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Proactive Steps to Help Simplify a Property Claim

No one likes to experience home damage – it can be traumatic and costly, and it can even disrupt your entire life. But, when you do, isn’t it nice to know you have home insurance to help with the covered expenses and repairs?

Now, when it comes to taking advantage of your insurance benefits and filing a home insurance claim, there are certain things you can do to help things go more smoothly. Here are a few suggested dos and don’ts for filing a homeowners insurance claim:

1. Do call your insurance agent or insurance carrier right away. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you and your family are in a safe place first. And, do what you safely and reasonably can to minimize more damage. But, always call your insurance company to report the damage as soon as possible. Call your insurer before you call a contractor to start repairs.  
2. Do take pictures. Be careful here. While you want to document the damage to your home, from different angles if possible, you don’t want to expose yourself to harm. So, only if it’s safe to do so, take several pictures of the damage, as well as the root cause. You can share these photos with your claims adjuster.  
3. Don’t assign your benefits to a contractor. Contractors may ask you to sign a form called Assignment of Benefits (AOB). It gives them full authority over the claims process, including ownership of any payments from your carrier. Here’s the danger: Disreputable contractors have been known to collect payment without actually finishing the job. So, how do you find a reputable contractor? Most carriers have agreements in place with contractors, such as water restoration companies, building contractors, roofers, painters, etc., that have proven to be trustworthy and efficient. Ask for a recommendation in your area.  
4. Don’t throw out receipts. Need to spend the night in a hotel because you’re not sure if your home is safe? Need to pick up a few things at the home improvement store to help keep the damage from spreading? Save the receipts for any expenses related to the incident that damaged your home. Your policy may provide coverage for them.  
5. Do have an updated home inventory on hand. Theft, fires, fallen trees – many covered incidents impact both your home and your belongings. When it happens, be ready to tell your insurer what items were impacted and how much they were worth. If you had previously invested some time in creating a home inventory, an itemized list of your belongings and their value, you can simply provide those details to your carrier. Otherwise, you may be relying on guesswork.

Of course, you never know when you may find yourself facing home damage that falls outside the scope of your policy. In these cases, you’ll likely be footing the bill rather than filing a claim. Examples of such situations can include losses that cost less than your deductible, as well as incidents that your policy just doesn’t cover, such as flooding and earthquakes.  Make sure you take the time to fully understand your Home Insurance policy, that way you aren't hit with any unexpected surprises when you have to report a claim.

Animal Emergency Response Tips  

A safe home, a regular routine, a soft bed – the things that bring you comfort bring your pet comfort, too. Which is why it’s so important to give some advance thought to how you’d handle your pet responsibilities during and after a disastrous storm or other event.

Your family emergency plan should include considerations for Fluffy or Fido. Not just so they’re comfortable, but so they’re safe, too. With National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day coming up on May 8, here are some emergency planning tips for families with pets from Ready.gov:

Prepare Now so You and Your Pet Are Ready Later

• Make sure your pet has ID. Always have your home address and/or phone number on a tag attached to your pet’s collar – or printed on the collar itself. You might also consider having a microchip implanted in case those tags fall off.  
• Keep a current photo of your pet handy. This is important for identification purposes in the event there’s no microchip or tags. If you really want to be prepared, create a “Lost Pet” flyer and keep a few printouts in your emergency kit.  
• Identify shelters or hotels that accept pets. Keep a list of their phone numbers and addresses, and include your local boarding facility’s number in case you need to drop off your pet. You could also create a list of friends or family outside the area who can host you and your pets.  
• Think security. It’s a good idea to have a secure carrier or harness so pets can’t escape if they panic.  
• Create a separate pet emergency kit. You should have emergency supplies for you and your family — don’t forget your animal friends! Canned or moist food is best for them, as it can reduce their need for water. Other things to include: blankets, bottled water, pet first-aid supplies, vet records, an extra collar and leash, food dishes and other supplies specific to pet type (such as cat litter, etc.).  
• Consider a buddy system. Talk with friends and neighbors and create a plan to help each other care for pets during emergencies. If one of you isn’t home when disaster strikes, the other agrees to see to the animals’ needs for care or evacuation. Be sure to discuss where to meet after an evacuation.

See to Your Pets’ Needs During a Disaster

• Don’t leave pets outside or tied up. They may become frightened and escape. And, remaining outside can put them at greater risk of harm.  
• Separate dogs, cats and other animals. Even if they normally get along, stressful situations can lead to irrational behavior.  
• Have more unique pets, such as birds? Talk to your veterinarian about their specific needs in emergencies.  
• Keep a supply of newspapers. If your pets cannot go outside, you’ll need to create space indoors for them to … well, you know. Protect those areas with newspapers, towels or other items.  
• If at all possible, do not leave your pets behind if you need to evacuate. If you must, however, confine them to a safe area inside your home with access to plenty of food and water. Even leave the toilet seat up in case their other water runs out. And, it’s a good idea to leave an easily seen sign detailing how many pets are in the house, and how you can be reached.

