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Welcome to the Let's Get Rural Podcast!

Join podcast hosts Renee Carrico and Matt Hilton from Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) as they dive into engaging discussions, colorful stories, and informative interviews with the agriculture community. Listen now to our latest podcast episode.

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The Let's Get Rural Podcast is sponsored by Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance.

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Kentucky Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization dedicated to serving our membership family and their communities.  As the Voice of Agriculture, we identify problems, develop solutions, promote economic success, and enhance the quality of life for all.

Since 1943, people across the state have put their trust in Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance. Today, we insure more than 474,000 Kentucky families and businesses. We have insurance agents in all 120 counties protecting what's important to our fellow Kentuckians, from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes.

With us you're not just a client, you're a member—and we treat you like one. You’ll receive all kinds of great benefits, like discounts on everything from hotels to security systems, and a company and local insurance agent committed to you.

Only one percent of earth’s water is available for us to use—the rest is either frozen or salt water. As the planet’s population continues to grow, our most precious resource grows scarcer. According to the Environmental Protection Association (EPA), the average American family uses more than 300 gallons per day at home—and 70 percent of that is water used indoors.

Fortunately, there are many things we can do to save water in our homes. Read on for some ways to reduce your water consumption: 

1. Shower instead of bathe
   Every now and then, a bath is a great way to wind down, but taking a shower is a much more environmentally-friendly way to scrub-a-dub-dub. According to the EPA, filling a bath tub can use up to 70 gallons of water, while a shower only takes 10 to 25 gallons.
    
2. Turn off the tap
   Simply turning off the tap while you brush your teeth in the morning and at night can save a whopping eight gallons of water per day.
    
3. Test for and fix leaks
   Did you know that a simple toilet leak can waste as much as 200 gallons of water per day? That’s equivalent to flushing your toilet 50 times! Testing for a leak is simple. Place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait 30 minutes. If the color shows up in the bowl without flushing, then you have a leak!
    
4. Wash wisely
   Ah, the age-old dish debate: hand-washing vs. using a dishwasher. Studies show that today’s dishwashers have grown so energy- and water-efficient that they’ve taken the lead. According to the EPA’s Energy Star Program, a new certified dishwasher uses less than half as much energy as washing dishes by hand AND saves nearly 5,000 gallons of water a year. Another tip: Don’t run half-loads. Doing so can quickly add up to dozens of gallons of wasted water.
    
5. Insulate water pipes     
   Have you ever let the taps run full blast while waiting for warm water to flow? We’ve all been there. Insulating your pipes will allow you to get hot water faster so you can avoid wasting water while it heats up.
    
6. Defrost efficiently
   Try to avoid running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Plan ahead to defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Taking steps to conserve water at home is one of the simplest ways to preserve our planet for years to come.

>> KFB lives and works in the Bluegrass State. To see some of the ways we’re invested in helping Kentucky flourish, click here.

Check out the video below and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Tools and Resources.

A home’s water heater is probably not something most people think about very often. After all, it lives out of sight, usually does its job, and only needs replaced about every 8 to 12 years. In fact, most people don’t think about the water heater until their shower is way too cold, or until it happens to leak or burst. The last thing anybody wants is a broken water heater and a flooded residence, so what are the immediate steps that should be taken if a burst does occur, and what can you do prevent this from ever even happening?

What to do immediately after a water heater burst:

• Turn off the supply to the power and water. First things first, it is important to get the tank’s water and power supplies turned off. The quicker this can be done, the less damage you will have to endure.
• Contact a plumber. You may have stopped the flow of water, but in order to fix the problem and decrease the likelihood of permanent damage, it is important to call a plumber so they can take a closer look at the water heater.
• Gather evidence. Having photo evidence will be helpful when making an insurance claim, so be sure to get pictures of all the damage. It’s also important to retain the broken water heater until the adjuster has inspected the damage.  
• Start the cleanup process. Safety first! To ensure safety and prevent electrocution hazards, turn off your home’s gas or electricity (depending on whether your water heater is gas or electric). For a gas-powered water heater, twist the dial on top of the unit’s thermostat to the ‘off’ position. If you have an electric water heater, head to the circuit breaker to turn the unit off.
  (Call a qualified electrician if you can’t access the circuit breaker on your own.) Soak up all the remaining water and use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the room. If a lot of damage has occurred, or if the water has affected any sort of electrical equipment, do not attempt to fix it. Instead, call a water damage restoration service. After all, sometimes it is best to leave it to the professionals. They will safely clean up the remaining water, let you know if any mold has formed, and what needs to be done moving forward.
• Make an insurance claim and contact an agent. The water heater itself is not covered under your homeowner insurance, but the water damage that it may cause generally is. Your Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance agent will help you gather the information and evidence necessary in order to file a claim and begin the process.   

