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Featured Insurance Blog

Candle Safety Considerations

When the weather gets cold, you may want to cozy up indoors by lighting a candle or two. However, it’s important to keep candle safety considerations in mind when doing so.

All it takes is a single candle mishap to quickly escalate into a devastating fire within your home. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association claims that there is an average of 21 home fires caused by candles every day—with 85% of them being avoidable.

Candle incidents can be avoided by practicing safe candle usage within your home. Learn to use candles safely in your home by following these simple tips:

  1. Trim the wick—Trim the wick to a quarter of an inch to keep the flame from becoming too large.
  2. Use a long match or lighter—To keep your hand from getting too close to the flame, always use a long match or long lighter.
  3. Don’t walk away—Make sure the wick ember is completely out and no longer glowing before leaving the room.
  4. Secure the area—Never burn a candle near anything that could catch fire. This includes furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper and flammable decorations.
  5. Keep candles away from kids and pets—Make sure children and pets cannot reach burning candles.
  6. Avoid drafts, vents and air currents—This will help prevent rapid burning or dripping of your candle.
  7. Burn for no longer than four hours—Burning your candle for more than four consecutive hours can cause the wick to become unstable and the flame to grow too large.
  8. Extinguish candles appropriately—Suffocate the flame by using a snuffer or putting the lid on the candle to prevent hot wax splatters.
  9. Don’t touch or move it—Make sure the candle is completely cooled before touching or moving it.

For more home safety guidance and homeowners insurance solutions, contact Midwest Professional Insurance today.

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When the weather gets cold, you may want to cozy up indoors by lighting a candle or two. However, it’s important to keep candle safety considerations in mind when doing so.

All it takes is a single candle mishap to quickly escalate into a devastating fire within your home. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association claims that there is an average of 21 home fires caused by candles every day—with 85% of them being avoidable.

Candle incidents can be avoided by practicing safe candle usage within your home. Learn to use candles safely in your home by following these simple tips:

  1. Trim the wick—Trim the wick to a quarter of an inch to keep the flame from becoming too large.
  2. Use a long match or lighter—To keep your hand from getting too close to the flame, always use a long match or long lighter.
  3. Don’t walk away—Make sure the wick ember is completely out and no longer glowing before leaving the room.
  4. Secure the area—Never burn a candle near anything that could catch fire. This includes furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper and flammable decorations.
  5. Keep candles away from kids and pets—Make sure children and pets cannot reach burning candles.
  6. Avoid drafts, vents and air currents—This will help prevent rapid burning or dripping of your candle.
  7. Burn for no longer than four hours—Burning your candle for more than four consecutive hours can cause the wick to become unstable and the flame to grow too large.
  8. Extinguish candles appropriately—Suffocate the flame by using a snuffer or putting the lid on the candle to prevent hot wax splatters.
  9. Don’t touch or move it—Make sure the candle is completely cooled before touching or moving it.

For more home safety guidance and homeowners insurance solutions, contact Midwest Professional Insurance today.

Defensive Driving Tips

Although getting behind the wheel may seem like a simple, everyday task, it could be one of the most dangerous things you do all day long. As a defensive driver, you can help avoid motorized crashes and lower your risk of costly insurance claims.

By utilizing defensive driving measures, you can help keep yourself and other motorists safe on the road. Next time you get behind the wheel, implement these tips:

  1. Eliminate distractions—Your sole focus should be the road. Avoid using your cellphone, adjusting the radio, eating, and drinking behind the wheel.
  2. Follow the rules of the road Uphold standard protocols such as wearing a seat belt, obeying speed limits, using turn signals, and approaching intersections with caution.
  3. Remain alert—Check your mirrors often, and try to scan road conditions up to 30 seconds ahead of you.
  4. Don’t depend on other drivers— Never assume another driver is going to move out of the way or allow you to merge. Plan your movements to anticipate the worst-case scenario.

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Although getting behind the wheel may seem like a simple, everyday task, it could be one of the most dangerous things you do all day long. As a defensive driver, you can help avoid motorized crashes and lower your risk of costly insurance claims.

By utilizing defensive driving measures, you can help keep yourself and other motorists safe on the road. Next time you get behind the wheel, implement these tips:

  1. Eliminate distractions—Your sole focus should be the road. Avoid using your cellphone, adjusting the radio, eating, and drinking behind the wheel.
  2. Follow the rules of the road Uphold standard protocols such as wearing a seat belt, obeying speed limits, using turn signals, and approaching intersections with caution.
  3. Remain alert—Check your mirrors often, and try to scan road conditions up to 30 seconds ahead of you.
  4. Don’t depend on other drivers— Never assume another driver is going to move out of the way or allow you to merge. Plan your movements to anticipate the worst-case scenario.

