Katie's Blog

Car Seat Installation

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:33:49 -0800

CAR SEAT INSTALLATION

You might think that anyone who can read an instruction manual and follow directions could install a car seat. In reality, though, it's not so easy. And accordin to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as many as 85 percent of all car seats are improperly installed.

THE LOWDOWN ON CAR SAFETY SEATS

Unless you plan to walk home from the hospital, you'll need a car seat to take your baby home. By law in all 50 states your child up to 18 months of age must be properly restrained in a car seat, most states have laws requiring car seats until a child is a least 3 years old.

HELP IS HERE

Your local Shawnee, KS State Farm Agent, Nick Reed is a certified child passenger safety technician. Nick can inspect your child safety seat and show you how to correctly use and install it. Swing by the office to have your car seat inspected. 6632 Monticello Rd, Shawnee KS 66226.

WWWW.NICKREEDAGENCY.COM

Happy Halloween

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:34:50 -0700

According to Safe Kids USA, over a recent five-year period, twice as many child pedestrians have been killed on Halloween as have been killed on average throughout the rest of the year in the United States. With the days getting shorter, children are likely to be trick-or-treating in the dark when it is harder to see them and the excitement of the holiday can make everyone less cautious.

Remember to drive safe on Halloween Night!

* Nick Reed State Farm * (913) 422-0123 * 6632 Monticello Rd, Shawnee KS 66226*

When Bumpers Meet Antlers

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:08:42 -0700

When people get ready to walk across a public road, they usually look both ways first to see if any motor vehicles are coming. Unfortunately, this isn't the case with animals, including certain large ones.

Too often, the result is a motorist's nightmare: a collision with a deer! The animal usually comes out second-best in the type of close encounter, but the toll on vehicles and their occupants can also be substantial.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 150 people die in animal-vehicle collisions each year. The Insurance Information Institute estimates some 1.5 million such collisions cause about over $1 billion in damage annually.

While animal-vehicle collisions can happen any time of year, fall is the peak season for deer-car crashes. That's mainly because autumn is both mating season and hunting season, so deer are more active and more likely to roam beyond their normal territory.

No foolproof way has been found to keep deer off highways and away from vehicles. Deer whistles have their advocates, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says there's no scientific evidence to support claims they work as intended. Some studies suggest roadside reflectors- designed to reflect light from vehicle headlamps and cause deer to "freeze" rather than cross the road- reducing crash frequency to some extent.

There are ways you can lessen an unplanned meeting with a deer.......

Here's How

Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to "deer crossings" signs. Look well down the road and far off to each side. At night, use your high beams if possible to illuminate the road edges. Be especially watchful in areas near woods and water. If you see one deer, there may be several others nearby.
Be particularly alert at dusk and dawn, when these animals venture out to feed.
If you see a deer near the roadway and think you have time to avoid hitting it, reduce your speed, tap your brakes to warn other drivers and sound your horn. Deer tend to fixate on headlights, so flashing them may cause the animal to move. If there's no vehicle close behind you, brake hard.
If a collision seems inevitable, don't swerve to avoid the animal; your risk of injury may be greater if you do. Hit it, but control the vehicle. Report the crash to police.
Always obey the speed limit and wear safety belts.

Being alert at all times while driving is your best defense against any type of accident.

Katie Reed

Nick Reed State Farm: 913-422-0123 6632 Monticello Rd, Shawnee KS 66226

Vehicle Theft Affect's Everyones Insurance Rates

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:36:55 -0700

Whether it's the work of an elaborate theft rings or random individual crime, auto theft is big business. On average, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III) a vehicle is stolen every 29 seconds in the United States at a cost of about $7.4 billion a year in 2007. Insurance for theft is included in the comprehensive part of your auto insurance policy that also covers fire, vandalism and weather related damage.

The number of insured cars stolen and their cost directly affect insurance premiums. By taking a few precautions you can reduce the chances of having your vehicle stolen.

Always remove your keys from your parked vehicle.
Park with your front wheels turned sharply to the right or left and apply the emergency brake. This will make it difficult for a thief to tow your car.
Consider installing an antitheft device or buying a car with an immobilizer system that prevents a thief from driving off with the car.
Park in a locked garage, patrolled or well-lit area whenever possible.

