CMR Insurance & Services Blog

Home and Office Pest Control Options

Wed, 29 May 2024 16:35:45 GMT

If you’ve noticed unwanted bugs or rodents around your home or office, you’re not alone. This is a common problem throughout the United States, but there are steps you can take to make your environment pest-free.

Make Sure Your Home or Office Isn’t Attracting Pests

First, you’ll want to ensure your home or office building isn’t attracting undesirable visitors with obvious lures, like open food and waste. Practice these tips to get rid of the most basic causes of infestations:

Get in the habit of cleaning up right away after preparing a meal or snack. Put food away, and wash dishes of food remains.
Don’t leave food where rodents can get it. Remove it from countertops, and place it in secure cabinets or the refrigerator. Use metal canisters to house foods that are especially attractive to pests, such as pet foods, grains, seeds, and nuts.
Wipe counters and chopping blocks frequently to remove crumbs and spilled liquids.
Take out the trash frequently. Make sure it’s covered to prevent four-legged dumpster divers.
Use screen doors and fill any small holes, including those around pipes and drains, with steel wool or foam to block rodents.

Weigh the Pros and Cons of Professional Pest Control vs. Natural Methods

If you have a continual pest problem, you may think about calling a professional rather than dealing with it yourself. In some cases, such as when tackling dangerous fire ants or hornets, this is a smart move. You may not have the equipment or products to deal with the issue, and crawling under your home may not be in your wheelhouse.

However, professional pest control does have its disadvantages. Cost is one factor, particularly if you need repeat visits. Some types of pest control use chemicals that you don’t want around your kids or pets. Always ask those who service your property if they plan to use methods safe for kids and pets.

Additionally, getting rid of some pests may cause collateral damage — killing desirable species like bees and butterflies in the process. Sometimes it’s better for the environment to live with a few harmless spiders.

Natural predators are often a safer option when dealing with insects. These are bugs, such as lacewings, that prey on other bugs. They work on many species and are common around places like horse farms that need to manage flies. These days, you can order many of these natural solutions online and have them shipped to you.

Other natural methods include DIY traps using household ingredients like vinegar. You can try essential oils as well, or try planting herbs like mint to repel certain insects and mice.

If mosquitoes are a threat, consider adding a bat house or two instead of spraying the area. Bats can eat up to 2,000 mosquitoes an hour, and if you create a home for them outside, they’re less likely to invade your attic. Likewise, placing owl platforms around the property can encourage them to come and eat unwanted small rodents.

Explore Trapping Options

Trapping animal pests has its pros and cons, too. Using DIY traps for mice and rats means you must relocate these critters elsewhere — up to six miles away so they don’t sniff their way back home again!

This is not only time-consuming, but it also makes the pests someone else’s problem and releases them in an area where they may not necessarily survive. It’s not always the humane solution people think it is.

Both live and dead traps are not for the squeamish either, as they must be emptied or disposed of. Sometimes this is best left to a professional, especially if you have a significant infestation.

Larger animals are best trapped with the help of your animal control department or a professional. You can, for example, get DIY traps for stray cats that are then evaluated for shelter placement. But raccoons, skunks, and the like are a job for someone who does it for a living.

Don’t Forget About Your Vehicles

Finally, remember to make your vehicles pest-proof, too. Use the same rules as you would for your home or office for food debris and trash. Never leave your trunk or windows open when the car is empty and parked, or you might be inviting mice and squirrels into your car. A few mothballs strategically placed where kids and pets won’t find them can also repel pests, particularly once the weather cools down and they’re looking for a place to nest.

Family Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 21:43:26 GMT

It seems like every day on the news that we hear stories about a hurricane, flood, or wildfire creating massive damage in the U.S. and putting people out of their homes. Have you thought about how your family would handle this kind of emergency? Here are a few tips to keep you and your household safe if disaster strikes.

Plan a Fire Escape Route

Home fires strike thousands of families every year in America. If your home were to catch on fire, do you have an escape route planned?

Every member of the family, including children, should know what to do if your smoke alarm sounds. Do they wait for an adult or exit the house on their own via a path you’ve discussed previously? Do you have emergency escape mechanisms, such as window ladders, if your doors aren’t accessible?

