Need to Make a Homeowners Claim? Here’s What You Need to Know.

We all hope it never happens, but there is always the possibility that something could go wrong and a homeowners insurance claim needs to be made. Damages can be caused by many things including fire, lightning, or theft, but no matter the incident, taking the right steps after the fact can help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.

We have compiled a list of important things to know and do if you ever find yourself in this situation. Use this as a baseline and always know your Customer Service Agent at Schwarz Insurance is here to help.

Stay Safe

The most important rule to follow when your home is damaged is to make sure you stay safe. If you are away from your home when damage occurs, careful

Jackie Smith & Mary Aeschlimann achieve nation-wide recognition for helping consumers with qualified health coverage

Agents Jackie Smith & Mary Aeschlimann have been recognized for their hard work and expertise in helping consumers enroll in and manage qualified health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

This achievement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a member of the 2020 Marketplace Circle of Champions highlights Mary & Jackie's success in actively enrolling 20 or more consumers during this Open Enrollment Period.

“Agents and brokers play a vital role in helping consumers access qualified health coverage and navigate their new health insurance plans throughout the year,” said Randy Pate, Director of the Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight within CMS, which oversees the Marketplace. “We thank Mary & Jackie for their dedication to providing exceptional service in helping Americans get coverage.”

The Marketplace Circle of Champions program recognizes the hard work, expertise, and service of Marketplace-registered agents and brokers. Agents and brokers who assist 20 or more consumers qualify for the Marketplace Circle of Champions.

Eligible consumers can enroll in Marketplace coverage during this year’s Open Enrollment Period, which runs November 1 – December 15, 2019. Consumers with questions about their coverage or who would like help enrolling, can make an appointment with Mary or Jackie by calling Stacy at 608-644-8592.

Schwarz Becomes President and CEO of Nearly Century-Old Local Business

An active employee since 1987 and a co-owner of the company since 1993, Kathy Schwarz has been named by the Schwarz Insurance Board of Directors as the President and CEO of the organization. As an owner she will lead the 100-year-old company. Schwarz clients will experience additional opportunities and increased market share in Wisconsin. 

Based in Prairie du Sac, Schwarz Insurance is a full-service independent insurance agency administering more than $100 million in premiums for business, home, auto, health, life, employee benefits and agribusiness. The agency is also a recognized leader in ACA compliance and education.

“I am so grateful that Kathy will be taking over leadership of the company,” shares retired second-generation owner and Kathy’s uncle, Bob Schwarz. “Kathy grew up in the business. She knows the insurance industry from the inside out and is a great salesperson because she truly cares about people and their success. I have absolute confidence in her!”

Like her grandfather, father and uncle before her, Schwarz considers everyone who works at Schwarz Insurance part of her extended family.

“I’ve always been proud of the fact that both employees and clients stay here forever,” Kathy says. “The incredible loyalty makes everyone here feel like family. I’ve known these people my whole life. There are people who have worked here since I was a teenager. The Sc

Are you an Uber or a Lyft driver? Have you thought about what your insurance covers and what the Uber or Lyft insurance covers? This video highlights a major flaw in the program insurance and an exclusion on your own that may not cover you if you are on the clock. Thanks Integrity Insurance for putting together this great video.

Ridesharing Gap Coverage from Integrity Insurance from Integrity Mutual on Vimeo.

Open Enrollment is only a few weeks away -- signup begins November 1, 2016. Before you register, it's important to understand exactly what you're signing up for. Explore the following glossary containing terms to help you make decision regarding your insurance coverage.

Actuarial Value: The percentage of total average costs for covered benefits that a plan will cover. For example, if a plan has an actuarial value of 70%, on average, you would be responsible for 30% of the costs of all covered benefits.

Allowed Amount: Maximum amount insurance will pay on a specific health care service. If your provider charges more than this amount, you might have to pay the difference.

Claim: A request for payment that you or your health care provider submits to your health insurer when you get items or services you think are covered.

Coinsurance: Your cost for a covered health care service, calculated as a percentage of the allowed amount. You pay this fee along with any deductible.

Copayment: A fixed amount of money you pay for a covered health care service. The amount can vary depending on the insurance coverage you have.

Deductible: The amount you owe before your insurance plan begins to cover health care services. The deductible may not apply to all services (for example, many insurance plans completely cover a yearly physical).

Dependent: An individual for whom a parent, relative or other person may claim a personal exe