Unfortunately, carjacking has become a more common method of vehicle theft. Carjacking is the attempted or completed robbery of a vehicle by a stranger that includes the use of a threat or force. You can protect yourself from this crime.

Don't roll down your car window to a suspicious person.
Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up
If a suspicious person is near your parked car, don't approach it. Keep walking and contact area security or policy.

Insurance companies work together with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) to crack down on criminal operations. If you suspect vehicle theft activity, notify your local police, call the NICB anonymously at 1-800-TEL- NICB (800-835-6422) or report a crime at www.nicb.org.

For more information contact Katie Reed at 913-422-0123

Nick Reed State Farm * 6632 Monticello Rd, Shawnee KS 66226

Do you have a road map for your financial future?

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:10:18 -0700

Many of our dreams are dependent upon the choices we make throughout our lives. That's why planning carefully and making smart choices will help ensure you realize your financial dreams and goals.

Are you saving for a child's college eduction or a new house? Dreaming about starting a new business or hoping to retire by age 55?

Whatever your financial goals and dreams may be, you need a road map-an action plan-to help reach your destination. If you have a road map outlining how you'll achieve your financial goals, how long has it been since you reviewed it? As your family circumstances and finances change, the plans you have in place may need to be adjusted- to make sure you're still headed in the right direction.

If you don't have an action plan in place, you may be asking yourself, "Where do I start?"

Consider enlisting the help of your insurance agent or a qualified financial services specialist. Today, several companies offer personalized services designed to help you come up with practical solutions for achieving your financial goals.

The important thing is to get started today. The sooner you clarify and prioritize your goals and create a road map for how you'll get there, the greater success you'll have at achieving what's most important to you.

-Katie Reed, Registered Rep www.nickreedagency.com * (913) 422-0123

New Years Resolution Weight Loss

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:37:21 -0800

As you may or may not know one of my passions is health insurance. There is no reason that anyone should take the risk of not having coverage. There are so many options available, at reasonable costs.

One of the many reasons health insurance costs have continued to climb is due to the rising health issues of many Americans. The number one health crisis facing Americans is being overweight. Over the past few decades the number of overweight adults has nearly tripled.

As part of my New Year's Resolution both my husband and I have committed ourselves to joining Shawnee Fitness Club, and working out a minimum of 4 times a week. So if you are ever up at Shawnee Fitness Club in the morning about 7:30ish odds are you will run into me or my husband.

Not up to joining a gym yet? You're not alone. You can start simple.

Step 1- Stop by our office to get your FREE pedometer.

Step 2-Try to increase the number of steps you take each day, thereby increasing the number of calories you are burning.

Step 3-Want more guidance? Check out the 50 Million Pound Challenge.

To get your Free Pedometer

Stop by Nick Reed Agency at 6632 Monticello Rd, Shawnee, KS 66226 or call us at (913) 422-0123

Calculate Your Body Mass Index. (BMI) Your BMI is a calculation used by many experts to determine if a person is within a healthy weight range.

How do you compare? Check out healthy, overweight, and obese ranges.

Frequently asked questions about life insurance

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:06:21 -0800

Who needs life insurance?

If someone depends on you, you probably need life insurance. If you were to die today, life insurance would provide cash to your dependents that can help meet everyday living expenses, pay down the mortgage, finance longer-term goals like education and retirement, and generally maintain their quality of life.

Where do I begin?

Start by evaluating your family's needs. Gather all your personal financial information and estimate what your family members would need to meet current and future financial obligations and maintain their quality of life if you were gone. Include ongoing expenses (such as day care, tuition, continuation of a business or retirement), and immediate expenses at the time of death (such as debts, medical bills, burial costs and estate taxes.)

How much life insurance do I need?

While there is no substitute for evaluating one's needs with the aid of an insurance and financial adviser, one rule of thumb is to buy life insurance equal to five to ten times your annual gross income. To get a sense of how much coverage you need, you can visit the Insurance Needs Calculator at Nick Reed Agency.

What are the different types of life insurance?