If you have children, seniors, or someone with a disability in your household, it’s wise to practice escaping a fire so you know what to do if the real thing happens.

Be Ready to Evacuate

Some emergencies, like wildfires and severe storms, require you to leave your home. If you live in an area particularly prone to evacuations, it’s smart to have a “go bag” packed for each household member in case you have to leave in a hurry.

Keep a list of other things you want to pack if you only have a few hours or a day to leave, such as before a hurricane. This includes items like medications, precious valuables, important papers, and electronics.

Your first priority is the safety of you, your family members, and your pets (see below). Next is your go bag. If you have time after that, work through your list, taking as much as you can but never jeopardizing your lives to save things. That’s what your homeowner insurance or renters insurance is for.

Have Reunification and Communication Plans If Separated

Sometimes disasters strike while household members are at work or school. Therefore, have a plan for where you will reunite if you are separated and can’t return to your home. Usually, meeting at a designated evacuation center is preferable.

You may not be able to directly communicate if power is out and cell towers go down or are used to prioritize 911 calls. Try to develop a plan for how you will get in touch with each other if your cell phones or email don’t work, like using a nearby relative as an intermediary.

Don’t Forget Your Pets

Remember, your pets are part of your family too! Don’t forget to include them in fire escape and evacuation plans. Your evacuation supplies should include food and water for them, as well as anything else they need, such as medications, bedding, and leashes. Having crates and carriers for your pets will make evacuation much easier, especially if you have to stay away from home overnight.

Keep Emergency Supplies on Hand

Everyone should have supplies handy at home in case you need to shelter in place after a storm or earthquake. You may not have tap water or electricity, so in addition to nonperishable food and medications, keep these items at the ready:

Enough bottled water for everyone
Disinfectant and wipes
Batteries
Emergency radio
Power bank to charge phones and small electrical devices
Flashlights and electric lanterns
Warm blankets and clothing
Camp stove or grill (always use outside, never inside the house)

Consider the kind of emergencies you’re most likely to face depending on your location and climate, and plan accordingly. If you have frequent power outages already, you may wish to install an emergency backup generator or keep a supply of firewood on hand for heat and cooking.

Are high winds a hazard where you live? Be sure to keep your supplies in a shelter below ground, if possible, along with pillows and blankets if you have to hunker down there.

Make Your Home Less Prone to Damage

There are ways to minimize damage to many homes. Some common methods include:

Improving drainage through the yard with greenscaping, water catch basins, French drains, etc., or adding a sump pump
Upgrading your roofing materials or redoing an old roof
Adding hurricane straps to the roof
Trimming back large trees around your home
Installing new windows and doors or hurricane shutters
Reinforcing your structure and securing tall furniture to the wall

Some disaster-proofing can also save you money on your home insurance. To learn more about proper insurance coverage, call us today.

Who Needs Life Insurance and How Much Do You Need?

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 21:41:40 GMT

It’s an unfortunate fact that life expectancy in the US has dropped recently. This has led many people to examine whether or not they should have a life insurance policy and, if so, how much coverage they should have. Here are some basics about life insurance, intended to help you decide whether it’s the right protection for you and your loved ones.

Do I Need Life Insurance?

Life insurance pays out when you die, providing funds for whomever you name as a beneficiary in the policy. Usually, beneficiaries are spouses or partners and children, although they can be anyone who depends on your income financially to survive, like grandchildren or a sibling with a disability.

Would your family’s home be at risk without you there to provide for them? Would your children be able to attend college? If they would be unable to pay for the things they have now or have planned for the future, life insurance is a must. It will give everyone involved peace of mind knowing they will be okay financially even if the worst happens.

How Much Life Insurance Should I Get?

The general rule of thumb is you should provide at least 6-10 times your income with a life insurance policy. However, you may wish to have more than that if you have a large number of dependents, an expensive mortgage, or other expenses that would be hard for your family to meet after your passing.

A substantial life insurance policy can be very difficult and costly to obtain the older you get because the risk of you needing the policy increases with age. Therefore, starting your policy while you’re still young and healthy is best, giving you time to let it grow without it being a financial burden and to minimize the chance that you’ll be turned down for coverage due to poor health or advanced age.

What Are the Different Kinds of Life Insurance?

