• Homeowners Insurance Questions
• Farm and Ranch Insurance Questions
• Flood Insurance Questions

• Identity Theft Questions

• Claims Questions

What information do I need in order to get a car quote?

Can I have multiple discounts on my auto policy or am I limited to a single discount?

My son / daughter just became of driving age. Do I have to have him / her insured?

My son / daughter just received his / her learner's permit. Do I need to insure him / her?

I frequently drive a friend's car when we are together. Does my insurance cover me in that car?

I just rented a car. Am I insured in it?

I have a set of twins in my family, a boy and a girl, and they are both insured with your company. However, I pay more for my son than for my daughter. Why?

I was recently involved in an accident that was not my fault and the other party insists on my insurance paying for all the damages. What can I do?

I was just involved in an accident in a parking lot. Should I have called a police officer?

I have been involved in a hit and run. What should I do and how can I protect myself in the future?

What exactly does uninsured or underinsured motorist cover?

Is there a minimum amount of coverage that I need to get?

I hit someone and am now getting sued. Is there any way to cover my legal fees?

I have several moving violations from the past. What can I do?

I just bought a car over the weekend but my insurance agency is not open. Is my new car insured? If not, how can I get it insured?

I have a friend who frequently drives my car and is not part of my family; however, his permanent address is at my house. Should he be added to my policy?

What is personal injury protection?

What is rental reimbursement?

Does uninsured motorist bodily injury protection only cover medical bills?

What does towing coverage do?

What is the difference between legal full coverage and actual full coverage?

What do I need in order to get a bike quote?

What is the difference between replacement cost and the actual cash value?

What is the maximum I can insure my vehicles for?

How many insurance discounts can I take advantage of?

How many vehicles can I insure on one policy?

I have customized my bike. Are the custom parts covered by my policy?

Can I get a discount for insuring more than one bike or powersport vehicle?

I completed a riding safety course. Can I get a discount on my premiums?

If I am in an accident on my bike and damage my safety apparel, is my safety apparel covered?

Is there any benefit to joining a riding association?

What do I need in order to get a boatowners quote?

What are the acceptability guidelines for a boat?

What is some additional coverage I can get for my boat?

Are there any discounts available for watercraft?

I just had an accident with my boat. What should I do?

Can I get a total loss replacement policy for my boat?

I love to fish on my boat and have a lot of great fishing equipment. Is it covered?

How many vessels can I have on one policy?

I'm thinking about buying a boat. What are some things to remember to make my boat safer?

Is insurance available for jet skis and waverunners?

I have heard that I can get a discount if my vessel runs on diesel fuel. Why?

I know that if my car breaks down out on the road, I can get towing assistance. But what happens if my boat breaks down while I'm out in the middle of the water?

Why do I need RV insurance?

How is RV insurance different from auto insurance?

What is the maximum amount that I can insure my motorhome for? What about my towable?

How many vehicles can I insure on one policy?

I've sold my home and now live in my RV, do I need special coverage?

I'm confused about my physical damage protection options. What is the difference between actual cash value, agreed value and total loss replacement?

What types of vehicles are categorized as recreational vehicles?

What is vacation liability?

What is emergency travel expense coverage?

What are some things that my homeowners policy should cover?

Are discounts available on homeowners policies?

What is the main difference between HO-A and HO-B policies?

Does my homeowners policy cover floods?

I just filled out an MSB form with my homeowners policy. What is this form and what does it do?

I am a victim of a hurricane that destroyed my house. Am I covered?

What can mold remediation protection give you?

What is the average reconstruction cost on a home?

Does a homeowners policy cover my personal belongings?

Why should I insure my house at the full calculated replacement cost and not at the market value of my home?

Are there any coverage limits on the personal belongings in my home?

My home is beginning to show signs that it may have been poorly constructed. Does my homeowners policy cover damage resulting from construction defects?

What is the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value in regards to home replacement?

If an accident on my property causes injury to someone, how might my homeowers policy help protect me?

My new puppy chewed up my window sills. Is damage caused by my pet covered?

Do you have any tips for making my home safer?

I have applied for a new homeowners policy. Is an inspection required?

I am buying a mobile home. Do I qualify for a homeowners policy?

I've been told I should keep a home inventory. What is this and where do I start?

What are some examples of items that I might want to schedule for additional coverage?

How is condominium insurance different from renter's insurance?

