rain or shine you will not find another insurance agency dedicated to providing the best customer experience than the April Schaffroth Farmers team.  All insurance companies get ranked by their customer service experiences and that will give you an indication of your experience with your own policies.                                                                                                                                          


   

J.D. Power insurance ratings are your trusted source for auto insurance ratings, home insurance ratings, life insurance ratings, health insurance ratings, business insurance ratings, and property insurance ratings derived from our comprehensive consumer studies. All insurance ratings are based on the opinions of a representative sample of consumers who have used or owned the product or service being rated and are therefore indicative of a typical buying experience.
                                                                                               

            Call 602-297-5155 or www.insuranceinazcom today!

Karma Rebuilder this Saturday! If you need to deposit more good karma into your "account" or just want to have fun... then join us this Saturday April 16, 2016 for Keep Scottsdale Beautiful in Scottsdale from 9-11am.                                                      As an Agency Owner, community involvement is very important to myself and my Agency.  However volunteering is also very important to Farmers Insurance.  On www.farmersinsurance.corporate-giving.com;                                        

A History of Hard Work
For over 85 years, Farmers has been committed to serving the communities where our customers, agents, and employees live, work, and play. We work tirelessly to rebuild lives and lifestyles after disasters, improve and support education in our communities, and have dedicated ourselves to a culture of active communal engagement and volunteerism throughout the country.
Farmers Dedication to Community:
Education
At Farmers Insurance, we believe that education is the cornerstone of America, and something every person is entitled to. Today’s young students need all the help they can get to have access to college and the careers of the future. As a company, we focus heavily on helping at-risk youth through in-classroom and after-school programs such as Thank America's Teachers, Boys & Girls Clubs, the First Tee and more.
Learn more about our Education programs.


Disaster Management
As an insurance company, Farmers is dedicated to covering what’s important to you. When disaster strikes though, Farmers is committed to going above and beyond for our customers and communities, delivering world-class response and recovery services anywhere in the country. We partner with organizations like the American Red Cross to invest in disaster relief in preparation for disasters. We’ve also helped in long-term disaster recovery efforts in Joplin, MO and Sea Bright, NJ, where homeowners have struggled for years to get back into their homes. We’re continuously committed to disaster preparedness and education, helping to prepare communities for disaster through our Disaster Recovery Playbook.
Learn more about our Disaster Management programs.


Civic Engagement
Farmers employees and agents live and work in every area across the country, and as a company and as people, we’ve been dedicated for over 85 years to improving the communities in all our backyards. Supporting charities like Habitat for Humanity, FoodShare, United Way, and Salvation Army who provide needed assistance to the under-served, together we strive to make our communities better places to live.


Volunteer Engagement
Our agents and employees have been volunteering in their communities since we opened our doors in 1928. Farmers Insurance co-founder, John C. Tyler, once said, “The measure of our worth is not what we have done for ourselves but what we have done for others.” Whether it’s volunteering at a local food drive, building homes, donating blood, or fundraising, Farmers employees one and all are actively involved in making a difference across the country.
While volunteer activity takes place year round, Farmers employees all come together during one special week each year: Global Community Week. During the first week of June, all employees are encouraged to give back to their local communities, and employee centers lead the way with creative ideas where everyone can engage.


Farmers Family Fund
In March, 2012, Farmers launched the Farmers Family Fund, a dedicated 501(c)(3) Foundation created to allow employees to help other employees through tax deductible donations. When a member of the Farmers Family experiences a catastrophic financial hardship, like a life-threatening illness or injury, death of a spouse or child, natural disaster, or a sudden drop in household income, the Fund can respond quickly with much needed support. To date, the Farmers Family Fund has issued more than $500,000 in grants to employees in need.                                                                                                                         For more details, call the April Schaffroth Agency at 602-297-5155 www.insuranceinaz.com. We hope to see you Saturday!

US Insurance = No Bueno in Mexico

Spring Break road trips to Mexico are always a blast until you find out US insurance = No Bueno in Mexico! Have you had this problemo yourself? If so, next time call April Schaffroth Farmers Insurance for a MUSexico auto insurance policy.             A great article from www.traveltrips.usatoday.com talks about the benefits of getting Mexico insurance coverage.  

