RV Insurance

Top Five Uses for a Trailer Hitch

Top Five Uses for a Trailer Hitch

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost | by Rachel Neva | Trailer Hitch | Auto Insurance | Click here to start a quote today!

A trailer hitch just might be the most inventive way to add more cargo space, value, and extra opportunities for fun to your vehicle. While some vehicles like trucks and SUVs may come with a factory-installed hitch or tow package, it’s very common for drivers to install a hitch or tow package to their vehicle as an after-market accessory.

Wondering what the difference between a hitch and a tow package is? Depending on what you plan to tow, you may need more than a standard hitch with a trailer ball attached to your vehicle. In addition to the tow hitch itself, a tow package (especially if it’s factory-installed) may include things like a wiring harness and circuitry to power the lights and accessories on a trailer, heavy-duty suspension and brakes to handle the extra weight, an enhanced engine and transmission cooling system, larger battery and alternator to help power your vehicle and what you’re towing with ease, and additional driver-assistance systems that can help with overall spatial awareness while towing.

Depending on what you’re towing and where you’re going, this article provides some helpful information if you’re deciding between a factory-installed tow package or an aftermarket tow package for your vehicle.

If you’re thinking about adding a hitch to your vehicle … here are our top five uses for a trailer hitch:

  • Hitch-mounted bike rack — If you like to hit the mountain bike trails, go on scenic family bike rides in your area, or take bikes along on family vacations, a hitch-mounted bike rack is an easy way to transport bicycles of all kinds. While this type of bike rack extends the overall length of your vehicle (something to be aware of when parking), loading and unloading bikes can be much easier than bike racks that are mounted on a vehicle’s roof.
  • Utility trailer — A small utility trailer can be ideal for many towing tasks such as hauling plants and supplies for a garden or landscape project (and any debris resulting) or moving large items that won’t fit in your vehicle, like furniture or appliances.
  • Travel trailer — From pop-up camper trailers to luxury, fifth-wheel travel trailers, there’s a camping travel trailer to fit almost every kind of person who enjoys camping and exploring the great outdoors.
  • Boat trailer — If you don’t live on a lake or body of water but want to take nearly any kind of boat — a small fishing boat, a ski or wake boat, a pontoon or sailboat – out on the water, you’ll need a trailer that’s specific to the boat. Unless you have a boat slip at a marina that offers haul-out and storage service, you’ll likely need a trailer for your boat at some point.
  • Off-road vehicle trailer — There are many types of off-road vehicle trailers from simple, utility-type trailers for things like ORVs and off-road motorcycles to enclosed cargo-type trailers for ORVs and snowmobiles. If you like to explore new trails on your ORV or snowmobile, you may want to invest in a trailer to haul them with you wherever you go.

If you add a trailer hitch to your vehicle and have questions about insuring the things that you’ll tow, give Shield Insurance A call to shop for coverages that can help you protect the things you tow.

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Coexisting with bicyclists

Coexisting with bicyclists

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance Blog | by Jenean McLoskey | bicyclists | Start an Insurance quote now! | Shield

Cycling has grown significantly in popularity over the past decade. Towns across the country are adding bike lanes to their roads to become more bike-friendly, and more and more people are ditching their cars and using a bike as their primary form of transportation. According to USA Today, larger cities like Portland, Ore., and Minneapolis have more than doubled their rate of bike commuters since 2014 — and as a cyclist, I can’t help but get excited.

Now, with bike riding growing in popularity across the U.S. — it may be a good idea to brush up on some traffic guidelines to avoid any accidents.

When you purchase a bike, you’re likely not required to take a safety class before you ride it. And, for drivers, the instructors touched on bike safety as part of Drivers Ed, but who remembers details from a course they took in their teens?

My point is, adults aren’t given much guidance when it comes to cyclists and cars coexisting on the roads. And as a bicyclist and a driver, I did some research because honestly, I needed a refresher myself.

Safety tips for DRIVERS:

  • Try to be 3 feet or more away from a bike.
  • Try to pass on the left when possible.
  • Blind spots are always lurking, make sure to watch for bikes.
  • Only pass a bicyclist when your passing lane is free and clear.
  • Look in your mirror for cyclists when you’re parking.
  • Always think of cyclists as equals – remember, they have rights on the road too!