Continue to Be Cautious Once It’s Over

• Watch your pets closely. They may still be frightened, even days after a disaster. And, even familiar areas may have changed, so keep them on leash and stay close. Remember, there may be downed power lines or other hazards still present.  
• Evaluate how things went. Could your emergency plan have been better? Are there things you wish you had included in your pet’s disaster kit? Do you need to research more shelters and other facilities that will accept pets? Now’s the time to do it — before the next emergency.

If you’re like most people, you consider your pets part of the family. Including them in your plans, and taking steps before a disaster strikes, will make it easier to keep the whole family together.

Pets and Liability Coverage

As a pet parent, you’re responsible for the everyday and emergency needs of your furry, feathered or scaly friends. But, you’re also responsible for their behavior. Bad pet behavior can cause severe injuries, potentially leaving you liable for other people’s medical bills, property damage, legal expenses and more. Would the liability coverage on your homeowners policy come to your aid? For some general guidelines, check out Safeco's blog on pet liability.

Stacey Campo, Senior Sales Representative for The Hartford Insurance Company presented Paschall Insurance Group with a framed, replicated Home Insurance Policy for Abe Lincoln. The policy was written by The Hartford Company in February of 1861.

President Lincoln’s two story dwelling in Springfield, Illinois was insured for $3,200 with his annual premium being $24.00. A lot has changed in 165 years, but one thing remains the same - Hartford’s rock solid reputation in the insurance industry!

Paschall Insurance Group is proud to represent The Hartford, and we are grateful for our ongoing, strong relationship with them. Thank you to The Hartford for gifting us with this priceless piece of history, we will treasure it and display it proudly in our office lobby for all to see.

What to Do If You’re Caught in Your Car During a Tornado  

Tornadoes are the most violent storms anywhere, and about 1,200 touch ground in the United States every year, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

They’re as unpredictable as they are violent. Twisters most often occur in the early spring on the Gulf Coast, in May and June on the southern plains and in June and July in the upper Midwest. But, tornadoes can occur any time of year and have been recorded in every state, says the NWS.

If a twister forms when you’re traveling through an unfamiliar region, or even while driving near home, you don’t have much time to make smart decisions that can help save your life. The NWS and Red Cross recommend these actions if a tornado catches you while you’re on the go:

Be Alert and Prepared

1. Know the difference between a watch and a warning:
   • Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible around the general watch area. This tells you to be alert and prepared.  
   • Tornado Warning: A tornado has been seen or has appeared on weather radar. This tells you to take immediate action to protect yourself and family.
    
2. Know how to access emergency broadcasts in case you encounter worrisome conditions:
   • Local news stations.  
   • NOAA Weather Radio. Dial the VHF public service band from 162.400 to 162.550 MHz for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All Hazards broadcast.  
   • Local NWS Weather Forecast Office. Access local watches, warnings, forecasts and radar images online – just not while driving.
    
3. Know the warning signs of a tornado:
   • Dark clouds, frequently greenish.  
   • A wall cloud, attached to the base of a thundercloud but isolated and lowering.  
   • Flying debris.  
   • Large hailstones.  
   • A roaring noise, ranging from the sound of a waterfall to that of a jet engine.  
   • A funnel cloud, a rotating funnel extending from the base of a thundercloud. Once it touches the ground, a funnel cloud is a tornado.

If You’re Caught Outside or Driving

1. Don’t wait to see a funnel once you hear a Tornado Warning.
   • Run to a sturdy building. The basement is the safest place, but a windowless interior room on the building’s lowest level is the next alternative. Mobile homes are not safe.  
   • Get into your car if you cannot immediately get to a shelter on foot. Fasten your seat belt and drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
   Don’t try to outrun a tornado, because they can move across the landscape at 60 mph.  
2. If large objects start to fly past as you are driving, pull over, park and choose the best of the following two options:
   • If you can get significantly below the level of the roadway, such as in a deep ditch, get out of the car and lie face down with your hands protecting your head.  
   • Otherwise, keep your seat belt on and stay in the car. Lower your head below the level of the windows, protecting yourself with your hands. If any other protection is available, such as a blanket, wrap that over your head as well.

Always remember, whenever you encounter severe weather, that a violent storm can escalate and travel quickly. If you’re at home, be ready to put your emergency plan into place, if you can – practicing family drills and setting aside supplies ahead of time will help. If not, take the most appropriate safety measures possible, such as the ones shared above.