The White Insurance Agency - December 30, 2011

Our offices will be closed Monday January 2nd, 2012. We will re-open Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012.

Have a safe and wonderful New Year.  Best wishes for 2012.

 

The White Insurance Agency - December 23, 2011

Our offices will be closed Monday December 26th. We will re-open Tuesday December 27th. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season.

 

The White Insurance Agency - November 23, 2011

Our offices will be closed Thursday November 24, 2011 and Friday November 25,2011. We will re-open on Monday November 28th, 2011

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving.

 

 

 

 

 

The White Insurance Agency - October 19, 2011 - Halloween Safety Tips...

Halloween is right around the corner, which means lots of little trick or treaters out on the streets. Here are some helpful safety tips:

- Dress with layers to keep the chill off.

- Use a flashlight and/or reflective tape to make your child more visible to traffic.

- Never eat already opened candy wrappers.

-Trick or Treat with your child and/or in a group.

- Cross at crosswalks and intersections.

- Only approach houses in which the porch light is on.

Fun Fact: The world's largest pumpkin weighed in at 1385 pounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The White Insurance Agency - October 7, 2011 - News Release: West Bend, WI ~ August 10, 2011

West Bend Mutual Insurance Company is pleased to announce it has partnered with The White Insurance Agency to offer specialized insurance programs for a wide range of businesses, including childcare, personal appearance services, social service organizations, not-for-profits, outdoor and indoor sporting and leisure activities, tree care specialists, pest control operations, and many others.

Through its specialty division, West Bend offers programs for business risks that standard-line companies typically don't insure. Policyholders benefit from West Bend's experience in the form of creative products and services designed to meet the specific requirements of these unique businesses. West Bend also offers an innovative standard surety market, writing contract and non-contract bonds.

The White Insurance Agency has been providing its clients with innovative risk management solutions for 138 years. "We look forward to combining our agency's long history with West Bend's many years of experience in the Midwest," said Michael DeKuiper.

West Bend has been serving the property adn casualty insurance needs of businesses and families throughout the Midwest since 1894 and is "A" (excellent) or better by A. M. Best since 1971

 

 

 

The White Insurance Agency - September 16, 2011 - Make your health a 'priority' with Priority Health through The White Insurance Agency, Inc.

We currently have coverage available under the following:

• MyPriority - Individual and family coverage
• MyPriority Short Term coverage - for thse between job or after graduation situations
• Priority Health Group - Employer groups for as few as two employees
• Prority Health Medigap - Supplemental coverage for thse with medicare
• Priority Health Rx - Prescription drug coveragefor those with medicare
• Priority Health Medicare - For those with medicare part A and B coverage

Call us with any questions of for a premium quote.

 

 

 

 

The White Insurance Agency - August 24, 2011 - Prepare your Home for Winter

As the warm days of summer are replaced by the colder winds of autumn, preparing your home for the inevitable arrival of winter's cold and snow becomes a priority. Here are 10 suggestions to hlep prepare your home for the coming winter months:

Heating System - Have your heating system inspected by a professional to ensure it is operation safely and efficiently.

Chimney Flue - the flue should be inspected and cleaned if a buildup of creosote is present.

Insulation - Consider adding more insulation to attic areas. Inadequate insulation allows heat to escape your home.

Leaks - Make sure windows, doors, and electrical outlets are effectively sealed. On a windy day, go around the inside of your home to determine if you can feel any air leaks.

Gutters - Clean out gutters and downspouts so that they will effectively drain water away from your foundation.

Detectors - Replace batteries of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide dectectors to ensure they are working properly.

Pipes - Wrap exposed water pipes with insulation to avoid freezing and bursting.

Thermostat - A great winterizing task would be to install a programmable thermostat that allows you to have a heating schedule for your home. You may program it to be cooler at night or if everyone is at work or school, and warmer during the day when people are home.

Snow removal equipment - Service or tune-up snow blowers. Make sure you have a good sturdy snow shovel. That first snowfall will sneak up on you; be ready for it.

Emergency Kit - Don't be caught without essentials in the event of a power outage. Prepare a kit to include candles, matches, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable foods, blankets, emerency phone numbers, first aid supplies, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The White Insurance Agency - July 8, 2011 -- The White Insurance Agency is a proud sponsor of the mainstage entertainment for the National Baby Food Festival.

