As a preferred insurance company, we understand that filing a claim is not only stressful but can seem difficult to do. These unforeseen events cause more than just property damage but also leave you feeling hopeless and emotional. We want to let you know that help is available.

When discovering a potential claim at your home, we would like to remind you of some tips that’ll make the process easier:

Do; call your insurance company right away, do not wait for the risk or damage to become bigger.

Do; take steps to make reasonable temporary repairs to protect your property and you from further damage and loss. Don’t attempt any repairs that require a licensed professional, just any minor work to help prevent the loss from causing further damage.

Do; notify the police and file a report if the loss is due to theft.

Do; shut the water off immediately if you find water has started to cause damage or has flooded any space in your house.

Do; keep records such as receipts, photos and videos of your items within your home.

Do; hire licensed contractors to perform work on your home, even if no related to a claim… this is for your protection.

Don’t; call a third party to clean-up, patch or inspect conditions without contacting your insurance first.

Don’t; assume damages will not be covered or are not severe enough to be repaired. Call at the first sign and ask so that work can begin immediately.

Don’t; waste time looking for your policy information to call, we have several methods of locating your account.

We sincerely hope these tips will assist you if and when you need them.

Where did this year go?

Whether you spent it acclimating yourself back into the office work life or enjoying the newfound journey of being a parent…it’s that time of year again to start budgeting for Christmas shopping.

Saving money may be more crucial now than ever before. But what if we told you that switching your homeowners insurance could save you money now, without having to wait for your renewal?

 That’s right! Switching mid-term is penalty free and could potentially put some money back in your wallet which you can use to fulfill those gift lists.

Give us a call to receive a free and instant quote at 877-WMUTUAL (877-968-8825) or if you prefer to go online, click and save at http://www.westernmutual.com        

What is No-Shave November?

No—Shave November is a month-Iong journey during which participants forgo shaving and grooming in order to evoke conversation and raise cancer awareness.

The goal of No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free. Donate the money you typically spend on shaving and grooming to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting the battle.

We mustache you a question…will you be joining us in raising awareness and taking part in this month-long campaign?

This month we raise awareness for the innocent lives lost due to preventable and unintentional injuries. Thousands of children are harmed each year in scenarios where simple safety measures can reduce or avoid the risk. 

We would like to remind you of some safety tips you can implement at home;

• If you have small children or toddlers, install child locks on cabinets and drawers
• Secure large furniture items such as dressers and vanities to the wall to prevent it from tipping over onto the child
• Keep cleaning supplies, chemicals, medicines and any toxic substances up high and out of reach
• Be aware of bodies of water anywhere you go, if you have a pool at home install door alarms or a self-latching fence around the pool for extra security
• Always check on children especially toddlers who are on the move. It only takes seconds for something to go wrong.

We ask that you join us in raising awareness and sharing our blog to help educate others.

We’ve made it to the most frightening weekend of the year, where witches fly high in the sky, princesses reign over our communities and vampires lurk in the bushes… Yes, it is Halloween time!

How will your family ring in this festive holiday? Do you dress up, throw a party, greet trick or treaters at the door or watch a scary movie?

Whatever you choose to do, all of us at Western Mutual, Residence Mutual and Arizona Home wish you a safe and spooktacular Halloween!

Are you looking for a baby proofing checklist that covers all areas of the house? We’ve got you covered.

Children getting hurt is the most heartbreaking moment for parents, therefore start baby-proofing the house little by little even before the baby arrives. The checklist below will help you get started so that when your little one arrives you can get rest assured your home is ready.

1. Safety Gates

If you have stairs in the house or an open room structure, you may want to restrict the baby’s movement to a few spots of the home. In this case, you need safety gates. When safety gates are not suited to your home layout you can consider a playpen.

2. Fireplace Screen

The first thing to install when you have a crawling baby in the house is a fireplace screen. Most fireplaces have left over residue or wood burning tools that can cause them harm.

3. Table Corner Guards

Protect your little ones head from bumping against sharp table edges by fitting table corner guards. This should include television stands, dressers and outdoor furniture.

4. Plastic Cover on Electrical Outlets

Put plastic covers over all low lying electrical outlets and keep electrical instruments like hair irons and clothing irons out of reach from children’s play areas. This deters them from sticking any small toys into the outlet and will eliminate the possibility of being tangled in the cords of your bathroom instruments.

5. Secure Curtains

One object in the house that gets the most attention from babies and toddlers is floor-length curtains. Make sure to secure your curtains safely with rings. If this is not possible, try and install cordless blinds.

Bonus tip: Purchase a bathtub faucet cover.  This will protect your little one from hitting their head on the metal spout and injuring themselves.

Today is National Pumpkin Day! 

Celebrate by visiting a pumpkin patch, carving a jack-o-lantern or baking some fall goodies. Use the hashtag #NationalPumpkinDay when sharing your pumpkin day snapshots and view how others spent theirs. Give ‘em pumpkin to talk about.

If you do plan on carving a gourd, but you’re not sure what to carve or where to start…we would like to share some quick tips to help you celebrate National Pumpkin Day.

1. Get a pumpkin with a stem – These pumpkins are easier to carve as they have a natural handle to help you hold it sturdy.
2. Don’t dismiss a weirdly-shaped pumpkins – Go weird or go home. Oddly shaped pumpkins are unique and therefore even a simple smiley face craved into them will look more eccentric.
3. Have a pumpkin-carving plan – there are carving kits one can buy that’ll have ideas which can get your thinking wheels turning.
4. Wait to carve your pumpkin—but work fast once you start – Pumpkins do not last long once carved but once you have started make sure you finish as they will begin to wilt or dry out depending on weather.

Happy Carving!

Western Mutual and Arizona Home Insurance invite you to review your experience with us and give feedback online via Yelp, Google or Clearsurance, or directly to us at direct@westernmutual.com.

With over 75 years in business we know that our word of mouth growth and many years of service were made possible by our policyholders and we want to hear from you!

We thank you in advance for taking the time to do so and hope that we meet your expectations each and every time you call.

The ‘Great Shakeout’ will happen tomorrow October 21st at 10 A.M.

Great ShakeOut earthquake drills are an opportunity to practice how to be safer during earthquakes: “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” ShakeOut also has been organized to encourage you, your community, your school, or your organization to update emergency plans and supplies, and to secure your space in order to prevent damage and injuries.

Several states up and down the west coast plan on participating as well as states like Colorado, Arizona and Nevada. Earthquakes are completely unexpected and being prepared and knowing how to take cover can be the difference between life and death.

Let us know how you plan on participating. Stay safe, stay prepared.