There are three basic kinds of life insurance:

Term life insurance - coverage for a specific period of time
Whole life insurance - coverage for your entire lifetime
Universal life insurance - a mix of term and whole life with more flexible premiums

It can be challenging to decide what kind of insurance to purchase and exactly how much to get. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced insurance agent and not simply buy any old policy online.

Need help finding the personal insurance coverage that’s right for you? Call us today to get the personalized help you want.

What to Check Before Buying a Used Car

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 21:51:11 GMT

With the new car market impacted by shipping delays, many people are choosing to buy used cars lately. And some people only purchase a used vehicle because it saves them money and lets the first owner figure out if it’s a lemon or not (most major problems show up by around 60,000 miles). Here’s a checklist for things you should assess if you’re looking at used cars.

Tires and Brakes

While tires can be replaced, they can run hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Make sure the tires are in good shape with no worn treads or patches; otherwise, this can be a good opportunity to knock some money off the price of the vehicle with your offer.

The brakes should be in excellent working order too. There should be no noise when you apply the brake pedal, and you shouldn’t have to pump the pedal or push hard on it to stop the vehicle. No brake warning lights should be illuminated on the dashboard.

Suspension and Alignment

The vehicle should ride smoothly when you take it for a test drive. Before you get in, check to make sure the car or truck sits level on the pavement. Also, the alignment should be correct, and the vehicle should not pull to one side or the other.

Air Conditioning and Heat

No matter where you drive, you’ll want air conditioning or heat… or both. Don’t forget to turn them on to ensure they’re working properly. Check all the vents, including those in the rear, if there is a separate vent system behind the driver’s seat.

Safety Elements

If certain components are not functioning, driving the vehicle may not be safe, and you can get a traffic citation. This includes:

Headlights, tail lights, and directional signals
Seat belts and airbags
Dashboard lights
Horn
Windshield (no cracks or stars) and wipers

Make certain the door locks and window controls work too.

Accident History and Repair Record

Ideally, you want as many records for the vehicle as you can get your hands on. There are multiple sites online where you can enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if it’s been in an accident. The owner’s certificate (pink slip) should not indicate that it’s a salvage vehicle.

If the owner has repair and maintenance records, that’s even better. It’s a good sign if a seller can provide this documentation because it usually shows they have nothing to hide and have been meticulous about the car’s upkeep.

If you’re not sure about a car’s mechanical soundness, take it to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. It’s well worth the money to save yourself from buying a vehicle that needs too much work.

Miscellaneous Other Items

Depending on the vehicle you’re buying, there are other elements you may wish to check:

Sound system
Luxury electronics like navigation systems, smartphone connections, video players, etc.
Seating (fabric, heating, adjustment controls, etc.)
Trunk or hatchback mechanism
Sunroof or convertible roof
Spare tire and jack
Roof rack, trailer hitch, running boards, etc.
Exterior paint condition

Insurance Quote

Before you buy, it’s wise to get a quote on what it will cost to insure the vehicle, so there are no surprises. And, of course, you'll want to have the vehicle insured before you start driving it if you do decide to purchase it. Most states require liability insurance to register and operate a motor vehicle, plus you probably need collision and comprehensive coverage to be fully protected.

Have you found the used car you want and are ready for an auto insurance policy? Get in touch today to make sure you have the protection you need.

Should I Notify My Insurance Company About a New Puppy?

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 21:42:57 GMT

Having a new puppy join your household can change your life. The snuggles and kisses make getting up in the middle of the night for potty breaks worth it, but in the whirlwind of change, it’s easy to forget some practicalities. For example, should you inform your insurance company about your new dog? Are there things you can do to keep your puppy safer? What about protecting yourself financially if your dog bites someone? Here’s what you need to know as a dog owner.

A New Puppy and Insurance Coverage

Whether you own your own home or rent, you probably have insurance coverage for the property. And you should definitely let your insurance company know if you have a new puppy because it may change your policy.

First, you want to know if you’re covered for things like damage caused by your dog. Also, you need to find out if you should add more protection (see dog bite liability below).

Pro tip: while you’re inquiring about insurance coverage, it’s worth asking your insurance agent about your vehicle. Are you covered if your pooch chews a hole in the seat (it doesn’t just happen in the movies) or punctures something with its nails?