Friday July 22nd, Da Yoopers perform and Saturday July 23rd, Blue Oyster Cult. Tickets may be purchased in advance through the Fremont Chamber of Commerce office. Or tickets are available the day of the show. Mainstage entertainment is held in Veteran's Memorial Park downtown Fremont.

Come out July 20th through the 23rd for all different types of National Baby Food Festival fun.

http://www.nbff.org/

 

 

 

 

 

 

The White Insurance Agency - June 1, 2011 -- The White Insurance Agency hosts artist for Art Hop --

Downtown Fremont is hosting the first ever Art Hop event Friday June 3rd from 4 pm to 7 pm. Various artists will be displaying their art at local businesses. The White Insurance Agency will be hosting Carol Johnson from Grand Rapids. The art Ms. Johnson will have on display is in the form of jewelry.

 

 

 

 

The White Insurance Agency - May 27, 2011 - Reminder all of our offices will be closed Monday May 30, 2011 in observance of Memorial Day.

 

 

 

The White Insurance Agency - May 12, 2011 - Does my insurance cover the tree that falls in my yard?

With summer storms beginning in our area, here is a common question that we receive; "If my tree falls in my yard will my home insurance pay for it?" Generally, this is how it works:  The answer is Yes. However, the tree must hit a covered structure to trigger your homeowners policy. Also, there is generally a limit per tree and a limit per loss. For example, if the coverage is $250 per tree, and a $500 limit for the loss, then you are only covered for the $500, regardless of how many trees fall. If the tree does not hit a covered structure then the tree is not covered - so therefore, if it falls and lands only on, say, your driveway or sidwalk in front of your hours, your homeowners insurance won't cover it.

We also get another similar question: "If my tree falls and lands in my neighbor's yard, who pays for it?" Each party puts the claim in through call his/her own home insurance. So your house insurance will pay to remove the part of the tree on your property as long as it hit a covered structure. (house, fence, shed, etc.) Your neighbor will have to call his/her own home insurance compnay to have the portion of the tree on their property removed. It is likely unless the tree hit a covered structure (owned by the neighbor) it won't be covered by their policy and they will have to pay for any removal cost out of their own pocket.

Here is another common question: "My neighbor's tree falls and hits my house - who covers it?" Even though it's the neighbor's tree, it's still going to be covered by your policy. Your policy will fix your house, and then remove the portion of the tree that is on your yard.

Some insurers now sell optional endorsements that will remove the requirement for the three to hit a structure. It's generally not that expensive to add these options if your insurer offers it, and especially if you have at least one or more trees in your yard or the vincinity of your home, it's worth checking with your agent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The White Insurance Agency is pleased to announce the opening of our new branch office in Rockford, MI - April 25, 2011

Ryan DeVries will be working out of our new Rockford branch office. Office hours will be Monday thru Friday 8 am to 5 pm by appointment. Due to the limited number of staff at this location payments will not be taken on a month to month basis. Payments may be made through our web-site.

If you live in the Rockford, Sparta, or Greater Grand Rapids area. You may contact our Rockford branch at 616-863-9248.

 

The White Insurance Agency recognizes the 41st Anniversary of Earth Day - April 22, 2011

As we celebrate Earth Day we all can do little things to help our planet and community. Here is a small list of ways for each of us to "Go Green"

Plant a tree

Carpool

Commit to recycling at home and work

Buy locally grown products

Start a garden

Buy reusable shopping bags

The following link has more Earth friendly tips.

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/national/A-list-of-%22green%22-things-to-do-on-Earth-Day-2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The White Insurance Agency Receives 5 Start Status with Fremont Insurance Company (April 15, 2011)

A Michigan-exclusive property and casualty insurance carrier, has designated White Insurance Agency as one of the company's 5 - Star Organizations. The prestigious award was presented at the company's Winter Regional Meeting held at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, MIchigan.

"White Insurance Agency embodies the characteristics necessary to be successful in our industry - hard work, a commitment ot the customer and the drive to achieve quality business results - even in a challenging economic environment," said Fremont Insurance Company President and CEO Richard Dunnning. "We commend White Insurance Agency in this outstanding achievement and we are pleased to present this tribute of our appreciation, admiration and partnership."

Each year Fremont Insurance Company, a 135-year-old company headquartered in Fremont, Michigan, honors insurance agencies that maintain the highest busienss standards and performance. The award recognizes agencies that have achieved long-term success in operating a profitable and growing business. The accomplishments of these highly successful agencies directly impact insurance partners, customers and the community. While business expertise is an important component of the award, customer satisfaction and community contributions are also central to this award.

