Will flood insurance cover a flooded garden?

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Gardens rarely come up when people think about home value and insurance. What’s out of sight tends to stay out of mind, but if you’ve put real effort into your yard, it’s worth asking: Does flood insurance cover your flowers, fruits, and vegetables?

The short answer is usually no, and here’s why that matters.

What Flood Insurance Actually Covers

Flood insurance policies are designed to protect the home itself and its contents, typically up to a set coverage limit. Outdoor gardens generally fall outside that scope. If you read through your policy closely in Lansing, IA, you’ll likely find no mention of gardens at all.

That said, it’s worth reaching out to your insurer directly. Some companies may be willing to discuss amending your policy language to account for a garden you’ve invested significant time and money into.

Why This Catches So Many People Off Guard

If you have a green thumb, think about everything that’s gone into your outdoor space: seeds, water, hours of labor, and space you’ve carved out specifically for growing. It’s a real investment, even if insurers don’t always see it that way.

Some insurers treat garden areas similarly to swimming pools or other outdoor features, meaning they fall outside standard coverage. A close read of your policy may reveal that plant growth isn’t covered, and in many cases, your lawn, flower beds, shrubs, trees, and broader landscaping aren’t either.

Have questions about what your flood policy actually protects? Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency serves the greater Lansing, IA, area and can walk you through your coverage. Call 563-538-4207 for a customized quote.

Why Comparing Auto Insurance Quotes Matters

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Auto insurance is an essential part of owning a car, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay more than necessary for your policy. Shopping around can help you save money and find the best auto insurance policy for your needs. Whether you’re buying a vehicle and shopping for auto insurance for the first time, or you’re already a car owner simply looking to make sure you’re getting the best policy for the price, shopping around can help. The professionals at Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, serving Lansing, IA, can help. Our insurance agents can provide our customers with multiple insurance quotes. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Should You Compare Auto Insurance Quotes?

Comparing auto insurance quotes helps ensure you’re getting the best policy for your vehicle and budget. Not every auto insurance policy is created equal, and comparing quotes can help you find one that provides the right amount of coverage at the right price. Many people save money by shopping around, since it allows them to compare prices and choose the policy that offers the best value for the cost.

How Can You Get Multiple Auto Insurance Quotes?

There’s more than one way to get multiple auto insurance quotes. One option is to call around to various insurance agencies and collect the quotes yourself. Another way is to contact an independent insurance agent. Independent agents work with multiple insurance carriers and can gather multiple quotes on your behalf.

Contact Us When Shopping for Auto Insurance

Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, serving Lansing, IA, is an independent insurance agency that can help you find the best auto insurance policy for your needs. Call today to get started.

Does life insurance make sense for grandparents?

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Life insurance is often associated with individuals in their peak earning years. However, this type of coverage can be valuable at many stages of life, including for older individuals such as grandparents.

For families in Lansing, IA, life insurance can play an important role in long-term financial planning, even later in life.

Why Life Insurance Can Be a Meaningful Gift for Grandparents

Instead of traditional gifts, some families choose to give life insurance as a practical and meaningful option. This type of policy can help cover end-of-life expenses that would otherwise place a financial burden on family members.

For grandparents who may not have set aside funds for final expenses, life insurance can provide an added layer of financial support and peace of mind.

How Life Insurance Helps Reduce Financial Strain

Life insurance can help prevent surviving family members from taking on unexpected costs. Expenses such as funeral services, medical bills, or outstanding obligations can add up quickly.

Having a policy in place can help reduce the likelihood of financial hardship or debt during an already difficult time, allowing families to focus on what matters most.

Important Considerations When Purchasing a Policy

In order to purchase life insurance for another individual, you must demonstrate an insurable interest, meaning there is a legitimate financial or personal connection. In many cases, the insured person’s consent is also required before a policy can be issued.

It is important to discuss the decision with your loved one and work with an insurance professional to ensure all requirements are met.

Explore Your Life Insurance Options

Life insurance can be a valuable tool for individuals and families at any stage of life. Whether you are considering coverage for yourself or a loved one, understanding your options is key.

Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency serves families in Lansing, IA by helping them explore life insurance solutions that fit their needs. Speaking with an experienced professional can help you make an informed decision and secure the right coverage for your situation.

Things for First Time Homeowners to Consider When Getting a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

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About Homeowners Insurance for First-Time Buyers

For first-time homeowners in Lansing, IA, purchasing homeowners’ insurance is an important step in protecting your new investment. Understanding how a policy works and what coverage you need can help you avoid gaps that may lead to costly surprises later. The agents at Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency can help you navigate Iowa-specific insurance considerations and choose coverage with confidence.

Homeowners Insurance in Iowa: The Basics

A homeowner’s insurance policy includes many components that can feel overwhelming for new buyers. Knowing the fundamentals can help you make informed decisions and select coverage that truly protects your home.