Keeping Your Pup Safe

Did you know that Great Dane puppies grow as much in a year as the average human does from birth to high school? While your dog may become practically pony-size very quickly, you still need to protect it while it’s tiny. Here are some home puppy-proofing tips, so hopefully, you won’t have to rely on that pet insurance policy:

Remove attractive items like shoes and kids’ toys until your dog learns not to chew on human belongings or can reliably respond to “Leave it!”
Investing in pet gates can protect your puppy from hazards and rooms you want to keep dog-free.
Decide from the start if you want to allow your puppy on the furniture. Once you have a policy, be consistent. It’s perfectly okay to insist your pup sleeps in its own bed and doesn’t romp on your sofa.
Keep your pup on a leash, even at places like the dog park, until its recall (coming when you call its name) is trustworthy. Never walk your puppy off leash in places where this is not allowed, even if you think your dog won’t roam. It can still get into garbage or chase a squirrel into the road.
Seriously consider crate training your puppy. This will give you a safe place to leave your dog in your absence or when you have workers in the house. It’s also great for calming down an anxious or high-energy dog — bonus points for helping with potty training, as dogs generally won’t go where they sleep.
Don’t forget about your yard. It’s best not to leave very young dogs unsupervised there, even for a minute, but you still need to check for toxic plants, gaps in the fence, and other dangers. Make sure gates shut firmly, and consider posting a sign if people enter your yard for landscaping or playtime with kids. Chasing a loose puppy through your neighborhood (they always seem to get away when you’re still in your pajamas) isn’t nearly as fun as it looks!

Find a good vet before you bring your new puppy home or soon thereafter, and they can offer more tips specific to your breed and lifestyle.

The Importance of Dog Bite Liability Coverage

Even the most friendly dog can wind up biting someone if it is scared, or believes it’s defending its owner or home. And of course, some breeds are more protective than others, particularly as they grow, and larger breeds can inflict serious damage with a bite.

That’s why every new puppy owner should discuss dog bite liability coverage with their insurance agent. Your current renters insurance and homeowners insurance policies may cover liability up to a certain amount, but dog owners might want to supplement that with a personal umbrella policy.

Do you need to double check your insurance coverage as a new puppy owner? Get in touch with us today. We can help ensure you’re properly protected when it comes to your new four-legged household member.

How to Choose the Right Smart Security Camera

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:43:32 GMT

A security camera can help protect your property against intruders or provide evidence in the event of a break-in. But with all the technology available today, it can be tough to figure out which smart security camera is right for you. Here are four points to consider when you shop for a camera for your home.

24-Hour vs. Motion-Activated Recording

Some cameras run continuously, while others are only triggered to turn on when they detect motion nearby. There are pros and cons to each.

A 24/7 camera won't miss anything, since it's always on, but you’ll have to go through all that footage to find one or two moments if you’re looking for a specific event, such as a trespasser in your yard (though some systems have the ability to find notable events automatically). However, an always-on camera will capture even the slightest movement, which a motion-activated security camera might miss.

A motion-activated camera will be triggered by anything that moves, including pets, wild animals, and tree branches. As a result, you may get some false alarms if you’re receiving notifications that your camera has turned on. However, because it only records movement, this type of camera can store data more efficiently, which is a consideration if you’re using local storage (see below).

Battery Powered vs. Wired

Battery-powered cameras run the risk of having their batteries run out just when you need to capture something, which isn't an issue for cameras that gets their power from a wired connection. Therefore, you have be sure to change the batteries whenever they've been used up. But battery-powered cameras can be more portable than hardwired versions, depending on the model you buy, which can be helpful if you want to make small adjustments to their positioning or take them to another property.

Cloud vs. Local Storage

In the old days, you had to store security camera data on a local device like a video cassette, disc, or DVD. Then came microdisks for smaller and easier storage.

Some cameras still use these tiny discs today, while others have migrated to cloud storage. In general, cloud storage is preferable, as it has fewer size limitations, if any at all, and is more reliable, assuming sending information to the cloud from your camera works properly.

The biggest advantage of cloud storage is you can access the footage anywhere. If you’re on vacation in Europe and want to see your backyard back in the States, you can do so from your mobile phone or tablet.

There are also camera systems that use centralized local storage and allow remote access, but you'll likely pay more for this type of setup.