I am buying a townhome. What type of property insurance should I buy?

I live in a high-rise condominium building. What safety tips can you give me to protect my family and property?

Does my condo insurance protect me against flood damage?

I live in an older condo that is beginning to show some real signs of wear and tear. Can I recover some of the cost of repairs through my insurance policy?

A tree fell on my condo during a storm and damaged the roof. Am I covered?

My new condo has a lot of amenities including a monitored alarm and an automatic sprinkler system. Can I get a discount on my policy premiums?

How is farm and ranch insurance different from homeowners insurance?

I use some of my machinery away from my property. Am I covered if this machinery is damaged while away from the farm?

How can I protect my livestock?

Can I get coverage to protect my crops?

What types of items are considered "farm property"?

Do I need business insurance as well as farm and ranch coverage?

I know that my home is covered in the case of fire. What do I need to do to protect the other buildings on my property?

Is every farm and ranch policy the exact same? What if my property is unique?

Does a renters policy cover the home itself?

Are there any coverage limits on the personal belongings inside my home?

What are some of the advantages of getting an inland marine personal property floater?

Are discounts available on a renters policy?

I live in an apartment and want to feel more secure. Should I install a deadbolt lock on my door?

I am planning to lease a home with an option to buy the property at the end of my lease. Do I need renters or homeowners insurance?

What type of insurance do landlords typically carry? Will it protect me?

What are some steps that I can take to protect my property and my family while I am renting?

Will my homeowners or renters insurance policy cover damage to my property caused by flood waters?

How do I know if my home is located in a floodplain?

I've lived in my neighborhood for 10 years and have never had trouble with flood waters, why should I consider flood insurance?

Can my mortgage lender require me to carry flood insurance?

I rent my home. Am I eligible for flood insurance?

When is the best time to purchase flood insurance?

I've seen TV coverage of storms where the folks receive disaster relief to rebuild their homes. Why should I pay for flood insurance when I can get disaster relief if and when I need it?

What are some things that a flood policy will cover?

How much water does it take to actually damage a home?

What is Identity Theft Coverage?

How do I know if my identity has been stolen?

I already have insurance policies on my vehicle and home, am I covered for ID Theft?

I have ID Theft Coverage and think my identification has been stolen. What do I do?

Is online shopping really safe?

Which credit bureau should I obtain my credit report from?

What are some things that I can do to protect myself from Identity Theft?

Will filing a claim affect my premiums?

Can my agent report a claim for me?

Can I report my claim online?

What information should I collect if I have an accident in my vehicle?

Where do I find the forms that I need to fill out to report my claim?

If my property is damaged on Friday evening or during the weekend, do I have to wait until Monday morning to file the claim?

I was involved in an accident this morning on the way to work. I want to file the claim now, but I did not bring my policy number into the building with me. Do I HAVE to have my number to report the claim?

You will need the name of all drivers that you want insured as well as their dates of birth, records of any accident that occurred in the last 5 years and violations in the last 3 years, and the liability limits on your current policy. While it is not required, it helps to have the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) for all of the cars that you want insured.

You are allowed to have as many discounts as you are eligible for. There are no limits!

If that individual is licensed, he / she must be added to the policy.

No, you do not need to insure him / her specifically yet. They will be insured under the parent's insurance coverage until they get their own license. Once that happens, they must be added to your policy.

Since it is not your car, your insurance will not cover you in it. However, as long as you have the owner's permission, you are covered under his / her insurance policy.

Liability insurance usually transfers over to your rented car. So do comprehensive policies. Always be sure to ask specifically about this before renting a car.

Until the age of 25, men are on average more likely to be involved in an accident. So their premiums tend to be higher than women of the same age. Furthermore, younger drivers (both men and women) average slightly higher insurance costs than adults over 25 years of age due to limited experience and / or driving records.

First, you should call our claims department and make a claim. (Click Here to visit the Claims page.) Afterwards, you should let the insurance companies work out any disagreements. If there is a discrepancy with what happened or if they need any additional information, the insurance agency will contact you.

No, because the accident happened on private property. You should go to your local police station and fill out a "blue form", an accident report that you file with the state.

Uninsured motorist coverage or full coverage protects you in this type of accident. Call the police after the accident has happened and report the hit and run to them. Afterwards, fill out a "blue form" (an accident report that is filed with the state) and call the insurance claims department to report the incident.