U.S. Insurance Policies
Your U.S. car insurance policy has several different types of coverage. The liability coverage of your U.S. car insurance policy will have absolutely no legal bearing in Mexico. This means if you were involved in an accident in which you injured another driver or his vehicle, you would be uncovered and possibly arrested if you didn't have Mexican car insurance. Your U.S. insurance company might be able to offer you collision and comprehensive coverage for possible damage to your own vehicle, but this is unlikely. Your insurance company can provide specific information.
Why You Need Car Insurance in Mexico
Auto liability insurance is not required in all parts of Mexico, neither for Mexican drivers nor for U.S. drivers. So even if you are not at fault in an accident, you could end up without a way to recover damages unless you have purchased your own policy. If you are at fault in an accident, you will likely be detained by the police until they have determined you can make payment to the other party. You can purchase an insurance policy that includes legal assistance and bail coverage so you have assistance if you are detained.
Purchasing Car Insurance
If you are driving a rental car across the border from the U.S. to Mexico, you can purchase collision insurance coverage from the rental car company. However, whether you are driving a rental car or your own car into Mexico, you must purchase liability insurance from a company that is licensed in Mexico. You can purchase coverage at the border or online before leaving for Mexico. You will need to purchase liability insurance that is specifically for foreign-plated cars, also called tourist car insurance.
Invoking Your Coverage
If you are involved in an accident in Mexico, you and the other party may decide not to call the police. Many minor accidents in Mexico are settled between the parties. However, you will not be covered for damage to your car unless you contact your
insurance adjuster. If the damage is severe or if there were injuries, most Mexican insurance companies will send an adjuster to the scene of the accident to view the damage, to interview witnesses and, if necessary, to confirm for the police that you have coverage. You may be required to remain at the scene until the adjuster arrives, so be sure you understand the details of your policy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We will make sure your road trip from beginning to end is one big fiesta. Gracias, April Schaffroth 602-297-5155 www.insuranceinaz.com.

Took this picture after hours (wink wink)!                                                     Seriously, Farmers Commercial Insurance has a new insurance program for Taverns and Bars! If you own a bar/tavern OR just know someone who likes to go to them, think of us....best yet - call us first.  Cheers; call the April Schaffroth Agency where everybody knows your name - 602-297-5155.                                                                                                                                                     Now that Farmers Insurance offers coverage for Restaurants, Bars and Taverns, it brings a ton of needed coverage to your business.                                                                                                                       Features and Benefits
 Business Liability rating based on square footage
 Cyber Liability Coverage
 Employment Practices Liability Coverage
 Equipment Breakdown Coverage (Premier Only)
 Business Income Enhancements (tips included, boil water order, franchise royalties, off premises event cancellation)
 Food Contamination Shutdown
 Food Spoilage
 Ordinance or Law – Equipment (Premier only, Sublimit)
 Utility Service – Time Element (Optional Primary, Sublimit Premier)

Resources available
 MySafety Point – Loss Control Website
 FarmersCyber.com – Cyber Liability Website
 FarmersKey.com – EPLI Website
 Loss Control Department
 Claims Personnel are Farmers Employees
Features and Benefits – Restaurant Pro                                                                                                                                                           

Give April Schaffroth at 602-297-5155 a call to review your current coverages and get your business taken care of! www.insuranceinaz.com

Introducing our "Give it to Get it" Referral Challenge 2016. Why; because cool people know cool people and we only want to work with cool people like you!                                 GIVE us a referral and you GET a chance to win a gift card. Message us with your cool friend's contact info and you'll be entered to win in next Wednesday's drawing.  Whether it is for Subway, Starbucks, etc, the most important thing to know is your friend or family member will receive the VIP treatment from start to finish.                                                                                                                                                                                                           As you can imagine from a small business owner; the word of mouth referral is the most important one to receive.  From www.outboundengine.com  While there are some tried and true practices that you all are familiar with, both online and offline, its time to get a little bit more creative. Word of mouth (WOM) marketing takes place in two forms. The first is one you’re familiar with already. This is when someone directly refers a friend to you for business. The other is the long term WOM approach. This is where you stay in touch with your client base through email and social, not asking them for business, but giving them the chance to promote you indirectly.                                                                                                                                        