There are many kinds of life insurance, but they generally fall into two categories; term insurance and permanent insurance. Term insurance provides protection for a specific period of time (the "term") and pays a benefit if you die during the term. A permanent insurance plan provides lifelong protection. As long as you pay the premiums, and no loans, withdrawals or surrenders are taken, the full face amount will be paid.

Want to learn more? Stop by the office or visit us on the web at www.nickreedagency.com

Til next time-

Katie

Nick Reed Agency 6632 Monticello Rd. Shawnee, KS 66226 (913) 422-0123

Business Insurance in Shawnee

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:04:26 -0800

As a small business owner you have a lot riding of your success. Chances are you've invested an enormous amount of money and effort to get it - and keep it - going. So one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to make sure it's all properly protected.

What insurance do I need?

In general, you should expect to have comprehensive protection for your building or location, business personal property, loss of income and business liability. You may also want to consider protecting your business in the event of your death or that of a key employee. There are a wide variety of policies available for owners and operators of retail, wholesale and service businesses, plus optional coverage that will allow you to tailor the insurance to your specific needs. Katie Reed of Nick Reed State Farm can explain the various kinds, including our Business in the Home program, to make sure your business can handle the unexpected.

As small business owners themselves, the Reed's understand the demands of running a business. A typical day consists of running yourself in at least a 1,000 different directions. Sound familiar? Well, it's time to give your business a free review and make sure you have it properly protected. Katie and Nick specialize helping business in Kansas City and Shawnee area. Call them at 913-422-0123 for a free quote or to schedule a free review.

Stop by and visit us today. We are located at the corner of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Monticello. (Right next to Starbucks)

Hope to see you soon-

Katie Reed

913-422-0123 / Nick Reed State Farm / 6632 Monticello Rd / Shawnee, KS 66226

High Deductible Health Insurance? Should I switch

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:47:22 -0800

Most of us have been recieving our open enrollment notification from employers. This is the time year when we review our health insurance, 401k, and other benefits. Many people are seeing an option being offered for the first time. Many employers are now offering what is called a High Deductible Health Plan.

Should you switch?

It depends. A High Deductible plan is great for people who are not chronically ill. For a healthy family, it is a great plan.

Consider the following example.

Take a couple who is 30-years-old.  They can get a traditional 80/20, $1,000 deductible health insurance policy for $250 a month. If that same couple took out a High Deductible health plan they could get a similar plan for only $150 a month.

The difference is that the High Deductible Health Plan will pay 100% of the costs after the deductible. (Versus the 80% on a traditional plan). The drawback?  The deductible is much higher - like $2,500. You're saving $100 a month though. ($1,200/ year) With the High Deductible Health Insurance Plan, you're also allowed to save your deductible annually into a tax-deductible savings account, and it grows tax-free.

For this type of health care insurance to work, you need to have a good emergency fund for the minor doctor's visits that will come up. You also need to take the $100 each month that you're saving and put that toward saving.

The High Dedcutible Health Insurance Plan is fantastic for people who are not chronically ill.

The other great thing about the High Deductible Health Insurance Plans is that it forces us to apply market pressure to keep medical costs reasonable. If we are responsible for minor doctors visits, we will be asking for free samples, and questioning every procedure..............."Is that really necessary?"

For more information on health insurance and Health Savings Accounts contact me at 913-422-0123

Katie Reed

Nick Reed State Farm/ 6632 Monticello Rd / Shawnee, KS 66226

Child Passenger Safety

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:52:05 -0800

It's hard to believe that, in this age of auto safety features, the #1 killer of kids 3 to 14 is still motor vehicle crashes. State Farm spent five years investigating how booster seats help prevent injuries. The result? The use of child restraints among 3-to-8 year olds has nearly doubled.

Kansas Law

Must be in Child Restraint

All children 3 and younger must be in a child restraint
children 4 through 7 who weigh less than 80 pounds
children 4 through 7 who are less than 57 inches tall must be in a chld restraint or booster seat.

Adult Safety Belt Permissible

All children 8 through 13 years
Children 4 through 7 years who weigh more than 80 pounds
children 4 through 7 years who are taller than 57 inches.

To learn more about child safety click here!

Free stuff for kids!!