It specifically covers accidents involving hit and runs, drivers with no insurance, and drivers with liability limits not high enough to take care of damages.

Yes, you are required by law to have 20 / 40 / 15 basic liability insurance. This means that you need $20,000 per person, $40,000 per car motorist bodily injury protection, and $15,000 motorist property damage protection.

Your liability protection should cover legal fees based on the amount of coverage that you have.

You can still get insurance but premiums will be higher because of your driving record. However, we may not be able to insure you if you have had too many accidents. Please be careful out there!

Yes, you are insured automatically with the coverage of your highest rated vehicle. However, you must still contact the insurance agency within 30 days to put the new car on your policy or your coverage will expire. You will pay no premium additional premium for the first 30 days.

Yes, if that person's permanent residence is the same as yours, you must have that person on your policy regardless of whether or not that person is a legal family member.

Personal injury protection is a type of coverage that protects personal injuries of all of those insured (or those who have permission to be driving) in a car in case of an accident. Coverage is dependent on the amount of your policy.

It is protection that can cover the costs of renting a car (regardless of whose fault an accident was) while your is being repaired or replaced. You can pay for coverage for a certain rate per day, but only for up to 30 days per accident.

No, it also covers lost wages, reimbursement for pain and suffering and other associated costs.

It can pay up to $120 for towing costs per disablement.

Legal full coverage means that you have: comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and liability (bodily injury and property damage).
Actual full coverage (the most insurance you can get) means that you have: comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, liability (bodily injury and property damage), personal injury protection, Med Pay, uninsured motorist bodily injury and property protection, rental reimbursement and towing.

What do I need in order to get a bike quote?

You will need the names, dates of birth, drivers license numbers and social security numbers of all drivers. You will also need proof of completion of a motorcycle safety course if you have one and the make, model, serial number, CC's and age of your bike(s).

The replacement cost is the amount of money you actually paid for the vehicle. The actual cash value is an agreed upon cash value for the vehicle. Your insurance agent can help you decide which value you should use for insurance purposes.

Maximum insurable value for motorcycles and powersport vehicles is $50,000.

You are allowed to have as many discounts as you are eligible for. There are no limits!

Up to 12 vehicles can be insured on one policy.

The answer is Yes if...you have comprehensive insurance on your bike or you have specifically purchased coverage for your custom equipment & parts. Maximum coverage on custom equipment and parts is valued at $30,000.

You are eligible for multi-vehicle discounts when you insure more than 1 bike or powersport vehicle on a policy. (10% discount for 2 vehicles, 20% for 3, and 30% for 4 to 12).

Yes. Providing proof of completion of an approved riding safety course can save you as much as 5%.

Our policies can include coverage of safety apparel valued up to $2,000.

Yes. Besides the many benefits and discounts provided by riding organizations such as the American Motorcyclist Association, riding association members are eligible for discounts of up to 10% on their motorcycle insurance.

To get a boatowners quote, please provide the following information: names, dates of birth, drivers license numbers and social security numbers for all drivers. The insurance company will also need to know whether the boat has a single owner or multiple owners. Required boat description information includes: type, make, model, serial number, hull number, boat composition (wood, fiber glass, etc), length, horsepower, top speed, location of motor (inboard / outboard), and the age of the vessel.

Your boat should be up to 50 feet in length and valued at up to $250,000. You can have up to 2 engines: 500hp in one, 1,000hp on two. Top speed can be up to 75mph (90mph for bass boats). Personal watercraft value is limited to $27,000. A single policy can cover up to 12 vehicles.

Additional coverage can include personal effects up to $5,000 and fishing equipment up to $10,000. You can also obtain additional coverage for on-water towing, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, on-shore equipment, boat lifts & hoists and your boat trailer.

Absolutely! Some of the discounts that may be available to you include: boater safety course, diesel fuel, multi-boat, multi-policy, fire extinguishers, and on-board radio.

Take a picture of the accident and the damage (if possible). If another vessel was involved, exhange information with the other party. Then get your boat to safety, file a report, and call our toll-free claims number to report the incident.

Total loss replacement is a type of physical damage policy available for all new boats purchased within the last 13 months that are less than or equal to 2 model years old. Boats under 10 years old are eligible for a replacement policy based on agreed value.

You can make sure that your valuable fishing equipment is covered by obtaining an add-on endorsement specifically designed for it! Equipment can be insured for up to $10,000.