Key Factors to Consider

  • If you have not yet finalized the purchase of a home, request a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange report. A CLUE report shows the property’s insurance claim history over the past several years and can help identify potential red flags.
  • Choose a policy based on replacement cost rather than actual cash value. Replacement cost coverage pays to repair or replace damage, such as a roof, without factoring in depreciation.
  • Flood damage is not covered under standard homeowners’ insurance policies in Iowa. If your home is located in or near a flood-prone area, a separate flood insurance policy is essential.
  • Ask whether the policy includes coverage for water and sewer backup, which is a common and costly source of damage for homeowners.
  • Ensure the policy is based on the cost to rebuild your home, not its market value. Rebuilding costs depend on labor, materials, and current economic conditions, which can differ significantly from what you paid for the home.

Contact Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency

At Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, our agents are committed to helping homeowners in Lansing, IA understand their coverage options and fine-tune their policies. We take the time to answer questions, explain recommendations, and help ensure your homeowners’ insurance fits your needs. Contact us by phone or email today. We are here to help.

Can I Insure Multiple Power Toys on the Same Policy?

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If you own an ATV, snowmobile, or personal watercraft in Lansing, IA, you already know you need specialized power toys insurance to protect your recreational vehicles. But what happens when you purchase an additional vehicle, such as a jet ski? Do you need a separate policy? In most cases, you do not. Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency can help you find a simple and comprehensive way to insure multiple power toys under one policy.

How Multi-Vehicle Power Toys Insurance Policies Work

Most insurance carriers allow you to list several types of power toys on a single policy. Each vehicle is assigned its own premium based on factors such as value, usage, and risk, similar to how auto insurance policies are structured. All listed vehicles are covered under one policy and billing statement for added convenience.

Typically, all power toys must be registered to the same owner, who may be the policyholder or another household member. Vehicles must generally be used for personal or recreational purposes only. Insurers may also require details about where each vehicle is stored when not in use.

Bundling multiple vehicles under one policy may qualify you for multi-vehicle discounts. Some insurers also allow coverage stacking, where uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage limits may be combined to increase overall protection. With a single policy and renewal date, you also reduce the risk of missed payments or coverage lapses.

Important Coverage Considerations

Many power toys insurance policies include a lay-up period, which reduces premiums during months when your vehicles are in storage while still maintaining protection against risks such as theft, vandalism, or fire. If you have customized your vehicles with high-end parts or added specialized trailers, consider adding custom parts and equipment coverage to protect those upgrades.

It is also important to keep liability limits consistent across all vehicles to maintain a uniform level of protection. This helps ensure you have adequate coverage regardless of which power toy you are operating.

To find a Power Toys insurance policy that fits your needs, work with the experienced professionals at Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency. Contact our office in Lansing, IA, today to get started.

Make Sure You Have the Right Insurance for Your Classic Car Before Moving It

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Classic cars can be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Unlike most vehicles, they often increase in value over time. For this reason, many classic car owners purchase specialized classic car insurance. However, this type of insurance may not provide enough protection if you need to drive your car occasionally or move it to a show or new location.

Insurance Coverage for Moving a Classic Car

Classic car insurance usually includes strict limits on how far you can drive your vehicle. These limits exist because insurers base coverage on the car’s agreed value, and driving the vehicle increases the risk of damage. Before driving your classic car, review your policy to make sure you have enough mileage allowance.

You will also need liability coverage before operating the vehicle, even for a short-distance trip. Liability insurance is required for any vehicle on public roads, and Lansing, IA, drivers could face serious legal and financial penalties if they operate a classic car without proper coverage.

If you prefer not to drive the vehicle yourself, you can hire a professional company to transport your car. Reputable classic car transporters use the proper equipment and carry insurance that protects your vehicle during transport.

Need More Information? Call Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency

Moving a classic car requires planning and the right insurance protection. If you are unsure whether your current policy offers adequate coverage, contact Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency. Our team assists classic car owners in and around Lansing, IA, and can help you find insurance coverage that fits your situation. Call us today for more information or to request policy quotes.

Why Choose An Independent Insurance Agent When Getting Renters Insurance?

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If you need renters’ insurance, working with an independent insurance agent can make the process much easier. The professionals at Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, serving Lansing, IA, can help you compare policies and find coverage that fits your needs. As an independent insurance agency, we have a strong reputation for helping customers secure the right protection. Here is what you should know.

What Is an Independent Insurance Agent?

While some agents only represent a single insurance company, an independent insurance agent works with multiple carriers. This allows customers to explore a wider range of policy options. Independent agents can help you compare prices, coverage levels, and features so you can choose a renters insurance policy that fits your budget and lifestyle.