Still have questions? Contact your local State Farm Agent, Nick Reed. His office can provide a free safety seat inspection!

Phone- 913-422-0123

Address: 6332 Monticello Rd, Shawnee, KS 66226

Til next time-

Katie

Email me at Katie@nickreedageny.com

What is your insurance company rating?

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:07:55 -0800

(According to the New Your Times) now that AIG's problems have been covering the front page of the newspaper, fear has set in among policyholders at insurance companies of all kinds.

This week, the concern moved up a notch or two. First, the federal government raised its A.I.G. bailout commitment to $150 billion. Then, a Goldman Sachs research report suggested that some life insurance companies might have to exit the business altogether.

All of this raises many questions: What has happened in the past when insurance companies have gone under? What might happen to your life policy or annuity in the worst case? Is there anything you can do to protect yourself?

For life insurance companies, the state associations usually cover a policy for up to at least $300,000 in death benefits, $100,000 in cash surrender or withdrawal value for life insurance and $100,000 in withdrawal and cash values on annuities (though the investment risk in a variable annuity is yours alone to bear).

Some states offer higher caps, and others may raise theirs soon. You can look up your own state's coverage and read more about how the guaranty associations work at nolhga.com.

A payout from a guaranty association does not happen instantaneously. It can take years. But, most likely the process would take months. (Of course you are left in worry limbo in the meantime.)

So what actions should you consider taking in the coming months? One big problem with pulling money out of an insurance company is that it can cost you dearly. There might be penalties called surrender charges. Tax consequences. And there is no guarantee that you can get similar coverage elsewhere, or buy it at an affordable price.

A.M. Best, Fitch Ratings, Moody's and Standard & Poor's all rate insurance companies and have free information on their Web sites.

If you're looking to switch insurance companies, start with a top-rated one, but also keep an eye out for too-good-to-be-true terms or brand new riders or features. They may not be truly battle-tested. Also, don't stop paying premiums on your old policy until the new one is up and running. You don't want to be caught dead, literally, during a coverage gap.

I'm proud to say I work for State Farm. State Farm has received superior ratings for financial strength for over 50 years.

Have questions? Contact me to discuss at 913-422-0123

-Katie Reed

Nick Reed State Farm/ 6632 Monticello Rd, Shawnee, KS 66226

Phone-913-422-0123

Fax- 913-422-5382

Santa is Coming to Western Shawnee

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:07:56 -0800

And You're invited............

Join us in celebrating the grand opening of Nick Reed State Farm in Western Shawnee.

On Saturday December 6, 2008 bring your kids to get a FREE picture with Santa between 10am- 4pm.

You and your family will leave with a FREE 4x6 picture. The staff at Nick Reed State Farm will also email you a copy of the picture.

Don't forget about all the goodies to eat while you wait! Oh, and did I mention the Wii in the waiting area to pass the time? You can't get that kind of service at the mall.

So, stop by to visit Santa and your local State Farm Agent, Nick Reed.

We hope to see you there!!

Location:6632 Monticello Rd
Shawnee, KS 66226
Phone: (913) 422-0123

For more info visit us at: WWW.nickreedevents.weebly.com

New Cell Phone Technology

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:29:11 -0700

Most of us don't have the willpower to ignore the cell-phone ringing while driving. Teen drivers have an even higher risk of being involved in an accident while talking or texting on the phone.

In an attempt to improve teen driver safety one company is simply taking away the option of using your cell phone while driving. Canadian company, Aegis Mobility, hopes to offer a service starting next year that informs a caller or texter that the intended recipient is driving and can't be reached at the moment. Meanwhile, the driver would be oblivious to the call and free to focus on driving.

A downloadable software, called DriveAssist, use motion sensing technologies to determine when someone is driving. There would be a feature to disable the service if the user is a passenger. DriveAssist claims that the software recognizes more than just speed, it actually recognizes what driving looks like.

The phone would still be able to make and receive 911 calls, and would have other features, such as allowing some numbers to always come through. The price is expected to be $10 to $20 month. No wireless carriers have signed on to the service yet. What do you think? Too much control or good use of technology?

State Farm® is aware of this technology and will monitor developments about this product to determine whether it will have the intended and measurable effects on driver safety outcomes.