Up to 12 vehicles are allowed on one policy. By insuring multiple vessels or watercraft on one policy, you become eligible for a multi-boat discount!

Safety on the water is serious business. Some items which can help your friends and family be more safe on the water include fire extinguishers and a ship to shore radio. Always be sure to have enough properly sized life jackets for everyone on board, keep your vessel well maintained mechanically and structurally, and never drink alcohol while you are operating your vessel!

Sure it is! Regardless of your watercraft preference (Runabout, Mini Jet Boat, Sailboat, Cabin Cruiser, Pontoon Boat, Fishing Boat, Jet Ski, Waverunner, Sea-Doo, or other personal watercraft), we've got you covered so you can get out and enjoy the water!

Diesel fuel is much less flammable than other conventional fuels, and so therefore offers greater safety out on the water.

Just as a Towing and Labor endorsement can offer peace of mind if your car breaks down and needs to be towed, On-Water Towing is available for watercraft policies.

You want to make sure that your investment is protected both on and off the road. State laws will determine where you need RV insurance. You may be required to have RV insurance in your state of residence, in the state where your RV is registered, in the state where you store your RV, or in the state where your RV is located most of the time. For many people all of these locations will be the same, but if these result in more than one location for you, be sure to confirm each state's requirements.

While your recreational vehicle likely spends quite a bit of time out on the road, its insurance needs are very different from your car or truck. Of course it is important to protect your vehicle in case of physical damage, but you also want to make sure that your living space, custom equipment, supplies and personal valuables are protected. Additional coverage is available to protect your family's vacation including travel liability and emergency travel expense coverage. And if your RV is your primary residence, you qualify for enhanced protection offered by a full-timer's policy.

Motorhomes can be insured for up to $500,000. Towable recreational vehicles such as travel trailers, campers and pop-ups have a maximum insurable value of $300,000.

Up to 12 vehicles can be insured on one policy. Multi-Vehicle discounts are available for insuring 2 to 12 vehicles on one policy.

If your RV is your primary residence, you qualify for Full-Timer coverage. This expanded coverage includes personal liability, loss assessment, medical payments to others, airbag replacement and emergency lockout protection.

Total Loss Replacement is available on new RVs purchased in the past 13 months that are less than or equal to 2 model years old. If your RV is irrepairable and qualifies for total loss replacement, your coverage will replace it with a new RV or pay you the initial purchase price depending on the age of the vehicle.

Actual Cash Value (also called market value) is the actual cash value of the RV at the time of the loss.

Agreed Value is mandatory on vintage, limited or vehicles not available through vehicle look-up. Under this option, the total loss payout is equal to the agreed value of the RV based upon your policy. Proof of value is required and can be satisfied by an appraisal for RVs more than 2 years old.

Recreational Vehicles include motor homes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, campers and pop-ups.

Vacation Liability pays (within specified limits) for liabilities that you are responsible for while using your insured RV as a vacation residence.

If you have trouble while out on the road vacationing in your RV, emergency travel expense protection covers the cost of a rental car and / or lodging expenses while your RV is being repaired. If your RV is not repairable, this coverage can also provide you with transportation back home.

Most policies cover losses caused by fire and lightening, explosion, vandalism and malicious mischief, aircraft, riot and civil commotion, theft, vehicles, smoke, windstorm and hail, falling objects, weight of ice and snow, glass breakage, and sudden and accidental water damage. You might also be covered in cases of accidental electrical damage to appliances and damage by freezing. You can purchase endorsements for additional coverage including mold remediation, foundation/slab damage, sewer/drain backup, and continuous or repeated leakage.

Sure! Some of the discounts that you may qualify for include: Home and Car, Monitored Alarms, Deadbolt Locks, Claims Free, Fire Extinguishers, Smoke Detectors, and Age of Construction. For a description of these and other potential discounts, Click Here!

An HO-A policy is a "Named Peril" policy which means that the policy will list out what is covered and that is ALL that is covered. Anything outside of the listed items is automatically NOT covered.

The HO-B policy is an "All Risk" policy meaning that it covers EVERYTHING unless there is a specific exclusion for something. With this type of policy if something unforeseen happens, it is typically covered. The "All Risk" policy also offers some endorsements that are not usually available on a "Named Peril" policy such as foundation coverage, continuous seepage and leakage coverage for water leaks and wind driven rain, and water backup for sewer backups into the home.

