Check out these timely and informative articles written by local insurance professionals.

A lot of things have changed in the past couple months due to Coronavirus.  Although Columbia began re-opening several weeks ago, high-risk or more cautious residents are still staying at home and taking advantage of many online and delivery services.  With such an increase in online activity, extra protection should be considered to safeguard your

FROM OUR PARTNERS AT FOREMOST INSURANCE GROUP Article by Kaitlin Cassell Many say that once you ride a motorcycle, you can never go back. The exhilaration and freedom are enough the get you hooked, but have you thought about the economical and lifestyle benefits of riding? Studies show that motorcycles are good for riders, the

It may not be a great time to learn about flood insurance when water from a heavy spring rain is creeping up your lawn towards your front door. Whew! Aren’t you glad that time has almost passed? We know you also have enough to worry about without adding floods on top of murder hornets, but

You can read our latest office update here. Many of the companies we represent are focusing on online resources for payment and paperwork, and also may have options for those affected financially by the Covid-19 pandemic. Most of our Auto Insurance carriers are also pro-rating lower premiums for April and May. Please contact your specific

If you’ve been to the gym, a convention center, or a theme park lately, you may have noticed charging stations where you can plug in your mobile device for a quick charge.   We’re thrilled to announce that Kasmann Insurance is now sponsoring a charging station at the Activity and Recreation Center (ARC) at 1701 W

The National Fire Prevention Association’s latest blog post reminds us that while Spring is in the air, potentially harmful carbon dioxide could still be in the air as well. Click here to read more.

Your Auto insurance renewal packet just came in the mail, and you pulled your new ID cards out from the pile of paperwork and got them ready to replace your expiring ones next month.  Great job!  But what about all those other papers that came in your renewal packet? While your updated ID cards are

HELPFUL TIPS FROM OUR PARTNERS AT FOREMOST INSURANCE I can only imagine a few things worse than waking up in the morning and discovering the unexpected – you’ve been robbed! You may feel violated, and then angry…and then confused. You might think, “Who would do this, and how did it slip right under my nose?”

Happy New Year!  2020 is looking fantastic so far at the Kasmann Insurance Agency, and we hope it will bring you and your family great things.  As the official “holiday” season winds down, and our lives return to a more normal schedule, it’s a great time to re-assess fire safety knowledge and procedures in all

HELPFUL INFORMATION FROM OUR PARTNERS AT AUTO-OWNERS INSURANCE – What Cybercriminals Don’t Want You to Know Thieves are working extra hard this tax season to steal your information and gain access to your money. These cybercriminals use email and phone scams to trick taxpayers into revealing valuable information. In a tax tip article, “Don’t take

Now that we’re firmly in the holiday season, it seems that everyone is out shopping for those deals and must-have presents.  This means that parking lots are going to see a lot more action this month – and a lot more accidents.  Parking lots have some unique features that may affect how fault is assigned

HELPFUL TIPS FROM OUR PARTNERS AT FOREMOST Did you know that Americans produce more trash during the holidays than any other time of year? 25% more, to be exact.¹

It’s happened to all of us – we step out of the door in the morning, dressed and ready for a great day, we go to start our car’s engine and … nothing – someone left the lights on last night and now the car’s battery is dead.  After a brief moment of panicked rage,

AN ARTICLE FROM THE FOREMOST BLOG Homes become vacant for many reasons. Maybe your home is for sale but you haven’t found a buyer yet. Or you’ve purchased a new home but won’t move in for a while. It could be a rental property that’s between tenants. Whatever the cause, there are some insurance risks

Adventure-filled books, educational toys, adorable clothes, cuddly stuffed animals – a child receives so many wonderful gifts from friends and family when they enter the world.  How many presents will a child truly benefit from – and how many will significantly impact a child’s future and family?  As a parent or grandparent, there is a

From household poisons to cold weather hazards, there are so many important safety issues to consider for your pet during the fall. Follow these tips from our partners at Foremost to make sure your furry friends stay healthy and safe!

We hope by now that you know two things about Kasmann Insurance: 1. We sell personal and commercial insurance products from a variety of carriers and will do our best to match our best product with the best price for our customers. 2. We LOVE animals, especially the rescued kind. Because of this passion, the

September is Life Insurance Awareness month and we want to make sure our customers are conscious of a few common facts provided by our partners at Auto-Owners Insurance Company. Life insurance is one of those products that most everyone knows they need; however, most people do not purchase coverage until an important life event motivates

ADAS The auto industry has advanced their safety technology quite a bit in the last few years.  You can now buy vehicles with the following options: These safety features can reduce the number of vehicle accidents, as well as the damage and injuries that result.  The anti-theft features make it harder for someone to steal

HELPFUL INFORMATION FROM OUR PARTNERS AT FOREMOST INSURANCE The Foremost Blog There is a common misconception that being a landlord is a great, easy way to make some money, but that is often not the case. Renting out a property can be a time-consuming and energy-draining task, but it has its’ perks.