At the end of the day, your clients are people just like you. When you reach out to your customers and clients, be informal and conversational. Whether it’s through direct mail, email, social media, in person, or over the phone, have a genuine tone to effectively convey your message. Don’t over complicate things either. Don’t be afraid to directly ask them for a Yelp review. All you need to explain is that it helps your business grow and you’d greatly appreciate it. Plain and simple.                                                                                  
The long and short of increasing your WOM marketing in 2016 is to continue to build a strong relationship with your clients after you’ve already done business with them. By building up this personal relationship, you stop becoming the business/brand that you represent and you become a trusted resource and knowledgeable industry professional that gets talked about.                                                                                                                                               That is what the April Schaffroth Farmers Insurance Agency would like to promote this week with our 2016 Referral Challenge.  Please give us a call at 602-297-5155 or www.insuranceinaz.com.

Online dating? Ever been "surprised" when the person shows up and wasn't what you thought? Don't let this happen to your insurance.
You don't want to think you have coverage for a Corvette when you only have coverage for a Smart Car!                                                                                                                                                                           From the advice on www.dmv.org; Underinsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage
Underinsured motorist property damage (UIMPD) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has inadequate insurance coverage.
This coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle when the at-fault driver's limits don't fully cover your expenses.
Example:

• Your vehicle sustains $5,000 worth of damage.
• The motorist who hit you is only covered for $3,000.
• You have $10,000 of uninsured motorist property damage coverage.
• Your underinsured motorist property damage plan will compensate you for the $2,000 difference.
Underinsured motorist property damage coverage is not restricted only to vehicle damage. It will, in some instances, also cover valuable items―computers or cell phones―in your vehicle at the time of the accident. Depending on the circumstances and your state, it may also cover you if the underinsured driver destroys your fence, mailbox, or other personal property.  


                                                               
So many clients have their vehicle underinsured and have no idea of what their current coverage is compared to what they need.   That is why it is so important to call April Schaffroth with Farmers Insurance to make sure you are properly covered for your needs. 


Call April Schaffroth at Farmers Insurance to make sure youhave the right insurance at 602-297-5155 or                                                                   www.insuranceinaz.com

Superbowl parties can be fun, but they CAN get out of hand. Your insurance needs to be in place with enough coverage in case your guests get into a pyramid (see the supermodels below) and then crash the pyramid into your coffee table and hurt themselves (also see the supermodels below)!!!                                                        There are many sites that offer ideas on how to stay protected when hostitng a party but from www.insurancegroupusa.com it shares some details about what to look for when hosting a Superbowl Party.                                                                                                                                                       
On Sunday, millions of Americans will be watching the Super Bowl with friends, over a spread of food and beer. The Super Bowl is the most watched game of the year, and whether your team wins or not, the night will end with one of the most dangerous drives of the year too, as too many drivers have had too much to drink at their parties. A late kickoff, a long game, and too many drinks without designated drivers results in staggering numbers. Last year, 48% of the 13,000 fatalities from accidents on Super Bowl Sunday involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher.
“Those throwing a party where alcohol is served have both a legal and moral responsibility to make sure that their guests are capable of driving safely,” said Loretta Worters, vice president with the Insurance Information Institute. “You don’t want to allow anyone who has been drinking to drive a vehicle while impaired. Not only do your guests risk injury or death to themselves or others, but you may be held financially responsible.”   



"Social host liability" is the legal term for the criminal and civil responsibility of someone who furnishes liquor to a guest. You may know it by "Dram Shop Liability" as well. Laws differ from state to state, but 43 states have them. These laws give someone who is injured (like a victim of a drunk driver who was served at your party) the right to sue you. You could even face criminal charges in such a scenario.
Here are some other things to consider for your party on Sunday:

• Understand your state's laws regarding social host liability, as they vary by state.
• Consider a different location other than your home for watching the game, like a spacious restaurant or bar.
• Encourage and talk openly about having a designated driver. Have taxi service phone numbers on hand.
• Limit your own consumption so that you can be more alert of your guests' sobriety.
• Offer non-alcoholic beverages and food/snacks.
• Stop serving liquor towards the end of the game, and offer coffee and water to guests.
Above all, be an aware and responsible host and/or driver.
If you're attending a Super Bowl party this year, we ask that you drive safely and wear your seat belt!                         