No. A homeowners policy does not cover flood damage. Separate flood insurance is needed to protect your property against damage caused by flooding. Depending on where your home is located in relation to the mapped floodplain, you may be required to carry flood insurance.

An MSB (or Marshall Swift/Boeckh) form is utilized by a computer program to determine the reconstruction cost of your home. The program is continually updating its data to provide the most accurate cost estimates.

It truly depends upon what kind of coverage you have. If you have both flood AND a homeowners policy, you are definitely covered. However, if you have only homeowners OR flood insurance, then the answer depends on what destroyed your house. If the damage was caused only by high winds, flying debris, fallen trees or other types of similar damage, then a homeowners policy would be required. If the house was destroyed by flood waters, then only a flood policy would protect you. Any combination of these causes of damage would require both a homeowners and flood policy to ensure that you are fully covered.

Remember, once a hurricane has formed, it is typically too late to protect your home with extra coverage. Make sure to review your policies before hurricane season to make sure that you are adequately protected.

Mold remediation protection can provide for testing, treating and/or disposing of mold beyond that which is necessary in order to repair property.

Average reconstruction costs vary greatly within a range of about $80 - $120 per square foot. Costs depend on several factors including (but not limited to) cost of materials, location of the home, cost of labor, and special features in the home (special tiles, gold-covered sinks, etc...).

Yes, your homeowners policy typically covers personal belongings up to a limit and subject to a deductible. You can purchase additional coverage and schedule your more valuable items individually. A solid home inventory can help you assess the value of your belongings.

If your house happens to be completely destroyed in an accident, a new home would have to be built at today's labor rates and materials costs. These costs are probably much more expensive due to inflation and the fact that your home is probably being constructed outside of a large construction project (it's not being built as one piece of a whole new neighborhood). Insuring at full calculated replacement cost ensures that your home can be properly replaced even with the increases in cost.

Yes. Some of the minimum and maximum coverage limits on personal belongings (subject to deductibles):
Jewelry, guns and cameras -- $1,000 - $5,000
Silverware -- $2,500 - $10,000
Tools -- $1,000 - $4,000
Money -- $200 - $5,000
Securities -- $1,000 - $1,500
Computers -- $3,000 - $10,000
To cover these personal belongings for a value over these limits, consider an inland marine personal property floater. Some advantages of this coverage include no deductible and coverage for theft, burglary and mysterious disappearance. So if you happen to leave an item somewhere and it is gone when you return, it is covered.

No. Homeowners policies typically do not cover damage resulting from construction defects. If your home is a new construction, check your builders warranty to see if the repairs are covered by the builder. When purchasing a home, always be sure to have it completely inspected by a licensed professional. And do not purchase the home until all of the inspector's suggested repairs are made to your satisfaction.

Replacement cost coverage would pay all expenses associated with repairing or replacing the home up to the amount of the policy. Actual cash value would factor in depreciation and deductible amounts in paying for repair or replacement.

Liability coverage can protect you, your spouse, any relatives living with you, and anyone under the age of 21 who lives with you in case someone is accidentally injured or someone else's property is damaged and you are liable. You can receive protection against claims that you are legally obligated to pay including bodily injury, sickness, and death of others, as well as related legal and medical expenses and accidental death benefits.

No. Homeowners policies do not typically cover damage to property caused by animals.

There are many steps that you can take to increase the safety of your home. And some of these steps come with the extra benefit of qualifying you for discounts on your homeowners policy!

Monitored alarms are a great way to deter intruders and provide you with a discount on your homeowners policy. Many monitored alarm systems also call for assistance when they detect smoke in your home. Deadbolt locks on your entry doors are a great source of extra protection. Be sure to install deadbolts on ALL of your exterior entrances including the back door as many would-be intruders attempt to enter from the backyard. Maintaining a solid gate around your backyard and keeping it locked is a good way to keep unwanted visitors out. Keeping the trees and bushes around your home trimmed is another good way to discourage would-be intruders by removing easy hiding places. And don't underestimate the power of exterior lighting. Remember, intruders do not want to be seen. So anything you can do to make them more visible will go a long way towards protecting your home from becoming a target. Always make sure to lock all of your doors and windows and set your alarm before you leave home or go to bed.