Price vs. Features

Like other electronics, your security camera will be more expensive the more features it sports. Better image resolution, two-way talk, integrated spotlights, night vision, and smartphone alerts are some of the options that drive up price but may well be worth it to you.

Finally, the cost of a security camera starts rising when you integrate it with other security system components, especially monitoring services from an alarm company. So you may have to crunch the numbers to find your sweet spot between price and features and be willing to sacrifice bells and whistles you don’t really need if budget is the main concern.

Don’t forget to protect your home with the right home insurance policy. Call us to explore coverage today. Between homeowners insurance and your security camera, you’ll sleep easier knowing you’re fully protected.

Things to Know When Shopping for Home and Auto Insurance

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 21:41:08 GMT

If you’re looking around for home or auto insurance, you may find the process confusing, especially if you’re new to buying coverage and aren’t familiar with the terminology. Here are five essential things you should know when you consider options for your residence or vehicle.

What Is a Deductible?

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you file an insurance claim. Deductibles were created decades ago to discourage policyholders from filing petty or even fraudulent claims.

In most cases, deductibles are a flat fee, such as $500 or $1,000, but can vary based on your policy. You can potentially lower your deductible by paying a higher premium (the cost of the insurance policy). This works in reverse, too: being willing to pay a higher deductible typically results in a lower premium. It’s a bit of a gamble, but if you have a good driving record or never file homeowner claims, it may be worth having a higher deductible so you can pay less for your policy.

What Is Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

Full coverage auto insurance usually has three components:

Liability insurance (almost always dictated by your state)
Collision insurance
Comprehensive insurance

Liability coverage can help pay for medical care and property damage if you are at fault in an accident. Collision insurance is designed to help cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle if you are at fault or are the victim of a hit and run or your car is damaged by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Finally, comprehensive insurance is intended to protect your car or truck in the event of damage from something other than a car accident, such as theft, vandalism, or loss to fire or most natural disasters.

Does Your Insurance Always Pay After a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Insurance carriers usually pay out for liability or collision insurance only when you are at fault in an accident. If someone else is determined to be at fault, their insurance typically pays.

There are exceptions to this; for example, some states are “no-fault” states, meaning each party’s insurance pays for their own damages, regardless of who is at fault. There are also situations where an uninsured or underinsured driver may hit your car. We recommend you understand how this works before purchasing auto insurance and deciding on coverage options.

What Is Replacement Cost Versus Actual Cash Value?

Most home insurance policies are based on either replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV). The former reimburses you for what it costs at the time of your claim to replace lost furnishings, appliances, clothing, and personal items or to repair or rebuild your dwelling.

Actual cash value insurance pays out at what your property is worth at the time of the claim, with depreciation for wear and tear over time. This is why ACV insurance usually costs a bit less than replacement coverage.

Why Do Independent Agents Offer More Choices?

Independent agents don’t work for just one insurance carrier with a limited number of insurance products — we network with multiple insurance carriers to find you the right coverage.

Do you have more questions about selecting home or auto insurance? Contact CMR Insurance & Services for more information or for a quote.

Is an Electric Car Right for You?

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 21:41:43 GMT

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity lately. Have you considered getting one? Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of electric cars, so you can decide if owning one is right for you.

Great for the planet

There’s no doubt — electric vehicles are better for the environment. They don’t exhaust emissions into the atmosphere, and, as a bonus, you won’t need a smog check. They also don’t rely on fossil fuels, which are harmful to the planet to procure and burn and are non-renewable.

Electricity is considered a renewable resource, making electric vehicles more eco-friendly. Even when an electric car is charged using electricity from coal-fired power plants, it still causes a lot less emissions than an equivalent car that burns gasoline. Some parts of the US are legislating a change over to electric vehicles for the future. You can get ahead of the curve by owning one now.

Less expensive to operate

Electric vehicles are considerably less expensive to own over time than their gas-burning counterparts. There are no gasoline expenses and no oil changes. You can charge your electric vehicle at home with a home charging station, and most can simply be plugged into any standard 120-volt outlet for power.

Maintenance is generally less costly, especially when it comes to brakes, since many electric cars use the motors to slow the car down, a process which actually puts energy back into the car's battery. You may also qualify for tax breaks when you purchase an electric car.