Safety tips for BICYCLISTS:

  • Make sure to ride with the flow of traffic.
  • Traffic signs and signals aren’t just for cars. Stop on red to be safe.
  • Use marked bike paths or lanes if they’re available.
  • Use your arm to make turn signals and take advantage of turn lanes so cars are aware of what you’re doing.
  • Consider using a mirror to monitor the cars behind you.
  • If you’re riding at night or in a storm, make sure to use some sort of flashers.
  • Watch for parked cars.
  • And most importantly — stay alert at all times.

If you’re unsure about your city’s or state’s traffic laws, it doesn’t hurt to look them up beforehand. No matter what you drive, be sure to enjoy the roads out there safely!

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Helping turtle friends cross the road

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost | by Niki King-Todd | Turtle | Start a Quote with Shield Insurance | Auto Insurance

Did you know that May 23 is World Turtle Day? It’s all about raising awareness for turtles and encouraging people to help them survive. Participating can be as simple as helping a turtle cross the road.

Most turtles begin to move as the weather warms. This may be for mating, nesting or many other reasons. Of course, turtles move much slower than cars (and don’t understand human traffic laws), which makes crossing the road incredibly dangerous. To celebrate and protect all of the turtles out there, here are some tips for safely helping them reach their destination!

Turtle Safety First

If you see a turtle on the road, remember to use the correct signals when pulling over. Keep your flashers on to warn oncoming vehicles and always check your surroundings.

Moving the Turtle

If the turtle is moving at a decent pace, you may be able to stand nearby and watch it cross. If the turtle is stagnant (or if you are uncomfortable touching the turtle), you may use a blunt object to help push it. Make sure the object isn’t sharp, and be gentle! This will be your best option for moving a snapping turtle, they may bite if you use your hands.

Picking up the Turtle

Most turtles will hide in their shells if they are frightened, which makes it easier for you to pick them up. Place both of your hands behind the front legs and towards the back legs. The turtle may try to kick, so don’t hold it up high – you don’t want to drop it! Also, it’s very important to never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can severely injure them.

Car Mat

Another option for moving the turtles is using a car mat. This works best for larger turtles that you may not be able to lift. You can allow the turtle to walk onto the mat, or help gently push it onto the mat. Be sure to carry the mat low to the ground in case the turtle falls off.

Going in the Same Direction

Be sure to move the turtle in the same direction it was trying to go. If you place it back where it was coming from, it will most likely turn around and return to the road.

Do Not Take it with You

Turtles and other wildlife are meant to stay in the wild. No matter how cute turtles can be, resist the temptation to bring them home. When taken out of their home areas, they will most likely try to go back. They are not pets so they need to be in their natural environment.

Injured Turtles

An injured turtle may look dead, so if you are unsure as to whether or not the turtle is injured, there are a few tricks you can try. Try gently touching the back of their foot, or touch the corner of its eye to test for a reaction. The turtle may try and kick, or move its head or eyes. If a turtle has a crack in its shell, it might drown if it returns to the water. If the turtle you find has a damaged shell, or seems seriously injured, contact a professional. Many veterinarians, animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centers will treat them for free.

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Five coolest places to travel in the U.S.A.

Five coolest places to travel in the U.S.A.

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Creative Team | travel | Start a Quote Today! | Shield Insurance

Ah, summer. It’s the time of year the whole country comes alive and beckons us to get on the road and experience it. That’s why we put together this list of what I consider the five most incredible places to visit in the U.S. If you’ve never been to these places, now is the time to pack those bags, explore and enjoy your summertime travels!

Travel to New York City

You have to experience the “Big Apple” at least once. It has everything you could ever want from a big city—museums, Broadway shows, restaurants with every type of food you can imagine, specialty boutiques, and high-end shops. Plus, you need to see the Statue of Liberty in person and check out those neon lights of Times Square. Make Central Park one of your main destinations. Remember to see the amazing works of art at the Met and the Guggenheim. This is a city that never sleeps with endless things to try and taste.