Call April Schaffroth at Farmers insurance to review before the kickoff! 602-297-5155
www.insuranceinaz.com

Everyone looks great in black and white! However, there is nothing black and white about your insurance.                                                                                     We are the Insurance Advisors that can clear up any confusion you may have.  You can also find more answers to your questions on Farmers.com.  See some of the common questions clients have listed below.  
On www.farmers.com it states: 

How much Auto insurance do I need?
Most states require you to carry a minimum amount of Liability insurance and also provide proof of insurance to register a vehicle or renew your license. In the case of an accident, the minimum Liability insurance required by the state may not be enough coverage to pay for the damages that result after an accident. In this case, the driver responsible for the accident may have to pay additional expenses out of pocket. To determine how much Auto insurance you need, consider:

• The value of your assets
• How and when you drive
• What you drive
• Who is in the car with you
  
How much Auto insurance does my state require?
To ensure everyone on the road is covered in case of an accident, most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of Liability insurance, or establish financial responsibility in some other way. Drivers must also have the ability to provide proof of insurance to register or renew a driver’s license. This is the case for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. You may want to consult with your Farmers agent and visit DMV.org to learn about your state’s unique requirements.



How can I compare Auto insurance quotes?
Looking for Auto insurance quotes can be confusing. When you get an Auto insurance quote from Farmers, we will guide you every step of the way to help you choose the amount of insurance that you determine to best fit your needs. Farmers can also compare rates with other top companies in just minutes to see who is offering the best price.

How do insurance companies assess my risk?
Insurance companies assess your risk by using a Risk Assessment Indicator, which is a numerical score based on credit report information. These Risk Assessment Indicators are highly predictive of future claim activities, helping insurance companies charge a rate that is appropriate for the risk of the insured individual.

What can I do to lower my Auto insurance costs?
While there are a number of factors that contribute to the cost of your premium, there are some things you can do to help reduce it. The car you drive will greatly affect your premium. To lower your Auto insurance costs, you may consider switching automobiles and driving a safer, slightly older, or less valuable vehicle. The more your vehicle is worth, the more it can cost to insure it. If you don’t want to change cars, you can modify your vehicle to make it safer or lower-risk by adding anti-theft devices or features like anti-lock brakes. In addition, selecting a higher deductible and ensuring that your coverage doesn’t lapse may help you keep your Auto insurance costs down.

If you don’t want to change or modify your car, you can also consider changing your driving habits. Your driving record is one of the most important factors considered when determining your premium. You can also try cutting down on the miles you drive and bundling your insurance policies to save you money.

How do I find the best Auto insurance for me?
Deciding on an Auto insurance policy can seem overwhelming. It is important to choose a local agent who can help match you with just the right coverage for you and your vehicle. When getting an Auto insurance quote from Farmers, a local Farmers agent will help you every step of the way to choose an Auto insurance policy that makes sense for you.

How do I find the lowest Auto insurance rate for me?
To find the most affordable Auto insurance policy for you, take the time to compare insurance providers to see who can save you the most money while providing you the most value. Many insurance companies combine low rates with discounts to provide lower premiums for young drivers. Farmers even offers a Good Student Discount to qualifying young drivers with good grades. And drivers who have multiple insurance policies with Farmers can bundle and save, as well.                                                                                                                                                Call April Schaffroth 602-297-5155 to get a clearer picture of your coverage today! www.insuranceinaz.com

Who says the gift giving season is over?? The Schaffroth Farmers Agency provides a special gift to our clients. Clarence Young (the cute guy in the bow) works with Am Plan a 3rd party inspection company.


Our agency has partnered with AmPlan to provide a complete inspection of our clients' homes to prevent possible losses. The best time to find out if you have an issue is BEFORE you have an issue!                                                                                       


AmPlan® has helped countless property owners avoid the devastation of water damage. AmPlan® is an easy to use program that provides unmatched assurance and protection against future damage. Finally, property owners and the insurance industry can feel confident knowing there is a simple program designed to reduce the potential for damage and future insurance claims!                                                                                             



AmPlan® provides a Property Assessment of the items that commonly fail causing catastrophic water damage. Homeowners, Building Owners, Property and Facility Managers utilize our Property Assessment Reports as a checklist of items to be repaired before they cause problems. The insurance industry loves our ability to save their clients money and hardship and reduce overall instances of insurance claims!                                                                                 
Call April Schaffroth today to find out how this program will work for you. 602-297-5155. 
www.insuranceinaz.com