If the water heater is leaking, it is still urgent, but not quite as serious as a burst. If you notice a leak, make sure to shut off the water and power, take photos and clean up the area, and call a plumber right away. If the leak caused major damage, contact your KFB insurance agent.

Understanding what causes water heaters to burst, and what to look out for is the first step in prevention. Common causes include sediment buildup, corrosion, and excessive pressure. If you notice excessively hot or cold water, rusty water, leaks, or deterioration to the tank itself, these could be signs of a broken water heater. If it gets to this point, it may already be too late, but luckily there are many things you can do to prevent disaster.

Keeping an eye on the water heater can save you a lot of trouble. This includes regularly checking under the heater for leaks or dampness and making sure everything sounds right when it’s in use. Taking the extra step to insulate both the tank and pipes could also end up saving money on energy costs and lessen the workload for the heater. Most importantly, be sure to reduce sediment buildup by flushing and having the tank inspected by a professional yearly. A plumber is more likely to catch an issue early on than you are.

Regular water heater maintenance can mean all the difference in the health, safety, and longevity of the tank and water. However, if a leak or burst happens to occur, be sure to follow the steps above to reduce damage and make the process as quick and painless as possible.

When you’ve had a covered loss, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance will partner with you to handle your claim and to get your property repaired or replaced.

To report a claim during normal business hours:
Please call your local Kentucky Farm Bureau Agent's office

To report a new claim after business hours:
Please call our After-Hours Claims Reporting Hotline
1-866-KFB-Claim (1-866-532-2524)
4:30 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. (EST), Monday through Friday
24 hours on weekends and holidays

Above all else, make sure that you and your family are safe before reporting your claim!

Whether you submit your claim during regular business hours or after hours, your report will be more complete if you have the following information available for the customer service representative:

• Your Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance policy number for your home, farm or business
• Name and primary contact number for whom we should contact to discuss the claim
• Name and contact number for all involved parties
• Date and time the loss occurred
• Description of the damaged property or contents. We recommend that you use our Property Claim Inventory Form to document your damaged contents.

Take a breath… you did it. You’re officially a new homeowner! Now that you’re a pro in the homebuying game, it’s time to become a pro at homeowning. The learning curves will ensue, but with a little preparation and research, you can be ready for any storm (literally or figuratively) that comes your way.

According to the National Association of REALTORS^®, first-time homebuyers accounted for 32% of all buyers in the U.S. in 2023. Being a new homeowner can be overwhelming. There are many moving parts and all kinds of things to learn about home maintenance. Fortunately, there are several things that can be done to make the transition into homeownership a smooth one. Here are three essential steps to becoming a prepared and informed homeowner:

1. Get familiar with your home. All homes require regular maintenance and repairs. Familiarizing yourself with things like utility systems and basic upkeep can potentially save “future you” money, stress, and time. Some routine maintenance items include changing air filters, replacing the water filter (if applicable), cleaning the gutters, testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and cleaning the oven. Preventative maintenance on these items can extend their life and help avoid potential breakdowns or damage resulting from lack of upkeep.
   
   It is also beneficial to ask if the home’s sellers have a list of contractors they’ve used who might be familiar with the house and its specific needs. Knowing the home’s maintenance history is very helpful when the time comes that you will inevitably need to reach out to a specialist for repairs on things like plumbing or the HVAC system. For additional information on the history of your home, getting to know your neighbors who have spent time in and around your home may provide clarification for questions you have – and it doesn’t hurt to have a nearby friend to run to when you need to borrow a cup of flour or a ladder!
    
2. Take time making your home your own. After buying a home, the first instinct is often to make your home your own – which typically means changing everything from the wall colors to the flowers in the yard. However, budgeting and planning out such projects before jumping into things quickly gives the homeowner a better idea of what and when they can be done – and helps prioritize the workload and associated costs. It is also important to have a plan (and money set aside) for rainy day situations and long-term maintenance. And, when you complete projects, be sure to keep receipts and records to show the increased value added to your home.  
    
3. Update your important information. A brand-new address is very exciting, but make sure you officially change your address with the United States Postal Service. It is additionally important to change locks, garage codes, and security codes in any newly purchased home to ensure safety and peace of mind. For tax purposes, keep all documentation and records about your house, such as closing paperwork, home improvement invoices and receipts, and your annual mortgage statement. Lastly, it is vital for a new homeowner to have proper home insurance coverage for when the unexpected happens. For full coverage and alleviated stress when filing a claim, it is important to create a home inventory. And if you find yourself needing to make an insurance claim for your home, read our Understanding Your Homeowners Insurance Claim article for more helpful information.

Need insurance coverage for your new home? Call your local KFB Insurance agent today.

