CSB Insurance Group News
CSB Insurance Group Recognized for Outstanding Performance
CSB Insurance Group of Johnston, Iowa, was named an EMC Insurance 2009 “Premier Partner” – a distinction reserved for the top 2 percent of all EMC agencies nationally.
This annual award is based on key indicators including retention, profitability and growth. These indicators are reviewed over a three-year period.
CSB Insurance Group President Al Brazelton says, “At CSB Insurance Group, we are committed to excellent customer service and it shows. Once again, we are honored to be recognized as one of the highest-performing EMC agencies nationally and look forward to continued growth.”
CSB Insurance Group - a division of Community State Bank, N.A. - offers Home, Auto, Business, Farm, and Crop insurance from offices in Altoona, Ankeny, Johnston, Des Moines and Waukee. For more information: www.csbinsurance.com.
EMC Insurance Companies is a property/casualty insurance carrier headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. With assets exceeding $2 billion, EMC is one of the largest property and casualty entities in Iowa and among the top 60 insurance entities countrywide. To learn more: www.emcinsurance.com.
Vacation Planning on a Budget?
Vacation season in full swing. Now more than ever, travelers are looking for ways to maximize their vacation budget. Whether to buy the optional insurance offered by a rental car company is a costly decision often left to the last minute.
“Deciding whether to buy ‘damage waivers’ or insurance at the rental car counter can be a confusing experience – especially if you don’t know if you’re already covered by your personal auto insurance policy,” said Rick Crawley of the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies. “Optional rental car insurance can cost between $7 and $25 per day, depending on the rental car company, vehicle make and model and type of waiver. Those daily charges can significantly add to the cost of your rental.”
CSB Insurance Group recommends the following tips to help you decide whether or not you should buy the coverage:
1. Consult with an independent insurance agency. CSB Insurance Group’s independent insurance agents can review and evaluate your policies to find out if the coverage you have on your personal vehicle provides protection for you in a rental car.
2. Check with your credit card company. Some credit card companies provide coverage at no charge if you use their card to charge the cost of the rental. However, some restrictions may apply so be sure to ask for a description of the exact coverages provided.
3. Take your personal auto insurance policy and details of your coverages with you to the rental car counter. You may be asked a question that these papers can help answer – or, if you’re in doubt, you’ll have your agent’s name and phone number readily available. “We want people to have the information they need to make more informed decisions about car insurance,” said Crawley.
“Knowing whether you need to buy additional coverage can save you money and give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your vacation. Don’t start off your trip questioning your decisions – take control by talking with your independent agent or broker and knowing the answers to those inevitable questions.”
To learn more about what your independent agency can offer you, contact CSB Insurance Group or visit progressiveagent.com.
Considering Flood Insurance
Numerous individuals continue to struggle with the long-term effects of catastrophic flooding that affected the Midwest this past year. As spring approaches, the threat of flooding once again becomes a concern. Unlike many other types of peril causing damage to your home or property, flood damage is not covered by your standard insurance policy. It is important to understand that in order to secure coverage for flood damage to your home or business, you must purchase this specialized coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program.
The Iowa Insurance Division has just released the following valuable information to remind individuals to consider purchasing flood insurance:
What is Flood Insurance?
- Flood insurance is a special policy that is federally backed by the NFIP and available for both homeowners and businesses.
- You can buy flood insurance for your home or business regardless of whether the property is in or out of a floodplain, as long as the property is located in a participating community.
- You may buy flood insurance covering up to $250,000 of flood damage to your home. A standard flood policy will cover structural damage, including damage to the furnace, water heater, air conditioner, floor surfaces (carpeting and tile) and debris clean up.
- For an additional premium, you also may buy flood coverage for up to $100,000 of damage to the contents of your home.
- Coverage is available for up to $500,000 for non–residential buildings and their contents.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?
According to FEMA, the average homeowners flood insurance premium is a little more than $500 a year. Premiums for flood insurance will vary depending upon your risk level for a flood loss, the amount of coverage you choose, the type of coverage you need and your deductible.
How Can I Buy Flood Insurance?
You can purchase flood insurance for your home or business regardless of whether the property is in or out of a floodplain, directly from your property and casualty insurance agent if your community participates in the NFIP. To find out if your community participates, visit www.fema.gov/fema/csb.shtm.
Your insurance agent can confirm whether flood insurance is available to you and what it would cost.
Plan Ahead — There is a 30 Day Waiting Period!
It is very important to plan ahead. A flood insurance policy normally will not go into effect until 30 days after you purchase the policy.
Additional Safety Tips
- For personal safety, identify what storm shelter is available to you and prepare an evacuation plan.
