NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: Saving More and Wasting Less

On behalf of all the staff at Belgium Insurance Group, we Wish You A Happy 2010!  It’s hard to believe that another year has begun…not to mention another decade.  And as the song Auld Lang Syne began to play on New Year’s Eve, many of us were thinking about the New Year and what changes we could make.  Many of us made resolutions to eat healthier, exercise more, or even kick an old habit or two.  Some of us may have even had a few thoughts about saving more and wasting less.  Now is the perfect time to do a review of insurance, savings and retirement.  At Belgium Insurance Group, we can offer a minimum of three suggestions to jump-start your resolution of saving more money and wasting less!

Today, most of us are watching our pennies carefully and making every cent count.  We think twice about our purchases and whether or not it is a want or a necessity.  And the same thoughts are true about insurance, savings and retirement.  But we all know that at any moment our lives could be changed forever.  The keys is thinking about the “what if” situations and making changes so the “what if” situations do not impact us as hard and thinking ahead to our financial goals and then starting on the path to get there.

We plan for a great vacation, and in scouts we learned to Be Prepared.  But in real life, the tendency is to motor along and think about saving more and wasting less tomorrow.  As 2010 begins, we all are putting our best foot forward in making it better.  We feel it is our responsibility to make our future better, and what great way to start by reviewing insurance, savings and retirement.

Contact the specialists at Belgium Insurance Group today.  Our team can review your insurance, savings and retirement and offer a minimum of three suggestions to jump-start your 2010 New Year Resolution to start saving more and wasting less.  Better hurry, 2011 is going to be here before we know it!

Call Belgium Insurance Group today (877) 285-3599 for a FREE review of your insurance, savings and retirement and find out three suggestions to jump-start your resolution of saving more money and wasting less!  Let us help you start making 2010 everything you want it to be and more, while planning for the future.  We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Why choose Belgium Insurance?

I was recently asked “Why your agency versus another? And provide at least 20 reasons why?” Wow! What a great question and challenge. As a team (our office), we came up with over 50 different reasons including our award-winning customer service, our ethics and honesty, and our combined years of knowledge and experience. However, there was one reason that continued to surface in our conversation, which I found difficult to put in to words. The best way for me to describe it for you is to share my own Farmers story:

Prior to choosing Farmers for an agency, I had been a Farmers customer for 17+ years. My agents, Sue and Buddy Dwyer, were like family. I stopped in to their office often just to chat. They were there when Susan and I were married, and my children (3 boys) being born. Many times my friends and family asked me why I stayed, knowing I could save at least $200 or more per year in premium if I’d shop and change. My explanation then and now remains the same…I knew without a doubt that Sue and Buddy had my best interests at heart. I knew if I had a claim, problem, question, they would be there to answer and/or take care of me. They were not perfect, they made a mistake or two in the time I was with them, YET–I always knew Sue and Buddy’s heart…they cared about me and my family. This is what our agency desires to pass on to each client, to each prospect. I call it my “Sue and Buddy Legacy”. They gave me a legacy of exemplary service and friendship, and Lord-willing I/we will always pass that on to our clients and prospects.

I am sure you may be asking what happened to Sue and Buddy. I remained with them until they passed on, and I am so grateful for their many years of friendship.

So, why should you consider our agency? I hope and pray that my true life story above explains and encourages you to consider giving us an opportunity to earn your business.

Paul

It Might Be Possible To Use Your Retirement to Save Your Home from Foreclosure

In light of all the economic news, it might be possible to use your retirement to save your home from foreclosure.  On May 21, 2009, The State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced the preliminary unemployment rate for April 2009 was 8.8 percent, which is slightly down from March 2009, but still higher than April 2008, when the unemployment rate for Wisconsin was 4.6 percent.  2008 ended with a 62% increase over 2007 in home foreclosures in the State of Wisconsin.  Simply put, approximately 1 in 128 homes in Wisconsin is in some state of foreclosure.  These numbers are astonishing.  But at Belgium Insurance Group, we are here to try and help you determine if it might be possible to use your retirement to save your home from foreclosure.

