Every person, from an 18-year-old college student to a retiree, needs some form of home and auto insurance. Someone might feel that since they’ve never had insurance claims before, they don’t need coverage or are fine with a basic plan.
Farmers Insurance agent Brad Kiesling of the Kiesling Agency emphasized this is rarely the case.
“Choosing the cheapest option could potentially mean you do not have all the coverage you want,” he explained. “A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work when it comes to insurance.”
Kiesling breaks down the need behind homeowners and car insurance and how he can customize the best rates for any person.
Why is it important to have homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance helps provide a financial safety net when the unexpected happens. If your home is damaged or destroyed in a disaster — like a tornado, kitchen fire, or hailstorm — insurance can help pay for the repairs. While home insurance is not required by law, if you have a mortgage, your lender can require you to have insurance until the loan is paid off.
A homeowner’s policy can help cover damage to other structures on the property, like a fence or garage, and replace personal belongings if they’re damaged, destroyed or stolen. It covers increased living expenses for temporary relocation because of damage from a covered event. Coverage also includes protecting finances with liability coverage. If someone is hurt at your house — say a visitor slips on your sidewalk — this coverage helps pay medical and legal costs. If someone’s property is damaged — for example, your child hits a baseball through a neighbor’s window — this coverage can help pay to repair or replace it.
How can your agency and Farmers Insurance help homeowners with severe storm damage?
We offer comprehensive insurance coverage, personalized options and supportive services by providing policies that typically cover damage to homes, cars and personal belongings caused by severe storms.
Our customizable coverage options allow you to tailor your insurance to your specific needs. We also provide educational resources and tips on preparing for storms. Finally, we assist in the claims process by helping file your claim and navigate it efficiently after storm damage occurs.
What is the biggest mistake people make when deciding on auto insurance?
Not having enough liability coverage, which is coverage if you’re found negligent in an accident. It's tempting to go for the minimum coverage, but it may not be enough if you are responsible for another person’s injuries. In Texas, the minimum coverage is $30,000 to cover someone’s medical bills and $60,000 total for the accident. If you injure someone who has medical bills that are $50,000, the insurance company is only responsible for $30,000 and the insured may be on the hook for the other $20,000. Cheap car insurance may save you money in the short term, but it could cost more if an accident happens.
How can parents protect their teenagers from car accidents?
Parents are instrumental in helping young drivers avoid accidents. Enrolling teenagers in a reputable driver education program is very important because they will learn fundamental driving skills, rules of the road and defensive driving techniques. Setting clear rules and expectations such as curfews, seat belt usage, passenger restrictions, texting and phone usage are vital for new drivers. If you are getting them a car, focus on the safety features and not the sexiness.
In your expert opinion, what piece of advice would you offer customers?
Consult with an insurance professional about your coverages. Consumers may not fully understand the complexities of insurance policies and the implications of different coverage options. Talking to a licensed insurance agent can ensure they make informed decisions tailored to their specific needs.
Why should a customer choose your agency for any kind of coverage?
Our team is here to help you figure out exactly what protections you need to take care of the people and things you love most. At Kiesling Insurance Agency, we don’t just write insurance policies. We build long-term relationships focused on ensuring you and your family are protected. We hold ourselves to these core values: Honesty, Empathy, Persistence and Trustworthiness.
What is the best way to contact you if someone needs coverage?
We'd love to have you stop by and meet with us. Our office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and by appointment on Saturday. You can also call us at 469-447-5500 or email me at bkiesling@farmersagent.com.
“A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work when it comes to insurance.”
"Consult with an insurance professional about your coverages."