Travel San Francisco

The home of the Golden Gate Bridge offers gorgeous sights across its renowned hilly landscape and so many fun things to do, like riding cable cars, checking out Alcatraz Island, strolling along Fisherman’s Wharf and driving up the famously steep and crooked Lombard Street. Just a few miles north, you can leave the hustle and bustle behind to visit the towering Redwood trees in Muir Woods. Or for some tranquility within the city, plan a picnic at Golden Gate Park and see lakes, museums, monuments and the Steinhart Aquarium. For another great view of the city, check out Strawberry Hill in the middle of the park.

If you’ve never been to these places, now is the time to explore! If you’re traveling by car, motorcycle or RV, contact your local Foremost agency to get the right coverage for your ride!

Travel to Grand Canyon

If it’s the natural beauty you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find it at the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona. If you weren’t seeing it with your own eyes, you’d swear it was a painting in glorious shades of red and orange. Nothing can top the magnificent views as you gaze through the canyon over the Colorado River. Visit the South Rim where you’ll find Grand Canyon Village and the Bright Angel Trail. And if you’re into roughing it in the wilderness, you’ll want to head to the North Rim for backcountry camping and some serious hiking.

Yellowstone

Yellowstone has 2.2 million acres of paradise for you to explore—crystal blue lakes, tumbling waterfalls, majestic mountains, hot springs, abundant forests, open meadows, and active geysers. There are so many trails, it could take weeks to travel them all. Check out everyone’s favorite spots like Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, and Mammoth Hot springs. Then visit lesser-known areas like the West Thumb Geyser Basin, the Lewis River Channel, and the Dogshead Loop. You will likely be treated to sights of wildlife during your journey since over 60 types of mammals call the park their home. You could see buffalo, elk, coyotes, badgers, and perhaps a few bears along the way.

Washington D.C.

Our country’s capital has earned its place on the list of exciting East Coast vacation destinations. Not only can you soak up loads of our country’s history by checking out the classic attractions like the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, but you can also enjoy the many hip restaurants, cafes, clubs, and boutiques. Endless opportunities abound to learn about our past at museums like the Smithsonian, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Newseum, and the Mount Vernon Estate. It’s impossible to leave the city without feeling a deeper connection to our roots and pride in our home country.

Now that you know where to go, get those bags packed and enjoy your summertime travels!

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Top eight towing mistakes people make

Top eight towing mistakes people make

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

The Foremost Creative Team | towing mistakes | Auto Insurance | Start a Quick Quote here!

The idea of hauling something huge behind your truck or SUV may sound like a fun adventure, but for those who aren’t familiar with the complexities of towing, it can actually be pretty intimidating! According to Complete Trailers LLC, there are eight common mistakes people make while towing. To avoid costly damages, read this list before you hitch and go:

Towing Mistakes: Overworking Your Engine

The number one towing mistake people make is overworking their tow vehicle. Overextending your vehicle can start a landslide of engine problems. This mistake could lead to a meltdown on the side of the road and potentially require a brand-new transmission. To avoid this, keep an eye on your pressure, temperature gauges, and exhaust gas temperature gauges.

Towing Mistakes: Weight Distribution Bars

If you don’t have your weight distribution bars set up right, you’re bound to have your vehicle and trailer bouncing from each other. Your ride will be bumpier than usual and the hitch and frame can be damaged from this too. And when it comes to weight distribution bars, bigger is not better. The bars with chains are tunable and come in various strengths and weights. If you properly load the correct bar size, they’ll be parallel to the trailer’s frame.

Towing Mistakes: Checking or Maintaining Brakes

Brakes are the most essential and overlooked safety system. Trailer brakes don’t self-adjust like the brakes on your tow vehicle. In fact, they must be manually adjusted by you. Additionally, trailer brakes wear out just like any other brake does, so be sure to check for wear and tear regularly.

Poorly Loaded Vehicles us a towing mistake

It’s crucial for safety and damage prevention to always put a balanced load on your trailer. Read up on weight restrictions and follow them closely because if you don’t, your tow vehicle won’t last very long.

