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Motorcycle Stats and Facts Everyone Should Understand

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Motorcycles offer a great way to get around town and can be a lot of fun. That said, it’s important to operate your motorcycle safely and defensively. Driving a motorcycle can increase some risks. Let’s look at some crucial to understand facts about motorcycles. If you have any questions or are looking at motorcycle insurance options, feel free to get in touch. Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency serves Lansing, IA and other communities nearby.

Motorcycle Use is Increasing

The number of motorcycles on the road has risen over the years. In 2018, there were about 8.35 million motorcycles on the road, according to Statista. By 2023, this had risen to nearly 8.8 million. Quite likely, we’ll see more motorcyclists hitting the road in the years ahead.

Motorcycle Accidents are Common and Deadly

Unfortunately, some motorcyclists end up in accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 motorcyclists were killed in 2021. This marked an increase of about 8 percent from a year prior. Further, motorcyclists make up about 14% of all traffic deaths, and the fatality rate per mile is roughly 24 times greater than that of passenger cars.

Common Factors of Motorcycle Accidents

More than 40 percent of motorcyclists killed in single-vehicle accidents were found to be alcohol-impaired in 2021. Further, 28% of motorcycle operators involved in accidents were found to be alcohol-impaired, according to the NHTSA. Impaired drivers are especially common at night.

Ultimately, many people safely operate motorcycles and avoid serious accidents. However, there are risks when it comes to operating a motorcycle. Every motorcyclist should be cautious and avoid operating vehicles while impaired.

If you have questions about motorcycle insurance plans, feel free to contact Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, which serves Lansing, IA and other areas nearby.

The Hidden Perils: Uncommon Risks Covered by Boat Insurance

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Embarking on aquatic adventures in Lansing, IA, offers a unique escape. At Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, we understand that beneath the serene surface lie hidden perils. Dive into the lesser-known risks covered by boat insurance and ensure your waterborne journeys remain smooth sailing.

Unveiling Uncommon Risks

Beneath the beauty of Lansing’s waters lie uncommon risks that boat owners may not anticipate. Our deep-rooted connection to the community positions us as your local expert in understanding and addressing these hidden perils.

Protection Beyond the Obvious

Boat insurance goes beyond standard coverage, safeguarding against less common risks. Whether it’s the threat of submerged obstacles or damage during transport, our coverage ensures your vessel is shielded against the unexpected.

Navigating Lansing’s Waters Safely

Lansing, IA, with its unique waterways, demands a nuanced approach to boat insurance. Our coverage is tailored to the specific risks of our community, providing peace of mind as you navigate the local waters.

Why Choose Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency?

As your trusted insurance provider in Lansing, IA, we bring a wealth of experience to the table. We are committed to going beyond the surface, ensuring that you are well-protected against both common and uncommon risks on your boating adventures.

Secure Your Seafaring Dreams – Contact Today

Ready to ensure your boat is covered against hidden perils? Contact Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency for expert advice on comprehensive boat insurance tailored to Lansing’s unique waters. Our team is dedicated to securing your seafaring dreams and providing the protection you need.

In the realm of boat insurance, it’s the unseen risks that demand attention. Partner with us for a worry-free voyage on Lansing’s waters. Dial our number and let’s navigate the seas of coverage together.

When Does It Make Sense to Get Umbrella Insurance?

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Umbrella insurance can provide important additional protection if you’re sued over a covered situation. While it’s not for everyone, there are many residents in Lansing, IA, who can likely benefit from this coverage. Here’s a look at when it makes sense to get umbrella insurance.

High Risk of Liability Lawsuits

If you engage in activities that increase your risk of being sued for damages, umbrella insurance is worth considering. High-risk activities can include some sports or recreation, like hunting, boating, or hosting large gatherings, as major accidents can occur during any of these things.

Owning property can also increase your risk of a lawsuit, as you might be held liable for any injuries that occur on your property. This can be a particular risk if you have any waterfront property in Lansing, IA.

Significant Assets to Protect

Individuals with substantial assets benefit significantly from umbrella insurance. If you have notable savings, have large investments, or own valuable property, this extra coverage can protect your assets from being targeted in a lawsuit.

Sometimes coverage is purchased to better insulate historic family properties, even if they aren’t worth very much.

At Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, we can help make sure you have umbrella insurance and other protections in place so any valuable property you own is well-guarded.

High Exposure to Potential Liability

Certain professions or lifestyles that involve high-profile status can increase the likelihood of lawsuits. Public figures, well-known business owners, or those in high-visibility professions should consider umbrella insurance for added protection.

Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency Is Here To Help

To explore whether umbrella insurance is right for you, contact Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency. Our team can help assess your unique situation and guide you toward the right decision as to whether you should get coverage.

Do You Need Flood Insurance Outside a Flood Zone?