Quieter

If you’ve ever had an electric vehicle sneak up on you, you know how quiet they are. If you would rather hear the sounds of nature or your car stereo without the growl of an engine interfering, an electric car may be just perfect for you. Overall, greater use of electric vehicles would reduce urban noise pollution, too.

More convenient

Electric vehicles are considered more convenient by people who own them. Many municipalities have dedicated lanes just for preferred electric cars and high-occupancy vehicles. And if waiting in line for gas is eating up your time – save time by charging at home while you sleep. This means that if you plug in every night, you'll be able to leave the house every morning with a “full tank.”

There are a few cons to owning an electric vehicle, but their fans typically find these are outweighed by their advantages.

May cost more to buy

In most cases, electric vehicles are more expensive than equivalent models that run on gas. You will likely save this price difference over time with ownership (by not having to buy gas or spend money on maintenance), but you will need the cash or financing up front. Expect the expense of electric cars to drop, however, as the technology improves and they become more part of the mainstream.

Fewer options

You won’t find as many options with electric vehicles as you will with other cars and trucks. Options are growing, but these vehicles still have some catching up to do.

Electric charging limitations

The biggest disadvantage to electric vehicles is the flip side of their advantage: limitations imposed by electric charging. It can be tough to find charging stations in some places, especially in rural areas, although that is certain to change over time.

You’ll want to be sure there are stations along the way or at work, for instance, if you plan to take a long trip or have a sizable commute. Most electric vehicles can’t travel as far on a single charge as a gas-powered vehicle can on one tank, though some can.

Refilling at the gas station can be a hassle, but once at the pump, it only takes a few minutes. However, electric vehicles typically need more time to charge. Depending on the model you select, how depleted the battery is, and how much range you want to add, it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. You need to plan that into your schedule, including any potential need for short-notice vehicle use.

A Final Consideration When Making the Switch

There is one last thing to think about when swapping your gas vehicle for an electric one: your auto insurance. Be sure to check with your insurance agent about what the cost of a new policy will be. As electric vehicles become more widespread, insurance is moving more on par with other cars. And owners say the advantages and overall cost savings by far make up for any increases to their premiums.

Expedite the Process for Car Insurance Claims

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 20:29:02 GMT

Nobody wants to be involved in an accident, and although the car insurance claim process following an accident can seem overwhelming, there are a number of ways to help the process go smoothly. The guidelines below will help you learn what to do after an accident, how to file an auto insurance claim and learn helpful tips to speed up your car insurance claim.

What should I do after an accident?

Gathering as much information as you can, as early as you can, is one of the best things you can do to speed up the car insurance claim process. This process should start at the scene of the accident:

Gather personal information from those involved, including their names, phone numbers, and home and email addresses.
Exchange insurance information, because your claims adjuster will like want to see that info first. If more than two vehicles are involved in the incident, make sure you obtain insurance details from every driver.
Contact law enforcement officials. When police officers arrive on the scene, record their names and cooperate as they collect information to put together for the police report. Usually, officers will give you instructions on how to get a copy of the completed police report. If any paperwork is given to you, make sure to hold onto it and share copies with your claims adjuster. It is important to remember that police may not be able to respond to every call, especially if you are involved in a minor accident where no one is injured.
Take pictures, as long as you can do so safely. Photos of the scene of the accident are important, including damage to your vehicle, the other vehicles involved, the location where the accident took place, the parties involved, witnesses and anything else that might be helpful.

How do I file a claim? And how do I speed up the claim process?

After you have taken immediate action following an accident, you’ll need to file a car insurance claim. There are several things you can do after the accident that can help move the process along.

1. Contact Your Insurer As Soon As Possible

If you contact your insurance company to file a claim immediately following the accident, your adjuster can take the necessary steps to get your claim moving. If you can do so safely, call your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally from the scene of the accident.

For National General customers, filing a claim is simple! You can always reach out to your local NatGen agent to help you through the claim filing process. If you have an account set up on mynatgenpolicy.com, you can easily file your claim online using our state-of-the-art system.

2. Respond Promptly and Cooperate

Once your claim is reported, your insurance adjuster will take the lead. They oversee the status of your repairs and address any issues that may arise, including further damage, payments for additional damage owed or changes to the expected completion date.