How to Prevent Frostbite

Being outdoors during the winter months can expose you to cold weather conditions. Exposure to frigid temperatures can lead to various health complications—including frostbite. Frostbite is a cold-weather injury caused by a freezing of the skin and its underlying tissues. This condition most commonly occurs on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Skin exposed to cold, windy weather below 5 degrees Fahrenheit is most susceptible to frostbite. What’s more, in a wind chill of minus 16.6, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Recognizing the symptoms of frostbite is important in order to help prevent it. Here are common symptoms associated with frostbite:

  1. Cold skin accompanied with a prickling feeling
  2. Numbness
  3. Red, white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin
  4. Hard or waxy-looking skin
  5. Clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness
  6. Blistering after rewarming, in severe cases

Long-term complications can arise from frostbite as well—such as increased sensitivity to cold, prolonged numbness in the affected area, changes in skin color, and an increased risk of developing frostbite again.

To stay warm in the winter weather and decrease your risk of experiencing frostbite, follow these tips:

  1. Dress appropriately—Wearing loose, light and comfortable layers can help trap warm air.
  2. Protect your hands and feet—Wear two pairs of socks, and insulated gloves or mittens to keep your hands and feet warm.
  3. Keep your head warm—Wear a heavy wool or fleece hat that fully covers your head and ears.
  4. Stay hydrated—Dehydration increases your risk of developing frostbite. Even if you aren’t thirsty, try to drink at least one cup of water before entering cold temperatures.

Read More

Being outdoors during the winter months can expose you to cold weather conditions. Exposure to frigid temperatures can lead to various health complications—including frostbite. Frostbite is a cold-weather injury caused by a freezing of the skin and its underlying tissues. This condition most commonly occurs on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Skin exposed to cold, windy weather below 5 degrees Fahrenheit is most susceptible to frostbite. What’s more, in a wind chill of minus 16.6, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Recognizing the symptoms of frostbite is important in order to help prevent it. Here are common symptoms associated with frostbite:

  1. Cold skin accompanied with a prickling feeling
  2. Numbness
  3. Red, white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin
  4. Hard or waxy-looking skin
  5. Clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness
  6. Blistering after rewarming, in severe cases

Long-term complications can arise from frostbite as well—such as increased sensitivity to cold, prolonged numbness in the affected area, changes in skin color, and an increased risk of developing frostbite again.

To stay warm in the winter weather and decrease your risk of experiencing frostbite, follow these tips:

  1. Dress appropriately—Wearing loose, light and comfortable layers can help trap warm air.
  2. Protect your hands and feet—Wear two pairs of socks, and insulated gloves or mittens to keep your hands and feet warm.
  3. Keep your head warm—Wear a heavy wool or fleece hat that fully covers your head and ears.
  4. Stay hydrated—Dehydration increases your risk of developing frostbite. Even if you aren’t thirsty, try to drink at least one cup of water before entering cold temperatures.

When is the right time to buy life insurance?

Although the right time to buy life insurance can vary from person to person, depending on their family and financial circumstances, the younger you are when a policy is open, the more likely that you’ll qualify for the lowest premium, and the sooner your family is supported should the worst happen. Given that tomorrow is not guaranteed, life insurance provides invaluable benefits for your loved ones and those you list as a beneficiary by providing financial security and peace of mind after your passing. If you have substantial debt or are the primary income earner in your household, life insurance becomes even more important. 

Before any life insurance policy is underwritten, you’ll have to undergo an extensive physical medical exam. The older you are, the more likely it is that you’ll develop health problems that could hinder the ability to get a life insurance policy or increase the premium substantially. There are two main types of life insurance – term and whole life. Term life insurance covers you for a specific period of time – usually 10, 15, or 20 years. When deciding the policy’s term, you’ll want to consider how long your dependents will rely on your income. For instance, if you have young children that you anticipate attending college, then you’ll want a policy that covers their school-age years. Conversely, whole or permanent life insurance lasts the entire duration of your life and can accumulate significant value over time. Additionally, although the policy is more expensive, it does include a tax-deferred cash component that can be borrowed against if needed. 

At Midwest Professional Insurance, we’ll walk you through your life insurance options so that you can make an educated decision that’s best for you and your family. Give us a call today to learn more. 

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Although the right time to buy life insurance can vary from person to person, depending on their family and financial circumstances, the younger you are when a policy is open, the more likely that you’ll qualify for the lowest premium, and the sooner your family is supported should the worst happen. Given that tomorrow is not guaranteed, life insurance provides invaluable benefits for your loved ones and those you list as a beneficiary by providing financial security and peace of mind after your passing. If you have substantial debt or are the primary income earner in your household, life insurance becomes even more important. 