To protect your family from the dangers of fire, make sure to stock your home with several fire extinguishers. Make sure that every family member knows where these extinguishers are kept (in different locations around the home and garage) and that everyone who is old enough understands how to use them. Always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. If your home is not already equipped with smoke detectors, make sure to install them throughout your home including every bedroom, the kitchen and family areas. And make sure to put new batteries in all of your smoke detectors each time there is a time change. Another tip for protecting your home from fire...make sure that all matches, lighters and other flammable items are kept out of reach of children and pets. Do not store flammable materials or chemicals near your water heater and never plug in a damaged power cord! Make sure that the entire family has an emergency plan for getting out of the house should it be necessary.

Yes, when you apply for a homeowners policy, the outside of your home will be inspected.

Mobile homes that do not have wheels and are seated on a permanent foundation or blocks qualify for coverage by a homeowners policy. If your mobile home does not meet these criteria, ask about a mobilowners policy.

A current and complete home inventory can be invaluable in the case of an emergency that includes the loss of your personal property. Click Here to download a home inventory worksheet. Once you have completed your home inventory, be sure to keep it in a safe place (like a safe deposit box) along with receipts and pictures and/or video that you have taken of your rooms and property. If you do not have a safe deposit box, consider keeping a copy of all of your home inventory documents at a friend or relatives home in case damage to your home also destroys your copy of this documentation. When you purchase new items for your home, be sure to add them to your home inventory.

Personal property with value that exceeds your typical personal property coverage should be scheduled. Examples include expensive jewelry, watches, artwork, and furs. Proof of value, such as an appraisal, is required.

Condo insurance has all the benefits of renter's insurance AND covers damage to the condominium unit itself. Coverage includes protection for improvements, additions and alterations that have been made to the structure.

Check to see if your townhome association has a master policy. If the townhome is occupied by its owner and your association does not have a master policy on the building, a homeowners policy would be a good way to protect your individual unit. If the association does have a master policy protecting the structure, a tenet homeowners policy will insure your personal property. Check with your insurance agent to make sure that your coverage fits your unique situation.

As with any home, safety is one of the most important things to consider for your self and your family. It's always a good idea to install deadbolt locks on all exterior entryways, even in a high-rise building featuring 24-hour security. Always be alert when walking between your vehicle and the building (even if you park in a garage within your building). Don't hesitate to report unusual people, items or occurances to building security or the local police.

Make sure that you have functioning smoke detectors in all bedrooms, the kitchen and family rooms with batteries that you replace during each time change. If you are able to install monitored burglary and smoke alarms, consider doing so and always make sure that your home is equipped with functioning fire extinguishers that are easily accessible. Familiarize yourself and the other residents of your home with the rest of the floor on which your reside. Make note of stairways and building exits. Devise an emergency plan for leaving the building quickly (without using the elevators) and make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do should you ever have to put your plan into action.

No. Only flood insurance can protect your property in the event of a flood. Depending on where your condo is located in relation to the mapped floodplain, you may be required to carry flood insurance.

No. Typically property insurance (including condo and homeowners insurance) does not cover damage resulting from wear and tear, maintenance, or deterioration. It's a good idea to try to maintain your property as small signs of wear and tear begin to appear. By addressing the small, seemingly insignificant issues you may be able to avoid or at least minimize the larger bills associated with more complex deterioration that occurs over time.

Typically the answer to this question is "Yes". If you have a current condominium policy which covers wind damage and a healthy tree falls on your condo as a result of a storm, your damages should be covered. However, if the tree is dead or otherwise unstable prior to the storm the damage may be considered to be the result of poor maintenance or neglect and may not be covered. Always be sure to remove dead trees from your property so that they will not become a hazard to you or your neighbors.

Absolutely! Even if your condo is not new, there are several discounts that you may qualify for including monitored alarms, automatic sprinkler systems in the home, fire extinguishers and deadbolt locks. For more information on some of the available discounts for condominium policies, Click Here!

While sharing some of the same characteristics with homeowners insurance regarding protection of your home, farm and ranch insurance offers a number of additional options for protection of other parts of your property including additional buildings, livestock, crops, machinery, etc. There are also additional liability coverages available including pollution and chemical drift.

Depending on what type of coverage you have for your particular policy, you may be covered. One option for covering mobile property such as machinery is through an Inland Marine policy. Check with your agent regarding your exact needs.

You can obtain livestock insurance as part of your farm and ranch policy which will cover your livestock in the case of loss due to an accident such as shooting, drowning, electrocution or attack by animals.