Established businesses have been forced to close their doors after many years.  Those workers that are now unemployed or have had to take a cut in pay or a cut in hours has caused many families to make some pretty tough decisions.

Many of us have worked hard at building our retirement fund, but in today’s economy many of us wish there was a way it could work for us now.  If you have a retirement plan, there may be a way to use a portion of it, with minimal penalties, to avoid a foreclosure or repossession.  At Belgium Insurance Group, our financial planners can do a FREE FINANCIAL EVALUATION to see if it might be possible to use your retirement to save your home from foreclosure.  You’ve worked hard to get your home, now it’s time to see if your retirement plan can work towards saving your home.

If you have not already done so, there are a few ways to save a little on your insurance as well.  Such as raising your deductible or changing the use of your car to “Pleasure Use.”  The Insurance Specialists at Belgium Insurance Group know that every little bit can help.  Our Specialists can also do a FREE EVALUATION of your insurance as well, and offer suggestions that might save you a little money.

Even if you are not currently a customer of Belgium Insurance Group, we are happy to sit down with you and do a FREE FINANCIAL EVALUATION to see if it might be possible to use your retirement to help get your through these tough times.  Call us today to set up an appointment.

How to Protect Your Home from Burglars

Kristy and Sako

As the warm weather approaches, many of our thinking of vacations, fishing trips, or just a long ride, maybe along some of Wisconsin’s great coast land.  Often times, the getaway might be much needed or just a way to relax and enjoy some of the spectacular things that our state has to offer.  One of the worst feelings in the world is to come home and find that your home has been burglarized.  And most times these are random acts.  It’s a sad fact that when the economy takes a downturn, crime historically increases.  So as you are thinking of taking even a walk around the neighborhood, consider how to protect your home from burglars, before stepping out the door.

At Belgium Insurance Group, we have put together some tips on how to protect your home from burglars.

1.    Be sure to keep the windows and doors closed and securely fastened.  Often times, we leave our windows open, which can be an invitation for burglars.  Consider checking your locks and making sure they are not weak.  Deadbolts should have a one inch throw and a reinforced strike plate which is installed with three inch screws.
2.    Keep your sliding glass doors secure.  Place a piece of plywood or a metal rod in the track or consider installing vertical bolts.  Vertical bolts can help prevent a burglar from forcing the door open or allowing them to lift it off the track.
3.    Always make sure to lock the door to the attached garage.  It’s not a good idea to rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.
4.    Think about ways to create the illusion that someone is home, even when you are not.  For example, put lights on timers or consider leaving the radio on.  If you make your home appear to be occupied, even if no one is home, just might be enough to deter burglars.
5.    There is more to lighting than just inside the home.  Try to keep the outside of your home well lighted.  By installing low voltage outdoor lights not only highlights your home, but it is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders.
6.    If you are going on a trip, pay close attention to the small details that might tip someone off that you are not home.  Consider asking a neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers that are delivered so they do not accumulate.  You might also ask them to park in your driveway or parking place so it appears that you are home.
7.    Trying to keep everyday appearance in your home is important.  This can be done by keeping some blinds and shades up and even curtains open.
8.    Never leave a message on your answering machine saying that you are away from home.  This could make your home vulnerable to burglars while you are gone.
9.    Many people feel that large hedges are beautiful, but what they don’t realize is it provides a place for burglars to hide while there are only taking a minute to break in through a door or a window.  Make sure to keep shrubs trimmed and away from entrances and walkways.
10.    Consider organizing a community watch program to protect your neighborhood.

These simple steps are how to protect your home from burglars.  One of the benefits of homeowners insurance, or renters insurance is they both offer a piece of mind knowing that should an unfortunate event take place, Belgium Insurance Group will help get you back to where you belong.  Contact one of our Insurance Professionals if you would like more information on homeowners insurance, renters insurance or any other type of insurance.

Why is Insurance Important?