Before any life insurance policy is underwritten, you’ll have to undergo an extensive physical medical exam. The older you are, the more likely it is that you’ll develop health problems that could hinder the ability to get a life insurance policy or increase the premium substantially. There are two main types of life insurance – term and whole life. Term life insurance covers you for a specific period of time – usually 10, 15, or 20 years. When deciding the policy’s term, you’ll want to consider how long your dependents will rely on your income. For instance, if you have young children that you anticipate attending college, then you’ll want a policy that covers their school-age years. Conversely, whole or permanent life insurance lasts the entire duration of your life and can accumulate significant value over time. Additionally, although the policy is more expensive, it does include a tax-deferred cash component that can be borrowed against if needed. 

At Midwest Professional Insurance, we’ll walk you through your life insurance options so that you can make an educated decision that’s best for you and your family. Give us a call today to learn more. 

Is basic auto insurance coverage ever enough?

Owning and driving a car is a privilege that most people take for granted. Your vehicle is a necessity to get to work and to run errands. Having good auto insurance means that you are protected if you are in an accident or your vehicle is damaged by something beyond your control. To understand if basic auto insurance coverage is ever enough, you need to understand what basic auto insurance coverage is. At Midwest Professional Insurance, we offer affordable and reliable insurance choices to those in Kansas, Illinois, and Missouri. 

In Kansas, the basic coverage every auto insurance policy must have is 25/50/25 liability coverage, which is $25,000 in bodily injury with $50,000 per accident and $25,000 in property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist of $25,000 and $50,000 and PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage. This is all valuable protection, and it covers the other motorist and yourself if you are injured, but it doesn’t cover your vehicle if you are responsible for the accident.

Basic auto insurance is enough if the value of your vehicle is minimal. If it is old or a clunker, you probably don’t need any additional coverage, but if you have a car with more than a few thousand dollars of value, collision and comprehensive coverage will make it possible to get your vehicle repaired or replaced. Comprehensive covers for things beyond just a collision, such as theft or damage due to a weather event or vandalism. If you need your car to get around, you probably should have more than just basic coverage. 

If you live in Kansas or the Illinois area, our team can help you find reliable auto insurance. At Midwest Professional Insurance, we are locally owned and operated. We strive to be a trusted choice who can help make sure you get the right insurance for your needs. Give us a call or stop into our office and let us provide a no-obligation quote. 

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Owning and driving a car is a privilege that most people take for granted. Your vehicle is a necessity to get to work and to run errands. Having good auto insurance means that you are protected if you are in an accident or your vehicle is damaged by something beyond your control. To understand if basic auto insurance coverage is ever enough, you need to understand what basic auto insurance coverage is. At Midwest Professional Insurance, we offer affordable and reliable insurance choices to those in Kansas, Illinois, and Missouri. 

In Kansas, the basic coverage every auto insurance policy must have is 25/50/25 liability coverage, which is $25,000 in bodily injury with $50,000 per accident and $25,000 in property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist of $25,000 and $50,000 and PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage. This is all valuable protection, and it covers the other motorist and yourself if you are injured, but it doesn’t cover your vehicle if you are responsible for the accident.

Basic auto insurance is enough if the value of your vehicle is minimal. If it is old or a clunker, you probably don’t need any additional coverage, but if you have a car with more than a few thousand dollars of value, collision and comprehensive coverage will make it possible to get your vehicle repaired or replaced. Comprehensive covers for things beyond just a collision, such as theft or damage due to a weather event or vandalism. If you need your car to get around, you probably should have more than just basic coverage. 

If you live in Kansas or the Illinois area, our team can help you find reliable auto insurance. At Midwest Professional Insurance, we are locally owned and operated. We strive to be a trusted choice who can help make sure you get the right insurance for your needs. Give us a call or stop into our office and let us provide a no-obligation quote. 

Three mistakes to avoid when you purchase commercial insurance

One of the most important things a business owner needs to acquire for their company is commercial insurance coverage. At Midwest Professional Insurance, we provide commercial insurance policies in Fairway, KS.

As a business owner, you need to avoid the following three mistakes when you purchase your commercial insurance coverage.

Underestimating your company’s liability risks

Your liability risks involve your company’s risks of being sued. You can face liability risks in any situation where you interact with customers or the public. You could also potentially be sued by vendors, business partners, and employees. 

Liability expenses can get very high in the event of a lawsuit. If your company is sued, you’ll need to pay for legal representation to defend your company. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a good amount of liability coverage in your commercial policy. 

Being unaware of the different types of commercial coverage

Commercial insurance is a combination of many different coverage types, including liability, commercial property, commercial auto, malpractice, and workers’ compensation coverage.

You need to be familiar with these different commercial coverage types to put together a commercial policy to meet your company’s needs. Figure out which types of commercial coverage you need to make sure you’re meeting your company’s responsibilities while also protecting company finances. 