In order to quickly settle a car insurance claim, cooperation between you, your adjuster, the body shop and the other people involved is a necessity. A scenario like a minor fender bender is common and relatively easy for your adjuster to handle. The car insurance claim process can go very smoothly when everyone works together.

If you want to quickly check your claim status, remember to keep your adjuster’s contact information handy.

3. Provide As Much Detail As Possible

It’s understandable that sharing minute details about your accident could cause you some added stress, but it’s important to be up front about every aspect of the incident. These small pieces of information that you provide to the adjuster can be crucial to keeping your claim process moving. Give as much information as possible, even if it may seem insignificant!

How long does it take to settle a car insurance claim?

It can take anywhere from 30 days to six weeks or longer to settle a car insurance claim. Several factors can affect how long it takes for your car insurance claim to settle, including:

Communication. The adjuster and the claimant should stay in contact during the car insurance claim process in order to help move the process along.
An inability to pay your deductible. Typically, you must pay your deductible at the time of the repair. If you unable to pay your deductible at that time, your claim may not be handled as quickly.
The type of claim. Claims for roadside assistance and glass replacement can be handled relatively quickly, while injury claims and natural disaster claims are more complex and can take longer to process.
Satisfaction with the completed repairs. If your repairs are unsatisfactory, be sure to say something immediately. The repair process may be delayed, but you’ll be happier in the long run knowing that your vehicle was repaired correctly.

Most importantly, being helpful, responsive and cooperative with your adjuster are all simple ways to help speed up the car insurance claim process!

When I file a claim, how do I get a rental car?

When your car is being repaired, you still need transportation to work or school. If you carry rental reimbursement coverage on your policy, you may be able to get a rental car from an insurance claim to help you get from place to place while repairs are being completed.

If your vehicle isn’t drivable because of a covered accident or loss, rental reimbursement coverage can help with the cost of renting a car. It is important to know that this coverage is optional. You can only purchase rental reimbursement coverage if you also purchase comprehensive and collision coverage, and you must have it at the time of the accident to take advantage of its benefits.

Remember, we’re here to help answer your claim questions and help you file a claim quickly and easily. Reach out to your local agent for assistance and rest assured that no matter how complex your claim may be, we are here to help!

When Should I Review My Home Insurance Coverage?

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:42:00 GMT

Insurance is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only does it protect you from damages caused by things like fire and vandalism, but it can also protect your personal property or additional structures like garages, and provide liability coverage.

But when is it time to review your coverages? Should you evaluate your coverage monthly, yearly, or somewhere in between?

The most important times to review coverage

Let’s talk about events that should prompt you to review your home insurance coverage.

You’ve received a shiny new gift or bought something expensive: To eliminate the risk of not being covered if someone were to steal personal belongings, it’s important to review your home insurance coverage when you are keeping something expensive in the home.

If you’ve just received a beautiful diamond bracelet, an expensive new television system, or a timeless (and expensive) piece of artwork, it’s important to talk to an agent to ensure that you’re properly covered.
You’ve added square footage to your home: Many insurance companies base your coverage off of the square footage of your home. That means that if you add a new sunroom to your existing structure, it’s important to report it to your agent.

If not, in the event of a damaging fire or thunderstorm, your entire home may not be covered.
You got married: If you’re going to be adding another person to your home, they’ll likely bring all of their belongings with them. That means that the value of items in your home will increase — in which case, you’ll need to contact your agent to increase your coverage.
You’re starting a business out of your home: If you run a business out of your home, it’s important to report this to your insurance agency.

Why? You’ll need to have liability coverage for the employees that will be working under your roof, which will be a change to your normal policy.
Policy renewal is coming up: When your policy is set to renew, it’s a great time to review it.

Instead of hastily signing on the dotted line to renew your coverage, take time to read the fine print to see if coverage changed in price, if you’ve made any of the above changes to your home, or if there are any new discounts available.

For example, some insurance agencies will offer discounts for installing a security system to your home, and we all want the best price for our insurance.

Are you shopping for home insurance?

If you’re looking to purchase insurance for a new home, or simply looking for a change in policies, contact us to learn about your options! We’re an independent agency and we offer some of the best prices for home insurance in the area.