How an Independent Insurance Agent Helps You Get Renters Insurance

A quality renters insurance policy pays to repair or replace your belongings if a covered event occurs. When you work with an independent insurance agent, the process becomes much simpler. Your agent will begin by collecting information about your rental home or apartment, including your move‑in date, the amount of personal property you want to protect, and any specific concerns you may have.

Once your agent has the details, they will shop with multiple insurance carriers to find a policy that matches your needs. This saves you time and ensures you receive competitive quotes without having to contact multiple companies yourself.

How to Choose the Right Independent Insurance Agent

Look for an agent who is attentive, responsive, and willing to answer your questions. The professionals at Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, serving Lansing, IA, are a trusted choice for renters seeking personalized insurance options. Contact us today to learn more about renters insurance and how we can help you find the right policy.

Why You Really Need To Upgrade Your Insurance if You Start Living Full-Time in Your RV

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Because most people use their RVs for travel, rather than full-time living, most insurance companies offer RV insurance that’s suitable for travel situations. The policies cover the times you take trips — they’re meant for intermittent use, and they otherwise cover storage. But those policies often aren’t enough to cover the issues you might face if you were to live in your RV full-time. If you’re making the transition from part-time to full-time RV life, we here at the Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, serving Lansing, IA, want you to know why you should update your insurance policy.

Making Your Vehicle Your Home

When you live full-time in your RV, you’re treating the vehicle as your home. This is not intermittent use and brings with it a lot of the insurance issues that houses and other stationary dwellings face. Things like liability if someone trips while walking across your RV space suddenly become an issue. You need insurance that covers situations like this 24/7, and not just when you choose to activate the policy for a trip.

Yes, full-time RV insurance can be more expensive, and you may have to hunt around for an insurance agency that offers it. But if you’re tempted to stick with part-time RV insurance and activate it only before storms, for example, you’re setting yourself up for a lot of trouble because you never know what can happen. Plus, if you keep part-time insurance but try to file a claim for something that happened when you were living in the RV full-time, you risk your insurance company finding out — and that can result in you losing the policy.

If you’re looking for RV insurance and aren’t sure if the time you spend in the RV is in the part-time or full-time category, call us here at the Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, serving Lansing, IA. Find the right policy that covers how you really use your RV.

Does RV Insurance Apply to Trailers?

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Add a trailer to your RV and you’ll find hauling add-ons is that much easier. However, there is some question and concern among RV owners about insurance after adding a trailer. Fret not, as the Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency has the answers.

RV Insurance and Trailers

The addition of a travel trailer to your RV has the potential to complicate insurance. Some insurers offer specialized travel trailer insurance that is separate from RV insurance.

If you already own an RV that is insured, take a look at the small print of your policy. You can also call your insurer for more information about your policy details. There’s a chance your existing coverage in Lansing, IA is already applicable to a connected trailer.

Trailer Coverage Through Other Insurance

There is a common misconception that trailers are insured through regular auto or home policies. Though there might be some instances when an auto or home policy has the potential to apply to a trailer, these policies generally do not cover trailers.

As an example, many auto and RV insurance policies do not cover trailers when they are not in transport. This means if the trailer is parked in your driveway, garage or other space, coverage might not apply.

The same is true for home insurance. Though the trailer’s presence on the property that the home is located on might trigger coverage, there is the potential for gaps. Moreover, there is also the potential for storm damage or other damage to compromise the parked trailer, meaning home insurance might be applicable.

Contact Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency for Your Quote

Our insurance is fair and affordable. If you are in the market for coverage in Lansing, IA or a nearby area, give us a call for a personalized quote.

Motorcycle Insurance: Does The Color of Your Bike Matter?

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Every bike owner knows the importance of motorcycle insurance in Lansing, IA. However, there are several myths surrounding coverage that can make it seem like a policy is out of reach or make you feel like you shouldn’t get a certain bike. For example, the often-repeated myth that policies for red bikes cost more. 

Does Color Matter?

No, the color of your bike does not impact your insurance. It doesn’t matter whether your bike is red or black or purple; color isn’t considered a risk factor. Instead, agencies typically consider factors such as your age, driving history, and other relevant details. 

When Color Does Matter

Although the color of your bike doesn’t matter when it comes to paying for an insurance policy, that doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant. The color can play a role in accident probability because certain colors are less visible. For example, a black motorcycle is more difficult to see at night, thereby increasing the risk of an accident. Colors like yellow and green are more visible. 

Custom Paint and Insurance

Although the color of your paint job doesn’t matter, you may want to speak with an insurance agent at Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency if you have a custom paint job. Policies typically only cover a basic paint job, so you’ll need additional coverage to fix the paint on your bike if you’re in an accident. 

Several things impact the cost of your policy, but the color of your bike isn’t one of them. Our experienced agents will ask you questions to determine if you qualify for a discount, and we’ll explain how everything impacts your policy so you know the facts. Contact a representative at Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency today. We’re currently serving the Lansing, IA area.