Failing to reassess your coverage on a routine basis

A company’s insurance coverage needs change over time. For this reason, you shouldn’t keep the initial policy you purchase indefinitely. Instead, it would help if you reevaluated insurance needs periodically. 

As your company grows, its risks and assets change. Updating insurance coverage accordingly is essential to protecting your company financially. 

Are you ready to build the right commercial insurance policy for your company’s needs in Fairway, KS? We can help at Midwest Professional Insurance. Contact us to get started.

Read More

One of the most important things a business owner needs to acquire for their company is commercial insurance coverage. At Midwest Professional Insurance, we provide commercial insurance policies in Fairway, KS.

As a business owner, you need to avoid the following three mistakes when you purchase your commercial insurance coverage.

Underestimating your company’s liability risks

Your liability risks involve your company’s risks of being sued. You can face liability risks in any situation where you interact with customers or the public. You could also potentially be sued by vendors, business partners, and employees. 

Liability expenses can get very high in the event of a lawsuit. If your company is sued, you’ll need to pay for legal representation to defend your company. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a good amount of liability coverage in your commercial policy. 

Being unaware of the different types of commercial coverage

Commercial insurance is a combination of many different coverage types, including liability, commercial property, commercial auto, malpractice, and workers’ compensation coverage.

You need to be familiar with these different commercial coverage types to put together a commercial policy to meet your company’s needs. Figure out which types of commercial coverage you need to make sure you’re meeting your company’s responsibilities while also protecting company finances. 

Failing to reassess your coverage on a routine basis

A company’s insurance coverage needs change over time. For this reason, you shouldn’t keep the initial policy you purchase indefinitely. Instead, it would help if you reevaluated insurance needs periodically. 

As your company grows, its risks and assets change. Updating insurance coverage accordingly is essential to protecting your company financially. 

Are you ready to build the right commercial insurance policy for your company’s needs in Fairway, KS? We can help at Midwest Professional Insurance. Contact us to get started.

Three things you might not know about home insurance

Homeowners need to understand how home insurance works in Fairway, KS. At Midwest Professional Insurance, we offer home insurance coverage to area homeowners.

When you purchase home insurance coverage, you need to be aware of the following three things. 

Home insurance does not typically include flood coverage.

A lot of homeowners are surprised to learn that a standard home insurance policy will not cover them for flood damage to their homes. Flood insurance is usually a type of insurance coverage that needs to be purchased separately.

You need to evaluate the flood risk of the area in which your home is located. Then, it would help if you decided whether or not investing in flood coverage is vital for protecting your property. 

You must have home insurance if you’re paying off a mortgage.

You are not required by law to carry home insurance. However, mortgage lenders require borrowers to purchase home insurance to protect the investment they make in their homes. 

If you have your home purchase financed, you, therefore, must purchase a home insurance policy that meets the requirements of your mortgage lender. 

A higher deductible generally means lower monthly premiums.

One detail you need to decide on when you purchase home insurance is what you want the deductible amount on your policy to be. The deductible amount is how much you need to pay out of pocket before your policy coverage comes into play.

If your deductible amount is higher, your monthly premiums should be lower. However, with a higher deductible, home damage is going to cost you more. You need to select a deductible amount that you can afford to pay out of pocket if you have to file a claim on your policy. 

Are you looking for an insurance policy to cover your Fairway, KS home? If so, we’re here to help at Midwest Professional Insurance. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our home insurance policy offerings.  

Read More

Homeowners need to understand how home insurance works in Fairway, KS. At Midwest Professional Insurance, we offer home insurance coverage to area homeowners.

When you purchase home insurance coverage, you need to be aware of the following three things. 

Home insurance does not typically include flood coverage.

A lot of homeowners are surprised to learn that a standard home insurance policy will not cover them for flood damage to their homes. Flood insurance is usually a type of insurance coverage that needs to be purchased separately.

You need to evaluate the flood risk of the area in which your home is located. Then, it would help if you decided whether or not investing in flood coverage is vital for protecting your property. 

You must have home insurance if you’re paying off a mortgage.

You are not required by law to carry home insurance. However, mortgage lenders require borrowers to purchase home insurance to protect the investment they make in their homes. 

If you have your home purchase financed, you, therefore, must purchase a home insurance policy that meets the requirements of your mortgage lender. 

A higher deductible generally means lower monthly premiums.

One detail you need to decide on when you purchase home insurance is what you want the deductible amount on your policy to be. The deductible amount is how much you need to pay out of pocket before your policy coverage comes into play.

If your deductible amount is higher, your monthly premiums should be lower. However, with a higher deductible, home damage is going to cost you more. You need to select a deductible amount that you can afford to pay out of pocket if you have to file a claim on your policy. 

Are you looking for an insurance policy to cover your Fairway, KS home? If so, we’re here to help at Midwest Professional Insurance. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our home insurance policy offerings.  

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