Yes. If you raise crops on your property, consider crop insurance as part of your farm and ranch policy. This insurance covers crops from certain losses, such as hail damage, as defined by your policy.

Farm property includes items that you use in the operation of your farm or ranch. Farm buildings, machinery, and equipment are included.

If you are using your farm or ranch to conduct business, you should probably consider carrying business insurance in addition to farm and ranch coverage. There are additional coverages available through business insurance that may be important for you. Contact your agent to discuss your specific needs so that you can determine the coverage that is best for you.

Farm and ranch coverage offers the option of obtaining coverage for additional buildings on your property. Ask your agent about Farm Property insurance which covers farm buildings as well as machinery and equipment used in the operation of your farm or ranch. Another option may be Other Structure insurance which protects structures on your property that are separated from your home.

We realize that every piece of property is unique. That is why there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to farm and ranch coverage. Your policy will be tailored to fit your exact needs to make sure that you have the proper coverage to protect your family without paying for additional items that you do not need.

No, it does not. Your landlord should have insurance that covers the structure. But you need to have insurance to cover your belongings.

Yes. Some of the minimum and maximum coverage limits on personal belongings (subject to deductibles):
Jewelry, guns and cameras -- $1,000 - $5,000
Silverware -- $2,500 - $10,000
Tools -- $1,000 - $4,000
Money -- $200 - $5,000
Securities -- $1,000 - $1,500
Computers -- $3,000 - $10,000
To cover these belongings for a value over these limits, consider an inland marine personal property floater.

An inland marine personal property floater protects personal property against theft, burglary and mysterious disappearance. If you happen to leave a protected item somewhere and it is gone when you return, you are covered! There is no deductible.

Absolutely! Some of the discounts that you may qualify for include having other insurance policies with us (such as auto insurance), fire extinguishers, and other safety features such as burglar alarms and deadbolt locks. Click here for more information regarding discounts available on renters policies.

While deadbolt locks can provide a higher level of safety and security, you should be sure to obtain permission from your landlord before making any changes to the property including installing new locks. The good news is some landlords will pay for the installation of deadbolts at the renter's request. And deadbolt locks are one way to qualify for discounts on your renters insurance premiums!

While you are leasing, you should carry renters insurance. Your landlord should have the proper insurance coverage to protect the structure, but you will need to protect your personal property. When you purchase the home you will need homeowners insurance to make sure that the structure is properly protected. When you are ready to make the switch to homeowner, be sure to see our section on homeowners insurance for guidance on the coverage that is correct for you.

Landlords typically carry insurance that covers damage to the structure. You should carry renters insurance to protect your belongings and your family.

Of course a very simple first step is to contact us to make sure that your property and family are properly insured. But there are some other simple things you can do to improve your family's safety.
-- Get to know your neighbors.
-- Always be aware of your surroundings.
-- Check with your landlord about installing deadbolt locks and/or monitored fire and burglary alarms.
-- Change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least twice each year (when the time changes).
-- Equip your home with fire extinguishers and make sure everyone in the home knows how to use them.
-- Don't be afraid to report any unusual activity to the police and your landlord.
-- Develop an escape plan to get everyone out of your home quickly in case of an emergency such as fire.
-- Keep a current inventory of all of your property in a safe place. Click here for an inventory worksheet.

No. Flood Insurance is the ONLY insurance that protects your property from damage due to flood waters.

Your insurance agent or realtor can help you determine if your home is located in a floodplain. To view a flood map for your area, click here.

Everyone is in some danger of having their property damaged by flood waters. Just because it has never happened where you live, doesn't mean that it never will. According to FEMA, approximately 30% of all National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance claims are paid to people who live in low or moderate-risk flood zones. Changes that are made to the environment and landscape not only in your area, but also upstream along rivers, creeks and bayous can alter the way water flows. Another change in flood conditions can occur when drains become blocked or simply overworked due to expanding development. And of course, you never know when a torrential rainstorm may decide to dump enormous amounts of water on your area too quickly to effectively drain. Flood insurance gives you the peace of mind to know that you are covered if any of these events should ever surprise you.

Yes. In fact, if you have a federally backed mortgage on a home that is located in a high-risk area, federal law requires that you have flood insurance. You are also required to carry flood insurance in order to qualify for future aid if you have previously received a federal grant for flood losses.