Have you ever wondered “What’s the big deal about insurance?“ or “Why is insurance important”?  At Belgium Insurance Group, we answer those questions every day.  Insurance can be explained as a protection plan, whether you are insuring a car, a home or even a life.  Should something unforeseen happen, you can rest assured that your investment into purchasing an insurance policy can ease the stress and worry about the financial aspects.

For example, let say you have a car, and the car is worth $25,000 and you have insurance on the car.  Now you might be thinking, in these times I am fortunate enough to have a car, and trying to afford auto insurance is hard.  Now comes the question, Why is Insurance Important?  But what if you get into an accident and your car is not drivable and needs to be repaired.  Now what?  There is a certain part of worry that is reduced when you have insurance.  If you were at fault, you would have to pay your deductible and your insurance company would pay the balance.  If you were not at fault the other person’s insurance, if they have it, would be responsible for repairing the damage to your vehicle.  Many of our policies have provisions to take care of your vehicle even if the accident was not your fault and the other driver does not have insurance.

You could say that insurance gives you piece of mind and if the unforeseen should happen it is our job at Belgium Insurance to make sure that we help in getting your life back to where it was before the accident.
So call Belgium Insurance Group today, and find out how our insurance plans can save you money in the future.  There are many options to make insurance affordable and our professional staff can explain all the options and make sure that your insurance needs are taken care of.

Now you can see, why is insurance important.  Should an accident occur, it can save you money and worry.  We certainly have enough to worry about today, so why worry about what you should do if you have an accident. It is equally important to have home insurance and life insurance and with Belgium Insurance Group, have multiple insurance policies can offer big discounts while still offering great protection in the event of an unforeseen loss.  Call the Insurance Experts at Belgium Insurance today!

Insuring Motorcycles, ATVs, Boats, Jet-skis and Campers

Let’s face it, as the weather warms up here in Wisconsin, most of us are thinking less about work and more about play. We want to get out and enjoy each day. The winters always seem to long and the summers to short. And many of us are thinking about bringing our warm weather toys out of winter storage. You know what I am talking about, motorcycles, ATV, boats, jet-skis, and campers just to name a few. We know you have worked hard to get them and we work hard at making sure they are properly insured. So call us today and start making arrangements for insuring your motorcycle, ATV, boat, jet-ski or camper, because heaven forbid should something happen, it is important to us that we work together to get you back where you belong, enjoying the summer. At Belgium Insurance Group, we offer a full line up of insurance services including motorcycle insurance, ATV insurance, boat insurance, jet-ski insurance and camper insurance.

Getting insurance for your summer toys is easy. It starts with a phone call to Belgium Insurance. If you are already a customer of ours, GREAT! We can easily add a policy for motorcycle insurance, ATV insurance, boat insurance, jet-ski insurance and camper insurance. And if you have not had the opportunity to meet the Insurance Specialists at Belgium Insurance Group, we invite you to give us a call and see first-hand how we are ready to start working for you today! We evaluate each customer’s needs and find the policy that is right for them and at affordable prices too. We work hard at providing the best value and experience for every customer we are privileged to serve. And there is more…you will find we offer affordable insurance too.

So don’t delay a minute longer, call the Insurance Specialists at Belgium Insurance Group today we can help save you money on insurance so you can spend more time enjoying your motorcycle, ATV, boat, Jet-ski and camper. We’re ready to start saving you money on insuring your summer toys and giving you the chance to spend more time enjoying them. Call today and get the insurance you need so you are ready for the next warm day. And you can rest easy knowing that you have motorcycle insurance, ATV insurance, boat insurance, jet-ski insurance and camper insurance and you are ready to enjoying the great outdoors.