Free Stuff...............From an insurance company??

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:03:09 -0700

As your Western Shawnee good neighbor State Farm representative, I think it is my duty to make sure everyone aware of free stuff available to them. That's right I said FREE!!

As you may or may not know State Farm spends millions of dollars each year in charitable donations to different organizations and charities. They also are sponsors of many programs that are available to each and every one of us. I have listed just a few freebies below. For more information on State Farm programs contact me at 913-422-0123 or shoot me an email at Katie@Nickreedagency.com. I hope you enjoy this Freebies!!

Looking to shed a few pounds or just live a healthier lifestyle? Get a free pedometer and healthy lifestyle tips by clicking here.
New baby on the way? Call 1-888-SF-EVENT for a free pregnancy book on what to expect or a book on the baby's first year.
Recently engaged? Get a free wedding planner by calling 1-888-SF-EVENT.

Make sure to mention that your local Western Shawnee State Farm Agent, Nick Reed told you about this cool stuff!!

Economic times are tough, call me for a free auto quote @ 913-422-0123 to see if I can save you some money!!

10 Ways to Reduce Auto Insurance Premiums

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:25:28 -0700

In today's economy we are all looking to stretch each and every dollar. While, the economy in Shawnee, KS remains strongs we can all benefit from reviewing our insurance policies to make sure we are maximizing our dollars.

Ten strategies to reduce automobile insurance premiums

1. Reduce coverage on older vehicles. If your car is old and paid for, consider eliminating collision coverage, which pays for any damage you cause to your vehicle.

2. Use one insurance company. Group all of your insurance policies -- automobile, home or renters, etc. -- at one company to earn a multiline discount.

3. Raise your deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket when you make a claim. The difference between a $250 deductible and a $1,000 deductible can be substantial. Decide how much you can afford to spend out of pocket, and adjust accordingly.

4. Get a quote before you buy a new vehicle. Some models cost more to insure.

5. Drive carefully. Safe drivers are rewarded with lower insurance premiums. Avoid speeding and stay out of accidents.

6. Drive less. Are you an infrequent driver? Then tell your insurance agent about it. Less time on the road means less opportunity to get into an accident, which often translates into a lower premium.

7. Seek teen driver discounts. Ask about a good-student discount if your teen carries a B average, then check to see if a safe driving course could result in a second discount.

8. Skip monthly bill pay. Avoid add-on fees by asking to be billed every six or 12 months instead.

9. Skip roadside and car rental coverage. Your auto insurance probably comes packaged with a lot of extras you don't need -- roadside assistance and car rental coverage being two possibilities. Go over your insurance policy carefully and remove any coverage you don't need.

10. Improve your credit score. Many insurance companies now use your credit score as part of the criteria for determining the cost of your insurance premium. To ensure the best deal possible, pay your bills on time and contest any errors you find on your credit report.

Besides insurance, what are other ways you have found to make your dollars stretch?

Limiting Teen Speeding

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:07:55 -0700

Ford Motor Company is finally doing something to help all parents out there. Especially parents of male teenagers, who are often guilty of wearing a lead shoe as they drive. Ford Motor Company will be rolling out a feature on many 2010 model vehicles which will limit teen drivers speed at 80 mph, using a computer chip in the key. Technology at it's greatest!!

Senior Citizens on the Road

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:18:21 -0700

We've all complained at some time in our lifes about how the senior citizens around us our driving. I'm happy to announce that insurance companies are finally doing something about it. They are planning to reward the older drivers around us with discounts on their insurance premiums, if they can prove they are road worthy. In addition, some insurance carriers are investigating a computer based video exercise that attempts to improve visual processing speed, and visual perception of drivers over age 50.

State Farm is collabarting with the University of Alabama at Birmingham to measure and potentially improve cognitive skills. Volunteers age 75 and older can sign up for a free driving-skills program. State Farm customers in Alabama can currently take a 20 minute assessment test to see if they qualify for discounts. Plans to expand the program nationwide have not yet been released.