12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days. In just one year, a whole lot can change in your life. You may buy a new car or house, change careers or retire, get married, or have a child. We’d venture to say that not everyone thinks about insurance first during these exciting times, but failure to make necessary updates to your policies when your life situation changes can lead to gaps in coverage. That’s why we recommend an annual insurance review.

Once a year, take a few moments to sit down with your Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance agent and make sure you have the correct coverages for your current possessions and state of life.  During an annual review, your agent can look for ways to save you money and check for gaps in coverage. For instance, if you recently remodeled your house, causing the appraisal value to increase, your current policy may not have enough coverage to rebuild your home in its current state. That’s why it’s important to come to the meeting with your agent ready to ask a lot of questions and discuss many different potential scenarios. After all, insurance is all about the “what-ifs” in life.

Life changes and insurance changes go hand-in-hand. In between annual reviews, we recommend you alert your agent if you experience any of the following:

• Add a new driver   
• Become an “empty nester”
• Buy or sell a car
• Buy or sell a home      
• Experience a death in the family
• Get married or divorced   
• Make a major purchase    
• Make home improvements, additions, or changes
• Move
• Open a business    
• Retire 
• Send a child off to college
• Start a family (birth or adoption) 
• Switch careers     

Ready to get started? Call your local KFB Insurance agent today.
 

>>At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home as you are. We help protect what’s important to you – from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. To see a full list of products we insure, click here.

Check out the video below and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Tools and Resources.

At Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance, we’re built to expect the unexpected. We have adjusters throughout Kentucky, so, when you file a claim, you can expect it to be handled quickly and efficiently by a local claims office. Although each insurance claim is unique, the following answers to a few of these frequently asked insurance claim questions can be helpful in the event of property damage or loss.

1. What should I do immediately following property damage/loss? 

• Look for potential safety risks.
• Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
• If the loss was caused by theft, notify the police.
• Make a written list of what was damaged, destroyed or stolen (write down any info you can remember about the property).
• If a credit card has been stolen, notify the issuing financial institution immediately.
• Keep an accurate record of repair expenditures.
• Separate items that can be cleaned or repaired.
• Check with your claims representative before discarding any items you plan to claim as damaged.
• Review your policy for specific coverage information.

2. What is a deductible?
A deductible is the dollar amount of the claim you are responsible to pay. If you have a $500 deductible, generally you will be responsible for the first $500 of any claim for your property that you file and then Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance will pay the remainder. You choose the deductible on your policy when you purchase insurance. A higher deductible lowers the price of your premium.

3. Should I file a claim if my damage is less than my deductible?
Filing a claim may help you if other related damages are discovered at a later date. There is no requirement for you to submit a claim if the known damages are less than your deductible.

4. My home is uninhabitable. Will you cover a hotel stay?
If your policy has additional living expenses coverage and a direct physical loss makes your home uninhabitable, then we will pay for the reasonable increase in living expenses necessary to maintain your normal standard of living. Check your policy for coverage and limits. Keep receipts for additional living expenses you pay out of pocket. A claim representative or your local Farm Bureau agent can answer questions about this coverage.

5. Should I start making repairs before you inspect the damage?
We know you're eager to start putting your business back together, but it’s best to wait until our claims professional has conducted our first on-site inspection. The only thing you should do is protect your property from further damage – cover broken windows and gaps in the roof or exterior walls. By waiting, we’ll be able to identify all of the damages that may be covered by your policy, ensuring you receive everything you’re entitled to. 

6. Can I choose the contractor who repairs my property?
Yes. We advise you seek out contractors with a proven reputation and track record in your area. To help ensure you choose a reliable contractor, we suggest the following steps:

• Get recommendations from friends, relatives, and business associates.
• Get references from contractors you interview and check those references.
• Contact your local Better Business Bureau office or website for information on contractors you’re considering.
• Don’t sign a contract until you’ve reviewed it carefully and have agreed to payment terms.
• Make sure the contractor has been doing business in your area for some time. Large storms often lure out-of-state contractors to Kentucky who may be “here today, gone tomorrow."

7. Do I need to file a police report for property damage or loss due to theft?
Yes. Your policy requires you to file a report with the appropriate authorities.

8. What do I need to show proof of ownership for stolen property?
All of the following can help in showing proof of ownership for stolen property: receipts, owner’s manuals, product packaging, appraisals, photos, and videos. In addition, we recommend recording each room of your home with a video camera and keeping the information in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box.

9. How do I check the status of a claim?
To check the status of your claim, please call your adjuster or the Regional Claim Office nearest you.

It’s important to remember that each individual insurance claim is unique. You may find these tips helpful in the event of a loss, but it’s always best to talk with your Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance agent concerning your unique situation, including policy coverages and availability.

At Kentucky Farm Bureau, we’re just as invested in your home sweet home as you are. We help protect what’s important to you – from farms and fishing boats to minivans and mobile homes. To see a full list of products we insure, click here.