Wrong Ball/Ball Mount

Make sure that you have the right ball and mount for your trailer. There are three different sizes of balls: 1 7/8 inches, 2 inches, and 2 5/16 inches — each with a different weight rating. Using the wrong mount or ball will pitch your trailer up or down on your axles and it also puts extra stress on your brakes and tires, which eventually reduces your braking ability. If you use multiple trailers, carry multiple mounts.

“Racing” While Towing

We know how exciting it is to get to a destination, but remember, slow and steady wins the race! Speeding up or down a grade is the last thing you want to do because it’ll ruin the longevity of your tow vehicle.

Low-Pressure Tires

If you maintain the right tire pressure on both your tow vehicle and trailer, you’ll have even tire wear, which means you’re less likely to have blowouts from overheating. This scenario is especially dangerous when it happens on your rear trailer tires, so make sure to pay special attention to them. Tires degrade more quickly when not in use. Before you hitch and go, remember to always inspect your tires and pressure.

Not Lubing Your Components

Like any well-oiled machine, taking preventative measures with your trailer and tow vehicle goes a long way. Axles and all pivot points where steel meets steel (or rubber bushings meet steel) should be greased.

Shield Insurance Agency wants you to travel and tow safely.

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ATV Trail Riding Survival Kit

ATV Trail Riding Survival Kit

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance | by Marrio Roberts Jr. | Survival Kit | Recreational Vehicle Insurance | Start A Quote

ATVs and other off-road vehicles are adaptable to many situations. With that being said, you can’t always predict what will happen on off-road adventures. If you need to perform emergency maintenance, it will help to be equipped with the proper tools. To prepare yourself in advance, Foremost® Insurance recommends keeping the following items in your ATV emergency kit.

Air pump and tire repair kit.

When traveling off-road you’re more likely to encounter various bumps in the road, like rocks or even holes, that can flatten your tire. If you have a tire repair kit handy, you should be able to patch small holes. Many repair kits come with air pumps, but it may be a great idea to bring an extra one just in case.

Tool kit within the Survival Kit

It helps to have a tool kit handy if you can. If you need to remove a tire or access a part of the vehicle that’s enclosed under something else, you may need more than just your hands to get the job done.

Duct Tape.

While we don’t recommend using duct tape for any serious repairs, it may be able to temporarily patch a leak in a water hose or radiator bottle, for example, which can buy you enough time to get to a repair shop. Additionally, duct tape can be useful if you or someone else falls off a vehicle. We highly recommend seeking professional medical attention in this situation, but if someone twists their ankle, using duct tape can help to stabilize it until you get to a medical facility.

A knife.

A knife can be useful if you or someone you’re with has an injury, as it can be used to cut bandages and wrap tourniquets. Whether you opt for a Swiss army knife or a regular pocket knife is up to you. A Swiss army knife may apply to more situations overall, but in terms of practicality, a pocket knife may be enough.

Jumper cables as part of the Survival Kit

Of course, jumper cables will be useful if you or someone else’s vehicle loses battery power. We recommend always keeping these with you.

First aid kit within the Survival Kit

First aid kits can be useful for treating minor scratches and bruises. With the unpredictable terrain of off-road adventures, you never know when you’d need these.

Bug spray.

It’s not uncommon to encounter bugs when you’re off-roading. If you don’t want those pesky creatures bothering you, keep some bug spray in the vehicle. This way if you forget to put some on before you head out, or if it wears out, you’ll always have some to reapply.

Spare tire.

While we do advise keeping a tire repair kit, they don’t work in every situation. There may be times when a tire is damaged beyond repair. In this case, you’ll need a spare tire.

Spare parts for the survival kit

You should keep a spare of the following parts: belt, spark plug, tie-rods, and ball joints. While these require a bit of handy work to replace, if you don’t have any spares on hand, you may become stranded.

Tow strap.

If you do become stranded, you will need someone to tow your vehicle to a safe place. We advise you to keep a tow strap on hand in case this happens.

To lessen your chances of having emergency situations, please ride safely.