Allstate volunteer participants in Pennsylvania are being asked to complete at least 10 hours of training on software that includes five exercises. Drivers take a trip on Route 66 from California to Illinois, and along the way are asked to spot various cars on the road and signs on the edge of the screen. The experiment is expected to last 6 to 9 months to determine there will be a reduction in the number of accidents between the group participating in the expermiment and the those sitting out. The Pensylvania test runs until March, when Allstate will decide whether to introduce the program elsewhere.

Lets hope these programs go nationwide soon!!

Dreaming...........if you knew you could not fail what would you do?

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:08:15 -0700

If you knew you could not fail what would you do? Where would you go? What would you own? Many of us are familar with the law of attraction, and the power of positive thinking. A new trend in achieving what you want has become much more wide spread, thanks to the movie " The Secret". The idea is to construct a physical image (vision board) of what you perceive life will be like if you've accomplished your goals and review this on a daily basis (or as many times as you deem necessary). It's not the number of times you review it, but rather the emotions and feelings when performing this routine. When you surround yourself with images of who you want to become, what you want to have, where you want to live, or where you want to vacation, your life changes to match those images and those desires.

Check out this Inspirational Video

Creating a Vision Board:

Step 1: Go through your magazines and tear images from them. (NO GLUING YET!!) Just let yourself have lots of fun looking through magazines and pulling out pictures or words or healines that strike your fance. Have fun with it. Make a big pile of images and phrases and words.

Step 2: Go through the images and begin to lay your favorites on the board. Elimated any images that no longer feel right. This step is where your intuition comes in. As you lay the pictures on the board, you'll get a sense of how the baord should be laid out. For instance, you might assigne a theme to each corner of the board. Work, health, spirituality, for instance. Or it may just be the images just want to go all over the place. It's your board, be creative!!

Step 3: Glue everything onto the board. Add writing if you want. You can paint on it, or write words with markers.

Step 4: Hang your vision board in a place where you will see it often.

Step 5: (Optional.......but extremly powerful) In the very center of the vision board place a photo of yourself where you look radiant and happy.

You can accomplish anything you set your mine to!! The world is your oyster. I'll be making my vision board tomorrow..........wish me luck.

Til next time-

Katie

Why an agent really does matter

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:01:31 -0700

I know a lot of people think that when shopping for insurance the only thing that matters is price. (Which is understandable especially considering the price of gas and state of the economy currently).

However, I am here to tell you that having a local insurance agent really does matter. I was reading the Kansas City Star Newspaper just the other day, and an article really jumped out at me.

The article talked about a women who went and purchased a new vehicle on Jan 4th. Before driving off the lot, she wanted to make sure she had insurance. She called Progressive and requested comprehensive coverage. This women believed that by requesting comprehensive coverage she was requesting a complete package; or what a lot of people refer to as full coverage.

Comprehensive coverage (in insurance terms) pays for damage to your vehicle when something or than collision happens. For example, you vehicle is stolen or you have hail damage. Comprehensive coverage is not the complete package.

The progressive agent, failed to explain this to the women; and signed the women up for exactly what she requested. "Comprehensive Coverage." The women was happy with the price and thought nothing else about it, until Jan 26th.

On Jan. 26th she had a rollover accident and totaled her vehicle. When she contacted Progressive to file a claim, she was told an adjuster would contact her. When the adjuster did contact her, she couldn't believe her ears. She was told she had not purchased full-coverage insurance and her loss was not covered.

Hopefully, we can all learn from this women's mistake. The average person does not understand their insurance policy inside and out. (and shouldn't have to.) What we do need is a trusted adviser in the insurance world to explain this stuff to us. Maybe, it means paying an extra $5 or $10 a month (which equates to a mere .15 cents -.30 cents more a day).

The next time something happens to you or your family how much would you be willing to pay to know that you are covered; and your claim will be handled promptly and in a professional matter?

My advice is find a local trusted insurance adviser, someone with the heart of a teacher, and you'll never have to worry again.

Until next time-

Katie

Nick Reed Agency

P.S.- I guess the heart of the story goes back to my very original blog

Web hosting and blogging

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:15:09 -0700

Although, I'm only 27 I consider myself technology challenged. (My husband likes to say that I can barely start the car with out help.) I don't understand why people always assume because I'm 27 that somehow I just know about this technology stuff.