 

 

 

The White Insurance Agency Opens New Office in Rockford

The White Insurance Agency is excited to announce a new branch office in Rockford, Michigan.  The office is located at 240 Northland Drive in downtown Rockford.  They are sharing an office with the Blakesless Rop, PLC Law Firm, the accounting firm H&S Companies and Ameriprise Financial.  Ryan DeVries, a partner at the agency, will be working out of this office on a full-time basis.  He has been a licensed agent since 2002 and has earned the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor designation from the National Alliance.  Ryan, along with his wife Megan and daughter Evelyn, recently moved to Rockford and are excited about becoming a part of the community.

The Rockford office will represent many well known and respected insurance companies.  The agency offers a great market for businesses and personal insurance needs.  Since 1873, The White Insurance Agency has been providing quality products, excellent service and competitive prices to all of Western Michigan.  To contact our Rockford office, please call (616) 863-9248.

 

 

Ryan DeVries & Jason DeKuiper earn CIC designation (November 18, 2010)

The designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) has been conferred upon Ryan DeVries and Jason DeKuiper, partners at The White Insurance Agency in Fremont, MI, following their successful completion of a rigorous insurance education program sponsored by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors.

 

The announcement was made by Dr. William T. Hold, President of the Society of CIC, who will confer this designation on Ryan and Jason in an official ceremony in Mount Pleasant in February.

 

The Society of CIC is a key member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, the nation’s preeminent provider of insurance and risk management education. The National Alliance conducts more than 2,500 programs annually, throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Currently, more than 29,500 agents and insurance professionals throughout the country have received the CIC designation.

 

Mr. DeVries and Mr. DeKuiper have demonstrated their professional competence through the successful completion of the five CIC institutes and comprehensive written examinations focusing on all major fields of insurance, insurance management, and agency operations.

 

DeVries and DeKuiper have been with The White Insurance Agency since November of 2002.  They are licensed in both property and casualty insurance as well as life and health.

 

 

 

Fall Storm on the Way! (October 28, 2010)

A weather advisory has been issued for sustained high winds over the next several days.  These storms have the ability to knock down trees and power lines, interrupting not only our power, telephone and cable service but hindering our ability to drive and the ability of our police, fire and emergency medical services to respond.  Here's what you can do to help prepare yourself and your family in the event of a windstorm.

Before Disaster Strikes:

 

1. Assemble a disaster supply kit to care for each member of your family for at least 3 days.  Have kits for your home, vehicle, work and school.
2. Contact vendors to know the the proper use of home generators.  Never place generators inside your house; make sure you have proper ventilation when using a generator.  Never try to power your house by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice know as "back feeding."
3. Check the trees around your house.  If any appear unhealthy or sickly, have them checked by a qualified professional.  Cut away tree branches that could fall on your house or other structures during a storm.
4. If you have an electric garage door opener, locate the manual override.
5. Be sure to keep at least a half-tank of gas in your vehicle at all times; power outages often accompany disasters and gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
6. Teach all family members when, where and how to turn off utilities.  Make sure you have the appropriate equipment, such as a wrench, handy.

What To Do During A Windstorm:

1. Don't panic.  Take quick action to protect yourself and others.
2. Turn off your stove if you're cooking when the power goes out and turn off natural gas appliances.
3. Close your window blinds in case glass breaks.  The drawn blinds may limit the spread of broken glass.
4. If you are indoors, move away from windows or objects that could fall.  In a multi-story home, go to the lower floors.
5. Keep pets inside.
6. If you are outdoors, move into a building.  Avoid down electric power lines, utility poles and trees.
7. If you are driving, proceed with caution and be alert to traffic lights that are not working.  If a traffic light is out, remember to treat it as an all-way stop.  Avoid overpasses, power lines and other hazards.
8. Listen to your radio for emergency instructions.

What To Do After A Windstorm:

1. Check yourself and those around you for injuries.
2. Evacuate damaged buildings.  Do not re-enter until declared safe by authorities.
3. Call 9-1-1 only to report a life threatening emergency.
4. If you smell or hear a hissing sound indoors, open windows and leave the building.  Turn off gas source and call your gas company.  Do not use matches, candles, open flames or electric switches indoors.
5. If the power goes out, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food frozen for up to two days.
6. Provide assistance to your neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled.
7. Listen to your radio station for current information.
8. Contact The White Insurance Agency for advice on how to handle potential claims.