If you’re looking for ATV insurance, UTV insurance, or insurance for another off-road vehicle (ORV), you can get a quote with Shield Insurance Agency today!

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9 Affordable Ways to Heat Your Home This Winter

9 Affordable Ways to Heat Your Home This Winter

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

The HOMEiA Team | Oct 01, 2020 | Heat Your Home | Home Insurance | Easy Quote

9 Affordable Ways to Heat Your Home This Winter

As temperatures fall outside, thoughts of fans and air conditioners are replaced by a need to warm our homes again.

If your heating bill was frightening last year, if you’re building a residence or vacation home, or if your old system is starting to fail, it is time to look at your options when it comes to heating your home.

Heating systems come in a number of varieties, each with its benefits and detriments. Here we’ll explore some cost-effective ways to keep your space comfortable this winter.

Here are 9 most affordable ways to heat your home this winter:

Table of Contents:

  1. The classic central furnace
  2. A Hot Water/Steam System
  3. Heat Pumps
  4. A Ductless Furnace
  5. A Fuel-Burning Stove
  6. A Portable Heater
  7. Fireplaces
  8. Upgrade with a programmable or smart thermostat
  9. Improve your Efficiency
  10. The classic central furnace

The classic central furnace, heat your home with a central furnace

The most common means of heating a home in North America is through a warm-air furnace.

A furnace is a large appliance inside the building that is powered by electricity or by fuel (natural gas or fuel oil). Gas and oil furnaces mix air and fuel to power a flame, which heats a metal exchanger and heats the air. From there a fan pushes the warm air through the home’s ducts.

How hard the furnace works is determined by the thermostat. When the temperature falls below the thermostat’s set level, the heating system’s components turn on; when it measures warm enough, the system turns off.

Some furnaces are more efficient than others. In the United States, the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is the common way to measure efficiency, as averaged across the seasons and varying loads. To get more heat for the furnace’s work, look for a high AFUE.

One of the pros of a central furnace is that you can set the thermostat to control the temperature for you, allowing the system to turn off once the home has reached an appropriate temperature. On the other hand, central air handling means you can’t control the temperature in individual rooms.

A Hot Water/Steam System

A Hot Water/Steam System, heat your home with a hot water system
There’s a reason steam is used so often for fast cooking: it is low in density, has no temperature limit, works quickly, and can be controlled easily.

Even more efficient, though, are hot water (boiler) systems. Today many existing steam systems are being converted to hot water systems, partly because of a deficit in expertise among maintenance personnel.

Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps, heat your home with heat pumps. Heat pumps move heat energy from its source in an already cold area to a warmer destination referred to as a “heat sink.” The heat energy moves heat from a place that is already cold, making it even colder, and pushes it toward a destination that is warming.

Since the heat energy moves in the opposite direction that it would move on its own, an external power source is necessary. The result is essentially a refrigerator or air conditioner used in reverse.

Where does the heat come from? Typically, it comes from the external air or from underground (where temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year).

A Ductless Furnace to heat your home

A Ductless Furnace, heat your home with a ductless furnace Whereas a central furnace moves air throughout the house via a system of ducts, a ductless furnace distributes heat through another pathway.

A floor furnace, which is installed below the floor, heats the room right above it and nearby. A wall furnace heats air to the rooms on either side of the wall. And a pipeless furnace distributes heat through a register on the floor.

In a ductless mini-split system, one unit is installed on an exterior wall and another is mounted on the wall of the room.

The lack of ducts can reduce the amount of dust that builds up, and these units can often be controlled individually so the heat can be adjusted in the room where it’s needed.

A Fuel-Burning Stove

A Fuel-Burning Stove, heat your home with a wood-burning stove. Popular in isolated and low-cost dwellings such as cabins, fuel-burning stoves can be effective in smaller spaces.

The stove is typically made of a metal fire chamber with a fire brick for a base. Its ventilated pipes connect it to a chimney or flue. As the fuel burns, the combustion gases move up the chimney while the air around the stove gets warmer.

A number of different fuels may be used, from natural gas to wood or pellets.

A Portable Heater

A Portable Heater, heat your home with a space heater. Especially useful for supplementary heating in a bedroom or chilly basement, space heaters come in a wide variety of styles, at a wide variety of price points.