The time has come! You're officially all grown up and ready to dive into another stage of adulthood: getting your own auto insurance policy. In Kentucky, and most other states, it is required by law for drivers to maintain insurance coverage at all times. Making sure you are covered, either under a policy owned by your parent/guardian or yourself, is essential for getting behind the wheel. But when is the best time to seek out your own auto policy? That question can be difficult to answer and is oftentimes unique to your specific situation, but Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance is here to help!

When is the right time?

Unlike health insurance, there isn’t an age limit that dictates when you must be removed from your parent or guardian’s auto policy, but there are a few common factors that affect when it may be time to make the change. For example, if you own or lease a car of your own, or if your permanent residence is no longer your parents’ address, then you should have your own insurance.

If you are a full-time student or living in the same household as your parent(s) or guardian(s), then you are permitted to remain on their policy. If you are in this category, it is typically more cost-effective to remain on their insurance, as they are likely to have a lower premium than if you were to start your own policy. You can also use this time to build a positive credit rating, which could help you save on your insurance premium when it is finally time to go out on your own.

Be aware that your previous claims and driving record history–even if you are listed under a parent or guardian’s policy–will determine how you meet underwriting requirements and the rate you’ll pay for auto coverage.

Now’s the time! What do I do?

• Make sure the title is in your name. If the vehicle you drive is in a parent or guardian’s name, they will need to transfer it to you before you can get your own auto policy. You can find additional information for registering your car in Kentucky at drive.ky.gov.
• Meet with a local KFB Insurance agent. During this meeting, it will be important to ask questions as you open your own auto policy. What coverage best fits your needs? What discounts are available? Kentucky Farm Bureau offers several ways to save on auto insurance, like the good student discount for eligible full-time students. You’ll want to leave with a full understanding of what your coverages provide you.
• Purchase your policy and keep track of documentation. After everything is official, keep your declaration pages in a safe place and be sure to put a printed proof of insurance card in your vehicle.
• Update your status on your parents’ policy. Once your new insurance policy has been confirmed, make sure your parent or guardian’s policy has also been updated. Have them contact their agent to discuss if/how you should still be listed.
• Check your coverage annually with an insurance review. For more information on annual insurance reviews, read this Life’s Blueprints article.

It’s important to remember your policy coverage is unique. It’s always best to talk with your Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance agent concerning your specific insurance needs.

Need more information? Connect with your local KFB Insurance agent today.

If you are involved in an auto accident, please tend to the safety of everyone involved first. Once it is safe to do so, there are some other actions you can take to help us process your auto claim.

• Seek medical attention if you are injured. There may be coverage available to you for this under your auto policy.
• Contact the local authorities. Obtain a police report if possible – even if the accident or damage is minor.
• Get details from all drivers and passengers involved. Count the total number of people in all vehicles involved in the accident and obtain their names, addresses, phone numbers and license plate numbers of any vehicles involved.
• Get the names, phone numbers and addresses of any witnesses present.
• If your vehicle is being towed, find out where. It’s important to get the phone number and location of the wrecker service that tows your vehicle or the repair facility that it’s taken to.
• Take photos at the scene if it is safe to do so. These can include:
  • Damage to the vehicles involved
  • Scene of accident
  • Please keep your safety in mind when taking photos and don’t put yourself at risk!
• Report the claim by calling your local Kentucky Farm Bureau Agent’s office or by calling the after-hours claims reporting hotline.

Download our Auto Loss Checklist

It's important that our members know what to do in the event of an auto accident. We offer a handy checklist that you can download, print, and keep in your vehicle for quick reference.

When you’ve had an accident, Kentucky Farm Bureau will partner with you to handle your covered claim and help you get your vehicle repaired. To report a claim during normal business hours, please call your local Kentucky Farm Bureau Agent's office.

To report a claim during normal business hours:
Please call your local Kentucky Farm Bureau Agent's office

To report a new claim after business hours:
Please call our After-Hours Claims Reporting Hotline
1-866-KFB-Claim (1-866-532-2524)
4:30 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. (EST), Monday through Friday
24 hours on weekends and holidays

Above all else, make sure that you and everyone involved in the accident are safe before reporting your auto claim.

Whether you submit your claim during regular business hours or after hours, your report will be more complete if you have the following information available for the customer service representative:

• Your Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance auto policy number
• Name and contact phone number for all of the involved parties including:
  • Owner of your vehicle
  • Driver of your vehicle (if different)
  • Passengers in your vehicle
  • Owner and driver of any other vehicle involved in the accident
  • Witnesses
  • Any other involved parties, including the wrecker service or repair shop where your vehicle has been towed
• List of vehicles/property involved
• Date and time the loss occurred
• Location of the loss or accident
• A description of what happened
• Description of damage and/or injuries
• Police report number