Health Insurance Plans for the Unemployed

Even if you are not unemployed, we as a society have learned that there is an uncertainty in our economy.  The frivolous are watching their spending, the budget conscience are being even more thrifty and the top news is the unemployment rate is continuing to rise.  At Belgium Insurance Group, we work hard every day to provide the best value for your insurance needs.  We would like to announce that we have several affordable health insurance plans for unemployed and the thrifty and everyone in between, so whether you are just watching your budget or you are unemployed, call the Health Insurance Professionals at Belgium Insurance Group.  We will discuss your needs and try to find an affordable health insurance for the least cost.

Being unemployed does not mean that you should have to give up your health insurance.  After all, should something happen and you don’t have health insurance, the effects could be devastating.  And today, everyone has a lot on their mind and having the peace of mind on your insurance coverage is important.

In these tough times here are a few suggestions beside health insurance options for the unemployed:

1.    Consider raising your deductibles – just changing from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible could save you up to 40% in some instances.
2.    If you have become unemployed let your agent know, you might be eligible to change your usage to “Pleasure Use” which is means you would be driving less miles annually and you could have a savings on your Auto Insurance.
3.    Consider setting up an appointment with one of Belgium Insurance Group’s Financial Planners to discuss the options if you had a savings or retirement plan.
4.    Consider reviewing your Health Insurance options with one of our Specialists.  There may be a plan that would cost less than a COBRA plan.
5.    Plan a review of all your insurance coverage.  This is one of those instances where it is a life changing situation and your needs for insurance coverage will also have changed.

Remember, at Belgium Insurance Group, we educate our clients on insurance and investing, and simplify the process.  Call us today to set up an appointment to review your insurance and discuss your options, so we can make the necessary changes to start saving the money you have worked so hard to earn.  We offer several options for Health Insurance for the unemployed.

Gaining Financial Strength

In the March 2, 2009 issue of Crain’s Chicago Business, one of the headlines reads “Pension bombs going off” The article then explains how the pension funds of some of the major companies like Boeing Co., Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Caterpillar Inc., and Exelon Corp. have been pounded by the market. These unfunded pension liabilities have to be subtracted from the shareholders equity, weakening their balance sheets at a time when borrowing money is tough. These major corporations are facing the decision of paying their pension plans or staying in business. A far cry from gaining financial strength in today’s economy.

Farmers Insurance was founded in 1929, the year before The Crash and the beginning of the Great Depression. Farmers Insurance has done business during depressions, recessions, wars and just about every other possible condition in between. At Belgium Insurance Group, we have learned to be honest, conservative, caring and always ready to help in the community. We’ve helped those you have kept America growing and are constantly working towards gaining financial strength.

At Belgium Insurance Group we work hard for our customers on a daily basis. We are more than a name, we are the future. We see the world as prudent, but also optimistic. We do our best to make careful decisions to avoid unnecessary risk. In these uncertain times, we offer a measure of certainty. We can help you find solid ground and get you back where you belong on the road towards gaining strength in your finances.

Our insurance and financial solutions are the solid ground that Belgium Insurance Group is built on. We are often asked which investments give the most money for retirement. Investments are subjective to risk, and the best recommendation is to meet with a Financial Planner at Belgium Insurance Group. There is never a way to guarantee a return on investments and there is always risk involved. We can provide information regarding investment products and can evaluate your present financial situation. We can discuss your future investment needs and goals and take an in depth look at your financial picture. Together we can find products that are the best fit for your goals allowing you to gain financial strength.

Don’t wait a minute longer, call and schedule a meeting with a Belgium Insurance Group Financial Planner. Together we can start a road map to make your financial goals a reality. The future starts tomorrow, so call us today!

Wisconsin Restaurant Expo 2009!

Belgium Insurance Group is excited to be an exhibitor at the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo 2009!

This year, we will be located in booth 1002.  The Wisconsin Restaurant Expo is being held March 9, 10 & 11th at the Milwaukee Airlines Center.  Exhibitors will be there featuring Everything Foodservice including Everything Insurance!  Belgium Insurance Group is a leader in proving restaurant insurance and risk management for small businesses, especially restaurants throughout Wisconsin.  If you will be attending the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo, we would love to take a few moments to introduce ourselves and the products and services we offer.  Our professional staff can help in taking the worries out of restaurant insurance and risk management, leaving you more time to focus on your restaurant.  Small Business Insurance and Risk Management is one of our specialties, and our Restaurant Insurance rates are competitive.