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If you’ve ever wondered about whether you need flood insurance, you may question whether people in your area really need this protection. It’s important for every homeowner to have flood insurance, and that includes people who are not in a flood zone. The coverage is essential for protecting your home and making sure that the damages can be paid for if there is a flood. When you need flood insurance in Lansing, IA, call us at Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency. 

Flood Zones

There are many areas that are designated as official flood zones. These areas are more likely to experience flooding. There is generally a number of years that go with the designation. For example, a 20-year flood zone can expect a flood about every 20 years. The risk of flooding in this area, however, is higher in any given year than for areas that aren’t classified as flood zones. That makes it vital to have flood insurance if you live in these zones. However, flooding also regularly happens in areas that aren’t flood zones. Among all of the flood claims that are filed each year, about 20% of them originate from areas outside of flood zones. This means that everyone should have food insurance to protect themselves financially. 

Flood Damage

Floods are one of the most damaging disasters that can happen. The damage that they can do can cost an astronomical amount to repair. It may even require that your home be rebuilt because it is so damaged. Without flood insurance, this may be impossible for you to afford. Serious flood damage that you can’t afford to repair means that you’ll lose the investment you’ve made in your home. Avoid the risk by getting flood insurance. 

Get Your Flood Insurance Policy

To get your flood policy, call us at Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency in Lansing, IA. 

Does auto insurance cover the car or the driver?

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If you are going to borrow someone’s car in Lansing, IA, or if you are lending your car to a friend, you still need to know if the driver will be insured.

Is someone who is covered under one policy still covered when driving different vehicles?

At Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, we collect information from insurance applicants such as driving history, household members, and automobile information. This is so the company insuring the family knows the patterns of the family being insured. Someone with a poor driving history may make the policy more expensive, for example.

Other drivers can still use the vehicles under the policy as long as it isn’t a regular thing. You should always inform your insurance agent if someone else is using your vehicle a lot or if other driving patterns change. During the peak of the pandemic, many drivers were able to get a break by reporting that they were no longer spending as much time driving every day because of the temporary work-from-home policies.

If a friend borrows your vehicle and there is an accident, your liability insurance will pay for property damage and for injuries to the other driver and passengers. If the amount owed goes over your policy limits, the other driver is responsible but may be able to use their own liability coverage to make up the difference. That secondary coverage would only kick in once your policy maxes out.

Schedule A Consultation Today

Even if you trust your friend, you are still taking a risk when lending your vehicle to someone in Lansing, IA. If there is an accident, you will have to report it to your insurance. If your friend is at fault, your insurance will probably have to pay. For any questions about auto insurance, please call Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency today.

How to Save for Retirement with Life Insurance

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Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency may specialize in insurance in the Lansing, IA area, but we want to see your finances grow, too. That’s why we search for insurance products that will serve you in multiple ways, like cash-value life insurance policies.

Build Savings with Cash Value Policies

When you buy a life insurance policy with a cash value savings account attached, you can save for your Lansing, IA, retirement while you ensure that your loved ones will receive a death benefit.

Each month, you pay premiums for your whole life policy, but a portion of the premium goes into a savings account pre-tax. That means that you do not pay federal or state income taxes on it until you access it years down the line.

Dual Benefit Life Insurance

While it does require a few years for the account to vest, so you can borrow against it or make withdrawals, you build savings while paying for a necessary financial tool. Your net worth grows – tax-free.

When you do withdraw money or use the savings for a loan, you will need to repay the amount with interest. If you die without doing so, the money withdrawn comes out of the death benefit.

Accessing All of Your Money

Some cash value accounts let you cash out the policy. That means you can close the policy and withdraw all of the savings you built. This also means you would need new life insurance, and you would pay taxes on the savings account balance at tax time.

Contact Us Today

Email or call Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency serving the Lansing, IA area. Let us help you set up a life insurance policy that provides for your family now and later.

Would it be helpful for someone in Iowa to get home insurance?

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For people residing in the Lansing, IA area, real estate ownership can be a great long-term housing option. When you are looking to buy a home in this area, you do need to ensure that you are careful about protecting it. One of the ways you can protect your assets is by getting a home insurance plan.

There are situations when this coverage will be helpful to have:

When Property is Damaged

A situation when having a home insurance plan will be helpful will come when your property is damaged. There are many risks that come with owning a home, such as if it is damaged in a fire, there is a bad storm, or you are a victim of vandalism. When you do have a home insurance plan, you will have the support necessary to replace or repair parts of your home. 

When Named Liable in an Accident

You also will want to have home insurance when you are named liable in an accident. If an accident does occur on your property, there is a chance you could be held liable and need to cover such damages. With home insurance, you will get the support you need to offset this risk. 

Reach Out To Us

Anyone that does live in the Lansing, IA area needs to ensure they have a home insurance plan in place at all times. When you are ready to start looking for coverage in this area, you can begin your search by calling our team with the Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency.