It’s summer and despite the heat, Mid-Missouri yards are lush and growing.  As part of the upkeep of your yard you may be thinking about trimming some trees this season, whether you’re protecting your home from future damage or you have left-over damage from a winter or spring storm.  Did you know that well maintained

HELPFUL INFORMATION FROM OUR PARTNERS AT FOREMOST INSURANCE PROVIDED BY PET HEALTH NETWORK Help your pooch make the most out of summer Dog Checkups & Preventive Care Our pets love summer just as much as we do! For many, it’s the best time of year to be out, about, and enjoying all that the season

HELPFUL INFORMATION FROM OUR PARTNERS AT FOREMOST INSURANCE PROVIDED BY ConnectSafely.org If you’re a parent, it’s hard to keep an eye on what your teens do 24/7, including what they do on social media. Make sure they aren’t putting their safety at risk by going over this helpful guide!

There are approximately 76 million baby boomers currently living in our country.  Studies show that 52-70% of them will require long-term medical care due to a chronic illness, injury, disability, or age-related issues. Medicare and most private health plans do not pay for a majority of the services provided in long-term care.  If you have assets to protect and want to manage your options for your own care, you...

AN ARTICLE FROM OUR PARTNERS AT AUTO-OWNERS INSURANCE: Don’t Allow Your Business to Fall into these Common Coverage Gaps With the daily grind of project management, subcontractors, and employees, many entrepreneurs simply do not have the time to consider which commercial insurance is best for their business. This is especially true given all of the,

Electric scooters have arrived in your college town! Now what? How will they be regulated by the local government? Who will be held liable for injuries or damage? Will your personal insurance cover you?

AN ARTICLE FROM OUR PARTNERS AT AUTO-OWNERS INSURANCE: Do you share ownership in a business? If so, what would happen to your company if one of the owners were to pass away? A buy-sell agreement funded with life insurance could be the exact protection needed to keep your business running.

Thinking about renting out a room in your home for a little extra cash? According to AirBNB, you could make up to $455 monthly by renting out one room in your home.  That may seem like a nice addition to your income, but there are some factors to consider before making a final decision.  Did

AN ARTICLE FROM OUR PARTNERS AT TRAVELERS INSURANCE: By Scott Humphrey Second Vice President, Risk Control CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of any carbon-containing material, including gasoline, natural gas, propane, coal or wood. CO is dangerous because it replaces oxygen in the blood and interferes with the transport of

A lot has changed in the past couple years since we first wrote about ridesharing (the service where you obtain a ride through a smartphone app for a fee). There are several transportation network companies (TNC’s) who provide this service; however, Uber and Lyft are still the most recognized.  With time, usage has increased in

An article from our partners at Auto-Owners Insurance:   Estimating Your Life Insurance Needs It’s that time of year, again: Time to reset the new year with a resolution. What type of resolutions have you set for this year? Was it a new weight-loss goal? Was it putting more money into savings? Taking up a

While the agents at Kasmann Insurance are no longer the party animals we once were, our pets try to make up for it!  Enjoy photos of our dogs and cats partying the night away to ring in 2019.  We wish all of our current and potential customers a safe and joyous new year.  Remember to

Throughout the year, Kasmann Insurance has focused our efforts on educating our clientele about commercial insurance. To wrap this year up, we would like to dedicate December to people who work from home.  According to Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, more than two-thirds of businesses in the United States start from home, while more than 59% continue

As a business owner, you have already purchased insurance to protect your liability, property, autos and workers.  Throughout this year, the agents at Kasmann Insurance have stressed the importance of certain commercial coverages that we receive a lot of questions about, or feel are often overlooked.  Commercial Umbrella insurance is one of those products that

Equipment breaks. We’ve got a coverage for that!  What would you do if your business equipment experienced a mechanical breakdown and your production and business income suffered as a result?  Let the agents at Kasmann Insurance Agency help you mitigate your commercial losses with a wide variety of coverages and options, including Equipment Breakdown.