Yes. As long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you are eligible to purchase flood insurance. As a renter, you would purchase Content Only flood insurance. Your landlord would be responsible for insuring the structure. Click here to see if your community is listed as a participant in NFIP.

It's best to talk to one of our agents today. Most flood insurance policies do not take effect until 30 days after they are purchased. This means that if you wait until a storm is forecasted to inquire about flood insurance...you've waited too long. You will not be covered if that storm causes flood damage to your home. The exception to the 30 day delay occurs if your mortgage lender requires flood insurance for you to close or renew your loan. In that case the waiting period is waived.

Disaster relief is only available if a flood is a federally declared disaster. Most floods do not fall under this category. If your home is damaged by a storm or occurrance that is not a federally declared disaster, you will be responsible for all repairs without financial assistance. Even if the flood that damages your home is declared a federal disaster, disaster assistance is usually provided in the form of a loan that must be repaid with interest in addition to the mortgage payment that you are making on the damaged property.

Flood insurance policy claims are paid regardless of whether or not the flood was declared a federal disaster. Policy holders will be reimbursed for their expenses associated with the flood, and do not have to repay the funds as they would on a disaster assistance loan.

In the event of damage caused by a flood, a standard flood policy covers the following losses to your property: structural damage, flood debris clean up, furnace, air conditioner & water heater, and floor surfaces such as carpet and tile. Contents Coverage can also be purchased to cover personal items within your home including furniture, art, clothing, jewelry, and collectibles.

A home and its contents can sustain serious, potentially costly damage with as little as one inch of water.

Identity Theft Coverage is a type of property insurance that protects you against identity theft. The coverage provides you with free credit monitoring including email alerts when your credit report changes, assistance in contacting credit bureaus, banks, creditors and other agencies in the event of fraud, reimbursement for loss and (in some circumstances) emergency cash advances. Click Here for more information.

Sometimes it's difficult to tell. Look for unexplained withdrawals in your bank accounts (large or small). Compare your transactions to your receipts to make sure that they match. Check with your bank regarding any questionable account activity. You should also be on alert if you lose your wallet, purse or any of your identification or bank/credit cards, or if you receive an error message from an ATM AFTER you have entered your bank card and pin number.

Typically the answer is "No". While Identity Theft Coverage is a type of property insurance, it is often not rolled into other property insurance policies. Check with your insurance agent regarding your particular policies. If you do not already have ID Theft protection, it is a good idea to consider adding it.

Call our toll-free Claims Hotline (1-800-421-3535) to speak to an Identity Theft Expert who can help you determine if fraud has occurred and walk you through the steps to resolve your situation.

Of course it depends on the website and the security measures that they have in place. But overall shopping online through major retail sites is safe. In some cases, it may actually be safer than using your credit card at some traditional retail locations where the clerk has access to your card and personal information. Whether shopping online or in person, remember to be cautious about providing personal information during transactions. Don't provide your credit or debit information to anyone whom you feel questionable about. And avoid shopping online on an unsecure wireless network.

There are 3 major credit reporting bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). Each of their reports will vary slightly so it is important to obtain a copy of your credit report from each of these agencies (at least on an annual basis). You should check your credit reports more often if you have (or if you think you have) been the victim of identity theft. By law, everyone is entitled to one free credit report per year from each of these bureaus. Click Here to request your free credit reports. Be sure to report any erroneous information immediately.

There are quite a few things that you can do to protect yourself from would-be identity thieves. Click Here for a list of helpful tips.

Will filing a claim affect my premiums?

This depends on a number of factors and is reviewed on an individual basis. Some of the determining factors include whether you have had other claims and if so how many, claim frequency, amounts paid, and whether you have had traffic violations.

We will be glad to assist you. However, it is more beneficial for you to file your claim directly in order to give the Claims Department information that we may not have regarding details of the incident and other parties involved. The adjuster may also want to take a formal statement from you.

In order to make sure that your claim is filed accurately and efficiently, we have set up a Claims Hotline. All claims should be reported toll-free to 1-800-421-3535. Our claims service representatives are on hand to answer your calls and guide you through the process 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

There are several pieces of information that you will need to collect in the event of a vehicular accident.
Click Here to download an accident record worksheet to keep in your car.

Any forms that are required for your incident will be sent to you after you have called in your claim.

No! Our claims service representatives are on hand to answer your calls and guide you through the process 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

You do not need to have your policy number with you when reporting a claim. However, having it available will usually speed up the process.