Our professionals at the Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency know how important this coverage is and they can offer any guidance you need to select your next policy. This can give you comfort that you are selecting the right plan for your situation. 

Electric Powered Personal WaterCraft and Why Insurance Is Needed

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There are many lakes, rivers, and beaches near Lansing, IA, where you can enjoy personal watercraft devices called PCW. Personal watercraft are small electric boats for one or two people, electric surfboards, electric sea scooters, electric surfboards, and electric jet skis.

Although insurance is not required, Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency has power toy insurance that covers medical expenses, collisions, and repairs to personal watercraft. Why take the chance of accidents or damage? Like a boat, PCWs should be insured.

Boating Safety and Personal Watercrafts  

In Iowa, children 12-17 years old must complete a boating safety course to operate a PCW alone. They can operate a PCW without being certified when a responsible adult over 18 is on board. In some cases, the boating course is necessary because some PCWs only have room for one person. PCWs should not be operated between sunset and sunrise. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has an online boating safety course that gives a boater education card at completion to kids 12-17. 

Types of Personal Watercrafts 

A one or two-person small electric-powered boat is fun on the water and relaxing. Some boats with low-powered motors are designed for drifting and relaxing. An electric lounger scooter boat lets you lay on two sunbeds, has a ladder on the side, and has a Bluetooth system that warns you when the battery is getting low. Some PCW boats are high-speed and fit one to three people. These boats come with a supercharged engine, audio systems, special controls for speed and turns, and comfortable seats. They are sometimes called water jet skis. 

Electric surfboards are popular, reaching speeds of up to 37 miles per hour.  They have distinctive designs for the beginner to the experienced surfer. Sea scooters are designed for snorkelers and scuba diving and help you explore underwater sites with ease. All these PCWs are pricey and provide hours of enjoyment in the water. Accidents happen on the water and power toy insurance can protect you and your family. 

Contact Us About Power Toy Insurance

If you own a personal watercraft or plan to buy one, contact us at Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency in Lansing, IA to learn more about power toy insurance for your watercraft. 

Insurance Coverage For Your Classic and Collector Cars

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Classic cars need more than the same basic insurance as your daily commuter. They also need protection as valuable assets that increase in value over time. Serving the Lansing, IA area, Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency offers bumper-to-bumper coverage for your special ride.

Did you know?

  • Iowans enjoy some of the lowest automobile insurance premiums in the country.
  • The state minimums for coverage start at $20,000/$40,000 toward bodily injury, plus $15,000 per accident.

With such reasonable terms, this makes the additional coverage you need for your antique or collector vehicle affordable!

Whether you are going to auto shows or taking the occasional pleasure cruise, choose from customized policy options including full liability with medical, under- and uninsured motorist coverage, collision and comprehensive–for life’s little accidents–plus emergency roadside assistance, towing, and rental fees.

For your classic car, we also offer Spare Parts coverage for the classic car parts in your garage and Evacuation Expense coverage in the event of an imminent natural disaster. All automobile policies offered by Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency are overseen by the Iowa Insurance Division to offer the best consumer protection possible to our clients.

Reach Out To Us Today!

Call our Lansing, IA office and start protecting your classic car for today and the next generation. Our agents will guide you through all the "insurance speak" and offer easy-to-follow policy points that you can count on.

Whether you like the tight handling of a vintage sports car or the power of ’70s muscle, no matter the road you’re on, classic car insurance from Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency will let you ride easy.

Do You Have Adequate Renter’s Insurance?

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Everyone who rents an apartment, house, townhouse, condo, or any other dwelling should have renter’s insurance. Beyond that, it is important to have adequate renter’s insurance. Do you have adequate renter’s insurance? Here are some ways to know the answer to that important question. These tips are coming to you from Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency serving Lansing, IA.

Amount of property

When determining whether you have enough renter’s insurance coverage, one of the key issues to evaluate is how much property you have and how much it is worth. Look at what the policy you are considering specifies related to that. And make sure you have plenty of coverage if you have a renter’s insurance claim in the future.

Particular belongings

If you have particular types of belongings, you should probably have even more renter’s insurance. For example, some renter’s insurance policies include extra coverage for items like jewelry, art, and electronics. If you have any of those, especially if they are worth a lot of money, you should pay close attention to whether you have adequate renter’s insurance for those.

Specific circumstances

Your renter’s insurance might or might not be adequate to cover certain specific circumstances. For example, many policies do not cover floods and mold. So it is extremely important that you find out whether you have adequate coverage for those. You never know when you might be faced with specific circumstances that can be very costly to handle without enough renter’s insurance coverage.

You probably have many questions about renter’s insurance, including how much coverage you need. Feel free to contact Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency serving Lansing, IA.