If you have been unable to tell, either by visiting their website or office, the agents at Kasmann Insurance are crazy about animals.  More specifically, they are crazy about fostering and rescuing cats and dogs in the Columbia community.  You’ve heard that some people are “cat people” while others prefer dogs?  The agency is pretty

Are you a business owner with a commercial auto policy? Or, are you an employee furnished with a company car? Do you know if you have proper coverage when you drive a rented or borrowed vehicle? Let Kasmann Insurance Agency help!  Let us answer your questions to clear up any confusion about whether you, your

You’ve heard of Workers’ Compensation – it’s the insurance that employers purchase for their employees to cover any work-related injuries or illnesses. Federal employees are covered under the Federal Workers’ Compensation program, but all other workers in the country are mandated by state laws and regulations.

Our country has seen an increase in mass shootings in recent years, especially in seemingly safe places like schools and churches.  Because churches are public buildings, and often boast open door policies with little to no security, they have become more susceptible to mindless acts of violence.  Do you know if your church has put

Click here to read the content About the Publication: Columbia Business Times “Columbia’s only B2B magazine that provides an in-depth analysis of business issues and the key personalities that impact our community. Your resource for business news, networking, professional development, and nonprofit opportunities.”    

Mark it on your calendar – May 26th and 27th – and come enjoy free parking and admission to the 30th Annual Salute to Veterans Corporation Memorial Day Weekend Celebration Airshow! Click here for the 2018 Public Service Announcement

  When was the last time you heard news about a major corporation suffering from a data breach?  Last week? Today? Big companies receive big media attention, but did you know that 71% of cyber attacks are on small businesses? In fact, according to Industry and Business, 95% of credit card breaches reported by Visa Inc.

  Nonprofit organizations operate differently than for-profit businesses; therefore, they have different risks and insurance needs.  While all organizations should have General Liability Insurance (often referred to as “slip and fall insurance”), the amounts and types of insurance needed beyond that depends on the work being done, services provided, or people involved.  

The premium for certain commercial insurance policies is based on the classification of business and on how much business is done (payroll, sales, etc.).  General liability, liquor liability, and workers compensation rates are initially estimated at the beginning of the policy term.  Once the policy term expires, or the policy is cancelled, the insurance company

Join us on a journey through time! We began as the Sampson Agency in 1923, later converted to the Sampson-Kasmann Agency in 1962, and after Norris Sampson’s retirement in the late 1960’s, the name became Kasmann Insurance Agency, Inc as we know it today.  Click on the Timeline below or follow this link  to see what

Just like superheroes, the agents at Kasmann Insurance have sidekicks. Unlike most superheroes, our sidekicks happen to have four legs and a tail. We introduced you to our fun-loving, furry friends once before, but there have been quite a few updates and additions since then.   Bill Kasmann’s “Little Dog Squad” Peanut, Sammy, Pippa, and

Whole life is the most versatile financial instrument ever devised for the protection of families and businesses and the creation and enhancement of wealth. To appreciate the great values of this type of life insurance protection, this article explores how it works, its uses, its benefits and the options you have in structuring a contract

Have you noticed your auto insurance rates keep creeping up every renewal?  You’re not alone.  In fact, it is probably one of the biggest complaints insurance agents currently hear.  If you haven’t had any tickets or accidents, and your car keeps getting older, then why does your auto insurance keep getting more expensive?  The agents

If you watch television you are probably familiar with commercials for the Gerber Grow-Up® Plan.  “For just pennies a day, you can help your child get off to a good financial start!”  Doesn’t that sound like a fantastic idea? As parents, isn’t it our job to help plan for our children’s’ future and get them

Summer is about over, which means it’s almost time for our favorite, furry Stephen’s Lake Park event, otherwise known as Paws in the Park.  As a client of the Kasmann Insurance Agency, you probably already know Shannon Kasmann. Aside from helping run things at the agency, Shannon jokes that she has a second full-time job

Long Term Care insurance (LTCi) is an extremely important part of a financial plan. LTC insurance came into existence approximately 35 years ago. As a result, we are experiencing constant change in the types of policies available in addition to makeup of the “typical buyer” of LTCi. This type of insurance includes a wide range

At the Kasmann Insurance Agency, we regularly take phone calls and answer our customer’s questions about their coverage. Sometimes, we’ll notice a trend in the questions asked, and while some questions are common for us, they are not common knowledge for the general public. As a follow-up to last month’s Frequently Asked Auto Questions, the agents

Disability income insurance claims have increased dramatically over the last several years. It seems that there are also a large number of claim being denied. Insurance companies claims departments  have been told to “tighten-up.” Claims that would have once been routinely paid are now being denied due to industry trends, misunderstandings, lack of consumer knowledge,