Portable heaters generally work via convention; the warm air around the appliance rises, and cold air sinks to the floor to be heated again.

Other space heaters use infrared heating. Infrared light (which humans cannot see) is emitted and heats people and objects as it hits them, just like sunlight. These heaters are useful and efficient when you’re in a room with a line of sight to the heater.

While space heaters can work well as supplementary heat sources for the room you’re in, they are not efficient for heating a whole building.

Years ago, portable heaters got a bad reputation as fire hazards; today’s models are much safer, as long as they’re used appropriately (cords in good shape, on a flat surface, no clutter nearby).

Fireplaces

An energy-efficient fireplace (minimizing heat lost through the chimney) can produce enough heat to offset a lower central thermostat setting—in some cases substantially reducing heating costs.

An old, drafty masonry fireplace can be replaced with an energy-efficient insert to improve its heat generation capabilities.

Beware this major pitfall: if you’re not using your fireplace, make sure the damper is closed—otherwise, you’ll lose as much heat as you would by leaving a window open.

Upgrade with a programmable or smart thermostat

Click here for more ways to heat your home…

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Is it Time for a Roof Replacement?

Is it Time for a Roof Replacement? Look for These 8 Warning Signs

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance Blog | by Jenean McLoskey | Roof Replacement | Home Insurance | Quoting Portal

You may tend to overlook your roof, but it’s actually one of the most important component of your home – and the most vulnerable. It protects you from the elements like rain, snow and sun, but roofs don’t last forever and it may be time for a roof replacement.

You may not think about the importance of roofs until you, a neighbor, or a friend has a situation that causes a reality check. So, when it comes to roof maintenance, there are two key questions you should be asking:

How long does a roof last? According to the Good Housekeeping magazine, shingle roofs should last between 15-30 years (if you have a different type of roof, such as metal or clay tile, you may have to follow different rules). If your home is new or the roof was recently replaced, you should be in the clear. However, it doesn’t hurt to do a checkup after getting hit with severe weather like a hailstorm, ice and snow or crazy rain.

Here are eight warning signs to look for when condiering a roof replacement:

  • Loose shingle tabs
  • Cracks in shingles
  • Broken or missing tabs
  • Buckling or curling shingles
  • Shingles covered in moss or algae
  • Majority of granules worn off tabs
  • Sunlight is shining through the attic
  • Extensive leaking

According to Home Advisor, a roof replacement can range anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000. The size of your home, the materials used and where you live will affect that price range. It’s no small sum, but in return for the investment, you’ll add thousands of dollars to the resale value of your home and ensure a safe and habitable dwelling for years to come. Don’t need a new roof right now? Do a quick check each month to see if maintenance is needed. If you notice problems like missing shingles or signs of water damage, be sure to call a roofing specialist to make the repairs as soon as possible – it could save you a bundle by prolonging the life of your roof and stopping costly leaks in their tracks.

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Stop a home burglary while you're gone

Stop a home burglary while you’re gone

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance | Home Burglary | Home Insurance | Self-Quoting Portal

By using these theft-prevention tips to protect your home and possessions, you and your family will have extra peace of mind, whether you’re away for a day or on vacation.

Make your home look “lived in” even when you’re not there:

  • Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers.
  • Arrange for someone to mow your lawn or shovel snow.
  • Ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway while you’re gone.
  • Use timed switches on your lights, TV, and stereo. Look for timers that turn on and off randomly.
  • You can add to the security of your lighting system and cut your electric bill by installing a motion detector on outside lights. This will activate your lights when anyone comes within range of the unit’s motion sensor.