Don't get me wrong, I've come a long way in the past year. I now have a blackberry and have dove into the world of blogging. I'm still trying to figure everything out as I go............so what I do learn along the way I'm excited to share with everyone.

FREE WEB HOSTING!!! That's right! You can start your very own website for free at www.weebly.com. If you have already purchased a domain name you can have weebly host it for free and use your exisiting domain name. Pretty cool!! What about the people who don't have a domain name? Or at least, don't want to have that expense at this point........not a problem!! Weebly lets you pick any available domain name as long as you are ok with the address being whatever you choose.weebly.com.

Check mine out www.shawneeinsurance.weebly.com ; not to bad for free!!

Happy website creating!!

Til' next time-

Katie

Building or Remodeling a home.......Safer and Smarter

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:13:32 -0700

If you're building a new home, planning to build one, or planning work on your existing home you've probably already thought about some of the construction features you want to include. Did you know there are products available now that may help you avoid the mess and expense of damage to your home in the future?

Here are a few ideas:

-Impact-resistant roofing is a relatively new product that offers more protection against impact damage (and in some cases against wind damage) than the ordinary roof. Some insurance companies even offer premium discounts for qualifying impact-resistant roofs. You'll want to check with your agent before you buy to be sure the roof you're considering qualifies for a discount with your insurer.

-Whole house surge protection is installed either at the electrical service meter or at the service panel. It helps protect your home and contents against power surges that arise outside your home. While you'd still need plug-in surge protectors, whole-house protection may help to reduce your risk of lightning damage. Many electricians can install this protection for you, and if necessary, some power companies will install it at the service meter for a nominal charge on your monthly bill.

-Whole-house water leak detection systems may save you the hassle of water damage to your home and contents. These systems shut off the water supply to your home if they detect a leak inside.

New research and products to make your home safer or more resistant to damage are always entering the market. It's easier to add saferty items when a home is being built or remodeled, so it's a good idea to keep an eye out for the items that will help to provide years of safe and comfortable shelter.

Click here to contact a local Kansas City Roofing Company and discuss available impact resistant roofing products.

Contact the Nick Reed Agency at 913-709-2541 for more information about any of these products and available discounts.

Get More Value

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:54:32 -0700

In today's busy world, filled with concern over the rising cost of gas and housing, many of us look for ways to get greater value for our time and money. One way you may not have considered is having all your insurance needs taken care of in one place.

There are advantages to having your car, home, and family protected by the same insurance company. Switching all your policies to one well-respected insurer might save you time and money, not to mention the convenience of having only one number to call for questions or claims.

Many insurance companies offer a range of discounts that vary by state. Be sure to ask the agent about the availability and amount of any discounts offered by the insurer. Here are some common discounts you should know about.

-Multiple Line: Your premiums may be reduced if you have more than one policy with the same company of family of companies that cover you car.

-Good Student: Full time students (high school or higher) maintaining at least a "B" average may qualify for reduced premiums.

-Muliple Car: Your premiums may be reduced if there are two or more private-passenger cars in the household insured by the same company or family of companies.

These are just a few of the discounts that may save you money. Once you have considered the price, think about the quality of service you expect. The best value should save you both time and money. Here are a few things to consider.

-Do you have one person to call when you need help?

-Is the insurer available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

-Does the insurer make it easy to file a claim?

-Is the insurer available to discuss your needs and help customize a package of services that is best for you and your family?

-Do you feel confident in the insurer's financial stability and ability to pay if your family suffers a loss.

Be sure your getting the most value for your time and money.

Comparing Home Insurance Companies

Katie Reed (Nick Reed State Farm Insurance) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:40:01 -0700

I was an independent claims adjuster for over five years. In this line of work I worked for all the big insurance companies helping them adjust damage on homes. Personally speaking- I was never more amazed then when I worked for State Farm's claims department. (After my first experience working for State Farm - I came home and immediately switched all my policies to them.) And this is coming from someone who worked in the industry and felt that all insurance companies were the same.

I am now in Insurance Sales for State Farm..........for a reason!! It is a company that you can truly believe in. I saw this video on you tube and thought it was too funny!!

If you want a good chuckle....check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCMiYYT_lXE