At the Kasmann Insurance Agency in Columbia, Missouri, we regularly take phone calls and answer our customer’s questions about their auto coverage.  Sometimes, we’ll notice a trend in the questions asked, and while some questions are common for us, they are not common knowledge for the general public.  The agents in our office have compiled

For many years, especially when the estate tax exemption was low, the focus of estate planning strategies with life insurance often shifted to how the minimum premium can be leveraged for maximum death benefit. With the 2017 estate tax exemption at $5.49M for individuals and $10.98M for married couples, the time may be ripe for

For those of you over 30, you probably remember a time when there was a stigma around meeting people “from the Internet.”  You were probably also taught as a child to never get into cars with strangers.  Fast forward to 2017 – a time full of technology, smart phones, apps, and ridesharing.  Ridesharing is literally

A Key Person is someone whose skills, knowledge, and/or experience make them vital to the company’s continued success.

What does Memorial Day mean to you? Perhaps it signifies the first day of summer marked by back yard pool parties, barbecues, and baseball.  It is so much more than opening day for community pools or a three-day weekend, though.  

ASSET – A resource having economic value that an individual, corporation or country owns or controls with the expectation that it will provide future benefit.

  Mark Twain once said, “A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.”  The agents at Kasmann Insurance would like you to know that we will happily sell you an umbrella and we’ll even help you use it

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Learn from the mistakes of others.  You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”  

  “Good morning! Thank you for calling Kasmann Insurance, this is Bill.” “Hi Bill, this is Mr. Jones and I need to turn a claim this morning.” “Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that Mr. Jones. What happened?” “My wife lost her wedding ring.” “Did you have the ring scheduled on an Inland Marine?”

  Spring doesn’t officially begin for a few more weeks and everything outside looks so dreary and feels so cold. We haven’t had much snow this year, but we have had enough unseasonably warm days teasing us to make it seem as though the grass has been dead for years now. Are you having a

Question: I received non-taxable life insurance proceeds, valued at $80,000 and want to share it with another sibling. Will my sibling have to pay taxes on the money?

When it comes to financial planning, many people have a wide variety of goals that extend far beyond simply securing a monthly income stream during retirement—which means that standard annuity and life insurance products may fall short. 

In an effort to show just how important pets are to an employee and employers’ well-being, Auto Owners has partnered with FIGO Pet Insurance and announced its new Pet Health Insurance Plan offered through Kasmann Insurance Agency.

When it comes to purchasing insurance for your car(s), home, business, or even life, it is always a good idea to shop around.  Insurance is a competitive industry and you may be bombarded with advertisements offering to save you an average of $436 per year with one company; or faster, easier online service with another.

Please welcome the newest agent on the Kasmann team, Anne Reynolds, who comes to us from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  Anne has always enjoyed the flexibility and challenges of working for small businesses, and in 2013 she joined a fledgling insurance agency in Pennsylvania.  She has held a Producer’s license for three years, and specializes in

  As a successful business owner you do not like surprises – especially when it comes to money. That’s why it is important to plan for unexpected events that may affect your business. Have you thought about what would happen if one of your co-workers were to die unexpectedly? Where would you get the money

  As a society, we generally like to be prepared for emergencies, don’t we?  As consumers, we are happy to buy things that protect us and the safety of our families.  You’ve seen deer whistles for sale in stores and you may know people who have them, or have some yourself. 

  Another year is winding down to a close. The leaves have already fallen and the temperature will continue to.  We were safe on the road during Halloween, we have already completed our Fall Home Maintenance checklists, we have made our holiday shopping lists and are doing our best to protect our identities. Now what?

Long Term Care includes a wide range of medical and support services for people with a degenerative condition (e.g. Parkinson’s, stroke, etc.), a prolonged illness (cancer) or cognitive disorder (Alzheimer’s). Long Term Care is not necessarily medical care but rather “custodial care.” Custodial care involves providing an individual assistance with activities of daily living or

  It’s the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and it’s called Black Friday for a reason.  Over the past 30 years, the amount of money shoppers spend on the Friday after Thanksgiving has provided many companies the ability to turn a profit for the year, finally getting “out of the red” and “into the

  They’ve got their costumes, the month couldn’t seem to go by fast enough, and now they are anxiously anticipating the sugar…otherwise known as Trick-or-Treating.  Halloween is one of a kid’s favorite holidays each year and they tend to get so enthusiastic about it that they forget about safety. Even if you aren’t responsible for