Home burglary tips from law enforcement officials:

  • Join a Neighborhood Watch group. Most police departments have officers who will help you start a program. Neighbors can help watch your home when you’re gone.
  • Keep valuable items in your safe deposit box, such as stocks and bonds, duplicate copies of your will, stamp, and coin collections, and jewelry you don’t frequently wear.
  • Give parking lot attendants and mechanics your ignition key only, not your house key. Don’t carry an identification tag on your key ring. This could help a would-be thief easily identify your home and vehicle.
  • Consider installing an alarm system for an extra level of protection. You have a variety of choices — from do-it-yourself kits that trigger a siren or lights to professionally installed systems connected to a police station or monitoring service. Post signs in your windows showing you have a security system.
  • Lock your doors and windows when you leave, whether you’ll be gone a few minutes or a few days.
  • Avoid leaving an extra “hidden” key outside your home, such as under the doormat or in a mailbox or planter. To make sure you always get in, leave a duplicate set of house keys with a trusted friend or neighbor.

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Tips on filing claims

Tips for effectively filing claims

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Foremost Insurance | Ryker Huizinga | Filing Claims | Homeowners Insurance | Get A Quote

Experiencing a loss can be stressful, frustrating, and disheartening, but having insurance coverage will help alleviate the financial burden a loss can cause. The first step in restoring your property and moving forward is to determine if your policy provides coverage for the loss. To do this you need to file a claim with the insurer.

While the claims process isn’t something many eagerly look forward to, there are definitely ways you can make it a less stressful experience. To help you successfully navigate the process, here are several tips for effectively and efficiently filing claims.

Keep an inventory of all your insured possessions.

Be proactive! If you keep a written document of your possessions, it can help make the claims process much easier if you experience a loss. Go from room to room and record each item and its value to prepare an inventory. An easy way to do this is to take photos or videos of each room and all of the contents in the rooms. Consider keeping receipts with the purchase date and original cost for your records too, in case of total loss. Your inventory list should be consistently updated, which can be done easily if you record new items shortly after purchasing them. Pro Tip: Your inventory should be easily accessible. It is a good idea to keep a couple of copies of your inventory at different locations, with one location being off-premises in case of a total loss, like a fire.

Before filing claims reach out to your agent.

In the event of a potential claim, it’s best to contact your agent directly instead of the broader insurance provider. Your agent will be able to explain your options and advise on whether filing a claim is in your best interest. In some cases, your agent may even file the claim for you.

Report your loss promptly.

Always file your claim as soon as you possibly can. Of course, theft losses should be reported to the police first, and in other situations of danger and urgency, safety takes priority. But once it’s safe and reasonable to do so, you should contact your insurance agent. This is important because your policy might require you to make the notification within a certain amount of time. Not filing a claim within the time required in your policy may lead to a denial of the claim or may result in the claims process taking longer.

Be prepared for filing claims with the right information.

When you file your claim or make follow-up calls regarding the process, be sure to have the right information so your conversation is easier and more effective. Have your inventory list and the details of your loss, and keep the following information handy for your claims representative:

  • The customer’s name and address
  • The policy number
  • The date the loss happened
  • A description of what happened
  • A preferred telephone number for future contact

Provide complete, correct information.

Explain the situation accurately without downplaying or exaggerating your loss. Incorrect or incomplete information may cause complications and delays in processing the claim. Additionally, materially misrepresenting the facts of your loss may result in a loss of coverage.

Record important details from all correspondence.

While going through the claims process, be sure to write down important information from your phone conversations and in-person meetings with claims representatives and other contacts. This should include the time and date, as well as the name and title of the person you spoke with. This will help you stay organized and create records that may come in handy later.

Make appropriate emergency repairs.

If you’re dealing with property damage it may be necessary to make immediate emergency repairs to prevent additional damages, such as calling a plumber to repair a broken pipe. Your policy might cover the costs of these emergency repairs, so be sure to inquire about them when filing the claim. It is also important to take photos or even videos before making the repairs and save the receipts from all of the work that is done.

Ask questions about filing claims

Don’t be afraid to ask your claims representative for more information or clarification. The process will go much more smoothly if you are both on the same page and fully understand each other. For example, if there is a disagreement about the coverage of the claim, ask for the specific language in the policy that is in question to find out if it is a matter of differing interpretations.

Overall, it’s important to have patience because every insurance claim is different! Some may be completed quickly, while others may take a few weeks or even months to be resolved. You never know when problems will arise, but these tips can help you to effectively address the situations and smoothly navigate the claims process.

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