Forward Mutual Insurance Company

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How to Handle Spring Wind Damage to Your Home

High spring winds cause damage to homes

Last week wind gusts in excess of 60 mph left many southern Wisconsin homeowners with fallen trees, damaged structures, and loss of doors or shingles.

What’s the best course of action if this happens to you?

  1. Call your agent. Report your damage and determine whether you have a claim to report to Forward Mutual.
  2. Ask for an Adjustor: If you and your agent are unsure of the amount of damage, Forward is happy to send our adjustor out to evaluate and guide your wind repairs.

Wind damage is frustrating. It’s one more thing already-busy homeowners sometimes must add to their list of things to do. That’s why Forward Mutual is here to help and make repairs as stress-free for you as possible. Contact us with any questions!

 

Keep Your Household Dry This Spring

Water leak detection devices can protect your home from damage

In 2015, 35% of homeowner damages filed with Forward Mutual occurred when plumbing failed or pipes froze. In 2016, this percentage decreased to only 4.4%. Besides weather, what might be responsible for such a decrease in water damage to our homeowners this past year?

CEO and President Lois Wiedenhoeft believes educating our insureds was an important factor.

“It’s our goal to assist homeowners in protecting themselves,” says Lois. “So many plumbing products have surfaced in the marketplace that help prevent water damage and this is information we want to share. Prevention eliminates frustration.”

Prevention also saves money. This spring, protect your home from expensive water damage. Here are helpful suggestions from Forward Mutual.

Sump Pump Monitoring

Most homeowners discover their sump pump has failed when the basement has already flooded. Monitoring systems alert homeowners before the damage occurs, either by sounding an alarm or by calling/texting your phone.

Water Leak Detection

Dishwashers and washing machines sometimes overflow. Refrigerator ice and water dispensers sometimes fail. These plumbing disasters wreak havoc on a homeowner’s floor unless they are detected and stopped immediately. Water leak detection systems can do just that—detect and stop leaks. Depending on the system, these devices will sense and alert you of water leaks and/or significant changes in humidity within your home. They can also stop the leak by cutting off the water supply.

If you have any questions about preventing water damage in your home, give Forward Mutual a call. We are here to offer personal attention and peace of mind.

Getting to Know Our Staff

Sarah Mueller, Forward Mutual Insurance CompanyDetermining how much coverage a homeowner should receive or whether to even accept the risk to insure them can be difficult, but with Sarah Mueller at the underwriting helm at Forward Mutual you can be confident it’s being done right.

“I help the agents determine if Forward Mutual is the best fit for the risk,” says Sarah, who serves as Forward Mutual’s customer service manager. “I assist them with writing new business and making changes on existing business. I’m in charge of all inspections. I verify that the risks are without hazards and meet our underwriting rules and guidelines.

“If agents are unsure what do with a risk or how to cover something, I’m always willing to listen and help. I want to help them find the best solution for a homeowner or farmowner.”

When insureds call Forward Mutual and are unclear about their policies, Sarah is there for them as well.

Sarah and her husband Lance live in rural Watertown with their sassy cat Gus. When not working their day jobs, they both work at Donny’s Girl Supper Club. So when asked about free time, Sarah responds with a laugh.

“I enjoy the Brewers in summer and the Packer in winter,” says Sarah. “I also enjoy traveling and am planning a trip to Disney World to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.”

As an insurance underwriter, Sarah knows the value of a well-kept home. She and Lance recently remodeled their laundry/mudroom and are now planning to tackle the outside landscaping.

We at Forward Mutual have enjoyed the 13 years Sarah has been with the company and we appreciate the expertise she offers our customers and agents!

Millennials Needed in Insurance!

Millennials need for the mutual insurance industry

It’s no secret that companies—insurance companies included—are finding it increasingly difficult to fill crucial job positions. The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) President and CEO Chuck Chamness wrote of this recently and emphasized the need to attract a new generation of workers.

“It’s scary to think that by 2020—just three years from now—the insurance industry will need to replace nearly 400,000 positions,” wrote Chamness. “That number is staggering. And what’s more disturbing is many studies have found that the talent gap is the most critical issue we as an industry face.”

While insurance seldom carries a reputation of being exciting, those in the industry find it compelling, challenging and meaningful work. Interestingly, these are the very things important to millennials, a generation of tech-savvy, compassionate and talented professionals who make up the growing percentage of our U.S. workforce.

“Insurance is a great fit for aspiring young professionals who want to make a difference,” said Chamness. “Our industry has plenty to share. We provide highly competitive salaries; we provide job stability; we provide career advancement opportunities; and we are stellar corporate citizens.”

February is Insurance Careers Month and a great time to learn more about working in the mutual insurance industry. Give it some thought!

Getting to Know Our Staff

Ever wonder who’s behind the friendly voice when you call Forward Mutual? Let us introduce Jessica Hill, our customer service assistant. Jessica offers customers and agents an attentive ear and quick responses to their questions. She also works with policy renewals and changes.

“My favorite things about working for Forward Mutual are learning and understanding more about insurance. I love getting to know our insureds when they come in to pay,” says Jessica. “I’m also excited to reconnect with my high school friend, Sarah!”

Jessica and her husband Eric live in Oconomowoc with their cats Maude and Herbie. They’re vagabonds at heart and love exploring new places, biking and pursuing that good cup of coffee. Their latest home projects: painting, new curtains and dreaming of a kitchen remodel!

Through all this, Jessica always has her camera in tow. She started taking pictures for others about five years ago and now is a lifestyle photographer capturing authentic moments of animals, families, children and an occasional wedding. Check out her gorgeous work at jfiess.com!

We at Forward love having Jessica on our team and appreciate the dedicated service she offers our insureds!

 

Continued Education to Serve You Better

Lois Wiedenhoeft is presented with NAMIC Merit Society Award

Forward Mutual is proud to announce its president and CEO Lois Wiedenhoeft was recently presented the NAMIC Merit Society Award for her achievements in continued education.

Mutual insurance professionals regularly pursue rigorous training programs, professional development and other opportunities in order to provide their insureds with the highest quality care. The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) recognizes these individuals and awards them for their dedication.

We at Forward Mutual believe well-educated leadership is the foundation of our mutual and we appreciate Lois for her commitment to learning.

Congratulations, Lois!