  It’s finally fall!  For lots of folks fall means cooler weather, a change in wardrobe (get out your sweaters, corduroy, and suede!), leaves changing beautiful colors, and the ever popular pumpkin spice. For home insurance professionals, it means it’s time to prepare your home for cold temperatures! The agents at Kasmann Insurance would like you

  If you have lived in mid-Missouri for any length of time, you have probably experienced a hail storm.  They typically happen around here a few times every year with hail season coming to an end in October. It’s fairly easy to see if you have hail damage to the exterior of your vehicle, but

As a client of Kasmann Insurance, you’ve probably met and/or worked with Shannon Kasmann.  The agency featured an article about her a few months ago in which she joked that her other full-time job is as an animal advocate and volunteer.  Shannon has been proudly serving as a volunteer with Columbia’s Second Chance for over

Schools are back in session and summer is almost over.  Perhaps you couldn’t find the time to get away this summer, but are looking for a little adventure before temperatures cool down.  Maybe you’re planning a trip this fall and are looking for ideas.  Did you know Missouri has 453 small towns with populations less

On the money you have saved and/or invested, would you rather pay Federal taxes now, later or do not pay them at all?

Do you have a child that is attending college this year? We want to make sure your son or daughter has the proper coverage.

We are pleased to introduce you to another one of our skilled agents on the Kasmann team, Stacey Page. Stacey has been employed in the insurance industry for 19 years and has held a Producer’s License that entire time. Her experience includes small agency offices to large corporate branch, including Personal Lines underwriting with Auto-Owners

In general, when you think about insurance agents, we doubt the first cliché that comes to mind is “kids in a pet shop.” That’s exactly how we feel right now though, because we have an exciting new product to offer our clients!  FIGO Pet Insurance has recently partnered with Auto-Owners and we can now provide

  The Fourth of July is fast approaching and with it, the peak of summertime fun chock-full of picnics, barbeques, parades, ice cream, and of course, fireworks.  It’s usually a really exciting day for people of all ages!  It’s also a crazy busy day for dog shelters, since more dogs run away on this holiday

  Remember the “Baby Swimming and Surviving” video floating around Facebook or YouTube in years past?  It shows a toddler in a blue fuzzy sleeper falling into an in-ground swimming pool at home and then he simply kicks to reach the surface and rolls safely on to his back.  Brace yourselves, it’s pool season again,

You probably know Progressive has been selling Auto Insurance for quite some time now, right?  We’ve all seen the commercials with Flo, whether she’s with her family or on an adventure with a sparkly unicorn. Progressive is now offering Homeowner’s Insurance in Missouri, too! Kasmann Insurance Agency is one of the only agencies in Columbia

  May is the month to remember Memorial Day, which is also sometimes still referred to as, “Decoration Day.”  This national holiday has been celebrated for almost 150 years as a time to remember family and loved ones who served in our military and have passed before us.

We are pleased to introduce you to one of our skilled insurance agents on the Kasmann team, Shannon Kasmann. Kasmann Insurance Agency was orginally Sampson Insurance and founded by Shannon’s grandfather, Norris Sampson, in 1923. Shannon loves working with her family and carrying on the insurance legacy of what is now a third generation business. 

You know that dog in the neighborhood who looks all cute and cuddly, but really likes to try to make a snack out of every jogger that runs by? Maybe that’s your dog? If so, it’s in your best interest to make sure your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers your furry (possibly devilish) pal. That’s

Just like superheroes, at Kasmann Insurance we have sidekicks. Unlike most superheroes, our sidekicks happen to have four legs and a tail. We are so excited to introduce to you our fun-loving, furry friends!

Remember last year in November when it seemed like the whole state of Missouri was underwater? We do too. It was reported by the University of Missouri Climate Center as the wettest November on record for Missouri.  The average monthly total of rainfall was nearly 8 inches, 5 inches above normal. With all of that

We are pleased to introduce you to the newest member of the Kasmann team, insurance agent, John Bangs. John has an ongoing joke that he likes to do things in 30 year blocks. He has been in the insurance industry for 30 years, taught Risk and Insurance a Mizzou for 30 years and was married

In elementary school, getting picked first for the dodgeball team at recess was one of the best compliments. It meant you were a smart, agile competitor and the team captain wanted you more than anyone else. Kasmann Insurance Agency recently had the adult, insurance equivalent to that feeling, and we are so excited to share

Kasmann Insurance is a third-generation Independent Insurance Agency.  Instead of selling insurance for one company, we are able to tap into the resources and expertise of many different companies.  This allows us to provide you with the best plans and options for all your personal and business insurance needs.