Belgium Insurance Group is an independent Farmers Insurance Agency.  We know that the restaurant industry is more complex than ever and we offer products that keep you covered for unexpected occurrences.  Our All-In-One Restaurant Package includes Business Liability, Property, Crime and other coverage specifically designed to meet your restaurant insurance needs.  If your restaurant is elegant, trendy, traditional, ethnic or home-style, Belgium Insurance Group has the package that is just right for you.  We offer restaurant insurance for:

• Buffets
• Cafes
• Cafeterias
• Carry-Out Restaurants
• Coffee Shops
• Fine Dining Restaurants
• Luncheonettes
• Delis
• Diners
• Drive-ins
• Fast Food
• Food Bars
• Family-Style
• Sandwich Shops

Here is just a sample of the coverage options that are available through Belgium Insurance Group:

• Loss of Income and Extra Expenses
• Comprehensive Equipment Breakdown Coverage
• Fire Department Service Charge and Extinguisher Recharge Cost
• Debris Removal & Pollutant Clean-up Cost
• Back-up Sewer and Drain
• Accounts Receivables and Valuable Papers coverage
• Computer Equipment including Media & Records
• Employee Dishonesty
• Forgery & Alteration
• Money & Securities – both inside and outside of the premises
• Money Orders & Counterfeit Currency
• Personal and Advertising Injury Liability
• Employee Benefits Liability
• Liquor Legal Liability
• Automobile Liability
• Workers Compensation and Employers Liability

If you would like more information, stop by and see us in booth 1002.  We look forward to meeting you at the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo!  If you are unable to attend the expo and you are interested in a FREE RISK MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT or a FREE INSURANCE EVALUATION, please contact us today at

Our Small Business Insurance and Risk Management Specialists are ready to end your worries about insurance.

Wisconsin Insurance Specialists

If you are looking for insurance, call the Wisconsin Insurance Specialists at Belgium Insurance Group. Our insurance specialists are ready to educate you and design insurance coverage that is right for you.  You have heard the saying “no two people are alike” and at Belgium Insurance Group, our insurance specialists understand that every person is different and so are their insurance needs.  We focus on providing the best value and experience for every customer we are privileged to serve.

We offer insurance coverage designed especially for you for your auto, home, boat, atv, motorcycle, and even a precious life.  We also offer Small Business Insurance and Risk Management.  We understand that in today’s economy, money is an issue to everyone and we won’t sell you more insurance than you need.  Together we carefully evaluate what is necessary and we look for all the possible discounts that may apply.  Another exciting thing to know is that at Belgium Insurance Group we offer a variety of payment options and plans.  As life changes, together we reevaluate your insurance coverage and your insurance needs.

Unlike many other insurance companies, Customer Satisfaction is our number one goal.  Our professional and friendly Insurance Specialists will educate you and make certain that you understand your coverage.  And should a question arise later, we are happy to answer them whenever necessary.  We love hearing from our customers!  Once you become a customer of Belgium Insurance Group, we work hard at trying to make you feel like you have a friend in the business.
Rest assured that should you decide to become a customer of Belgium Insurance Group, you don’t just get an agent you get an agency that is yours.  Our Wisconsin Insurance Specialists take the worry out of insurance so you have more time to focus on the other things that are important to you.

At Belgium Insurance Group, we also offer Financial Solutions that help plan for the future.  Whether you have changed jobs and have a retirement plan that needs attention or it is time to start saving for college, our knowledgeable Financial Planners will evaluate and design a Financial Plan to fit you.
We offer convenient office hours too!

To get started in creating a custom designed insurance package or for financial planning, call the Wisconsin Insurance Specialists at Belgium Insurance Group today for a FREE RATE COMPARISON or FINANCIAL EVALUATION.  We look forward to working with you!