- Make sure you have bottled water, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery–powered radio, non–perishable food items, blankets, clothing, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, personal hygiene supplies and a small amount of cash.
- If you need to evacuate your home, turn off all utilities and disconnect appliances to reduce the chance of additional damage and electrical shock when utilities are restored.
- Take proactive steps to protect your property from loss. Be sure there is no loose siding on your home and no damaged or diseased trees growing over your home.
- Take an inventory of your personal property, such as clothes, jewelry, furniture, computers and audio/video equipment. Photos and video of your home, as well as sales receipts and the model and serial numbers of items, will make filing a claim simpler. In addition, add insurance information to your inventory information — the name of your company and agent, policy number, and contact information.
- Move all of your important documents to a safe location. Take them with you when you evacuate or store them in a safe deposit box outside the area.
For more information about flood insurance, visit the NFIP Web site at www.fema.gov/business/nfip/.
Partnership between Iowa Chinese in Agriculture and Community State Bank fosters international communication
CSB Insurance Group Sr. Vice President Al Brazelton
and representatives from ICIA
Des Moines, Iowa – With a sponsorship contribution, Community State Bank, N.A. (CSB) has formed a unique partnership with Iowa Chinese in Agriculture (ICIA).
The donation will enable the ICIA to promote networking and scientific information exchanges between agricultural professionals in the United States and China. In addition, ICIA will promote educational seminars presented by CSB to ICIA members. Such seminars will help CSB provide beneficial financial services to ICIA members in the areas of banking, mortgage, retirement planning and insurance.
CSB President and CEO Mark Degner said, “The agricultural industry is an important segment of our state’s economy. We look forward to this partnership and the success it will bring to both organizations and the state of Iowa.
According to Jijun Zou, President of ICIA, “This sponsorship indicates that Community State Bank recognizes the importance of the Iowa Chinese in Agriculture and the contributions they make to our community.”
Iowa-owned Community State Bank is a full-service financial institution, offering banking, mortgage, insurance and financial solutions at ten convenient metro locations. To find out how Community State Bank is Redefining SimpleTM, visit www.bankcsb.com.
The Iowa Chinese in Agriculture (ICIA), a non-profit and volunteer-based 501(c)3 organization, was established in 2006. The ICIA members consist of professionals in research, education, production, and business in agriculture across Iowa. The ICIA aims to establish a platform to foster the interaction and collaboration of agricultural professionals in United States and China, visit www.iowachineseinagriculture.org.
CSB Insurance Group presents $500 IMT Insurance Company Community Award
Jackie Wicks of CSB Insurance Group presented the Children’s Clothes Closet with a $500 IMT Insurance Company Community Contest award.
The Children's Clothes Closet was one of 15 winners chosen from 100 entries across Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Illinois and Wisconsin in IMT's 11th annual contest. The $500 award will be used to replace the front door in their 100 year-old building.
CSB Insurance Group nominated the Panora charity for IMT’s Community Contest. The Children’s Clothes Closet is an organization that provides clothes, bed linens, car seats, towels and toys for children in need. Founded in 2002, it relies solely on volunteers and donations for labor, operating costs and clothing. To date they have logged more than 1,000 volunteer hours and served more than 140 families and 360 children.
CSB Insurance Group – a division of Community State Bank, N.A. – is one of the largest independent agencies in the state, offering Home, Auto, Business, Farm, and Crop insurance from offices in Altoona, Ankeny, Johnston, Des Moines and Waukee. For more information:
www.csbinsurance.com.
From left, Jackie Wicks of CSB Insurance Group presents Children’s Clothes Closet Directors Linda Mobley, Mary Hamilton and Waneta Scott with a $500 IMT Insurance Group Community Contest award.
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CSB Insurance Group Recognized for Outstanding Performance
(ANKENY, Iowa) – CSB Insurance Group of Johnston, Iowa, was named an EMC Insurance 2008 "Premier Partner" – a distinction reserved for the top 2 percent of all EMC agencies nationally.
This annual award is based on key indicators including retention, profitability and growth. These indicators are reviewed over a three-year period.
CSB Insurance Sr. Vice President Al Brazelton says, "At CSB Insurance Group, we are committed to excellent customer service and it shows. We are honored to be recognized as one of the highest-performing EMC agencies nationally and look forward to continued growth."
CSB Insurance Group - a division of Community State Bank, N.A. - offers Home, Auto, Business, Farm, and Crop insurance from offices in Altoona, Ankeny, Johnston, Des Moines and Waukee. For more information: www.csbinsurance.com.
EMC Insurance Companies is a property/casualty insurance carrier headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. With assets of nearly $3 billion, EMC is one of the largest property and casualty entities in Iowa and among the top 60 insurance entities countrywide. To learn more: www.emcinsurance.com
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